Will the Magic System be shown the door?

[Mark CMG]

Will the Magic System survive the upgrade to the next edition of D&D? If so, perhaps with what changes? If not, what will replace it?

 

[GreatLemur]

Certainly we've all noticed that WotC is playing with a lot of new subsystems based on "per encounter" rather than "per day" paradigms, and I think that's likely to be a big part of 4E's design philosophy. I'm not sure they're ready to finally kill the diseased old cow that is the Vancian / "fire-and-forget" spell system, but it seems likely that it will at least find itself sharing space with another, less restrictive system, the same way prepared and spontaneous casters coexist now.

At the very least, I'd say that Warlocks--and/or other Warlock-like classes--will make their way into the core system.

 

[Nebulous]

Ideally, i'd like to see a completely separate Book of Magic for 4th edition. Give us oodles of options and a modular spell system with built-in templates and meta-magic. Incorporating some ideas such as what Monte Cook introduced with Arcana Unearthed would also be great.

 

[morbiczer]

Of all the sacred cows of D&D, I'd say that Vancian magic is IMO the most likely to go.

 

[MoogleEmpMog]

I hold out hope that D&D is ready to lay to rest its Magic system - but not much hope.

EDIT: If the system IS replaced, I suspect a per-encounter model rather than a spell point model will step into the gap.

 

[DaveMage]

If not, what will replace it?

If it's replaced, the psionics system could replace it. (I.e. spell points or something like it.)

 

[variant]

I would not miss it.

 

[Desdichado]

I have no idea how to respond to this question other than with my own personal preferences, which I've spouted off on more than enough for now, so I'll spare you this time around.

Why all the 4e threads all of a sudden, anyway?

 

[WayneLigon]

If I had to name the #1 thing I would significantly change or replace, it would be the magic system. Many - I would even say most - balance problems and 'story' problems begin and end with the magic system as written.

 

[morbiczer]

Why all the 4e threads all of a sudden, anyway?

There is speculation that not renewing the Dragon & Dungeon licences + the Dragonlance licence are signs that 4e is near. (Personally I don't think so.)