Another option a wizard my pursue is casting spells for greater
than normal effect. By “overcharging” a memorized spell (fixed
magick only) with magical energy, a wizard can achieve results
as if he were a wizard of much higher level. For example, a 2nd-level
wizard is normally limited to a single magic missile when he casts the spell, but with this optional rule he can fire
the spell as a 3rd-level character in order to create two missiles
with the spell. Naturally, the wizard must devote additional spell
points to the spell when he memorizes it. The price is 50 percent
of the spell’s base cost for each additional casting level stored
with the spell.
Rarik is a 4th-level mage who wants to gain the extra damage potential
of a third magic missile when he casts the spell. Normally, a third missile is gained at
5th level, so Rarik wants to cast the spell as if he were one
level higher. A 1st-level spell requires 4 spell points to memorize,
but by spending 6 points (50% more than 4), Rarik gains the ability
to cast this one spell as if he were actually 5th-level. All level-based
variables are affected, including range, area of effect, duration,
saving throw modifiers, and any other appropriate factors, so
Rarik incidentally gains an additional 10 yards of range through
his investment. Later on in his career, Rarik decides that he’d like a fireball with some extra punch. He’s a 5th-level mage now, and the spell
costs him 10 spell points. Rarik spends two 50 percent increments
(a grand total of 20 spell points) to cast this fireball as if he were a 7th-level caster. The range increases from 60
to 80 yards, and the damage is 7d6 instead of 5d6.
A character can’t invest more than four additional levels into
a spell, which would triple its cost, increasing it to 200 percent
above the normal price. Most wizards find that it’s more efficient
to gain extra spells rather than overcharge a single one, but
for spells with important breaks in power level based on the caster’s
level — like magic missile — one or two steps of increased casting level may be a good idea.
