My Mana-based casting system

[wolfpunk]

I like math, and I am sure it would get easier as I got more familiar with it, but at first after the first reading, I still wasn't sure if I understand how it worked.

I have a question, in a mana based system, do you no longer use material components or xp if required? It seems to me that everyone panics about using all their mana points to cast all 9th level spells, but 9th level spells can have some pretty big material or xp cost attached to them.

I ask because, it seems to me if my wizard, had the necessary xp and material components I have no problem with him burning through his xp in one day if he wants, it is his choice.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Melayl]

I have a question, in a mana based system, do you no longer use material components or xp if required? It seems to me that everyone panics about using all their mana points to cast all 9th level spells, but 9th level spells can have some pretty big material or xp cost attached to them.

Yes, in most mana systems, mine included, you still need to spend xp if required by the spell. Matierial components vary by system. I generally don't bother with the inexpensive components (i.e. everybody gets eschew materials, basically), but expensive ones are still required.

Does that help?

 

[Pyrex]

Evilbob: Yeah, I have been noticing the High-level spell problem. I still don't have a workable solution, but I may eventually add some type of ability-burn damage (similar to the psionics overchannel stuff) to successive castings of high-level (7th or higher) spells.

Interesting. Something like that could negate the need to track spell points entirely.

Start with Recharge Magic from UA. (Potentially increasing the recharge time) then state that the caster can cast a spell (level) that's still recharging by taking SpellLevel/3 points of drain to their casting stat (Stat Damage is too easy to recover with a potion of Lesser Restoration, drain requires a costlier Restoration)

 

[DungeonMaester]

That actually looks very similar to my homebrew system. Only difference is that I use (Spell Level=# of Mana points) instead of (Spell Level+1=# of Mana points). Where did you come up with the idea for yours? I adapted mine from the Netheril 2e system.

As it says in the first line, from a campaign I played in three years ago.

Actually, the one you described was what the Dm used. I came up with mine version debating things like infinite 0 levels spells and such. It coupled with alot of feats that make spell caster scary though.

---Rusty

 

[Melayl]

Interesting. Something like that could negate the need to track spell points entirely.

Start with Recharge Magic from UA. (Potentially increasing the recharge time) then state that the caster can cast a spell (level) that's still recharging by taking SpellLevel/3 points of drain to their casting stat (Stat Damage is too easy to recover with a potion of Lesser Restoration, drain requires a costlier Restoration)

Ability burn damage can't be healed magically, it must heal normally -- 1 point per ability per day. (see the XPH)

 

[Nifft]

Ability burn damage can't be healed magically, it must heal normally -- 1 point per ability per day. (see the XPH)

Indeed. Or, see the SRD (annoyingly, in the Psionic Maladies section rather than the Condition Summary section).

Cheers, -- N