New tidbit about spells and hit points.

[Sun Knight]

I can't believe what I am reading. I am sorry but that sounds way to much like video game playing to me. When I play a wizard the crossbow is my default attack. I use defensive spells to keep my character alive while keeping distance behind the fighter shooting with my crossbow. Most of the time I don't have him memorize any attack spells.

 

[Jhaelen]

I think a certain thread-crapper is due for a time-out.

yup - again...

 

[Doug McCrae]

If I was playing a wizard or sorcerer these days I'd probably take a reserve feat from Complete Mage, to give me the option of blasting away all day long. Using a crossbow seems both inappropriate to the character and just not as cool as using magic. It's a way of emphasising difference between the PCs. The rogue uses two hand crossbows, the fighter archer uses a composite bow, the wizard uses magic.

 

[Sun Knight]

Yes, but there needs to be a limit to that power. Unlimited power just seems wrong to me. I mean, this is suppose to be a fantasy game, not four colored comics. Oh well, I guess we just have to agree to disagree.

 

[Wormwood]

Yes, but there needs to be a limit to that power. Unlimited power just seems wrong to me.

It's not unlimited power.

The point is that a wizard of sufficient power will be able to summon trivial magic at will.

(Some would even say . . . magically.)

The big spells will be as limited as they have always been in fantasy literature.

(Well, at least since 1974 when some wargamers decided to rename cannon and artillery 'lightning bolt' and 'fireball'.)

 

[Piratecat]

I think a certain thread-crapper is due for a time-out.

It's now been dealt with.

 

[Sun Knight]

The point is that a wizard of sufficient power will be able to summon trivial magic at will.

I really don't consider magic that can cause damage trivial, but maybe that's just me.

 

[GlassJaw]

Your assertion is premised on the wizard's role in adventuring to be one of combat prowess (via magic). I wholly disagree. Yes, the wizard has damaging spells, but that should never be the sole focus of his spell repertoire. There is much more utility in magic than "blasting foes." If a wizard expends all his magic resources in combat, then he should not be surprised that he is reduced to "pulling out a crossbow." In fact, this wizard ought to be multiclassed with Fighter since he seems to enjoy combat so very much.

Everything in D&D is essentially boiled down to "combat prowess". If you don't think it is, just look through the PHB. 90+% of the rules are for combat. It's a game about combat, plain and simple.

I can't believe what I am reading. I am sorry but that sounds way to much like video game playing to me. When I play a wizard the crossbow is my default attack. I use defensive spells to keep my character alive while keeping distance behind the fighter shooting with my crossbow. Most of the time I don't have him memorize any attack spells.

If you absolutely hate 4ed, that means it will have accomplished exactly what I hope it does. Taking the crossbow out of the wizard's hands is just the tip of the iceberg.

I'd be willing to bet that the vast majority of people that play wizards, especially at low levels, would say that having to pull out your crossbow is "not fun" when compared to having an at-will magic attack.

 

[Sun Knight]

So, having unlimited power is fun? Then why play a wizard instead a god? Since gods have unlimited and stronger power to use would that make them more "fun?"

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

So, having unlimited power is fun? Then why play a wizard instead a god? Since gods have unlimited and stronger power to use would that make them more "fun?"

It depends.

Which is more efficient at knocking down strawmen?