Essentially, this is the jack-of-all trades of spellcasting, and is sort of a cross between a wizard and a sorcerer. It's open to more or less any spellcaster, the idea being that any student of the arcane arts should be able to pick up a few spells from other classes if he so chooses, and that even spellcasters who prepare their spells beforehand should never be *completely* unable to adapt to changing circumstances.
This class works for pretty much any spellcaster as long as they meet the skill/feat requirements. Clerics can pick up some arcane spells, bards can learn to cast *real* spells, warlocks can learn to control other forms of magic, sorcerers can learn to prepare spells, and wizards can add a little versatility.
Also, which sounds cooler: Spellforge or Spellshaper?
Changes:
- I dropped the hit die from a d6 to a d4, 'cause pretty much any dedicated spellcaster only gets d4 hp per level.
- Rejiggered spontaneous spellcasting to make it more like a sorcerer and less open to abuse (can't spontaneously cast an entire spellbook's worth of spells anymore....except at level 10)
- Removed the ability to acquire spells from any other arcane class....useful, but it makes more sense without it.
- Added an example.
- Added the full description of Imbue Item from the Complete Arcane.
- Added 'Complete Mastery' to 2nd level. This doesn't really change much in the way of gameplay, but it adds to the theme.
- Added 'Knowledge Absorption' to 4th level. Basically, learn a spell when you see someone else cast it. This follows the concept of being able to acquire spells from anywhere, reinforcing the 'practical spellcaster' idea. (gone now)
- Added Spellforge 2/day to 5th level. Extra spontaneous spell.
- Added 'Instant Recall' to 8th level. Allows the recasting of one spell.
- Added 'Master of Spontaneity' to 10th level. Kinda just for theme purposes, too, but more game-affecting.
- Explained what happens to a spellforge with Masterful Recall who loses his spellbook.
- Switched Knowledge Absorption and Complete Mastery levels. This is because Knowledge Absorbtion has benefits to other classes and only takes a two-level dip with half progression in your other spellcasting class anyways. Plus Complete Mastery only really changes how cool your character acts, although it does affect how long it takes before he loses his spellcasting power after losing his spellbook.
- Added level-dependent ramping to Complete Mastery. Now you have to read your spellbook once every (class level) days.
- Made spontaneous casting into a full-round action (except swift and immediate spells) to not break the concept of magic. No metamagic takes even longer.
- Killed Knowledge Absorption......it sounds like it might start player-DM arguments, and doesn't seem like it'll help very much at all. I switched it for a lower level (and slightly nerfed) Instant Recall.
- Instant Recall doesn't apply to your highest spell level anymore.
- Added a rule where casters with sorcerer/wizard experience can stack their caster levels instead of having double caster level.
The Spellforge v0.99.1 beta
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Skills: Spellcraft 8 ranks, Use Magic Device 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana) 8 ranks
Spells or Spell-like Abilities: Caster level 5th
Feats: Able Learner
Hit Die: d4
Skill points: 2 + Int per level
Class Skills: Concentration, Craft, Decipher Script, Knowledge (any), Profession, Spellcraft, Use Magic Device
Weapon and armor proficiency: The spellforge gains no extra weapon or armor proficiencies.
Spellcasting: The spellforge chooses his spells from the sorcerer/wizard spell list, and prepares them as a wizard, including the use of a spellbook. At each new level, he gains two free spells through personal study, and can add more spells to his spellbook just like any wizard. The Difficulty Class for a saving throw against a spellforge's spell is 10 + spell level + the spellforge's Intelligence modifier. He gains bonus spells per day based on his Intelligence modifier. His spontaneous spells known, however, are fixed in number (see the spellforge ability description).
Special: A spellforge's caster level is equal to double his class level, rounded down. However, if the character already has levels in a spellcasting class that casts from the sorcerer/wizard spell list, he may instead choose to have his spellforge levels stack (without doubling) with those of his other class, but only for spellforge spells. Once his doubled spellforge level outweighs his stacked caster level, his caster level becomes double class level as normal.
At first level, the spellforge can write 8 cantrips, 5 first level spells, and 3 second level spells into a spellbook for free, in place of two he normally gains every level advancement. If the spellforge already has a spellbook, he can use it, but only gains enough new spells to bring him to the same totals per level as any other beginning spellforge. Copying spells into a spellbook takes 24 hours, regardless of spell level, and requires costly material components just like any other wizard's spellbook (100gp per page, 1 page per spell level per spell. Cantrips still use up one page). Starting spells and bonus spells at new levels are free.
