Spell Pen question

[djl]

It seems that most people recommend stopping at 40 spell pen if you can't get close to 54. However, I've read that 38 is the number to hit that enables you to no-fail Epic Hard drow, is that right?

Therefore, my question is, what difference would it make dropping from 40 spell pen to 38? On a first life human, I have to twist some stuff to hit 40, and if the effects of those 2 spell men are marginal then I could be more powerful using that twist on something else.

[donfilibuster]

In theory you just need roll 2 higher on the check, if it isn't automatically succeeding.
In practice that 10% may involve Murphy's Law often so adjust accordingly.

[foxom1]

yup, have you ever had enough umd to get 90% on a teleport scroll? Did you notice most of the time that you had to burn 3 of them to go anywhere?

[DarkForte]

It seems that most people recommend stopping at 40 spell pen if you can't get close to 54. However, I've read that 38 is the number to hit that enables you to no-fail Epic Hard drow, is that right?

Therefore, my question is, what difference would it make dropping from 40 spell pen to 38? On a first life human, I have to twist some stuff to hit 40, and if the effects of those 2 spell men are marginal then I could be more powerful using that twist on something else.

I disagree. Mob CR varies, even on EE, and not all EE drow are CR 44. Going for the best spell pen possible is key for doing EEs unless you're getting something unholy awesome with those twists. If you're not planning on doing EEs, though, don't bother with max spell pen and 38 is just fine..

[djl]

I disagree. Mob CR varies, even on EE, and not all EE drow are CR 44. Going for the best spell pen possible is key for doing EEs unless you're getting something unholy awesome with those twists. If you're not planning on doing EEs, though, don't bother with max spell pen and 38 is just fine..

Well, it would likely be the Fey Form, for 7 DR and 15 spell power.

[wax_on_wax_off]

First life elf wizard: 56 spell pen possible
First life human wizard: 52 spell pen possible.

Sure, this requires maximum gear and full twists but neither is particularly difficult to get. Sure, you might not have the DCs to land all your spells but once you can bypass SR it opens up a whole slew of strategies including debuffing and no-save spells.

Furthermore, you want to have a high enough spell pen to work in EH when not in magister destiny.

And yes, SR is very variable so you should always try to max it as it will almost always make a difference (until you have 3-6 PLs done at least!)

[nikos1313]

my wizard is at 1d20+42 spell pene. and its NOT a no-fail roll, on EH drows. it works very nice though. on EE, i have problems, but thats when my webs step in. they never let me down!!

[Silverwren]

I've been working my 2nd life Drow Pale Master through level 15 by following a guide I found here in the forums. The guide agrees with most of the posters here, in that having the highest spell penetration possible is a good thing.

What I can't find, however, is how to check what my current SP sits at. I've looked all over my character sheet at every tab and this information remains hidden to me.

Can someone please tell me where to look to find out what my wizards current spell penetration is?

[Rawrargh]

I've been working my 2nd life Drow Pale Master through level 15 by following a guide I found here in the forums. The guide agrees with most of the posters here, in that having the highest spell penetration possible is a good thing.

What I can't find, however, is how to check what my current SP sits at. I've looked all over my character sheet at every tab and this information remains hidden to me.

Can someone please tell me where to look to find out what my wizards current spell penetration is?

Check your combat log or break out the calculator. Pretty sure that's the only way

[Tid12]

I've been working my 2nd life Drow Pale Master through level 15 by following a guide I found here in the forums. The guide agrees with most of the posters here, in that having the highest spell penetration possible is a good thing.

What I can't find, however, is how to check what my current SP sits at. I've looked all over my character sheet at every tab and this information remains hidden to me.

Can someone please tell me where to look to find out what my wizards current spell penetration is?

You can't see it anywhere.

To see your Spell Penetration, use a spell with A Spell Pen check on a mob (e.g. Enervation) and check your dice (and/or your combat log). The +XY in your dice and log is your Spell Penetration.

The other method is to calculate it checking all your bonuses.

[Buddrow]

I've been working my 2nd life Drow Pale Master through level 15 by following a guide I found here in the forums. The guide agrees with most of the posters here, in that having the highest spell penetration possible is a good thing.

What I can't find, however, is how to check what my current SP sits at. I've looked all over my character sheet at every tab and this information remains hidden to me.

Can someone please tell me where to look to find out what my wizards current spell penetration is?

This is the calculation for spell pen:

1d20+caster level+spell penetration bonuses (Includes Feats, Enhancements, and Items.)

[Silverwren]

This is the calculation for spell pen:

1d20+caster level+spell penetration bonuses (Includes Feats, Enhancements, and Items.)

Ahah! Formulas I can work with. Thanks!

[BlkDrgn28]

I just look at the DICE roll when a spell is cast that requires Spell Pen.