KorvinStarmast
2021-01-28, 10:32 AM
I am establishing a level 6 Air Genasi Storm Sorcerer, and as usual am pulling my hair out regarding spell selection and meta magic choice. Built as a straight up Air Genasi (EE supplement) with Point buy. Narratively, in this campaign, the character's uncle is a Djinni. We have decided to adapt "pick one of two bonus spells" from a homebrew recently posted here at GiTP that expands on Tasha's bonus spells for sorcerers concept for each other sorcerous origin.
What I need help with: (1) can the spell selection be improved, and (2) which two meta magics are best for this character?
Answers that approach it from mechanical optimization and / or thematic optimization are welcome.
(Air Genasi get +2 Con and +1 Dex) - the Tasha origin was discussed but eventually decided against. {Not sure if I ought to have kept Mage Armor or not}.
Donnair. {Air Genasi (Noble) (Sorcerer; Storm Origin, clvl 6) {44 HP}. Walk: 30'}
S 8 D 16 C(p) 16 I 10 W 10 Ch(p) 16 (ASI @ Level 4 raised Ch by 2)
Sorc Skill Prof: Arcana, Insight; Noble: Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion; Gaming set (Dice)
Weapons Proficiency: Daggers, Darts, Slings, Quarterstaffs, light crossbow.
Languages: Common, Primordial, Draconic, Auran, Ignan (Since Genasi and Storm Sorcs both get Primordial, I threw in Auran and Ignan as additional languages. DM approved.
6' tall. 155#. Lean and fit. Hair is almost a whitish blond, but has light blue hints. Blue, blue eyes. Skin: very fair, with a bluish tinge around the lips. (Strangely, does not burn when out in the sun).
Notes before commenting:
a. The Noble background was specifically chosen for this PC for campaign reasons. He is a child of a younger daughter of a noble house who had a tendency toward scandal: mercurial in personality, she was serially unfaithful (arranged marriage ). A dalliance with a djinn resulted in this PC's birth. PC himself is a bit of a dilettante; was well educated (money from this 'mysterious uncle' always arrived on time for tuition payment) but is barely tolerated by the extended family. Tends to go off on archeological digs due to a lively curiousity, and, importantly, due to other relatives donating to the expeditions with the proviso that young Donnair be allowed to go along.
Personality:
No one could doubt by looking at my regal bearing that I am a cut above the unwashed masses.
If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin your name, and salt your fields.
Ideal: Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without the coddling of my family. (Chaotic)
Bond: I will face any challenge to win the approval of my family.
Flaw: I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me.
Genasi Features:
A. Can hold breath indefinitely when not incapacitated.
B. Can cast levitate, requiring no material components, once per long rest. Spellcasting ability is CON.
Tempestuous Magic (1) As a Bonus Action: Cause Whirling gusts of elemental air to briefly surround me immediatelky before or after I cast a spell. using a spell slot. Can fly up to 10' without provoking opportunity attacks.
Storm Guide (6) Can subtly control the weather around me. If it is raining, can use an action to cause rain to stop falling within a 20' radius. End effect as a bonus action. If it is windy, can use a bonus action each round to choose the direction that the wind is blowing in a 100' radius sphere centered on me. Wind blows in that direction until end of my next turn. Does not change wind speed.
Heart of the Storm(6) Resistance to Lightning and Thunder damage. WHenver I start casting a spell with a slot that deals lightning or thunder damage, Stormy magic erupts from me. Causes creatures of my choice that I can see within 10' of me to take lightning or thunder damage (choose when activating this) equal to half of my sorcerer level.
Storm Sorcerer Bonus Spells: (free from Binder sorc origin concept)
(1) Fog Cloud, (2) Gust of Wind, (3) Call Lightning
Cantrips: Mind Sliver, Mage Hand, Light, Shocking Grasp, Ray of Frost
Spells Known: 7 (beyond the three bonus above)
(1) Thunderwave, Mage Armor; (2) Enlarge / Reduce; Hold Person, Scorching Ray (3) Hypnotic Pattern, Slow
Is there a better spell selection/suite?
Meta Magic: I'm at a loss.
The rest of the party:
Barbarian (Bear Totem)(Human); Devotion Paladin (Dragonborn, Gold); Battlemaster Fighter(Dwarf), Lore Bard(Half Elf); Drunken Master Monk (Wood Elf)
Most game sessions one of the above characters is missing.
Some blastiness, but mostly support, is what seems to be needed.
Who is this character?
Family owns land, collects taxes, and wields significant political influence but Don is viewed as a disinherited scoundrel with a disproportionate sense of entitlement. Well educated, likes to go off with archeologists on their digs. Dilettante
Is your family old and established? Yes.
How much influence do they wield, and over what area? To the east of the river some farmland, some timber holdings and a sawmill, some livestock breeding and production; also owns the local tannery.
What kind of reputation does your family have among the other aristocrats of the region? Good looking kids who tend to attract mid to low grade scandal, family is otherwise well regarded.
How do the common people regard them? "That lot are snobs, but they are honest snobs."
What’s your position in the family? Son of the Marquis' third daughter, a lady whose infidelity is an ingrained habit
Have you already inherited the title? No. Disinheireted.
How does the head of your family feel about your adventuring career? The money for school always came from "a rich uncle" who is a bit of a mysterious presence in Don's life. (A Djinni's brother is who sired this child).
Are you in your family’s good graces, or shunned by the rest of your family? Generally tolerated in limited amounts, always encouraged to go on the latest archeological dig; various relatives will contribute to fit out expeditions so that you are accepted by the team's lead.
Does your family have a coat of arms? Yes; falcon, flying, on a field azure
An insignia you might wear on a signet ring? No ring. Tatoo of a falcon on upper left arm.
