Which spellcasting do you prefer?

[TSGames]

Recent supplements have allowed for the creation of several new magic systems. Which ones do you prefer to use? Are there any you would like to see developed more completely?

[Galathir]

Although I generally use the standard PHB magic system, I really like the spell point system and I'll probably end up houseruling it for all casters in my next campaign. It seems a lot more balanced and "realistic".

[Innis Cabal]

sorcerer..dont mind spells per day ive dealt with it a long time, annoying but tried and true

[Fax Celestis]

I have a thing for Shadowcasters. Don't ask why, I don't know either.

[Morty]

Standard. It's much more original, interesting, and flexible than spontaneous or (*spits*) power points. I love the fact that I can cast any spell, I just have to find a scroll and copy it into spellbook. I'm sick of power points after playing computer RPGs(or, more accurately, games that pretended to be RPGs)- it's abstract and boring. I have no clue how anyone can prefer it over preparation system. I can't say anything about skill-based casting or Shadowcasters, because I havent played them.

[Latronis]

Standard

I like shadowcasters too but i wouldnt wanna adapt that for all casters

I despise spellpoint systems

[Maryring]

I prefer the spellcasting that allows everyone in the group to have fun, and not the one where the Wizard wins.

[TSGames]

I have a thing for Shadowcasters. Don't ask why, I don't know either.

I feel the same about Shadowcasters.
[EDIT]
18 votes and no loves the Truenamer.
[/EDIT]

[ObsidianRose]

I like the other option, Blade Magic. It's so anti-nova that it's awesome. And it's like monk, part 2

[Dausuul]

It really depends on what type of spell you're looking at. Out of the listed options, I voted for the Warlock model, because I like that for combat-type spells and other "day-to-day" casting. None of this power point or spells-per-day crap. If you have the power to turn invisible, then you can freakin' turn invisible. Any time, anywhere. It's easier to learn, it's less bookkeeping, and it makes casters feel more like supernatural beings and less like accountants.

Of course, this approach doesn't work for more powerful spells. For those, I would prefer some kind of option where you have to get together a lot of specific and expensive components, then perform an elaborate ritual. Still no spells-per-day or power points, though.

[Talya]

Spontaneous from 3.5, bard or sorceror.

[Ranis]

I really like the Spellpoint system.

[Dark_Wind]

Vancian magic is my favorite. I like the planning involved in spell preparation, even if it does get frustrating sometimes.

That said, it's be nice if some of the other systems saw a little more splatbook love. Psionics could use developement, for example, as could the Warlock.

I have to say, the only new system that I truly dislike is Truenaming, because it's so hard to work with at higher levels. Pity, really, because I liked the concept, and not just because I like Earthsea, either.

[Rad]

I guess I'll go for the truenaming, even if the class has some serious problem. As somebody noticed, if you can do somehting there is no reason to have it limited to x times per day.
On the other hand, D&D spells are probably too powerful to be handed over in this way, such a change would mean completely rewrite the spell list.

I kind of liked the concept of GURPS' spell system, although it had some serious problems as well. If I were to write a magic system I'd start from there.

[Dhavaer]

I like Shadowcasters. I'd like to alter them to cast /encounter instead of /day.

[Thexare Blademoon]

Varies on what I want to play. The preparatory system used by Wizards is fitting for the class, but I don't understand why a Sorcerer or Bard uses spell levels... power points, like the Psion, seems much more fitting for a Sorcerer (or any other "natural" rather than "learned" casting)

And I don't touch divine casters - Ranger and Paladin don't count - so I won't comment there.

[Fizban]

I think I'd like a combination of blade magic and sorcerers most, like the adaptation example for the swordsage. Right now, though I've never really gotten to play any of them, I think I'd have to go with plain old sorcerer style spontaneous vancian, since it's so familiar.

I think I'll vote for hybrid, that should cover blade magic style.

[Fax Celestis]

I like Shadowcasters. I'd like to alter them to cast /encounter instead of /day.

