So just a quick question I guess. The game I’m currently running is at level 4, soon to be level 5 as we finish Lost Mines. Because of a really lucky roll for stats and some racial bonuses, our wizard is already at INT20. I know at some point I will probably give him a Tome of Clear Thought because it makes sense for his wizard to keep getting better at spellcasting. My question is, at what level should I do that? I don’t want to do it too early since he’s already maxed out pretty early on, but I don’t want to wait so long that it feels like it won’t be as impactful. Thanks in advance.
IMO i wouldn't hand out a tome or manual until at least level 10. Especially for a spellcaster this can increase their Spell Save DC beyond what it should normally be. Doing this too early can make it very hard for lower level monsters to save against their spells. At level 10, the spell save DC should be 17, assuming 20 INT, and a tome of clear mind would make it 18, but it comes at a time when monsters are getting pretty meaty saving throws against things they're good at.
Make sure the player remembers that this will increase their known spells, as well.
My players have just got their hands on a couple of these types of item at level 9, where it feels appropriate. The campaign is probably going to run to around level 13, so they get to feel super powered for a bit but aren't godlike early on.
So just a quick question I guess. The game I’m currently running is at level 4, soon to be level 5 as we finish Lost Mines. Because of a really lucky roll for stats and some racial bonuses, our wizard is already at INT20. I know at some point I will probably give him a Tome of Clear Thought because it makes sense for his wizard to keep getting better at spellcasting. My question is, at what level should I do that? I don’t want to do it too early since he’s already maxed out pretty early on, but I don’t want to wait so long that it feels like it won’t be as impactful. Thanks in advance.
It will feel impactful no matter when he gets it.
I guess I should rephrase maybe. If I wait until level 18, he’ll barely even get to use the increased skill.
No matter when he gets it, the bonus will only feel new and special for a couple sessions.
My 22 Int felt fantastic for at least 3 levels. Working on the 4th.
It’s a Very Rare item so I’d wait until at least 8th level. I’d probably hand it out at 10th or 11th level.
Professional computer geek
That's pretty in line with what I thought also. I was just wanting to get some confirmation I guess.
IMO i wouldn't hand out a tome or manual until at least level 10. Especially for a spellcaster this can increase their Spell Save DC beyond what it should normally be. Doing this too early can make it very hard for lower level monsters to save against their spells. At level 10, the spell save DC should be 17, assuming 20 INT, and a tome of clear mind would make it 18, but it comes at a time when monsters are getting pretty meaty saving throws against things they're good at.
Make sure the player remembers that this will increase their known spells, as well.
My players have just got their hands on a couple of these types of item at level 9, where it feels appropriate. The campaign is probably going to run to around level 13, so they get to feel super powered for a bit but aren't godlike early on.
I hadn't even remembered that part, since I rarely play casters. Good catch, thank you.