morkleb
I have posted on here before about creating a new game and I am wondering what people think of the way that DnD 3.5 and the d20 modern verse way of doing it. Or do you think that a point based way of doing magic, like Psionics are done, would be better. That way if you wish to sink everything into a simple spell for the "OH SHIT I"M GONNA DIE!!!" moments that tend to happen alot in comics and some campaigns.
Comments
The funny thing is, I've recently been asking myself the same question that you have since I too am in the (slow) process of creating my own gritty, rules lite version of 3.5e. Despite what I've said, I made the decision to go with the Mana system, even though it does add more complexity to the book keeping.
Cheers,
-Arsheesh
killervp
"A God...Rebuilt":http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/a-god-rebuilt
"Duskreign's First Ever COTM":http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/wyrmshadow/wiki_pages/112011
Just trying to help out.
Cheers,
-Arsheesh
When you make each spell a skill, it limits the wizard and he grows at the same rate at the brick. He still has potential to be powerful but he never truly outpaces all the competition. Unisystem did this very nicely and I would suggest you take a peak.
http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaign/legends-of-the-middle-ages/wikis/Game-System
Or if that link won't click, here's the text:
How Mage’s Spells Work
Mage’s spells are based upon spell points – which is basically the magical power within each mage to use magic. The mage can use her spell points to cast any spell known from her spellbook as long as she has enough points to do so. There is no memorization prior to guess which spells may or may not be needed, this gives the mage far more flexibility and usefulness.
At first level, a mage has one spell point. All first level spells cost one spell point, therefore a first level mage only has the capability to cast one first level spell, just like in the AD&D 2nd Edition rules. Each level of spell has a spell point cost:
1st level – 1 spell point
2nd level – 2 spell points
3rd level – 4 spell points
4th level – 8 spell points
…Etc..
The rate at which a mage earns more spell points grows with level advancement:
Level 1 – has 1 spell point
Level 2 – has 2 spell points
Level 3 has 4 spell points
Level 4 has 7 spell points
Level 5 has 12 spell points
Level 6 has 16 spell points
Level 7 has 26 spell points.
A mage cannot learn or cast a spell that is beyond his level as in standard AD&D 2ed rules, ie: a 4th level mage cannot cast any spell of third level or higher – at fifth level mage would be able to. If compared to the standard rules, you would see that the spells that could be cast work out to be the same, if the mage had chosen to do so.
The mage may also choose to spend more points than what is required on a spell for additional effect. She may want an offensive spell to cause more damage. Or perhaps have a light spell given the ability to move where the mage wants it rather then remain fixed onto something. Maybe to increase the range or duration of a spell. The higher the level of spell the more spell points will be needed to successfully increase its power. Also, anytime a mage chooses to add power to a spell, there is a chance of failure. The mage must roll vs. their intelligence (or something else per DM’s discretion) to succeed.
The mage still needs to study her spells. Any spell that has not been studied recently has a chance for failure. A good mage is always practicing her work.
"Shared Creations(Share your links and stories here, please! Help expand this libram of knowledge!)":http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/shared-creations
"Heurdenvaar(stray's current campaign)":http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/heurdenvaar
-Jaymes
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-Jaymes
Campaign of the Month Febuary 2013