Standard Magic System or Magic Points

[yipwyg]

Hello! I am curious as to what sort of system you use for magic in your D&D campaigns. The two systems I am talking about are the standard "fire and forget" system, and one that uses magic points.

I like to use a magic point type system, mainly because I find it makes casters more useful to the party.

 

[willpax]

I've been tinkering with a homebrew magic system that uses a combination of feats and skills to determine spells known and uses vitality points as power. I classified that as "other."

In-game magic definitely seems to be a matter of taste, but I appreciate more "themed flexibility." It has always bothered me that it would be possible to create a magician who could ignite everything in a 20' radius, but couldn't light a simple torch.

I've also put in madness rules (similar to WoT, but affecting all casters) to give magic that edge of danger.

We're still in playtesting; it is definitely a complicated process.

 

[Hand of Evil]

I use the current system but have been trying to think of a way to use EARTHDAWN's magic system for my games.

 

[Psion]

Over the years I have created many variants of the magic system, and some of them have proven very fun and interesting. However, I eventually came to the conclusion that for ease of use, the existing slot magic system is about the best choice.

 

[Fenes 2]

In second edition we first used standard memorization rules. In the second campaign we used the spellpoint system from the Netheril Campaign set - add all your spell levels and distribute at will for spells cast. Then we used spell slots, like a sorcerer does.

In 3E we use the system as it stands. If anyone wants spell slots, he can play a sorcerer, if he wants points he can play a psion.

 

[Tsyr]

Other:

Sov Stone magic

 

[Geoff Watson]

Standard system.

Creating a balanced magic point system, without changing the spells, is a lot harder than it seems. Most point systems make the spellcasters too powerful and versatile.

Geoff.

 

[Desdichado]

Feats and skills. Ala Star Wars Force-users, or the Sovereign Stone magic system. I have as little regard for point systems as I do for fire and forget spell slots.

 

[northrundicandus]

The slot system all the way. Sure it's not as flexible or "cool", but after 22 years of playing various game systems, I find it the best.

Well, the best for me anyway. I like actually playing the game, rather than fiddling with point systems or other mechanics that leave me spending an inordinate amount of time scratching on my character sheet(s) with a pencil.

 

[Davelozzi]

I use the standard system because it's easy but would prefer to use a points system if I had one that was both easy an well-balanced.