Level Up (A5E) Improving spells

[Morrus]

Forgetting changing individual spells, how would you improve spells in general? In terms of things like formatting, classification, and content.

(Not asking about individual spell changes or fixes at this time).

Bear in mind, we’re not changing the underlying system. This isn’t about alternate spell systems. Assume you’ve been tasked to take the existing spell lists and rewrite them. What do you do?

 

[Tales and Chronicles]

I'd classify them alphabetical per spell level, as a start. Maybe add a small icon or sign to show if they can be upcasted. And probably add an indication to show which class can use it.

If possible:

• use the usual range and AoE, but also add a fixed number or affected target in a zone, using the ''adjudicating Area of Effect'' from the DMG.
• Shorten the description of spells, focusing on the effect and saves (written in bold). Let the player decide if its ''spike growth'' is made from thorns, pointy rocks, swarming micro-modrons with spears, or astral crystal shards.
• Use averages for damage or healing dealt by a spell, with the actual dice written in parenthesis.

Spells should be quick to use for both players and DMs, even if we are talking about an advanced system.

 

[The Old Crow]

I would like a Saving Throw line added to the stat block, rather than it being buried in the text, like Save: Wis, negates, or Save: Dex, 1/2 damage.

 

[p_johnston]

I'd classify them alphabetical per spell level, as a start. Maybe add a small icon or sign to show if they can be upcasted. And probably add an indication to show which class can use it.

This. One hundred percent this. Also maybe a small gold coin icon to indicate a material component with a cost and the page number the spell description is on.

 

[CubicsRube]

I would personally prefer a spell section that lists spells by class AND level. This would mean that some spells would be duplicated, but from a player point of view I hate having to flip around to find the spell I want, or having to write it down sonewhere else. I should be able to open up to the cleric section and look at my level 2 options.

 

[Cadence]

I would personally prefer a spell section that lists spells by class AND level.

If it does, all the monster and NPC descriptions in the MM and modules would have to give class and level when referring to spells, right?

 

[CubicsRube]

If it does, all the monster and NPC descriptions in the MM and modules would have to give class and level when referring to spells, right?

I guess that is another issue, as I prefer the spells (a truncated version) to be listed under the monster description also

 

[Guest 6801328]

I'd come up with a system for evaluating spell power. How valuable is a spell that lets you choose targets in sight, versus hits all targets in an area? Concentration vs. not? Save at the end of every turn versus a single save? Which saving throw does it target? (E.g., targeting Int is generally more useful than targeting Con). What's the effect on a failed save? (E.g. Paralyzed > Stunned > Restrained > Prone) Etc. etc. etc. Come up with a rubric, and then go through every spell in the game and see if it's under or over powered for its level.

Not every spell is going to fit, of course. But at least start there.

 

[Matthan]

On the DMsguild, there is a product called the Opus of Extrinsic Substance, that does a great job of both putting the spells in alphabetical order by level, but also clearly showing which classes have each spell on their list. Everything you need is right there. Give it a look.

 

[Zardnaar]

Add what class/domain can cast them a'la 3E and Pathfinder.