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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lanefan" data-source="post: 7926416" data-attributes="member: 29398">There's more to the issue of 3e (and 4e and 5e, for that matter) casting unbalance that the article maybe intentionally skips over: in 3e successfully casting a spell was made much easier than in previous editions.  Here's how:Most spells (and nearly all combat spells) resolved on the same initiative as they were cast, thus no casting time a la 1e-2e and thus much less opportunity to interrupt the casting.  As a side effect this also meant spells on average resolved earlier in the round sequence.The concept of 'combat casting' was brought in (an 'option' taken IME by every single caster ever played) making spells even harder to interrupt.  In 1e-2e ANY interruption of any kind - even just a non-damaging jostle - would make you lose the spell.Much or all of the real risk was nerfed or removed from some key game-altering spells.  No more system-shock roll required when polymorphing someone not yourself, leading to rampant polymorph headaches.  No more risk of instant death by teleporting into solid rock below your target point, thus causing 'alpha strike' to become the obvious go-to tactic for any party that could do it.  Etc.Magic in 1e-2e was rather high-risk high-reward.  Take away the risk and no wonder casters got out of hand in 3e.</blockquote>