Larian Studios Forums Baldur's Gate III Baldur's Gate III - Suggestions & Feedback Grimoires as equipable items

Something that D&D video games tend to overlook about the mage classes is the use of spell books. This item tends to appear just as UI element (Neverwinter Nights) and sometimes as part of a character's looks (the moon-elf from Dark Alliance 2). In BG3 I've seen it on cutscenes and some wizard animations, but not as a spell book item. So, since the game is already exploring those 3D models, and also exploring new magic items variety, why not explore grimoires as such magic items, so the wizard class feels more unique among the other spell casters, instead of just a "jack-of-all-spells". For example: having grimmoires that enhance or add new effects to specific spells, spell schools or elements for the spells that are written on said grimoire.

Yes, was it Pillars of Eternity that had actual spell-books for wizards that you could add to over time and also loot from other wizards and use instead or as well? It's a while since I played it, but do remember some game having something like it and enjoying the flavour it gave.

Of course, BG3 would have to 5e-ify it but I agree that something that brought the bookish nature of wizards to life would be great. Them actually having an item called a spell book would be a start, but then I guess you'd have to do something with it.

I believe Grimoires and Magical Focuses was suggested by GM4Him about year ago ... it was great idea then, and it still is! +1

In addition to that. Yes for Cleric & Mages there should be an arcan focus (Grimoire) / spellcasting focus (e.g. Symbol on Shield):

https://www.dndbeyond.com/equipment/holy-symbol#:~:text=A%20cleric%20or%20paladin%20can,bear%20it%20on%20a%20shield.

You could also think about using battlestaffs not only for close combat, but also for elementary long-range combat like in GW2 or TESO. But maybe that's asking too much and we have cantrips for that.

Using Arcane Recovery shows the book.. kind of.

Wizards only use spellbooks to prepare spells so you would only use the book in camp during a Long Rest. I'm not sure that warrants making them actual items to equip because.. why would you? Unless they implement spell focuses, which seems doubtful and unnecessary anyway.

Isn't Gale reading a spellbook in camp already?

Unless there is a mechanic connected to spellbooks (like in PoEs) I don't think that would contribute much. I do like class uniue mechanics like that, though

Only bards have that right as of the last patch with their instruments. They use those for casting. We should just have casting slots that takes those items in same way. But the whole thing is half done same as weapons and range weapons combined with spellcasting focuses.. right now it's mix of everything with no heads or tail.

Yes, thank you, that's a perfect example. Even if not as gameplay changing items, having spell books the same way bards have instruments would still be cool and also closer to how wizards are pictured in D&D 5e (I do have a feeling that we will be getting some magic instruments when the game releases tho).

Casting known spells directly from the Spellbook in desperation, should still be a thing. Like just tearing out a page and firing it off like a scroll. I can't remember the exact wording for the rules, but it had a great image to it that still sticks with me. Or some form of spellbook stomp employed as a last result, I guess as a redux on that hehe.

I think the thing BG1 and 2 did so well was just nailing the encantation sounds and such, with the book as more of a UI element there. But for a BG3 it'd be cool to have an actual magical book with a personality to it. Like where you choose the design of the binding and the color, or have ornate thematic elements if a specialist - skulls and flames with locks and the like. Gale's spellbook could be at least as interesting as Shadowheart's Box to help sell the concept. The attention paid to the Bard animations was encouraging. The classes from the initial build Wizards, Clerics, Rangers, Rogues and Warlocks feel like they haven't had much development compared to the newer classes Druid, Sorcerer, Barbarian and Bard. But things like Grimoires for the Wizards or Sigils for the Clerics, would be a fun way to make them feel more unique as a class. Right now with limited robes and no colors Wizard's are kinda meh. They need more wands and magical bracers and such as well, but hitting the books would be a nice way to kick it off.

You beat me to the post by a few hours lol. Ye I agree, books should be an option. I would want my grim to float above my hand and maybe turn in the air as I cast a spell. Maybe one would be able to throw their book at enemies [look at loremaster animation in wizard101].

Regarding other fouci, as long as they are rare. Crystals are super hard to create, and in mid evil times / fantasy, a lowlife adventurer would not just find one. Maybe they could be considered antiques, you would use it for a bit, before gale stole ir from you LMAO

Forget tattoos and hairstyles, a wizard's eldritch grimoire should have as many customizable doodads as most battlemechs.