This collaborative document outlines different OSR approaches to spellcasting systems.
Perceived problems with OD&D:
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Boring
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Vancian magic isn’t magical enough
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Difference between spell levels and PC levels
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Set spell lists
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Doesn’t suit certain settings and types of campaigns
Types of spells
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Set spell lists
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By spell level
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By player level (e.g., level 2 spell for level 2 caster)
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By schools (e.g., Necromancy)
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Level-less
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New spells are discovered in game (as treasure or from other casters)
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Improvised by player
Availability of spells
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Spell slots
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With slots per level
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Overall number of slots (level-less)
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Spells have physical form (e.g., scrolls) and take encumbrance slots
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Any spell they know
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Chosen by player
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Chosen by player if they pass a check (e.g., Intelligence)
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Determined randomly
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Casting has a cost
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Time: Spellcasting takes 2-3 rounds
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Reduces hp
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Mana cost
Success of spells
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Target, if any, gets a saving throw
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Caster rolls for success
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Caster failure results in anything from magical side effects to catastrophes
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Magic Dice (MD) per level, with option to roll as many or as few as you wish (GLOG) but with doubles result in a side effect and triples result in a catastrophe
Authors:
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Jeffrey Henning