What do you think of errated Spell Thematics?

[Merlion]

I saw the errated version a few weeks ago...i was going to use it for my sorcerer that I was going to play in a campaign that didnt work out. Here it is for those who havent seen it:Spell Thematics [General]
You have developed a signature thematic manifestation that gives your spells unique visual or auditory qualities. You are
more effective when casting spells strongly linked to your theme, and any spell you cast reflects your signature theme to a
greater or lesser extent.
Benefit: Choose a theme for your spellcasting. You cast spells designated as central to your theme at +1 caster level. Add +5
to the DC of any Spellcraft check made to identify any spell you cast, whether or not it is designated as a thematic spell.
A spell theme is comprised of two components. The first is a set of spells central to your theme. This consists of one spell at
each spell level you can cast. For example, a 5th-level wizard might select ray of frost, magic missile, Snilloc’s snowball
swarm, and fly as spells central to his theme.
The second component is a common visual or auditory effect all your spells share, such as “fire,” “ice,” or “screaming
skulls.” The special effect does not change the spells in any way, other than enhancing your caster level with the spells you
choose to be central to your theme. For example, if your theme is “fire,” then your magic missile spell might appear to
produce bolts of fire, although the bolts are still a force effect and cause normal damage, not fire damage. If your theme is
“screaming skulls,” your fly spell might manifest as a dozen small screaming skulls that orbit around you, bearing you aloft.

I think it gives a lot of nifty options for casters who want to focus on a certain type of magic. I hear a lot of people have made it a requirement for sorcerers...tell me what you think.

 

[Pax]

First off, it promotes, IMO, a difference between spellcasters; one may have a theme of flowers-and-chimes (think Piffany, from Nodwick) ... another may have "black flames" ... and so on.

Second, the "+1 caster level for one spell per spell-level" benefit is, while SMALL, still a very nice boost. For a while, I had a Sorceror-Alienist with Spell Thematics ("The Elder Sign" -- I patterned him off a Lovecraftian cthulhoid cultist, even to listing "Great Cthulhu" as his patron deity); he was a Sorceror(6)/Alienist(9). Of course, Summon Monster I-VII were his "theme specific" spells, so all he really got out of the feat was lots of tentacle-hentai imagery, an extra round of duration, and the spells were SLIGHTLY harder to dispel (in order to banish the summoned nasty).

IOW, "daddy liked" ... but not because it was uber-powerful.

Since that character, I've had something of a penchant for Thematics; several other characters have had that feat, since then. If I can shoehorn it in amidst the "gotta-hav'es" ... I take it. If I can't ... I spend several levels regretting it.

 

[Malin Genie]

I think in terms of power level it's slightly on the underpowered side. But it makes up for it by being very cool, and I'd take it for any spellcaster fo whom I could think of an appropriate theme.

And especially in FR, where mageduelling is common, the +5 to Spellcraft DC checks can itself be a big boost.

OT: Don't tell me Pax = Odd Peet ?? (Malin "Chickenpork" Genie)

 

[bret]

And especially in FR, where mageduelling is common, the +5 to Spellcraft DC checks can itself be a big boost.

It is +5 is a bonus to other people trying to identify your spells. In other words, it makes it easier for the other guy to counterspell since they will almost always know what the spell is.

 

[Pax]

Malin: yep, Odd Peet was me, and is the Alienist I refer to above.

Bret: you've got it backwards. the DC to identify spells cast with Spell Thematics goes up by +5. IOW, it is HARDER to identify the spells of someone who has a specific Thematic aspect to his or her spells. Why?

Simple -- because he or she casts their spells in an odd, personally-unique way.

Anyway, the Errata'd version words it exactly thus (emphasis mine):

MoFErrata 3/01/2002:
[ ... ]
Benefit: Choose a theme for your spellcasting. You cast spells designated as central to your theme at +1 caster level. Add +5 to the DC of any spellcraft check made to identify any spell you cast, wetehr or not it is designated as a thematic spell.
[ ... ]

 

[Janos Antero]

I think it's a great feat as it stands now, it allows for variety between casters, especially arcane casters, and more importantly, it allows themed wizards without the costly time and effort of creating a series of spells to signify themselves.

My only complaint would be I think they should change Signature Spell to work in tandem with Spell Thematics. Something like you can trade any spell to gain any spell off your thematic spell list of equal or lower level.

 

[Merlion]

Thats a very good idea I may use that some time.

 

[Pax]

Wow, that IS a GREAT idea for Signature Spell. Or rather, an alternate application of Signature Spell, anyway (i.e., if you have Spell Thematics, you can choose to apply Signature Spell to that entire list of spells, rather than to one spell you have Mastered). Good thinking!

 

[haiiro]

The errata'd Spell Thematics is probably one of my favorite 3e feats overall -- a great execution of a game-enhancing concept.

 

[Roland Delacroix]

I voted it 'average' bacause it is mechanically an average feat. There are much better choices for a powerfull wizard. However as a theme feat it is Ecellent/Outstanding! In any regular non-min/max-required game (such as my RttToEE game) i always seriouslly consider taking this feat. Haven't had a chance to yet, but i'm looking forward to it. Especially for Sorcerers who need some help in the 'favour' departmant.