So a lot of people like the concept of word spells, but we can probably agree there are some issues with execution, I'm wants ng to tweak the system, to make it a bit more balanced.
The first, and most glaring aspect I want to address is meta-words
To give a brief rundown, meta words generally mimic metamagic feats, the difference is they count as words you learn, like spells, and rather then increasing spell level, they draw from a limited pool of points equal to half your caster level.
Generally, this aspect of the system feels fine, except 1 notable exception, Boost.
The boost meta word is essential for many spells, do you want to cast an effect like greater invisibility? You need to boost invisibility, do you want your level 3 fireball to cover a 20ft radius? You need to boost you Burst, do you want your buff spell to effect multiple party members? You need to boost the target word, do you want your shocking grasp equivalent to roll d6s instead of d4s, boost it, you want a cure that can heal with d8s instead of d6s? Boost again
Boost is essential, and, at level 10, you can likely use it 5 times a day...assuming you don't want to use any other meta words.
I would like feedback on the following change.
You get a scaling number if free boosts in a round, based in caster level (you can end up boosting more then one word in a spell)
You get 1 free boost, +1 for every 5 caster levels you possess.
However, scaling boostable effects, will require multiple boost words, for example the burst target word, will cost 1 boost to make it a 20ft radius (level 3 spell slot minimum still applies) and 2 boosts to do a 40ft radius (level 5 spell slot minimum still applies)
Players would still be allowed to spend meta word uses, to use extra boosts, on top of there free allotment, if they so choose
What do you think?