I think you overestimate the value of getting the slots/spell points, and underestimate the loss of power associated with not getting higher-level spells in a timely fashion.I've been considering running a game where I cap the maximum spell level at 5th level. I'd be using the spell-point variant, and I'd be keeping the available spell points at each level and the cost for spells of each level the same as listed in the DMG. The primary change I'd be instituting is at what levels the classes get access to higher level spells.
1st lvl spells @ 1st level,
2nd lvl spells @ 5th level,
3rd lvl spells @ 9th level,
4th lvl spells @ 13th level, and
5th lvl spells @ 17th level.
What I'm attempting to achieve by doing this is to create a feeling that high-end magic is less powerful in the game setting, and that the world's distant gods means no access to high-end miracles. However, I'm not trying to punish people for taking a caster class; hence the casters don't receive any fewer spell points.
What do you think of this approach? Do you have any thoughts, concerns, or criticisms.
I've been considering running a game where I cap the maximum spell level at 5th level. I'd be using the spell-point variant, and I'd be keeping the available spell points at each level and the cost for spells of each level the same as listed in the DMG. The primary change I'd be instituting is at what levels the classes get access to higher level spells.
1st lvl spells @ 1st level,
2nd lvl spells @ 5th level,
3rd lvl spells @ 9th level,
4th lvl spells @ 13th level, and
5th lvl spells @ 17th level.
What I'm attempting to achieve by doing this is to create a feeling that high-end magic is less powerful in the game setting, and that the world's distant gods means no access to high-end miracles. However, I'm not trying to punish people for taking a caster class; hence the casters don't receive any fewer spell points.
What do you think of this approach? Do you have any thoughts, concerns, or criticisms.
This would be the best way to do it while still keeping the balance between martial and casters. There is already a guy called Zman who did some tweaks. Its called E10 or something.Or cap levels at 10 instead of 20. Campaigns and groups rarely get much farther anyway.
I think this is pretty much the same as the OP's approach. My previous post applies equally to this.I think the easiest approach is to use the multiclassing spell progression table as the normal progression for full casters. This is the approach I used and it works well.