Sorceror build.

[SwampFoot]

That, actually didn't help. It lists the changes but not the original bonus to spell focuses.

[SwampFoot]

Found it. Bonus DC to saving throws. Would this effect a spell like Tensers when hit with a dispel?

[Lorkas]

No, but if you take Arcane Defense: Abjuration then it will boost your resistance to dispelling by 2 levels.

[SwampFoot]

Meaning one would need SF: Abjuration as well.

[The Rambling Midget]

Sure, but everyone loves SF/GSF: Abjuration. Missile Storms can be a pain without them.

[Aelryn Bloodmoon]

The above is why I disagree with the proposal of the missile storms as -musts.- They are good spells, but tactically speaking I would rather take ice storm (especially if you're going pure caster, as the scaling cold damage doesn't stop all the way up to 30) and chain lightning.

Chain lightning maxed will hit more targets and so do more damage overall to a crowd, and if I've got my math right at max level Ice storm is a total of 15d6 saveless damage AoE. Max that and you'll do way more than you will with a lesser missile storm, not to mention destroy anyone's energy buffer spell in one go unless they're toting some SR (but that would stop your missile storms, too.)

[The Rambling Midget]

Even though some characters can block them, it's still good to have missile storms, because their damage can't be resisted. It's either blocked or it's not, and for the majority of enemies, it isn't.

Energy Buffer or Protection from Elements and Stoneskin will take the majority of the punch out of two Ice Storms. Ice Storm's biggest advantage is that its damage doesn't get spread out when used on a group.

I'd keep both handy. If you don't see a shield, go for missile storms. If you do, adjust tactics.

[Rattus_norvegicus99]

Also playing a non-optimum sorcerer I can tell you, its still tons of fun and my sorc is still plenty effective. A cheap way to get by with low basic STR is to enchant rings/daggers/staffs with STR. My goblin being short, accomplishes this not with a staff, but with daggers - both of his daggers are enchanted with STR. (easy since in the UD you can roam about in the city with your weapons drawn)

I also learned the importance of buddies and/or summons, so if you can invest some in Conjuration, do so, or just get yourself a hunting/exploring buddy. Or buy a few golems.

[Peppermint]

Psst. Shield can be breached.

[The Rambling Midget]

That was my first thought, when considering the effectiveness of missile storms, but Shield is #28 on the breach list. If you have Mords, you're good. If you have Greater Spell Breach, you have a good chance, although there are five commonly used buffs before you hit Shield. If you only have Lesser Spell Breach, chances are that you're going to eat Mage Armor and either Stoneskin or an elemental protection spell, and then your face is going to be smashed off while you go for a second casting.