Alternate D20 Magic Systems - Your Experiences

[Khairn]

Elements of Magic (Revised & Mythic) has been a great alternative to the core system. Highly recommended.

 

[Rothe]

I use a spell-point system inspired by TFT.

Spells cost a certain number of points to cast and spell points can be used to increase their power (e.g., duration, damage, etc.).

A skill check is required to cast the spell succesfully. Failure results in damage to caster proportional to the number of spell points put into the spell. Failure of a highly powered spell can kill.

Spells are not forgotten once cast. A caster can memorize a certain number of spell levels and repeatedly cast the same spell as long as they have the spell points. The repetition though is not much, never more than 5-7 spells at the lowest power levels.

The spell point cost is scaled so the base cost of spells produces a slightly less powerful spell than normal. If the spell is powered up you get about the same number of spells per day as normal.

Spell power is not related to caster level. Spell power is increased with spell points which are gained upon leveling, or through magical devices, etc.

In practice, increased flexibility for spell casters, concern over chances of failure in risky casting situations, spells points allow more low level casting but do rapidly run out.

 

[rgard]

I really REALLY like the basic system and idea of magic found in Grim Tales. In the games that I have run using it I tend to use a slightly modified system where the base Drain Dice is a d8, and that the drain damage is Non-Lethal damage. Then add in no magic can heal non-lethal damage and boom its' cool.

I also have really liked the ideas found in Black Company (very free-form) and Thieve's World (based somewhat on standard 3.5, but with a number of changes). I have never played either but it looks cool.

Finally I am a big fan of True20's magic (based on the Psychic Handbook)... very cool ideas.

Another game system that I have never played but wanted to try out was found in the Wheel of Time book. Its for 3.0 but it is still pretty cool

The Thieves' World magic system is similar to the Sovereign Stone system. You work to achieve a 'Mana Threshold' for spell that can stretch over several rounds. I haven't used it in a game yet, but I like the look of it.

Thanks,
Rich