Why Not Share Spellbooks?

[GX.Sigma]

Maybe I'm missing something super-obvious, but is there any reason why two wizard characters wouldn't share spellbooks and copy each other's spells? Or even just look at both spellbooks every day?

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

Every wizard has their own style. I don't think two wizards could directly share a spellbook (unless they know each other really well, as in they're married, or something like that) but two friendly wizards could certainly trade spells (or even give at no cost; presumably that's how mentors teach their charges* ).

*Although that could be folded into tuition, I guess.

 

[GX.Sigma]

What I'm really asking is, if a PC wizard asks an NPC wizard to share spells, why would the NPC ever say no? And, if the NPC would always say yes, then how come every wizard in the world doesn't know every spell in the world?

 

[dd.stevenson]

Because why would the NPC say "yes" when they could say "yes and give me 300 gp per spell level for the privilege"?

 

[Umbran]

Try replacing the word "spellbook" for "wallet", and you'll see why. Knowledge is power, and has value. I won't just hand you power and value unless you give me something of equal value in return.

So, if both feel they're getting enough out of the deal, sure, they can do that. But, if I have four spells, and you have seventeen, you aren't winning on this deal, are you?

 

[GX.Sigma]

Because why would the NPC say "yes" when they could say "yes and give me 300 gp per spell level for the privilege"?

Because the PC is offering every spell he knows. The NPC would have to be crazy not to take that deal.

 

[GX.Sigma]

Try replacing the word "spellbook" for "wallet", and you'll see why. Knowledge is power, and has value. I won't just hand you power and value unless you give me something of equal value in return.

So, if both feel they're getting enough out of the deal, sure, they can do that. But, if I have four spells, and you have seventeen, you aren't winning on this deal, are you?

Imagine if the situation were reversed. You're playing a level 3 wizard who knows every spell except magic missile. A level 1 wizard NPC comes up to you and offers to give you magic missile for free if you let him take a look at your spellbook. Why would you say no?

 

[Jacob Marley]

What I'm really asking is, if a PC wizard asks an NPC wizard to share spells, why would the NPC ever say no? And, if the NPC would always say yes, then how come every wizard in the world doesn't know every spell in the world?

Two wizards get together. They each hand the other their spellbook. Wizard A opens the spellbook and reads "I prepared explosive ruins today." Wizard B casts teleport and hightails it into a magnificent mansion.

Or, to put it more succinctly: it's often too risky.

 

[GX.Sigma]

Two wizards get together. They each hand the other their spellbook. Wizard A opens the spellbook and reads "I prepared explosive ruins today." Wizard B casts teleport and hightails it into a magnificent mansion.

Or, to put it more succinctly: it's often too risky.

Sure, but what about low levels?

 

[Jacob Marley]

Sure, but what about low levels?

Risk doesn't disappear because your a low-level character. As in real life, there is a risk/reward tradeoff. Sometimes characters, wizards included, will simply be risk averse.