Limper finds another Lost Magic!

[Limper]

I missed this spell and thought I'd see if it could be brought back to life.... had to nerf it for 3e balance... what do you think?

Vocalize
Evocation
Level: Wiz/Sorc 3
Components: S, M
Casting Time: see below (free action)
Range: Caster
Targets: Caster
Duration: 1 round 5/levels or till discharged.
Saving Throw: N/A
Spell Resistance: Harmless

As a free action the Wizard may expend this spell (which counts against free action castings for that round). The next spell of Level 4 or less cast by the Wizard doesn't require a Verbal component.

Material component is a miniture clapperless bell (5cp value) which is expended in the casting.

 

[starwolf]

I don't think this was intended to be "lost" so much as it was intended to be replaced by the Silent Spell feat. As such the use of the spell may be too powerful. For a 3rd level spell (free action no less) a high level mage can then cast ANY 4th level spell as a silent spell without having to use a higher spell slot....

Nope...methinks it needs work...

 

[Soulmage]

Silent Spells

Not a bad conversion Limper. I'm not really sure its needed though given the silent spell metamagic feat is available. Sure, this allows lower level casters to get some more silent spells off, but I just don't see it being a high-use spell in my game.

 

[Sollir Furryfoot]

Sounds like a good spell that several wizards would want to memorize at least one a day.

 

[mtbdm]

Thanks

Thanks, guys. Limper always sneaks that stuff past me while I'm writing plot and NPC stuff.
MtbDM

 

[evileeyore]

remove the 'free action' casting time and I see no problem with it.

In fact I would make it a full round action, Meta spell in which both this spell and the one 'being silenced' are cast simultaneously. Thus if it is interupted both are lost, but still takes up the extra time.

Note really sure I like the spell having a duration. It allows for Limper to create Still, and Eschew type spells similiar to this one, take three rounds to cast his 'free action' spells whilst doing other things besides casting spells (say performing ranged combat) then belting out with a Stilled, Silenced, Eschewed spell...

Hmmm, after thinking about it that really doesn't 'sound' all that bad. Still don't like Meta* spells being free actions unless absolutely needed. Heck I don't like spells being free actions period (FeatherFall being the only exception I can think of)


*I define Meta spells as spells that alter the way other spells work.

 

[Cloudgatherer]

I don't see a problem with it. 3rd level spells are premium spells, using one to silence a spell is no big deal (even as a free action) IMO. I would add to the spell description that it "counts" as a quickened spell, similar to the text for Feather Falling.

 

[whatisitgoodfor]

The only potential problem I can see with it is that it opens the door for spontaneous meta-magic without increasing the casting time.

 

[Jerrid Al-Kundo]

I'd say this spell's value is when a spellcaster has been somehow silenced and unable to use a verbal component (which you can't really plan for). The issues presented, however, are valid.

I'd say make it non-quickened (an action), duration 1 round. If it still seems a problem, up the level to 4th or (if you're really worried) 5th. Or, leave it 3rd with an Experience Point cost, or maybe a more expensive component, something costly and/or semi-difficult to obtain.

 

[aeldrin]

WotC's official possition on Metamagic spells is: there should be none, that's what the feats are for. Then again, the feats don't work very well, even Monte (who came up with the idea) says so. As for the spell itself, make it a standard action. I would use the original Vocalize, as I don't think it is overpowered (how often do you have to cast silently after all).