Where did the DND magic system come from?

[VirgilCaine]

Not to mention their dangers to the unwary. I regret that 3rd edition made all the spells so user-friendly. No more dispelling a flying mage, or fireball backlash, or aging effects. Magic now seems so... tame.

As opposed to other systems where you have to worry about the effects you are creating[WW] or feed it with your constitution [GURPS Lite 3e], I suppose it does...but thats a good change, IMO. Spellcasters have enough weaknesses in D&D.

 

[Henry]

From an advancement standpoint, magics I guess WOULD become tamer over time, as spellcasters worked to improve upon what they knew - kind of like how people never cease to try and develop new safety devices for firearms, or new procedures for combat to minimize injury and maximize takedown. However, if you prefer a more... primal... approach, or if you prefer your magic more akin to "take off the kid gloves, you're not playing with toys anymore", then having those "sharp back edges" to spells will be perfectly common and reasonable.

I must admit, I still get a fond snicker thinking about all the "too close" fireballs, lightning bolts, webs, entangles, and meteor swarms of the past...

 

[Melan]

It took me a full year to realize that Lightning Bolts don't rebound in standard 3e, and Fireballs don't conform to the shapes of the space they are cast in. I just assumed it was like it had ever been.