Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 cydrius Jan 02, 2011 18:45:07	So, my friend and I were pondering the idea of a spellcaster who'd get strong effects at the cost of very slow casting. (Think, always about twice the casting time of an equivalent wizard.) The character would have the same spell access as a wizard one level higher (with the fourth ninth level spell being acquired on level 20 rather than 19.) To compensate for the extra power, the class' spells are slower and require more concentration. For example, casting Fireball, (now possible at level 4), would require an entire round. This in turn means that the caster can be interrupted by incoming attacks on himself or on his craft. (For example, a painter's spell could be disrupted by an enemy smearing his painting with mud.) Rather than spellcasting feats, the class would probably get some abilities relating to it's flavor (a magical craftsman, such as a painter). For example, the ability to temporarily abandon the casting of a spell and resume it in a moment, or the ability to take even longer in casting a spell in exchange for a caster level boost. The main idea is a caster that can access powerful effects, but requires very careful planning. As of yet, I am undecided whether the casting would be prepared or spontaneous. I'm still working out everything the class will do, but I was wondering if this seems, at the core, degenerate.
#2 pluisjen Jan 03, 2011 3:30:34	Well... for 50% of his levels he'll be a Wizard only slower (because he doesn't have the extra spell level advantage) and for 50% of his levels he'll be a Wizard only slower for all but 2 of his spells (because the other ones are things the Wizard can also do, but faster) So I think the basic premise would be kinda broken, the class would be pretty underpowered compared to a normal Wizard the way you present it.
#3 slobo777a Jan 03, 2011 4:12:17	The concept is fine I think, provided the additional power available is strictly limited. But the suggested mechanic seems awkward. One thing that wizrds can already do (which some of my players learned to take advantage of): 1) After 8 hours rest, spell slots are restored 2) The routine 1hr spell preparation does not have to assign all slots 3) Assigning 1 or 2 spells from the spellbook to a slot later takes 15 minutes  . . . a Wizard with a collection of utility spells is well advised to keep a slot unassigned, and to pick the best utility whne the need arises. An idea: You could play with this mechanic, perhaps allowing a wizard option that has limited ability to fill all slots (e.g. they must make some temprary items or paintings etc, and can only carry one per caster level plus their int bonus), but better prep times (e.g. 1 minute per spell level). This plays to flexibility over power - if you are keen that the end goal is more power you could also add some trading amongst the slots, or what can be prepared into them, perhaps involving metamagic  . . .