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Unusual Core Classes The Spellweaver
 
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Unusual Core Classes The Spellweaver
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Unusual Core Classes The Spellweaver
Publisher: Misfit Studios
by Timothy B. [Featured Reviewer]
Date Added: 07/20/2010 14:30:34

A very interesting take on the spellcaster. The spellweaver presents a different sort of mechanic for doing magic. Great for the players that want to give something very, very different for a try. The spells from the d20 SRD are re-written as Spell Weavings so there is a ton of information here. The downside is that to adapt other d20 books to this class requires some work.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
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Unusual Core Classes The Spellweaver
Publisher: Misfit Studios
by Peter I. [Featured Reviewer]
Date Added: 10/30/2006 00:00:00

Unusual Core Classes: The Spellweaver is a 55 page d20 pdf product detailing a new core class, the Spellweaver, and a new magical system to support it. The Spellweaver manipulates the weave, the fine strands of energy that connect living and non-living things together in a infinite mesh of arcane energy. The magical system presented in this pdf allows it to be used as both part of the standard d20 magic system, but also as a separate magical system.

This pdf comes as a single, fully-bookmarked pdf file. A very useful printer friendly version of the product is included, which minimizes the use of ink when printing the pdf, particularly given its dark blue borders. The presentation, artwork and layout is good, although one has to question some of the organisation. The Spellweaver core class would've been better placed before the feats presented in the product, thereby allowing the reader to familiarise themselves with the class before delving into the feats that expand it. Writing and editing is good, and overall this product presents an interesting, useful, and altogether different magic system and core class for your d20 game.

The Spellweaver is a new base class the manipulates the weave. Details on the weave are provided, although perhaps more could be said about it. The Spellweaver can bind the strands of energy together to cast magical spellweaves, using the weave a limited number of time per day. Unlike the normal spellcasting system, the spellweaver is free to use any level of spell when spellweaving, although the consequences of failed weaving can be severe. Weaving is based on an opposed Spellweaving check against the DC of the spellweave. A successful check means the spellweave is cast, while a failed check can have a number of different consequences, depending on how badly the spellweave has failed.

Each spellweave has an associated spellweave DC which is the score to beat when weaving the spell. Full guidelines are provided for calculating these spellweave DCs, although the pdf very handily provides the base weaving DC for each spell in the d20 core rules. Spellweave base DCs are adjusted by the level of the spellweaver, meaning that it's a lot more difficult, but not impossible, to cast higher levels spells even if you're only a lower level spellweaver.

Some of the base DCs seem a little odd. For example, magic missile has a base weaving DC of 13, meaning a 1st level spellweaver can cast it by succeeding at a DC 16 Spellweaving check. Blink, on the other hand, normally a 3rd level spell, has a spellweaving DC of 6, modified to 15 for a 1st level caster. Displacement is even easier, with a spellweave DC of 14 for a 1st level spellweaver This indicates that under the standard system, a blink spell is easier to cast than the typical magic missile spell. While this is not a major flaw in the system, it's something to be considered when using this system in the same world as the standard magical system.

In addition to all the material detailing the spellweaver and the spellweaving magical system, and large variety of supplemental material is included. This includes feats, prestige classes, new spellweaving races, new domains, and a number of new creatures. All this material ties in nicely with the core concept and the spellweaving system, making this a complete and solid pdf to use in any game.

Overall this is an interesting system, and certainly something I'd be tempted to try out and implement in game. It's very similar to the magical system presented by the Sovereign Stone campaign setting, although with a number of differences that set them apart. The material is good, although there is some doubt about the ease with which certain spells of higher level can be cast by lower level spellweavers. A good pdf, with useful material, and excellent support in feats and prestige classes for the core class and the concept of spellweaving.<br><br> <b>LIKED</b>: Unusual Core Classes: The Spellweaver is a good pdf presenting a useful core class and magical system. Very good support material is provided, and it's a well-rounded product with plenty of use in game.<br><br><b>DISLIKED</b>: The weave could've used perhaps a little more detailing as to its nature, and there was some doubt in my mind about the spellweave DCs that had been set. The base class would probably have been better suited placed before the feats in the product.<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Very Good<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Satisfied<br>



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
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Unusual Core Classes The Spellweaver
Publisher: Misfit Studios
by Sean H. [Featured Reviewer]
Date Added: 09/17/2006 00:00:00

Unusual Core Classes: The Spellweaver by Misfit Studio presents a variant spell caster and spell casting system for the D20/D&D system. It is a sizable work, weighing in at 55 pages (53 after the cover and OGL is removed) with both a color and printer friendly version included.

It begins with a discussion of the Weave, the network of magic that underlies reality, and how it can be shaped. This forms the background upon which the Spellweaver is built. Thirty-one (31) new feats bring the Weave into the mechanics of the game. Some of the feats are a new type: Weaver feats, which are only accessible to those who can manipulate the Weave as a class feature. Some of the Weaver feats overlap with metamagic feats but for those who use the Weave to cast their magic.

Next, there is the Spellweaver class itself. In general, this class is similar to the Wizard except with slightly higher skill points and a few special abilities. The strength, and weakness, of the class is its ability to use spell weaves.

