Mystara

Acquiring new spells

It's time someone had a really close look at how spell acquisition works. That someone, is me.

2nd Edition Dungeon Master's Guide

Early in Chapter 7, the DMG outlines four ways to acquire new spells:

• going up in levels
• copying from spell books
• scroll research
• study with a mentor

The guide then turns to a discussion of spell books, and the costs of preparing them. Finally, there is relatively thorough coverage of researching new spells (which should arguably have been listed at the start of the chapter, as the fifth way of acquiring new spells.)

These descriptions appear to be disparate, and don't necessarily work together neatly. This is of particular importance at higher levels, when a party is looking to manage spell availabilty across all spellcasters, and introduce new spells to add flavour or solve particular problems.

Also relevant is the cost to create spell scrolls. Firstly, you may want to add to your spells per day by having a trusty favourite on a scroll, only using it when you've run out of spells, or are in a particular situation. More importantly, if you want to research a spell using a scroll as a base, how much would it cost on the open market? Realistically, more than it would cost to create it yourself, were you able to do it - why would an NPC sell a scroll at a loss?

Chapter 10 of the DMG deals with magical item fabrication, including a lengthy section on spell scrolls. What is lacking is a definition on what it costs, and how long it takes (arguably, pretty fundamental.)

The magic item tables in 2nd edition do not include gp values of items, so that can't be used as a guide.

The 3rd edition formula is spell level x caster level x 25gp as a "buy price" for PC's. A third level Fireball, at caster level 6, would cost 450gp on the market; a ninth level Wish, caster level 20, would cost 4500gp. This implies it should cost less than 4500gp for a 20th level wizard to put Wish on a scroll.

The older 1st edition suggests that scrolls cost 300gp x spell level. That's 900gp for a Fireball, 2700gp for a Wish.

I don't find either of these to be satisfactory solutions at the higher level spells.

Proposed rule mechanics for buying spells on scrolls on the open market

First, there is no guarantee the market has what you want available to buy, so you make a check to see if it's available.

The chance your desired spell is available is 100 minus the spell's level squared. A first level spell is 99% available for sale, a ninth level spell is 19% available for sale. Another check can be made after one month.

As for the number available - a "town" will have 1d4; a "city" will have 1d6, and a "capitol" will have 2d4.

The assumption is that you are looking in a market that would support spell scroll availability in the first place, such as a major city with wizard school or magic using guild.

The cost will the 100gp x the spell's level, plus 100gp x the spell's level squared.

Level - Cost

1 - 200gp

2 - 600gp

3 - 1200gp

4 - 2000gp

5 - 3000gp

6 - 4200gp

7 - 5600gp

8 - 7200gp

9 - 9000gp

This should be the base cost, and is a quick and easy reference. However, PC's wishing to roleplay the negotiation may be able to get better prices. Certain scenario's might see the NPC vendor seeking a higher price.

With these parameters, can we work out the appropriate cost for making the scroll in the first place?

Fabricating the spell scroll magical item

The rules suggest that only a wizard of ninth level or above can create scrolls and potions. This would suggest that all spell scrolls are at least cast at ninth level (rather than sixth, as the DMG item descriptions suggest). The DMG also suggests that scrolls are cast at one level higher than the level required for access to that level of spell.

On that reasoning:

- 5th level spell scroll is cast at 10th level

- 6th level spell scroll is cast at 13th level

- 7th level spell scroll is cast at 15th level

- 8th level spell scroll is cast at 17th level

- 9th level spell scroll is cast at 19th level

Furthermore, that should imply that you cannot create the scroll with the higher spell levels until you reach those levels. This is only a slight modification to the rules-as-written, requiring you to be one level higher than the level needed to cast the spell.

How much will it cost?

For this, we go back to the rules on acquiring new spells, and use the research rules.

Firstly, to do research, you must have a lab. The research is more efficient if you have a better lab. The lab's value will range between 1000gp and 10,000gp.

The cost of researching a new spell is 100gp - 1000gp per spell level. This implies that a 10,000gp lab should see you creating spells at 100gp per level; the 1000gp lab will cost you 1000gp per level.

If you were researching a new spell to go into a spell book, you would have had to create the book as well, pages costing 50 - 100gp each, according to the DMG (but only 50gp per page under my revision, see below).

For a spell scroll, the "page" cost will simply be 50gp per level squared.

