I'm making a 3.5e campaign and I'd like to add a different type of magic source. I've heard about a sourcebook that had shadow magic which sounds good but apparently isn't that balanced. Does anyone know of any casting classes with a different magic source, homebrew or otherwise, aside from psionics that is balanced and unique but easily adaptable?
The best option is probably to re-flavor an existing class. Beyond Tome of Magic and the core books, there aren't really a lot of power sources in printed D&D.
Thanks, I'll have to take a look at tome of magic. Are their any other core books with alternate power sources I should look for?
don't core books technically only cover the three basic rule books?? Anyway, now, i don't know how far you are in your preparation, but the Iron Heroes game, which is a D20 game that is quite similar to D&D, utilizes a different kind of magic system. Of course, you would have to change system, unless you just used it for inspiration, but i can recommend taking a look at the game. And it's only one book that covers all of it, so it isn't really more expensive than buying a splatbook.
I absolutely love Iron Heroes. I recommend you at least give it a whirl. It's the reason I'm not moving to 4e, my 3e already got "fixed" by Iron Heroes :P
EDIT: It is also possible to use Iron Heroes characters and regular 3e characters alongside each other, with a little forethought. You just have to bear in mind that the IH boys and girls will be somewhat tougher than their counterparts, as they come from a system with no plethora of magic items to help them out.
Thanks for the help guys! I'll have to check my fav. gaming store later today.
Monte Cook's Book of Eldritch Might had an alternate bard magic style that I really enjoyed.
Complete Arcane has the warlock arcane magic stuff...if you just used the format for the warlock incantations to make wizard powers, it would make a great alternate magic system. Oh, and if you're homebrewing, buy Unearthed Arcana. No matter how expensive it is, it is more then worth it. That book was like gold to me when I was making a 3.5 setting. It has like ten new, cool magic systems to. One that uses the flavor that you can cast as much magic as you want, but it draws from their inner reserves of energy, so it makes there be a serious risk of casting to many spells before you rest. Another one makes wonderful use of spell components-spells are much more powerful and deadly, but you need just the right components and you have to mix them the right way for it to work. This is great for an alchemical themed type thing.
Above you will find the best things I have heard come from Drizztrocks since he started coming here. The idea of using warlock incantations as a template for other variant spellcasting classes is brilliant and I am shocked it never occurred to me, it seems so obvious now. It even makes me kind of want to take another look at 3.5.
In short, +10 sexy points to Drizztrocks.
Fortunately I have the complete Arcane! I didn't occur to me to use the warlock as a base for a new class. Thanks!
Always glad to help. Although, using the warlock idea the spells would have to be pretty powerful to make up for the few choices you get.
You could always make more choices, that isn't a problem.
Quote from: DrizztrocksAlways glad to help. Although, using the warlock idea the spells would have to be pretty powerful to make up for the few choices you get.
Sorry, but I have to disagree on that one. The limited selection and reduced maximum level of effects the warlock gets is offset by the fact that he can spam his invocations all day long without any limit.
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^ Yeah that's true. I'm thinking i'm gonna tweak the shadowcaster and mix in some warlock abilities. When I'm finished with it I'll put it up. Thanks all!
Before I go out to my local Game store I wanna ask a question... is Tome of Magic worth it? I mean do you get your moneys worth out of it or should I probably save/spend the money for/on something else?
Quote from: CthulhuBefore I go out to my local Game store I wanna ask a question... is Tome of Magic worth it? I mean do you get your moneys worth out of it or should I probably save/spend the money for/on something else?
The binder is definitely worth it; most people I've talked to about it say it's the best-balanced and most flavorful 3e class they've come across. Shadow magic is an interesting twist on the usual Vancian model; the shadowcaster is underpowered, but it's fun and flavorful. The truenamer is either horribly underpowered or horribly broken, based on how you optimize it.
Basically, in terms of flavor and ideas, the whole Tome is awesome. In terms of mechanics, the binder is amazing, the shadowcaster is fairly good, and the truenamer is meh.
It's an ok book, nothing I would say that you should run out and buy. I am rather sure that our tastes may be drastically different so, I would recommend that you hit the web and find a torrent of it. Give it a once over see if it is something that interests you then pick it up.
I'm with XXsiriusXX on this one.
I didn't get it, but I'll keep it in mind. Thanks guys.