Spell weaves are like spells except: You can choose what you want the spell it to be when you start weaving it and it requires a successful Spellweaving skill check (Spellweaving, naturally, is a class skill for the Spellweaver). The Spellweaver may also attempt to cast spells of any level or from any class, but at increasingly higher DCs. The danger is that a failed Spellweaving check invites a critical surge, the more powerful the spell the greater the potential surge. This give the Spellweaver amazing flexibility but does force them to rely on successful dice roll more then is usual for a D&D spellcaster. The Spellweaver is also limited to a fixed number of successful Spell Weaves each day, which is almost always going to be lower then the number of spells available to a wizard of an equal level. One rule that seems especially bothersome is ?the continuing price of failure? which adds a cumulative +1 DC penalty to Spellweaving check for each failed Spellweaving check that day, while there is some background justification for this, making a character who has already failed one vital task take continuing penalties (that is likely to lead to even more penalties) in her class? focus seems like a recipe for player unhappiness. Further, this level of adaptability changes the nature of magic use in a D&D-type world and a DM will have to serious consider the effect that will have on their campaign.

There are rules included for figuring the DC to spell weave any D&D spell as well as a five-page list of all spells in the SRD with their base Spellweaving DC already calculated.

For additional support material, there are four weave-based Prestige Classes. A PC race tied to the Weave, the Ardekh, who should be a +1 LA race in a campaign using the Weave due to their natural abilities in manipulating it. There is an example goddess of the Weave, the Weave domain, ten new Weave-effecting spells along with Weave-linked magic items. Lastly there is a small collection of monsters, four (including the Ardekh) and two templates, that are tied to the Weave. The product ends with a reprinting of all of the important charts and tables for Spellweaving gathered in one place.

The Spellweaver is an amazing piece of work, but it is really a magic system that cuts against the standard D&D grain. Using it as the only basis of magic for a campaign (or a ?different world? to visit) seems easier then trying to work it in parallel with the normal D&D rules of magic. But, if you are dissatisfied with how D&D does magic, you might want to take a look at this product for a different way to do things.<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Very Good<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Satisfied<br>



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
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Unusual Core Classes The Spellweaver
Publisher: Misfit Studios
by Nathan C. [Featured Reviewer]
Date Added: 09/13/2006 00:00:00

Misfit Studios?s Unusual Core Classes: Spellweaver integrates another magical weave into the Dungeons and Dragons universe. Though the weave is nothing knew to Dungeons and Dragons fans, the simplistic spell system and casting method included in the Spellweaver is definitely a new venture for the d20 universe.

The weave is an invisible aura of energy that knots its way through every lifeforce on the material plane. Spellcasters unknowingly pull form this energy when they cast a spell. Spellweavers not only see the weave but can manipulate it with incredible potency, though there is a chance of mishaps.

The casting system itself is amazingly robost yet easy to use. I am a big fan of Skill based magic, and have studied a number of them for use in my homegrown campaign. Those whom think this is just another skill based spell system are in for a rude awakening. This is honestly the best one I have seen, with only a few minor hiccups.

One of my biggest pet peeves about the current 3.5 spell system, is that a spellcaster can cast fireball but can not manage a light spell if its not prepared. The Spellweaver system, like most skill based magic systems, allows for a spellcaster to create his own spells. This is great for spellcaster players whom want variety. Fortunately, Spellweaver does not limit players to creating their own spells, which can be a hindrance in many other systems. The Spellweaver class if fully compatible with normal 3.5 spells. No more odd mix-maxing of the 3.5?s typical spell schools and the typical odd breakdowns of spells in other systems, the Spellweaver system eloquently manages to blend in the schools of magic, something I have not seen in too many other types of magic systems.

Like with typical skill based spell systems, every spell has a DC value associated with it based on its components. A player has some type of magical skill in addition to his other skills in which he rolls and tries to beat the DC. However, Spellweaver limits itself to one spell skill, spellweaving and everything is based off of that spell.

For the DM This will probably be about the easiest system to integrate with your current 3.5 game if you want to switch or add skill based magic. The book itself is 55 pages long yet complete. Most importantly, there is a conversion DC for EVERY core 3.5 spell. This really helps out the DM whose switching or using this spell system yet wants to use NPCs from other sources. There is also a neat fumble chart for when spells mishap. What DM does not like a good fumble chart.

For the Player The inclusion of the core spells is a big help for the player being introduced to the system. I would have liked to see more spell type options for the player though. The prestige classes are nice but deleting a couple and adding one or two more core classes to diversify the types of weave spellcasters would have done wonders for player choice.

The Iron Word This is a great skill based spell system that DMs and players will find a relief to use. Its very dynamic and best of all compatible with your normal 3.5 spells. I would like to see an update, expansion or errata that included feats or magical traditions that helped a spellcaster focus on a particular area of magic.

<br><br> <b>LIKED</b>: - Great skill-based spell system that is easy to use. Best I have seen as far as mechanics and technique.

