How many of use the "delayed preparation" option?

[Li Shenron]

Wizards, Clerics and Druids can choose not to prepare all of their daily spells in the morning, and instead keep some slots "open". Later in the day, they can take some time to prepare those spells which they didn't prepare beforehand.

How often do you take advantage of this option, if you do?

I have used it before, but only on a very few occasion, and it usually seemed best to me to keep only a couple of slots open. It also seemed to be much more useful for a Cleric than any other class.

It's kind of obvious that the advantages are in being able to slightly "adapt" your daily spell selection to the circumstances, as soon as you find out more about what are you going to need today.

However the restrictions aren't to be taken lightly. You need the same conditions that you do when you prepare the morning spells. You can't fill the open slots while in a dungeon for instance, or while walking downtown. If your DM has allowed you to do so in less-than-comfortable situations, please make mention of it in your comment.

 

[Zappo]

I use it very often. Usually, I keep a low-level slot (say, first or second). That way I can pull off a utility spell (knock, identify, detect magic, whatever) if need be. Up until now, I've only prepared the spell while in a quiet place, but I suspect that my DM would allow me to prepare anywhere, provided that I can stay still and it isn't too rowdy.

 

[Steverooo]

I voted "regularly", although I abhor spellcasters, and never play them, if I can help it... IF I played a Wizard or Mage, however, I would set aside one Cantrip/Orison, and one spell/spell level to be used, in this fashion.

I don't see the one hour of memorization time as that big a deal, even in a dungeon. You need to be well-rested, not "comfortable". I wasn't aware that Clerics and Druids could do it, however!

 

[Arbiter of Wyrms]

I used to have a player who swore by this option. As a Dm, it's not an issue.

 

[Li Shenron]

I don't see the one hour of memorization time as that big a deal, even in a dungeon. You need to be well-rested, not "comfortable". I wasn't aware that Clerics and Druids could do it, however!

The time is only part of the deal, as it also needs the same environment:

To prepare any spell, a wizard must have enough peace, quiet, and comfort to allow for proper concentration. The wizard’s surroundings need not be luxurious, but they must be free from overt distractions. Exposure to inclement weather prevents the necessary concentration, as does any injury or failed saving throw the character might experience while studying. Wizards also must have access to their spellbooks to study from and sufficient light to read them by.

It's in fact quite open to interpretation, and the second reason why I started this thread. I was guessing that the majority of those who use the delayed preparation option don't bother about the environment at all, and are allowed to do so as long as they are not in outright battle.

PS Clerics & Druids can too AFAIK, but let's please not turn the thread into a discussion of that. If someone plays so that they don't, just answer the poll with wizards only in mind.

 

[Psion]

I used to have a player who swore by this option. As a Dm, it's not an issue.

I'm not so sure about that... at least if you are in the mind of "simulation." I typically load NPC wizards out with a spell list that makes sense for their circumstances. NPC wizards are not always ready for battle. It aids their survivability if you assume that they have a slot or two put away for a rainy day.

 

[diaglo]

PS Clerics & Druids can too AFAIK, but let's please not turn the thread into a discussion of that. If someone plays so that they don't, just answer the poll with wizards only in mind.

afaik, clerics and druids get there spells during a set time each day. part of the justification for letting them change out spells for cures and summons respectively.


as for wizards. i have always liked the option to keep a slot or two open. and study/memorize/prepare a spell as needed. of course, the problem is that is usually only a noncombat spell to get around some obstacle. but still it could be a combat spell, if you have the opportunity to set up the battle and ambush your foes.


edit: from the SRD: Preparing Divine spells: Time of Day: A divine spellcaster chooses and prepares spells ahead of time, just as a wizard does. However, a divine spellcaster does not require a period of rest to prepare spells. Instead, the character chooses a particular part of the day to pray and receive spells. The time is usually associated with some daily event. If some event prevents a character from praying at the proper time, he must do so as soon as possible. If the character does not stop to pray for spells at the first opportunity, he must wait until the next day to prepare spells.

 

[swrushing]

I tended to have at least one slot open per spell level, sometimes two, if it was a spell per day heavy slot. basically my character would prepare only spells he knew he would need and typically a fight's worth of "caught unawares" spells and the rest would be left open. Some levels of spells (like say second level wizard) which were widely varied utility spells would have few slots loaded at the start, the plan being to fill in exactly what was needed when needed.

 

[The_Gneech]

I have used occasionally, but usually my character knows what he's going to be doing that day: fighting giants. Again. So, I load up on blastings and dimension doors.

If we were going into something like the Tomb of Horrors, where utility spells might actually be useful, I'd definitely leave slots open for puzzle-solving purposes.

-The Gneech

 

[diaglo]

If we were going into something like the Tomb of Horrors, where utility spells might actually be useful, I'd definitely leave slots open for puzzle-solving purposes.

nah.. just pick obscure spells like

Spoiler

shatter