For my campaign, and one-offs in the same setting, I handled with this optional rule:
When a creature reads a spell scroll he/she can cast at that class level that is not in his/her spell list, the creature can attempt to "Learn" this spell instead of using it once. In order to do so, the creature must study the appropriate spell scroll for 8 hours per day for an amount of days equal to the spell's level (minimum of 1). After this period the creature makes a check: DC 15 - Arcana skill modifier, using the appropriate spellcasting ability modifier. On a success the spell scroll is consumed and the spell is added to the spell list permanently. On a failed attempt the creature can make another check after spending half the time studying the spell scroll again (rounded down, minimum of 1). If the creature is a spell-known caster, it can switch out this spell immediately for another spell of the same level once per class level.
This optional rule allowed my party to obtain spells from D&D Beyond and other sources, while making it appropriate that they suddenly "gained" these spells.
Applied, a 4th-level Cleric finds a spell scroll for Gemstone Burst. The Cleric is able to read the scroll, but not learn it. A 12th-level Bard, 3rd-level Cleric finds this scroll. He also can read the scroll, but not learn it. Finally a 5th-level Wizard finds this scroll, not only can she read the scroll, but learn it as well. She studies it for 3 days, 8 hours and makes the check. With a +3 INT and a +3 Proficiency bonus in Arcana, she needs to succeed on a DC 9 Intelligence check, using her +3 INT bonus. She rolls a 5 and thus fails the check, she can attempt again after half of 3 = 1 day of 8 hours of studying. This time she rolls a 17 and succeeds. The scroll is consumed and the spell is added to her spell list.
Wizards are a bit unique using a Spellbook, but I've never had a Wizard in my campaigns or one-offs. For this an optional rule might be:
The spell scroll is consumed, the spell is learned and now the Wizard can attempt to find another spell scroll to copy it
The spell can be copied immediately and then learned to be used.
The spell is learned, but the spell scroll not consumed. The spell scroll is only readable by that particular wizard.
I have a couple procedural issues that I’m not gonna bring up immediately because I have one much larger issue, which is that there’s no situation in which this feature could possibly come up.
”When a creature reads a spell scroll he/she can cast at that class level that is not in his/her spell list”... this will never happen. You can’t read spell scrolls for spells that aren’t already on your spell list. Even the example you’ve given doesn’t make sense because Gemstone Burst is already a wizard spell.
I think they mean “list of spells known” not “spell list”
Their example is a wizard. There is already a process for copying spells into your spellbook, and it’s clear from the bullet points at the end that they don’t mean that; they really do mean spell list.
The "Spell List" I am referring to is the general spell list, the combination of PHB, DMG, Xanathar's, Volo's, Elemental Evil, UA and other official WotC content. For this a homebrew mechanic needs to be accepted that "if you can cast the spell, you can read the scroll, but that doesn't mean the spell is in your spell list". This allows a PC to obtain spells from outside sources and extend their spell list by adding homebrew spells. So therefore these "Exotic Spells" are not already in their spell list, but are usable by these player characters and therefore targets for this homebrew mechanic.
This mechanic is applicable to any caster class, although the Wizard was never fully fledged out due to the absence of any test-Wizard-players.
The "Spell List" I am referring to is the general spell list, the combination of PHB, DMG, Xanathar's, Volo's, Elemental Evil, UA and other official WotC content. For this a homebrew mechanic needs to be accepted that "if you can cast the spell, you can read the scroll, but that doesn't mean the spell is in your spell list". This allows a PC to obtain spells from outside sources and extend their spell list by adding homebrew spells. So therefore these "Exotic Spells" are not already in their spell list, but are usable by these player characters and therefore targets for this homebrew mechanic.
This mechanic is applicable to any caster class, although the Wizard was never fully fledged out due to the absence of any test-Wizard-players.
Regards,
You don’t need a feat to do that. Every Character Class’s Spell Lists already include all of those spells. Just because they are in different books makes no difference.
As IamSposta said, all those spells are already on the relevant classes’ spell lists. It sounds like you’re artificially and arbitrarily preventing players from being able to cast spells the rules promise them they should be able to in a way that I would personally find incredibly annoying.
Classes like druid and cleric don’t do any work for their spells. Those spells come directly from their god/their faith/nature/etc. There’s no reason to gate any of them behind arcana checks. If their god wants them to have access to a spell, they have access to it.
For wizard, the process of learning a spell is already handled by the rules for copying a spell into a spellbook. There’s no reason to add this homebrew rule of a spell on the wizard list not actually being on the wizard list and then the additional step of adding it to the wizard list. It’s very convoluted and doesn’t seem to add anything to the experience.
The "Spell List" I am referring to is the general spell list, the combination of PHB, DMG, Xanathar's, Volo's, Elemental Evil, UA and other official WotC content. For this a homebrew mechanic needs to be accepted that "if you can cast the spell, you can read the scroll, but that doesn't mean the spell is in your spell list". This allows a PC to obtain spells from outside sources and extend their spell list by adding homebrew spells. So therefore these "Exotic Spells" are not already in their spell list, but are usable by these player characters and therefore targets for this homebrew mechanic.
This mechanic is applicable to any caster class, although the Wizard was never fully fledged out due to the absence of any test-Wizard-players.
