One Level Scale to Rule Them All?

[Atlatl Jones]

Hmm. So spell level now seems to be directly tied to caster level. I wonder if this is part of the solution for multiclassing. Give multiclass characters partial caster levels for their nonspellcaster levels (like Bo9S get +1 martial level for every 2 non-martial class levels). Then allow characters to choose spells of levels less than or equal to their caster level.

 

[Destil]

If you treat 1 power point as 1 spell level the expanded psionics handbook does the same thing, too. And well.

Now if they just integrate metamagic into spells themselves as well...

 

[WhatGravitas]

Hmm. So spell level now seems to be directly tied to caster level. I wonder if this is part of the solution for multiclassing. Give multiclass characters partial caster levels for their nonspellcaster levels (like Bo9S get +1 martial level for every 2 non-martial class levels). Then allow characters to choose spells of levels less than or equal to their caster level.

I hope so, because that sounds like a *very* intuitive approach and would decrease the need for abominations like the mystic theurge massively.

However, I also *really* hope, that spells can be cast on multiple levels, or a spell list that granular will become quite crowded and unwieldy.

Cheers, LT.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I, for one, welcome our 4EdD&D/HERO5th game design overlords!

While it didn't actually bother me too much, the disconnect between spell level and caster level has always seemed to me to be a needless complexity. If they have indeed eliminated that dichotomy, it will definitely be a step forward in design theory if not actual implementation.

 

[Hjorimir]

Neat, that is one of the things I was asking for. I hope they continue the trend with ability scores being their current modifier (ala True20). Call it what it is.

 

[JRR_Talking]

my thought is with the recharges per encounter, less vancian magic, more simple mechanics for faster play et al spells with have a level they are cast at

shocking grasp is gained by a 1st arcanist doing d6 damage
levitate is gained by a 3rd level arcanist and for the duration of the encounter the character can move up and down at a rate of..etc...etc...
lightning bolt is gained by a 5th level arcanist and does 5d6 damage
fireball is gained by a 6th level arcanist and does 6d6 damage
cone of cold is gained by a 9th level arcanist and does 9d6 damage

would that all be too simple?

John.

 

[w_earle_wheeler]

I was really hoping for this.

I would love to see the spell level equal the class level. It would make things so much simpler.

 

[Roman]

This is good news. It does not harm the game in any way and reduces the confusion of new players. It will, however, require a new mechanic for spellcasting (perhaps a mana system, or casting at will, or whatever), as tracking spells per day from 30 levels would be a nightmare.

 

[Lonely Tylenol]

The simplest way would probably be to have a whole range of spells which scale with level at are available at 1st level onwards. Graded damage spells, graded influence/charm/dominate spells, graded transportation spells, graded defensive spells, graded wishes (starting with 'incredibly limited wish'!)...

You mean prestidigitation.

 

[JRR_Talking]

as tracking spells per day from 30 levels would be a nightmare.

I dont think it will as there will be mostly :
spells with 24 hour duration OR utility spells learnt that will be sort of at will (detects, moves, and such)
heavy combat that will be once per encounter (decent buffs, fireball, lightning bolt et al)
a few that will be vancian like really mighty

i do wonder how thye will handle summons spells. I predict they do away with familiars as is but make it a scaling/summons typoe thing. Maybe like Neverwinter nights PC game, where u can ahve one summoned thingey at a time but it is
a: pretty solid
b: long duration

John