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Message: <blockquote data-quote="pyk" data-source="post: 1130192" data-attributes="member: 14254">Sorry, I did think it was a finished class.Anyway, as to the overprepping, why not impose a limit to the total number that can be prepped?  Such as a Spellcraft check against DC = 10 + ((highest spell level * total # spells) / Caster Level). Including Cantrips, which are spell level 1/2 for the purposes of the DC. Failure by more than 5 results in all spells triggering. That way, a first level caster can take ten on 3 first level spells, and still cast 6 Cantrips at will, for free. In line with Wizard. But, first level cannot take twenty and get 13. At level 20, this would still be quite powerful, though, but still better. This keeps the prepped spells in line with a high INT, like a Wizard.On the point of first level casting a fifth level spell, you said earlier: To cast a spell, the mage chooses a spell and notes the spell level, including metamagic modifiers. She makes a caster level check (d20 + caster level + charisma modifier, DC = 10 + spell level) to see if she can successfully cast the spell (manipulate the magical energies). If successful, she expends an amount of mana equal to the level of the spell. This is why I believed a first level Mage with 20 CHA (+5) could cast a fifth level spell. The DC of this spell is 15, and the caster check is d20+1+5, for a 'take ten' of 16, and the mana points are only 5 for a fifth level spell. For some fifth level spells, no problem. Cone of Cold, does 1d6 damage. Animal Growth, cannot even change one animal. But, would you let a first level caster put Cloudkill on the battlefield? That would kill all the opponents, one shot, and possibly even all the allies, too. Or let a first level caster Teleport?Maybe make casting spontaneous to be DC = 15 + (spell level *2). This allows first level spells (DC 17) to be cast regularly by first level Mage with CHA around 16-17 (+3) with rolls of 4 or more. Increase the danger of casting beyond the limits to "If you miss the caster level check by 5 or more, a spell mishap occurs (See scroll mishaps in the DMG)". Have the mana taken away whether the spell works or not, also. This then allows some daring first level characters to attempt second level spells, with a fair chance at making it (rolls of 5-6 or better), and with a small chance of major failure. But stops those real daring casters from trying to get out a fourth level (rolls of 18-20 needed) and with great chance of mishap (rolls of 12 or worse). And the more powerful the spell, the worse the mishap.And, the way I thought this class was, I didn't feel any other class was in a league with it, and anyone would be a fool not to have taken this class. Balanced, maybe.</blockquote>

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