At every even-numbered spellforge level, the character gains new spellcasting ability just as if he had gained a level in the spellcasting class he had belonged to previously, if any. He does not gain any other benefits inherent to that class.
Scribe Scroll: If he does not already have it, the spellforge gains Scribe Scroll at level 1.
Spellforge: This eponymous ability is one of the key strengths of this class. For every level of spellcasting available to the spellforge (0, 1, 2, etc.), he can spontaneously cast a spell of that level that he knows intimately, just like a sorcerer. He can do so once per day at level 1, and twice per day at level 5. Casting spontaneously in this way is a full-round action, unless the spell has a casting time of swift, immediate, or more than one round, in which case the casting time is unchanged. Metamagic feats can be applied, but increase the casting time to one full round + one standard action at the beginning of your next turn.
The spellforge knows a number of spontaneous spells based on his class level, as shown in the table above. These spells are selected from those written in his spellbook, and are chosen only when a new level is gained. Every even-numbered level, the spellforge can choose to replace a single spontaneous spell with another of the same level, but this spell must be two levels lower than the highest spell level he has access to.
For instance, Jose is a level 3 spellforge with an intelligence of 14. In addition to his daily spell slots for cantrips and first- & second-level spells, he has three spontaneous spell slots, one for each level. If he had an intelligence of 16, he would have a bonus third-level spell slot, and a corresponding third-level spontaneous spell slot. With his prepared spell slots filled with other spells, he can also spontaneously cast (arbitrarily) prestidigitation, magic missile, cat's grace, and dispel magic, because those spells are known particularly well to him.
On gaining a new level, Jose now knows 1 more spell per level well enough to cast spontaneously, although he can still only do so once per spell level per day. He can also choose at this level to switch a first-level or lower spontaneous spell with another one from his spellbook.
Bonus Feats: Bonus feats must be any metamagic or item creation feat.
Complete Mastery: At 2nd level, the spellforge no longer requires his spellbook to prepare spells. Instead of preparing his spells from a spellbook as a wizard does, he simply meditates daily for half an hour, like a sorcerer. During this time, he still selects his daily spells in advance. He must also still maintain a spellbook, and study it for an hour once every number of days equal to his class level. (once every two days at level 2, every three days at level 3, etc.) If he loses his spellbook, then after those days have passed the spellforge can no longer prepare any spells except those on his list of spontaneous spells. Only spell slots gained from spellforge levels can be prepared in this way.
Instant Recall: Once per day at 4th level and twice per day at 8th, the spellforge can recall to mind any one previously cast spell, effectively reusing a daily spell slot (spontaneous or prepared). This spell must be one he has actually cast that day, and cannot be of the highest spellcasting level the spellforge has access to. Recalling a spell to mind is a swift action.
Imbue Item: As the warlock class ability (Complete Arcane). A spellforge of 7th level or higher can use his chameleonic arcane abilities to create magic items, even if he does not know the specific spell required to make the item (although he must know the appropriate item creation feat). He can substitute a Use Magic Device check (DC 15 + spell level for arcane spells, or 25 + spell level for divine spells) in place of a required spell he doesn't know or can't cast.If the check succeeds, the spellforge can create the item as if he had cast the required spell. If it fails, he cannot complete the item. He does not expend XP or gp costs for making the item; his progress is simply arrested. He cannot retry this Use Magic Device check for that spell until he gains a new level.
Masterful Recall: At 10th level, when casting spontaneously, the spellforge can cast any spell from his spellbook. He must still maintain a spellbook and write any new spells into it, however he need only study it once a month. If he loses his spellbook, then after a month passes he can no longer prepare any spells of 4th level or higher. However, within that month, he can attempt to recreate his original spellbook from memory, during which time he must write down all the spells he knows of 4th level or higher, otherwise he will forget them. 3rd level and lower spells are only forgotten if the spellforge advances an age category before referencing the spell again.
This class works for pretty much any spellcaster as long as they meet the skill/feat requirements. Clerics can pick up some arcane spells, bards can learn to cast *real* spells, warlocks can learn to control other forms of magic, sorcerers can learn to prepare spells, and wizards can add a little versatility.
Also, which sounds cooler: Spellforge or Spellshaper?
Changes:
- I dropped the hit die from a d6 to a d4, 'cause pretty much any dedicated spellcaster only gets d4 hp per level.
- Rejiggered spontaneous spellcasting to make it more like a sorcerer and less open to abuse (can't spontaneously cast an entire spellbook's worth of spells anymore....except at level 10)
- Removed the ability to acquire spells from any other arcane class....useful, but it makes more sense without it.
- Added an example.
- Added the full description of Imbue Item from the Complete Arcane.
