Strengthening low level mages
by ParzivalWhat I do:
1st level Magic-users start with the ability to prepare 4 spells, and have four in their book: Read Magic, one attack spell, one defense spell, one utility spell. These function as normal. At 2nd level they gain another 1st level spell slot, but from here on the 1st level slots remain static at 5 slots total until 17th level is reached, when it then progresses as normal on the chart. Elves are unchanged. (They have a sword and armor— they can deal with fewer spells.)
All Magic-Users and Elves also get bonus spell slot levels (not spells in the spellbook) equal to their Intelligence bonus. A +1 gives one 1st level spell slot. A +2 could be one 2nd level spell slot (available upon reaching 3rd PC level) or two 1st level slots. A +3 gives three 1st level slots, or one 1st and one 2nd (if 3rd PC level) or one 3rd level spell (available upon reaching 5th level). Again, not additional spells in the spellbook, just additional memorization slots.
I also do UA style cantrips, but allow unlimited casting. The number of cantrips is 4 plus one per level plus the Intelligence bonus— in this case, the bonus does grant actual spells, not merely slots. Casting is unlimited, though only one cantrip a round, but unlike spells can be combined with other actions in the same round (just not also a spell). So an MU can cast a cantrip and move and throw a missile or engage in melee (for foolish MUs), etc.. It’s basically a free action. In any case, you can never “forget” a cantrip, and they do not have to be prepared (“memorized”).
Note that UA style cantrips are very restricted and specific in effect and power; there is no such thing as the “Prestidigitation” cantrip. You can only do what the cantrips specifically says it does— like “Flame finger” which causes a 2-inch flame to appear from the magic-user’s chosen finger. That’s it. That’s what it does, it doesn’t do anything else. I do not allow attack cantrips; they cannot do damage, though it’s possible certain cantrips might discomfit a foe slightly (perhaps cause a -1 to hit penalty on their attack).
New cantrips may be learned when leveling up (one at a time), and the full cantrip list is open to be chosen from— every MU knows about these minor magics. A PC can research new cantrips at 1/4 the cost of a 1st level spell, but with the same amount of time as a 1st level spell. (Not that it’s ever come up.)