Goal: a working cooldown-based spell system and a spell list under 300 spells. See Spellcasting for the design intent.
Milestones: a starter spell list for M2, all Tier 1–2 spells for M3, the full list for M4.
System
- Write the cooldown rules: how long, how they’re tracked, what resets them
- Set spells known: cantrips from the spell attribute, 2 spells per tier for full casters, 1 for half casters → Spellcasting
- Define the spell lists (Arcane, Divine, Primal, Occult, Psionic, Universal?) and which classes use which
- Design the spell tag system that replaces classic descriptors (in progress)
- Rework the spell schools
- Assign an attribute to every spell and define the crit options per attribute
- Define upcasting, and which spells can
- Write the spell timing rules (bonuses for acting before or after others) → Spellcasting
- Write metamagic for the Arcanist and Sorcerer
- Define spell DC, spell attack and “spell power”
- Define concentration and casting defensively (used by War Caster) → Skill Feats
- Confirm the area shapes → Areas of Effect
Spell list
- Agree on a spell entry format (name, tier, tags, attribute, AP cost, cooldown, range, area, effect, upcast)
- Write the Alpha 1 starter set (about 20–30 spells covering the Druid and Bard)
- Write the smites for the Guardian → Spells
- Write Hunter’s Mark and Conjure Volley for the Ranger
- Write all Tier 1–2 spells for Alpha 2
- Write Tier 3–4 spells for Beta, staying under 300 total
- Write the Wild Surge table → Appendix Notes
Exit criteria
- Every caster class can pick spells for Tiers 1–4.
- A playtest shows cooldowns aren’t trivial (casters aren’t casting everything every round).