What are the essential non-core spells for an E6 (or just low-level) game/world?

[johnbragg]

I'm looking to create a short list of spells to add to the SRD/PHB list for general availibility. (Part of the virtue of E6 is less to learn for new players, so short list).


The vigor spells are absolutely first on the list. (Although they could be rolled into the cure wounds group as an optional use).
The second most obvious choice is the lesser orb of X group, since E6 supports blaster wizards.
Summon Undead I, II, III is a legitimate candidate.

What else should be on a short list for a "core plus a little bit" game?

(Fixed-list casters can definitely fit in a "core plus a little bit" game, but as a default, only they have access to their specialty spells. Bestow wounds would be a Dread Necro-only spell, whelm a Beguiler-only spell. Unless you want to argue that it should be generally available on the short list.)

[Muggins]

A few spring to mind, all from the Spell Compendium.

Golem Strike, Vine Strike, Grave Strike and Sniper's Shot probably fit with what you're looking for. Any rogue is going to find them handy under certain circumstances. Wraithstrike too, albeit to a lesser extent.
Conviction and Conviction, Mass. Grants a +2 morale(!) bonus on saves, scaling up to +3 at level 6, and lasts for a good while.
Swift Fly/Invisibility/Haste. Each lasts for one round, and sometimes that's all you need.
Fist of Stone might count. It gives you a slam attack and a +6 enhancement bonus to strength - at level one. Doesn't scale with level, but that's just fine.
Benign/Baleful Transposition. Some low-level battlefield control that doesn't resort to just "save or suck/die."
Scintillating Scales and Ghost Touch Armour. Because touch attacks are the worst, and because this'll let you throw ghosts and other incorporeal creatures into the E6 pot o' monsters.

[johnbragg]

A few spring to mind, all from the Spell Compendium.

Golem Strike, Vine Strike, Grave Strike and Sniper's Shot probably fit with what you're looking for. Any rogue is going to find them handy under certain circumstances. Wraithstrike too, albeit to a lesser extent.
Conviction and Conviction, Mass. Grants a +2 morale(!) bonus on saves, scaling up to +3 at level 6, and lasts for a good while.
Swift Fly/Invisibility/Haste. Each lasts for one round, and sometimes that's all you need.
Fist of Stone might count. It gives you a slam attack and a +6 enhancement bonus to strength - at level one. Doesn't scale with level, but that's just fine.
Benign/Baleful Transposition. Some low-level battlefield control that doesn't resort to just "save or suck/die."
Scintillating Scales and Ghost Touch Armour. Because touch attacks are the worst, and because this'll let you throw ghosts and other incorporeal creatures into the E6 pot o' monsters.

Definitely right about fixes for the Rogue's "no sneak attacks" problems.

Transposition obsoletes a lot of low-level E6 type problems. But in a good way--someone has to solve the problem (skill check, moment of awesome), transposition gets everyone else across. (Go back and make the skill check again, and again until the whole party is past the obstacle). Plus combat usages.