Divine and Arcane: What's the Difference?

CombatWombat51 · Apr 20, 2003

I'm making a new class, and it's not clear whether or not they should cast arcane or divine spells. That made me wonder if there was any mechanical difference, or if it was just a flavorful descriptor. So, can anyone tell me what mechanical difference, if any, is there between arcane and divine spells?

Dr. Zoom · Apr 20, 2003

Divine casters do not have to rest to prepare their spells, but pray for them at a specific time of day (usually sunrise, noon, sunset, or midnight), chosen during character creation unless his chosen deity specifies the time for him. Arcane casters must rest 8 hours before they can prepare spells each day.

Divine casters do not suffer any spell failure chance while wearing armor (although the bard will enjoy this benefit to some degree in 3eR).

Divine casters get the healing spells, if this is an important consideration.

Christian · Apr 20, 2003

I'll list the mechanical distinctions with the flavor justifications in parentheses:

1. Arcane spells with somatic components suffer a spell failure percentage for armor worn. (Arcane spells require precise motions of the arms, hands, and body to work, while divine spells generally require something as simple as brandishing a holy symbol.)

2. Arcane casters require rest and a clear mind to prepare spells, whereas divine casters just pray at a particular time of day. (Arcane spells are prepared with concentration and study, whereas divine spells are powers granted by a powerful extraplanar patron.)

That's it, as far as I can think of.

Spatzimaus · Apr 20, 2003

More differences:

> Divine spells also usually are subject to the approval of a deity. So, a Good Cleric can't cast [Evil] spells, and vice versa, and if you've done bad things the deity can choose not to grant you any power that day. Arcane casters don't have any problems with stuff like that.
> Divine casters know all spells at each level, Arcane casters are more limited (Wizards have to scribe into a book, Bards and Sorcerers have limited spells known).
> Divine casters usually have some sort of Divine Focus. If a spell says M/DF or F/DF, that means Arcane casters need to provide material components or a focus, while Divine casters just need to pull out their holy symbol. Many spells have an "Arcane Material Component" listed; in these cases, the Divine version doesn't need any material component (see Hold Person)
> Divine casters have Knowledge (religion) on their class skill list, while Arcane types have Knowledge (arcana).
> Level-based damage caps for Arcane spells are higher than the corresponding level of Divine spells.