D&D 5E What high-level spells could warp society?

[TwoSix]

True, but they work as an example. There are hundreds of high-level professions, but with the curve this concept is creating, that isn't a problem since we're talking level 17 and higher.

And even your normal expert will probably be around level 13-14, so they're hardly incompetent.

 

[Chaltab]

Just to comment on the original topic, one that always comes to mind is Clone.

With a few thousand gold pieces and 120 days prep, anyone can effectively become immortal because the Clone can be of a body younger than that of the target. You would likely see an eternal elite of the wealthy and powerful similar to the Methusalas in 'Altered Carbon'. To kill someone permanently you'd have to double tap, getting them twice within 120 days--and even that could be undone within 200 years by a True Resurrection.

Building on this, I imagine there would medusa cults that center around abilities that petrify people. Flesh to Stone might be an illegal spell: Petrifying someone and then shattering the statue would become the easiest way to permanently remove one of these immortal oligarchs from power.

 

[Chaltab]

And a few fewer fast food restaurant franchises

So overall, a net positive.

 

[TwoSix]

I think the prevalence of magic has much more impact than its power level. Eberron is a good example of a setting where magic is ever-present but not necessarily super-powerful.

You suggested that town guards are 9th-10th level. that similarly suggests that everyone who does work in "defense" is of similar levels: you have 9th or 10th level clerics, rangers, paladins, druids and wizards/sorcerers running around in society on the regular. And in the shadows, their dark counterparts like assassins, thieves, warlocks and cultists will be similarly leveled. This says that magic will be extremely prevalent. So we are kind of back to Eberron.

At the very least, we're looking at something akin to a fantasy version of a Star Trek like post-scarcity society.

 

[Warpiglet-7]

So overall, a net positive.

I dunno man when I want a cheeseburger…I want it NOW!

 

[ezo]

and town guards would be 9th-10th level.

I guess this part of the OP was why I was thinking this was more the baseline for a professional "career" baseline. If so, this should be closer to maybe 35% of the population I would think than 10% at 4-5th level (where you said 90% stop).

 

[TwoSix]

I dunno man when I want a cheeseburger…I want it NOW!

I wish I had a cheeseburger.

 

[Warpiglet-7]

Not to go to far afield but charm person would be bananas with a head of state

 

[Warpiglet-7]

I wish I had a cheeseburger.

When this hockey practice is over…my kid might be rewarded…and it’s rude to make him eat alone so…well take two, please

 

[TwoSix]

I guess this part of the OP was why I was thinking this was more the baseline for a professional "career" baseline. If so, this should be closer to maybe 35% of the population I would think than 10% at 4-5th level (where you said 90% stop).

The population density will matter quite a bit here, I'm thinking. VIllages are only going to generally have a few Tier 2s, and rarely a Tier 3. You'll see higher levels more in more densely populated towns and smaller cities.