Understanding Spell Resistance

[Legacy_Mystery X]

               I think I already know the answer to the question, but I'll ask to see if I got it right.

Trying new class combinations that seem interesting, I am replaying the Aielund modules with a Monk / Sorceror / Red Dragon Disciple.  I've been trying to figure out if, in the post-epic levels of the build, if it would be more worthwhile to load up completely on Monk levels (to maximize spell resistance with the Diamond Soul feat), or mix in Sorceror levels to get some useful spells.

If my math on spell resistance is correct, I really need spell resistance to exceed my level, plus a few to account for spell penetration, to make it really worthwhile.

If I'm taking my 12th monk level at my 24th character level, then my spell resistance is going to be 22.  A 24th level spellcaster, even without any spell penetration, blows through a 22 spell resistance every time.  Assuming that a 24th level spellcaster has epic spell penetration (if the NPC opponents are maximized the way PCs typically are), that 24th level spellcaster would blow through up to 30 spell resistance every time.

If I understand the mechanics correctly, creatures' special abilities are typically treated at the creature's level.  So if I'm facing 24th level creatures, their special abilities are probably usually blowing through that 22 spell resistance.

The spell resistance would still be useful against multi-class opponents who maybe, for example, have only half their levels in a spellcasting class.  It would still be useful against many items and scrolls used against me.  However, I think those two cases really don't come up that often.

I can load up on Improved Spell Resistance feats, but that's spending a long time-playing catch-up, and that's a lot of feats.  I'd need to take Improved Spell Resistance six times just to make up for the at least 11 levels I devoted to Sorceror / RDD, and even then the spell resistance wouldn't be catching up to useful until I'm at the late 30s in character level (when the module series is about over).

Thus it seems to me I ought to just forget about Diamond Soul and spell resistance, and I would be better off picking up some extra Sorceror levels for buffing spells at my later character levels.  (Those buffs are easily dispelled, but not every single opponent can dispel magic at least.)
               
               

               
            

[Legacy_jmlzemaggo]

                Hit them before they spell. Fast & Furious. Defense is not an option. No tech here, just a player. A monk to me is a mage killer. Before he starts spelling... Just my way. Yours is surely much better for yourself. '>
               
               

               
            

[Legacy_HipMaestro]

               The check is: d20 + caster level + spell penetration (feats)  vs. SR

So... assuming the caster level is 30 and possesses epic penetration, they can roll 37 to 56 vs. your SR.  Adjust the calculation according to the highest level casters you expect to encounter. 

Bottom line is:  a high-level caster will almost always break through SRs even without pen feats, so I wouldn't focus on increasing it specifically, and concentrate on increasing saves via Spellcraft (and Empowered Fox's) and Protection from Spells.  Pally (or BG) is probably a less-committed way to increase saves than monk since you are a CHA class.  Problem is with monk, in order to gain uber "natural" spell resistance, you must commit to many monk levels (epic levels for Imp SR) and will dilute your spellcasting prowess a lot, probably too much.

A better strategy IMO is to use mantles and immunity globes and be prepared to resurrect them if/when shredded (if you can scribe/buy scrolls, use Greater mantles via scroll first to free up slots for lesser mantles).  All of the mantles work the same way just with more or less absorptive capacity.  As long as the mantles are there SR is not an issue.

You'll need at least 24 levels in sorc to remain 100% indispellable against all dispels except Mords, so that is a good target if you want to rely on your buffs holding up.  Deduct approx 5% indispellability for every level below 24.

I'm not sure what kind of spellsword you are planning (it better be a kama spellsword or you will lose the monk progression) but I would take monk to 6 (at most!) to get KD/IKD and the extra move speed, perhaps another late dump level if you can't wait for IKD. If you are going the Autostill route to wear armor all you will get from monk is feats and Tumble/Discipline dumps.

Anyway, that is how I handle the SR conundrum, for what it's worth.
               
               

               

                     Modifié par HipMaestro, 20 septembre 2011 - 12:47 .
                     
                  

            

[Legacy_philty_]

               The above post says it all.

I palyed this awesome series but never finished, coz the very last chapter wasnt ready or what... maybe will retry. I was playing as pure Wiz and then as Monk.
               
               

               
            

[Legacy_Mystery X]

               

philty  wrote...
I palyed this awesome series but never finished, coz the very last chapter wasnt ready or what... maybe will retry. I was playing as pure Wiz and then as Monk.

With the exception of one extremely maddening area, Act IV (in three parts) was the most inspired act of the series.
               
               

               
            

[Legacy_Shadooow]

               Default highest SR from itemproperty is 32, I would bet that no SP and a majority of PWs has a monsters with more SR except few monkish monsters which can have more. And for 100% chance to penetrate 32 SR you need only 25caster lvl + epic spell penetration. Also if there isnt so much monsters with SR you can also use spell breach or MD to decrease target SR and then you dont need such a high caster level.
               
               

               

                     Modifié par ShaDoOoW, 20 septembre 2011 - 08:49 .