My spellcasting system (nameless as of yet)
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:01 pm
This system is intended to make multiclassing caster classes feasible. The standard DnD rules make this a very unattractive option beyond the dipping of a level or two of a primary caster class. Ideally a wizard 10 / cleric 10, a wizard 20 and a fighter 10 / wizard 10 should be equally powerful.
This new system should be fairly easy to use and should seamlessly fit into normal DnD campaigns. It should also be compatible with the rest of the game, rules-wise. The straight casters should be nearly undistinguishable from another when comparing the old and the new system.
I believe the system I designed achieves all of the above to a reasonable degree. If I had a snazzy name or acronym it would go here, but I don't so you will have to come up with your own if you want to use it.
The Core system
The basics of the system consist of three basic rules. Anything else is added merely to make it work a little smoother.
1. One spell level per class level
When a character gains a level in a primary spellcasting class (cleric, wizard, etc) instead of gaining spell slots from a predefined list he gains a number of spell levels equal to his new class level. He then assigns those spell levels to slots (at the cost of 1 spell level per level of the slot) according to the following rules.
2. Maximum spell level is one half the character level
Characters may not gain a spell slot higher than one half the character level (not class level), rounded up, in this way.
3. Build a pyramid
Characters may not gain more slots of level X than they have of level X-1. Cantrips do not count for this calculation.
Minor additions
These rules should smooth some of the edges of the system. If you decide not to use them the system should still work.
I. High level slots first
When picking new spell slots a character picks the slots one at a time. Each time he must pick the highest slot available under rules 1 to 3.
II. Holding spells
When a character would gain enough slots of level X to let him have two more slots of that level than of the next highest spell level he instead saves the points until he gains his next caster level. Disregard spell levels the character can not cast yet.
III. An extra slot at level 1
When taking the first level of a spellcasting class the character gains not one but two spell levels.
IV. One class, one bonus stat
A character with multiple spellcasting classes that use the same ability for determining bonus spells only gains the bonus spells for one of these classes.
V. Sorcerers
Sorcerers gain two extra spells per day of each spell level they can cast. Sorcerers determine their spells known as other casters determine their spells per day.
VI. Caster level
A characters caster level is twice his level in his spellcasting class, up to a maximum of his character level.
Constraints
Some parts of the game do not work with this system.
a. Discard the old solutions
Classes designed to mimic dualclassing - like the Arcane Trickster or the Mystic Theurge - should not be used in conjunction with this system. Similarly other mechanics designed to aid multiclassed casters (like, say, Illumians or the Spellsword) need to be reexamined.