Spell Power!

[Kelek72]

Are there any cool systems for handling spells that would normally be out of reach for a low level caster?

I have always liked the idea of a character having the ability to access higher abilities, powers, spells but at a steep cost. Kinda like - things that would only be accessable as a last resort... Game mechanics to match the cool story possibilites I'm visualizing... Spells are the easiest to imagine but I would think this would have to be an option for all classes.


I apoligize if the core rules do cover this somewhere - I haven't played in a while and I'm just mulling over ideas for getting a new game started.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

A caster using a scroll or wand of a spell of a higher level then they can cast requires a caster level check (DC = scroll’s caster level + 1).

Use Magic Device can allow a character to attempt to cast scrolls (DC = 20 + caster level), trigger wands (DC = 20), etc that are beyond thier level also.

The risk is the possible mishaps if you don't make your check. Some examples, taken from here, include:

When a mishap occurs, the spell on the scroll has a reversed or harmful effect. Possible mishaps are given below.

• A surge of uncontrolled magical energy deals 1d6 points of damage per spell level to the scroll user.
• Spell strikes the scroll user or an ally instead of the intended target, or a random target nearby if the scroll user was the intended recipient.
• Spell takes effect at some random location within spell range.
• Spell’s effect on the target is contrary to the spell’s normal effect.
• The scroll user suffers some minor but bizarre effect related to the spell in some way. Most such effects should last only as long as the original spell’s duration, or 2d10 minutes for instantaneous spells.
• Some innocuous item or items appear in the spell’s area.
• Spell has delayed effect. Sometime within the next 1d12 hours, the spell activates. If the scroll user was the intended recipient, the spell takes effect normally. If the user was not the intended recipient, the spell goes off in the general direction of the original recipient or target, up to the spell’s maximum range, if the target has moved away.

 

[Greenfield]

I don't think there's a caster level check for wands or staves. The spell has to be on your class list, but that's it.

And of course there are spell casting items that are usable by anyone.

The big limit on lower level characters accessing higher level spell items is probably budget.

 

[Kelek72]

Thanks!