Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Valoy_Muniz 08-18-05, 02:51 PM	Book Caster Alignment: Any. Hit Die: d4. Class Skills The wizard’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Profession (Wis), and Spellcraft (Int). See Chapter 4: Skills for skill descriptions. Skill Points at 1st Level: (2 + Int modifier) x4. Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 2 + Int modifier. Bab same as wiz Fort same as wiz Ref same as wiz Wil same as wiz. Bounes feat is Summon Familiar at 1st level Bookcaster: Can cast a unlimited number of spells a day at 1/2 there level round up (1st level 0 and 1 spells, 3rd 0,1 and 2, 5 0,1,2 and 3 ect) from the wiz spell list. The book caster cast there spells directly from the spell book in hand. A spell takes 1 full round to cast per spell level of the spell (0 level spells take a standed action) or the spells normal casting time. If hit they must pass there concentraion cheaks just like any other caster casting spell. They must have the peroper spell book in had when casting the spells (the other hand needs to be free for the S. part of the spell if it has one). If the spell book is damaged while they are casting a spell the casting is destoyed. (DM's please make sure it is noted what books have what spells as they need the correct spell book out to cast the spell and may need to swich as each only has 100 pages.) No meta magic can be aplyed to there spells. Spellbooks: A bookcaster begins play with a spellbook containing all 0-level wizard spells plus three 1st-level spells of your choice. For each point of Intelligence bonus the bookcaster has, the spellbook holds one additional 1st-level spell of your choice. At each new bookcaster level, she gains two new spells of any spell level or levels that she can cast (based on her bookcaster level) for her spellbook. At any time, a bookcaster can also add spells found in other spellbooks to her own. Writing a New Spell into a Spellbook Once a bookcaster understands a new spell, she can record it into her spellbook. Time: The process takes 24 hours, regardless of the spell’s level. Space in the Spellbook: A spell takes up one page of the spellbook per spell level. Even a 0-level spell (cantrip) takes one page. A spellbook has one hundred pages. Materials and Costs: Materials for writing the spell cost 100 gp per page. Note that a bookcaster does not have to pay these costs in time or gold for the spells she gains for free at each new level. I know most people will not like this as they can cast unlimited spells but then again they are risking there spell book on every casting on the spells and sice they do not mem spells they would need another way to get it back. Also even a second level spell will take 2 rounds while a 9th level would take 9 full rounds to cast. Any NPC should try to stop that well before it happens. Tell me what you think. (Flame proffing pulled over head.)
Temrek 08-18-05, 03:16 PM	It would maybe work if you limited its spell list as some spells casting time is not that important unless it is insanly long.
Particle 08-18-05, 05:05 PM	Um, like nice for buffing but useless for combat? I want to disintegrate my enemy? um guys, keep that dragon occupied for six rounds, ok? Nice idea, but I dont think it would work in higher lvls(15+), where speed can be essential. Especially if your enemies can kill you within one round. a lot of melee builds should be able to do that. let alone numerous rounds...
ksbsnowowl 08-18-05, 09:26 PM	This concept seems similar to a magic system concept I had last year. Take a look at the rules for it here (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=275173). Basically it allowed Sorcerers to also choose to expend their spell slots to cast spells from spellbooks, but the casting time was increased, and it used higher level spell slots. Maybe it will give you a few ideas to modify what you've got to make it more viable as a general D&D caster.
Baron Von Chaos 08-19-05, 08:47 AM	Yea I agree with the above post, it would be a boring game to me to have to sit around for six rounds to cast a sixth level spell. Then again you know me Valoy i could give the younger brother a beating for the next 5 rounds (Sorry Jay). So in conclusion if you have a younger punching ba.......i mean brother this class is for you!
Baron Von Chaos 08-29-05, 01:11 PM	Would it be overpowered if the casting time were in half? Would still take 3 rounds for a 6th level spell.
Vadin 08-29-05, 03:42 PM	I was just thinking that as I read about the class.
Puca 08-29-05, 03:52 PM	What if instead of playing with the time, you played with the probablity? Have him do a spellcraft check or something like that with the DCs set so that hed have between a 50 - 75% chance of success depending on how balanced you wanted to make it. Level 1, 4 ranks, +3 Int, = +7 to spellcraft checks, so DC 16 (15 +spell level) for a first level spell would give me a 60% chance of succeding. Add to that the need for concetration checks, attacks of opportunity and such and the possibility of his book getting blown up and I dont think you have to worry about adding casting time at all. Just my thoughts.
Valoy_Muniz 08-29-05, 04:59 PM	That sounds good too. But insed of DC15+ spell level it would have to be a min of dc 15+2xspell level since you get know spell level every 2 levels.
StevenO 08-30-05, 02:37 PM	I actually like this variation although it has problems. As noted combat casting is almost certainly a no-no for this class, especially if the opponents know anything about this type of wizard. Secondly, it may be overpowered for a support caster. You have no problem casting all the divinations you need (before each room use magic to see what's inside) and any high level long duration buffs on all party members. In summary, it is too weak in combat but too strong outside of it to really be a viable class inspite of its promise.