Particular colors you wear all the time? Blue denim pants or blue cotton pants that a loose fitting (pirate pants). Ruffled shirts/pirate shirts: always. Fine Leather boots or sandals.
An animal you regard as a symbol of your line or even a spiritual member of the family? Falcon.
What I need help with: (1) can the spell selection be improved, and (2) which two meta magics are best for this character?
Answers that approach it from mechanical optimization and / or thematic optimization are welcome.
(Air Genasi get +2 Con and +1 Dex) - the Tasha origin was discussed but eventually decided against. {Not sure if I ought to have kept Mage Armor or not}.
Donnair. {Air Genasi (Noble) (Sorcerer; Storm Origin, clvl 6) {44 HP}. Walk: 30'}
S 8 D 16 C(p) 16 I 10 W 10 Ch(p) 16 (ASI @ Level 4 raised Ch by 2)
Sorc Skill Prof: Arcana, Insight; Noble: Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion; Gaming set (Dice)
Weapons Proficiency: Daggers, Darts, Slings, Quarterstaffs, light crossbow.
Languages: Common, Primordial, Draconic, Auran, Ignan (Since Genasi and Storm Sorcs both get Primordial, I threw in Auran and Ignan as additional languages. DM approved.
6' tall. 155#. Lean and fit. Hair is almost a whitish blond, but has light blue hints. Blue, blue eyes. Skin: very fair, with a bluish tinge around the lips. (Strangely, does not burn when out in the sun).
Notes before commenting:
a. The Noble background was specifically chosen for this PC for campaign reasons. He is a child of a younger daughter of a noble house who had a tendency toward scandal: mercurial in personality, she was serially unfaithful (arranged marriage ). A dalliance with a djinn resulted in this PC's birth. PC himself is a bit of a dilettante; was well educated (money from this 'mysterious uncle' always arrived on time for tuition payment) but is barely tolerated by the extended family. Tends to go off on archeological digs due to a lively curiousity, and, importantly, due to other relatives donating to the expeditions with the proviso that young Donnair be allowed to go along.
Personality:
No one could doubt by looking at my regal bearing that I am a cut above the unwashed masses.
If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin your name, and salt your fields.
Ideal: Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without the coddling of my family. (Chaotic)
Bond: I will face any challenge to win the approval of my family.
Flaw: I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me.
Genasi Features:
A. Can hold breath indefinitely when not incapacitated.
B. Can cast levitate, requiring no material components, once per long rest. Spellcasting ability is CON.
Tempestuous Magic (1) As a Bonus Action: Cause Whirling gusts of elemental air to briefly surround me immediatelky before or after I cast a spell. using a spell slot. Can fly up to 10' without provoking opportunity attacks.
Storm Guide (6) Can subtly control the weather around me. If it is raining, can use an action to cause rain to stop falling within a 20' radius. End effect as a bonus action. If it is windy, can use a bonus action each round to choose the direction that the wind is blowing in a 100' radius sphere centered on me. Wind blows in that direction until end of my next turn. Does not change wind speed.
Heart of the Storm(6) Resistance to Lightning and Thunder damage. WHenver I start casting a spell with a slot that deals lightning or thunder damage, Stormy magic erupts from me. Causes creatures of my choice that I can see within 10' of me to take lightning or thunder damage (choose when activating this) equal to half of my sorcerer level.
Storm Sorcerer Bonus Spells: (free from Binder sorc origin concept)
(1) Fog Cloud, (2) Gust of Wind, (3) Call Lightning
Cantrips: Mind Sliver, Mage Hand, Light, Shocking Grasp, Ray of Frost
Spells Known: 7 (beyond the three bonus above)
(1) Thunderwave, Mage Armor; (2) Enlarge / Reduce; Hold Person, Scorching Ray (3) Hypnotic Pattern, Slow
Is there a better spell selection/suite?
Meta Magic: I'm at a loss.
The rest of the party:
Barbarian (Bear Totem)(Human); Devotion Paladin (Dragonborn, Gold); Battlemaster Fighter(Dwarf), Lore Bard(Half Elf); Drunken Master Monk (Wood Elf)
Most game sessions one of the above characters is missing.
Some blastiness, but mostly support, is what seems to be needed.
Who is this character?
Family owns land, collects taxes, and wields significant political influence but Don is viewed as a disinherited scoundrel with a disproportionate sense of entitlement. Well educated, likes to go off with archeologists on their digs. Dilettante
Is your family old and established? Yes.
How much influence do they wield, and over what area? To the east of the river some farmland, some timber holdings and a sawmill, some livestock breeding and production; also owns the local tannery.
What kind of reputation does your family have among the other aristocrats of the region? Good looking kids who tend to attract mid to low grade scandal, family is otherwise well regarded.
How do the common people regard them? "That lot are snobs, but they are honest snobs."
What’s your position in the family? Son of the Marquis' third daughter, a lady whose infidelity is an ingrained habit
Have you already inherited the title? No. Disinheireted.
How does the head of your family feel about your adventuring career? The money for school always came from "a rich uncle" who is a bit of a mysterious presence in Don's life. (A Djinni's brother is who sired this child).
Are you in your family’s good graces, or shunned by the rest of your family? Generally tolerated in limited amounts, always encouraged to go on the latest archeological dig; various relatives will contribute to fit out expeditions so that you are accepted by the team's lead.
Does your family have a coat of arms? Yes; falcon, flying, on a field azure
An insignia you might wear on a signet ring? No ring. Tatoo of a falcon on upper left arm.
Particular colors you wear all the time? Blue denim pants or blue cotton pants that a loose fitting (pirate pants). Ruffled shirts/pirate shirts: always. Fine Leather boots or sandals.
An animal you regard as a symbol of your line or even a spiritual member of the family? Falcon.