To James Jacobs: A Growing Problem with Dungeon Magazine

[MoogleEmpMog]

I would find more useful a stat block with, for example, relevant Spell Compendium spells in the character's spell list and a sidebar listing PHB spells to swap for them. Even, if not especially, as a person who hates the proliferation of spells. I don't like the D&D magic system, but I still know what fireball and cure light wounds are and would know they're useful. Bolt of Eldritch Unearthed Might of the Arcane Theurge Ball Blast #882432345? I have *no idea* what that spell does, and wouldn't think to use it - but I'm willing to accept it could be wicked cool in the hands of an NPC.

Of course, I'm trying to imagine why Wizards (through the license they grant to Paizo) would *want* to support the playstyle of a group that doesn't have a single Spell Compendium out of probably, what, 4-6 players minimum?

 

[takasi]

Maybe not every adventure, but perhaps 1 in 3? A core DM gets a fix in every issue, the campaign guy gets the AP (which is also core) and the non-core DM gets to see a professional adventure using some of the non-core books. Sounds great to me!

A poll anyone?

http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=184264

 

[Crothian]

It is easier to swap out a core spell for one that you want, than it is to swap a non-core spell from a book you may not have, nor want.

How is one easier then the other? Swapping spells from one source to another should be just as easy as swapping spells from one source to another.

 

[Nightfall]

Steel,

While I'm not usually in favor of such things, hey you'll get no complaint from me about new spells. Trouble is some times the PHB ones still tend to do their job just fine.

Case in point: Unholy Blight. Honestly it's the most under considered spell and yet when it's used, blamo! Down go the PCs!

 

[Glyfair]

Not everyone introduces the whole of the spell compendium carte blanch.

May I even suggest that everyone doesn't even own the Spell Compendium. (A poll here wouldn't be very useful, since I imagine the percentage that own it here is higher than the overall user base of Dungeon).

 

[Mouseferatu]

May I even suggest that everyone doesn't even own the Spell Compendium. (A poll here wouldn't be very useful, since I imagine the percentage that own it here is higher than the overall user base of Dungeon).

And that, in fact, is why polls regarding content are never truly useful on ENWorld--no matter how fun they may be.

 

[Nightfall]

well never is pushing it.

Very rarely perhaps. Useful as on a bull maybe...

 

[Olaf the Stout]

How is one easier then the other? Swapping spells from one source to another should be just as easy as swapping spells from one source to another.

If you don't have the book in question you may not know what the spell is. Some people like to keep the spells similar when they swap them out. That would be my guess.

Olaf the Stout

 

[Glyfair]

Just because a NPC cleric might have say the spell Close Wounds on his spell list, does not invalidate the adventure. Likewise a Wizard with Combust, or Druid with Infestation of Maggots prepared is not going to kill the stat block.

And if it's such a non-factor in the adventure, why bother to add it and add difficulty to those who don't own the product?

How is one easier then the other? Swapping spells from one source to another should be just as easy as swapping spells from one source to another.

Case 1: Swapping core spell out for non-core spell. DM finds a spell with a similar role that he wishes to use and swaps it out.

Case 2: Swapping non-core spell out for core spell. DM looks around and tries to find out what the non-core spell actually does (not an issue if it's published in the adventure, but that's not Steel Wind's concept). If he can't than he has to guess based on the same of the spell ("Hmmm, I wonder what panacea does?")

I'd only be in favor of adding the Spell Compendium to the assumptions if it was added to the SRD (so the hurdle of finding the spell was much lower). And that's as an owner and user of the book.

 

[Nightfall]

*thinks that Olaf may be right about that* Me I'm just waiting for someone to use Relics and Rituals spells!

Cause what's cooler than making someone infested with maggots?! Not much but I'm sure I'll think of something.