What changed in the spell system since 3.5?

[Evening Glory]

I heard there have been some changes in the arcane magic system since 3.5, but I wouldn't know. I never really used it in 3.5. Now, however, with the Witch class and Sorcerer bloodlines, I'm really liking arcane spellcasters. I even got my hands on a copy of the 3.5 Spell Compendium. However, seeing as I don't know what changed from 3.5 to Pathfinder, I have no idea what needs to be done to use this book with my game.

[Calypstar]

I know the one that received the most changes to their spell list is the Bard. I don't know, nor understand, what and why they changed (no Bull's Strength, for example) or what "theme" they're trying to do, but I know it changed noticeably. But the Spell Compendium should be fine.

However, watc out for duplicates. I have found some spells in the Ultimate Magic, Ultimate Combat and APG that mimic some spells in Spell Compendium with very slight differences. You will have to decide which to stick with and which to ditch from your games.

[Mort the Cleverly Named]

Lots of spells had little changes. A duration here, a save there. Mostly balance stuff. Check a spell you plan to use beforehand to make sure it works the same.

There are some major changes, though. All 0-level spells are reusable at will, for example. Also, polymorph is completely changed. I'm sure there are others, but it has been so long since 3.5 I forget what changed 3.0->3.5 and what changed 3.5->PF.

[thenobledrake]

Another noticeable change is that a number of spells that were formerly "save or your character flat out dies," are now "save or your character takes a large amount of flat damage."

Typically though, that is only spells that were a single save and no attack roll - spells like Phantasmal Killer that require 2 saves are still "save or die" instead of "save or take lots of damage."

[ChaiGuy]

One thing that I have noticed is that they have removed "concentration" as a skill (it was Con. based). If I remember correctly they also increased the DC from 15 + spell level to 15 + spell level times 2. This seems to have the effect of making it more difficult to cast spells defensively or in difficult situations (while grappled for example).

[LazarX]

Evening Glory wrote:

I heard there have been some changes in the arcane magic system since 3.5, but I wouldn't know. I never really used it in 3.5. Now, however, with the Witch class and Sorcerer bloodlines, I'm really liking arcane spellcasters. I even got my hands on a copy of the 3.5 Spell Compendium. However, seeing as I don't know what changed from 3.5 to Pathfinder, I have no idea what needs to be done to use this book with my game.

Quite frankly, until you get more familiar with Pathfinder, just don't. Just put the book down and walk away from it.

The main changes in magic in Pathfinder are the spells themselves as well as spell design philosophy, and using the Spell Compendium would in many cases, undo most of the balance improvements in Pathfinder.

[Cheapy]

ChaiGuy wrote:

One thing that I have noticed is that they have removed "concentration" as a skill (it was Con. based). If I remember correctly they also increased the DC from 15 + spell level to 15 + spell level times 2. This seems to have the effect of making it more difficult to cast spells defensively or in difficult situations (while grappled for example).

Yep, DC to cast defensively is 15 + 2*spell level.

Also, be extremely careful when considering spells from the Spell Compendium. It is not known as the shining paragon of balance. It's generally considered nearly the opposite, in my experience.

Spoiler:

And don't mention the Orb spells on a forum.

[Tiny Coffee Golem]

polymorphing has improved (in my opinion).

Enlarge person

[Nemitri]

Tiny Coffee Golem wrote:

polymorphing has improved (in my opinion).

Enlarge person

Enlarge person is now a full-round action, as well as sleep, hold person now allows a save every turn (as well as many of the save or-be-rendered-helpless spells)

Alter Self, got beat to a pulp as well.

Save or die spells, now are save or die and take a lot of damage (which become a save, or save or die due to massive damage)

[Sloanzilla]

Instead of "you get an extra standard action but it can't be a spell" haste now lets you EITHER move more or attack more in a given round.

Ray of Enfeeblement now sucks donkey balls.

Glitterdust is save per round, but still good.