I was being friends with the party paladin and using my spells for her benefit, and she in turn was being my shield. This was lasted for 5 levels. I have many good adventures this way and created an interesting bond with the paladin in the process.
I am being trying out OSE for the last few days and it is my new system of choice. I have been playing S&W and Basic Fantasy in the past, and OSE is now being the best for me. Barrowmaze is being on our list to play in the new campaign next year and I am believe OSE will do great.
I don't dislike these, but I am not loving them either. I am feeling that Critical Role can affording (financially and culturally) to be more creative than this. That being said, I like the colors.