Why Won't Some People Play Spellcasters?

[ptolemy18]

When playing a spellcaster, I've never felt that I had to "memorize the entire Player's Handbook" to cast spells. Any spellcaster only has a certain number of spells to choose from, so all you have to do is check out the one-line description of the spells, and read the longer description for the ones that sound interesting. There's plenty of spells in the PHB which I haven't read.

When spells get cast, you (the caster) don't have to know *exactly* what it does, either (although it makes the DM's job easier). In the campaigns I've been in, either the DM or the player almost always has to flip through the PHB to figure out exactly what the spell does. I've never heard a DM say "You don't know exactly what your spell does? YOUR CHARACTER DIES INSTANTLY!!!"

It does slow things down, but so does "Hey, how does my Feat work?"

Jason

 

[ptolemy18]

And besides, magic is, in absolute terms, 'a way for wimps to even the playing field...by cheating,' to me at least. And I'd rather play a physically capable character than somebody who, by all rights, shouldn't be adventuring, were it not for their 'arcane crutch'. But, again, that's just me.

As for myself, I play D&D to get *away* from a universe where physical strength is important...

(Though natural 18 STR is still nice, of course)

Jason

 

[Thanee]

As for myself, I play D&D to get *away* from a universe where physical strength is important...

I remember a poll about that... how important which ability is in real life... and I recall Strength being the big time loser there.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Saeviomagy]

I wouldn't say so. I have room for every body slot, one column (which could be a bit more, one of the improvements I would like to make) for general equipment and one for "expendable" equipment (potions, scrolls, wands and stuff like that).

See - I fill up a double column with just generic adventuring gear. Rope, 10' collapsable poles, manacles, stuff like that.

If you've got it in electronic form, would you mind posting your sheet? I'm always interested in a less cluttered sheet.

 

[nimisgod]

Yet another sorceror player here. I prefer the sorceror over the wizard because it takes less effort. I'd definitely play a psion if I could.

The first time I started to play spellcasters as a player, it was because no one else wanted to. I began to enjoy it eventually.

IME, I wouldn't say that being an arcane spellcaster is less heroi than a non-spellcaster. You certainly fell more enemies and you are certainly under a great deal of risk. You can even say that you can accomplish more than a non-fighter type. In fact, they can depend on you.

In our 3.0 high-level campaign, my sorc supplies the whole party with greater magic weapon, bull's strength and other buffs to keep them competitive with our enemies (especially since we have crappy equipment). With later summon monster spells, my sorc can even heal his companions and himself..

People aren't kidding about an arcane spellcaster's power at high levels. An arcane spellcaster can overshadow his comrades, but he can also make them shine the brighter. They usually land the final and decisive blows, while I weaken the enemy or buff my friends. Whenever loot comes in, I don't need most of it. In fact, I give most of my share to my party members.

At low levels, it's just a matter of tactics and luck. Personally, I don't consider it a hassle but a challenge. But that's just me.

In the pbp I'm running, the only reason the 1st level party was able to defeat a Mephit was because of a well placed and lucky color spray. They would've been creamed otherwise.