Assuming a 10,000gp lab:

1 - 50gp page plus 100gp

2 - 200gp page plus 200gp

3 - 450gp page plus 300gp

4 - 800gp page plus 400gp

The same cost structure will continue up to ninth level spells, but I will suggest that the lab value rules change at fifth level and higher, such that the minimum lab value required is 3000gp x spell level.

5 - 1250gp page plus 500gp (min. 15,000gp lab)

6 - 1800gp page cost plus 600gp (min. 18,000gp lab)

7 - 2450gp page plus 700gp (min. 21,000gp lab)

8 - 3200gp page plus 800gp (min. 24,000gp lab)

9 - 4050gp page plus 900gp (min. 27,000gp lab)

How long will it take?

The time taken will be one week per spell level, as opposed to two weeks per spell level for new spell research.

At the end of the time, the wizard rolls their chance to know. A failure means they can continue for another week and make another check. The additional cost will be 50gp per spell level for each of these weeks. The wizard can continue until successful, or they give up.

These rules should make it profitable for a proficient wizard to make money. Many wizards may lose money on spell scrolls for sale if they have a low value lab, or a poor chance of success.

It is probably cheaper to create the scroll for yourself, but it takes time. Buying a scroll in the market may take time to actually find, but you can do other things during the month you are waiting to make another check (such as research new spells!)

Spell book page costs

The difference between a spell book spell and a scroll spell is that on a scroll, the magic is contained within it. From a book, you need to memorise, then the magic comes from the caster. On that basis, the page cost for a spell book should be much cheaper. The DMG gives costs for "travelling" and "standard". However, this seems to be an unnecessary complication.

A simple rule would be that a page in a spell book costs 50gp, and takes 1 day to prepare. A 100 page spell book would therefore cost 5000gp and take 100 days, or just over 3 months, to prepare.

You can prepare blank pages ahead of time - you don't have to do it at the time you are researching or copying spells. You could also pay another wizard to do it for you, by negotiating the value of their time, and paying the 50gp per page cost.

Researching a new spell

The commentary above covers the situation for new spell, but I will re-do the table to account for the "page cost" difference.

Assume 10,000gp lab.

1 - 1+(d6-1) x 50gp plus 100gp (150gp - 400gp), plus 100gp per fail

2 - 2+(d6-1) x 50gp plus 200gp (300gp - 550gp), plus 200gp per fail

3 - 3+(d6-1) x 50gp plus 300gp (450gp - 700gp), plus 300gp per fail

4 - 4+(d6-1) x 50gp plus 400gp (600gp - 850gp), plus 400gp per fail

The same cost structure will continue up to ninth level spells, but I will suggest that the lab value rules change at fifth level and higher, such that the minimum lab value required is 3000gp x spell level.

5 - 5+(d6-1) x 50gp plus 500gp (750gp - 1000gp), plus 500gp per fail

6 - 6+(d6-1) x 50gp plus 600gp (900gp - 1150gp), plus 600gp per fail

7 - 7+(d6-1) x 50gp plus 700gp (1050gp - 1300gp), plus 700gp per fail

8 - 8+(d6-1) x 50gp plus 800gp (1200gp - 1450gp), plus 800gp per fail

9 - 9+(d6-1) x 50gp plus 900gp (1350gp - 1600gp), plus 900gp per fail

The lab determines the costs per spell level.

The page cost is far less, being just 50gp per page.

The time taken is longer though, at two weeks per spell level.

A failure at the end of the time, however, will require a further injection of cash at the "per level" costs your lab grants you. Ideally this is only 100gp, but could be 1000gp. Another check is made after 1 week.

Copy from scroll to spell book

The DMG says "time and cost is half normal".

Applying that, the time is 1 week per level of spell.

Page costs apply as per the above table (spell level + d6 - 1).

Research costs are 50gp per spell level.

The scroll is consumed as part of the research, so there is no "fail" cost (it's the cost of the scroll)

1 - d6 x 50gp page + 50gp, 1 week

3 - d6+2 x 50gp page + 150gp, 3 weeks

5 - d6+4 x 50 gp page + 250gp, 5 weeks

9 - d6+8 x 50gp page +450gp, 9 weeks

Copying from a spell book

The costs are just the page costs.

The time is one week per level.

If you don't make your "chance to know", you don't bother trying, so there is no cost and no risk.

