Should Sorcerers have a *unique* spell list like the Cleric or Psion?

[Psion]

Nah.

 

[Voadam]

Sorcerers, unlike most other spellcasters, have to "build their own spell list" in the sense that they must choose a small number of spells which they will be able to cast, and they will never be able to cast anything else. So what's the point of giving them a different overall spell list? Each sorcerer already has a different spell list.

Wizards have to learn their spells so it is not that different, wizards can just learn more.

Both can cast most any arcane spell from a scroll, wand, or staff.

 

[Kalendraf]

I think having different lists for wizards and sorcerers is a good idea, primarily because I've seen it in action.

My wife has been playing a sorceress created using Monte Cook's alternate sorcerer variant. This version gets d6 for HD and more skill points. The spell list is quite a bit different from the PHB version. It removes any spells that take a long time to cast like Identify (good idea, IMHO), focuses on combat type spells (also a good idea, though retreaded now somewhat by the Warmage), adds Monte's own spells to the list (good idea), and changes up the level that some of the spells are gained (I'm neutral on this).

The BoEM1&2 copies I own are the original 3e versions, but a new updated release is available. I'm guessing that some changes to reflect the spell updates in 3.5 may have found their way into these lists. Right now, that's my biggest issue with this variant class. Some are easily determined (scorching ray should be added at 2nd level, I'm sure), but others aren't so clear. The balance changes in the 3.5 spells likely means that some of the levels could change back to their original levels as well.

 

[jmucchiello]

Me thinks I have to check out Arcana Unearthed one of these days. It seems to get nothing but praise. Is Arcana Evolved replacing AU? In other words, AE is not just a supplement to AU but an actual *revision* with all material reprinted?

Yes, if you do not have AU, wait for AE. It is a reprint, revision, and extra material. AU is around 200 pages and B&W, AE is over 400 pages and in color.

 

[woodelf]

Are you saying that each cleric of a different deity would just have a different selection of PHB divine spells? Or, are you saying like what I'm saying: They will literally have uniquely flavoured spells . . . no double ups. Your cleric of Pelor has "Lance of the Sun" while your cleric of Nerull has "Flesh Rot Molestation"? Similarly powered spells but completely different in *flavour*.

Well, i can't speak for him, but i advocate roughly the AD&D2 system: the "general" cleric list is reduced to just the core spells that all priests should have, like atonement--probably about a dozen spells, total. All the rest of the spells are assigned to spheres/domains. And then clerics get several spheres rather than just 2--all of those that are applicable to their deity (or, maybe make them all balanced, and give all clerics the same number, say: pick 6 off of this list). No more priests of war with phenomenal healing abilities, or pacifist priests with attack spells.

 

[niastri]

I'm dead serious all the time.

Doesn't a pun on your own nick get you a time out from the forums?

 

[Connorsrpg]

Gez wrote: Then there's the divine (nature) spell lists, and the psionic spell lists.

Compare and contrast with Arcana Unearthed, with three spell lists (simple, complex, exotic), a number that will never increase no matter what new classes you add to the game.

I think the number of spell lists should be reduced. I propose three, or four with psionics: Arcane spell list, Divine spell list, Nature spell list, Psionic spell (OK, power) list.

And you stop here. Oh, and please don't do spells that are level 5 for someone and 7 for someone else. Thanks.

Gez, you are the bomb!

This is just what we have done in our group, though Nature isn't a seperate list - got around that by making more use of descriptors and adding more descriptors, such as one for each monster type, including animals.

I have put ALL spells I have from the many books into two lists (no psionics yet) and yes, that means no same spell at different levels, except if maybe they appear on both divine and arcane.

Connors

 

[tarchon]

Yes, but it would have made for an extremely long book

Yes, if you do not have AU, wait for AE. It is a reprint, revision, and extra material. AU is around 200 pages and B&W, AE is over 400 pages and in color.

Arcana Exhumed?