[3.5] School Versatility - spontaenous casting for specialists

[Lactantius]

Hi!
First of all: this feature has been written regarding the wizard class, or more precisely: the specialist.
In comparison with the Sorceror, spontaenous casting is stronger in the hands of a wizard.
But such comparions are not my goal.
The problems lie within the Sorceror class itself (or more specific, the flaw of being able to just only a dozen spells).

So, we focus on the wizard class.
What I really don't like is the annoyance of upkeeping paperwork and spell preparation.
Don't get me wrong: I like planning and spell allocating. But I don't like it if the system enforces the wizard player to do this homework every. single. day.
Plus: I assume to play without the usual wizard shenanigans like divining all possible threats and then prepare the spells accordingly.

In other words, I try to make the wizard class a bit easier to play and go along.
Sure, there will always be a rest of paperwork and planning. But that's okay as long as you must not foresee and plan each and every spell memorization.

Therefore, we have spontaenous casting.
There are many ways for wizards to do so:

class features: fill open slots within 15 mins, spellpool (Mage of the Arcane Order)
feats: spontaenous divination, uncanny forethought
items: runestaves, eternal wands, wands, scrolls (for rare single used "fire-and-forget-spells")

Besides, I have build a class feature (or maybe you could just use it as a feat) for specialist.
Reason?
I found spellpool a nice and thematic good idea, but mechanically, it's boring. The main problem is that you can fill your open slot only up to CL/2 spell levels / day. So, even at CL 10, we may refill only 5 spell levels which can be 1x 5th level or 1x3rd & 1x2nd level.

I found uncanny forethought too strong since if opens up any spells known in yer spellbook. Sure, at lower levels, you may not know that much spells, but that amount increases rapidly.

I found spontanous divination too narrow, although it is my inspiration just to use it with the other 7 schools (see below).

Now, to my created feature:

School Versatility

You have mastered the spells of your speciality school.
You can spontaenously cast spells of your specialty school by sacrificing a prepared spell of equal or greater level.
For example, an abjurer could suddenly need the 2nd-level abjuraton spell arcane lock. She can sacrifice a prepared 2nd-level (such as scorching ray) or any prepared spell of a higher level to cast it on the spot.
You can use this ability a number ot times per day equal to your Intelligence modifier.

It gives more flexibility, but only in your specialist school.
Plus (and what I really like), specialist advantages are not only "+1 slot/level." It gets more like a theme, a real difference to other generalists.


Thoughts?

[Lactantius]

No comments / feedback?

Aw, c'mon, anyone?

[nonsi]

I believe my codex' Mage class is exactly what you're looking for.
It includes permanent memorization, daily memorization and casting from an open book.
If you're interested, you can click my sig to get it.

[Lactantius]

Looks interesting.
Unfortunately, I'm not a registered member at Enworld.

Could you deliver the documents via PM?

[nonsi]

Looks interesting.
Unfortunately, I'm not a registered member at Enworld.

Could you deliver the documents via PM?

You should really read my philosophy regarding magic and spellcasting in general. It's quite unorthodox, but very meticulously thought out.
Registering to ENWorld is about the easiest registration you'll ever have to make, but if you're absolutely reluctant, PM me you email and I'll send my codex to you.

[Lactantius]

I've read your documents and though extensive, I like the idea behind it.

Anyways, but in my specific thread here I am looking for input and suggestion considering the school specialty + spontaeneity-mix.

[nonsi]

I've read your documents and though extensive, I like the idea behind it.

Anyways, but in my specific thread here I am looking for input and suggestion considering the school specialty + spontaeneity-mix.

- Go to entry #6 ("Revised-Rebalanced Base Classes")
- Expand the Mage base class.
- The 1st spoiler ("Spell memorization and the Mage’s spellbook") is where you can find ideas regarding spontaneity.
- The 2nd spoiler ("Specialist Mage, Focused Specialist and higher levels of specialization") is as specialized as I've ever seen.