D&D (2024) The new spell creation rules

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

It is more like, the Wizard is firing a gun. The target is, by definition, the "foe". The others who Wizard is trying not to shoot are "allies".

It depends 100% on the Wizard

It has nothing to do with intentions of the targets.

Indeed, an "ally" might be plotting to harm the Wizard. But if the Wizard is uninteresting in shooting this "ally", it remains an "ally" sotospeak.

How does it work when the wizard can't see everyone who might be affected, like when they're firing a spell into the fog or a dark cave? As written, the wizard doesn't need to see who the targets are to be able to narrow who's affected by a modified spell.

WotC needs to add a sentence or two to clarify this aspect of the ability.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I don't like these spell creation rule mostly because I would rather players actually spend downtime on creating new spells.

My guess is that this set-up started that way, and then design-by-committee turned it into the spells we have today. If they keep the current structure, I hope they put in something more robust for creating spells that aren't just tweaks of existing ones.

 

[Yaarel]

In my games, any spell caster can modify a spell using as a Skill Stunt, making an Arcana Check.

Normally, it is for non-combat applications of a spell, such as using a wind effect to move something without doing damage.

 

[Yaarel]

How does it work when the wizard can't see everyone who might be affected, like when they're firing a spell into the fog or a dark cave? As written, the wizard doesn't need to see who the targets are to be able to narrow who's affected by a modified spell.

WotC needs to add a sentence or two to clarify this aspect of the ability.

Well, as DM, I prioritize narrative plausibility before I even bother looking at any mechanics.

So, in a situation where it seems implausible to know who is in a fog, then the "foe" necessarily includes any innocent bystanders in that fog. The spellcaster is choosing to endanger them.

 

[tetrasodium]

Good point about infringing on the sorcerer's metamagic, @tetrasodium and @Parmandur. I'm not a sorcerer fan in general, but that class doesn't need the wizard picking its pockets any more than it already has in 5E.

I wasn't concerned about it "infringing on the sorcerer's metamagic" so much as the level needed & GP cost being entirely inappropriate for nearly all of what it grants with the rest being somewhat eyeroll worthy to the point that it screams out as if it's a placeholder for a proper system that justifies the level & cost like a sane version of the old epic spell seeds & factors but for more sane levels rather than 21+++ as those were intended for

The sorcerer comparison was just to show how extremity inappropriate some of the costs/prereqs are.

 

[The Shadow]

Allies and enemies seems easy enough... Anyone in the area that the wizard considers an ally or enemy at the time of casting is treated as one. If he can't see them, then he's not intending to include/exclude them, so the spell does the default - which is probably to include for a spell intended for enemies, and exclude for a spell intended for allies.

Granted, it would be nice if the spell actually said that, but it's not hard to rule on.

 

[Leatherhead]

I don't like these spell creation rule mostly because I would rather players actually spend downtime on creating new spells. Making spell creation/modification and spell scribing into spells is just kind of dumb. Now, I wouldn't mind if the wizard cast modify spell and then next round cast a spell with the modifications as a one off, but as a means of creating a spells to load into your spellbook, dumb.

I want to point out that Scribe Spell being a spell creates situations where Wizards can permanently lose access to their class features. If you have your spellbook destroyed, and don't have Scribe Spell memorized, you cannot make a new spell book.

 

[Yaarel]

I want to point out that Scribe Spell being a spell creates situations where Wizards can permanently lose access to their class features. If you have your spellbook destroyed, and don't have Scribe Spell memorized, you cannot make a new spell book.

A bookless Wizard can prepare the Scribe Spell from an other Wizard, then go from there to rebuild the book.

 

[Leatherhead]

A bookless Wizard can prepare the Scribe Spell from an other Wizard, then go from there to rebuild the book.

You can't read another wizard's spellbook without using Scribe Spell or Identify.

 

[Yaarel]

You can't read another wizard's spellbook without using Scribe Spell or Identify.

You can read an others spellbook with the assistance of that Wizard.

It is possible to purchase spells, as well.