Metamagic Rods

[Thaelis]

I was thinking, since this server doesn't limit stacking of Univeral Save items, your saves can reach numbers of +35 or even higher (spell DCs only go up to about 32), maybe a new item Metamagic Rod: Heighten could be introduced so that PC casters offensive spells might have a slight chance of working (at least against your weak saves!).

Lesser Metamagic Rod: 3/day use; Free action to activate; Adds +3 to save DC of the next spell cast (limited to 3rd level spell or lower).

Normal Metamagic Rod: Same (limited to 6th level spell or lower).

Greater Metamagic Rod: Same (limited to 9th level spell or lower).

I just feel that magic is much less terrifying here compared with PnP and with other servers I've played on.

[renshouj]

Seems you're approaching this suggestion with the idea of PCs using DC spells against other PCs with high saves, aka PvP. While PvP is not to be neglected, it's also not the major focus of balancing decisions. Furthermore, the idea of adding more stacking for DCs is in general one that only generates powercreep, if one believes Saves are too bloated, the correct approach would be to diminish those numbers and stacking (with, for example, taking out the bonus to spell saves that Spellcraft ranks give), not buff spell DCs.

Also, when focusing on building for DC, casters can go much further than 32, approaching 40 and even mid-40s with specialised, but not difficult, builds (with some shown to be able to reach ~50 DC on epic spells).

[DM Mirror]

Thank you for the suggestion Thaelis.
However this is a PvP suggestion, and the server isn't primarily focused on balancing it.
Everything that renshouj said is true though.
For PvE monster saves have been adjusted in many areas to allow casters more impact.
And I'll assure you, specialist spellcasters are fairly terrifying here too, in the right circumstances of course.

[Thaelis]

Interesting. I didn't know there were additional things that could increase DC's above (Int + Epic spell focus) already.

I recall that my previous character had saves of around 30/40/28 and he wasn't even level 30, just seemed a little unbalanced to me.

While I understand that balancing for PvP isn't the main goal, it also not fun to RP (for example) being a mighty Evoker, yet in actuality all your Evocations have a 5% chance of success.

.... the correct approach would be to diminish those numbers and stacking (with, for example, taking out the bonus to spell saves that Spellcraft ranks give).....

I don't think Spellcraft is the main contributor tbh. I used to wear five +3 save items (total +15 Universal saves), and then my offhand weapon also had +3 Fort/Will save >< I didn't even have one rank in Spellcraft.

True, lowering saves would be a better approach, but I'd never recommend that. It would be too much butthurt for some... No more soloing bosses ><

[renshouj]

Each 5 points of Spellcraft gives you +1 to saves against spells. By rank 30, that is +6, it's absolutely significant (i'll note that I suggested it as one avenue to diminishing numbers, not the only one). And yeah, you recognise the issue: the correct approach is one that may irritate some people... doesnt mean we should just say "screw it" and just add more and more stacking!

But yeah, regarding this suggestion, I thank you for making it, but it's unlikely to happen for all the reasons explained xD