Snap Shot - Pan's invention from 2004

Snap Shot

(Conjuration/Summoning)  Level: 1
Range: 50’   Components: V,S,M
Duration: Instantaneous  Casting Time: 20
Area of Effect: 20’ cube  Saving Throw: N/A

This spell allows the caster to take a snap shot of time (a photo) for posterity.
Many a brave adventurer returned with tales of slaying the Great Red Dragon, only to have people
sneer at him, saying that it could never be done. Not anymore!
When cast ‘Snap Shot’ will take an exact representation of the current scene within a 20’ cube of the
caster.
The caster wraps a sheet of vellum around two 2” glass balls creating a cylindrical viewing tube.
The caster places the tripod and attaches the viewing tube to the top. He then aims through the tube and views the target area, encompassing all that he wishes to be captured.
Upon casting the glass ball at the front of the viewing tube will blink red for 15 seconds allowing the caster time to take position. After the 15 seconds there will be a large flash of light and the caster may then unwrap the vellum.
As his fingers pass over the vellum a myriad of colours spring forth from the tips, detailing the scene.
The caster need not have any artistic ability to cast the spell, the magic will guide his hand.
When the spell has been completed, the caster will be holding a detailed picture of the scene before
him that is sharper in contrast than any picture could ever be painted, it almost looks lifelike.

The material components of this spell are a piece of cellulose nitrate, a sheet of vellum, a collapsible wooden tripod, two 2” glass balls, a pinch of powdered magnesium and a piece of chalk.
The cellulose and the magnesium are consumed in the casting. The magnesium will give of a large burst
of light to give correct colouring for the scene.
Some mages may, however, substitute light spells for the magnesium to encourage better ambience
through specific placement of light.

Marinise

Marinise
(Alteration)
 
Range: 30 yds. + 10 yds./level                        Components: V, S, M
Duration: Instantaneous                                  Casting Time: 2
Area of Effect: 30-ft. radius                              Saving Throw: Neg.
 
    Marinise affects metal as if had been submerged in choppy salt water for decades.  At third level, a caster can affect two objects, and for every two levels beyond third, one additional item may be affected.  Targetted objects that fail to save vs. disintegration corrode and rust the instant the spell is cast, attended items may be further affected, as outlined in the table below*.  Magical items automatically succeed their saving throw and are unaffected by this spell.  Objects weighing more than 10 pounds per caster level are similarly unaffected.  The caster must have line of sight to objects targetted.
 
 Roll on 1d12                           Effect
        1-2                  Temporary - 50 years marinisation.

        3-8                    Normal - 100 years marinisation.
       9-11                Accelerated - 250 years marinisation.

         12                  Extreme - 1000 years marinisation.
*Roll against the table once for all affected items.
 
Temporary: items become rusty and unweildy.  Metal armor becomes worse by 2 points of armor class, weapons suffer a -2 to hit and damage rolls.  Buckles, clasps and other attended metallic objects become stuck, requiring an appropriate ability check to use.  These effects wear off after 1 round / caster level.
Normal: items rust to the point of becoming brittle and useless.  Weapons break, and armor crumbles away.  Any unattended metallic objects targetted are always affected this way.
Accelerated: items appear to melt, as the effects of the sea water turn them to bottom muck.  The gooey slag clings to flesh and skin hindering movement and reducing the targets effective Dexterity to 4.  It requires one full round to remove.

Extreme: items instantly turn to a fine salty mist.  The temporal effects on the item are so extreme that exposed flesh is similarly aged resulting in 1d6 damage at 3rd level, and a further 1d6 per two caster levels beyond that, to a maximum of 5d6 at 9th level.
  For example, Rath, a 7th level mage casts marinise on a group of attacking bandits, armed with swords, and wearing chainmail armor.  He can affect 4 items at 7th level.  He selects 4 suits of chainmail, within a 30-ft. radius.  Three suits fail their save vs disintegration.  Rath rolls an 12 on a d12 - denoting the Extreme effect.  Those three suits of chainmail turn to fine mist of iron particles, and each bandit wearing an affected suit of chainmail suffers 4d6 damage.

  When cast on metallic creatures, such as an iron golem, this spell causes 1d6 points of damage per caster level to a maximum of 6d6, with a saving throw vs. spell for half damage.
    The material component of this spell is crystal hourglass, wrought with high quality brass, filled with seawater.  This houglass must be worth at least 100gp, and is not consumed during casting.

