Spell Points

The spell point system presented here allows casters to more freely pick and choose which spells they cast each day.

Every spellcaster has a reserve of spell points based on class and level (see Table: Spell Points Per Day). Characters also gain bonus spell points from a high ability score (just as a normal spellcaster would gain bonus spells from a high ability score; see Bonus Spell Points and Bonus Spells, below). These spell points provide the magical power behind the caster’s spells: He spends a number of spell points appropriate to the spell’s level to cast the spell (see Casting Spells, below). Once spent, spell points are expended until the caster has sufficient time to rest and prepare new spells (see Preparing Spells, below).

Preparing Spells

With this variant, spellcasters still prepare spells as normal, but gain no additional prepared spell slots from having a high ability score in their casting stat (assuming they normally prepare spells). In effect, casters who prepare spells are setting their list of “spells known” for the day. They need not prepare multiple copies of the same spell, since they can cast any combination of their prepared spells each day (up to the limit of their spell points).

For example, Quell is a 4th-level wizard. When using the spell point system, he would prepare four 0-level spells, three 1st-level spells, and two 2nd-level spells. These spells make up his entire list of spells that he can cast during the day, though he can cast any combination of them, as long as he has sufficient spell points.

Bonus Spell Points and Bonus Spells

Any spellcaster who would normally receive bonus spell slots for a high ability score receives bonus spell points instead. In effect, the character can simply cast more of his spells each day.

To determine the number of bonus spell points gained from a high ability score, first find the row for the character’s ability score on Table: Bonus Spell Points. Use whichever ability score would normally award bonus spells for the character’s class (Wisdom for clerics and druids, Intelligence for wizards, and so forth).

Next, find the column for the highest level of spell the character is capable of casting based on his class level (even if he doesn’t have a high enough ability score to cast spells of that level). At the point where the row and column intersect, you find the bonus spell points the character gains. This value can change each time his ability score undergoes a permanent change (such from an ability score increase due to character level or one from a wish spell) and each time his level changes.

For example, Quell the 4th-level wizard has an Intelligence score of 16 and is capable of casting 2nd-level spells. The number on Table: Bonus Spell Points at the intersection of the 16-17 row and the 2nd column is 4, so Quell has 4 extra spell points to spend each day (in addition to the 11 points he gets for being a 4th-level wizard). If Quell's Intelligence were increased to 20 because of a fox’s cunning spell or the first 24 hours after putting on a headband of intellect +4, he wouldn’t gain any additional bonus spell points, since those effects produce temporary changes, not permanent changes. However, when he reaches 5th level, his bonus spell points would increase from 4 to 9 (since he is now capable of casting 3rd-level spells and thus uses that column), and his overall total would increase from 15 to 25.

Metamagic and Spell Points

When using Metamagic feats with the Spell Point system, the cost increases based on the difference in spell level. For example, a Fireball, a 3rd level spell, would cost 3 Spell Points. Using Empower Spell would increase the spell level by +2, making the Fireball a 5th level spell with a base cost of 5 Spell Points. In the case of metamagic feats that do not increase spell levels, the Spell Point cost is not increased but the increased casting time remains the same.

The total cost of a power cannot exceed your caster level.

TABLE: Spell Points Per Day

*NOTE: Exemplar and Rangers are reduced 4th level spellcasters, thus the level they gain spellcasting as their class level -4. (e.g. a 9th level Paladin has 7 Spell Points)

TABLE: Bonus Spell Points