Spells/encounter vs.spells/day info?

[EvilDwarf]

Just wondering if there's been a thread discussing a spells per encounter model vs. a spells per day model?

I'm not looking for spell system variants (spell points, spell fatigue, etc) but a thread discussing using the current "Vancian" spell slot system, only balanced per encounter and not per day--something like recovering spells in 5 minutes after an encounter (ala Blade Magic in TOB) rather than resting 8 hours??

I can't quite figure out how such a mechanic would work. Would the basic goal of such a mechanic be to limit the number of spells cast during a single encounter (either through fewer spells, time to cast, etc), or raise the level of the CR for the encounter, since parties would go into every encounter practically at full power?

Is there a clue on how to do this in the TOB blade magic mechanic?

Thanks!!

 

[Andre]

Speaking only for myself, the goal is to eliminate the problem of parties trying to rest after just one or two encounters to regain spells, hit points, etc. One method to address this is to move to a faster recharge of spells, and balancing this by reducing the number of spells available in any one encounter.

This method has a number of advantages, but it's not without flaws. It doesn't address character abilities that are not spell-based, e.g., rage. It has a tendency to lead to encounters that use the same spells over and over (always lead off with a fireball, for instance). And some GM's really don't like the idea of "unlimited healing" between fights.

In the end, it's not a superior way of playing the game - just a different style that appeals so some groups (such as mine).

As for ToB, I don't have the book, so I have no idea.

 

[RangerWickett]

Try recharge magic in Unearthed Arcana.

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/magic/rechargeMagic.htm

The main issue to bear in mind is that "magic missile" every 10 minutes isn't a huge problem, but teleport every 10 minutes is. The recharge magic rules make sure that effects that get broken when usable multiple times a day don't get broken.

 

[Cabral]

I like using the Vitalizing Spell Points variant. It's like the spells per encounter model mixed with a spells per day model that makes sense.

 

[Nefrast]

Try recharge magic in Unearthed Arcana.

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/magic/rechargeMagic.htm

The main issue to bear in mind is that "magic missile" every 10 minutes isn't a huge problem, but teleport every 10 minutes is. The recharge magic rules make sure that effects that get broken when usable multiple times a day don't get broken.

Very intesting. Having a mechanic to 'fix' spells which get unbalancing if they can be cast all day long is dearly needed - in this case it's the 'recharge time'. That variant looks good.

Has anyone used recharge magic? I would love to hear about in-game experiences.