New tidbit about spells and hit points.

[charlesatan]

The spellcasting compromise actually isn't new. Look at Reserve Feats. Or Arcana Evolved before that (the 25th-level spellcaster still has a limited no. of 9th-level spell slots but has virtually unlimited uses of 1st and 2nd-level). We're not asking for a Fireball ability at will at 10th-level. At 10th-level, I'd gladly give the Wizard unlimited uses of say, Shocking Grasp.

 

[Brother MacLaren]

The spellcasting compromise actually isn't new. Look at Reserve Feats. Or Arcana Evolved before that (the 25th-level spellcaster still has a limited no. of 9th-level spell slots but has virtually unlimited uses of 1st and 2nd-level). We're not asking for a Fireball ability at will at 10th-level. At 10th-level, I'd gladly give the Wizard unlimited uses of say, Shocking Grasp.

I'd imagine not just spell level but also the type of spell would factor into this. Giving a wizard Shocking Grasp at will has a very different effect than giving him Charm Person, Alarm, or Detect Secret Doors at will.

 

[Sun Knight]

The spellcasting compromise actually isn't new. Look at Reserve Feats. Or Arcana Evolved before that (the 25th-level spellcaster still has a limited no. of 9th-level spell slots but has virtually unlimited uses of 1st and 2nd-level). We're not asking for a Fireball ability at will at 10th-level. At 10th-level, I'd gladly give the Wizard unlimited uses of say, Shocking Grasp.

The thing with Arcana Evolved the spells are a lot lower in terms of power compared to the baseline DnD.

 

[charlesatan]

The thing with Arcana Evolved the spells are a lot lower in terms of power compared to the baseline DnD.

And your point is? It's still "unlimited spells per day" to some extent and the spellcaster typically has something substantial to contribute to each encounter. At at the end of the day, 4th Ed isn't out yet so we can't really judge the power levels of the abilities at will. My main point is that unlimited spells per day is not equal to unlimited power and can be manageable depending on how it's handled.

 

[Sun Knight]

And your point is? It's still "unlimited spells per day" to some extent and the spellcaster typically has something substantial to contribute to each encounter. At at the end of the day, 4th Ed isn't out yet so we can't really judge the power levels of the abilities at will. My main point is that unlimited spells per day is not equal to unlimited power and can be manageable depending on how it's handled.

Also the magister that gains that ability is over 20th level, and we are talking about wizards right out of the chute. Not exactly the same level of skill and power.

 

[D.Shaffer]

Considering most wizards I've played with grabbed a wand of '1st level attack spell' as soon as they possibly could, I dont think the difference in play is going to be all that..well...different.

How is a wizard who can inherently cast a low powered attack spell per round that much different then a wizard who can, with a wand, cast a low powered attack spell per round? Does the addition of a magic stick really mean that much? Considering their stated goal of reducing the use of magic items, you can see this as an extension of that design aspect.

 

[Sun Knight]

One the wand has limited charges and takes money or resources to make, buy, and/or find while just having the wizard to it would be for free. See the difference?

 

[qstor]

There was nothing wrong with the mass damage rules. For godsakes if you are going to take that much damage in one hit that is major trauma to the freaking body. Pathetic.

I agree 100% Even a 17th level fighter can roll a 1 on a Fort save and fail a massive damage roll. I think that's an important game balance issue. They need to leave it in.

The more I hear about the changes in 4e, the more I think its WOTC marketing cramming another edition in for sales reasons.

Mike

 

[Baumi]

Wasn't Massive Damage optional in 3E? So why should they care about it?

 

[D.Shaffer]

One the wand has limited charges and takes money or resources to make, buy, and/or find while just having the wizard to it would be for free. See the difference?

The crossbow and the bolts it uses (the current other option) arent exactly free either. It might not cost as much as that wand does, but at later levels that 750 GP is essentially pocket change. There's little functional difference between all three options, so why not go with the ones that's more in the Wizard's schtick of casting magic spells?