Elemental Archon (FR-specific) druid and Metamagic?

[Stam]

I've come up with a somewhat-nutty character concept - an Elemental Archon druid, follower of Akadi (air goddess). FR-specific campaign, of course.

I'd like to give him Sudden Maximize and the element-substitution feat (can't remember the precise name at the moment) listed in both Magic of Faerun and Complete Arcane. Both have 'Any other metamagic feat' as prerequisite.' I'd want the PC to have both by 3rd-level, so I can get Born of the Three Thunders at 6th.

Presuming I used a race with a bonus feat at 1st-level (Human or Strongheard Halfling, most likely) what other metamagic feat would be best -- and realistic-- for an electricity-specializing druid to select at 1st-level?

Sudden Maximize and Druid Smack   Most of the druid's damage-dealing spells have long durations or multiple uses. Like Produce Flame (1st), Chill/Heat Metal, Flame Blade, Flaming Sphere (2nd), Call Lightning (3rd)... The amount of serious smack you could dish out with a single Sudden Maximize used on any of those is just worth considering :biggrin:

[ticattack]

Energy Admixture, from Complete Arcane. Produce Flame becomes a crackling ball of lightning that deals 2d6+10 electricity damage at 120 ft., for a 5th level slot.

Aside from the that, the visual's great. Produce Flame becomes a ball of flame that crackles with blue-white electricity. Heat Metal makes their armour turn glowing red and currents run through it.

EDIT: Whoops. Missed the fact you needed one that could be taken before Energy Substitution. Quicken's always good, since Call Lightning's a full-round action. Empower or Maximise would be good to emphasise the destructive power of nature... Any of these three would suit.

[Stam]

All of which have high-level spellslots needed, or similar 'any other metamagic' requirements for the Sudden versions.

I'm looking for a low-level (and useful at said low level) suggestion that makes taking Sudden Maximize/Energy Substitution legal at low levels Sudden Extend, perhaps? For the Summoning spells?

Edit: Does Widen spell increase the width of a lightning bolt as well as the length? I'm envisioning a 10' radius bolt forking down from the sky and hitting 4 squares instead of just one...

[ticattack]

Actually, it wouldn't affect it at all. It's not a "burst, emanation, line, or spread shaped spell".

Explosive Spell? (Complete Arcane). Not many druid spells it'd work for, but...

[Stam]

Yes, it's a vertical line...30' long, 5' wide.

Effect: One or more 30-ft.-long vertical lines of lightning.

Wouldn't Widen Spell make that 60' long, 10' wide?