Designing and researching spells from other caster lists

[TomatoFettuccini]

Howdy everyone!

Suppose I'm a caster using a limited spell list, say a magus.

According to SRD, spell research and design can be an existing spell or an entirely new one. Moreover, it's something you can do just by virtue of being a caster with a spellbook.

That's it. There isn't any more about it, other than costs and appropriate level for it. It so ambiguous.

What I want to know is can I spend downtime researching how to cast, for example, create water? Is it then considered to be on my caster list? If so this opens the doors on a block to previously unusable spells, such as cure light wounds.

The (very limited) rules of spell design don't explicitly say you can do this, but there is also no hint of anything that says you cannot. In fact, the very statement of "A wizard can also research a spell independently, duplicating an existing spell or creating an entirely new one" is repeated in each incidence. This strongly suggests to me that as a caster, I can duplicate spells of any kind, up to my caster ability level, and make full use of them regardless of what they do.

As a magus, I'd like to cast certain other spells unavailable to me, such as fox's cunning, guidance, resistance, curse, for obvious reasons. My interpretation of what I have read is that I can, assuming I can convince my DM to go along with it.

Have I got this right or am I missing something glaringly obvious?

[Scott Wilhelm]

So, if you are trying to add to your spell list a spell from some other class's spell list, then what's going on is you are spending game time and treasure to gain an ability, that sounds reasonable. The question is how much.

If you are talking about creating a spell that doesn't exist anywhere, then you are talking about adding new text to your gamemaster's world, new rules. That may be okay. It may be bad. It may be awesome and enriching.

In either case, talk it over with your DM. Negotiate a fair price for using spells from another spell list or collaborate with him to create new material to add to his campaign world.

[Gilarius]

Additionally, there are certain effects that traditionally are reserved for particular casters: curing HP and status effects are divine only; most direct damage and movement spells are arcane.

Allowing this divide to be bridged risks rendering one or more classes obsolete.

[kestral287]

I'd certainly talk with your GM about which spells to copy, but I see no reason to categorically deny it. Something like Flame Strike that just doesn't make sense, no. And something like Restoration that's a major part of why the Cleric is considered necessary, no. But Create Water? Go for it.

Your GM might draw those divisions differently from me, mind.

[TomatoFettuccini]

All of what you all have said here is what I think, too.

I was aiming at something more like inflict wounds, as I'm playing a dhampir, and I'm trying to get creative with healing him, as well as pushing my character's limits, because we have no healer in the party. A dhampir magus with vampiric touch and inflict wounds is nice and thematic, as well as him being able to nurse his own wounds. It just seems creepily right. I'd like to have him drink for HP, because that'd be cool too, but the best version of that is a stretch... Eldritch Heritage.

I know there are other options, but I also want to expand his current spell list and also be the party crafter. More spells = better items.