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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Mr_Spicoli" data-source="post: 3007123" data-attributes="member: 42038">There are a number of spells in the 3.5 edition rules that cost XP to cast.  Many lesser powered spells have been added to this list through the evo-and revolutions of the rules to 3.5Here are a few examples that I was looking at from both player and GM perspective and have thought that they would not be worth using, except for maybe once or twice total in a whole campaign because of their XP cost.For example the cleric spell Call Lesser Planar Ally, a fourth level spell costs 100 XP to cast each time.  I could not see anyone casting this spell more then once or twice while they were 7-9th level tops.  Unless the GM was one who gave out XP in overabundance, it would be almost a waste except for a pressing need for that 6 HD ally.  Why would you cast this spell if you have monster summoning 4, you can even get 1d3 summoning 3 level creatures. But especially when you get another 2 levels and cast monster summoning 5.  Even though this spell is a calling so has a much longer duration, you must pay large amounts of gold to use it in this way, why when you can cast 2 monster summonings per day for instance?What can be the thought process behind XP deductions for such mid level spells.  I can't see how this is a balancing factor as almost no one will want to cast the spell with such a penalty on comparable spell to the monster summonings.  It makes the spell a waste, all in the name of a little balance they supposed.  This is the wrong way to go about balancing a game.  They should not give negatives to the player abilities/powers. They should teach and explain to GMs how to scale and create equivalent yet entertaining opposition to player actions.  It shows a lack of confidence in its own customers and resorting to mathematical hijinks in the form of fines similar to giving out parking tickets in a crack house neighborhood.As GM I will not give XP deductions for mid level spells such as this, the gold costs yes but not such a wistful application of disproportionate contrivance.  Yes a player will be able to cast this spell without an XP penalty, but that player knows their are investigations, plots, deceptions, factional internecine conflicts, explorations, strategic battleplans and journeys of discovery all to be had with sweat and toil, no easier then the DM who cuts down player experience with the acute rule therein.These rules seem to be the opposite side of the coin to player munchins who think they can get a fast one by a DM who cannot scale the oppositional scenarios to fit whatever ability of the PC.  In order to suppress abuse of spells, these rules have become what they hate-munchkin rules from the GMs perspective.  A terribly easy and cheesy slash at the players options and freedom.</blockquote>

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