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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Tony Vargas" data-source="post: 6716571" data-attributes="member: 996">No, you're onto something.  There was some fun to be had in the challenging meta-game of picking spells in old-school Vancian.  And that's changed, a lot...Casting has become easier, less limited, safer, and/or more flexible with each edition: <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">In 1e, you had few spells at low level, didn't get to pick what spells you used, memorized daily spells into slots, had to be standing upright on a stable surface and have both hands free to cast, and if anyone hit you while casting (there were two different systems in the DMG to determine whether they might) the spell was ruined, and you lost it from memory. <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">2e slightly softened a few of those limitations, but really wasn't incredibly different, IIRC.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">In 3e, you got more spells at low level, you could spontaneously cast cures if you were a cleric, you picked the spells you started with and picked new ones when you leveled, you 'prepared' them ahead into specific slots but you could leave slots open to fill later, you could take feats to cast in armor if you really wanted to, you could cast on the back of a moving mount or from behind cover or while lying prone, you only needed one free hand and maybe a spell-component pouch, you could make 'concentration' checks to cast in a grapple or in melee without getting hit, if someone did hit you while casting you got a concentration check to get the spell off, if you failed the spell didn't work, but you didn't lose preparation of it.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">In 4e you picked your spells at first level, and when you leveled, could re-train one when you leveled, and got at-will and encounter spells as well as (far fewer) daily spells.  You could wear armor if you gained proficiency and still cast.  There were spells that didn't provoke ('close') and others that did (ranged/area, just like any ranged attack like a bow), but even if you were 'interrupted' by an OA or readied action, the spell still went off with no problem unless you were dropped or stunned or something by the attack.  Being grabbed didn't prevent casting at all, no roll required.  All you needed to cast was one free hand and an implement.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">In 5e, you pick your spells at first and when you level, and can learn more, you pick spells to prepare, then spontaneously cast them using slots, which you have many more of, as well as at-will spells (cantrips) and maybe getting some spells back at a short rest, you can cast in armor if you're proficient, need just a free hand and a component pouch or focus, you might even be able to cast with a shield that counts as a focus.  You can cast freely in melee (even using a normal ranged attack in melee is Disadvantage, so it's easier to cast in melee than use a bow), and even in a Readied attack hits you, your spell goes off without a hitch.</li> </ul>Some editions reigned in the power of spells, but almost never enough to make up for the increased ease of casting.And, while never having a spell fail and never wasting a slot makes it easier, you're right, it doesn't necessarily always make it more fun.</blockquote>

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