This past Sunday several of us got together at Dave (Vawn)’s house to discuss the viability of a zero cost (or no cost) buy down magic system for the Realms. Below is the core concept of the proposal, feedback requested:
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At its core the Realms has always been a skill based fighting system, and
the other elements of our game have been balanced against that fundamental
concept. With that in mind we have developed a proposal that will convert
our current spell system into a pool-based system.
A pool system offers the following benefits:
1) The opportunity to balance spells based on a shared power level as
opposed to path balance.
2) The addition of new and creative individual spells without the need to
force entire schools of magic into the system, rearrange existing spells, or
drop existing spells.
3) Added versatility – defined as being able to further customize your
character’s spell list.
4) Renewed interest in the spell-system as a means for character
development. You could utilize the spells we have to build the character
you’ve always wanted.
We recognize that a pool system would give more “power” to buy down spell
casters through added versatility, but we feel these casters retain their
balance with other spell casters and fighters.
The basic proposal would require two core changes:
1) The removal of all spells from their specific school (Healer, Shaman,
Channeler, etc.), so that they are all now grouped into a pool at their
current circle.
2) The reduction of Armor-Piercing Weapon to 3 uses per learning. This is
due to the fact it can be taken more times within the pool system. The
spells uses need to be lowered to maintain balance.
We want to know if this type of system would work, so please give us
whatever feedback you can. If you are uncomfortable sending something to the
public list, please forward your comments along to me
(slaaderguardian@hotmail.com).
If you think you can make a build that breaks this proposed system, we want
to know about!
Later this evening we will be sending out a second e-mail with a series of
rider proposals that will be attach to this main proposal. We feel that
these riders address certain balance issues that arise as a result of
pooling all spells.
Thank you in advance for your comments, concerns and suggestions,
– Dave Dolph, Neil Tozier, Jason Gray, Dave Hayden and Mike Amend
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