As a DM for dungeons and dragons for 20 years this year, I couldn't help but notice some inherent small weaknesses in the way NWN processes spellcasting.
I would greatly like to see either of the following changes made to spell focus feats, or both if the review teams like the idea.
1. In preparation of new classes rumored (especially beguiler, and other themed casters that benefit from specific spell schools in the build)
I highly suggest that spell focus feats align with their 3.5 counterparts to raise the DC of all spells cast in that school. This miniscule increase from +1 with spell focus, to +3 totalwith greater spell focus I think will greatly improve the game and experience as a whole.
The fragility with some casting classes, and the rather weak position of wizards and sorcerers right bow in the meta would benefit from this. As would any future subclasses such as beguiler, adept, acolyte, warmage and others I can provide references for.
2. As an alternative option, I suggest that spell focus feats grant 1 caster level with the chosen school only for that character. This benefit is significant enough to cover level dependent variable spells that increase protections, spell damage, or healing done, as well as durations increased.
This option is an easy benefit to any and all classes with any spellcasting other than a 3 level dip. I can easily see paladins and warmages benefitting the most with 3 more caster levels.
The benefit is niche for 3 additional levels with 27/3 builds, but enough of a benefit I think sorcerer and wizard classes will feel more in line with the custom casting classes to arelith that feel so strong like elementalist, hemomancer, and spellsword.
I do recommend that any and all classes that already have increased DCs or CL be scrutinized for benefitting. I do not want to diminish the benefit of a shadovar for its reward cost.
Lastly, though I have no way of knowing what is planned and if beguiler is planned close to the source material, but red wizard prestige class follows this example too. But if beguiler subclass is planned nearly identical to the source, it will largely impact the balance of the game. Considering that many class and races do not gain options for raising their DCs from unique sources, like it does.
In conclusion, I strongly believe my 20 years experience running games for table top and my 20 years of playing neverwinter nights warrant spell DC increase options beyond the current meta to feel more like a living part of the game as a whole. If this is not a current point the dev teams and DMs will visit at this time, please at least consider increased CL per school related focus feats.
Thank you.
