Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Lokenarin 03-19-07, 01:20 AM	Is spellfire overpowered? It requires a Feat at 1st level and alows healing and storing of energy levels to use later as spellfire blasts or healing up to you constitution. My players quickly found out that the party wizard can pump some levels of spells into the Spellfire weilder to load him up after every day. Now you could over load the SF weilder with blasts from an ememy and it takes a readied action to absorb spell energy directed at the weilder. We test played it and ammuseingly the SF weilder was a rogue and he was always too busy doing rogue stuff to really use his spellfire execpt for emergency healing (akin to lay on hands). Whats your take?
Myssa Rei 03-19-07, 02:26 AM	I think that some of the more rules-savvy sages on the board would come up with a more detailed explanation as to why, the fact is Spellfire Wielder isn't overpowered. In fact, rules-wise its pretty much the opposite; to maintain gain balance, it was deliberately underpowered, as portraying it according to the novels would turn it into a gamebreaker. Literally. Not to mention the fact that, on a roleplaying standpoint, it's an awful hassle, as a LOT of powerhungry groups would be constantly harrying the unfortunate character with the feat. I mean, look at what happened to Shandril.
Stigger 03-19-07, 07:11 AM	Gotta agree with Myssa there, I found it really underpowered when I tried it out. Wasn't even that impressive with the Spellfire Heirophant epic PrC compared to the wizards I usually end up building up. Going by the rules I fail to see what the fuss is... doesn't justify the novels at all. I can see why, of course, but it's underwhelming to me all the same.
Lokenarin 03-19-07, 10:12 AM	it does seem underpowered. But is it worth a feat, even if just for the healing ability?
Stigger 03-19-07, 02:58 PM	Depends on how you look at it. As an augment to a cleric/druid/other it could well be worth it, but diminishing returns are going to set in with it eventually. As a hold-out ability that could make a huge difference between living and dying one day, it would be worth it, though a bit of a gamble if nothing like that ever happens. But there are perhaps more long-term useful feats out there you could spend that feat on... which would be my thought personally.
Alediran 03-19-07, 03:34 PM	Like Spellcasting Prodigy for a primary spellcaster.
Stigger 03-20-07, 12:42 AM	Once you hit the 140's I could see Spellcasting Prodigy coming in handy to even up the difference between various spellcasting classes you might have... :D
selunatic2397 03-20-07, 10:52 AM	Check out Volo's Guide To Magic for a look at 2nd edition Spellfire and then tell me D&D 3.5 Spellfire is overpowered. Currently I see it as more of a joke than anything else... Just a victim of the new 3.5 view that everybody has to be able to do everything and everyone must absolutely be equal to everyone of that level...:headexplo
Stigger 03-21-07, 12:51 AM	That right there is the one big complaint I have with 3.x really... but it's easily fixed with house rules here and there.
Myssa Rei 03-21-07, 02:54 AM	I can see why, of course, but it's underwhelming to me all the same. Not as much underwhelming, but it saw a lot of disappointed players who thought they could use it to absorb the spells of a dracolich, and blast it to cinders with the spellfire they unleashed in retaliation. ^^; Yeah, it would have been better to be a wizard...
The_Shaman 03-21-07, 07:43 AM	I think that's something your DM allows only with a darn good reason. Face it, a character with spellfire will probably be the center of the story. As such, I'd say it should be quite powerful. Maybe there could be a LA-increasing version?
Shroud_The_Warlock 04-08-07, 10:04 PM	What book is this feat in? All that I have is FRCS. (Just came over from Eberron)
Dravial 04-08-07, 10:58 PM	Magic of Faerun pg. 23 I actually can see the use for a full wizard or such at low levels. Yet at higher levels unless your looking at the prestige class, and even then, it becomes less and less useful. Unless used as a hold out. Suprise healing or asorption, lightning bolt to the chest ... not a scratch... hehehe
Derren S. 04-09-07, 09:09 AM	Considering the requirements (except the "let the DM decide" one) Spellfire is overpowered. Most people argue that at mid to high level spellfire isn't that powerfull but this spell can be taken at 1st level and there it is extremly powerfull, letting you onw shot nearly anything you come accross. And how spellfire is portrayed in the novels does have nothing to do with its balance in the game.
