Spell Costs in PHB Too Low?

[Crothian]

the simpole thing is if it is too cheap, increase the cost. I use these as a suggestion, but each rtemple has their own prices.

 

[Arnwyn]

Does anyone else think the existing spells are a little cheap?

Yes, I do, but that's only because of my particular campaign's economics, demographics, and culture.

I just multiplied all the spellcasting prices by 10 (with lower factors for certain subsets of the population).

 

[Umbran]

So now the players want to find a temple to raise one of the party from the dead, which I've already established is something that only really rich people can afford to do. (Seems like the way the world works...) But when I look in the PHB, the cost for a 5th level spell by a 9th level caster is only (9x50) = 450 gp! Ack! Way too cheap!

I dunno. Perhaps you are missing one vital point - PCs are really rich. They are in a high-risk profession, and the rewards need to be high for them to even contemplate taking it up.

That, and as others have noted, the 450 gp is in addition to the matieral and XP cost.

For Raise Dead ,it's also in addition to the effort of finding someone who can cast it, and convincing them to do so. You don't have to make it so that any old cleric of the appropriate level will do. It would make sense that the party prove that they are at least not antithetical to the cleric's beliefs - by making them undertake some task or service.

 

[KB9JMQ]

I think the prices are about right.
My players usually spend all their cash so coming up with some of the material component prices is normally difficult.
Besides getting that example 5000 gp diamond isn't going to be easy.
Gotta find it first or find someone with one who is willing to depart with it.

 

[Glyfair]

Well, there is that 18th level High Cleric of the Silver Flame, though here powers are very... limited.

Also, she's the head of the church. That's like asking the Pope if he'll do you a favor.

Yes, in Eberron PCs that are worshippers of the Silver Flame are reasonably likely to end up in a position to have that favor granted (eventually). However, just getting to her through the hierarchy is an adventure and a half.

 

[Quasqueton]

It's interesting how many people talk of changing the rules on this. Why don't you, as DM, just limit how much treasure the PCs get?

Instead of putting 5,000gp in the BBEG's treasure chest, put just 500gp.

Quasqueton

 

[Crothian]

It's interesting how many people talk of changing the rules on this. Why don't you, as DM, just limit how much treasure the PCs get?

Instead of putting 5,000gp in the BBEG's treasure chest, put just 500gp.

Quasqueton

That solution doesn't just make the spells more expensive, it makes everything more expensive.

 

[Darkness]

That solution doesn't just make the spells more expensive, it makes everything more expensive.

True, but there aren't many other expensive services adventurers need besides magic so it might still work.

Hm. Maybe they want an MW full plate or two, but little else is that expensive. Unless they need a ship or something.

 

[Quasqueton]

That solution doesn't just make the spells more expensive, it makes everything more expensive.

After armor and weapons and equipment, what else are PCs buying? And other than plate armor, what are PCs buying that costs more than a one-time price of a few hundred gold?

Without buying magic spells or items, PCs don't need much money.

Quasqueton

 

[Crothian]

they could be buying magic, or spending money to craft their own