Scale The Walls (Sahrim) *** OFFICIAL ***

Scale the Walls (Alteration)

Level: 3
Sphere: Animal
Duration: 1 turn / level
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M.
Casting Time: 5
Area of Effect: The caster
Saving Throw: None

By casting this spell the target gains the nimbleness of a monkey. His arms and legs become longer. The muscles and tendons in his limbs also become stronger and more flexible. His feet and toes elongate and become more flexible, allowing him to grip some more easily with his feet. The skin on his feet and hands also become tough and more leathery allowing to easily grip rough surfaces. While under the effect of this spell, his arms, legs, hands and feet become covered with thick hair.
While under the effects of this spell, the caster retains his normal form but gains the ability to climb at the speed of 9. This speed doubled to 18 if the target is climbing trees. The target does not gain the ability to climb inverted surfaces, nor can he climb very smooth surfaces (see Table 67: Rates of Climbing on p123 of the players handbook). The target also gains a bonus to dexterity of 1 point for every 4 levels of the caster (+1 at 1st, +2 at 4th, +3 at 8th, +4 at 12th, +5 at 16th). The target does gain the ability to support his own body weight with just one arm, even if he cannot usually do so. To gain the improved climbing speed and the improved dexterity, the cast must not wear footwear, as the use of his more nimble feet is needed to gain the full effects of this spell.

The material component for this spell is a banana.

--- From original post ---

Notes to the DM:

This spell can really only be compared with ride the waves (2) (as a refresher, allows the druid to swim at 30 but not breath underwater).

Like ride the waves, this spell is part of Sahrim’s research into the movement of animals and he spent time living with monkey’s as a monkey in preparation for creating this spell.

Summon Fey

Summon Fey 
(Conjuration/Summoning) Level: 4
Range: Special
Components: V, S, M
Duration: 3 rds. +1 rd./level
Casting Time: 5
Area of Effect: 40-yd radius 
Saving Throw: None

Drawing upon his Wild Elf heritage, Pan has worked upon a spell that can summon the fey inhabitants of his homeland. These fey, also known as the wee folk, will come and fight for the caster until such a time as the duration ends or the summoned creatures are slain. Slain creatures return to where they were summoned from with no ill effects.
Summon Fey is similar to the wizard spell Summon Monster but has some distinct differences. Firstly, Summon Fey may only be used outdoors. Secondly, the fey creatures summoned are random, both in type and hit dice. Lastly, only d4 creatures of any type are summoned.
A d12 is rolled to determine the type of fey summoned-

1. Atomie
2. Brownie
3. Centaur
4. Dryad
5. Faun (Satyr)
6. Faerie Dragon (Adult)
7. Grig
8. Leprecaun
9. Pixie
10. Sprite
11. Treant (Juvenile)
12. Unicorn

The material component for this spell is a tiny hemp bag and a small candle made of pure woodland bees wax.

I have a detailed breakdown for each of the creatures AC, HD and combat efficiencies but it is a little large to post. If anyone wants it rather than poreing through the MM, lemme know and i will email it.

Molten Monies

Posted on behalf of Pan D. Monium

Not yet fleshed out completely, but comments would be appreciated -

Molten Monies (Evocation)

Level: 4 Range: 10 yards/level

Components: V, S, M

Duration: Instantaneous

Casting Time: 2

Area of Effect: one creature

Saving Throw: Half

This spell uses the material component of coins of the realm and transforms them into a stream of molten metal that streaks from the casters finger to a single target. The amount of damage done by the stream varies and is dependent upon two things, the caster level and the base metal of the coins used. For every level of the caster 10 coins of a specific type are used. Copper d4 per caster level Silver d6 Electrum d8 Gold d10

Therfore a 9th level caster would use 90 coins and would inflict 9d4, 9d6, 9d8 or 9d10, dependant on the type of coin used.

General intro to thread

This is off-topic, but I think Mike is the only person that can create a new thread so this will have to do.

If I want to create a new spell and get it approved how do I do it now that this has all moved online ?

Sahrim has about 6 months of time 'banked' for spell research. Previously I would bring my new spells along at the start of each session, a bunch of people would review them and adjust them for power, Mike would make some rolls, I would fork over some cash and low and behold, I have a new spell that I can use next time I memorise spells.

So now that we are moving into the online forum, do we need to create a new thread for spell reasearch?

I realise that we haven't even completed one round of on-line combat yet but I figure I might as well raise then topic ...