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Switch to Forum Live View The Mage: A Spell Point class with a twist
11 months ago  ::  Jul 16, 2012 - 8:19AM #31
SteeleButterfly
Date Joined: Nov 19, 2007
Posts: 740
Interesting, and I can see people would want to use it. Wouldn't work for us, though, because it requires a roll to even cast the spell, where a fighter doesn't have to roll to be able to USE his attack, or a rogue to USE his unlock ability, just a roll to be successful.

We're working on a magic system that uses spell points. Spells cost points to cast, and the mage has to roll to succeed, just like a fighter or rogue does. Cantrips do not cost points, and might or might not need a success roll (depends on the spell). Where a fighter can use Power Attack (or something like that) to boost the hit, the mage can use more points to boost the spell. Spell effects would not increase with level, but more powerful spells are available at higher levels. Spell points regen fastest if asleep, slower if awake but resting, slower still if just walking around, and not at all if doing something more than that.
In memory of wrecan and his Unearthed Wrecana.

5e should strongly stay away from "I don't like it, so you can't have it either."
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11 months ago  ::  Jul 16, 2012 - 9:39AM #32
Emerikol
Date Joined: Apr 23, 2009
Posts: 4,609
@SteeleButterfly
I recognize that some people want just a spell point system.  That though is too much bookkeeping for me.

Keep in mind when you roll the roll you are not rolling for success.  The spell goes off no matter what and if a to hit is required then it is rolled.  If a save is required then that is rolled.  This initial roll is purely to see if you ALSO lose a spell point.  So the spell goes off no matter what just like the fighters attack.  

For purposes of speed, I'd probably suggest rolling 2 d20's when you are making an attack roll.  The red d20 can be for spell point loss and the blue d20 can be for the to hit roll.  I'm actually a pro-3e guy who probably prefers defenses to rolling saving throws.  But I can live with it either way.  

I do find it bewildering though that the fighter having at-will no risk abilities is even an issue.  Magic is different.  We are trying to find ways to make it different and still fun for both the wizard and the fighter.  If it doesn't feel any different than non-magic then that is likely a deal breaker for me.  

 
Here is a great blog by themormegil that explains why we had an edition war.
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11 months ago  ::  Jul 16, 2012 - 9:50AM #33
SteeleButterfly
Date Joined: Nov 19, 2007
Posts: 740

Jul 16, 2012 -- 9:39AM, Emerikol wrote:

Keep in mind when you roll the roll you are not rolling for success.  The spell goes off no matter what and if a to hit is required then it is rolled.  If a save is required then that is rolled.  This initial roll is purely to see if you ALSO lose a spell point.  So the spell goes off no matter what just like the fighters attack.  


Sorry, then I misread it. My apologies!

In memory of wrecan and his Unearthed Wrecana.

5e should strongly stay away from "I don't like it, so you can't have it either."
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11 months ago  ::  Jul 16, 2012 - 10:09AM #34
kezzek
Date Joined: Jun 22, 2008
Posts: 1,198
I really like this mechanism.  Perhaps it should be adjusted in a way that at 1st level mages have 10+ 0 level spells and only around 3-5 1st level spells.

Perhaps drop the 5 daily points down to 3 and let the mage go into the negative with bad things happening as a result.

When a mage goes into the negative they begin having conditions affect them (confused, dazed, exhausted, fatigued, nauseated, sickened, unconscious, etc.)

This would seem to be more in line with wizards in fantasy settings.  Perhaps they could even sacrifice more than 1 point to cast a spell of greater level than they can normally cast and risk suffering some condition as well.
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11 months ago  ::  Jul 16, 2012 - 12:11PM #35
Emerikol
Date Joined: Apr 23, 2009
Posts: 4,609

Jul 16, 2012 -- 10:09AM, kezzek wrote:

I really like this mechanism.  Perhaps it should be adjusted in a way that at 1st level mages have 10+ 0 level spells and only around 3-5 1st level spells.

Perhaps drop the 5 daily points down to 3 and let the mage go into the negative with bad things happening as a result.

When a mage goes into the negative they begin having conditions affect them (confused, dazed, exhausted, fatigued, nauseated, sickened, unconscious, etc.)

This would seem to be more in line with wizards in fantasy settings.  Perhaps they could even sacrifice more than 1 point to cast a spell of greater level than they can normally cast and risk suffering some condition as well.




I love magic that is dangerous but not all do.  This system though does seem to provide an approach that would easily accomodate optional rules.  Change the spell points for example to give a higher or lower level of magic.  I could even see a natural one going to a critical misfire table.  Of course I might require some sort of confirmation roll like a crit for fumbles so only failing on a one isn't always a crit.

Here is a great blog by themormegil that explains why we had an edition war.
narrativism vs simulationism
A great blog on the business side of 4e and its impact on WOTC
4e is new coke
What core means and does not mean
HoBby Award Winner
metagame dissonance (plot coupon)    
dissociative mechanics (same as my own metagame dissonance. A great article.)
The Five Minute Workday Fallacy
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11 months ago  ::  Jul 16, 2012 - 1:59PM #36
kezzek
Date Joined: Jun 22, 2008
Posts: 1,198
Seems like all the great wizards eventually cast spells or use magic that exceeds their ability or they are forced to use powerful magic beyond their resources.  I would like to have mages have the option to stretch their capacity with dangerous consequences.
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11 months ago  ::  Jul 16, 2012 - 4:06PM #37
Emerikol
Date Joined: Apr 23, 2009
Posts: 4,609

Jul 16, 2012 -- 1:59PM, kezzek wrote:

Seems like all the great wizards eventually cast spells or use magic that exceeds their ability or they are forced to use powerful magic beyond their resources.  I would like to have mages have the option to stretch their capacity with dangerous consequences.




Like I said.  I'm for it.  As an option for us.  I wouldn't force it on everyone.

Here is a great blog by themormegil that explains why we had an edition war.
narrativism vs simulationism
A great blog on the business side of 4e and its impact on WOTC
4e is new coke
What core means and does not mean
HoBby Award Winner
metagame dissonance (plot coupon)    
dissociative mechanics (same as my own metagame dissonance. A great article.)
The Five Minute Workday Fallacy
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11 months ago  ::  Jul 16, 2012 - 10:40PM #38
ORC_Chaos
  • swirling and twirling
Date Joined: Sep 4, 2006
Posts: 2,257
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