cavalier973
Hero
This is a very rough idea concerning how wizards cast spells.
There are three methods a wizard can use: prep magic, blood magic, or mind/will magic. He can focus on using only one method, but most wizards use a combination of all three methods.
Prep magic: the wizard buys the necessary components to cast spells and prepares each spell he wants to cast using the materials at hand. Higher level spells require more resources, of course. Classic Vancian magic system, except spells cost money (money being a stand-in for the cost of components; the DM may require the wizard to purchase or search for said components, or may simply assume that the wizard purchased them at the last magic shop).
Blood magic: the wizard uses his own life force to cast the spells. No spell components are needed. Hit points are deducted for each spell cast. The cost of the spells depends on spell level. If the wizard is bloodied (assuming D&D Next carries over the "bloodied" concept), an extra cost is entailed.
Mind/Will magic: The wizard casts the spell through the force of his own will. No spell components or decrease in hit points. Each time he does this, he must make a will save; if he fails the will save, the spell is not cast. If he fails a certain number of will saves in a specified time period, he goes temporarily insane (berzerk status), and attacks creatures randomly; He must use the blood magic option to cast spells while in "berzerk mode".
There are three methods a wizard can use: prep magic, blood magic, or mind/will magic. He can focus on using only one method, but most wizards use a combination of all three methods.
Prep magic: the wizard buys the necessary components to cast spells and prepares each spell he wants to cast using the materials at hand. Higher level spells require more resources, of course. Classic Vancian magic system, except spells cost money (money being a stand-in for the cost of components; the DM may require the wizard to purchase or search for said components, or may simply assume that the wizard purchased them at the last magic shop).
Blood magic: the wizard uses his own life force to cast the spells. No spell components are needed. Hit points are deducted for each spell cast. The cost of the spells depends on spell level. If the wizard is bloodied (assuming D&D Next carries over the "bloodied" concept), an extra cost is entailed.
Mind/Will magic: The wizard casts the spell through the force of his own will. No spell components or decrease in hit points. Each time he does this, he must make a will save; if he fails the will save, the spell is not cast. If he fails a certain number of will saves in a specified time period, he goes temporarily insane (berzerk status), and attacks creatures randomly; He must use the blood magic option to cast spells while in "berzerk mode".
