Word of Recall to replace Teleport

[Evilhalfling]

Looking for a way to reduce the impact of powerful 5th level spells, I am considering changing out teleport (miss chance, distance limit)
with word of recall (place must be designated when memorizing the spell, only very familiar areas can be designated)
Both effect caster +1 target per 3/levels

Do the disadvantages balance out or does word of recall need a distance limit to work as a 5th level arcane spell?

My other idea is to make raise dead 6th level, and make revivify commonly used.

comments?

 

[Michael Silverbane]

I think that subbing in word of recall in place of teleport would be fine. I don't think that the lack of a distance limiter in word of recall will have much in the way of unforeseen consequences.

Later
silver

 

[Quartz]

With regard to teleport, consider making it risky. For example, you could total the levels of spells expended in the encounter (by all involved) and make that the DC of the spellcraft roll for Teleport to work in the first place. Or add that number to the d% roll. Or both.

You'll be amazed at how tactics change once teleport becomes risky.

 

[Nifft]

If I recall correctly, the most liked solutions last time this came up were:
- Specific arrival location (your proposal)
- Specific arrival time (e.g. you can only teleport at dawn)

My own house rule is that teleport actually takes 3 rounds of time for the outside world, and that teleport effects make noise. Dimension door is a *bampfh* (of course), as loud as a normal conversation, while teleport is like the thunderclap. Plane shift breaks windows.

The first thing I removed was the "miss chance". The idea that transportation can insta-kill the PCs is not fun in my book.


Other balance ideas:
- Teleportation dispels any spells on you.
- Teleportation inflicts a negative level for 1 hour, as the icy touch of unreality clings to your soul.
- Teleportation causes fatigue or exhaustion (or HP damage to constructs & undead).
- Teleportation damages magical gear.
- Teleportation costs Sanity points.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Infiniti2000]

Do the disadvantages balance out or does word of recall need a distance limit to work as a 5th level arcane spell?

I take it you don't have a sorcerer in your party? I'd be wondering how a sorcerer "memorizes" the location.

My question, however, stems from a lack of understanding about what specific impact you want to reduce. My other question is about revivify. If it needs to be commonly used, you might have other issues in the game.

 

[Pyrex]

You could require a destination Circle to be prepared in advance that must be the target; and further require that each caster only be able to use their own circles...