Survival/Locks/Secret Doors

[Iron_Chest]

Hello all. I've been playing since the midnight release on day one and my only caster thus far was back when the level cap was 10. I'd like to make a caster now but I have a few questions.
What I'd like is a top notch raid-able arcane 1st, that can solo 2nd, and open locks and find secret doors 3rd.

What I don't know is, does this mean warforged? If not, what race could be more survivable as an arcane?

Are we talking wizard or sorcerer? Does it need the rogue splash or can it use Knock and Detect Secret Doors allowing it to stay pure?

What prestige line would fit best with what I'd like to achieve?

If there are any current builds out there that can fit the bill I'd appreciate a link. Turbine has changed and added so much with caster play lately that whenever I try to figure it all out, I usually end up returning to my barbarian so I can feel like I've accomplished something in the little time I have to play anymore.
Thank you all for your time and any replies. See you in game.

[jsaving]

What I'd like is a top notch raid-able arcane 1st, that can solo 2nd, and open locks and find secret doors 3rd. What I don't know is, does this mean warforged? If not, what race could be more survivable as an arcane?

Warforged are definitely the most survivable arcane, unless you're going pale master (in which case drow or human will generally be a better choice).

Are we talking wizard or sorcerer?

Either one is viable, especially with the recent spellpass. Wizards have considerably greater versatility and are generally a better choice for someone who's new to arcane casting, since you receive more spell slots and can change them out much more easily.

Does it need the rogue splash or can it use Knock and Detect Secret Doors allowing it to stay pure?

There are several reasons for an arcane caster to splash two levels of rogue, including trapskills, evasion, and UMD. This is generally a better idea for wizards than sorcerers, though, because their high INT makes them a natural fit for trapsmithing (search/disarm are keyed to INT) and also enables them to have a reasonable reflex save (with the insightful reflexes feat).

As to locks and secret door detection, the spells are adequate, unless you want to be absolutely sure that you can open *every* lock in the game. (For detecting secret doors it generally isn't even a good idea to slot the spell -- just buy an inexpensive DSD clickie from the auction house.)

What prestige line would fit best with what I'd like to achieve?

For sorcerer, you can make a case for any of the savants except fire, which *really* suffers at endgame due to rampant fire immunity. Electricity is probably the most solo-friendly, though the acid DOTs are a good value for the solo gamer and it's hard to argue with the spike damage you can achieve using ice.

For wizard, you can get where you want to be with either of the existing prestige lines. If you opt for archmage, you'll likely want some of the conjuration and enchantment SLAs, with evocation a possible alternative (though it is weaker than it once was).

Good luck!