Creating Infusions vs Scrolls & Potions

[rushlight]

Here lately I've been playing a druid in a game, and I decided I needed some ability to store spells for later, since I'm currently low level. Anyway, I decided to use the new Create Infusion feat in MoW because I thought it added flavor. Then I realized how poor this feat seamed to be, especially when compared to Scribe Scroll and Brew Potion.

Essentially, Infusions cost double that of scrolls or potions. Then there's that insanly long process for prepairing the herbs yourself (for a +1 caster level bonus). The preparation step not withstanding, why do Infusions cost double that of scrolls and potions? I can't seem to figure out a balancing reason why, since druids can get Scribe Scroll (before the Create Infusion feat becomes available no less!) and Brew Potion at the same level.

Sure, the Infusions basically work like potions, but I just don't get why the cost is doubled. Anybody have a clue why it's like that?

 

[DarkJester]

It only works for people who have the spell on their spell list, so effectivly you get a double cost scroll. It does give flavor, but why double the cost?

The answer: The game designers had a few to many of the druids magical mushrooms.

The real answer, or leading to it can be found in that little blurp under the "What is an Infusion" section of MOTW. Infusions being able to be used by a druid who is in a wild shaped form, since all you have to do is eat it.

 

[Emongnome]

It appears that Brew Potion costs the same as Create Infusion. Brew Potion base price is 50gp x caster level x spell level (PHB pg 80). Create Infusion cost to create is 25gp x caster level x spell level (MotW pg 31). Cost to create is normally half of base price, I'm pretty sure. Besides, Create Infusion can go up to 9th level while Brew Potion has a 3rd level limit.

 

[Mahali]

Infusion aren't expensive. It's priced as a potion and like a scroll goes up to 9th level. Also like a scroll it has to be on your spell list and unlike a scroll its a atandard action to use instead of normal casting time. If you have the time they even let you do it as +1 caster level. In other words infusions are broken.

 

[DarkJester]

Broken? I don't think so. They are useful for wildshaping druids, but otherwise, you are better off geting the two scrolls for the same money.

 

[Mahali]

Think of it.

Hasted cleric with 2 infusions. Raise Dead and Heal.
Fred's back in the fight same round he died.

Call Lightning. 10 minute cast spell done in 3 seconds. Haste: 2 infussions, next round 2 bolts of serious damage.

I know Haste is in those two but it just helps point out how unbalancing allowing anything that normally has casting time of over 1 action to be cast.

Identify all your magic items in 6 seconds or less!

 

[Caliban]

A druid can make an infusion of call lightning and get it off in one round instead of 10 minutes.

You could summon monsters as a standard action instead of a full round action.

 

[Dinkeldog]

Scrolls can be countered; infusions can't.