Introducing SC material

[Shadeydm]

How did you use the Spell compendium in your game.

 

[Sound of Azure]

I voted for allowed a few here and there. A player needs my approval before adding any SC spell to their class spell list.

A player can remove spells from their character's base spell list and replace it with a SC spell of the same level instead. In the case of characters with a spells known list, the SC spell is now available to be chosen as a spell known. Wizards and Archivists (and similar classes) may also research approved SC spells to simply add them to their prayer/spellbook.

 

[Boregar]

I allowed my players to select from it when they leveled up, if there were any spells that interested them, but reserved the right to veto any of them on a case by case basis.

However, I haven't had to say no to anything so far.

 

[Glyfair]

A bit of a hodgepodge, based on the type of caster. The only standard rule is that any spell chosen must get my approval (which is rarely not given).

For the casters that have limited spells they chose, they just have to get my permission to chose the spell. A spell that is found (scroll, etc.) is assumed to have my permission.

For the casters that have full access to their list but still prepare spells (cleric being the classic example), I allow them to chose 1 spell per caster level to add to their spell list. In addition to that, they can add spells they find during the game automatically. Besides scrolls of the spells, I occasionally sprinkle in divine books revealing these secrets.

All other casters (warmage, beguiler) just can use their Advanced Learning abilities to add them to their list.

 

[Stormborn]

We essentially just added it as is to the game. Practically, however, it means that the cleric is preparing more spells from it at higher levels simply because of the nature of our opponents (lots of demons) and the Sorcerer has learned more spells from it simply to reflect his strongly emphasized draconic heritage. So far it just seems that the spells in SC fit the campaign better, but from what I can tell there would certainly be times when that was not the case.

 

[Tiberius]

I allow any spell from the SC (except Wraithstrike, off the top of my head), but get around the huge boost in versatility for clerics and druids by using the spontaneous casting variant from UA.

 

[Oryan77]

I dropped in all of the spells from the start but I sort of regret it. I'd probably handle things differently if I started a new campaign.

 

[Shadeydm]

I dropped in all of the spells from the start but I sort of regret it. I'd probably handle things differently if I started a new campaign.

I would love to hear how you would change things in a do over. Having only gotten the book Monday myself I haven't decided how I will implement it yet or to what degree. Anything I can learn from other peoples experiences with it could be helpful.

 

[Xyxox]

How did you use the Spell compendium in your game.

Since I don't allow anything outside the Core Rules (e.g. PHB, MM, DMG), I had no use for it, thus I never purchased it.

 

[TerraDave]

photocopied a fair number based on semi-random criteria, and then used some in game situations as the basis for the casters discovering them (at which point I handed over the copies).

One practical issue is that the arcane caster in the party is a Sorcerer, and the SC could really be called the Compendium of Arcane Caster Frustration. In game, he acquired a special scroll with a selection of SC spells that are restored each time he levels. Its added variety, but is not a huge power up.

The other big practical issue with my players: information overload. They have a hard enough time keeping on top of the spells in the core rules.