Some Spontaneity to Wizards (3.5e Variant Rule)
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Some spontaneity to Wizards
As we know there are two kind of casters: the spontaneous (like Sorcerers) and the ones who prepare the spells after waking up (like Wizards). I always found a little too rigid the system of the Wizard: it is far too easy being with an array of Fireballs when you actually needed Wind Wall.
This Alternate Rule tries to find a compromise without making the Wizard exactly the same of the spontaneous caster.
In this context `busy slot` means ready to cast another spell, not already used; and `free slot' means unused in the morning study.
All normal rules apply, but a Wizard can also cast an unprepared spell if:
- he uses a full-round action that behave just like casting a level 0 somatic spell with casting time Full-round (about attacks of opportunity, concentration checks and the like) to find the spell in his book;
Once he is successful he can cast that spell all the times he needs, eventually applying metamagic, simply:
- using-up a free slot of the spell appropriate level (or higher);
- OR using-up a busy slot of the spell appropriate level (or higher) and a second (busy or free) slot of the spell level, one-lower or higher.
If the caster will need to cast another unprepared spell or casts a normally prepared spell the full-round action must be done again.
For example, our Wizard studied only Fireballs in the morning expecting the battle: when the enemy Archers arrive the party understand a Wind Wall is a better idea. Our Wizard will use a full-round action to find the spell; on the second round he casts Wind Wall using one free slot of 4th level; on the third round he casts again Wind Wall using two Fireball occupied slots of 3nd level.
I used the the Wizard being the most iconic, but this Variant Rule may be applied to any prepared caster: an Archivist will seek in the prayer book; a Cleric or a Paladin will enter the mindset to ask his divinity and so go on...
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