Vop vs spell casting materials

[Malum]

Just wanted to run my players new pc concept by the rules forum see what you all thought. It’s a question of Vop vs. Wizard’s spell components & spell book.
Campaign is starting out at 5th level the player wants 2nd level Monk / 3rd level Wizard w/ VoP. I disallowed the Wizard class outright. My ruling was based on possessing anything of value; book & components. His reply “I will only pick spells with less that 1 gp cost to cast and I will get the eschew materials feat”. I again refuted the possession of the spell book, and suggested he consider the Sorcerer w/ eschew materials feat. He gave in. Am I wrong to disallow a Wizards spell book to a pc with The VoP?


Malum

 

[Infiniti2000]

Am I wrong to disallow a Wizards spell book to a pc with The VoP?

No. A wizard's spellbook is not cheap and costs quite a bit to update. You are not only right in your decision, your player should reread the section on VoP and then on the wizard's spellbook.

 

[Dimwhit]

The Eschew Components feat wouldn't be necessary, as VoP specifically allows a spell component pouch. And there's even a bit about sacrificing EXP in place of higher-value components. As for the spell book, that would be a DM call, and you made it. Personally, I'd allow it, but I'd probably limit the character to the two spells per level for entry (not buying scrolls and scribing additional spells into the book). But that's just me.

 

[Nonlethal Force]

I would allow it as well - because by making that ruling you are essentially eliminating every wizard from the VoP feat. Well, but then again ... wizard is an expensive class. Perhaps that is the right call affter all.

How about this compromise: Allow the wizard to use the body tatoos variant listed in Complete Arcane (p. 186-187) That way they could legitimately be a VoP wizard who is not reliant on a traditional spellbook. Another possibility (less fun but probably more realistic) is to use the token idea fouond on p. 187.

Personally, though, I think the player could probably become a sorcerer and be a little more powerful for their concept and not have to worry about a spellbook.

 

[Moon-Lancer]

also, its free to scribe 2 spells a level for a wizard. A vop wizard can be done, but if that wizard book gets stolen or distroyed, then that player should retire that charicter.

 

[irdeggman]

Have him go with monk sorcerer instead. No spell book to worry about.

 

[irdeggman]

also, its free to scribe 2 spells a level for a wizard. A vop wizard can be done, but if that wizard book gets stolen or distroyed, then that player should retire that charicter.

But the character still has the book and it is constantly increasing in "value" as he puts more spells into it.

 

[Dimwhit]

But the character still has the book and it is constantly increasing in "value" as he puts more spells into it.

It only has value if he tries to sell it. Otherwise it's just a tool for doing his job.

VoP is far from a Black&White concept. Lots of DM's calls and DM/Player discussion needed before jumping into it.

 

[fafhrd]

It only has value if he tries to sell it. Otherwise it's just a tool for doing his job.

How would that be any different for a +5 vorpal greatsword?

 

[Dimwhit]

How would that be any different for a +5 vorpal greatsword?

On one hand, it's no different. On the other, they're not even close to the same. Even loaded with spells, a spellbook still has very little value.

A equate a VoP character with a spellbook the same as a VoP Cleric with a mundane holy symbol. I'd allow both, but that's just me. They really only have value to the character for the purpose of carrying out their jobs. A magic sword is, to me, different on many levels.