Best Magic System

[glass]

If you are sticking with Vancian, then AE is the way to go hands down. That or the Wheel of Time system.

If you're sticking with Vancian, then surely wouldn't 'the way to go' involve actually, er, sticking with Vancian?


glass.

 

[Mercule]

I selected "mana points", but that's really not true. What I really mean is a drain-type effect like SR, or some other "cost" associated with magic. Nothing prohibitive, just a trade-off.

A true "mana point" system is really just quantum spell slots. Kinda "roll your own" slots. It's more flexible than true slots, but still has the same lame "uh, I forgot" flaw that slots have.

When I was pondering writing my own spell system, I was looking at one where casting was skill-based, with failure having potentially bad side effects and taking a bit of time. As an option, the wizard could "hang" a few spells. Hanging spells still involved the skill roll, but it was under more controlled, safer circumstances. Once hung, a spell could be released later without a chance of failure. Any hung spells could be detected with a Detect Magic or similar spell. Also, the energy from hung spells tends to interfere with casting/hanging of other spells and raises the DC for any further attempts in a cumulative manner.

One thing I'd love to see in a magic system is to have material components actually matter. The way D&D does it, now, they are barely even window dressing. Might as well ditch them.

 

[BluWolf]

With my new campaign I am going to try mana-based for the first time. I'm basing it off the UA spell-point system but adding elements of AU (diminshed) and Relics & Rituals (ritual casting) to the mix.

 

[Razuur]

If you're sticking with Vancian, then surely wouldn't 'the way to go' involve actually, er, sticking with Vancian?


glass.

I hate vancian magic, but AE made me like it again. So no.

If you like your static vancian model, by all means, stick with it.

If you want to add a soem flexibity, use the AE rules.

Tastes vary hermano.

Razuur

 

[Snapdragyn]

So if you really want to cast that Earthquake spell to level your enemy's castle you can do it. But you'll probably blow yourself up and damage the environment in the process.

Now that's fun.

I've cooked up a version of it for d20 as well.

That sounds interesting. Further info?

 

[JimAde]

That sounds interesting. Further info?

You can find the original Unlimited Mana article here:

http://www.io.com/~sjohn/unlimited-mana.htm

You can see my d20-ized version of it here:
http://home.comcast.net/~jim.ade/ilium/UnlimitedManaD20.htm

This concept should translate well to non-standard spell systems like EN Publishing's Elements of Magic. Instead of just running out of Magic Points, you start getting calamities.

 

[Yair]

I prefer the Ars Magica model: roll over DC to cast, but pay a price (fatigue) on failure and risk mayham if you botch it.