Smallest rule, biggest change: Magic Edition

[Ry]

Most of the settings I see have magic with the same feel as D&D - wizards who have familiars and need spellbooks, etc. For game design reasons, I want to keep the rules as close to core as I can, but for world design reasons I'd like to do something different.

How much can you change how magic "feels" with the smallest rules change possible?

 

[S'mon]

Wizards know a number of spells equal to their spells per day. No books.

 

[RangerWickett]

The duration of all spells is the maximum duration. For those that last more than one round, you must concentrate or else the spell ends.

For a magic item to be created (other than one-use things like scrolls), a spellcaster must die.

 

[Ry]

I just thought of this one: All casters Eschew Materials.

 

[pawsplay]

Remove the divide between arcane and divine magic, and allow people to learn "off list" spells, perhaps as a feat, or as a higher level spell.

or

Replace all caster level checks and related checks with Spellcraft checks.

 

[James McMurray]

Magic doesn't exist.

 

[Clueless]

How much can you change how magic "feels" with the smallest rules change possible?

No rule changes at all - change descriptions for all spells and/or provide each caster with Thematic Casting as a free feat.

 

[painandgreed]

Only the few and special can actually use magic. To be a cleric or wizard they must start that class at 1st level (or have a feat of "magic-user" showing the potential but no actual training which would allow multi-classing later, might also come with a 0 level spell or two).

Knowing Arcane or divine magic prevents learning the other. Perhaps only one class with a spell list is allowed per character.

 

[Ry]

Which book is Thematic Casting from??

 

[dragonlordofpoondari]

I just thought of this one: All casters Eschew Materials.

Hmm ... sounds like every campaign I've ever played in.