returning player need help

[wallz]

Hi, I started DDO with a real life friend at launch. I knew absolutely nothing about D and D but he did..I created an Elven Wizard because it sounded fun and he did a Warforged Fighter...we each made it to Level 3, before they had the solo options or anything and felt really experienced (haha) but cancelled our accounts--I think I died so many times that I got kind of tired of the game.

Now I know a little more about D and D (but still not a lot)...but here's what my character is:

STR 8-1
DEX 12+1
CON 14+2
INT 19+4
WIS 8-1
CHA 8-1

Few questions: 1) are these stats any good? I don't want to start over.
2) will I ever be able to solo a quest?
3) What spells should I buy? A nice player gave me some money so I have some.
4) Should I get a crossbow? It seems like they are good for when I run out of spell points.
5) Anything else I should know playing a Wizard?

I'm on Ghallanda (used to be Llaazar), the name is Raj. Thanks in advance.

[Caelan]

Few questions: 1) are these stats any good? I don't want to start over.
2) will I ever be able to solo a quest?
3) What spells should I buy? A nice player gave me some money so I have some.
4) Should I get a crossbow? It seems like they are good for when I run out of spell points.
5) Anything else I should know playing a Wizard?

.

1) if you don't want to start over, then don't. while the stats might not be ideal, i find how a person plays is more important anyway. play smart and your lack in stats will not keep you from having fun. i'm sure you will get responses saying how you should have put more into one area and less in another, but your first character doesn't have to be perfect. most aren't. the main goal is to have fun and if re-rolling isn't fun for you, then don't.

2) yes. absolutely. but if you stick to just soloing you are missing out on a lot DDO has to offer. check out the grouping tab on the social panel. join some groups. do quests over and over. you will die less and level more quickly, giving you way more fun spells.

3) work your way to getting all the spells. you are a wizard. one of your biggest strengths is that you can cast every spell and switch them out at shrines mid-quest. sorcerers can only change one spell every 3 days with their trainer. you can go to the marketplace and buy inscription materials and scrolls and inscribe the spell to your book. just 1 scroll of each spell is all you need. if you don't have a lot of money, focus on spells needed most. crowd control is good, esp for someone who is still learning the game. it can give you time to think out your next move. if you are specializing in a specific type of casting (say fire/cold) then get those spells. summon monster is good as when you are soloing it gives you an extra ally. charm can help with that too. getting them to fight each other is a common solo-tactic. buff spells will help you stay alive. try to go for a variety so you have options.

4) crossbows can be valuable for a wizard out of spell points. you shouldn't have to buy one, as you started the game with a starter one, but you may want to buy a better one so you can increase your to hit. try to manage your mana so you don't run out so often though. crossbows have their place but if you are soloing it can get difficult for a new player.

5) when casting, keep an eye on your spell points. choosing a variety of spells is important. using them all on one creature could be a good indication that there is a better spell option out there. use those crowd control spells wisely. you don't want to charm the monster that has to be killed before you can advance.... but having an army of kobolds to do your bidding can also be huge. pay attention to saves. many spells allow the creature to make a save (vs will or reflex or whatever). if they are saving on one type, switch to a different type or one without a save. when in a party, be aware of aggro. fighters have much higher AC and hit points. let them take the aggro and the hits. i'm not saying be a wallflower, but if you take half their hit points in the first hit, that monster is going to ignore the fighters and come right for you. as a party, you are a team. let them take the aggro and then throw your stuff. or... be sure you can take the creature out before he reaches you.

don't stress over dying. it costs money, but at least you won't lose xp anymore. post in your server's forum. i bet you will find good people to help you out. i'm not on your server or i would offer. good luck!

[wallz]

Thanks, Caelan!