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Re: Magic-User Options

Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 12:11 pm
by Sir Bedivere
So, just a quick thought on spell transcription costs.

Solomoriah seems to have cut a nice balance w/ the old rules that is actually more consistent. The one thing it doesn't take into account is probability: The probability of a MU writing spells into a spell book is 1, but the probability of losing a spell book and having to replace it is a lot lower. So, it makes it a lot more expensive to be a MU overall.

We could use either my or Smoot's tables to take probability into account, and to make it easier on the low-level mage, but at the expense of some added complexity.

Plus, I still think it should depend on how much treasure the GM plans to give out. I guess I could look at some low-level adventure modules and see how much treasure is given out ... Maybe later.

Re: Magic-User Options

Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 1:33 pm
by Sir Bedivere
Simplicity wins. Here is the new proposed third release.

One thing I've added is giving the starting MU two spells in addition to Read Magic, and letting them choose those two spells.

EDIT: This file has been edited and a new version uploaded later in this thread, so this file has been deleted.

Any thoughts?

Re: Magic-User Options

Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 4:27 pm
by MedievalMan
I would like to see some descriptions on those new items. I would also personally add the crossbow(s) to the MU's weapon list. If a peasant can pick it up and use it proficiently, so should an MU in my opinion.

Have you thought about adding in alternate casting systems? Or do you think that should be its own supplement?

Re: Magic-User Options

Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 5:09 pm
by LibraryLass
We do have the Sorcerer... but new casting systems in general might be too constructive.

I agree on the crossbow but I think we danced this particular dance already.

Re: Magic-User Options

Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 5:46 pm
by SmootRK
LibraryLass wrote:We do have the Sorcerer... but new casting systems in general might be too constructive.

I agree on the crossbow but I think we danced this particular dance already.
On practicality, yes crossbow would also work in my mind, but we are defying tradition with that choice. Of course, this one is easily hand-waived in with personal house-rules, and that is where I would leave that particular choice.

In addition to sorcerer, there is also the Fey Mage which uses a somewhat different take on spontaneous casting.

Have you considered a "lore" ability (like in the Bard Supplement) in matters of magic, magical beasts, extra-planar stuff, and metaphysical topics that do not involve religion/deity stuff. Look also at my Quasi-Class Supplement for Sages where a different mechanic with difficulty built into it. For simplicity I would just go Lore, but if you like a little more meat in this stuff, go Sage.

Re: Magic-User Options

Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:12 pm
by Sir Bedivere
MedievalMan wrote:I would like to see some descriptions on those new items. I would also personally add the crossbow(s) to the MU's weapon list. If a peasant can pick it up and use it proficiently, so should an MU in my opinion.

Have you thought about adding in alternate casting systems? Or do you think that should be its own supplement?
Descriptions we can do. I think alternate casting systems belong in their own supplements, and, as LL & Smoot point out, there are some out there.

On the crossbow, I agree that MUs should be able to use them. However, when making this kind of supplement, I think the idea is to break the rules and feel of the game as little as possible, and adding in crossbows breaks both. Like Smoot said, that can be houseruled.

Re: Magic-User Options

Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:14 pm
by Sir Bedivere
LibraryLass wrote:We do have the Sorcerer... but new casting systems in general might be too constructive.
Well, the Sorcerer and Fey Mage are prescriptive supplements. I think alternate systems work best that way, which is why I think each should have its own supplement instead of being grouped into a bunch of other optional rules.

Re: Magic-User Options

Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:20 pm
by MedievalMan
On crossbows:

Bu...but my verisimilitude!

Yeah it should be a house rule. Not like the core rules are ever perfect for every game.

ANYWAY, I like the way this looks SirBed, do you have any other ideas on things you would like to see added?

@Lass

I have a mana system and a roll to cast system that I could add to such a supplement if needed.

Re: Magic-User Options

Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:41 pm
by Sir Bedivere
MedievalMan wrote:ANYWAY, I like the way this looks SirBed, do you have any other ideas on things you would like to see added?
Thanks. I think I'll add the descriptions you suggested and call it good. This supplement is designed to be able to be used in its entirety without breaking a GM's game, so it needs to be tight and focused.

I am debating taking all the other suggestions people have made and dumping them into a smorgasbord of optional rules. I suspect I will, but I want to enjoy the feeling of having finished up one project before I commit myself to another.

Re: Magic-User Options

Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 7:50 pm
by Joe the Rat
MedievalMan wrote:Bu...but my verisimilitude!
Oh that word...