D&D 5E Reworking Spell Lists (Reducing "Sameyness")

[TwoSix]

I think that that would be spectacular and I would be all in for it! I think its a genius idea.

But I like ''out-there'' design. Some traditionalist would probably hate it.

Yea, I'm the same...the more crazy the idea is, the more I like it.

That being said, I do really like the idea. It makes wizards collectors and innovaters of a more syncretic modern tradition of magic, which seems on theme.

 

[Tony Vargas]

At the risk of a massive derail....what if it was wizards that didn't have a spell list? What if they could learn any spell that belonged to their school and a few other schools, regardless of spell list?

Aside from the quintessential D&D blaster, the Evoker, suddenly being able to heal, fine.

 

[DND_Reborn]

Yea, I'm the same...the more crazy the idea is, the more I like it.

That being said, I do really like the idea. It makes wizards collectors and innovaters of a more syncretic modern tradition of magic, which seems on theme.

At the risk of hitting a reset button (so to say), would Sorcerer become the primary arcane caster?

How about this:

Cleric/ Paladin
Druid/ Ranger
Sorcerer/ Warlock
Wizard/ Bard

With the Big 3 lists now labeled Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer.
Paladins, Rangers, and Warlocks are half-casters.

Wizard is the full "universal caster" and Bard a half-caster who can also choose from any list?

I have some more to say about this, but it will have to wait until after dinner and I have time to look over the default current lists.

 

[TwoSix]

At the risk of hitting a reset button (so to say), would Sorcerer become the primary arcane caster?

How about this:

Cleric/ Paladin
Druid/ Ranger
Sorcerer/ Warlock
Wizard/ Bard

With the Big 3 lists now labeled Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer.
Paladins, Rangers, and Warlocks are half-casters.

Wizard is the full "universal caster" and Bard a half-caster who can also choose from any list?

I have some more to say about this, but it will have to wait until after dinner and I have time to look over the default current lists.

I've been tossing it over in my head, and I'm actually leaning warlock as the arcane full caster. I mean, "arcane" is about the idea of mystery and secrets, and what fits that better thematically than the warlock, who will literally sell their soul for magical power? They already get a lot of the wizard trappings, with ritual books and familiars.

 

[Fenris-77]

At the risk of sounding preoccupied, I'm not keen on the Arcane list losing both hypnotic pattern and slow. Two of the best three spells at level again. I wouldn't willingly play an arcane caster with the lists as is. Blasting spells are a waste of time compared to control spells.

I realize that this is the first pass, but I'm pretty consistently not loving the arcane nerf, especially when it's the traditionally most limited caster in the Druid that has picked most of the powerhouse spells. Speaking of which, I dont think the druid needed both misty step and thunder step.

I wont harp on the arcane nerf past this post, but I may elect to bow out of commenting if I find it too frustrating.

 

[DND_Reborn]

I've been tossing it over in my head, and I'm actually leaning warlock as the arcane full caster. I mean, "arcane" is about the idea of mystery and secrets, and what fits that better thematically than the warlock, who will literally sell their soul for magical power? They already get a lot of the wizard trappings, with ritual books and familiars.

But that would require a massive rewrite of the Warlock. As they are, their spells cap at 5th level, with the Mystic Arcanum being a feature and not slots. At least the Sorcerer is a "full-caster" already. I get your thinking, but it would really change the Warlock IMO.

 

[DND_Reborn]

At the risk of sounding preoccupied, I'm not keen on the Arcane list losing both hypnotic pattern and slow. Two of the best three spells at level again. I wouldn't willingly play an arcane caster with the lists as is. Blasting spells are a waste of time compared to control spells.

I realize that this is the first pass, but I'm pretty consistently not loving the arcane nerf, especially when it's the traditionally most limited caster in the Druid that has picked most of the powerhouse spells. Speaking of which, I dont think the druid needed both misty step and thunder step.

I wont harp on the arcane nerf past this post, but I may elect to bow out of commenting if I find it too frustrating.

Its unfortunate that it becomes a matter of taste/preference. I don't find either hypnotic pattern (never been cast or learned even in almost 18 months of play) and slow (with saves every round) that great.

Also, FWIW, Hypnotic Pattern is still a Wizard spell and Slow is up for discussion (my preference is for Wizard there as well).

 

[TwoSix]

But that would require a massive rewrite of the Warlock. As they are, their spells cap at 5th level, with the Mystic Arcanum being a feature and not slots. At least the Sorcerer is a "full-caster" already. I get your thinking, but it would really change the Warlock IMO.

Fair. Actually, if Sorcerer and Warlock share the Arcane list, it doesn't matter too much, and we don't really have to change either.

 

[Fenris-77]

I think there's a solid opportunity to spread some blasting around though with both fireball and lightning bolt to play with.

I find the control school of play with Wizards somewhat divisive, and an interesting conversation in it's own right for another thread. I vastly prefer it to blasting generally and I think it has a greater impact on the game. Anyway, that's where my commentary comes from. Continue as you were.

 

[TwoSix]

Its unfortunate that it becomes a matter of taste/preference. I don't find either hypnotic pattern (never been cast or learned even in almost 18 months of play) and slow (with saves every round) that great.

Also, FWIW, Hypnotic Pattern is still a Wizard spell and Slow is up for discussion (my preference is for Wizard there as well).

I'm good with both Hypnotic Pattern and Slow being Arcane. Hypnotic Pattern I agree is top tier, and slow is just under it. (If Hypnotic Pattern is an A, Slow is a B+).