Gnusto's Magic Transcription

[Halivar]

My room-mate often challenge each other on Zork trivia. In the Enchanter series, the first spell you get for free at the beginning of the game is GNUSTO, which magically copies spells from scrolls into your spell book. We both agreed that something like that could have use in D&D, so here it is!

Gnusto's Magic Transcription
Transmutation
Level: Wiz 1
Components: S, V, X
Casting Time: Standard Action
Range: Personal
Target: Scroll or spellbook
Duration: Permenant
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: None

This spell magically copies a scribed spell (that you can understand and use) from a scroll or another spellbook in your possession into your own spellbook. In the process, the original copy goes blank. There is an experience cost of 25xp per level of the spell.

 

[Golem2176]

Don't you think the spell level is a little low? The DMs Guide states that a wizard cannot copy a scroll to his/her spellbook unless two conditions are met. One, the wizards intelligence score reflects how high a pell level he can comprehend (10 + the spells actual level). Two, even if the character can't automaticaaly use the spell, he runs the risk of running afoul of the properties of magic. Just some thoughts.

 

[Halivar]

The DMs Guide states that a wizard cannot copy a scroll to his/her spellbook unless two conditions are met. One, the wizards intelligence score reflects how high a pell level he can comprehend (10 + the spells actual level).

That's what the "can understand and use" clause is for. Thus, at first level, you can only use this spell on other first level spells.

 

[Golem2176]

Sorry. I must have ovelooked that.

 

[AuraSeer]

Isn't this the same effect as amanuensis from Magic of Faerun?

 

[Halivar]

Maybe, but at least mine isn't copyrighted...

 

[Li Shenron]

Do I understand right that this spell basically substitutes the 100gp/level cost with 25xp/level cost, plus lets you skip the Spellcraft check and the whole day of job?

If that's so, not only I think that being 1st level is not too low, but also I think that I won't be very sure if I would like to spend the Xp instead of the Gp. It is useful anyway in the middle of adventure, when you really can't stop to setup a suitable scribing environment but may wish to prepare the new spell as soon as possible.

 

[Halivar]

Wow, only a hundred gold pieces? Hrmm...

What about 5 xp/level, no spell cost?

 

[AuraSeer]

Remember that in general, one XP is worth 5 gp.

5 xp/level is clearly far too low. Your original cost of 25 xp/level is more reasonable.

A cost of 25 XP works out to 125 gp, slightly more than the normal cost for scribing each level. But the extra cost makes up for the time savings.

I think the spell would be balanced if it were moved to 2nd or 3rd level. I'd also give it a longer casting time-- say, one minute per spell level-- to reinforce the idea that it's not a combat spell.

One more change: the duration should be Instantaneous. If it were a Permanent effect, all your scribed spells would go away as soon as you got hit with a dispel magic.

 

[Corlon]

Remember that in general, one XP is worth 5 gp.
I think the spell would be balanced if it were moved to 2nd or 3rd level. I'd also give it a longer casting time-- say, one minute per spell level-- to reinforce the idea that it's not a combat spell.
[/i].

Well, if it was moved to 2nd or 3rd level I don't think the time should be increased, because I can think of a lot of cool situations in which a wizard could get a spell in the midst of combat (on one of those "we must find the spell to do somethign" quests.)