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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dannyalcatraz" data-source="post: 4450848" data-attributes="member: 19675">Lets go with the easier questions first:Because that is the "common denominator."  The Heritage feats like Draconic Breath give us the metric for any arcane spellcasting slot of 2d6/spell level.This is much easier than trying to measure the combat effectiveness of a well cast Illusion, a buff to AC and saves, the value of a movement spell, etc., especially when you can have all of that within a given level of spells.  The value of such choices depend greatly upon a variety of variables.By giving each slot a definite value, the Heritage feats remove almost all of the variables in the equation.  In turn, that lets us compare apples to apples, even if the apples are inefficient.That's my fault- its the best terminology I could find to say "Casting all of your spells in one day."  IOW, using all of your spellcaster's reserves within 24 hours.Is there a better term or one you'd prefer?Most of your 9th level spells are not really damage spells- many of the best of those reside in that 5-8th level range.However, it is absolutely true that the lack of 9th level slots does prevent one from using Metamagic on some of your higher level spells that actually do damage.andWith so many slots, you can be profligate with your use of magic.  Such a PC can afford to cast a load of long-lasting buff spells- boosted by whatever Metamagics he has available- and still play artillery when the actual combat rolls around.For Wix20, those would be 4 spells each level from 4th-9th.For the S5/W5/UM10, those would be 11 6th level spells, 9 7th level spells, and 6 8th level spells.   While lacking the 4 9th level spells isn't insignificant, the PC has 2 more 8th level spells, 5 more 7th level spells, and 7 more 6th level spells than his Wizardly compatriot in that range, and doesn't have to dip down below that.  And if he does, he has 12 4th and 12 5th level spells to boot.While it is true that he doesn't have access to 9th level spells at his disposal- and lets face it, that Wizard is probably at an advantage over his Sorcerous rival here too- its arguable that the UM has more access to supplemental spells.  He doesn't need to rely on external devices to broaden his repetoir- as pointed out above, he has enough spell slots at any other level to play with that he has all kinds of supplemental spells at his disposal.Goodman Games' Power Wizard guide (or whatever its called) points out how one can get around saves, SR, and other defenses to spellcasting.  A well designed S/W/UM almost need never worry about it.  He can fill his repertoir of spells with those that work in all of the workarounds mentioned in that book.And that book only deals with the Core 3- there are other ways that have been added in the Completes.Gotta run- Gustav evacuees need my attention- but I'll be back later.</blockquote>

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