- Added 'Complete Mastery' to 2nd level. This doesn't really change much in the way of gameplay, but it adds to the theme.
- Added 'Knowledge Absorption' to 4th level. Basically, learn a spell when you see someone else cast it. This follows the concept of being able to acquire spells from anywhere, reinforcing the 'practical spellcaster' idea. (gone now)
- Added Spellforge 2/day to 5th level. Extra spontaneous spell.
- Added 'Instant Recall' to 8th level. Allows the recasting of one spell.
- Added 'Master of Spontaneity' to 10th level. Kinda just for theme purposes, too, but more game-affecting.
- Explained what happens to a spellforge with Masterful Recall who loses his spellbook.
- Switched Knowledge Absorption and Complete Mastery levels. This is because Knowledge Absorbtion has benefits to other classes and only takes a two-level dip with half progression in your other spellcasting class anyways. Plus Complete Mastery only really changes how cool your character acts, although it does affect how long it takes before he loses his spellcasting power after losing his spellbook.
- Added level-dependent ramping to Complete Mastery. Now you have to read your spellbook once every (class level) days.
- Made spontaneous casting into a full-round action (except swift and immediate spells) to not break the concept of magic. No metamagic takes even longer.
- Killed Knowledge Absorption......it sounds like it might start player-DM arguments, and doesn't seem like it'll help very much at all. I switched it for a lower level (and slightly nerfed) Instant Recall.
- Instant Recall doesn't apply to your highest spell level anymore.
- Added a rule where casters with sorcerer/wizard experience can stack their caster levels instead of having double caster level.
The Spellforge v0.99.1 beta
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Skills: Spellcraft 8 ranks, Use Magic Device 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana) 8 ranks
Spells or Spell-like Abilities: Caster level 5th
Feats: Able Learner
Code:
[b]The Spellforge[/b]
[b]Spells Per Day[/b]
[b]Level BAB Fort Ref Will Special 0 1 2 3 4 5 6[/b]
[b]1st[/b] +0 +0 +0 +2 Scribe Scroll, Spellforge 4 2 0
[b]2nd[/b] +1 +0 +0 +3 Complete Mastery 4 3 1
[b]3rd[/b] +1 +1 +1 +3 Bonus Feat 4 3 2 0
[b]4th[/b] +2 +1 +1 +4 Instant Recall 1/day 4 4 3 1
[b]5th[/b] +2 +1 +1 +4 Spellforge 2/day 4 4 3 2 0
[b]6th[/b] +3 +2 +2 +5 Bonus Feat 4 4 4 3 1
[b]7th[/b] +3 +2 +2 +5 Imbue Item 4 4 4 4 2 0
[b]8th[/b] +4 +2 +2 +6 Instant Recall 2/day 4 4 4 4 3 1
[b]9th[/b] +4 +3 +3 +6 Bonus Feat 4 4 4 4 4 2 0
[b]10th[/b] +5 +3 +3 +7 Masterful Recall 4 4 4 4 4 3 1
[i]*A 0 in the spell level column indicates that the spellforge
can cast only bonus spells for that level, if any.[/i]Skill points: 2 + Int per level
Class Skills: Concentration, Craft, Decipher Script, Knowledge (any), Profession, Spellcraft, Use Magic Device
Weapon and armor proficiency: The spellforge gains no extra weapon or armor proficiencies.
Code:
[b]Spellforge Spontaneous Spells[/b]
[b]Level 0 1 2 3 4 5 6[/b]
[b]1st[/b] 4 2 2
[b]2nd[/b] 5 3 3
[b]3rd[/b] 5 3 3 2
[b]4th[/b] 6 4 4 3
[b]5th[/b] 6 4 4 3 2
[b]6th[/b] 7 5 5 4 3
[b]7th[/b] 7 5 5 4 3 2
[b]8th[/b] 8 6 6 5 4 3
[b]9th[/b] 8 6 6 5 4 3 2
[b]10th[/b] * * * * * * *Spellcasting: The spellforge chooses his spells from the sorcerer/wizard spell list, and prepares them as a wizard, including the use of a spellbook. At each new level, he gains two free spells through personal study, and can add more spells to his spellbook just like any wizard. The Difficulty Class for a saving throw against a spellforge's spell is 10 + spell level + the spellforge's Intelligence modifier. He gains bonus spells per day based on his Intelligence modifier. His spontaneous spells known, however, are fixed in number (see the spellforge ability description).
