What inspired the D&D magic rules and do you like it?

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

The biggest argument in favor of spell slots as a system is that they are extremely easy to learn & use. Simplicity does have some advantages.

And they are much, much easier to balance than a spell point system.

 

[azmodean]

I've thought that the current way 3E does preparing spells is sort of like the idea of "Hanging" spells from Zelazny's Amber series, as it was described to me. I've never read the Amber books, does anyone who has get this perception?

Didn't make the connection myself, but now that you mention it... The only problem there is that Amber has very little description of the magic, there are a few descriptive keyphrases, but I haven't run across an Amber novel that spent any time actually describing how it works. Admittedly, I haven't read all of them. A lot of time spent describing how one acquires the magic power though...

I'm all for using multiple magic systems, the only problem is some of them are designed with a given environment in mind, and it is difficult to transplant them. For instance I think the d20 Wheel of Time setting had a great magic system, but compared to standard DnD the effects are very weak. Mostly to balance with the fact that the setting was extremely low magic. (Magic weapons are nearly unheard of, and IIRC only went up to +2 or +3. Other magic items were even more rare)

 

[Geron Raveneye]

Heh, I'd say adapting something Ars Magica like to d20 shouldn't be that hard? Create the respective skills (and give a mage more skill points ), adapt the effect tables from the Ars Magica game to see what effect you get for reaching what DC, and cast a spell using Int+skill+skill+d20. Base the fatigue on a Fort save, or simply dole out subdual damage based on if the DC was reached or not, and you've got a crude base to work with.

 

[francisca]

What inspired the D&D magic rules? I sometimes see it referred to as a 'vancian' system, what does 'vancian' mean?

Check out: http://www.geocities.com/rgfdfaq/sources.html for answers to your questions and many other sources of D&Disms.

And do you like it the way it is? or would you like a system with spell points or some other system?

Yes I like it. I was once on the spellpoint bandwagon. I piddled around with systems from other RPGs, including other d20 games, crocked up my own, and ended up with a, "Hey, this Vancian thing is actually pretty cool." attitude.

 

[Narfellus]

Would anyone else like to see multiple magic systems in the Core Rules of 4th edition? I mean, as others mentioned, there are already 3 of them, including psionics (which is still just magic) but having skill based magic does add a delicious flavor to the mix i find very enticing. More complicated, yes, but magic is complicated stuff.

 

[pdkoning]

Would anyone else like to see multiple magic systems in the Core Rules of 4th edition? I mean, as others mentioned, there are already 3 of them, including psionics (which is still just magic) but having skill based magic does add a delicious flavor to the mix i find very enticing. More complicated, yes, but magic is complicated stuff.

Dont' know, I would certainly like it, but others, and people new to the game might be confused by different magic systems in the core rules

 

[Slobber Monster]

I like the limited number of unlimited use supernatural abilities idea embodied by the Warlock class. I think that might even deserve a place in the core rules in some form or another.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

EDIT: Wo. Wrong thread ...

 

[nyrfherdr]

I think the Spell Slot system is excellent for Core D&D.
It is easy to learn, easy to manage and easy to balance for newcomers.

I also like the idea of alternate options to be available.
I agree with many posters that many of the books currently available provide a significant selection of magic systems, but some of the most flavorful are only internally balanced and difficult to port into a regular campaign.

If and when we get to 4th Edition, I would prefer the Core D&D remain with only a few options, but offer a MAGIC book that includes more systems that are balanced with the core system.

Just my opinion after many years teaching new people how to play the game.
Game ON!
Nyrf

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

... I haven't run across an Amber novel that spent any time actually describing how it works. Admittedly, I haven't read all of them. A lot of time spent describing how one acquires the magic power though...

It happens more often in the later books focusing on Corwin's son, Merlin, as he is generally accounted a better sorceror than his father.