Zelgadas said:
Well, I've gone and done it. I've created a sorcerer variant. I did it primarily because I don't like the fact that sorcerers feel sort of like 'wizards, but with spontaneous casting', but also because sorcerers feel like 'wizards, but not as good'. At any rate, I've made the sorcerer a little more powerful and a little more different from the wizard. Tell me what you think, if you don't mind.
Variant Sorcerer
Yea, improved counterspell does do the same, but this would be a free feat, with a flavor that fits better.
I understand the desire for improved versitility. Especially with the fewer number of spells they've got in that version.
(added in an edit: Now, as to you're question of why shouldn't they have learned to defend themselves? They should have... but I think that they should have by improving spellcasting rather than mundane armor and weapons. Seriously, a higher level sorc really shouldn't be beating things with sticks of metal anyhow. It's ... undignified. Of course, learning to cast in armor is different, but if you make them pay for that armor use with a feat it better represents the time spent learning. Or to say if you give that option then it's there for those who want to spend the resources, without taking away from the spellcasting for those who don't want to. On the other hand, there are some who want a sorc who also beats things with sticks, and your version does seem to do that fairly well. I especially like the Arcane Blood, and I'm snatching that idea.)
Further points, not so much on yours, but from my own ideas on variants...
I've never liked the idea of higher combat ability. The sorc really isn't about that... I personally changed spontainiously cast spells, making it a spell like ability, and therefore it comes with free eschew (all) components. Now, I thought that was a bit too powerful, so I also increased the casting time of all spontaniously cast spells by one move action for each V, S, M, or focus in the spell description. The casting time can be decreased by one move action for each V, S, M, or focus that's used (minumim casting time as listed under casting time of the spell). This gives the sorc the interesting ability to use different components for any particular casting. And I left the sorc with the same number of spells known, BAB, and HD. This improves spellcasting ability, which I think should be the thrust of the class, instead of giving them battle ability, which seems almost superfluous (OK, EVERYone wants higher HD, but I still like the flavor of granting spell abilities instead of even that).
Then I added in a different descriptor of the spellcasting that a sorc does. After all, I did just say that the sorc doesn't actually "cast" spells, but somehow learns spell like abilities. How does that work?
Well, the sorc DOES cast spells. Or, rather, conducts rituals that set up spell "matrixes" within the sorcs mind. After a matrix has been laid down the sorc only needs to send some power through it to have the spell take effect. There are *slow* spots in the spell, where the original Verbal, Material, Somatic, or Focus was needed for the spell, and these can be overcome by mimicing the component in question during the channeling of the energy through the matrix. The proper components are needed during the ritual, the components don't need to be as exact when channeling energy through the matrix. This is represented by allowing alternate components, and also by a decreased arcane spell failure when wearing armor. Enough to cancel out completely light armor spell failure. Alternatively, of course, if the sorc always does not use somatic components, there is no spell failure in any amount of armor. I do not, on the other hand, give armor proficiency. If you want it burn a feat (up to three) on it. Thereby keeping this option well balanced.
A matrix requires a ritualistic casting of the spell each day (using that spells spell slot) for a number of days equal to the spells level squared, with a minimum of two days (for first level and cantrips).
Now, as I said, once a spell matrix is hung it is considered a "spell known" under the sorc table, and used identically. On the other hand, it can also be cast free, releasing the matrix from the mind. This requires no components, and the spell is no longer available until the matrix is relain. This is an interesting and relatively expensive version of scrolls... A sorc could blow all his castings per day, then burn through his matrixes laid, but at that point the caster is completely without spells for at least a couple of days (more for higher level spells). This not only give the sorc an ability to burn out of spells in an emergency, but also allows grants the sorc the ability to change the spells hung almost at will (with the cost of a large time commitement). For those who think that this ability is very overpowered, I want to state once again that this is practically an expensive version of scrolls. Well, there's no XP cost, but it takes a lot of time, and you're limited to the number you can have, and using it potentially leaves the sorc without a key spell for days (or months).
These spell "rituals" are written down in a "spell book". The first wizard came into being when a sorc tried to teach an especially bright but charismatically challenged pupil to hang a matrix. The pupil just couldn't do it. But he did manage to hang a crippled "lesser" matrix, which absolutely needs the components, and can't have energy channeled into it. This lesser matrix doesn't take as long to lay down, but can only be "cast" once before collapsing (same as memorizing spells).
I plan on writing this out sometime, but then I'm planned on that for a while now. ~_^
