PhoenixPhyre
2017-09-15, 06:31 AM
So one area that I find takes too much time as a DM is picking spells for spell-caster NPCs. I find the ones that are given in the MM too bland (a problem I have with the general D&D spell system) and unthematic.
This is a more general problem--as a scientist by training, specialization in advanced knowledge is a given. There's too much out there to be an expert on everything. D&D spell-casters (especially wizards, but...) have this magical ability to know of the existence of every spell out there and pick from this huge list. Great for optimization, but really really meta and non-character driven.
I would like to fix this, at least for the NPCs. My idea was to break all the spells into thematic lists and classify these lists as either allied, neutral, or opposed (to each other). That would mean that each NPC picks a main list, with possible substitutions to the allied lists. For example, a pyromancer's main list would be fire-based, with allied lists of light-oriented and shadow (since without light there's no shadows). Or something like this. These lists would cross what are now class-based spell lists.
What themes can people think of for spell-casters? Themes should be about how they do things, not as much their role (so more "manipulating literal fire" and less "blasting"). I'm not worried about optimal choices, I care about thematic coherence.
Examples:
Pyromancy
Motto: Everything will burn if it gets hot enough.
Iconic Spells: Fireball, Wall of Fire
Portals
Motto: I can get you there.
Iconic Spells: Dimension Door, Teleport, Misty Step
Edit: Published (PHB + EE + UA: Starter Spells) spells categorized into 30(!) themes. Google Sheet (Commentable) (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Of2RXwi0a3n0KWswQitrXjH6FHO_wCQk8zm6XWYRHxM/edit?usp=sharing)
This is a more general problem--as a scientist by training, specialization in advanced knowledge is a given. There's too much out there to be an expert on everything. D&D spell-casters (especially wizards, but...) have this magical ability to know of the existence of every spell out there and pick from this huge list. Great for optimization, but really really meta and non-character driven.
I would like to fix this, at least for the NPCs. My idea was to break all the spells into thematic lists and classify these lists as either allied, neutral, or opposed (to each other). That would mean that each NPC picks a main list, with possible substitutions to the allied lists. For example, a pyromancer's main list would be fire-based, with allied lists of light-oriented and shadow (since without light there's no shadows). Or something like this. These lists would cross what are now class-based spell lists.
What themes can people think of for spell-casters? Themes should be about how they do things, not as much their role (so more "manipulating literal fire" and less "blasting"). I'm not worried about optimal choices, I care about thematic coherence.
Examples:
Pyromancy
Motto: Everything will burn if it gets hot enough.
Iconic Spells: Fireball, Wall of Fire
Portals
Motto: I can get you there.
Iconic Spells: Dimension Door, Teleport, Misty Step
Edit: Published (PHB + EE + UA: Starter Spells) spells categorized into 30(!) themes. Google Sheet (Commentable) (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Of2RXwi0a3n0KWswQitrXjH6FHO_wCQk8zm6XWYRHxM/edit?usp=sharing)