Special: A spellforge's caster level is equal to double his class level, rounded down. However, if the character already has levels in a spellcasting class that casts from the sorcerer/wizard spell list, he may instead choose to have his spellforge levels stack (without doubling) with those of his other class, but only for spellforge spells. Once his doubled spellforge level outweighs his stacked caster level, his caster level becomes double class level as normal.
At first level, the spellforge can write 8 cantrips, 5 first level spells, and 3 second level spells into a spellbook for free, in place of two he normally gains every level advancement. If the spellforge already has a spellbook, he can use it, but only gains enough new spells to bring him to the same totals per level as any other beginning spellforge. Copying spells into a spellbook takes 24 hours, regardless of spell level, and requires costly material components just like any other wizard's spellbook (100gp per page, 1 page per spell level per spell. Cantrips still use up one page). Starting spells and bonus spells at new levels are free.
At every even-numbered spellforge level, the character gains new spellcasting ability just as if he had gained a level in the spellcasting class he had belonged to previously, if any. He does not gain any other benefits inherent to that class.
Scribe Scroll: If he does not already have it, the spellforge gains Scribe Scroll at level 1.
Spellforge: This eponymous ability is one of the key strengths of this class. For every level of spellcasting available to the spellforge (0, 1, 2, etc.), he can spontaneously cast a spell of that level that he knows intimately, just like a sorcerer. He can do so once per day at level 1, and twice per day at level 5. Casting spontaneously in this way is a full-round action, unless the spell has a casting time of swift, immediate, or more than one round, in which case the casting time is unchanged. Metamagic feats can be applied, but increase the casting time to one full round + one standard action at the beginning of your next turn.
The spellforge knows a number of spontaneous spells based on his class level, as shown in the table above. These spells are selected from those written in his spellbook, and are chosen only when a new level is gained. Every even-numbered level, the spellforge can choose to replace a single spontaneous spell with another of the same level, but this spell must be two levels lower than the highest spell level he has access to.
For instance, Jose is a level 3 spellforge with an intelligence of 14. In addition to his daily spell slots for cantrips and first- & second-level spells, he has three spontaneous spell slots, one for each level. If he had an intelligence of 16, he would have a bonus third-level spell slot, and a corresponding third-level spontaneous spell slot. With his prepared spell slots filled with other spells, he can also spontaneously cast (arbitrarily) prestidigitation, magic missile, cat's grace, and dispel magic, because those spells are known particularly well to him.
On gaining a new level, Jose now knows 1 more spell per level well enough to cast spontaneously, although he can still only do so once per spell level per day. He can also choose at this level to switch a first-level or lower spontaneous spell with another one from his spellbook.
Bonus Feats: Bonus feats must be any metamagic or item creation feat.
Complete Mastery: At 2nd level, the spellforge no longer requires his spellbook to prepare spells. Instead of preparing his spells from a spellbook as a wizard does, he simply meditates daily for half an hour, like a sorcerer. During this time, he still selects his daily spells in advance. He must also still maintain a spellbook, and study it for an hour once every number of days equal to his class level. (once every two days at level 2, every three days at level 3, etc.) If he loses his spellbook, then after those days have passed the spellforge can no longer prepare any spells except those on his list of spontaneous spells. Only spell slots gained from spellforge levels can be prepared in this way.
Instant Recall: Once per day at 4th level and twice per day at 8th, the spellforge can recall to mind any one previously cast spell, effectively reusing a daily spell slot (spontaneous or prepared). This spell must be one he has actually cast that day, and cannot be of the highest spellcasting level the spellforge has access to. Recalling a spell to mind is a swift action.
Imbue Item: As the warlock class ability (Complete Arcane). A spellforge of 7th level or higher can use his chameleonic arcane abilities to create magic items, even if he does not know the specific spell required to make the item (although he must know the appropriate item creation feat). He can substitute a Use Magic Device check (DC 15 + spell level for arcane spells, or 25 + spell level for divine spells) in place of a required spell he doesn't know or can't cast.If the check succeeds, the spellforge can create the item as if he had cast the required spell. If it fails, he cannot complete the item. He does not expend XP or gp costs for making the item; his progress is simply arrested. He cannot retry this Use Magic Device check for that spell until he gains a new level.
Masterful Recall: At 10th level, when casting spontaneously, the spellforge can cast any spell from his spellbook. He must still maintain a spellbook and write any new spells into it, however he need only study it once a month. If he loses his spellbook, then after a month passes he can no longer prepare any spells of 4th level or higher. However, within that month, he can attempt to recreate his original spellbook from memory, during which time he must write down all the spells he knows of 4th level or higher, otherwise he will forget them. 3rd level and lower spells are only forgotten if the spellforge advances an age category before referencing the spell again.
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