Newbie wizard question

[PSU93]

Hi. I've been playing DDO for about 2 weeks and just created my first Wizard, other characters having been more melee-based. My question has to do with weapons. Is it POSSIBLE to select a weapon proficiency feat for a non-wizard weapon (say a longsword) so that the wizard could effectively use that weapon? My thought here is to give the character a little more DPS at low levels to help survivability, then likely exchange the feat at higher levels when the spells are more lethal and I have more spell points.

As I think about it, how about the same question with respect to armor? (Realizing the limitations on casting.)

Any feedback from more experienced players would be greatly appreciated! Again, with this being my first wizard, I realize I could be way off base here.

Thanks for reading my post!

[Kalari]

Hmm these are good questions after leveling to 9 last night I scrolled down my feats list and seen that I could choose "light Armor" proficiency. I guess it would give my wizard the chance (if I wished) to wear armor like light leathers with a small chance of arcane failure. As for weapons besides simple im not sure if you can specialize in another weapon but for the last couple of weeks Kalari has been running around using a vicious longsword of vertigo. I dunno if the longsword is availble for use because its considered simple (I thought it was melee). But Im able to use longswords and rapiers. All other swords have the little yellow stripe that tells me its no no, and a waste of time using because Id most likely not hit anything with it. But so far longswords can be used by my wizard. You should go to the weapons vendor and check to see before hand what weapons you can buy. Even if they arent magically enhanced by what you can by from 3 fingered Chad should give you a general feel of what you can swing or fire at the enemy with no penalties. And if you can weild longswords without the feats it only makes it better when you are able to specialize in weapons making the use even more effective. I figure once I get all my meta magics down i'll start working on her being able to swing the sword more effectively. Right now its fun on low level quests for favor to wack things with a sword then always blow them up. Also I think the race you play can factor in on that to. If your a Warforged you maybe able to use different weapons as a wizard, human to though Im not sure. Im playing an elf wizard so being able to use any weapon with magic is kinda a bonus to me. I hope this helps abit im not exactly sure what level you can start light armor trainning but it shouldnt be that far ahead for you.

[Manko-ALE]

Dude, all you need to do is use the masters touch spell , it's a level 1 spell and it rocks... simple and martial weapons profeciency...

great for all those self healing warforged wizzy's out there...

[Kevlar]

Wizards cannot "specialize" in weapons. They can choose a feat to take an extra class of weapons for proficiency, however. Wizards start with Simple weapons proficiency; club, mace, dagger, etc. They can choose Martial weapons as a feat; short sword, long sword, rapier, scimitar, battle axe, bows, etc. Or Exotic; great sword, repeating crossbows, etc. Elves and Drow also start with proficiencies in long sword, rapier and long bow.

[Nevthial]

Just a few tips:

If you take a weapon profiency and plan on being primarily a Wizard, you will be left with a wasted feat at higher level as the weapon in question will become less and less useful.
If you wear armour or use a shield with a zero check penalty, you DONOT need profiency in that item to use it. There are enhancements for elvish wizards that will even reduce the chance for spell failure.
My drow wizard for example, wears Mummy wrappings ( +4 fearsome padded armour ) with no profiency and no spell failure. He even uses a light shield if needed. ( zero check penalty , so no problems wearing or using.)
Just look on the armour or shield description and look at what the check penalty is listed as. If it is zero, you can use it. Trust me, later on you will be thankful that you used the feat slots for metamagic or something else. Now, if you are a roleplayer, taking the feats may be "in character".

[sirgog]

Wizards cannot "specialize" in weapons. They can choose a feat to take an extra class of weapons for proficiency, however. Wizards start with Simple weapons proficiency; club, mace, dagger, etc. They can choose Martial weapons as a feat; short sword, long sword, rapier, scimitar, battle axe, bows, etc. Or Exotic; great sword, repeating crossbows, etc. Elves and Drow also start with proficiencies in long sword, rapier and long bow.

You can take it, but it'd be a poor choice IMO.


As most Wizards have very low Strength, you'll find you will seldom hit in melee and do little damage when you do connect. This applies whether you are using a dagger or a longsword. Furthermore, at mid levels you will suffer from having a much lower base attack bonus than melee classes.


However, you can do significant damage to foes that you've paralyzed with a Hold Person spell (or similar). As you'll automatically score a critical hit on these foes, a heavy pick (which deals quadruple damage on a critical hit) is your friend here.


At low level, I'd consider investing in a heavy pick (+1 or +2 will do, +1 Shocking Burst or similar is ideal). You don't need proficiency to use a pick in this way (all proficiency does is stop you taking a -4 penalty to attacks). At higher levels, you can't go past a weapon of Puncturing (these will deal a lot of Constitution damage on a critical hit, which will kill foes rapidly). These weapons will work well in conjuction with Hold spells.

[Kevlar]

You can take it, but it'd be a poor choice IMO.

I agree completely. The OP asked if it was possible with the idea of switching it out later. That might be okay... Frankly even if I'm in CC, I'm casting... or running. But I sure don't try to toe-to-toe it.

[dungeonrat07]

Like some one said, master's touch is a great spell and if you are going to use the spell I would say get the feat that extends spells! for example at 2nd lvl you cast that spell extended instead of two min duration it is now 4 min. Again same spell and feat but now say at ten level the spell will last 20 mins. OF course when I made my wizard I customized mine with in mind but for a different buff type spell. Also attacking monsters hit points is a slow way of killing something I prefer to attack stats say a ray of enfeeblement, maybe web to, and a strength sapping bow! I will add to this later!

[Arianrhod]

If you want a wizard that's proficient with a couple of martial weapons, might consider an elf. They get longsword & longbow proficiency for free, and have a nice line of spellpoint enhancements (Elven Arcanum) as wizards.

[dungeonrat07]

If you want a wizard that's proficient with a couple of martial weapons, might consider an elf. They get longsword & longbow proficiency for free, and have a nice line of spellpoint enhancements (Elven Arcanum) as wizards.

Thats right! I was going to get to that for I have a elf wizard and elf Cleric like that!

[PSU93]

Great feedback, all. I think I just need to change my mindset when playing the Wizard. With the low Str, I'm gonna hit about as hard as a 6-year old child, so I'm probably better off running away and casting.