OSR Old school wizards, how do you play level 1?

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Sucks for SOME players. Personally, I relished the challenge of contributing without Magic.

And do you think your feelings are typical?

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

Which is why- even though I don’t feel casters need to be using magic all the time- Reserve Feats were one of my favorite categories of caster feats. I was disappointed to see them disappear in 4Ed.

Wait. So what you're saying is ... THAT is the reason 4e failed?


This is a joke. It is not being used for any truth value. Please, do not view this as anything other than a joke.


As to the substance, I am with @Mannahnin ... I am on the record as being against always-on magic, and unlimited-use magic, and so much magic.

But that just makes me a person standing athwart the ocean, yelling STOP at the waves.

 

[overgeeked]

And do you think your feelings are typical?

I feel the same. Of the 8-9 person D&D group I've been in for...almost 40 years, there's one person who hated magic-users without 4E or 5E cantrips. Everyone else gladly played casters in B/X and AD&D without cantrips. They held their spells for big damn moments and the rest of the time were helping out with environmental interactions, directing hirelings, sage stuff, etc.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

I feel the same. Of the 8-9 person D&D group I've been in for...almost 40 years, there's one person who hated magic-users without 4E or 5E cantrips. Everyone else gladly played casters in B/X and AD&D without cantrips. They held their spells for big damn moments and the rest of the time were helping out with environmental interactions, directing hirelings, sage stuff, etc.

Niche Protection in B/X and AD&D. It was real, and it was spectacular!

 

[Micah Sweet]

Niche Protection in B/X and AD&D. It was real, and it was spectacular!

I really miss that era. That's what D&D is to me.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

I really miss that era. That's what D&D is to me.

You never forget your first love....

That's right. There's still a place in my bed for you, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.

 

[cbwjm]

Gandalf feels pretty magical and yet when looked at more closely he doesn't use magic all that often.

Been a while since I've seen the movies but I don't recall seeing him use a sling or throwing darts either.

 

[Voadam]

Been a while since I've seen the movies but I don't recall seeing him use a sling or throwing darts either.

He is a lot better with the staff than you expect from an old guy in robes with all mystical and no martial training.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

He is a lot better with the staff than you expect from an old guy in robes with all mystical and no martial training.

The next season of Rings of Power is just 10 episodes of Gandalf The Stranger learning bo staff fighting in ancient Okinawa.

 

[Voadam]

I am in the pro cantrip camp.

I never played an MU in BX. I eventually played a 1st level MU in a one shot 1e game with a single light spell, I played him like Rambo with a big knife. My other wizards in longer term AD&D games were either human fighter switch to wizard (who could handle themselves ok after the spells ran out) or started at higher levels and had multiple spells to start.

I hate the 3e wizard crossbowman template. They should be doing magic not physical weapons for their combat.

Edit: I see I am repeating myself a bit from earlier in this thread. Oops.