Could you give me an example of a spell that is slimmer in C&C than in D&D, and how it works in-game? Because my players and I have a decent handle on the combat system of 3E, but none of us have a great handle (or like) complex spell descriptions, or complex spell results (i.e. roll 3d6 for how much damage you do, then the enemy is shaggered, which means they're staggered for 1 round and then shaken for 3, but not stirred. Now get some tea leaves and a goat's bladder, and a lightly toasted loaf of bread to determine the psionic aftereffect which is of benefit to the caster. See pages 10, 26, 192, 74, and 6 of the PHB).