[Magic] A simplified version of the standard spell system

[Anthony]

Prerequisite chains are in large part there as a tax to limit the flexibility of spellcasters (who already tend to be a bit overly 'do everything'), so you might want to do something else to make the cost of spells that you actually use more than 1 point.

[WingedKagouti]

Originally Posted by Anthony

Prerequisite chains are in large part there as a tax to limit the flexibility of spellcasters (who already tend to be a bit overly 'do everything'), so you might want to do something else to make the cost of spells that you actually use more than 1 point.

What I could see as a reasonable measure is changing Magery to be 15 points per level instead of 10. That would be the equivalent of a Magery 3 mage spending 15 points on prerequisites compared to the default system. Also, not learning the "lesser" spells means the mage can't cast those without relying on defaults, which would naturally limit flexibility and/or reliability.

If cost reduction is still a thing in the simplified system, it should only apply to spells learned and not spells cast from a default. Or maybe default casting should be capped at 14 or less, even if the skill or spell being defaulted from is at 20 or more.

[evileeyore]

Originally Posted by Anthony

Prerequisite chains are in large part there as a tax to limit the flexibility of spellcasters (who already tend to be a bit overly 'do everything'), so you might want to do something else to make the cost of spells that you actually use more than 1 point.

This really only happens in games where they A) have enough points to "do everything" and 2) can have a large enough Magery + IQ to really capitalize on going broad in the spells.

If 1) is not done you'll see Johnny One Spell and if B) isn't permissible you'll see them going deep into a few spells with a broad smattering, but certainly no "do everything".

DF and DFRP combined both points above; enough points to make a reliable Jack of All Trades (so a Wizard can go broad in the spells) and enough points and a high enough Magery cap that going broad is rewarded with depth for minimal individual spell cost.

[WingedKagouti]

Originally Posted by evileeyore

This really only happens in games where they A) have enough points to "do everything" and 2) can have a large enough Magery + IQ to really capitalize on going broad in the spells.

150 points is enough (when adding Disadvantages/Quirks) to get IQ 15, Magery 3 and HT 12 while also having 50ish points for spells and 5-10 points for regular skills.

The character won't be much other than "the spell caster", but 15/16 skill in 50 spells gives the option of selecting quite a broad spectrum of useful stuff.