OK this is for all the Halaster Blackcloak wannabes out there:

What do you put in your Spell Triggers/Sequencers?

I'll start with my L15 Mage/dualled from 11 Swashbuckler:

Spell Trigger - 3 x Chain Lightning (effectively 21d6 damage per victim saving for half)

Spell Sequencer - 3 x Fireball Spells (30d6 of damage saving for half)

Minor Sequencer - 2 x Magic Missile (10 missiles for 10d4 +10 of damage)

Let's hear more comments.

Ouch! I have a few defensive spells in one slot, such as spell deflection, stoneskin etc and also anti-mage spells in another ie spell breach, secret word etc. If I am expecting tough H-to-H combat, I will have a domination attack ready, linked to lower resistance etc.
I generally try to plan ahead to knock out the most dangerous opponent asap. I avoid area effect spells, unless there are a lot of critters and then I use a wand. This is because both Valygar and Keldorn have boots of the cheetah, (one set from slot machine) and tend to charge in verrrry quickly. In fact Valygar dual wielding Celestial fury and his own katana, generally doesn't leave much standing for me to target anyhow and so I concentrate on knocking down immunities and stoneskin etc You use your mage as a massive destructive force whereas I use mine in a more subtle role, but both seem to work well. The good thing is that they are so flexible that they will adapt to your playing style.

That's because I have two mages, one for the massive destructive force (try Hide in Shadows, case the area out, then release my Spell Trigger) and another for the antimage stuff (Khelbens Warding Whip, Breach, Pierce Magic).

I'm going to start another thread on everyone's contingencies soon...

No trigger for me. I put defensive spells in my sequencer (stoneskin, mirror image, and usually improved invis), which I only ever use as a last resort. I don't use minor sequencers, and I don't use contingency, because it's pathetic. One spell? Give me a freaking break. I don't need a contingency to cast one spell, thanks. : P

just recently when i got the arch-staff, i dont seem to need any defensive spells since i can cast spell trap once per day so i concentrated myself on offensive spells like 3 magic missles in one blow. =) i done use any of the defensive spells since i use polymorph in case i have problems... i like that spell... i have also the polymorph of level 9 i forgot the name... kinda cool.

I use three mages, myself, Nalia( now Imoen) and Aerie. I also have Jaheira, who I use as a mage spoiler with her insects and to summon elementals, plus as a back-up fighter. Frankly, I generally have my mages using missile weapons, as my tanks, Keldorn & Valygar, tend to rip up most stuff anyhow. I use them to soften the really tough opponents, knock down stoneskins and protect the tanks. Occasionally I will throw in chaos, emotion, fireball etc to break up large parties but I use contingencies for emergencies. Maybe I am wasting my mage's potential but I always assume that if I let rip, the next opponent would require the spells I just used. I always use haste, bless, chant and defensive harmony before big battles plus any specific blockers for that opponent.

Actually the problem with sequencers etc is that you hardly use them because they are such a hassle to set up that you keep saving them for that next big battle that never comes.

Don't forget spider spawn x3 in sequencer. Instantaneously summons 3-6 fighters for you, in case you need to run.

I love conjouring stuff. It makes me feel so much better that some invisible stalkers are taking the beats instead on me. (not to mention I wouldn't survive it!)

So therefore I'd put 3 invisible stalker spell together in a spell trigger, since it takes blumming ages to cast then one at a time - someone'll probably hit me and I'll lose the spell anyway.

Hey!! I just got an idea. What if I summon an air, fire and an earth elemental together? Will that mean I can concentrate on all three for 3 rounds instead of each one. (that's normally 9 rounds!!)

Might just try that one!

Flame Arrow x 3 and Cloudkill x 3, mages arent good at summoning cause the chance to fail,
I really hate when a elemental turns on me, a waste of spell i think But the thought of
3 elementals is really exciting though.

Anyone know which elementals the best? I'm only level 11 Sorcerer so I'm not to elementals yet

Earth Elementals summoned by a druid are the best. Best elemental for a mage is no elemental, since there's a very good chance they'll turn against you. The only mage summons I really use are Hakeashars and Mordie's Swords. I don't want something that I can't control. : P

Armisael, they are basically very similar except Djinni come from the Elemental Plane of Air and Efreeti from Fire. I suspect it means they have corresponding vulnerabilities as per elementals, but I am not sure. There spells should also reflect their origins, but they don't seem to. I will try to-night to summon some of each and get back to you.

Armisael, did you ever experience a Morden Sword turning on you? Happened to me once when I was fighting a dragon, I cast incendiary cloud on the dragon while the morden was slicing it and all of a sudden the sword turned red and attacked me. Strange.

Summons will always turn on you if you damage them. Best not to use AoE offense spells with any summons around (save Abi-Dalzim's).

genies... i hate genies... first of all when you summon them they are great fighters but when they die they turn into gaseous form... ok with me with that but the thing is they reappear for no good reason and become my enemy ( i always wondered if it is a bug or not) another thing limited wish spell: i wished for a hoard to help me... and you know what he did he gave me a hoard all right a hoard of CHICKENS!! ya hear me CHICKENS... i nearly fell of my seat when that happened and my companions (in the internet game) laughed when we were in a middle of a big battle that time... sheesh ...

I thought that only happened with Efreetis. Never had a Djinni cloud on me. What exactly is the difference between a Djinni and an Efreeti, anyway? Their summons in the same spell circle, the spell descriptions are exactly the same, they look the same... what gives?

Ah, I figured it out. Efreetis have more HP, do more damage, have a better AC, better saving rolls and more spells. Djinnis have one more point of strength. Normally I'd just say, well, alright, the Efreeti is simply the better summon, but they're both in the same spell circle. Theories, anyone?

how come when they die they reappear and turn on me?

They dont mist when they die, they mist when their hitpoints manage to get between 1 and 3. When they come back they turn hostile because the game's effectively creating another Efreeti, only this one wasn't summoned by you.

Yep, you're right. You'd think they'd be fairly different from each other, but from what I can tell they're exactly the same, except the Efreeti is just an advanced version of the former. The Djinni does have one point of strength greater than the Efreeti, but that'd add about four to hit and eight damage, and the Efreeti's weapon does thrice the damage of the Djinnis, as well as the Efreeti having a lower natural THAC0.

Just summoned one of each and got one to attack the other! Basically, whilst under your control they have the same spells, but as I guessed, different weaknesses. However, when they turn on you they behave very differently with Efreeti using flame barrier and flame attacks. Djinni often turn into gaseous form to avoid attacks, and prefer to use a sword more. Seems they do not give their 'all' when summoned as they resent you! But once they turn, they use all of their abilities. Frankly I think they are weak and use power word stun and mass invisibility instead.