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So, a caveat, this is firmly based on the particular OSR rules found in the Black Hack 2E, because that's my current OSR rules set. I think it should be easily portable though. This is very much a rough cut, so I'm looking for some input about point cost, complexity, blah blah.
So, to start, here's how spellcasting works in BH2E:
A Spellcaster can spend an Action on their turn to cast a spell or prayer from memory. Once the effects of the spell have been resolved, the Spellcaster should make an Attribute Test - adding the spell’s or prayer’s level to the roll. If they have already cast the spell this session, the Attribute Test is made with Disadvantage. If they fail, the spell or prayer is no longer memorised. (BH2E pg 15)
There's no real penalty to trying to cast something a second time other than losing the memorization for that day. Casters have memorized spells equal to their level, and can't memorize a spell of a level higher than their level. So slots are a little more restrictive than 5E because you can't as easily recast, especially more than twice. Here's an example BH2E spell:
Magic Missile: A faraway or distant target takes 1d6 damage for each of the spellcasters levels. (Level 1 spell)
So, back to freeform casting. I wanted this to be more restrictive and less efficient than memorized (formulaic hereafter) spells. It's not supposed to replace formulaic spells, just add a layer of creative possibility. It certainly could replace formulaic casting, but I'd probably monkey around with the numbers a little. Basically, this is a points for effect system (we're going to call the points mana, but I'd prefer a different word). Keep in mind that BH2E is a roll-under game, so plusses to the roll are bad, and minuses to the roll are good. I didn't want this to be able to do everything that formulaic spells do, so there are a limited number of things you can do. You add up the points and then subtract any benefits to determine the overall mod for the casting roll. Point costs are in parentheses.
Costs
1. Damage: d4(1), d6(2), 2d4 (3) 2d6(4)
2 Effect: (2) pick one of the following conditions:
4. Area/Creatures Affected: one (0), 2 or 10x10 (2), 3 or 30x30 (3)
5. Illusory Effects: 1 Sense (1), 2 Senses (3), All Senses (4)
Benefits
1. Component Use (benefit for >5 mana/5-9 mana/10+ mana)
3. HP Expenditure: 2HP per (-1) max (-3)
4. Caster Level: -1 per level
5. Environmental Effects (high magic zone etc): GM Discretion good or bad
Process: total up the points and make an attribute roll. Success means you get the spell, failure means you take a level of exhaustion (6 levels and you die, so it's not a minor inconvenience). If the caster has any levels of exhaustion already, make the roll at disadvantage. A critical failure means 2 levels of exhaustion and a minute spent unconsious. Spells cast with a range of touch have an additional downside in that a failure to cast will also get you smacked in the noggin by the target (the GM doesn't roll in BH2E)
So, about components, there's no need to track specific components, just roll the Usage Die and take the bennie. The cost in coins is a price that actually means something in game terms, as does the fact that it takes up an encumbrance slot. I would encourage players to get creative with their descriptions here, but I don't want that detail at the character sheet level. So what does this system actually let a mage do?
Example 1: Force Bolt d6 damage (2) at a single nearby target (1) means a roll at -3 (compare to Magic Missle above)
Example 2: Fire Ball (Lite) 2d6 damage (4) affecting 3 creatures (3) up to Far Away Range (2) means a roll at -9. This is where you need levels and/or components
I feel like it's at least close to balanced compared to formulaic spells. Less effect but a lot more flex, and with significant downsides. I'm not sure how high the scales should go above what written. This is supposed to me more like cantrips that level rather than a complete replacement casting system.
Thoughts? Critique? Polite laughter? I'm ready for it all.
So, to start, here's how spellcasting works in BH2E:
A Spellcaster can spend an Action on their turn to cast a spell or prayer from memory. Once the effects of the spell have been resolved, the Spellcaster should make an Attribute Test - adding the spell’s or prayer’s level to the roll. If they have already cast the spell this session, the Attribute Test is made with Disadvantage. If they fail, the spell or prayer is no longer memorised. (BH2E pg 15)
There's no real penalty to trying to cast something a second time other than losing the memorization for that day. Casters have memorized spells equal to their level, and can't memorize a spell of a level higher than their level. So slots are a little more restrictive than 5E because you can't as easily recast, especially more than twice. Here's an example BH2E spell:
Magic Missile: A faraway or distant target takes 1d6 damage for each of the spellcasters levels. (Level 1 spell)
So, back to freeform casting. I wanted this to be more restrictive and less efficient than memorized (formulaic hereafter) spells. It's not supposed to replace formulaic spells, just add a layer of creative possibility. It certainly could replace formulaic casting, but I'd probably monkey around with the numbers a little. Basically, this is a points for effect system (we're going to call the points mana, but I'd prefer a different word). Keep in mind that BH2E is a roll-under game, so plusses to the roll are bad, and minuses to the roll are good. I didn't want this to be able to do everything that formulaic spells do, so there are a limited number of things you can do. You add up the points and then subtract any benefits to determine the overall mod for the casting roll. Point costs are in parentheses.
Costs
1. Damage: d4(1), d6(2), 2d4 (3) 2d6(4)
2 Effect: (2) pick one of the following conditions:
- Weakened - All Attribute Tests are rolled with Disadvantage.
- Distracted - A Character cannot perform any Actions, but may still Move normally.
- Stuck - A Character cannot Move, but they may take Actions as per normal.
- Paralysed - A Character cannot Move or take any Action
4. Area/Creatures Affected: one (0), 2 or 10x10 (2), 3 or 30x30 (3)
5. Illusory Effects: 1 Sense (1), 2 Senses (3), All Senses (4)
Benefits
1. Component Use (benefit for >5 mana/5-9 mana/10+ mana)
- Rare Components (cost 2d8x5 Coin Ud6) (-1/-1/na)
- Exotic Components (cost 4d8x10 Coin Ud6) (-2/-1/-1)
3. HP Expenditure: 2HP per (-1) max (-3)
4. Caster Level: -1 per level
5. Environmental Effects (high magic zone etc): GM Discretion good or bad
Process: total up the points and make an attribute roll. Success means you get the spell, failure means you take a level of exhaustion (6 levels and you die, so it's not a minor inconvenience). If the caster has any levels of exhaustion already, make the roll at disadvantage. A critical failure means 2 levels of exhaustion and a minute spent unconsious. Spells cast with a range of touch have an additional downside in that a failure to cast will also get you smacked in the noggin by the target (the GM doesn't roll in BH2E)
So, about components, there's no need to track specific components, just roll the Usage Die and take the bennie. The cost in coins is a price that actually means something in game terms, as does the fact that it takes up an encumbrance slot. I would encourage players to get creative with their descriptions here, but I don't want that detail at the character sheet level. So what does this system actually let a mage do?
Example 1: Force Bolt d6 damage (2) at a single nearby target (1) means a roll at -3 (compare to Magic Missle above)
Example 2: Fire Ball (Lite) 2d6 damage (4) affecting 3 creatures (3) up to Far Away Range (2) means a roll at -9. This is where you need levels and/or components
I feel like it's at least close to balanced compared to formulaic spells. Less effect but a lot more flex, and with significant downsides. I'm not sure how high the scales should go above what written. This is supposed to me more like cantrips that level rather than a complete replacement casting system.
Thoughts? Critique? Polite laughter? I'm ready for it all.