Walls 04-09-07, 09:37 AM	It's a gift granted by the Gods to VERY FEW people. It's is insanely rare to have and anyone who has it will be hunted to the ends of the earth by everyone and their dogs. How can it possibly be over powered. Hell, no PC should be allowed to have it if you ask me.
The_Shaman 04-09-07, 07:09 PM	Seconded, except for the last statement. If the DM allows a character to have Spellfire abilities, he better know what he's getting into - because like it or not, that character will bring the party a lot of unwelcome attention as soon as news of his power spreads even a little.
Alac Luin 04-09-07, 10:51 PM	Considering the requirements (except the "let the DM decide" one) Spellfire is overpowered. Over the course of a campaign, it is nowhere close to being overpowered. In fact, it is underpowered without taking levels in the PrCs. Most people argue that at mid to high level spellfire isn't that powerfull but this spell can be taken at 1st level and there it is extremly powerfull, letting you onw shot nearly anything you come accross. Yes, at 1st level it has potential to be over powering. Once abilities like Evasion, and fire resistance (natural or by magic) come into play it's offensive abilities are greatly decreased. By fifth level, it's about average. By 7th level, it can be almost worthless offensively.
lightcwu 04-10-07, 03:11 AM	In my group we give people a 1 in 100 chance of getting spellfire. Tell the DM a number and he rolls a d100. It's the only fair way we can think to manage the craziness that is spellfire. Because while I agree it is underpowered as compared to the books, I can think of no other feat in all of WotC as good as spellfire wielder.
Derren S. 04-10-07, 09:28 AM	Over the course of a campaign, it is nowhere close to being overpowered. The same applies to Power Word: Pain, yet no one argues that this spell is very broken. YOu have to consider abilities when they come into play, not 5 or more levels after that.
Alediran 04-10-07, 09:37 AM	The same applies to Power Word: Pain, yet no one argues that this spell is very broken. YOu have to consider abilities when they come into play, not 5 or more levels after that. That is the reason why arcane casters are better, because they plan for the future not for the present. It's a no-brainer that most feats/spells you got at the minimum possible level are going to have a big punch, the important thing is if they will continue to serve the player in the future. Power Attack is a great feat, but if most of your fights are enemies with high AC then you just wasted a feat.
Alac Luin 04-10-07, 04:35 PM	The same applies to Power Word: Pain, yet no one argues that this spell is very broken. YOu have to consider abilities when they come into play, not 5 or more levels after that. Actually, you have to consider BOTH, and take that into account when making the choice in allowing it in your game. This is the underlaying mindset when it comes to most of the rules, like the LA system and character levels, spell design, etc. Yes, there are instances that new rules are actually broken, my point is that spellfire is not that bad overall. Considering I see most new games starting at higher levels then 1st this is important. At least here on the boards, it seems to me that most people are starting at 5th level or higher. If staring a new character in this level range, no big deal. If you are staring at level one, spellfire will tempera rally have that character overpowered, but it makes up for it in the long run.
saethar 04-15-07, 05:10 PM	Spellfire as laid out in MoF and PGtF is underpowered, and nearly useless. If you want to get some good, and fairly balanced, use out of it check the boards here for the "Spellfire Warrior" base class Link (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=303778), there is also a "Spellfire Channeler" which I have not looked at yet Link (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?p=12012378). Saethar :b:
Baptor 04-21-07, 01:41 AM	What book is this feat in? All that I have is FRCS. (Just came over from Eberron) It's in the FRCS actually if you want the knowledge in detail. It's in the Magic chapter.
