GURPS Dungeon Fantasy 19: Incantation Magic

[Kuroshima]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

Congratulations to Kuroshima and Ghostdancer!

Thanks, this marks our graduation to full blown authors ;) It's been a LONG road, and we had to dodge a large OGRE on the way, but we finally got there!

[Kalzazz]

Can you give an example of how this differs from RPM and why someone who already has RPM moderately internalized would be interested?

[Kuroshima]

Originally Posted by Kalzazz

Can you give an example of how this differs from RPM and why someone who already has RPM moderately internalized would be interested?

First at all, it's simplified, compared to RPM, with no greater effects and no energy gathering rolls (based on the ideas on Effect Shaping RPM Christopher used on Pyramid). The paths are also quite different, and optimized for the DF world view. Charms as such don't exist, and are replaced by Incantation slots. Think of them as Vancian Magic spell slots ;)

Building the spells is very similar to building RPM spells though, so the experience will make it easy for you to pick it up.

[PK]

The net result is similar to Ghostdancer's "Effect Shaping" variant of RPM from Pyramid #3/66: The Laws of Magic, but adapted significantly to fit Dungeon Fantasy. For example, the concept of Greater and Lesser effects? Out the window. Gone. Unnecessary. Incanters are expected to make the laws of physics cry on a regular basis. :)

[Kalzazz]

Honestly I already think of Charms as Vancian spell slots in physical form, so removing the intervening step is cool

Does it do anything to help with the load out process? That I have found to be the RPM Achilles heel of pain

[PK]

Originally Posted by Kalzazz

Does it do anything to help with the load out process? That I have found to be the RPM Achilles heel of pain

Not sure what you mean by that, as "loadout" usually means gear/equipment to me. If you mean the process of going from "I know what spell I want" to "I successfully cast the spell," the answer is yes -- in most cases, you'll only make one or two rolls, full stop.

[Kalzazz]

I have X many spell slots, how many of what spell should I memorize?

If load out is the wrong term I apologize

I've always visualized it as the same process of taking your F15 and choosing what assortment of bombs, missiles, drop tanks, camera pods and whatnot to send it into the air with

[PK]

Originally Posted by Kalzazz

I have X many spell slots, how many of what spell should I memorize?

I'm still not sure I understand the question (sorry!) but hopefully this will answer it. Each "magic slot" lets you hold one incantation, which is a spell that's been bound to your aura, 99% cast, so that you just need to take a single Concentrate maneuver to unleash it. Magic slots are also used to hold scripts, conditional spells, and other special cases, always at one spell per slot.

[Kuroshima]

Originally Posted by Kalzazz

I have X many spell slots, how many of what spell should I memorize?

If load out is the wrong term I apologize

I've always visualized it as the same process of taking your F15 and choosing what assortment of bombs, missiles, drop tanks, camera pods and whatnot to send it into the air with

That's a good analogy. It's your choice. It's not an easy choice on purpose! While you can replenish your slots if given enough time, you are certainly limited to what you picked when the things get hairy, so pick wisely. You can bring a ton of magical might in a pinch, but yours is a very limited resource.

[Kuroshima]

Originally Posted by Kalzazz

Honestly I already think of Charms as Vancian spell slots in physical form, so removing the intervening step is cool

Does it do anything to help with the load out process? That I have found to be the RPM Achilles heel of pain

What do you mean, load out process? There is no energy gathering, everything is subsumed into a single roll, a penalty that depends on what spell effects you add.