You could probably replace "per day" with "per encounter" in the class description and not unbalance them much at all, particularly when coupling Shadowcasters with Martial Adepts.

[Dhavaer]

You could probably replace "per day" with "per encounter" in the class description and not unbalance them much at all, particularly when coupling Shadowcasters with Martial Adepts.

I'm not sure what to do with the out of combat mysteries, though. They might be unbalanced because they'd essentially be /at will. Maybe a recharge time, like /hour or similar.

[Ramza00]

I voted for spell/power points, though I don't like the UA spell point system. It is a great idea, but you have to redo alot of spells, and just reducing the number of points your character get doesn't really help. Psionics on the other hand is great from the get go. Thus I prefer psionics then spells then spell points.

And on another note WTF at Fax's new avatar.

[Fax Celestis]

I'm not sure what to do with the out of combat mysteries, though. They might be unbalanced because they'd essentially be /at will. Maybe a recharge time, like /hour or similar.

You could use the skill trick method: 1/encounter, or 1/minute in noncombat situations.

[Fax Celestis]

I voted for spell/power points, though I don't like the UA spell point system. It is a great idea, but you have to redo alot of spells, and just reducing the number of points your character get doesn't really help. Psionics on the other hand is great from the get go. Thus I prefer psionics then spells then spell points.

And on another note WTF at Fax's new avatar.

Tasha Levantine happens to be a very nice person catgirl. She's currently a Paladin 3/Monk 2, seeking entrance to the Order of the Sun Soul, and really really really prefers you to not talk about Science In D&D in her presence.

[Ramza00]

Tasha Levantine happens to be a very nice person catgirl. She's currently a Paladin 3/Monk 2, seeking entrance to the Order of the Sun Soul, and really really really prefers you to not talk about Science In D&D in her presence.

Oh she is a catgirl. I was guessing a feral female half orc or something

These will always be my favorite cat-girls

[Swordguy]

I feel the same about Shadowcasters.
[EDIT]
18 votes and no loves the Truenamer.
[/EDIT]

Absolutely prefer a skill-based casting. Caster should have to roll a d20 to do thier "signature thing" just like Fighters and Rogues do.

[ImperiousLeader]

I like Vancian, for all it's faults. That said, I also really like the idea of a per encounter based system like Martial Adepts.

[Merlin the Tuna]

Oi. I almost want to go create 3 other accounts so I can vote for everything except Vancian casting. Never have I seen a system so tremendously shoddy in every dimension, from crunch to fluff, as preparative casting. Spontaneous casters are a step above at least, as long as you can avoid the seemingly-intended-pitfall of constantly parading about, yodeling about how you're Draco Dragonsblood, Draconic Dragoner of the Dragons of Dragonia.

We'll escape Gygax's shadow eventually - I'd be surprised to see preparative casting survive the eventual, inevitable 4E - but the fact that it's stuck around this long is utterly mind-boggling.

[Shiny, Bearer of the Pokystick]

Delicious delicious shadowcasters make my day.

I'm making use of Pact Binders as NPCs in my campaign, so clearly I like em'; it's such a strong concept that I can ignore its faults (mostly).

Honestly? I don't dig on the standard/Vancian system. I've never liked and never played wizards. Sorcerors, okay, sometimes. Wizards never.

I'm also pretty happy with truenamers....so, basically, the whole tome of magic gets a big thumbs-up from me.

If I ever get around to picking up Incarnum, I expect I'll like that, too.

[jjpickar]

I like the spell/power points. More balance (psions) and more versatility (also psions). I'm not saying its the best either mechanically or flavor wise (I have no idea), I just like it better.

[Nowhere Girl]

I prefer the spellcasting that allows everyone in the group to have fun, and not the one where the Wizard wins.

^
|
|

Yeah, that.

[Quietus]

I voted spell points, though I may be a little biased, due to just recently restatting a char to cast as a Psion30...