The WarOverlord 04-21-07, 08:20 AM	Is spellfire overpowered? It requires a Feat at 1st level and alows healing and storing of energy levels to use later as spellfire blasts or healing up to you constitution. My players quickly found out that the party wizard can pump some levels of spells into the Spellfire weilder to load him up after every day. Now you could over load the SF weilder with blasts from an ememy and it takes a readied action to absorb spell energy directed at the weilder. We test played it and ammuseingly the SF weilder was a rogue and he was always too busy doing rogue stuff to really use his spellfire execpt for emergency healing (akin to lay on hands). Whats your take? Only aware of the basic one discused in the FR Adventure book where 1) Destructive Blasts of 1d6 per spell level released uncontrolaby at 1st and 2nd level, more refined and with multiple uses at higher levels and even partial level use at Higher levels 2) healing is 2 points per spell level used up 3) From holding 5x to 10x contitution in Spell levels hurts mildly to uncontrolable random release while in horrible pain. 4) Flying is possible by expending 10 spell levels then maintenence of 3 spell levels a round (flying taking up the 2nd spellfire use/attack at higher levels) 5) Crown of Fire, a 9th level effect, where you use the lifeforce of a willing being to power it Um. No Fly spell is cheaper, Leaving the healing to Clerics or potions is cheaper, and the hassle of getting spell levels before you can use them makes the Spellfire user a waste to me Not to mention that the "Crown of Fire" costs someone there life force and all it gives is some measly powers
Sliced_Mustard 04-25-07, 11:28 AM	And how spellfire is portrayed in the novels does have nothing to do with its balance in the game. that seems like a rediculous statement to me.
Spearhorn 04-27-07, 04:17 AM	Would it be possible to deliberatly step in to a magic trap, over and over, just to charge yourself up to maximum with Spellfire? Otherwise I think the biggest use this feat have is to defend yourself from incoming magic, not to attack. You just need to ready and wait, no rolls or anything.
Alac Luin 04-27-07, 02:43 PM	Would it be possible to deliberatly step in to a magic trap, over and over, just to charge yourself up to maximum with Spellfire? I can't see why not. But most traps are AOE effects, spellfire as it is written for 3.X, the wielder cannot absorb AOE effects. Otherwise I think the biggest use this feat have is to defend yourself from incoming magic, not to attack. You just need to ready and wait, no rolls or anything. Even that is weak ability. If you keep a "ready action" to absorb a spell, you can only take a 5-foot move action during the round. And again, only targeted spells, so you are not protected from that incoming fireball, black tentacles, cloudkill, etc.
The WarOverlord 04-27-07, 05:03 PM	that seems like a rediculous statement to me. Really? Lets just say that I rather by shot at with a gun using D&D game balnce physics then a real life gun anyday....lol But again the main question is if Spellfire overpowered even with it's watered down D&D game balance physics version of itself? Answer: How can it be when A Spellfire weilder expending 7 levels to do a heal effect will only heal 14 HP while a Cleric Using the 7th level spell Heal could technically heal a creature with only 1hp left and a 1,000,000HP max to 999,999HP? Likewise, a Fly Spell is 2nd level but for Spellfire wielder wanting to fly 2 Spell levels won't even get them airborne. And most importantly, a spellfire blast does 1d6 damage per spell level so using 3 spell level will cause 3d6 damage no matter what, while a 40th level Mage casting 3rd level Spells like Fireball or Lightning bolt will do a lot more damage.
Ischtan 04-27-07, 05:36 PM	I once played a Tiefling rogue1/Spellthief5 with the spellfire wielder feat. And the background als was that she was once captured by magicians for experiments, but could flee. The charakter was not really effective, but could do a lot of funny things. And the combination of spellthief and spellfire wielder is really nice, and a good mage killer ...
Mr. Master 04-27-07, 05:52 PM	I think that,at least here in 3.0,Spellfire is quite a powerful feat,since it can be used by almost every class to do something they normally couldn't. The prestige class,moreover,is really powerful.I just can't figure out what sort of creature can possibly resist to a 90d6 blast:Constitution 18 x 5 = 90d6 blast... Moreover,if you feel that Spellfire is underpowered,you can house rule that the fire damage (which is only half of the damage)becomes magic damage.Or you can make the DC for the ST higher or state that this feat heals up to 1d6 (or more,if you wish) per spell level.
Ischtan 04-27-07, 07:00 PM	The prestige class,moreover,is really powerful.I just can't figure out what sort of creature can possibly resist to a 90d6 blast:Constitution 18 x 5 = 90d6 blast... That is a lot, but in average also only 3,5 * 90 = 315 damage. Yes, that is a lot for one round, but what are you doing afterwards ??? ...or state that this feat heals up to 1d6 (or more,if you wish) per spell level. Hm, the expectation value of 1d6 is 3,5, and let's see, the expectation value of 1d4+1 is 3,5. That's an awesome improvement dude :P