Prestige Class Spell Lists?

[Cthulhudrew]

I'm designing a couple of spellcasting prestige classes, and I thought I'd solicit some opinions from you guys on the boards.

Has anyone ever designed a spellcasting PC that effectively progressed as a non-PC class (say, +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class at each level, or periodic levels) but had a restricted spell list? IE, they gain the ability to cast/prepare the same number of spells as if they were a spellcaster of the same level, but could only choose spells from the given PC spell list.

What might be the advantages/disadvantages of such a class, as you see them?

For me, the only real drawback I can think of is in regards to the whole concept of spell research/copying spells. How, for instance, might one keep the restricted spell list concept, but still justify it in a system where wizards (for example) are able to research new spells for their spellbooks.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Andrew

 

[Spatzimaus]

Questions about designing your own class should probably go in the House Rules forum.

Anyhoo, if you want some good examples, go to the Mind's Eye (WotC website) and look at their PrCs. Specifically, the Sangehirn and Truth Seeker both have what you want; you gain progression as a Psion but are forced to select from a narrow list of powers.

It really depends on which spells you use. If they're spells already on the class' original list with unchanged levels, it's a big disadvantage. For example, if you wanted to make a Pyromancer PrC you could take the Sor/Wiz list and only allow [Fire] spells. Maybe make some Fire-based versions of other spells, too.

On the other hand, if you mix in spells from other classes it becomes a major advantage (see also: Cleric Domains). Likewise, if you lower the levels of some spells to compensate, it's even better.

As for your other question:
You can't gain a spell not on your class list, so normal Wizards couldn't use any spells designed solely for your PrC. Research of new spells is controlled by the DM, so they couldn't just invent a Wizard version.
For the reverse (where you try to scribe a general Wizard spell), you could think of it as similar to the restricted school concept: even if you found a copy of the spell, it would be unusable to your Wizard. To enter the class he had to give up some other spells.
(For another example of this, go see the Mind's Eye again, the Kineticist PrC: he only uses one element for his attacks, and can't get around that.)

 

[Cthulhudrew]

Thanks for your comments; they're really helpful!

I'll post this in the House Rules board, like you suggested- didn't realize it would probably be more appropriately placed there.

Thanks again, though. I'll definitely check out those pages you mentioned.