Vancian Magic - Yes or No?

Dark Jezter

First Post

• Jan 22, 2004

• #1

This poll was inspired by the D&D 4e thread, where one of the most debated topics was vancian magic (i.e. requiring spellcasters to prepare spells at the beginning of each day). Many people (myself included) consider it to be just fine, while others think that it should be replaced with a different system.

So, what do you guys think of it?

 

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MerricB

Eternal Optimist

Supporter

• Jan 22, 2004

• #2

Just fine. Actually, with the addition of the ability to cast spells in higher-level slots, metamagic, sudden metamagic, spontaneous casting by clerics, no preparation by sorcerers and other such matters, I think it has become one of the best systems for magic that you could imagine.

Cheers!

 

Crothian

First Post

• Jan 22, 2004

• #3

I'd like a system that supports the current and allows for new types, but I'm a big fan of options. However, I have nothing against the current system so iut can stay.

 

Desdichado

Hero

• Jan 22, 2004

• #4

I don't know that it needs to be replaced. I'd like an alternate, though. My distaste for the "Vancian" magic of D&D is one of my primary disatisfiers with the game.

Anyway, I certainly can't vote yes, because I hate the current magic system, but I don't want to vote no either, because I doubt anything they replace it with would be well recieved by players in general.

 

LGodamus

First Post

• Jan 22, 2004

• #5

with all the new options, metamagic, sudden metamagic and others vancian is more flexible than ever...... Even Monte's UA . I see no problem with things the way they are. But, I would like to see optional magic systems presented in the DM guide.

 

Tuzenbach

First Post

• Jan 22, 2004

• #6

Hi! I'm an ignorant ruffian! What's "Vancian Magic"?!?!?!? I'm serious. I've played D&D since 1979 and have yet to see the magic system therein described as "Vancian". Will somebody please enlighten me? Thanks!

 

S

Silveras

First Post

• Jan 22, 2004

• #7

While I would not mind an alternate (I would like to mechanically separate divine and arcane magic more), I have no problems with the Vancian magic system.

 

S

Silveras

First Post

• Jan 22, 2004

• #8

Tuzenbach said:

Hi! I'm an ignorant ruffian! What's "Vancian Magic"?!?!?!? I'm serious. I've played D&D since 1979 and have yet to see the magic system therein described as "Vancian". Will somebody please enlighten me? Thanks!

Click to expand...

Vancian is named for the fantasy author Jack Vance. His books helped shape early D&D rules.

The idea of preparing a certain set of spells per day, and not being able to "pick as you cast", is the essence of Vancian magic.

 

A'koss

Explorer

• Jan 22, 2004

• #9

I make no bones about my dislike for the Vancian magic system. I would rather see a more flexible system and a reduction of the overall power to compensate.

Cheers,

A'koss.

 

MerricB

Eternal Optimist

Supporter

• Jan 22, 2004

• #10

Let us not forget that Unearthed Arcana will be presenting a spell point system for D&D 3.5E.

I do NOT want to see in the core rules of 4E several choices about what magic system you could use. Putting them in an optional book is better.

You need a core system, then be able to change it if necessary for your game.

Cheers!