Post by Gidonihah on Aug 8, 2016 7:24:40 GMT
The Words of Power subsytem has a few snagging points that need GM clarification.
Several of which may drastically effect its function.
The following are suggested questions from a lovely Word of Power Guide, followed by my thoughts.
1. Do spells with a Duration of "Instantaneous" count towards the rule about spells having the shortest time determining the
spell length? In other words, is it possible to use a Fireball that leaves a fog cloud afterwards, or would the fog cloud
immediately dissipate because it's "Instantaneous"
My Thoughts: Instantaneous is a term that doesn't necessarily mean short. Calling Magic, and Creation Magic use the term for something that's actually permanent.
I'd like to see this interpretation allowed as it lets the wordcasting system actually have some versatility (versatility is supposed to be its strong point)
Edit: After doing some reading, there are some really broken things that can happen if Instantaneous is considered the shortest duration. For example Awaken is an Instantaneous spell that gives a permanent buff.
Any buff spell (or debuff) that has a duration of instantaneous (instead of an actual round duration) would arguably not only be permanent but undispelable. Considering Instantaneous as the longest duration for Wordcasting avoids this.
2. Does the (Sorc) Human’s Alternative Favored Class bonus translate into Words of Power as well? A casual reading of the rules
says it will, but it’s better to ask. You actually want them to rule against this (more on this later.)
My Thoughts: Bit Cheeky. The Catch is if ruled against a Sorc(or similar class) would use it to pick up normal spells, which would be quite a boon. I advocate ruling towards, but its a Win/Win situation.
3. Do feats that apply to spells apply to individual Words? To specific combinations of Words? In other words, can you
take Spell Specialization (Wrack), and get the bonus to Wrack + Fog Bank?
My Thoughts: Oohwee, this one is a doozy. So the key things to watch for in this one is Magical Lineage, Spell Specialization, Spell Perfection.
Now in the example given in the question, allowing it would allow for some potent combinations. Does it go to far? I dont know.
The possible suggestions:
1. Yes you can choose an individual word and get the boosts when its part of a combined word.
2. You have to choose a specific Combined Word with these feats/trait
#1 allows the Wordcaster to be flexible and Powerful. #2 Sacrifices versatility for Power.
Balance Wise it depends on how you feel about the viability of Wordcasters without it.
Answers to the Above Three Questions will have quite a bit of impact on the power and versatility of the Wordcasting Subsytem.
(Summary: Gids opinions 1. Yes. The opposite ruling has results that break the game. 2. Yes it does translate, as Words of Power has a general rule for such things and this likely falls within said rule. 3. I dont know the RAW, but I'd choose #2, the purpose of those feats/traits is to focus, having flexibility with them makes them too powerful.)
Own noting: Lock Ward may have some balance concerns when overused. It can be used to create Pseudopotions (Think a Dozen Books each holding a Buff Spell) at low cost, and Dweumerstar doesnt really have anything stopping these from being sold on the market, or amassed and snowballing a session. It is a powerful and unique effect that I would hate to see removed, but I have to call out potential problems when I see them.
www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/variant-magic-rules/words-of-power/effect-words/lock-ward
Several of which may drastically effect its function.
The following are suggested questions from a lovely Word of Power Guide, followed by my thoughts.
1. Do spells with a Duration of "Instantaneous" count towards the rule about spells having the shortest time determining the
spell length? In other words, is it possible to use a Fireball that leaves a fog cloud afterwards, or would the fog cloud
immediately dissipate because it's "Instantaneous"
My Thoughts: Instantaneous is a term that doesn't necessarily mean short. Calling Magic, and Creation Magic use the term for something that's actually permanent.
I'd like to see this interpretation allowed as it lets the wordcasting system actually have some versatility (versatility is supposed to be its strong point)
Edit: After doing some reading, there are some really broken things that can happen if Instantaneous is considered the shortest duration. For example Awaken is an Instantaneous spell that gives a permanent buff.
Any buff spell (or debuff) that has a duration of instantaneous (instead of an actual round duration) would arguably not only be permanent but undispelable. Considering Instantaneous as the longest duration for Wordcasting avoids this.
2. Does the (Sorc) Human’s Alternative Favored Class bonus translate into Words of Power as well? A casual reading of the rules
says it will, but it’s better to ask. You actually want them to rule against this (more on this later.)
My Thoughts: Bit Cheeky. The Catch is if ruled against a Sorc(or similar class) would use it to pick up normal spells, which would be quite a boon. I advocate ruling towards, but its a Win/Win situation.
3. Do feats that apply to spells apply to individual Words? To specific combinations of Words? In other words, can you
take Spell Specialization (Wrack), and get the bonus to Wrack + Fog Bank?
My Thoughts: Oohwee, this one is a doozy. So the key things to watch for in this one is Magical Lineage, Spell Specialization, Spell Perfection.
Now in the example given in the question, allowing it would allow for some potent combinations. Does it go to far? I dont know.
The possible suggestions:
1. Yes you can choose an individual word and get the boosts when its part of a combined word.
2. You have to choose a specific Combined Word with these feats/trait
#1 allows the Wordcaster to be flexible and Powerful. #2 Sacrifices versatility for Power.
Balance Wise it depends on how you feel about the viability of Wordcasters without it.
Answers to the Above Three Questions will have quite a bit of impact on the power and versatility of the Wordcasting Subsytem.
(Summary: Gids opinions 1. Yes. The opposite ruling has results that break the game. 2. Yes it does translate, as Words of Power has a general rule for such things and this likely falls within said rule. 3. I dont know the RAW, but I'd choose #2, the purpose of those feats/traits is to focus, having flexibility with them makes them too powerful.)
Own noting: Lock Ward may have some balance concerns when overused. It can be used to create Pseudopotions (Think a Dozen Books each holding a Buff Spell) at low cost, and Dweumerstar doesnt really have anything stopping these from being sold on the market, or amassed and snowballing a session. It is a powerful and unique effect that I would hate to see removed, but I have to call out potential problems when I see them.
www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/variant-magic-rules/words-of-power/effect-words/lock-ward
