Even if it is most probably already to late to implant any new suggestion, I would like to present a (not so) new(?) idea and read your thoughts about it.
If I don’t misunderstand, there is already a system implanted, that gives every lasting (spell-)effect a (hidden) initiative-value to simulate the duration of this effect more correctly.
So, why not use a similar system for the spellcasting-process itself?
A caster, of course, would be vulnerable to concentration checks, if he suffers any damage during his spellcasting. An (anticipated) spell-effect could be “out-runned” or countered with a fast spell. “Invisibility” should become to be quite loved by the casters as well. (hmm, correct grammar?)
In every big encounter the first goal is: Kill the Mages!
And until now, the most effective way to do this is: Maximal firepower! (exception: the mage in need of killing happens to be a dragon...)
But if long casting-times are vulnerable to disruptions, “maximal firepower” would become quite a risky strategy!
Examples:
"Magic Missile" and “True Strike” could be initiative-delayed with a value of 0 (=instant casting)
"Wind Wall" and “Invisibility” could have a value of 2, "Meteor Shower" a value of 9.
“Summon Elemental” could have a value of 5, for the summoning part, and than get delayed again in order to get control over the elemental.
Every new system has, of course, the potential to give birth to new feats!
such as:
Metamagic Quicken: Your spellcasting time is shorten by 4 to the minimum value of 0. The kind of your spellcasting action (move/standard/full round action) is not influenced by this feat. Spell level +1.
Requires: Level 1 Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard, Bishop, Champion, Mage Knight, Psychic Healer, Storm Warrior, Warlock, Rouge, Ranger, Paladin
Perhaps close combat caster should be given access to an improved version:
Improved Metamagic Quicken: Your spellcasting time is shorten by 4 to the minimum value of 0 without the normal +1 spell-level cost.
Requires: Level 1 Mage Knight, Rouge, Paladin, Ranger (?); Metamagic Quicken
There could also be feats (or skills), which help to correctly identify the spells casted by your enemies. (The “Improved Counterspell” feat could be expanded with this feature)
Applying “Metamagic Empower”, etc. should also increase the casting time.
Summary:
Pro:
- adds a whole new layer of tactical depth, without adding new mouse-clicks and disturbing the fluidity of the combat
- the almighty casters get a bit nerfed, without losing their potential as the mightiest under the sun (or moon).
- less “phoney” casting, more immersion conserving
Con:
- Implantation (adjustment to balancing, documentation, testing, A.I., casting-animation, …)
- with “Ready vs. Spell” there is already a game mechanic, which takes into consideration the vulnerability of the casting-process (albeit it is (for the small heroes party) a quite useless one)
- ?
So, any thoughts?