Caster using all three mental stats, small regenerating pool of magic points

I've been trying to post this for days on my laptop, but it hasn't been working for some reason. Just moved and finally have my desktop set up, so I'll try this again...

Two things I've always wanted were a magic user for whom all three mental stats are important, and one using magic points which had a small pool of points but which regenerated quickly, such that they could cast lower level spells all day but might have to wait several rounds without casting to use their big guns.

Anyways, I was inspired by D&D heroes on both points, so I present to you my take on a spell-point based caster, which uses all three mental stats, and which uses a small pool of regenerating points.

This can probably be adapted to any spell-point system, but specifically I have Elements of Magic in mind. As far as balancing is concerned, you can figure out the cost of a spell of particular level by (2x-1) where x is the spell level (lvl 1 is 1 point, 2 is 3 points, 3 is 5, etc).

Now, down to the nitty gritty. (Things in parantheses are ideas I'm not sure about)

The caster's maximum amount of magic points, and the starting value at the beginning of most combats, is equal to one half the caster level, rounded down, plus the intelligence modifier plus one. So a level 11 caster with 19 intelligence can have at most 10 points (5+4+1).

At the beginning of each round, the caster regenerates a number of points equal to his/her wisdom modifier (plus one?). A caster with 16 wisdom would regain 3 points at the beginning of each round for free. (Maybe allow an attack or full round action concentration check to regain that same amount again?)

The most points a caster can use on any one spell is equal to one half the caster level, rounded down, plus his/her charisma modifier plus one. A 5th level caster with 14 charisma thus could cast a spell costing at most 5 points (2+2+1). Additionally, charisma would be the modifier used for saving throws.

For all these bonuses except the saving throw bonus, the effect from a high ability score is limited to half the caster level rounded up. A 5th level wizard with 18 intelligence, wisdom and charisma would only have a pool of 6 points, could only cast a spell costing 6 points, and would only regain 3 points per round. Spell saving throws would be 10+spell level+4.

So, what do you think? It could replace a wizard entirely, or could be the sorcerer equivelent to a wizard in a spell point system. Could even work as a psion!

Interesting; though I think I'd assign which stat does what differently.

Currently:
Int = Max Capacity
Wis = Regeneration
Cha = Max Cast

Proposal:
Int = Max Cast
Wis = Max Capacity
Cha = Regeneration

This more-or-less preserves the 3.5 balance between Wizards and Sorcerers. Wizards are able to cast higher level spells but Sorcerers can cast more of them.

The reason I have charisma for the max that can be spent is that in my search for Charisma's identity (being the least well-defined of the already nebulous mental stats), I've taken to the idea of it being the equivelent of strength, representing the character's ability to exert force on the outside world (if you're curious, I liken wisdom to constitution and intelligence to dexterity, but I'm okay with their existing definitions so I don't really go out of my way to preserve that flavor).

I edited my first post to have charisma affect saving throws, as well.

Asmor said:

The reason I have charisma for the max that can be spent is that in my search for Charisma's identity (being the least well-defined of the already nebulous mental stats), I've taken to the idea of it being the equivelent of strength, representing the character's ability to exert force on the outside world (if you're curious, I liken wisdom to constitution and intelligence to dexterity, but I'm okay with their existing definitions so I don't really go out of my way to preserve that flavor).

Click to expand...

to digress, I've noticed that a lot of people (myself included) line up the mental and physical stats the same way.

I like the idea, though I think to be fair such a change should include adjustment to "X times per day" abilities from other classes.

I also like the idea, but the downside is that you have a caster who is more dependant on multiple stats. If you've ever seen anyone try to play a paladin or a monk, you know the frustration of requiring multiple good stats.

Not to mention that any caster can stand to have decent dex and con scores, and you've got a real recipe for min-maxers to come out of the woodwork. Your character's stat rolls would completely determine whether or not this character would even be tried... Just a thought.