FR: Players Guide to Faerun is out what do you think?

[Falling Icicle]

We can go on and on about the power level of the FR, but I'd really like to know more about the content of the book, if you guys don't mind.

What's new about the Incantatrix? I'm playing one right now so I'd really like to know what's changed. I'm also extremely intrigued by the Netherese Arcanist and Spellfire Heirophant Epic prestige classes. Anyone care to fill me in?

 

[jasamcarl]

Which is really the best approach. I'm just not a fan of them making 'better feats,' and I'm usually extremely ambivalent to accusations of power creep.

*shrug* I guess with 3.5, so ends my purchases in the Realms.

On this I understand and agree with you. In this case I don't think the results were that bad considering where the core feats were, but I don't buy the effectivness for flavor argument either.

 

[I'm A Banana]

We can go on and on about the power level of the FR, but I'd really like to know more about the content of the book, if you guys don't mind.

NO! DON'T DISCUSS CONTENT! ARRRGH! MY RAILROADING, MY RAILROADING! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 

[reiella]

We can go on and on about the power level of the FR, but I'd really like to know more about the content of the book, if you guys don't mind.

What's new about the Incantatrix? I'm playing one right now so I'd really like to know what's changed. I'm also extremely intrigued by the Netherese Arcanist and Spellfire Heirophant Epic prestige classes. Anyone care to fill me in?

They no longer can specialist benefits if they weren't a specialist before. Regardless of their prior specialist state, they must choose another restricted school.

They get 1,4,7,and 10 bonus metamagic feats.

2nd, By making a DC 18 + [3xadjusted spell-level] spellcraft check, they can apply a metamagic feat to a spell being cast by a willing allied spellcaster. Limited to 3 + Int Modifier uses per day.

3rd, They can do the same later to an existing magical effect, not necessary for 'willing allied spellcaster' then of course. (For instance, extend duration of a wall of force, or maximize damage dealt by cloudkill).

5th, they can apply metamagic feats to spell trigger items, using up an additional number of charges equal to the spell level adjustment. It has to be from an item that uses charges however (not like a strand of prayer beads).

6th, Seize Concentration, steal control over an ongoing spell effect that requires concentration, opposed caster level check if other spellcaster isn't willing. Divine Spellcasters get a +2 bonus to check. If incantatrix concentration lapses, the original spellcaster may make a dc 15 + spell level caster level check to reclaim the spell. All level variables remain the same as the original spellcaster.

At 7th (and again at 9th), they get one instant metamagic. It does not use a higher-level spell slot (the wording would allow you to theoretically maximize Meteor Swarm, if you had the spell, without any needing 10+th level spell slots at all).

At 8th, they can 'snatch' control over a persistant spell/effect created by another spellcaster (that does not necessarily require concentration, such as Bull's Strength). Same opposed check. All level variables remain the same as the original spellcaster.

At 10th, they get Improved metamagic. Applying to all metamagic feats. The result also appropiately lowers the DC for the Cooperative Metamagic and Metamagic effect (as the effective spell level is one lower).

 

[Kai Lord]

How's the artwork? Did they shell out the big bucks for Dennis Crabapple and a chimp with crayons?

 

[dreaded_beast]

The initiate domains are real nice. Give unique spells to the priests of certain gods and a nice little domain power. Well worth the feat you have to spend to gain the initiate domain.

For example, Initiate of Tyr domain gives +1 attack with Longsword and access to Sword and Hammer and Greater Sword and Hammer. Now only Tyrran priests can cast those two spells.

So only clerics of a particular deity can get their deity spells, similar to how it was in 2nd ed with spheres and such?

My old DM had a big gripe with that, but I personally didn't mind.

 

[reiella]

So only clerics of a particular deity can get their deity spells, similar to how it was in 2nd ed with spheres and such?

My old DM had a big gripe with that, but I personally didn't mind.

Pretty much, although it may be closer to specialist priests than the spheres.

I like the idea of the Initiate feats, but then, they are a bit more powerful than regular feats (Spell Knowledge + usually a Domain-grade ability), and stacking them on top of the arguably 'High end of the Balance cloud' Cleric seems to just result in even more potential for Cleric smackdowns...

 

[Syltorian]

Thanks for the information, Reiella and Celtavian.

Hm. That would get the Initiate of Tyr who has also chosen War as one of his domains +2 on Longswords? Now to decide whether I like that or not...

From the contents lists that have been posted on several places, there seems to be some description of Human Ethnicities. Is the description any different or adding anything new to the Races of Faerûn?

 

[Derren]

I have heared that Initate of Mystra allows one to cast spells in antimagic fields (with caster level checks). Is that true?

Doesn't sound very balanced with +1 with longswords.

 

[Falling Icicle]

Thanks for the info Reilla! The new Incantatirx sounds soooooooo cool! So they no longer have any anti-outsider abilities, I take it? Do they still have the same requirements as before (ie knowlege planes, iron will, etc)?

I'm also glad they took out the weird specialist thing with them. Giving up one extra school is alot more balanced, IMO. I am going to miss Hardy Spirit though...