Players use hit points to cast spells, should the same be true for monsters or would that make encounters perhaps too easy? What is balance-wise the best approach?
Let's say if we look at a DnD Skeletal Mage keeping in mind the Microlite20 Purest Essence guide, it might look something as such:
HD: 1d8+3 (7hp)
AC: 12
Weapon: Crooked Staff +2 (1d8)
Perhaps this character might be able to cast the following spells:
- Detect Magic (level 0 - signature - cost 2 hp)
- Magic Missile (level 1 - signature - cost: 2 hp)
- Mage Armor (level 1 - cost: 3 hp)
- Shocking Grasp (level 1 - cost: 3 hp)
Just casting 2 spells from the list would likely draw half the life of the Skeletal Mage.
In case it's better to not drain hit points for enemy monsters, should we instead:
- Add a prepared spell list
- Allow an amount of casts per day (I feel this would be a good fit for Microlite20, in case we don't drain hp)