3.5 Scoops Discussion

[Brown Jenkin]

5) Familiars' abilities now match a Feat. Alertness and (for the Toad) Toughness. Cats will probably grany Stealthy (+2 Move Quietly/Hide), etc.

I hope the raven still speaks, but since this is not a feat? Kind of makes the claim they are doing it so familiars match feats still incorrect.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

I hope the raven still speaks, but since this is not a feat? Kind of makes the claim they are doing it so familiars match feats still incorrect.

Different familiars = different feats is a neat mechanic if they get the flavor and match up right.

 

[Staffan]

While the discrepancy in damage dealt goes in favor of the wizard eventually as he levels, it's still only one spell slot. It reminds me of flame blade or flaming sphere.

Yeah, but remember that each bolt is a standard action as well.

*edit* Rereading the post, I see 1bolt/round, not level. Is there something i'm missing?

Yeah. According to this thread, "You may call a total number of bolts equal to your caster level (maximum 10 bolts)."

So basically, Call Lightning is one 3rd level spell that gives you the ability to cast one 2nd level spell per caster level (max 10)*, as long as you do it in a reasonably short amount of time. Not bad, not bad at all, but not a game-breaker either. If the bolts had been move-equivalent or free actions, it might have been overpowered, but not as standard actions.

*) I'd consider 3d6 with a very limited area effect to be on the weak side for 2nd level, but definitely more powerful than 1st level.