Regards,
You don’t need a feat to do that. Every Character Class’s Spell Lists already include all of those spells. Just because they are in different books makes no difference.
Technicalities. If the DM says no, they don't. Forwarding into:
As IamSposta said, all those spells are already on the relevant classes’ spell lists. It sounds like you’re artificially and arbitrarily preventing players from being able to cast spells the rules promise them they should be able to in a way that I would personally find incredibly annoying.
Classes like druid and cleric don’t do any work for their spells. Those spells come directly from their god/their faith/nature/etc. There’s no reason to gate any of them behind arcana checks. If their god wants them to have access to a spell, they have access to it.
For wizard, the process of learning a spell is already handled by the rules for copying a spell into a spellbook. There’s no reason to add this homebrew rule of a spell on the wizard list not actually being on the wizard list and then the additional step of adding it to the wizard list. It’s very convoluted and doesn’t seem to add anything to the experience.
It's called a Homebrew. You're free to implement rules how you see fit. Even in RAW and RAI DMs rule differently. Why should you add this? You shouldn't add this because you must, but because you want. The Wizard section is the only section that was added later as mentioned before.
Case and point. Spell list: Everything already available. Exotic Spells homebrew rule: Add spells from outside sources through this mechanic. Don't want it, don't implement it. Every DM and their party is allowed to formulate their own story.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
For my campaign, and one-offs in the same setting, I handled with this optional rule:
This optional rule allowed my party to obtain spells from D&D Beyond and other sources, while making it appropriate that they suddenly "gained" these spells.
Applied, a 4th-level Cleric finds a spell scroll for Gemstone Burst. The Cleric is able to read the scroll, but not learn it. A 12th-level Bard, 3rd-level Cleric finds this scroll. He also can read the scroll, but not learn it. Finally a 5th-level Wizard finds this scroll, not only can she read the scroll, but learn it as well.
She studies it for 3 days, 8 hours and makes the check. With a +3 INT and a +3 Proficiency bonus in Arcana, she needs to succeed on a DC 9 Intelligence check, using her +3 INT bonus. She rolls a 5 and thus fails the check, she can attempt again after half of 3 = 1 day of 8 hours of studying. This time she rolls a 17 and succeeds. The scroll is consumed and the spell is added to her spell list.
Wizards are a bit unique using a Spellbook, but I've never had a Wizard in my campaigns or one-offs. For this an optional rule might be:
What do you guys think? Questions?
I have a couple procedural issues that I’m not gonna bring up immediately because I have one much larger issue, which is that there’s no situation in which this feature could possibly come up.
”When a creature reads a spell scroll he/she can cast at that class level that is not in his/her spell list”... this will never happen. You can’t read spell scrolls for spells that aren’t already on your spell list. Even the example you’ve given doesn’t make sense because Gemstone Burst is already a wizard spell.
Whom is this rule for?
I think they mean “list of spells known” not “spell list”
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Their example is a wizard. There is already a process for copying spells into your spellbook, and it’s clear from the bullet points at the end that they don’t mean that; they really do mean spell list.
Hey SagaTympana,
The "Spell List" I am referring to is the general spell list, the combination of PHB, DMG, Xanathar's, Volo's, Elemental Evil, UA and other official WotC content. For this a homebrew mechanic needs to be accepted that "if you can cast the spell, you can read the scroll, but that doesn't mean the spell is in your spell list". This allows a PC to obtain spells from outside sources and extend their spell list by adding homebrew spells. So therefore these "Exotic Spells" are not already in their spell list, but are usable by these player characters and therefore targets for this homebrew mechanic.
This mechanic is applicable to any caster class, although the Wizard was never fully fledged out due to the absence of any test-Wizard-players.
Regards,
I get it. They’re trying to write a feat that would “allow” the player to add a spell from a book they have not purchased.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
You don’t need a feat to do that. Every Character Class’s Spell Lists already include all of those spells. Just because they are in different books makes no difference.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
As IamSposta said, all those spells are already on the relevant classes’ spell lists. It sounds like you’re artificially and arbitrarily preventing players from being able to cast spells the rules promise them they should be able to in a way that I would personally find incredibly annoying.
Classes like druid and cleric don’t do any work for their spells. Those spells come directly from their god/their faith/nature/etc. There’s no reason to gate any of them behind arcana checks. If their god wants them to have access to a spell, they have access to it.
For wizard, the process of learning a spell is already handled by the rules for copying a spell into a spellbook. There’s no reason to add this homebrew rule of a spell on the wizard list not actually being on the wizard list and then the additional step of adding it to the wizard list. It’s very convoluted and doesn’t seem to add anything to the experience.
It's not a feat, it's a mechanic.
Technicalities. If the DM says no, they don't. Forwarding into:
It's called a Homebrew. You're free to implement rules how you see fit. Even in RAW and RAI DMs rule differently. Why should you add this? You shouldn't add this because you must, but because you want. The Wizard section is the only section that was added later as mentioned before.
Case and point. Spell list: Everything already available. Exotic Spells homebrew rule: Add spells from outside sources through this mechanic.
Don't want it, don't implement it. Every DM and their party is allowed to formulate their own story.