D&D (2024) What's your opinion on the standardization of Spellcasters?

[SkidAce]

One of these days I’m gonna have to sit down and make a spreadsheet of the spells the classes get in these UAs compared to their classic 5e spell lists, cause I’m in the same boat, not really clear on what they’re gaining or losing. I will say, this new method is going to make spell preparation even more of a PITA because you don’t just have a handy dandy list of the spells your character can learn. If the revised PHB organizes spells alphabetically, it’s going to be an absolute nightmare to do without digital tools. Though it’s possible that’s a feature not a bug in WotC’s eyes.

Oooooooo, a return to my Access database of spells for 2e, and 3e! Sweet (/sarcasm/laughter)

 

[Lojaan]

I don't want every caster to have every spell available at all times. I actually don't think arcane casters should learn any new spells automatically. They should have to go out and buy/discover/create them. Not just go up a level and all of a sudden know 20-30 new spells.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Certain elements, sure. I keep pointing to the warlock and the Next sorcerer, both of which operate under the same fundamental spellcasting system - they cast spells from the same superset as everyone else, which follow all the same rules governing spells. It’s only how they access and cast them that changes.

Ah, see, I would consider the access methodology the “how Spellcasting works” part, and spells are the thing being accessed by that system. So, siloing spell selection has a bigger impact on what a class feels like than the access methodology, to me.

Yeah, I’m up for that too.

Imagine if we had that for sorcerers and the recharge when XYZ happens dynamic for the warlock. I’d also be cool with warlocks leaning even harder into at-will abilities and passive effects.

Those are kinda the only casters I’d want to access magic super differently, though. I want the bard to get less Spellcasting and more inspiration stuff, but I’d still want them to prepare spells and cast them with spell slots.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

One of these days I’m gonna have to sit down and make a spreadsheet of the spells the classes get in these UAs compared to their classic 5e spell lists, cause I’m in the same boat, not really clear on what they’re gaining or losing. I will say, this new method is going to make spell preparation even more of a PITA because you don’t just have a handy dandy list of the spells your character can learn. If the revised PHB organizes spells alphabetically, it’s going to be an absolute nightmare to do without digital tools. Though it’s possible that’s a feature not a bug in WotC’s eyes.

Coming back to this, I think this is the only big pitfall I can see that might sink the new spell system.

I’d almost rather see more focused and narrow class spell lists.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

I don't want every caster to have every spell available at all times. I actually don't think arcane casters should learn any new spells automatically. They should have to go out and buy/discover/create them. Not just go up a level and all of a sudden know 20-30 new spells.

Expanding spellbook casting to all arcanes is an idea.

 

[Branduil]

Expanding spellbook casting to all arcanes is an idea.

Would the Sorceror even really exist at this point, with all of his original concept gone or stolen? The Ship of Theseus would like to know.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Would the Sorceror even really exist at this point, with all of his original concept gone or stolen? The Ship of Theseus would like to know.

Sure. Things changing doesn’t make them not the thing.

In this particular case, I’d be fine with limiting Sorcerer spell choice if it came with greatly expanded meta-magic and more sorcery points.

 

[Branduil]

Sure. Things changing doesn’t make them not the thing.

In this particular case, I’d be fine with limiting Sorcerer spell choice if it came with greatly expanded meta-magic and more sorcery points.

Well I was mostly commenting on the idea of Sorcerers needing spellbooks, thus destroying their lore reasons for existing.

 

[Horwath]

I don't like it.

It's good in theory, and many will like that.

Simple, clean, universal. Less stuff to learn as all classes use the same thing. Like Extra attack feature for many classes.

But, I'm afraid that it will make casters even more powerful.

If they want standardization then maybe all casters should be spell known casters:


1. Spells know; one spell known per caster level from levels 1 to 11. then extra spell known at levels 13,15 and 17.

2. 2 extra cantrips known and 2 extra spell known from spell levels 1 to 5 depending on class/subclass.

3. Ritual caster feat. Wizards get this feat for free at 1st level. WITHOUT the ASI.

4. All spells available to all classes.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Well I was mostly commenting on the idea of Sorcerers needing spellbooks, thus destroying their lore reasons for existing.

They could be an exception to needing any sort of physical spell record.