In the game I play in on Sundays I play a Sorcerer/Shugenja. It seems that I'm always looking ahead and planning what spells I'm gonna learn at each new level since my spell lists are so small. I'll have it all planned out then I'll read some more and change my mind or I will notice what the other folks in the group are constantly doing and switch to a spell that better fits the group. It seems like I spend a lot of time doing this (I know part of it is my own nuerosis).
Another player in the group is playing a rogue/psion who rarely picks up his expanded psionics book. He picks his new psionic powers based off the short descriptions on the psionic lists and seems fine with it all. I sometimes think that if I knew less about spells or just kind picked them quickly each level and never looked back then I would be less frustrated sometimes. I'll admit that picking the spells is a love/hate relationship for me because I do kind of like planning them out but sometimes I can work myself up over the whole thing.
Am I the only one or are more people like the other guy?
You are not the only one.
It even extends beyond spells/powers and into class levels. But that isn't your question.
I am very much like you. I try to have my advances ready before hand, and sometimes drive myself crazy over it.
I too wish I could be a bit more cavalier about my choices...
But there are benefits to our method. Your group may not be as successful as it has been if you weren't so careful about your spell choices.
In the end, you have to find the proper balance for you. And not be concerned so much about the "other guy."
You could always backtrack and play a 1e fighter...
Just a thought.
You could always backtrack and play a 1e fighter...
Just a thought.
Ah but where's the fun in that? ;p
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I find that unless I am determined to stick to a concept with my wizard or sorcerer, I tend to end up with the same few spells on my shortlist.
For me, it is part of the fun.
I can remember one chap at a con slating my first level sorcerer because he didn't have ray of enfeeblement. I couldn't have cared less.
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I make my choices in advancement based on that the toon would want. I recently passed over Sleep, Grease, and some other useful spell for Unseen Servant. Not for tactical or gameplay effect, but because what halfling DOESNT want a unseen servant? Hell, If I had Unseen servant I would retire. It cleans my house, my neibors yards, and goes and gets me things. Its all about comfort for me halfling.
My Halfling Necromancer has a theme: He HATES undead. Unsuable schools: Transmuate and Evo. So my spell book has alot of damage to undead spells and ability score droppers. Ray of Enfeeblement, Touch of Idiocy, Spirit Worm, Spirit Wall, etc. But I also have Orb of Force since it is effective against uncoporial undead, Aasays's Spell Resistance since I saw a Drow Vampire in a different game.
Its really easy to pick out spells when you're working from a theme, at least, IMO.
Ah but where's the fun in that? ;pYou could always backtrack and play a 1e fighter...
Just a thought.
Trying to get THAC0 to work in d20.
In the game I play in on Sundays I play a Sorcerer/Shugenja. It seems that I'm always looking ahead and planning what spells I'm gonna learn at each new level since my spell lists are so small. I'll have it all planned out then I'll read some more and change my mind or I will notice what the other folks in the group are constantly doing and switch to a spell that better fits the group. It seems like I spend a lot of time doing this (I know part of it is my own neurosis).
I started playing D&D as a fighter, usually mixed with other classes, but a core fighter nonetheless. I love the simplicity of it. You got your feats, which you know inside and out and you got your weapon to do all kinds of sick damage. Easy-peesy.
Then there's the spell caster. Honestly, wizard is my new favorite class. I completely understand where you are coming from, Chris because I am the same way. I think I drive my fellow gamers and DM crazy with it all. I know my spells (durations, variables, DCs, the works) and I usually have it figured out before my turn. But then someone goes and does something crazy, then I have to figure out an appropriate reaction/spell to it. It's frustrating, but crazy and definitely fun.
Stick with what works. It sounds like your system works great just remember it's a game and have fun with it. Don't worry about what the other characters are up to. Something I had to learn the hard way: While it's great to build a character the group benefits from, remember it's a role-playing game. Choose spells that suit the character first, then worry about how the party will benefit. I think it's more fun that way.