Help with KotS Wizard Pregen

[AnthonyRoberson]

I have been playing D&D in its varied forms since 1982 and I can't figure out the Wizard pregen character in Keep of the Shadowfell to save my life! First of all, his spells aren't called 'spells' (which is weird to me). Second of all, the sheet mentions that he has two 'additional' spells in his spellbook, but can only cast one per day. Does that he mean he gets to cast either Sleep or the other daily spell once per day, but not both? Also, does he not get any additional daily spells when he hits 2nd and 3rd level? Gosh, it really shouldn't be this complicated...

 

[Tervin]

I have been playing D&D in its varied forms since 1982 and I can't figure out the Wizard pregen character in Keep of the Shadowfell to save my life! First of all, his spells aren't called 'spells' (which is weird to me). Second of all, the sheet mentions that he has two 'additional' spells in his spellbook, but can only cast one per day. Does that he mean he gets to cast either Sleep or the other daily spell once per day, but not both? Also, does he not get any additional daily spells when he hits 2nd and 3rd level? Gosh, it really shouldn't be this complicated...

Either Sleep or Acid Arrow, choose as you prepare each morning. And no, he only gets Utility and Encounter powers level 2 and 3. I don't know if it is possible to add more spells to the spellbook, and how - but it sounds like something that should be possible.

 

[Kordeth]

I have been playing D&D in its varied forms since 1982 and I can't figure out the Wizard pregen character in Keep of the Shadowfell to save my life! First of all, his spells aren't called 'spells' (which is weird to me).

"Spell" is the generic terms for all powers that come from the arcane power source, just like prayers are divine powers and exploits are martial powers.

Tervin answered your other questions, so I won't repeat him.

 

[Blackeagle]

First of all, his spells aren't called 'spells' (which is weird to me).

A Wizard's powers are called spells, but the name is basically a bit of fluff. All characters with an arcane power source get spells, those with a divine power source get prayers, and those with a martial power get exploits. However, all that really matters is the type of power (at-will, encounter, daily, and utility).

Does that he mean he gets to cast either Sleep or the other daily spell once per day, but not both?

Yep. You choose which one you want after an extended rest. You can cast that spell once during the day.

Also, does he not get any additional daily spells when he hits 2nd and 3rd level?

Characters don't get an additional daily powers until 5th level. It's probably possible for a wizard to add more daily spells to his spellbook, but he could still only prepare and cast one per day. However, KotS doesn't seem to include the rules for adding spells to the spellbook. Have to wait for the PHB I guess.

Gosh, it really shouldn't be this complicated...

It's not really complicated, just . . . different.

 

[Belphanior]

First of all, his spells aren't called 'spells' (which is weird to me).

Not on the sheet, no, but that's not a serious problem with understanding how he works, right?

Second of all, the sheet mentions that he has two 'additional' spells in his spellbook, but can only cast one per day. Does that he mean he gets to cast either Sleep or the other daily spell once per day, but not both?

Actually it says he has "an" extra spell, not two. Anyway yes, you're right. He can either prepare Sleep or Acid Arrow for the day.

Also, does he not get any additional daily spells when he hits 2nd and 3rd level? Gosh, it really shouldn't be this complicated...

Everything he gains at higher levels is listed. If you can't see another daily spell, he ain't got one. This is really not complicated at all, you're just expecting to see things from pre-4e versions in here.

If it helps, there's a table to be found here:
http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/4ex/20080416a

It lists powers known by level, so as you can see the wizard wouldn't learn a new daily until level 5 (although he might get two again to choose from per day, but this would be unique to the wizard class).

 

[AnthonyRoberson]

Thanks!

Thanks for all the timely replies!!! Maybe I had trouble figuring out this stuff because I am just getting old...

I guess I want start into the reasons why the pregens illos don't match their listed equipment or why the dwarf gets a power that is described as many little 'cuts' and 'jabs' when he is supposed to be wielding a great big maul then...

 

[Boarstorm]

I guess I want start into the reasons why the pregens illos don't match their listed equipment or why the dwarf gets a power that is described as many little 'cuts' and 'jabs' when he is supposed to be wielding a great big maul then...

Those threads are already around here somewhere, if you want to do a little digging.

 

[Propagandroid]

Not on the sheet, no, but that's not a serious problem with understanding how he works, right?

It's a serious problem to have different terminologies, and ceasing to call a wizard's spells "spells" is very lame. Spells shouldn't just be a fluff word...well, unless you're trying to make all characters exactly the same.*


*Which seems to be an overriding design philosophy in 4e.

 

[Boarstorm]

Spells shouldn't just be a fluff word...well, unless you're trying to make all characters exactly the same.*


*Which seems to be an overriding design philosophy in 4e.

You take your screen name very seriously, don't you?

 

[Wisdom Penalty]

You take your screen name very seriously, don't you?

I know I do.