ManinBlaq 08-30-05, 03:13 PM	This is somewhat inline with a class I recommended a few months ago. I'll post it again ... as I never received much feedback originally. He's similiar in most respects to a wizard, and may even specialize as a wizard. Basically, he sacrifices higher level spell progression, to get a few more lower level spells and the ability to cast multiple spells (or even from his book!). Personally, I rather enjoy his flexibility. Mage Class Features . Level BAB .... Fort .. Ref .. Will ..... Abilities .. +0 ...... +0 .... +0 .... +2 ....... Familiar, Light Armor Casting .. +1 ...... +0 .... +3 .... +3 ....... .. +1 ...... +1 .... +3 .... +3 ....... Bonus Feat .. +2 ...... +1 .... +4 .... +4 ....... .. +2 ...... +1 .... +4 .... +4 ....... Spell Casting Scholar .. +3 ...... +2 .... +5 .... +5 ....... Flexible Wizardry .. +3 ...... +2 .... +5 .... +5 ....... .. +4 ...... +2 .... +6 .... +6 ....... Bonus Feat .. +4 ...... +3 .... +6 .... +6 ....... Scholarly Defense .. +5 ...... +3 .... +7 .... +7 ....... Spell Casting Veteran, Beguiling Wizardry .. +5 ...... +3 .... +7 .... +7 ....... .. +6 ...... +3 .... +8 .... +8 ....... .. +6 ...... +3 .... +8 .... +8 ....... Bonus Feat .. +7 ...... +3 .... +9 .... +9 ....... Dynamic Wizardry .. +7 ...... +3 .... +9 .... +9 ....... Spell Casting Master .. +8 ...... +3 .... +10 .... +10 .... .. +8 ...... +3 .... +10 .... +10 .... .. +9 ...... +3 .... +11 .... +11 .... Bonus Feat, Masterful Wizardry .. +9 ...... +3 .... +11 .... +11 .... .. +10 ...... +3 .... +12 .... +12 .. Spell Casting Adept Spell Progression . Level .... 0 .. 1 .. 2 .. 3 .. 4 .. 5 ....... 1 .. 1 .. - .. - .. - .. - ....... 2 .. 2 .. - .. - .. - .. - ....... 3 .. 3 .. 1 .. - .. - .. - ....... 4 .. 4 .. 2 .. - .. - .. - ....... 5 .. 4 .. 3 .. 1 .. - .. - ....... 6 .. 5 .. 4 .. 2 .. - .. - ....... 6 .. 5 .. 4 .. 3 .. 1 .. - ....... 6 .. 6 .. 5 .. 4 .. 2 .. - ....... 6 .. 6 .. 5 .. 4 .. 3 .. 1 ....... 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 5 .. 4 .. 2 ....... 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 5 .. 4 .. 3 ....... 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 5 .. 4 ....... 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 5 .. 4 ....... 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 5 .. 4 ....... 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 5 ....... 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 5 ....... 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 5 ....... 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 ....... 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 ....... 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 .. 6 Class Skills The mage's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Profession (Wis), and Spellcraft (Int). Skill Points at 1st Level: (2 + Int modifier) x 4. Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 2 + Int modifier. Weapon and Armor Proficiencies: Mages are proficient with all simple weapons. Mages are also proficient with light armor and shields, but not tower shields. A mage can cast arcane spells while wearing light armor and while using a light shield, without incurring the normal arcane spell failure chance. However, like any other arcane spellcaster, a mage wearing medium or heavy armor or using a heavy shield incurs a chance of arcane spell failure if the spell in question has a somatic component (most do). Spells: A mage casts arcane spells which are drawn from the sorcerer/ wizard spell list. A mage must choose and prepare her spells ahead of time (see below). To learn, prepare, or cast a spell, the mage must have an Intelligence score equal to at least 10 + the spell level. The Difficulty Class for a saving throw against a mage's spell is 10 + the spell level + the mage's Intelligence modifier. Like other spellcasters, a mage can cast only a certain number of spells of each spell level per day. Her base daily spell allotment is given on Table: The Mage. In addition, she receives bonus spells per day if she has a high Intelligence score. Like a wizard, a mage may know any number of spells. She must choose and prepare her spells ahead of time by getting a good night’s sleep and spending 1 hour studying her spellbook. While studying, the mage decides which spells to prepare. If desired, a maze may specialize in one school of magic as a wizard does. Specialization allows a mage to cast extra spells from her chosen school, but she then never learns to cast spells from some other schools. Bonus Languages: A mage may substitute Draconic for one of the bonus languages available to the character because of her race. Familiar: A mage can obtain a familiar in exactly the same manner as a sorcerer can. See the sorcerer description for details. Bonus Feats: At 3rd, 8th, 13th, and 18th level, a mage gains a bonus feat. At each such opportunity, she can choose a metamagic feat, an item creation feat, or Spell Mastery. The mage must still meet all prerequisites for a bonus feat, including caster level minimums. These bonus feats are in addition to the feat that a character of any class gets from advancing levels. The mage is not limited to the categories of item creation feats, metamagic feats, or Spell Mastery when choosing these feats. Spell Casting Scholar(Ex): The mage has trained and honed their spell casting skills, rather than pursuing greater arcane knowledge. They have mastered arcane casting while wearing armor, using a shield and while wielding simple light weapons. At 5th level, their spell casting ability surpasses most other casters, allowing them to cast 1st level spells as a move action. They may cast this spell in addition to any other spell that they may cast as a standard and/or free action. This ability does not modify the spell in anyway, as metamagic. Simply treat the casting time of any 1st level spell that is normaly a standard action, as a casting time of 'move action'. 