Arcane Spellcaster Questions

[jhanzur]

First Question:

Can an elf wizard be on watch as part of his rest period? He can be in trance for 4 hours, then needs another 4 hours of rest before he can study his spells. Barring anything interrupting rest as pointed out on PHB p.154, can he still be on watch, or would this be classified as a mental task?

Second Question:

Specialists can prepare one extra spell per level of levels they can cast that must be in their school. Do they get an extra 0 level spell also from their school?

 

[Merlion]

Second question first: yes they do
I dont know what the official ruling on the first question would be or if there is one. Me, I dont understand why if the 4 hours of trance is all an elf needs normaly, they need another 4 hours of "rest" to regain spells....8 hours is the normal rest period for a human. But yea at the very least I'd say an elf could "keep his/her eyes open" for those other 4 hours.

 

[jhanzur]

I dont know what the official ruling on the first question would be or if there is one. Me, I dont understand why if the 4 hours of trance is all an elf needs normaly, they need another 4 hours of "rest" to regain spells....8 hours is the normal rest period for a human. But yea at the very least I'd say an elf could "keep his/her eyes open" for those other 4 hours.

According to the PHB p.154, the elf is physically rested after the 4 hour trance period, but must rest another 4 hours for complete mental rest in order to study spells again.

 

[Merlion]

Yep I know this. I just think its inconsistent. I understand that they do it to avoid elven wizards having an "advantage". But I think having it all make sense is worth it.

 

[jhanzur]

I don't know, it kinda makes sense to me. The act of being able to fill one's mind with magical spells just takes 8 full hours of rest. It's probably just a magical limitation, rather than a physical one. I see your point too though. On the other question, I was reading the latest D&D FAQ and it clears up the specialist being able to add one 0 level spell with evidence.

 

[Merlion]

~shrugs~ in previous editions everyone need 8 hours of rest for everything. now elves need 4 hours of trance...and to me the rule that they need another 4 hours of "rest" seems like a tack-on. when the "balance" issue is minor I favor sense/logic over "balance".

 

[jhanzur]

mental rest and physical rest are two different things.

 

[bret]

I would have to say No to the standing a watch. It is not restful to try and stay alert, watching for any signs of danger. Vigilence is not easy. It may be boring at times, but that isn't the same as resting.

 

[Darklone]

I don't want them on watch either, but I treat them as being awake during the whole time for Listen checks...That usually helps a lot.

 

[Pax]

Darklone has a good POV, I think.

For me, either as player or DM, I try to have two PCs on watch at a time.

An elf spellcaster during their "4 hours awake but mentally resting" does fine as teh scondary on-watch character. They won't be making any active spot rolls and such, but if trouble ensues, they can abandon their rest and wake up the other PCs, while the other watcher tries to buy a couple rounds' time for folks to get up, awake, and armed.