Elements of Magic + D20 Modern = ?

[shadowlight]

So I'm considering getting Elements of Magic for use with d20 Modern to replace the D&D-esque magic system.

Has anyone tried this?

Any comments from people who've used it to replace magic in their D&D games?

Thanks!

 

[Desdichado]

Dude, I'm thinking about using Elements of Magic and d20 Modern with a fantasy setting as a replacement for D&D! I'll probably be picking this PDF up -- it sounds like it's pretty much exactly up my alley, so I can show it to you after I do.

Although I'd still rather have skill based magic. Although power points is certainly preferable to slot based. I wonder, could elements of magic be easily converted to skill-based, or was that not really addressed?

 

[RangerWickett]

Almost all the divination spells were converted into skills, to represent those types of mages who are good at reading the future, but don't have many other spells.

You could theoretically turn spells into skills, but that would require a lot of skill points (is each spell a different skill?), or a very flexible system for combining different skills (attack magic skill check and fire magic skill check in order to successfully fireball)?. It's a thought, and I'll propose it to CZ.

 

[shadowlight]

Almost all the divination spells were converted into skills...

Dang it! Now I'm going to have to buy it!

 

[Desdichado]

No, each spell as a skill is too much. Something similar to Star Wars force use is what I'm thinking. Maybe make casting a spell be a Spellcraft roll (DC 10 + some multiple of the spell level) with different feats (or class abilities) that allow access to different types of spells? Similar to Star Wars, I might rule that attempts to cast spells (successful or not) cause subdual damage to the caster, too. That kinda serves the same purpose as power points and slots -- to keep spellcasters from just casting like there's no tomorrow, but I like the flavor of it better.

I dunno. I'm just fishing here, I suppose.

 

[La Bete]

Hi there - I've picked up EoM and it is awesome - it really puts a different spin on magic.

Like RW said, divination magic is largely skill based now - everything from augury to object reading to clairvoyance is all based off skills and DC's. Ditto dispelling.

The pdf also has an interesting section on fitting magic into your world - the upshot of this is that the author says 'do whatever you want" - but provides some interesting examples.

As for the spellcraft idea mentioned above, it kinda fits in with an idea I had. As a spellcaster goes up levels, he learns new spells from his existing spell lists, and gains access to new lists automatically, like a sorceror. What I would like, to add a more researchy feel, is to force a spellcraft - or preferably a knowledge (spelltype) check in order to learn new lists.

This is similar to the current spell learning stuff in the base rules, but the more modular nature of magic in EoM makes it a bit more interesting - and the rules already encourage you to become a bit of a spell specialist.

So, for a character to learn Evoke [Fire], he would have to make a Knowledge (Evocation) or Knowledge (Fire) check to learn the list - with a dc based on the quality of learning materials.

AN for an answer for the first Q in the thread - I have used a couple of Red and Grey mage NPCs in my game - and they are v cool. The subclass nature of EoM allows for more 'colourful' mages. Just wait till my players meet their first Black mage.... bwahhahahahahahahha.

 

[Desdichado]

[sigh] Another must have publication. You folks are driving me into... well, it's not that bad, because I make a decent amount of money, I guess. But it doesn't make my wife happy anyway! I'll probably have to buy and download this tonight now.

 

[I'm A Banana]

EoM sounds very interesting....


...but a few things sit wonky with me.

First, the color-based magic names (look, it's cool and all, but I've already got Black, White, Blue, Red, Green, etc. mages without you guys giving me a different definition . Mine, admittedly, are mostly different -- they're from Final Fantasy d20 ).....I guess that's not really a legitimate complaint, though.

.....then there's the Water vs. Fire thingy....

It works, but then why does Cold oppose fire? And is cold different from Ice and/or Water?

I guess it's just not entirely satisfying, though, again, there's probably not a way you could easily do it....^_^

I'll buy it, but I believe these pet peeves will contue to annoy me until the end of my days!

 

[Tsyr]

.....then there's the Water vs. Fire thingy....

It works, but then why does Cold oppose fire? And is cold different from Ice and/or Water?

I guess it's just not entirely satisfying, though, again, there's probably not a way you could easily do it....^_^

Actualy, EoM handles this fairly well...

On the elemental wheel, you have fire opposing water, but then shifted 45 degrees from that, you have the compound elements formed from Air-Water and Fire-Earth... Ice and Lava, which oppose each other.

 

[LGodamus]

I am using a slightly modified version of what is in the pdf. Instead of spell Lists I am using the regular spells from the phb and giving the mage a certain number of spells known plus the ability to research new ones.