Researching New Spells

Rules As Written

No specific rules are given. A description is listed in DMG p. 283.

House Rule

To research a new spell you need to have access to a research facility. It costs 500 gp to procure the necessary equipment and materials. You use Arcana to research new Arcane spells, and Religion to research Divine spells. If in doubt, DM discretion.

If you are designing a new spell it must be pre-approved by the DM. You may, if you wish, “research” an existing spell that is on your class's spell list and is of a level you can cast. You might do this to save money or because you can’t find a source of the spell elsewhere.

Process

In a research facility, you can spend spend 8 hours and 20*(spell level) gp per day doing research on the new spell. At the end of each day of research, make an Arcana/Religion check, DC 14 + spell level.

• A successful check gains you a Research Point.
• If you exceed the DC by 5 or more, you make a breakthrough and gain RP equal to your proficiency bonus.
• If you fail the DC by 5 or more, you suffer a setback and lose 1 RP (you cannot go into negative RP).

Once you have accumulated RP equal to 4 * spell level, the spell is complete. It is considered part of your class’ spell list. If you are limited by spells known, you may immediately switch it with a spell you currently know. If you use a spellbook, you may immediately scribe it into the book at no additional charge.