First Caster in NWN

[stonewarrior]

Hi all, I got the Illithid subrace last night and want to try a caster build. I used to play casters a lot in Baldur's Gate but they seem to play a LOT different here. I have looked at a lot of builds and wondered if anyone can suggest a build for a first time caster using the NWN system. Thanks!

Peace, John.

[dodrudon]

I'd say the best way to learn is just to go for it. Oh, and quickslots are your best friend

You're going to be spending a lot of time reading the spell descriptions, and resting, so patience is good.

[chainlink]

Have a look at Mage-U-Like possibly using Gnome (I couldn't bring myself to do this even though it does have benefits) will get you five epics and a rather nasty dc on most of your offensive spells. I use all the Epic spells regularly apart from DoM which is effectively a freebie as you're going to want maxed focus in Necromancy anyway. Tweak it as you feel necessary but I wouldn't worry about non-caster type feats as hopefully your spells and equipment should be able to help you out. If you send me a PM when I'm on I'll show you how effective this build can be.

[stonewarrior]

Your build is one of two I was looking at...the other being Cath's Pale Master.

What is the benifit of using Gnome? I really do not know which base race I would use so any comments are helpful. Human always looks good because of the extra feat but other races give stat bonuses. So what to do, what to do. lol

Peace, John.

[chainlink]

Gnome gets you two more starting Con (minus two Str but who cares you're not going to be hitting anything) and spell focus illusion at the cost of one free feat and a skill point per level for a human which is no big deal as skill points is not something you're going to be short of. It does mean that you will have to use a book other than illusion or you'll waste the free feat (enchantment or transmutation would be best) but apart from that its not a big deal as when you change shape you become large and lose the Gnomes significant disadvanatge of being small and are then able to wield a staff and a torch. In essence you'll get 60 extra hps +1 fort save and 60 less skill points, bugger I think I should have built mine using a Gnome too late now

[MurphysLawAgain]

For what its worth I would go with a general mage rather than a pale master for a first caster. The general mage is easier to keep alive as a beginner (provided you have and use the right spells). You also don't need to do quests to get your major powers. The PM can do major damage in some areas but is limited in others and you need better gear to get the most out of it.

As a general point you should do a search for posts by Delfestra Ruinvorn on the forums for a LOT of good mage advice. I also recommend a Gaobins run in your mid 30th lvls (with a cleric and a rogue) to get a tasty non immo mages staff. Down there your elemental summons can be a BIG help if you summon the right thing!

Good luck with your caster and talk to me in game (Phandal) if you need help with mages in general or getting any particular spells in particular