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Tim Tam · 05-30-2002, 06:31 AM

Friends is usefull any time you go shopping, not just at the start, to save money, especially if you are playing evil with low rep. If playing with great charisma and reputation already then it's importance is lessened somewhat, and can be cast from scrolls if needed early.

Protection from Petrification is one of those spells that may be needed only a few times, but it's nice to have it ready to cast when you do, that's why it should be on the sorceror. It's not like there is anything else worthy of picking at level 1 anyway. Spell Immunity could be used against petrifying spells, but I don't know whether it works against abilities like beholders.

Shield alas only works against the wizard spell magic missile, not traps or innate ability MM. I usually have prot. from magic energy later so it's not needed, plenty of ways to stop magic missile damage anyway. It is worth getting if you want some extra missile AC or melee AC early, as it's better than Armor even if it only lasts 5 minutes. More importantly it stops you from getting hit by magic missile, this is different from just preventing damage. While shielded, magic missiles wont interfere with spell casting. So, if you want to survive traps, Shield wont do it, if you want to stop enemy mages from breaking your spell casting, it will.

I never liked Feeblemind either, same saves as Finger of Death. I don't use any spell that could destroy items, cone of cold, disintegrate, flesh to stone etc. Spell Shield doesnt work the way it should. If it protected against Dispel Magic then it would be worth getting. For level 5 pick up Breach again. I know you say you never need to do physical attacks anyway, but your summons do, and who has time to wait around till the enemy's protections wear off?

I take Horrid Wilting, Pierce Shield, Spell Trigger and Power Word: Blind for my level 8 spells. I already have prot magic energy and prot elements, dont need prot energy. Maze can be resisted and doesnt last long enough against those you need it to.

I never liked Spellstrike to begin with. The enemy don't have that many protections that Pierce Shield, Ruby Ray or a simple remove magic cant get rid off.

Wish and Time Stop are pretty much universally taken in level 9. If you are going to take Imprisonment, you'll need Freedom as well, there aren't that many scrolls. If you don't want to bring the bad guys back to loot them then don't worry about Freedom. In big battles imprison the biggest bad guy, take out everyone else then rest. Set some traps, prepare your defenses, then cast Freedom and take out the big bad guy on his own. Very few this wont work on.

Black Blade is a waste, good for fighter/mages but that's about it. You could spice things up with Shapechange but the forms aren't really strong enough to cope with normal ToB let alone the improved mods and battles. Try Wail of the Banshee, its nice with Greater Malison and often overlooked as another vs saves spell.

05-30-2002, 06:31 AM	#3
Tim Tam Dungeon Master Join Date: March 29, 2001 Location: Australia Posts: 60	Friends is usefull any time you go shopping, not just at the start, to save money, especially if you are playing evil with low rep. If playing with great charisma and reputation already then it's importance is lessened somewhat, and can be cast from scrolls if needed early. Protection from Petrification is one of those spells that may be needed only a few times, but it's nice to have it ready to cast when you do, that's why it should be on the sorceror. It's not like there is anything else worthy of picking at level 1 anyway. Spell Immunity could be used against petrifying spells, but I don't know whether it works against abilities like beholders. Shield alas only works against the wizard spell magic missile, not traps or innate ability MM. I usually have prot. from magic energy later so it's not needed, plenty of ways to stop magic missile damage anyway. It is worth getting if you want some extra missile AC or melee AC early, as it's better than Armor even if it only lasts 5 minutes. More importantly it stops you from getting hit by magic missile, this is different from just preventing damage. While shielded, magic missiles wont interfere with spell casting. So, if you want to survive traps, Shield wont do it, if you want to stop enemy mages from breaking your spell casting, it will. I never liked Feeblemind either, same saves as Finger of Death. I don't use any spell that could destroy items, cone of cold, disintegrate, flesh to stone etc. Spell Shield doesnt work the way it should. If it protected against Dispel Magic then it would be worth getting. For level 5 pick up Breach again. I know you say you never need to do physical attacks anyway, but your summons do, and who has time to wait around till the enemy's protections wear off? I take Horrid Wilting, Pierce Shield, Spell Trigger and Power Word: Blind for my level 8 spells. I already have prot magic energy and prot elements, dont need prot energy. Maze can be resisted and doesnt last long enough against those you need it to. I never liked Spellstrike to begin with. The enemy don't have that many protections that Pierce Shield, Ruby Ray or a simple remove magic cant get rid off. Wish and Time Stop are pretty much universally taken in level 9. If you are going to take Imprisonment, you'll need Freedom as well, there aren't that many scrolls. If you don't want to bring the bad guys back to loot them then don't worry about Freedom. In big battles imprison the biggest bad guy, take out everyone else then rest. Set some traps, prepare your defenses, then cast Freedom and take out the big bad guy on his own. Very few this wont work on. Black Blade is a waste, good for fighter/mages but that's about it. You could spice things up with Shapechange but the forms aren't really strong enough to cope with normal ToB let alone the improved mods and battles. Try Wail of the Banshee, its nice with Greater Malison and often overlooked as another vs saves spell.