Vancian Magic - Yes or No?

[Ace]

This poll was inspired by the D&D 4e thread, where one of the most debated topics was vancian magic (i.e. requiring spellcasters to prepare spells at the beginning of each day). Many people (myself included) consider it to be just fine, while others think that it should be replaced with a different system.

So, what do you guys think of it?

I hate Vancian Magic but it is an essential part of D&D

 

[Wombat]

I hate Vancian Magic but it is an essential part of D&D

I think this just about sums it up. I loath the magic system, but it is so inherent to the "D&D Experience" that it seems inconcievable (!) that the basic system will change.

 

[Blood Jester]

Bye-bye Vance is fine by me, I don't even really enjoy his stories to be honest.

 

[MerricB]

Should a setting be dictated by the rules or should the rules be dictated by the setting?

It goes both ways.

I'd like to see both Eberron and the 3.5E style continue, and I'd also like to see a more magic-light version of D&D. The trouble is that the two are basically incompatible with regard to challenges and monsters, etc.

At present we're in the "higher magic" setting, but there's no reason that this should remain so permanently.

Cheers!

 

[Victim]

If only DnD magic was as cool as the magic in (the first) Dying Earth.

 

[The_Gneech]

They're not going to change it no matter what this poll says. But I wish they would. Mongoose's Conan magic looks just about right!

-The Gneech

 

[Herremann the Wise]

Bye-bye Vance is fine by me, I don't even really enjoy his stories to be honest.

Now that's just not right - have a go at the system but not the author. Vance is sacrosanct for me and I'm sure many others and you are the worst type of heathern to say you don't enjoy his works!!!

Any chance of Sandestin magic making an appearance?

Personally, I came up with a system of magic whereby the mage could draw in a certain amount of "magic" and could then spend it as they saw fit consonant with their abilities. It was a nice little system. Effectively unlimited spells per day but because of the nature of having to draw power, would be somewhat slow in combat encounters. Oh well.

And by the way, I don't mind the Vancian magic system but think alternatives are always good.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

 

[William Ronald]

I am pretty comfortable with the Vancian magic system: It is relatively easy to learn, especially for new players. Also, it does tend to place some limitations on the casters, and forces players to make decisions about spell selection.

However, I do not have a problem with optional systems being presented. However, it may be difficult to do a "weaker" magic system and use the same creatures and equipment as in the core rules. I would like to think that if such a thing as magic existed, it would actually be useful -- unlike in some fantasy ficiton where I wondered why anyone would bother to study something that was so completely ineffective. (For fiction, this may be fine. As a player and a DM, I think all characters need a chance to shine and should not be a fifth wheel.)

 

[A'koss]

Originally posted by William Ronald:

However, I do not have a problem with optional systems being presented. However, it may be difficult to do a "weaker" magic system and use the same creatures and equipment as in the core rules.

Balance the spellcasting class in other ways... and how you go about that will depend on whether you're dealing with 3e or some mythical 4e (where you can regear the entire game).

A'koss.

 

[Olive]

Now that's just not right - have a go at the system but not the author. Vance is sacrosanct for me and I'm sure many others and you are the worst type of heathern to say you don't enjoy his works!!!

Well tough bickies!

I was bored stupid by Vance, and for that matter Leiber!

That being said I love the DnD magic system, and would be very disappointed if they got rid of it.