Spell Caps Options

[Galactygon]

As far as I know, I am undecided whether or not to cap the non-damage spells. In AD&D, damage effects are capped, but non-damage effects (such as range, duration, etc.) aren't. However, there is a chance in BG2, there will be balance issues if I implement the no-cap part.

Unlike the cheese-50 mod (err... the spell-50 mod), there will be no serious balance issues, where skulltrap does five times as much damage as delayed-blast fireball.

-Galactygon

EDIT: The question isn't clear enough. Answering a 'yes' means durations, ranges, etc. (except for damage) will be capped at level 40 rather than a lower level (ie. level 20). Answering a 'no' will indicate the cap remains at level 20 for everything. If you feel you chose the wrong poll choice, please indicate.

This post has been edited by Galactygon: Aug 11 2004, 08:37 PM

[Nerik]

My personal preference would be for a spell level cap roughly proportional to the level of the spell, if this could be made compatable with the existing values. Higher level spells should have a higher cap, partially to avoid the Chain Lighting problem.

I'd give an absalute maximum of say 30th level for level 10 spells (if relevant), 25th level for 9th level spells (gieves 7 levels of advancement between getting them and getting capped), and 20th or less for 8th level and lower.

Charles

[quinlan]

My personal preference would be for a spell level cap roughly proportional to the level of the spell, if this could be made compatable with the existing values. Higher level spells should have a higher cap, partially to avoid the Chain Lighting problem.

I'd give an absalute maximum of say 30th level for level 10 spells (if relevant), 25th level for 9th level spells (gieves 7 levels of advancement between getting them and getting capped), and 20th or less for 8th level and lower.

Charles

In terms of modding i am a nobody and a probably a nobody i will remain, for i luck the powerful urge that must be driving you people (ie: all modders). However, i consider my self a dedicated role player in live PnP role play and through the years of playing i have formulated my personal opinion:

I absolutely disagree with propositions concerning caps. When TSR first made the rules, the ultra-high levels that can be achieved by BG2+TOB where not included in their calculations. The system worked fine for up to 20th level. Go above that and you are right that things get out of hand. This is a limitation of the rules. But you don't resolve a limitation by implementing another one, as a cap is to my opinion. The spell to my opinion is like a door or window. It is a mortal construct devised as a way to use the magical energies that encompass all existence. A cap is a nonsensical limitation because it cannot be explained. The experience of the spellcaster and his constitution or some other personal limitation should determine the limit of how far he can open the door and how much magical energy he can use for his spells. This or some other suggestion along reasonable pathways should be worked out. By reasonable i mean in-game reasonable. To simply put a cap such as has been put by BG and as you also suggest, is hiding the inherent problem of the rules under the rug and not solving it.