1st level spells that have a casting time of 1 full round, may be cast as a standard action. Spells with longer cast times are unaffected. A mage may use her spell casting ability 3 times per day, plus her Dexterity modifier. Flexible Wizardry(Ex): At 6th level, a mage may apply her Spell Casting abilities towards the use of any scrolls of the appropriate level. She may not use the ability with any scroll that requires a Use Magic Device check. The scroll must be in her hand, or she must be able to draw it in a timely fashion (such as with the quick draw feat). At any time during the day, the mage may voluntarily 'forget' a spell that she has memorized, and prepare a new spell in it's place. This process takes 15 minutes of uninterrupted time, regardless of spell level. If the mage is interrupted at any point, the slot is considered empty and she is unable to memorize the new spell but may attempt to do so again anytime later that day. A mage may use this ability a number of times per day equal to her wisdom modifier + 3. Scholarly Defense(Su): A spellbook is much more than a reservoir of cryptic lore to a mage, it's a cherished tool. At 9th level, a mage may use her spellbook as a light shield when held in her off hand. It grants a shield AC of 2, with no armor check penalties or arcane spell failure chance. Spells that affect / enhance equipment may be cast upon the book, and if she has craft magic arms and armor, she may enchant the book as she would a normal shield. Treat the shield bonus granted by this ability as a magical force effect. While used as a shield, the book is treated as having a hardness equal to her caster level and hitpoints 2x her caster level, plus any modifiers due to enchantments or other effects. Spell Casting Veteran(Ex): At 10th level, the mage is now able to cast 2nd level spells as a move action and 1st level spells as a swift action. Casting any 0 level spell becomes a Free action, and does not use one of the mage's Spell Casting attempts for the day. Beguiling Wizardry(Ex): At 10th level, the mage has perfected a form of casting that deceptively obscures the effects of her spells. Whenever the mage casts a spell, she may sacrifice one of her 'wizardry' attempts for the day, to add her dexterity modifier to the spell's saving throw DC. This is in addition to her intelligence bonus to the spell's DC. When using this ability, raise the Spellcraft check to identify her spell by her Dexterity modifier as well. Dynamic Wizardry(Ex): At 14th level, a mage may apply her Spell Casting abilities towards the use of any wand of the appropriate level. She may not use the ability with any wand that requires a Use Magic Device check. She must be wielding the wand, or she must be able to draw it in a timely fashion (such as with the quick draw feat). Also, if she may now voluntarily 'forget' any number of spell slots and prepare new spells in their place. This process now takes 1 hour of uninterrupted time, to study and concentrate. Using this ability uses one of her daily 'Wizardry' attempts. If the mage is interrupted at any point, all of her slots are considered empty and she is unable to memorize any new spells. She will need to expend another Dynamic Wizardry attempt to memorize her spells at another time later that day. Spell Casting Master(Ex): At 15th level, the mage is now able to cast 3rd level spells as a move action, 2nd level spells as a swift action and 1st level spells as an immediate action. If the mage hasn't already made an immediate or swift action in a round, she may use a 1st level spell in place of an attack of opportunity (as an immediate action). Masterful Wizardry(Ex): At 18th level, a mage may apply her Spell Casting abilities towards the use of any staff of the appropriate level. She may not use the ability with any staff that requires a Use Magic Device check. She must be wielding the staff, or she must be able to draw it in a timely fashion (such as with the quick draw feat). The mage may use one of her 'Wizardry' attempts for the day, to cast a spell directly from her spellbook. Regardless of the spell being cast, this requires two hands (So a mage may use this ability with a buckler, but not while holding a light shield or while wielding a weapon). Treat this as if casting from a scroll, however the spell is not removed from her spellbook. This ability may be used with her Spell Casting and Scholarly Defense abilities. Spell Casting Adept(Ex): At 20th level, the mage is now able to cast 4th level spells as a move action, 3rd level spells as a swift action, 2nd level spells as an immediate action and 1st level spells as a free action.