Sorcery in Combat; Your thoughts on effective methods

[Arkobla Conn]

Ok, lets go a different route to help my sorcerous friend...

What are the most effective ways to use sorcery in combat... What unique and interesting things have you been able to do to bring the full power of this fully operational battlestati...I mean, the full power of your scholars to bear during combat...

 

[The King]

What are the most effective ways to use sorcery in combat...

Very simple if you're under 10th level: FLEE :!: and come back when you pals fighters did all the job. After all you are there to officialize any treasure shares and prevent them from spending two much between two adventures.

 

[Mayhem]

It's a team game, make sure your companions realise this.

If you are going to use sorcery in combat (and even entrance can be quite effective) it is essential that you work as a team - which means that the rest of the party don't scream wildly and charge the enemy individually, but instead fight as a unit, in which you are protected.

Unless you plan on becoming a martial-artist style scholar, of course.

Other than that, stock up on alchemical items. Get yourself a ranged or reach weapon. And generally speaking, if a spell requires you to be standing next to somebody in order to cast it on them, save it for surprising clueless guards who are still thinking about whether to arrest you or not:- don't try to use it on somebody who is already intent on sticking a sword through your guts, as his job is already easy enough.

You cannot rely on your magic to protect you - never place yourself in a position where the victim of a spell that fails will be in a position to slit your belly open in his next action.

If there isn't a meat-shield between you and your victim, spend your time getting to safety rather than casting!

 

[Turim]

As others have said, stay away from combat unless you think you can neutralize your enemies this round.

Defensive Blast is probably your best bet before level 8 (when you can take Dread Serpent). The only other reliable combat spell (before level 8 ) I can think of right now is Gelid Bones, but it is a touch spell, and requires both Curses and Oriental.

Ask your warrior friends to do subdual damage in easy encounters, then use Energy Drain and follow with Ritual Sacrifice. If you have 12+ PPs, you should be able to force massive damage saves with DB, whether your enemies save for half or not. Get Opportunistic Sacrifice ASAP, as it will often allow you to get many of the PPs you spent on the DB back.

The beauty of DB is that it's not a spell, so you could wear armor the first levels, and rely on DB and War of Souls in combat.

Unless you need a shield, you should use a staff. It has reach, and allows you to use DB as an "attack of opportunity" in case a dangerous enemy approaches you when it's not your turn. And assuming your opponent doesn't have reach you can move into melee, attack with the staff, and retreat in the same round without incurring Attacks of Opportunity. You might not hit or do any damage, but at least your friends can get the bonus from Multiple Opponents.

 

[Hyborian]

What are the most effective ways to use sorcery in combat... What unique and interesting things have you been able to do to bring the full power of this fully operational battlestati...I mean, the full power of your scholars to bear during combat...

If your sorcerer wants to stay true to "howardian" sorcery, he should find a way to make money, then hire underlings to fight for him. I can hardly imagine a true sorcer condescending to waste his power in a vulgar, mundane brawl

It's a team game, make sure your companions realise this.

And it's a hyborian game, so never trust your companions : they might seize the opportunity of the fight to cut your evil, sorcerous throat. :twisted:

 

[Voltumna]

it seems to me that a scholar with oriental magic will eventualy become a very decent fighter, specially if he gains levels in the sorcerer of the scarlet circle. this of course diverges from the universal conception of the sorcerer as a weak combatant in melee, with an arsenal of spells to be cast from the safety of distance. this combined with feats like spawn of dagoth hill which grants enhanced dexterity (and on the downside hampered constitution), can give a scholar an attack bonus that will compete with those of a barbarian with high strength and the fighting madness feat. the fact that he can boost his dexterity to very high levels, gives him an advantage in initiative that can be definitive. of course he will need to have the right cobination of feats and spells to fight his way through melee. after all, isn't tsotha lanti, along with the use of his poison ring, able to subdue conan himself?

 

[Anonymous]

You can use Prestidigitation and Alchemy to create an minor artillerist, and use Animate swords to create an "ally" to protect you. Through proper use of Visions, you could technically plan your next combat in advance make a significant contribution to the group without directly involving yourself in such barbarism. JMHO.