20 spell levels instead of 9?

[rgard]

From the article, “Development Doesn’t Like Much, part II”


Sean K. Reynolds had mentioned doing the same thing for his campaigns.

Does anyone have access to this list from Chris or Sean? Or do they have their own?

And do you think this will make its way into 4th Edition?

Inquiring minds want to know….

Taking it to 18 spell levels plus cantrips would be easier. Would just have to decide between two new levels for each old spell level.

1st level spells would be split into 1st and 2nd level spells. 2nd level spells would be split into 3rd and 4th level spells.

You'd have to split the spells known (spon casters) and spells per day (all casters) in half for each new level. Would be a pain if the current level shows and odd number.

And your bonus spells for high ability scores would need modded too.

All said, too much work for me.

Thanks,
Rich

 

[ruleslawyer]

Taking it to 18 spell levels plus cantrips would be easier. Would just have to decide between two new levels for each old spell level.

Actually, there already are ten levels of spells. 0th-level spells (cantrips) could be split into 1st and 2nd level spells, 1st level spells into 3rd and 4th level spells, and so on.

 

[hong]

Actually, there already are ten levels of spells. 0th-level spells (cantrips) could be split into 1st and 2nd level spells, 1st level spells into 3rd and 4th level spells, and so on.

Problem is, I doubt many people want to play 1st level wizards who can only cast cantrips.

 

[ruleslawyer]

That's a good point if the goal of the system is to make caster level = max spell level usable, which is probably a good design goal. OTOH, SW Saga Ed is starting PCs with 3 HD at 1st level, so I can imagine possibly starting casters with 3rd-level spells.

 

[jmucchiello]

I've got one too, but mine continues past 15th level spells.

I've seen that. As I said in my post, my spells are NOT based on the Epic spell system at all. I'm just making up a bunch of really powerful spells and giving them levels. That's how all the 9th level spells came to be. Why not use the same method at 10th level. Also, if I wanted a set of charts for making spells, I'd want it to work throughout the system like Element of Magic or a similar skill based system.

 

[Mystaros]

Wow... 35 posts and not one mention of "Iron Crown Enterprises did this 30 years ago with RoleMaster's Spell Law..."

I always thought adapting that system to D&D and using a spell point system worked admirably... I'll have to dig up the conversion system I used back in the day, adapt it to 3.5...

 

[Warbringer]

Wouldn't the only net effect be gaining a current spell one caster level later than currently?

Instead of 5th, i get fireball at 6th (assuming you consider this spell a strong 3rd level spell)

You could easily implement a house rule identifying all "strong" spells in the respective levels and set the rule they are available 1 caster level later.

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

I think it was mentioned before, but Elements of Magic is a great, great system with spells of levels 0-20. Check it out! Highish learning curve, but the payoff in flexibility is fantastic.