Elements of Magic: Revised -- Revised Again!

Morrus · Dec 10, 2004

Elements of Magic: Revised has been revised again! "This is version 1.2 of Elements of Magic, containing the version 1.1 errata from the original revised edition as well as revised and updated bookmarks and hyperlinks - and an entirely new 7-page appendix of errata, changes and augmentations to the system." If you purchased the original Elements of Magic: Revised, you should have received a copy of this newest version by email.

We like to think of Elements of Magic as "the premier magic point system for d20 spellcasting", and it has proven to be an extremely popular plug-in magic system designed to replace the standard "fire and forget" system of d20 magic. Spell lists are flexible, allowing you to build your spells modularly, using a "noun & verb" system which presents endless possible combinations. You can evoke lightning, drain time or transform creature. There are thousands of combinations possible, making your d20 spellcaster unique, flexible and flavourful. Don't miss out!

Vaxalon · Dec 10, 2004

I haven't gotten this email.

Morrus · Dec 10, 2004

Hellhound is handling the emails - it may be that he hasn't gotten all the way through them yet. If you still don't have it in a day or two, let me know.

Particle_Man · Dec 10, 2004

illusion specialist feat query

Ok Ryan Nock! Glad to see that you have taken another shot at Illusion Force, although as expected I have a question:

If you have the Illusion Specialist Feat, you tend to get some "Free" simple effects or "Free" standard effects to add to your illusion.

Since the damage from Illusion Force now depends upon the points spent on Illusions that are not illusion force as components in the spell, do the "free" simple effects or "free" standard effects have any effect upon the non-lethal damage that an illusion does? So if I get simple illusion fire for free, does that add 1d6/2d6/4d6 to the damage? Should damage be calculated "as if" the free simple/standard illusions had been paid for?

Basically, I am wondering if the Illusion Specialist feat helps or not, when calculating damage.

If it does not help, that seems like a "hidden cost" of being a specialist, where the specialist can cast the same spell as the non-specialist who casts the illusion, but the non-specialist, because he had to spend more points to get those simple/standard effects, gets more damage out of it. While the illusion specialist either gets less damage because some of the effects are free for him, or "throws points at the illusion", making it a more complex illusion than necessary purely to up the damage dealt.

On the other hand, I have not playtested what would happen if the "Free" simple or standard illusion effects are calculated into the damage as if they had been paid for. It would give reason to learn the "costly" illusions like fire/water/air/earth as a simple effect from them would actually contribute to damage, while simple effects from light, etc., cost 0 anyhow. I don't think it would unbalance the game, but maybe it would. It would certainly make that feat desirable by illusionists, but it was that already.

HellHound · Dec 12, 2004

All persons who purchased a copy of the product from RPGnow received a product update email at the email address listed in their RPGnow account - that is, if you remembered to allow publishers to email you about products you have purchased.

I am currently out of the house and connecting from my sister-in-law's computer. Once I get home, I encourage those who have purchased copies to email me and I will send complimentary copies manually.

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