Freeform Magic System?

[Prophet2b]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know of any (preferably good, but I'll take any at this point) free form magic system out there (ones that don't use spells, but instead do magic based on "skill" checks or some other method)? It doesn't necessarily have to be tailored to D&D. I'm just curious if such a thing actually exists in the gaming world. I've tried looking for one, but have been unsuccessful so far.

And, uh, no, I'm not planning on implementing this into D&D. Like I said - I was just curious if one even existed.

 

[jmucchiello]

Look no further than EN Publishing's own Elements of Magic Revised.

 

[jdrakeh]

Likewise, you may want to check out Simple20 or Butch Curry's Core Elements: Toolbox Edition. Both are free and assume skill-based, freeform, casting by default.

 

[Treebore]

Likewise, you may want to check out Simple20 or Butch Curry's Core Elements: Toolbox Edition. Both are free and assume skill-based, freeform, casting by default.

Links? To sites that don't require me to sign up?

 

[jdrakeh]

Links? To sites that don't require me to sign up?

The Miscellaneous Debris link in my .sig will take you to Simple20 (see the Free Games section of the site). Core Elements can be found for free here. No sign-ups required at either site.

 

[kensanata]

• “Four-by-Five” Magic System for the Fudge RPG
• Based on that, FourByFiveMagic for M20
• I had a player use RuneMagic for M20.

My experience with Rune Magic prompted me to stop using free form systems. The players I had were just not creative enough for it. I think the problem is that in the heat of the moment, my players had trouble thinking up interesting spells. The limitations of the known spell list challenged to players to find creative uses, and if they didn't find any, the spells were still usable.

 

[The Green Adam]

Two words...Ars Magica. That is all. That is...the way.

AD

 

[Siegfried Niemand]

You might also check out the magic system from The Black Company from Green Ronin.

 

[Treebore]

The Miscellaneous Debris link in my .sig will take you to Simple20 (see the Free Games section of the site). Core Elements can be found for free here. No sign-ups required at either site.

Thanks James! My Google search didn't take me to such friendly sites.

 

[GlassJaw]

Don't forget Grim Tales. Easy and incredibly effective.