Another spell-casting approach

[captaincrumbcake]

This idea is based upon the premise that spell casters could use their spell/s any time of day, again and again, just as the Fighting Man utilizes his or her skill at arms.

So how would that work?

1. The spell caster's Prime Requisite must be at least 1 point higher than the level of the spell, or it cannot be cast--ever! period!
2. In order to cast the/a spell, the caster must roll on a d 20 the # equal to/or less than his or her PR minus the spell level. In other words, a spell caster with a 12 PR casting a level 3 spell must roll a 9 or less. Even if successful, the Save Throw mechanic still applies.

So, wait! A level 1 magic-user could cast a Fire Ball unlimited times during a day if he or she met the condition of 2. above? No. 

Spell casters are still bound by the tables found in Men&Magic.

But, if, like it says, that a level 3 magic user could cast 3 first and 1 second level spells, this system (above) would allow them to cast unlimited times per day first-second level spells? Not quite.

The difference being, that, the # shown on the tables indicates the actual number of spell-types one could cast. No stacking. Thus, if the level 3 magic-user knew Detect Magic, Hold Portal, Read Magic, Read Languages, and Light; as well as Detect Invisible, levitate, Wizard Lock, and ESP...that he or she could choose only 3 of the first level, and 1 of second, and be able to cast those all day long. After a nights rest, the spells would have to be chosen again.

Sounds complicated. What's the point?

I don't think it is; anymore than the original players must have felt the game mechanics were in 1974. I'm trying to come up with--at least in my mind--the means of which a (very) low magic campaign could be run with little deviation (to none) of the tables already established, that would still allow easy play.

Well, you're not doing a very good job at it!

Yeah, well...there it is.

[Admin Pete]

I am not sure I completely understand it, but I think you might, with more tweaking be on to something here.

[magremore]

Wrote up something along similar lines a few years ago but never used it. This was BX-based, so “INT” meant Intelligence 13–15 +1, 16–17 +2, and 18 +3.

Mages get unlimited use of known spells. They have a 3 + INT in 6 chance of successfully casting a spell of same level, with +1 to their attempts per level above spell level and -1 per level below spell level. Read a “6 in 6 chance” as an 11 in 12 chance, which is the max chance of success for any spell. In addition to chance of failing, all attack spells also allow their targets a saving throw.

This was part of a tinkering-for-fun rule set that was abandoned fairly early on, but there would have been a PC level limit and a reassignment of spell levels.