Wizard spellbook question


Rules Questions


If a 1st level wizard has an 18 intelligence, can he only cast 1st level spells because he only has 1st level spells in his spellbook per the rules?

When the wizard gains a level, the rules say he can add new spells to the spellbook based upon what he can cast - in theory? So if he has an 18 intelligence could be add an 8th level spell (although he would not be able to cast it in practice?).


Eugene Lin wrote:

If a 1st level wizard has an 18 intelligence, can he only cast 1st level spells because he only has 1st level spells in his spellbook per the rules?

When the wizard gains a level, the rules say he can add new spells to the spellbook based upon what he can cast - in theory? So if he has an 18 intelligence could be add an 8th level spell (although he would not be able to cast it in practice?).

Answered in your other thread.


Actually I think you can scribe them into your spellbook, but I believe there is a spellcraft check that will probably be beyond your abilities


Sandbox wrote:
Actually I think you can scribe them into your spellbook, but I believe there is a spellcraft check that will probably be beyond your abilities

From the prd

In addition to having a high ability score, a spellcaster must be of a high enough class level to be able to cast spells of a given spell level.
Think you have to learn em to scribe em, and to learn em... I think you have to be ale to cast em, but I don't see that spelled out specifically like that.....yet


skrahen wrote:
Eugene Lin wrote:

If a 1st level wizard has an 18 intelligence, can he only cast 1st level spells because he only has 1st level spells in his spellbook per the rules?

When the wizard gains a level, the rules say he can add new spells to the spellbook based upon what he can cast - in theory? So if he has an 18 intelligence could be add an 8th level spell (although he would not be able to cast it in practice?).

Answered in your other thread.

Guess I didn't read that all too well...


PRD wrote:

Writing a New Spell into a Spellbook

Once a wizard understands a new spell, he can record it into his spellbook.

I think the important part here is the part that says once he understands.


Source: D20pfsrd
Spells Copied from Another's Spellbook or a Scroll

A wizard can also add a spell to his book whenever he encounters one on a magic scroll or in another wizard's spellbook. No matter what the spell's source, the wizard must first decipher the magical writing (see Arcane Magical Writings). Next, he must spend 1 hour studying the spell. At the end of the hour, he must make a Spellcraft check (DC 15 + spell's level). A wizard who has specialized in a school of spells gains a +2 bonus on the Spellcraft check if the new spell is from his specialty school. If the check succeeds, the wizard understands the spell and can copy it into his spellbook (see Writing a New Spell into a Spellbook). The process leaves a spellbook that was copied from unharmed, but a spell successfully copied from a magic scroll disappears from the parchment.

Source: D20pfsrd
Arcane Magical Writings

To record an arcane spell in written form, a character uses complex notation that describes the magical forces involved in the spell. The writer uses the same system no matter what her native language or culture. However, each character uses the system in his own way. Another person's magical writing remains incomprehensible to even the most powerful wizard until he takes time to study and decipher it.

To decipher an arcane magical writing (such as a single spell in another's spellbook or on a scroll), a character must make a Spellcraft check (DC 20 + the spell's level). If the skill check fails, the character cannot attempt to read that particular spell again until the next day. A read magic spell automatically deciphers magical writing without a skill check. If the person who created the magical writing is on hand to help the reader, success is also automatic.

Once a character deciphers a particular piece of magical writing, he does not need to decipher it again. Deciphering magical writing allows the reader to identify the spell and gives some idea of its effects (as explained in the spell description). If the magical writing is a scroll and the reader can cast arcane spells, he can attempt to use the scroll.


He can copy spells of high level if he makes the check and spends the money...he can't cast the higher level spells until he obtains higher spell slots from class levels

He could try to cast high level spells from a scroll... If he can make the check, otherwise it just doesn't work


Pathfinder Adventure, Rulebook Subscriber

I think the OP was asking about the two new spells you add to your spell book at each new level.

PFSRD Wizard wrote:
Spells Gained at a New Level: Wizards perform a certain amount of spell research between adventures. Each time a character attains a new wizard level, he gains two spells of his choice to add to his spellbook. The two free spells must be of spell levels he can cast. If he has chosen to specialize in a school of magic, one of the two free spells must be from his specialty school.

so, no. A lvl 2 wiz can only add a 1st lvl spell for his two free spells per level. Conversely, you must be at least lvl 15 to add a free lvl 8 spell as your free 2 for leveling, as this is the lowest level you can cast 8th level spells.


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Yep, wizards tend to have LOTS of 1st level spells in their spellbooks because they start with so many at level 1, and then get even more at level 2.

Fortunately there are lots of good choices. If you don't have any of these spells, consider picking them up with your level 2 choices:

Protection from evil: An absolute staple, and worth the reputation
Grease: The best battlefield control for level 1 spells
Mage armor: Handy, doubly so if you have monks or druids in your party
Mount: Handy and useful, doesn't level so well though
Obscuring Mist: Reasonably useful control spell
Unseen servant: Utility, but still handy at high levels
Charm Person: A spell that can win a battle instantly and has utility too
Sleep: The most powerful spell in the game at levels 1 and 2, useless by level 5 or 6
Color Spray: Not quite as good as sleep at low levels, but it's good longer
Silent Image: As useful as your imagination allows, remains good at higher levels
Enlarge person: Give someone in your party reach and CMB bonuses

There are a bunch of other 1st level spells I like to have in my spellbook "just in case" even though I won't memorize them unless I know I'll need them - maybe scribe a scroll....

Disguise self
Identify
Comprehend languages
shield
hold portal
alarm

Don't discount 1st level spells. Even as levels increase you will find use for many of these spells. My 15th level Witch casts unseen servant every day and uses it for setting off traps, opening doors, holding a wand/rod handy, etc, and her familiar has a wand of silent image he uses constantly to fantastic effect.


j b 200 wrote:

I think the OP was asking about the two new spells you add to your spell book at each new level.

PFSRD Wizard wrote:
Spells Gained at a New Level: Wizards perform a certain amount of spell research between adventures. Each time a character attains a new wizard level, he gains two spells of his choice to add to his spellbook. The two free spells must be of spell levels he can cast. If he has chosen to specialize in a school of magic, one of the two free spells must be from his specialty school.
so, no. A lvl 2 wiz can only add a 1st lvl spell for his two free spells per level. Conversely, you must be at least lvl 15 to add a free lvl 8 spell as your free 2 for leveling, as this is the lowest level you can cast 8th level spells.

Edge case that will probably never come up, but what would happen when a wizard with an 11 INT hit 3rd level? Could he add 2nd level spells to his book, or only more 1st level ones because that's what he is limited to casting (due to his crummy INT)?


Khuldar wrote:
PFSRD Wizard wrote:
Spells Gained at a New Level: Wizards perform a certain amount of spell research between adventures. Each time a character attains a new wizard level, he gains two spells of his choice to add to his spellbook. The two free spells must be of spell levels he can cast. If he has chosen to specialize in a school of magic, one of the two free spells must be from his specialty school.
Edge case that will probably never come up, but what would happen when a wizard with an 11 INT hit 3rd level? Could he add 2nd level spells to his book, or only more 1st level ones because that's what he is limited to casting (due to his crummy INT)?

Because it says free spells must be of spell levels he can cast, I would rule the latter: the wiz can only add more 1st-level spells. But you're right, this is a very unlikely scenario unless you're in a game where the object is to cripple your characters with abysmal stats.

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