Mage Class Build/Guide

Zogrod

Hey Guys,

i like mage-classes for the most games. So I would like to play a mage-class for main character.

I am not really familiar with the D&D system so can anybody give some advise how to build a mage?

Skills, development? Equipment, where to find? Useful spells?

Something like that ...

thanks!

CaptRory

The most important stat for a mage is Intelligence. On higher difficulties it increases your chance of successfully learning a spell and regardless of difficulty it determines how many spells in a given spell level you can know. At 19 Intelligence you may learn as many spells as you want. (You can get around these limitations with potions of genius but it's easy enough to start with 18 int and use the book to get 19.)

Dexterity is very important at lower levels as it is your main source of damage and defense.

Constitution should be at 16. Non-warriors don't gain extra health for Con over 16.

Elves have a bonus to Dexterity and a Penalty to Con. The bonus helps. The penalty doesn't hurt so long as you're at least 16 Con. Elves also gain bonuses and resistances to different things making them one of the best mage races.

You need at least 8 strength to carry all your gear and potions and magic wands and such. Since you won't be in melee more strength isn't necessary for a single class mage.

Wisdom is important in the second game for casting the Wish and Limited Wish spells.


Specialist Mages get bonus spells per day but can't cast spells from one entire school of magic. Like, Illusionists can't cast Necromancy spells. Wild Mages get the specialist mage bonus spells but instead of having an opposed school get wild surges with random effects.


Good spells to pick at the start include Magic Missile, Sleep, Chromatic Orb, Armor, and Shield. Identify isn't a bad choice either.

For weapons, start with a proficiency in slings. You only start with one spell, maybe two if you're a specialist, to cast per day. So you'll be throwing stones for awhile.