Jeff the Green
2012-03-09, 12:05 AM
In the setting I'm working on, magical energies are ubiquitous and easy to call on, but also chaotic and dangerous. To represent this, I've brewed up a new skill that lets characters cast magic by risking their health. I'd like to know what people think: is it something you'd consider spending skill points on? Is the cost too high or too low? What about the backlash?
Unprotected Casting
You have learned to cast a spell or two, but risk destruction by the forces of the elemental wild.
Unprotected Casting is a class-skill for Artificer, Bard, Duskblade, Hexblade, Monk, Rogue, Spellthief, Swordsage, and Warlock.
Action
Varies.
Try Again
Not applicable. There are no Unprotected Casting checks to fail.
The Unprotected Casting skill doesn’t work like other skills. It works as follows.
You can purchase Unprotected just like any other skill, but instead of buying a rank in it, you choose a spell you can use as a spell-like ability. Since you are not buying ranks, the number of skill points you can spend in this skill is not limited by your level.
You can learn a spell from the Bard, Cleric, Druid, or Sorcerer/Wizard spell lists by spending 2 + 1/2 spell level (rounded up) skill points . You can learn a spell from the Paladin or Ranger spell lists by spending 1 + spell level skill points. If the spell is on multiple lists, use whichever would require the greater amount of skill points. You cannot learn any spell with a costly material component or an XP cost. You must have at least (2*spell level - 1) HD to learn a spell. If the spell is on multiple lists, use whichever is a higher level. You do not count as knowing this spell or being able to cast it for purposes of qualifying for feats, prestige classes, etc. You do not add this spell to your spell list or list of spells known for any spellcasting class you might have.
You can use any spell you know through this skill as a spell-like ability once per day. Unlike most spell-like abilities, it has verbal or somatic components the same as the spell. Arcane spell failure does not apply.
When you use a spell you know through this skill, you take 3d4 non-lethal and 2d4 lethal damage per spell level. (A successful DC 10 + spell level Will save halves this damage). This damage cannot be reduced or avoided in any way. In addition, you must succeed on a DC 15 + spell level Fortitude save or be dazed for one round. If you are reduced to 0 or fewer hit points by this backlash, you must succeed on a second DC 10 Fortitude save or be instantly destroyed in a flash of energy as if by a disintegrate spell. The spell takes effect regardless of the backlash damage taken.
Unprotected Casting
You have learned to cast a spell or two, but risk destruction by the forces of the elemental wild.
Unprotected Casting is a class-skill for Artificer, Bard, Duskblade, Hexblade, Monk, Rogue, Spellthief, Swordsage, and Warlock.
Action
Varies.
Try Again
Not applicable. There are no Unprotected Casting checks to fail.
The Unprotected Casting skill doesn’t work like other skills. It works as follows.
You can purchase Unprotected just like any other skill, but instead of buying a rank in it, you choose a spell you can use as a spell-like ability. Since you are not buying ranks, the number of skill points you can spend in this skill is not limited by your level.
You can learn a spell from the Bard, Cleric, Druid, or Sorcerer/Wizard spell lists by spending 2 + 1/2 spell level (rounded up) skill points . You can learn a spell from the Paladin or Ranger spell lists by spending 1 + spell level skill points. If the spell is on multiple lists, use whichever would require the greater amount of skill points. You cannot learn any spell with a costly material component or an XP cost. You must have at least (2*spell level - 1) HD to learn a spell. If the spell is on multiple lists, use whichever is a higher level. You do not count as knowing this spell or being able to cast it for purposes of qualifying for feats, prestige classes, etc. You do not add this spell to your spell list or list of spells known for any spellcasting class you might have.
You can use any spell you know through this skill as a spell-like ability once per day. Unlike most spell-like abilities, it has verbal or somatic components the same as the spell. Arcane spell failure does not apply.
When you use a spell you know through this skill, you take 3d4 non-lethal and 2d4 lethal damage per spell level. (A successful DC 10 + spell level Will save halves this damage). This damage cannot be reduced or avoided in any way. In addition, you must succeed on a DC 15 + spell level Fortitude save or be dazed for one round. If you are reduced to 0 or fewer hit points by this backlash, you must succeed on a second DC 10 Fortitude save or be instantly destroyed in a flash of energy as if by a disintegrate spell. The spell takes effect regardless of the backlash damage taken.