D&D 3E/3.5 3.5 low magic campaign tips

[Empirate]

Gandalf was a 5th level Magic-User.

(not that I completely agree, but it's such a classic, I couldn't resist)

 

[billd91]

When considering a low magic campaign in which the players still have access to spellcasters, you really have to consider nerfing the spellcasters back a ways.

We've already seen someone mention limiting the levels they can achieve. Forcing them, in effect, to multiclass.

You could also consider some of the following:

• significantly cutting back the spell slots they get, maybe stop each level at 2 or 3 instead of 5
• pruning the spell lists available per class to keep to a less flashy or powerful set of options, maybe emphasize fellow party member buffs like bless, magic weapon and other spells that help out in fights indirectly rather than directly
• increase all casting times to full actions or 1 round casting times