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Message: <blockquote data-quote="pseudodragon" data-source="post: 4872056" data-attributes="member: 6714">Re: Spell SelectionHi DocMoriartty,You make valid points and if players of spellcasters all followed that sort of themed spell selection, then it would make perfect sense for them to acquire more powerful spells with similar effects at higher levels (in fact, the Elements of Magic supplement works very much like that). If one of my characters used that as a justification for a new spell, I would likely say, "Sure, go for it." I don't intend to pick spells for the characters. I want them to pick their own spells, but if they come out of left field they should be willing to either explain how they would acquire such knowledge or be willing to take steps with their character to do the research. For example, suppose the fire-based wizard you mentioned decided that he wanted to learn Vampiric Touch when he gained 5th level. Wow. That's quite a diversion from anything this wizard has tackled before. So, if his character hadn't learned any other necromantic spells, hadn't encountered anyone with necromantic magic, and hadn't made an attempt to locate or consult any necromantic resources (texts, sages, lab work, NPCs, etc), then I would feel completely justified in telling him that his character can learn the spell, but would need to a) do some spell research, b) find a wizard more familiar with necromancy to teach the spell to him, or c) come up with a more creative way of learning the spell. I wouldn't make it especially hard (after all, it's only a 3rd level spell), but I would want him to put a little effort into it. I might even grant a small experience award for the undertaking. Of course, the next time he wanted to learn a necromantic spell or something similar to Vampiric Touch, in any event, I might decide that he could use the mystical tomes he gathered for his previous research or that he could easily find the NPC who tutored him before. This is similar to the character training that 1st edition AD&D referred to. It wouldn't happen all the time, but if a PC wizard takes a new spell unlike anything he already has or has previously encountered, then he would have to earn it. If he picks a spell that fits his character conception, that he has observed or been attacked with before, or that is similar to other spells/magic items/research based resources that he already has, then he'll be able to get it without breaking a sweat.</blockquote>

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