Pathfinder Sorcerer Bloodlines: Lullaby vs. Daze [Archive]

Palanan

2018-08-04, 02:57 PM

I’m working up a first-level enchantress and I’m trying to decide between the Maestro and Dreamspun bloodlines. In particular, looking at first-level bloodline powers, I’m trying to work out if one round of Daze is more effective than the lullaby ability followed up with Sleep.

I would think the latter, since the Sleep effect will last longer than Daze; but it takes two rounds to implement, which is more chances for the target to make a save and for things to go wrong in general. Is there a clear benefit of choosing one over the other?

I’m also open to any general suggestions on feats and spell selection for a first-level sorcerer. Suggestions about future levels are fine, but I want to be sure she has the best chance of surviving her first few encounters.

Geddy2112

2018-08-04, 04:03 PM

For an enchantment bloodline, the fey bloodline is really the most powerful around. +2 to compulsion saves is no joke. The infernal +2 to charm is a decent second if you are going more that route.

Between dreamspun and mastero, the dreamspun power will quickly lose gas, as a large amount of enemies are immune to sleep and the sleep spell and even deep slumber eventually lose gas. Keep in mind sleep and deep slumber also have a casting time of one round, meaning you need to set up the lullaby effect early. lullaby effect can work on groups of living creatures and being a medium range SLA, you can trigger it at distance. Enemies might get spooked something targeted them if they pass the save, but otherwise it helps with stealthing or similar stuff. A major problem with the daze power is language dependence, and as a sorcerer you likely don't have a ton. Most humanoids will speak common, and the power can only affect humanoids. At 9th level you are fine, but again only affecting humanoids is a big deal.

Both powers are pretty meh, but you should judge the bloodline on the whole package. Few bloodlines can compete with arcane for the most powerful or sylvan for a close second. Looking at the bloodlines overall, neither are great. The mastero abilities are alright as are the feats, but the bonus spells and class skill are garbage. Dreamspun has a better class skill and spells, but terrible feats. The powers are much better, but focused on a different goal. For an enchanter/face/beguiler you probably want the mastero.

For feats, you probably want spell focus(enchantment) being your first level, and then greater as well. Spell penetration is a feat needed at higher levels when you start seeing Spell Resistance. If you go kitsune you get a racial +1 to enchantment spell DC's, and kitsune have great sorcerer stats as is.

For 0 level spells: Detect magic is probably the most important cantrip. Having a combat cantrip is okay, but you can also just carry a crossbow and do more damage that way. Light is very useful, dancing lights less so but an okay second. Ghost sound is very powerful. Mage hand and mending have uses but are not critical. Message is good to set up sneaking in the party. Prestidigitation is basically level 0 wish, and gives so many fun options it is hard to pass on.

1st level: Mage armor is good for most of your career, until you can get a stronger armor bonus through bracers of armor or the like. Protection from evil(or good or maybe even law/chaos depending on the campaign) will see use throughout the game. Mount is a great utility spell, particularly if your game has overland travel, floating disk falls into this catagory as well. Pre nerf snowball is good if your DM allows it. Grease, color spray, enlarge/reduce person and silent image are good for any caster. Sleep will run out of gas but is good early on. You can get it 1st level and get a free 1st level spell at 3rd level if you go dreamspun, but you will probably retrain it at higher levels.