Prestige Class Spell Lists?

[Cthulhudrew]

(I'm reposting this thread here in the House Rules forum, at a suggestion from a reply on the Rules forum)

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

 

[SylverFlame]

Advantages are that the spell list can easily and effectively give a specific feel to a PrC. Fire mages with entirely fire lists are obvious in what the feel is supposed to be. This works for all ideas.

The Disadvantage is limited spell selection. However, if you're careful to give the proper balance of spells then this does not become a problem. Just remember, every Wizzy takes Fireball and the like. If you're not including that stuff, you have to give them something to balance it.

I'm pretty sure there are existly PrC's that have a limited spell list. I think that the Pyrokineticist in the Psionics Handbook has a limited list...