Alternate Spells DC

[Toj]

Does anyone use the option method for determining a spells DC to save?

I am referring to using the 1d20 + Ability mod + Spell Level instead of the traditional 10 + Ability Mod + spell level.

If you have used it, what are the major differences or what should I expect?

 

[kreynolds]

If you have used it, what are the major differences or what should I expect?

One is random and unreliable. One isn't. That's pretty much it.

 

[Clear Dragon]

My DM imposed this variant in our current campaign. Personally I don't like it. He instituted the rule after a few combats where my sleep spells combined with the charm persons from the sorceror made for 1 round encounters. Both of us had spell focus resulting in high DCs. He thought it was cheesy that we didn't even have to roll anything to be successful. Now that it is random, I find myself choosing spells that don't have a save, so I can be more consistent.