Not a bad idea at all.
I think it would generally fit with the Larian point of view on design and the type of the game itself, as being a bit more loose, instead of very "restricting".
Plus it doesnt require any big changes to the current system and it would be fairly balanced already, from the start.
It wouldnt be my personal choice or preference, but i do think it is a good idea.
hmm... a few aditions, thoughts:
- I would still have primary attributes serve as requirements and affect damage and precision or chance of success - as they are doing now. I find that mechanic plays nicely. Feels good in gameplay.
- I dont think there is any problem that some very high level spells would not be immediately available because of high AP cost (if the base is so high) or because of other requirements.
- I think that specialists should have those very high spells or skills of rank 5 more easily available, sooner. Which would balance the diversity of hybrids - which is an advantage in on itself.
Its not just that you have more different spells but, it allows you to deal with different threats more easily. To adapt to different situation, enemy, elements or environments more easily.
Diversity is advantage - so specialists should have a small advantage of their own to balance that atleast a little bit. Getting rank 5 spells and skills a bit more easily (for less AP) would be a nice one.
- I would prevent usage of scrolls if the character doesnt have a single point in that category as a small additional measure. And limit them according to level in the relevant skill too.
/
I had some other, different ideas about the issue but those would not fit with your specific suggestion so im not going to mention those.
