What Makes a Great Magic System?

[Michael Cule]

Originally Posted by Shostak

Unless, of course, the shaman only thinks he is negotiating with spirits, but is actually just manipulating reality the same way other magic users do. Or vise-versa.

Another way to put it would be that the mechanics can be the same and the role-playing can create the difference.

Well, that's something I've heard said often but I don't really think it reflects the way mechanics help the players immerse themselves in what the character is doing and having a feel of how the world works.

'One mechanic fits all' games feel flavourless to me....

But this is getting way off the point of magic systems. Well, fairly off the point.