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

[Micah Sweet]

There are no rules around who can become a wizard or sorc other than some rules around stats. Of course, those rules are for the players.

The DMG remains silent on this one for NPCs so I follow the all powers not designated to the rules are awarded to the DM philosophy.

So I can assume that not just anyone can be a wizard because you want not just anyone becoming a wizard?

 

[TwoSix]

So I can assume that not just anyone can be a wizard because you want not just anyone becoming a wizard?

I mean, I've always felt overall class distribution of NPCs (if you use them) is very much a function of DM worldbuilding fiat. I think that's pretty common.

 

[Belen]

So I can assume that not just anyone can be a wizard because you want not just anyone becoming a wizard?

Yes.

Wizards are rare in my settings. Large cities or major kingdoms may have a higher concentration but even then they are few.

 

[Belen]

I also use ley lines and magic nodes in my setting. (a bit like valdemar)

Arcane casters can tap those at higher levels or attune to them in some cases if they accept the risks. They have to be in range to use them.

Finally, I yanked the astral/ethereal and Wyrd system from Deverry.

I am playing around with a fatigue system or rules that 6th or higher spells require ley lines/nodes to be cast, otherwise, they slots convert to extra 5th and lower.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Yes.

Wizards are rare in my settings. Large cities or major kingdoms may have a higher concentration but even then they are few.

Fair enough. I do think the percentages of leveled casters would be higher in this world though, if for no other reason than more potential magic-users would be found and trained in a higher magic-world.

 

[Belen]

Fair enough. I do think the percentages of leveled casters would be higher in this world though, if for no other reason than more potential magic-users would be found and trained in a higher magic-world.

That has happened in the past. Almost all the major civs are shattered right now.

 

[Stalker0]

I mean, I've always felt overall class distribution of NPCs (if you use them) is very much a function of DM worldbuilding fiat. I think that's pretty common.

I think the problem is, dnd often tells you that everyone should be a low level npc, heck should likely have NPC levels and not even true class levels....but then the second you get some official adventurers everyone has levels and classes and spells, etc.

Can't have it both ways

 

[Quickleaf]

Off target teleportation leading to more mixed coupling and long-distance relationships.

 

[kigmatzomat]

In the DMG, if players want to buy a 9th level spell it’s going to cost 100,000 gold. It cost 146,000 gold to maintain a castle for a year. There aren’t going to be many people who can afford a high level spell to be cast on their behalf.

This is "adventurer society" where you don't get in until 20th level.

The party wizard, sorcerer or bard can cast Wish.

 

[MGibster]

This is "adventurer society" where you don't get in until 20th level.

The party wizard, sorcerer or bard can cast Wish.

We're not just talking about adventurers though, we're talking about how these high level spells would effect the setting. These high level spells aren't going to be common. Of course that doesn't mean they can't warp society, it's just that even the largest of cities is only going to be able to cast a few of them each year.