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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Wyckedemus" data-source="post: 8861154" data-attributes="member: 1079">I think one of the balances of wielding magic should be that you are clearly channeling and manifesting the magic, which is not subtle at all. I believe that should be the baseline for casting magic spells. Examples of how that could look are provided below.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">There should be a visible magical manifestation like sparkles or floating runes, or an otherwise obvious magical effect. Unless the spell specifically says it doesn't (as a design choice for the spell). Every spell has at least one component.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Verbal components are clear and enunciated and cannot be whispered. If a spell is designed to quiet, don't give it a Verbal component.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Somatic components take visible physical movement of at least one limb. If the spell is purely sound or verbal-based, consider not designing it with a Somatic component.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Material components must be on your person (could be in your hand, or in a pouch). Some spells have nothing to do with Material components, and for those, don't add Material components to the design.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Exception: You can wield a Magical Focus/Implement with which you are trained, in place of somatic components and material components that have no monetary costs. That said, using the implement does not negate Verbal components or the visible magical , manifestation, and it is not Subtle, as you are waving it around manifesting the magic.</li> </ul>But we all know that some people LOVE playing sneaky, subtle casters. Towards that end, we can build that theme into appropriate archetypes. With the above baselines established, there can be special abilities granted by classes, subclasses, or feats that allow for limited use of "Subtle" casting, that negates the need and display of components that have no monetary costs. Examples below:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Sorcerers can use their sorcery points via Metamagic to cast Subtle Spell" of any sort.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Wizard subclasses that are traditionally sneaky influencers and liars (like Enchanters and Illusionists) can have a subclass ability that lets them cast spells from their chosen Specialty School as Subtle, maybe PBx/day.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Rangers under the effect of their 13th level "Nature's Veil" ability can cast 1 spell on that same turn in a Subtle fashion.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Arcane Tricksters may have an ability to cast a spell in a Subtle fashion, whether PBx/day, or perhaps make a Sleight of Hand ability check as a bonus action with a DC equal to 10+ spell level.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Psions/Mystics may have a Subtle class ability that represents their ability to manifest mind magic with no other components. What is the balancing factor there?  Not sure.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Or if you want the Subtle option to be available to more casters outside of typical archetypes, maybe create a feat that mimics Subtle Spell, PBx/day, and maybe some classes/subclasses get it as a class ability.</li> </ul></blockquote>

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