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<blockquote data-quote="GlassJaw" data-source="post: 7831066" data-attributes="member: 22103">I haven't read through the entire thread but I see the issue. Overall, I really like cantrips (and their auto-scaling) as well as casting spells at a higher level.However, as you gain higher-level spells and spell slots, those lower level, scalable spells now have to compete. And in the case of damaging spells, many of them don't scale very efficiently when compared against a higher-level spell.(Side note: It's interesting that there aren't many high-level, single-target damage spells, which almost requires you to scale a lower-level spell for that effect.)One idea that I've been working is a mechanic that auto-scales lower-level spells based on your highest-level spell slot. For example:&quot;When you cast a spell X levels lower than your highest known spell level, the spell automatically scales as if you cast it using a spell slot of one level higher (up to your highest-level slot).&quot; (X = 2, 3?)Wording is a little clunky, which I'm sure can be simplified, but the basic idea is one you can cast spells of a certain level, your lower level spells get an free +1 spell slot level bump. So if it was 2 levels higher, when a 5th-level wizard cast Magic Missile, it would automatically scale as if a 2nd-level spell slot was used. If the wizard used a 2nd-level spell slot, it would count as a 3rd-level spell slot, etc.No idea on balance though. This could be a universal rule for all casters, a class ability for specific classes, or a feat or subclass ability. And for any of those it could an &quot;always-on&quot; ability or certain number of uses per rest.My design gut says it should be a 3-level difference so as not to overshadow cantrips too much. I like the idea of limiting to a number of uses per rest but I also like the simplicity of making it a universal rule. Playtesting!</blockquote>

[QUOTE="GlassJaw, post: 7831066, member: 22103"] I haven't read through the entire thread but I see the issue. Overall, I really like cantrips (and their auto-scaling) as well as casting spells at a higher level. However, as you gain higher-level spells and spell slots, those lower level, scalable spells now have to compete. And in the case of damaging spells, many of them don't scale very efficiently when compared against a higher-level spell. (Side note: It's interesting that there aren't many high-level, single-target damage spells, which almost requires you to scale a lower-level spell for that effect.) One idea that I've been working is a mechanic that auto-scales lower-level spells based on your highest-level spell slot. For example: "When you cast a spell X levels lower than your highest known spell level, the spell automatically scales as if you cast it using a spell slot of one level higher (up to your highest-level slot)." (X = 2, 3?) Wording is a little clunky, which I'm sure can be simplified, but the basic idea is one you can cast spells of a certain level, your lower level spells get an free +1 spell slot level bump. So if it was 2 levels higher, when a 5th-level wizard cast Magic Missile, it would automatically scale as if a 2nd-level spell slot was used. If the wizard used a 2nd-level spell slot, it would count as a 3rd-level spell slot, etc. No idea on balance though. This could be a universal rule for all casters, a class ability for specific classes, or a feat or subclass ability. And for any of those it could an "always-on" ability or certain number of uses per rest. My design gut says it should be a 3-level difference so as not to overshadow cantrips too much. I like the idea of limiting to a number of uses per rest but I also like the simplicity of making it a universal rule. Playtesting! [/QUOTE]

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