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General Tabletop Discussion
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What do you Consider to be a "Unique" Mechanic?
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<blockquote data-quote="Ulfgeir" data-source="post: 7881603" data-attributes="member: 7015719"><p>Regarding spell-casting, I see the following as different mechanics:</p><p></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Vancian - Once cast, the spell is expended and cannot be cast again, until prepared anew. Subtypes of this would be using spell slots, where you cast any spell you know of a certain level, and expend the slot and spell points.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You have to spend mana or similar energy to cast a spell, but you can cast as many spells you like as long as you have mana to spend (which can come from mana stored in crystals or similar - in effect "external batteries"). Dresden Files rpg, and Call of Cthulhu are two examples.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You can gain exhaustion/wounds (can be seen as a subtype of the mana-version). When you cast a spell, you may get exhaustion/wounds, but depends on how well you roll when casting the spell, as long as you have the ability to take more exhaustion/wounds. Examples would be Shadowrun.</li> </ul><p></p><p>And then we have 2 different types of casting (Dresden Files uses both):</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Short-timed things done in combat. Takes 1 or a few rounds to cast.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Long-time rituals. These often have a more narrative effect.</li> </ul><p></p><p>And different effects of magic:</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Combat - use magical energy to damage someone. The specifics such as fire/electricity/force is irrelevant.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Healing - Infuse the target with magical energy that heals it/even brings someone back from the dead. Might involve transferring part of your/someone elses life-force.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Manipulation - use magic energy to animate objects/use force to keep someone from moving</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Mind control - using magic to take control of someone mind. Charm person/gease/illusions etc.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Summon/create a creature/object. Often lasting only a short time, but can be extended though certain means.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Utility - create light/purify food and water/repair objects, divinations, luck-things, temporary ability increases.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">World-changing - things that affect the world or changes a being, such as Time stop, Wish, Curses, transformation spells.</li> </ul></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Ulfgeir, post: 7881603, member: 7015719"] Regarding spell-casting, I see the following as different mechanics: [LIST] [*]Vancian - Once cast, the spell is expended and cannot be cast again, until prepared anew. Subtypes of this would be using spell slots, where you cast any spell you know of a certain level, and expend the slot and spell points. [*]You have to spend mana or similar energy to cast a spell, but you can cast as many spells you like as long as you have mana to spend (which can come from mana stored in crystals or similar - in effect "external batteries"). Dresden Files rpg, and Call of Cthulhu are two examples. [*]You can gain exhaustion/wounds (can be seen as a subtype of the mana-version). When you cast a spell, you may get exhaustion/wounds, but depends on how well you roll when casting the spell, as long as you have the ability to take more exhaustion/wounds. Examples would be Shadowrun. [/LIST] And then we have 2 different types of casting (Dresden Files uses both): [LIST] [*]Short-timed things done in combat. Takes 1 or a few rounds to cast. [*]Long-time rituals. These often have a more narrative effect. [/LIST] And different effects of magic: [LIST] [*]Combat - use magical energy to damage someone. The specifics such as fire/electricity/force is irrelevant. [*]Healing - Infuse the target with magical energy that heals it/even brings someone back from the dead. Might involve transferring part of your/someone elses life-force. [*]Manipulation - use magic energy to animate objects/use force to keep someone from moving [*]Mind control - using magic to take control of someone mind. Charm person/gease/illusions etc. [*]Summon/create a creature/object. Often lasting only a short time, but can be extended though certain means. [*]Utility - create light/purify food and water/repair objects, divinations, luck-things, temporary ability increases. [*]World-changing - things that affect the world or changes a being, such as Time stop, Wish, Curses, transformation spells. [/LIST] [/QUOTE]
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