Page 288 - Dungeon Master's Guide

Once you have the concept for the class option in
mind, it's time to design the specifics. If you're not sure
where to begin, look at the existing options and see w -
class features they provide. It's perfectly acceptable for
two class options to have similar features, and it's al o
fine to look at other classes for examples of mechanics
you can draw on for inspiration. As you design each
class feature, ask the following questions:
How does the class feature reinforce the story or
theme of the class option?
Is there an existing feature that can be used
as a model?
How does the new class feature compare to other
features of the same level?
The first step is to figure out what class feature or VARIANT: SPELL POINTS
group of class features you're going to replace. Then One way to modify how a class feels is to change how _
you need to evaluate what each feature provides to the uses its spells. With this variant system, a character \
class, so that the features you are adding don't make the has the Spellcasting feature uses spell points instead
class over- or underpowered. Ask yourself the following spell slots to fuel spells. Spell points give a caster more
questions about a feature you're replacing: flexibility, at the cost of greater complexity.
What impact does replacing the feature have on In this variant, each spell has a point cost based on - ~
exploration, social interaction, or combat? level. The Spell Point Cost table summarizes the cosr -
Does replacing the feature affect how long the party spell points of slots from 1st to 9th level. Cantrips don··
can continue adventuring in a day? require slots and therefore don't require spell points.
Does the feature consume resources provided Instead of gaining a number of spell slots to cast you;-
elsewhere in the class? spells from the Spellcasting feature, you gain a pool
Does the feature work all the time, or is it regained of spell points instead. You expend a number of spell
after a short rest, a long rest, or some other points to create a spell slot of a given level, and then us~
length of time? that slot to cast a spell. You can't reduce your spell po--
total to less than 0, and you regain all spent spell poin -
Armed with answers to these questions, you can start
when you finish a long rest.
designing new features that replace the ones you are
Spells of 6th level and higher are particularly taxing-
removing. It's fine if the new class features drift closer
cast. You can use spell points to create one slot of each
to exploration, social interaction, or combat than the
level of 6th or higher. You can't create another slot of · -
ones you are replacing, but be wary of going too far.
same level until you finish a long rest.
For example, if you replace an exploration-focused
The number of spell points you have to spend is ba
feature with something purely combat focused, you've
on your level as a spellcaster, as shown in the Spell
just made that class more powerful in combat, and it
Points by Level table. Your level also determines the
could overshadow the other classes in a way that you
maximum-level spell slot you can create. Even though
didn't intend.
you might have enough points to create a slot above this
There's no formula that can tell you how to design
maximum, you can't do so.
new class features. The best place to start is by looking
The Spell Points by Level table applies to bards,
at other class features, or at spells, feats, or any other
clerics, druids, sorcerers, and wizards. For a paladin o~
rules for inspiration. You're almost certainly going to
ranger, halve the character's level in that class and the
have some missteps, as features that seem good on the
consult the table. For a fighter (Eidritch Knight) or ro
surface fall apart in play. That's all right. Everything
(Arcane Trickster), divide the character's level in that
you design will need to be playtested. When introducing
class by three.
new class features, be sure the players using them are
This system can be applied to monsters that cast
comfortable with the fact that you might need to go back
spells using spell slots, but it isn't recommended that
and make some changes after seeing them in play.,
you do so. Tracking spell point expenditures for a
monster can be a hassle.
CREATING NEW CLASS OPTIONS
Each class has at least one major choice point. Clerics
SPELL POINT COST
choose a divine domain, fighters choose a martial
archetype, wizards choose an arcane tradition, and Spell Level Point Cost Spell Level Point Cost
so forth. Creating a new option doesn't require you to lst 2 5th 7
remove anything from the class, but any new option 2nd 3 6th 9
you add should be compared to existing options to 3rd 5 7th 10
make sure it's no more or less powerful, yet remains
4th 6 8th 11
distinctive in flavor. Like anything in class design, be
9th 13
prepared to playtest your ideas and make changes if
things aren't playing out the way you want them to.
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