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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sepulchrave II" data-source="post: 1030903" data-attributes="member: 4303">As we all know, the Epic spell system is, well, a bit weird, to say the least. One of its quirks is that it – technically – allows spells which take no time to develop and cost nothing. I vaguely remember reading somewhere on the Wizards’ site – maybe in the Epic FAQ, I don’t exactly recall – that Andy Collins recommended that no spell with a Spellcraft DC of under 20 (or maybe it was 10?) should be permitted.Initially, this seemed like a good idea to me. But then I got to considering ‘what if you did allow spells with ultra-low DCs to be developed?’ Would it really be that bad?The Epic system is whacked, pure and simple. To make it work, any DM needs to invest a lot of time, and to make many tweaks. This, at least, is my experience. So, within limits, I allow DC 0 spells.The idea that a powerful spellcaster can, on the spur of the moment create a spell effect is very appealing to me. It is ‘invented’ at the time that it is needed – a truly spontaneous, impromptu spell of enormous power. The Wizard (or Druid, or whatever) simply channels the magical energy, focuses his Will, and makes it happen. For me, this is a compelling archetype which is impossible to resist.Consider this, for a moment:Ngaaarrhhh!Necromancy [Death]Spellcraft DC: 0Components: V, XPCasting Time: 1 actionRange: 300 ft.Target: One living creatureDuration: InstantaneousSaving Throw: Fortitude partial (see text)Spell Resistance: Yes (see text)To Develop: 0 gp; 0 days; 0 XP. Seed: slay (DC 25). Factors: 1-action casting time (+20 DC); no somatic component (+2 DC); increase spell’s saving throw DC by +10 (+20 DC); gain +10 on caster level check to overcome SR (+20 DC). Mitigating factors: 42d6 Backlash (-42 DC); burn 4500 xp (-45 DC). Madness and anger consume you. You scream death down on a target of up to 80 HD/levels, who must make a Fortitude saving throw (DC 30+ relevant ability modifier) or die. Your fury grants you a +10 bonus on your roll to defeat the target’s spell resistance, if it possesses any. If it survives the attack, it instead takes 3d6+20 damage. The toll on your psyche and body is immense, and you suffer 42d6 backlash damage.XP Cost: 4500 xpBroken? Maybe, but I don’t think so. Remember all Epic spell effects must be approved by the DM – this one is no different.</blockquote>

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