Necromancy spells

[Tavi]

I have just created a new character (necromancer) and I have 3 spell slots that can be filled at the creation screen but there are only 2 necromancy spells (chill touch and larloch's minor drain). My question is what shoould I do about the third one? Which one is the closest to a necromancy spell among the level 1 spells?

Since we're on topic, I would also like to know why Xzar has only 2 empty slots when you first pick him up. Shouldn't he have 3 since he is a specialist?

[The Great Hairy]

Three spell slots? For a first level PC? Hmmm... I thought 1st level PCs only got one (two if a specialist). Been a while since I played a first level mage, so I may have forgotten.

I'd go the Minor Drains. Avoid the Chill Touch, as it requires getting into melee - something low level mages MUST avoid. You can memorise more than one instance of a spell, BTW.

Xzar is only 1st level when you pick him up. He should only have two spell slots (IIRC).

Cheers,
TGHO

[Tavi]

You are right. I chose the wrong words. What I meant is that you start with 3 spells (2 can be memorized). So which should I learn? Btw, chill touch isn't that bad. Even if the mage has to go melee, he can still hit. I nearly killed that elven mage from Withrop's inn with it. Within 5 seconds, I caused about 30 points of damage. Anyway, which should be the 3rd spell? I'm a role player not a power gamer. So, I'm looking for a spell as close as possible to necromacy. Not one from a totally different/opposite school. Thanks.

[The Great Hairy]

It's not so much the hitting that is a problem (although that does become so later as enemy ACs improve) as the getting hit. Generally mages have appalling AC, and up against an enemy fighter, you are going to get whacked. And with d4 hp per level, you can't afford to get whacked that often!

If you really want to memorise a Chill Touch, okay, but I wouldn't recommend it.

As far as I can remember, those two spells are the only 1st level necromancy spells available. Possibly a Sleep spell (Charm) or Grease (Alteration). Area effect spells are very useful for a low level mage.

Cheers,
TGHO

[Tavi]

Thanks TGH

[The Great Hairy]

Any time mate. That will be $98.50, payable in chocolate.

Edit: Or alcohol. <hic>

Cheers,
TGHO