Limited Number of Spells and No Spell-Learning for Wizards

[Roman]

From the various playtests and snippets of information posted on the topic of wizards and spellcasting, I surmise that unlike their 3E counterparts, wizards in 4E will not be able to learn new spells during their adventures (other than at the point of level up) and will have a limited number of spells known, like the sorcerers in 3E. The spells will be 'powers'.

This is probably being done so as bring fighters and wizards into balance with the philosophy of ~ If fighters cannot learn new maneuvers other than at level-up neither should the wizards be able to learn spells in that manner.

To speculate wildly: I will venture a guess that learning new spells will cost a talent (or possibly a feat, but more likely a talent). Wizard talents will be wizard spells/powers! There may, of course, be some 'non-spell' talents too, that the wizard can take in lieu of new spells.

To speculate further, though, I think rituals, which will probably basically be non-combat spells with long casting times, may be learnable outside of the level-up structure. Because their casting times will be too long to enable their use in combat, this will not unbalance combat abilities of the Wizard vis-a-vis the other classes. As a wizard fan, this is what I am hoping for anyway.

 

[Simon Marks]

I hope not, doing so would rob Wizards of their Arcane heritage.

Wizards should have mechanical reasons for seeking out books and tomes.

Dammit!

 

[Gloombunny]

From the latest playtest report:

I'm pretty happy with my wizard right now, though I'm looking forward to hunting down some more rituals so I can do some more versatile things.

Sounds like rituals, at least, will be something a wizard can learn more of in play instead of just through levelling.

 

[Roman]

I hope not, doing so would rob Wizards of their Arcane heritage.

Wizards should have mechanical reasons for seeking out books and tomes.

Well, I think they still might. To speculate further - I think rituals, which will probably basically be non-combat spells with long casting times, may be learnable outside of the level-up structure. Because their casting times will be too long to enable their use in combat, this will not unbalance combat abilities of the Wizard vis-a-vis the other classes. As a wizard fan, this is what I am hoping for anyway.

 

[Roman]

From the latest playtest report:

Sounds like rituals, at least, will be something a wizard can learn more of in play instead of just through levelling.

Posted simultaneously! But, yes, I agree.

 

[Szatany]

I hope not, doing so would rob Wizards of their Arcane heritage.

Wizards should have mechanical reasons for seeking out books and tomes.

Dammit!

They should, if fighters have mechanical reasons to seek out martial trainers.

 

[Smerg]

Why should it only be wizards?

Why should it not be fighters searching for special teachers of hidden manuvers?

Why should it not be clerics seeking forgotten prayers or rituals?

Why should it not be Paladins seeking to learn all but forgotten techniques of smiting?

It should not be just Wizards that want to crack open the spine of a book. Even a rogue should have something to learn if they choose to apply themselves.

 

[Voss]

Could we perhaps change the thread title to mention that this is, in fact, speculation?

I don't really want to see this referenced as verification in a month or so.

Thanks

 

[WayneLigon]

Why should it not be fighters searching for special teachers of hidden manuvers?

Could very well be. It's certainly supported in the literature, even in more mainstream 'adventure' stories where someone has to seek out the old retired blademaster to learn his secret techiniques. That forms the basis for tons of martial arts movies as well.

 

[Xethreau]

I think that classes seeking and learning "rituals" for outside of combat and learning them independent of level would be nice. Classes don't get over powered during battle, but it gives them a way to grow in power through RP.

Wizards would seek the dusty tome (remember how that 'was' an implement, but had it taken away during the revision of the article?)to learn arcane lore, or finding an old magician to take the character on as a apprentice. Clerics might do the same thing, seeking older temple members or religious scripture, (cannon, apocrypha, or otherwise) to explore the powers given by his god. Warlocks might commune with their patrons to unlock powerful abilities. Druids might go into the wood, as to become one with nature, and learn more of its feral power.

Gaining ritual powers through downtime I think is a good idea that can work for most classes. Figuring out what in the world they would do or cause in the ritual is the problem.