  • The Spellweaver class itself is nicely developed.
  • Compatible with your typical 3.5 magic system.
  • All the base spells are converted for your convience <br><br><b>DISLIKED</b>: - No traditions are feats that help spellcasters specialize in particular areas of magic. They are easy to make but I am surprised no one thought of putting them in.
  • No alternative classes to the Spellweaver. Just curious what other takes on the class would have looked like.
  • Explaining the weave was a nice intro, but going into feats without introducing the Core Class itself confused me at first. <br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Very Good<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Very Satisfied<br>


Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
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Unusual Core Classes The Spellweaver
Publisher: Misfit Studios
by Shane O. [Featured Reviewer]
Date Added: 08/31/2006 00:00:00

Unusual Core Classes: The Spellweaver is a supplement from Misfit Studios. The zipped file is barely over five megabytes, and contains two PDF files; the main file, and the printer-friendly version thereof. The book is fifty-five pages long, including a page for the cover, one for the credits/legal, one for the table of contents, and one for the OGL. The main file has bookmarks and a hyperlinked table of contents, whereas the printer-friendly version has no bookmarks or hyperlinks.

The book?s artwork is quite good, but it?s the layout that?s the most striking. The full-color cover shows a woman interacting with the Weave of Existence, which is depicted as glowing blue webs, all across a black background. All of the subsequent pages in the book are bordered on all sides with this blue web on black background, giving the book a rather mystical feel to it. The interior artwork throughout the book is done in black-and-white. The printer-friendly version eliminates the cover and the borders, but many of the section headers and tables are still in blue.

Despite the title, this book doesn?t just introduce a new core class. Rather, it deals with a new topic (the Weave) and introduces new mechanics for it, including a new class and prestige classes, magic spells and items, and monsters. It?s worth noting that while this is tangentially set in the SpirosBlaak campaign setting, you don?t need any SpirosBlaak material to use this product; in fact, the only setting-specific information is in a sidebar relating to the new deity presented in this book.

The first chapter of the book introduces the Weave of Existence. Not a source of magic itself, the Weave is rather the connecting force between all energy and matter. Few creatures can perceive it, and fewer still can actually manipulate it. Thus, this works alongside conventional spellcasters in your d20 game easily. The section also deals with questions of the Weave on other planes, as well as how anti-magic affects it.

The next chapter deals with feats. All of the PHB feats that are in some way magical are given notations here for how they can be used with spellweaves (magical effects made by manipulating the Weave). Following this, over thirty new feats are presented; while virtually all of these deal with the Weave in some way, there?s something in here for almost every kind of character, from fighter bonus feats to item creation feats, and even epic feats.

Chapter three covers Weave-using characters. The new spellweaver core class is given here, given full PHB-style information (that is, fluff and crunch). Also given is the new spellweaving skill, which is the bread and butter of spellweavers. Following this is the information on epic spellweavers, which is an excellent nod towards completeness and epic campaigns. Four new Weave-related prestige classes are given next, followed by a new race, the ardekh. These reclusive spider people interact with the Weave naturally, and make an excellent choice for a PC race for a player that wants to play a Weave-using character.

Chapter four is devoted to the act of actually spellweaving. Spellweaving is a skill-based system of casting spells; more specifically, the various aspects of a spell (school, range, duration, etc.) are all assigned a DC modifier. Spellweavers construct the spell they want to cast by adding these factors together, and making a spellweaving skill check. However, spellweaving can only be done so many times per day, and there are often (sometimes severe) consequences for failing to weave a spell properly. Moreover, spellweaving divine spell effects is difficult, as the gods horde their power jealously.

Because spellweaving essentially replicates existing spells (mostly arcane, as divine spells are more difficult) from the Weave, chapter five is handily devoted to converting the spells from the PHB into spellweaving format. This chapter essentially lists every spell in the PHB in alphabetical order with their spellweaving DC.

Chapter six is devoted to other kinds of new Weave-related magic. Presented here is the goddess of the Weave, Sessaphos, along with the new Weave domain. Ten new spells are also given, many of them spells that conventional spellcasters can use against spellweavers. Each of these has DCs for spellweavers themselves to cast, as well. Finally, information is given on sites where the Weave is in flux, along with a few Weave magic items.

Chapter seven has five new Weave-themed creatures. One of these is the aforementioned ardekh, presented here in monster format, instead of as a PC race. Another is a template to make any creature able to interact with the Weave. The other three are Weave-related adversaries. Finally, the book closes out with a quick reference section collecting all of the charts for spellweaving onto three pages.

Altogether, Unusual Core Classes: The Spellweaver does a truly excellent job in its presentation. While not a new idea, skill-based spellcasting has never been done as elegantly as it is here. The mechanics are rock-solid, and the presentation is not only well-rounded thanks to the new creatures, spells, classes, items, and race, but also given just enough flavor to make it truly intriguing. Players or GMs who want a new flavor of magic for their game, complete with side-dishes, will find all the fluff and crunch they need in The Spellweaver. <br><br> <b>LIKED</b>: The fluff and crunch themed around the idea of spellweaving helps to round this product out, making it truly magnificent.<br><br><b>DISLIKED</b>: The headers and other blue-colored fonts in the printer-friendly version should have been changed to grey.<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Excellent<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Very Satisfied<br>



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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