Alternative Metamagic - slots instead of levels

[Theovis]

Here's an idea for an alternative way of doing metamagic feats. I think I brought this up on the board a million years ago, but I'm starting to give it some thought again.

To metamagic a spell, you allow additional slots to be used up rather than spell levels. So, for example, if you wanted to empower a 3rd level spell, you could use three 3rd level spell slots, rather than one 5th.

It's a different kind of trade off, but low level spellcasters can play with feats. Like a heavily armored fighter/wizard able casting a couple 1st level spells stilled, etc.

Anyone see any potential abuses with this?

 

[Crothian]

It favors sorceres forst of all. How do clerics metamagic domain spells? they only have one domain slot per l;evel? It also greatly favorers high attributes allowing metamagic feats to be used before they are supposed to be used. A first level Sorcerer with a 20 Cha can use quicken spell.

 

[Theovis]

It favors sorceres forst of all. How do clerics metamagic domain spells? they only have one domain slot per l;evel? It also greatly favorers high attributes allowing metamagic feats to be used before they are supposed to be used. A first level Sorcerer with a 20 Cha can use quicken spell.

Except that Quicken Spell is useless for sorcerors, but your point is made.

I'm not certain that's bad, though...that if a sorceror wants to, he can blow all his first level spell slots on a maximized Magic Missile. Woop de do, 5 points of damage!

I'm also not suggesting that this necessarily replace the current system, but supplement it. Really, it'd be a disadvantage to Evokers, who are often better off with an empowered Fireball than a Cone of Cold, not to menation Cleric Domain Spells.

 

[EOL]

I like the fact that it makes metamagic feats useful sooner, but I still think there are some definite balance issues, both good and bad. If you're serious I would try it out in your campaign and see how it runs.

 

[Bonedagger]

Except that Quicken Spell is useless for sorcerors, but your point is made.

Not completely useless. You can use it to make magical item with quickened spells.