quicken or BM goodies?

[AkaeBR]

Hi all

I'm working on a Wizard build and I have a few questions regarding some feats and goodies that come with classes because of lack of gameplay experience.

My first build consists of the following lv split: W10/RWT10/AM10 (SPIII) - I got all the feats I needed + quicken spell on pre-epic. Int V, ESF and Vampiric feast on epic lvs.

My second build: W10/RWT10/AM6 (SPIII)/BM4 - I got all the feats I needed, but wasn't able to get Quicken pre-epic. INT V, ESF, Vampiric feast and was able to get another epic feat (would probably choose another epic spell).

Note that for these two builds I would probably choose enchantment and divination as prohibited schools.

Ok, now here's my question: are the bonus goodies AM 10 provides (spell-like ability and arcane fire) + quicken spell from the first build worth it compared to BM4 goodies + another epic spell from the second build? I am asking this because I am not able to fully test this in gameplay, so I can't really decide which one would make more sense. Also, I don't fully understand BM mechanics so not sure if it's a PRC worth taking (with toughness as a requirement).

Does anybody have actual experience with this and could give their opinions?

If something isn't clear here, let me know.

thank you!

[chad878262]

Have you tried downloading JEGS? It will allow you to fully level your character and test it against monsters. Unfortunately the equipment available is not consistent with the end game gear you can get in BG, but if you are careful about what you give yourself it can be similar. The enemies in JEGS also are not in line with the monsters you face on BG, but in general I find that the CR 24-26 enemies are about equivalent to the CR28+ mobs on the server.

Quicken can be a life saver for a DC mage... Quicken Least Mantle? Quicken Grease? Quicken Dimension Door? Quicken Lesser Spell Breach? All of these have immense value when things get dangerous. Meanwhile Blood Mage 4 can get you + 1 Caster Level... But with RW and AM your CL is already 38 in your specialized school, 33 in the rest. That +1 from BM doesn't get you another DC, though it does get you the other BM goodies.

At the end of the day it comes down to playstyle in my opinion. You can make up for quicken with wands, for example (up to level 4 spells anyway). It's not as good since you don't get two spells in one round, but wands can't be interupted and they do cast faster than spells. What does your RP dictate and what do you want to play?

[AkaeBR]

Have you tried downloading JEGS? It will allow you to fully level your character and test it against monsters. Unfortunately the equipment available is not consistent with the end game gear you can get in BG, but if you are careful about what you give yourself it can be similar. The enemies in JEGS also are not in line with the monsters you face on BG, but in general I find that the CR 24-26 enemies are about equivalent to the CR28+ mobs on the server.

Yes, I use it sometimes, but it's very bugged and won't allow for a test of the full extent of customized features BGTSCC has, including abilities and spell-like abilities and feats. Also, whenever a character dies, just stay on the ground and won't ressurrect.

Quicken can be a life saver for a DC mage... Quicken Least Mantle? Quicken Grease? Quicken Dimension Door? Quicken Lesser Spell Breach? All of these have immense value when things get dangerous. Meanwhile Blood Mage 4 can get you + 1 Caster Level... But with RW and AM your CL is already 38 in your specialized school, 33 in the rest. That +1 from BM doesn't get you another DC, though it does get you the other BM goodies.

At the end of the day it comes down to playstyle in my opinion. You can make up for quicken with wands, for example (up to level 4 spells anyway). It's not as good since you don't get two spells in one round, but wands can't be interupted and they do cast faster than spells. What does your RP dictate...

I wonder how good those BM perks really are. I lack gameplay experience here to actually know what I want
It's just for testing tho, I'm not sure I would go BM because of the RP.

...and what do you want to play?

My intention is to make a character that would be able to pvp extremely well and also handle mobs in pve in a party. From my current point of view (which lacks information) quicken would maybe make the character more flexible and able to react faster in confrontational situations, but idk how useful BM perks +another epic spell really are in comparison with having quicken + AM perks (other than SP III).


btw, thx for answering Chad

[chad878262]

Scarification and blood draught are useful in that they store at full caster level so you can have additional buffs stored as draught and offensive spells as scars (extra wail of the banshee please and thank you!)

For one PvP engagement I will take quicken all day, but for staying power blood magus abilities are absolutely useful.

Outside of vampiric feast epic spells give flavor, not power.

Edit: and you're welcome. Hope you enjoy the server!