Echoes
2010-11-14, 10:24 PM
Okay...
Ever since I first read the sections on independent research for spellcasters in the PHB and DMG, I've had enough questions on the topic to fill an entire sub-forum of its own.
- Firstly, in the PHB, it specifically mentions that wizards can research new spells, then later mentions that "A divine spellcaster also can research a spell independently, much as an arcane spellcaster can." (PHB 180). This would lead me to believe that the only arcane caster that can research spells is a wizard, and any divine class can do the same. However, in the DMG, it says "a spellcaster of any kind can create a new spell." (DMG 198). So, what exactly are the limits on spell creation... can you be a sorcerer/bard, do you even need to be a full caster, and do do you need to be able to cast spells of that level, or just succeed on the Spellcraft check?
- Very closely related to that, is there anyone that would be brave enough to interpret this passage by RAW?
With the DM’s permission, sorcerers and bards can also select the spells they gain from new and unusual spells that they have gained some understanding of (see Spells in the sorcerer description, page 54). For instance, when Hennet the sorcerer becomes 2nd level, he gains an additional 0-level spell. He can pick that spell from the 0-level spells on the sorcerer and wizard spell list, or he might have learned an unusual spell from an arcane scroll or spellbook.If I'm not mistaken, it's fairly explicitly saying that sorcerers and bards can take spells off their class list... Is this so?
- Next, why do I literally never heard of wizards or psions (the EPH declares all manifesters can perform independent research as well) using the independent research mechanics to research already-existing spells to add to their spellbook/known powers? As with the excerpt above, it would appear that this allows them abilities normally restricted to their character, and the experience/gold cost is far less than crippling. Is there a huge stigma associated with researching, even when its used to just add existing spells to your library of spells known?
Sorry for the mountain of questions. I am just so very confused that it seems like every DM has taken scissors to this chunk of the rulebook, set it on fire, and scattered the ashes, leaving me with little idea why.
Ever since I first read the sections on independent research for spellcasters in the PHB and DMG, I've had enough questions on the topic to fill an entire sub-forum of its own.
- Firstly, in the PHB, it specifically mentions that wizards can research new spells, then later mentions that "A divine spellcaster also can research a spell independently, much as an arcane spellcaster can." (PHB 180). This would lead me to believe that the only arcane caster that can research spells is a wizard, and any divine class can do the same. However, in the DMG, it says "a spellcaster of any kind can create a new spell." (DMG 198). So, what exactly are the limits on spell creation... can you be a sorcerer/bard, do you even need to be a full caster, and do do you need to be able to cast spells of that level, or just succeed on the Spellcraft check?
- Very closely related to that, is there anyone that would be brave enough to interpret this passage by RAW?
With the DM’s permission, sorcerers and bards can also select the spells they gain from new and unusual spells that they have gained some understanding of (see Spells in the sorcerer description, page 54). For instance, when Hennet the sorcerer becomes 2nd level, he gains an additional 0-level spell. He can pick that spell from the 0-level spells on the sorcerer and wizard spell list, or he might have learned an unusual spell from an arcane scroll or spellbook.If I'm not mistaken, it's fairly explicitly saying that sorcerers and bards can take spells off their class list... Is this so?
- Next, why do I literally never heard of wizards or psions (the EPH declares all manifesters can perform independent research as well) using the independent research mechanics to research already-existing spells to add to their spellbook/known powers? As with the excerpt above, it would appear that this allows them abilities normally restricted to their character, and the experience/gold cost is far less than crippling. Is there a huge stigma associated with researching, even when its used to just add existing spells to your library of spells known?
Sorry for the mountain of questions. I am just so very confused that it seems like every DM has taken scissors to this chunk of the rulebook, set it on fire, and scattered the ashes, leaving me with little idea why.