Appropriate Level for SR

[Tequila Sunrise]

Seeing as how Spell Resistance is of equal power, no matter a character's level, is there any reason that SR shouldn't be available as a spell/ability right from 1st?

 

[ValhallaGH]

Seeing as how Spell Resistance is of equal power, no matter a character's level, is there any reason that SR shouldn't be available as a spell/ability right from 1st?

Newbie learning curves. Other than that, I can't really think of a reason.

 

[Fieari]

I agree with Valhalla. It's basically just the learning curve thing. Or put another way, one of the aspects of moving up in level is that abilities get more DIVERSE as well as more powerful. And SR is one of those diverse things.

SR is usually pretty balanced at CR + 10.

 

[Crothian]

SR is a powerful ability, and while it scales with level what you want is SR where before there was none. And that is a big difference.

 

[Rystil Arden]

SR is a powerful ability, and while it scales with level what you want is SR where before there was none. And that is a big difference.

Agreed. If you consider that on average you'll be facing effects with caster level about equal to your own, then what you are gaining with the standard SR 11 + level is, in effect 50% magic resistance from the older editions. That's a big deal. Compared to the dwarf's incredibly powerful +2 to saves versus spells, SR is much much more potent.

 

[Stalker0]

Casters also have the ability to diversify their spells more at higher level to account for SR. When all a 1st level wizard has is magic missile, having SR blows.

 

[Tequila Sunrise]

Casters also have the ability to diversify their spells more at higher level to account for SR. When all a 1st level wizard has is magic missile, having SR blows.

Point taken. I've recently redelved into my d&d revamp, where I'm turning all class features into feats. I got to the monk's various abilities and saw that they don't get Diamond Soul until 13th level and couldn't decide if this is for balance reasons or just to give them an ability at that particular level.

Thanks to the various posts, I've decided that it's a balance issue and so I'll require 13 character levels or so to buy SR 24 and then a feat every couple levels or so to raise it.