Forked Thread: Incantations

dmcallis said:

It seems to me there is room for a new class of spell which would fit between the existing spells and the existing rituals of 4e.

I'd like to use the term "Rite" but that is already used in the PHB in another connotation, so I'll use the term "Pattern" for this new mechanic.

A pattern would be that class of magic which requires a material component (and a cost) but require much less time that a ritual would take to perform and more than a single round in many cases. This would make them usable on the battlefield but at a cost.

To stick to the existing mechanics and philosophy of "the less record keeping the better" They could use the existing "save" mechanic, with modifiers so it isn't neccessarially a "10 or better" chance to complete the pattern in a given round.

They could be more powerful than spells, though not neccessarially since one strength is they could be cast from a book, allowing the wizard of whoever greater flexability (not having to be readied at the beginning of the day) at the risk of losing the casting if botched (on a natural 1 on the "cast check) or if interrupted (a concentration check as in an OA while spell casting) and cost.

I'm going to develop this idea and use it in my campaign, but I thought I would ask for a PEACH here and also share the idea with anyone who might like to steal/help develop the idea.

Is the idea balanced and/or worthwhile developing in your opinion?

note: Term changed to Incantation due to a very good suggestion.

Thanks

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Khuxan said:

I love the idea. I'd like to see some new incantations as well as adaptations of existing rituals.

I'll add some more, but have been busy... I'll definitely devote more time to this now that someone has shown interest...​

I'd also like to see rules for cooperative rituals - where more than one person performs the incantation. I'm not sure if that would give a bonus on the casting modifier, or if it would allow them to share the cost of the healing surge, or if it would allow them to extend the duration, or if it would allow them to ignore one botched roll per added caster, etc.

Yes. I do need to have a co-operative mechanic. I do have that to a degree where the Incantation affects more than one person , but these are good ideas.
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What if botched rolls caused the ritual caster to lose 1d4 healing surges instead of the incantation failing? What if failing a ritual had some disastrous effect, rather than simply failure? What about complicated incantations that were botched on a roll of 1-2 or 1-3 or even 1-5?

Well, a botch already cost you the components and an additional healing surge.
The increased botch range could perhaps be used to allow for the casting of incantations above your level, perhaps also with an increased healing surge cost you suggested. I'll add a mechanic for that.​

What are some feats and utility powers that could relate to incantations? I can see a wizard utility power allowing you to reroll a failed casting check (not a botched one, just a failed one).

Perhaps. I'll have to think on that one. Either a power or a feat (which would be open to everyone, not just wizards.) I am leaning towards Feats on first thought, Good suggestion.​

I definitely think incantations are an example of a new subsystem, one that sparks so many ideas.

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