What is the best magic system?

[Scribe Ineti]

I don't know if it's the best, but I've been really happy with the LOTR RPG magic system. Subtle magic, no spell slots, points, or memorization required. If a spellcaster knows a spell, he or she can cast it, whenever.

And casting spells could result in the spellcaster getting fatigued. I like.

 

[DonTadow]

I've been playing Elements of Magic, and haven't seen Ars Magica yet. But it sounds like Ars Magica is a lot like EoM... I'll have to check out that free download.

I've seen and played Ars Magica, and its no EOM. Its ok, but right now the Elements of Magic offers the most flexible system I've ever seen in an RPG. There's nothing that can't be done or recreated and there is even ways to bring in already precreated 3.5 spells.

I'm waiting for a satifying addition to the series.

 

[Nomad4life]

My pick would probably be the system in True 20. Fast, effective, and above all pain-free.

 

[genshou]

See my sig.

 

[Ron]

My favorite magical systems in rpgs are from D&D and Call of Cthulhu. I originally found the former in Vance's books whereas I like the danger associated with the latter. I also like a few others, such as Ars Magica, the Wheel of Time RPG, and Witchcraft, whereas I devote a special hate for GURPS Magic and its extensive and pointless bookkepping of prerequesites.

 

[Psion]

I do dig hero. Not because it has the best magic system (because it doesn't really have one per se), but because you could tinker together whatever magic system you want.