Finarvyn's Spell Point Magic system

[finarvyn]

I didn't want to clutter up Hedgehobbit's thread, but here's the system I use:

Each magic-user has to track three numbers and not violate three limits:
(1) Total number of spells
(2) Total number of spell levels
(3) Maximum spell level able to cast

For example, a 5th level magic-user has a spell chart that looks like "4 2 1." This gives him:
(1) A total of 7 spells to cast
(2) No more than 11 spell levels (4*1 + 2*2 + 1*3 = 11)
(3) No spells higher than 3rd level

Again, the M-U can free-cast any spell combo as long as none of the three rules are violated. He can't cast 11 magic missiles because it would violate rule #1. He can't cast 7 fireballs because it would violate rule #2. It's really a lot simpler than it sounds and works great.

[tetramorph]

finarvyn, I love your system and I see myself using it someday.

After you shared your system over on ODD74 I made up (and shared over there, if you recall) my own rules-lighter version for both my high-fantasy campaign (Dun Kells) and my pick-up rules (Gonzoland):

MU lvl = BOTH # of spells castable per day and lvl of spells available to MU.
MUs may "purchase" spells downward in lvl, never upward.

When I ran this in my gonzo pick-up game the other day it seemed to work well. I had a third lvl MU casting fire ball but she could only roll 3HD of damage (a baby fire ball) and after that she only had two spells left. So although they get access to higher level spells faster, play still feels balanced to me as they have far fewer spells available than the usual charts allow and the area-affect damage dealing spells, being based upon MU HD, remain commensurate with their relative lvls.

Anyway, thanks for the inspiration. I want to use your rules more exactly someday.

[Crimhthan The Great]

I have never went this direction (either or you) but I like it and may go ahead and give it a try (one or both).

[Vile Traveller]

That's a pretty neat and elegant way of inserting spell points into the game without any real change to tables and the like.

[The Semi-Retired Gamer]

I'm going to give this a shot. It looks really elegant to use.

[Admin Pete]

finarvyn I have never considered using any kind of spell point magic system before, but you have sold me and I am going to use this in my next game session and I will try to come back to this thread and let you all know how it worked.

[merctime]

You know what? I just might be sold on this, too. Offers variety, without cluttering the game all to heck. AND. What's good for the players, is good for the monsters!  

Thanks for sharing this, Finn... I'll use the word 'elegant', like so many others have up-thread already, because hey, if the shoe fits!

[finarvyn]

Thanks for the praise for all who like my spell system. It sounds like a complex system at first, but is remarkably simple once players start to use it. My main goals were to keep things simple and try to maintain as much of the original spellcasting balance from the OD&D rulebook.

[merctime]

I can understand how it sounds complicated at first read... But as I take it, it probably takes more time to explain it one good time than it does to effectively use it!!

Once you think about it for a second, it's rather beautifully simple. And really fits into the spirit of the game, in my opinion!

EDIT:  This is Exalt-worthy stuff.  

MAKE IT SO.

[ffilz]

Hmm, interesting. It really doesn't allow you any choices until you get third level spells.

A 5th level caster can cast (11 levels, 7 spells, max 3rd):

5 - 2
4 2 1
3 4 -

A 6th level caster can cast (14 levels, 8 spells, max 3rd):

5 - 3
4 2 2
3 4 1
2 6 -

A 7th level can cast (20 levels, 10 spells, max 4th):

6 1 - 3
6 - 2 2
5 2 1 2
4 4 - 2
5 1 3 1
4 3 2 1
5 - 5 -
4 2 4 -
3 4 3 -
2 6 2 -
1 8 1 -
- 10 - -

Interesting, once you gain at least 3rd level spells, you can cast the most number of 2nd level spells, and then increased flexibility to cast more of you penultimate level of spell after that.

Frank

[finarvyn]

Nice analysis, Frank. I had planned on sitting down to make a similar list, but since you beat me to it I don't need to tke the time!