DCC Spellcasting at 0 Level?

Silverlion · February 27, 2013, 06:56:46 PM

Now, I admit its been a couple of weeks since I've read it, but does it allow characters who might have access to spells (Wizard's Apprentice) to cast spells, or not?

I seem to believe not, but it seems odd to offer a spellbook and the profession without at least the ability to try to cast spells.

K Peterson · February 27, 2013, 07:13:11 PM

Doesn't seem like it. A Wizard's Apprentice starts with a black grimoire as a trade good, but I haven't found any details on what that is exactly. Spells only appear to be gained upon reaching level 1 in Wizard.

jedimastert · February 27, 2013, 07:17:41 PM

Normally 0 Level characters can not cast spells at all in DCC. Even if they have a background that would seem to indicate otherwise.

(Spoiler Alert, sort of...) There are magic items that allow non-casters, including 0 Level characters, the ability to attempt to cast certain spells. Non-casters use a d16 for the spell check instead of using a d20.

Spinachcat · February 27, 2013, 10:32:42 PM

Hmm...somebody pop over to the Official DCC forums and ask about that black grimoire. I am surprised that got left out.

Silverlion · February 28, 2013, 12:02:37 AM

I may houserule that then, because it might be fun to let them to TRY and cast spells.

Kuroth · February 28, 2013, 12:43:34 AM

Quote from: Spinachcat;632632Hmm...somebody pop over to the Official DCC forums and ask about that black grimoire. I am surprised that got left out.

I'm pretty sure that section "The Wizard Grimoire" on page 124 is meant to describe the Black Grimoire listed on the Occupation Trade Goods list. It could be that the Black Grimoire is some type of other grimoire, though. As a houserule, it could be said to be the knowledge of 0 level spells that Siverlion was considering adding, rather than another name for Wizard Grimoire.

Naburimannu · February 28, 2013, 04:20:29 AM

People of the Pit, and I think some other DCC modules that I've skimmed, have features that rely on non-spellcasters still being able to use d10 for spell checks. So I suppose the Wizard's Apprentice could always *try* to cast a spell from the grimiore, and if their Int is high enough or they can come up with a bonus from somewhere else, they've got a 1/10 chance of success.

Spinachcat · February 28, 2013, 05:22:16 AM

Quote from: Silverlion;632659I may houserule that then, because it might be fun to let them to TRY and cast spells.

But of course!

The awesome thing about a 1/10 chance is you kick ass 10% of the time. I am sure we have all seen multiple 20s thrown in a row or a crazy string of 00 fumbles hit a table. Who knows what the Dice Gods will have to say for those Funnel Mages?

Silverlion · February 28, 2013, 07:06:42 PM

The thing is one of my favorite modules was "Treasure Hunt" zero level AD&D PC's try and survive on an island where there is a battle between orcs and goblins, and an ancient Pirate lords manor/household.

It let PC's try ANYTHING and it was fun, and the class characters became had a lot to do with the actions and methods they took to get to first level.

I was wanting something similar to that in DCC.

RPGPundit · March 01, 2013, 06:07:34 PM

Yeah, I'd let someone with a spellbook try to cast as a non-caster, as per the rules.

finarvyn · March 01, 2013, 07:04:54 PM

Quote from: jedimastert;632585Normally 0 Level characters can not cast spells at all in DCC. Even if they have a background that would seem to indicate otherwise.

This is correct. The intent of a 0-level character is a basic guy who hasn't really figured out this adventuring thing yet, and all of the character options are based on the fact that they can't do anything remarkable while they are zeroes.

Essentially, 0-level characters have no character class at all. There aren't 0-level fighters or 0-level magic users, only 0-level characters.

The cool class stuff is a reward for advancing to level one.

K Peterson · March 01, 2013, 08:08:13 PM

Quote from: finarvyn;633347This is correct. The intent of a 0-level character is a basic guy who hasn't really figured out this adventuring thing yet, and all of the character options are based on the fact that they can't do anything remarkable while they are zeroes.

With a 1% chance of starting as a Wizard's Apprentice, I'd be tempted to give the poor bastard one random first level spell (scribed in his black grimoire), and maybe give +1 bonus casting it (d12) compared with the average (for non-spellcasting classes). Seems like it'd make for a fun houserule.

RPGPundit · March 02, 2013, 10:25:37 AM

Quote from: K Peterson;633368With a 1% chance of starting as a Wizard's Apprentice, I'd be tempted to give the poor bastard one random first level spell (scribed in his black grimoire), and maybe give +1 bonus casting it (d12) compared with the average (for non-spellcasting classes). Seems like it'd make for a fun houserule.

I would not be averse to that.

finarvyn · March 02, 2013, 03:55:33 PM

Rather than an actual 1st level spell, you might look at the AD&D cantrip list. You can do some cool stuff with them if you are creative, but they tend to have almost no impact on serious tactical situations.

K Peterson · March 02, 2013, 04:23:32 PM

Quote from: finarvyn;633570Rather than an actual 1st level spell, you might look at the AD&D cantrip list. You can do some cool stuff with them if you are creative, but they tend to have almost no impact on serious tactical situations.

Or, perhaps just give them the level-1 Cantrip spell from DCC? I don't see that as being too unbalancing.