1 min per level spells and why they suck

[JChung2003]

I wonder how this change to bull's strength and other spells of that ilk will affect the price of magic items like, say, belt of giant strength, amulet of health, etc.

 

[danzig138]

15 years as a GM and this kind of "gotta get there before my spell wears off" has never been a problem. So the 1 minute per level duration is cool with me.

 

[Cedric]

I'm going to have to go in with..they suck. Can we start a poll on this?

One of the things I really, really liked about 3rd edition was the usefulness and scope of the buff spells and their lengthy durations. Consider this forever house ruled in any of my games.

Cedric

 

[Endur]

min per level buff spells

I fully support this change, particularly if they are applying it to all of the buff spells: mage armor, magic vestment, greater magic weapon, etc.

As it is, in our high level campaign, we hardly need to buy magic weapons or armor, because we get +5 weapons and armor from day long buff spells.

With the buff spells only lasting for one combat, then that will seriously reduce their usage. They won't be "mandatory" buff in the morning spells anymore, but they'll be reserved for when you really need them (to bypass DR).

 

[Mark]

Might even be a decent compromise to errata them so they are lengthy until a combat is begun at which point the round, or minute, timer starts on them. Sort of like an up for a long time, until "discharged", then down after a shorter time.

 

[rangerjohn]

Sounds like it sucks to be anything but a barbarian in 3.5. Thier basically taking magic out of the equation, by nerfing all spells. Since the barbarian's class abilities supplant this they are still viable, others less so.

 

[Stalker0]

I like the idea that WOTC is addressing the diablo IIness of 3e, how it seems to be all about the magic and not about the characters. In that regard I'm for the change. However, I do agree that unless the monsters are adjusted accordingly, a lot of the balance gets thrown out of wack. Players use those buffs... because often times they need them. Take them out of the equation and things get hairier.

As for the 1 min/level, if that causes teh go, go, go approach fine by me. If my players want to get sloppy and just run into the next encounter fine. When they die to traps and ambushes they had better not come crying to me

 

[rangerjohn]

How is 3.5 not Diabloesque? The amazon is called ranger? If anything its more Diabloesque.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

2mmu1:
Well, multiclass with wizard and become Mytic Theurge - now you have all the buff-level spells per day you might wish...

 

[BryonD]

I just started playing a 3E cleric, and my DM plans on making the switch over to 3.5... I think I'm going to be making a new character.

Considering that probably at least 75% of my spell list (5th level character) consists of spells that either heal, don't do any damage, or are only useful in very limited circumstances, it's been really nice to be able to have the option to fall back on a few spells - Magic Weapon, Bull's Strength, Endurance, Magic Vestment, etc. that aren't very flashy or spectacular but provide various members of the party with tangible and long-lasting benefits. Under this system, considering how much healing power I'll be losing, they just won't be worthwhile anymore... Being purely a utility caster with only a very short-time buffing ability is no damn fun.

Have I missed something? What healing power are you losing?

I honestly think it is more fun to do something other than "I buff everyone, standard assortment", every game morning.

I also think the spells were a bit to much for 2nd level.

So this is a good/good choice.