Maxekist's First Sorcerer on HG (39 sorc 1 pal)

[maxekist]

I have decided to post three of my builds which are my current sorcerer builds. The three of them are valuable options, from Desert to Mid-Deep Hells AT LEAST.
You just need to pick the one which is most adapted for you. If you have a better subrace (preferably Rad Gen) I would suggest you consult Maxekist's Guide for a Multi-Purpose Sorcerer

Maxekist's Guide for a First Sorcerer on HG (39 sorc / 1 pal)

This is the first character I made when I came for the first time on HG. It helped me get my first items and get to know the server. I would suggest you upgrade this to the Shade version (second post of this thread as soon as you can get the subrace, as the Shade version is more appropriate for the tougher areas of the server where you can get good subraces that will permit you to upgrade to a good build.

Base race: Human
Subrace: Yuan-Ti
Alignment: Needs to be Loyal good

No bonus feats

Abilities:
| Starting | Race | Finishing |
Strength: | 9 | 8 | 8 |
Dexterity: | 9 | 10 | 10 |
Constitution: | 14 | 14 | 14 |
Intelligence: | 11 | 12 | 12 |
Wisdom: | 11 | 8 | 8 |
Charisma: | 18 | 20 | 62 |


Every ability point is thrown into Charisma


Skills:

Maximized Concentration, Spellcraft from level 1-39
Put 40 in tumble and rest in Discipline at level 40


Saving Throws (with all equipment, at level 60) :

Fortitude: 74
Reflex: 73
Will: 78



Pre-epic feats:

This is the order I suggest based on my experience. There wouldn't be any problem messing with those as the final result would be the same.

1. Spell Focus Evocation & Greater Spell Focus Evocation
3. Spell Focus Necromancy
6. Spell Penetration
9. Extend Spell
12. Greater Spell Focus Necromancy
15. Greater Spell Penetration
18. Spell Focus Transmutation

Epic feats:

Still wouldn't be such a mistake to switch them around

21. Empower Spell
24. Epic Spell Focus Evocation & Epic Spell Focus Necromancy
27. Epic Spell Penetration & Maximize Spell
30. Greater & Epic Spell Focus Transmutation
33. Great charisma I & II
36. Great charisma III & IV
39. Great charisma V & VI
40. Take Paladin level


LL Feats :

I wouldn't suggest switching those around as you would probably have some problems with casting in legendary areas

At level 41: Read divination book (I already hear some of you yelling at me. See lower for why)

42. Legendary Spell Penetration
45. Legendary Spell Focus Necromancy
48. Legendary Spell Focus Evocation
51. Great charisma VII
54. Great charisma VIII
57. Great charisma IX
60. Great charisma X

Spells:

That is definitely the most dificult part to do when building a sorcerer. Keep in mind this is the final configuration for a versatile sorcerer. For spell choices for Hells, I suggest you consult my Maxekist's Guide for a Pure Sorcerer in Hells as it is more adapted to Hells, though as already said, I don't suggest you try to go in Hells deeper than dis with this build.

(in picking order as you level for easier leveling)

Level 1: Ice Dagger | Grease | Endure Elements | (One attack spell of your choice) | Expeditious Retreat

Level 2: Melf's Acid Arrow | Combust | Ghostly visage | Flame weapon | (One attack spell of your choice)

Level 3: Mestil's Acid Breathe | Displacement | Keen | Greater Magic Weapon

Level 4: Ice Storm | Elemental Shield | Wall of Fire | Lesser Spell Breach

Level 5: Firebrand | Ball Lightening | Energy buffer | (Acid Sheath / Lesser Spell Mantle)

Level 6: Bigby’s Forceful Hand | Tenser's Transformation | Ethereal Visage

Level 7: Finger of Death | Great Thunderclap | Bigby's Grasping Hand

Level 8: Bigby's Clenched Fist | Greater Sanctuary | Premonition

Level 9: Wail of the Banshee | Meteor Storm | Bigby's Crushing Hand

Epic Spells:

Death of Magic
Contingency
Missile Barrage
Transmute Barrier



Now why divination. I know this is an absolutely discussable choice. This is an eternal fight between those saying illusion focus is worth it. Personnally, I don't see the use of taking illusion focus on this build. I took divination strictly and only because of the epic spell.
I tried it once when reincarnating my other sorcerer and wouldn't do without it now. I found it much more useful to get an auto-rez with full buffs then any other epic focus. Contingency, when well used, saves parties from wipes, saves some possums from the bard, saves time to everyone in the party. Many times have i done hell runs without need of any rez/possum because of contingency.

It would be possible to add another focus instead of divination. I would probably take Illusion for a better ethereal visage. I've also read enchantment is a choice some make but i don't personnally think it is worth it.

[tyranlthixis]

Couple of things I've noticed at first glance. May add a few others later.

I'm wondering why you didn't take disintegrate at level 6 on these or your hells builds. I think its probably the single most diverse kill spell in the arcane caster repertoire, and in my mind its indispensable. On my wizard its one of my most used spells.

I'm also wondering, again, why focus in Necro and then not take Energy Drain on level 9 instead of meteors. Its hugely powerful if you have the spell focus to back it up, which you do. I could understand taking a different legendary spell focus and leaving it off but having legendary necro and then not taking the most powerful necro spell in the game.

Lastly, I encourage you to read the requirements of posted builds in the non secret subrace forums. I'm delighted to see people posting unique builds here, but they do need to follow the content requirements set forth in the rules. Please feel free to bring this build up to standards, which includes removing the shade subrace portion of your post. I understand this is a lot of work, but if it is not completed we will simply have to move it to the normal build forum....

Tyran

[maxekist]

First of things: the shade part is out, simply didnt think about that part at all. I had backup anyway, will manage to put it in my other builds