Forum > Pen and Paper Roleplaying Games (RPGs) Discussion
A Better D&D/OSR Magic System?
RPGPundit:
The "vancian" magic system of standard D&D is not without its benefits, but for a broader type of fantasy could there be a magic resolution system that would be more broadly functional and better emulate the western tradition of myth?
Shrieking Banshee:
Heresy. Everything about the baseline 0D&D system was perfect up until a bunch of assholes ruined it for no reason except they wanted some storygaming/snowflake/munchkin/powergamer/SJW experience!
There is no reason to change or advance anything in the system because its perfect. And anybody who disagrees is just some wuss.
Except whatever you make pundit. That stuff must be good.
3catcircus:
I do likes me some TORG magic system but that's a stretch to paste into D&D.
Another option is the "oldey tyme" Advanced Players Guide from SSS for 3e. Magic using mana points. Magic using crits and fumbles. Magic as a skill. Gemcasters. Spellcasting resulting in physical fatigue. Animism. Geomancy. Aethercraft. Soulcasting.
I don't know that it is a perfect execution, but the creativity and inspiration starts flowing when I read this book - it might be a good start point to adapt from...
Of course, I use the terms creativity and inspiration - in the 3.x era, this was common. Lots of 3PP material, lots of free fan material (such as Steve's Spell Sheets, for example.)
This level of creativity and inspiration is woefully absent from the 5e and PF2 "communities" who seem to be more focused on being offended by words that no one cares about to begin with.
APN:
Maybe break spells down into Range/Effect/Duration with each stage costing magic points and requiring a roll (based on how many magic points you pour into it). For instance a magic missile:
Range 10' per MP (Magic Point)
Effect 1D4 for 3MP, 1D6 for 5MP, 1D8 for 7MP, 1D10 for 9MP, 1D12 for 11MP
Duration 1 point for one missile to float around (and be ready to fire) for one minute. +1MP per minute.
So let's say Merrlynn the Miraculous casts a Magic Missile with Range 50', 1D8 damage and it floats around him ready to fire for 2 minutes. That's 5MP for range, 7MP for damage and 2MP for duration.
Use whatever mechanic suits for resolution. Perhaps 1D20 + Int stat (so 18 int almost always succeeds) vs 1D20 + Magic Points spent. If player gets a higher total the spell works as required.
David Johansen:
There's always Tunnels & Trolls and Runequest and Chivalry and Sorcery. I love how that runs together :D
Dragonquest is from the eighties so it's disqualified as story game nonsense. Storygame Productions International indeed :D
In some of the 2e Lankhmar stuff they just increased the D&D casting times. Magic Missile's not much good if it takes ten minutes to cast.
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