Original D&D Discussion - Magic in BTPBD?

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May 25, 2013, 10:34am

Original D&D Discussion :: Gaming with Dave and Gary and Rob :: Dragons At Dawn :: Magic in BTPBD?

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Topic: Magic in BTPBD? (Read 448 times)

geoffrey
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Magic in BTPBD?
« Thread Started on Sept 25, 2012, 1:28am »

In the 1974 D&D rules, both dragons and elves can cast magic-user spells. Can dragons cast magic spells in BTPBD? Can elves? And if elves can be magic-users, are they limited to 8th level in BTPBD?

« Last Edit: Sept 25, 2012, 1:29am by geoffrey »

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Re: Magic in BTPBD?
« Reply #1 on Sept 27, 2012, 1:26pm »

The magic rules are different from OD&D in a number of respects; however, it is the same in that Elves can be Magic-users but may not progress beyond "Warlock" (i.e. eighth level). I don't believe there is anything about dragons casting magic, though. That entire subsection of "special characteristics" of dragons (where it lists the spellcasting ability of gold dragons) is not present in the manuscript version. The dragon section got considerably expanded overall in OD&D.

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Jon Peterson
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Re: Magic in BTPBD?
« Reply #2 on Sept 27, 2012, 2:45pm »

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Re: Magic in BTPBD?
« Reply #3 on Nov 24, 2012, 2:38am »

Jon,

Besides specific spells and MU having access to 6 levels of them, are there any other fundamental changes for magic use of BTPBD?

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Re: Magic in BTPBD?
« Reply #4 on Nov 24, 2012, 12:56pm »

Nov 24, 2012, 2:38am, tombowings wrote:

Jon,

Besides specific spells and MU having access to 6 levels of them, are there any other fundamental changes for magic use of BTPBD?

Yes. The system for casting spells is not Vancian - you don't have to memorize a spell ahead of time to cast it. You also gain experience for casting spells. Magic-users can wear chain and plate armor, though this gives them a spell failure chance (and do note that OD&D is unclear on this point). The magic system is perhaps the respect in which this version of the game differs most from published OD&D. However, as the charts show it is overwhelming the same spells and the same basic ideas.

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Re: Magic in BTPBD?
« Reply #5 on Nov 24, 2012, 3:56pm »

Was there still a spells per day system, or was magic limited in some other way?

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Re: Magic in BTPBD?
« Reply #6 on Nov 24, 2012, 7:31pm »

"The number in each column indicates the number of spells of that level that can be 'cast' in a 24 hour period." So, spells-per-day, yes.

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Re: Magic in BTPBD?
« Reply #7 on Dec 2, 2012, 12:20pm »

Nov 24, 2012, 2:38am, tombowings wrote:

Jon,

Besides specific spells and MU having access to 6 levels of them, are there any other fundamental changes for magic use of BTPBD?

A very notable difference is the effect of iron on magic. It's rather like the explanation given in the book On Stranger Tides for those of you who may have read it. In any case iron objects interfere with magic in BTPbD causing a chance of failure. A similar sentiment occurs in AiF regarding iron and it's poisonous effects to faerie kind.

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mgtremaine
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Re: Magic in BTPBD?
« Reply #8 on Dec 5, 2012, 10:39am »

Loved On Stranger Tides and Tim Powers in general. Thumbs up!

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Re: Magic in BTPBD?
« Reply #9 on Dec 6, 2012, 1:18pm »

Dec 2, 2012, 12:20pm, aldarron wrote:

A very notable difference is the effect of iron on magic. It's rather like the explanation given in the book On Stranger Tides for those of you who may have read it.

Interesting. I've always thought the whole magic-vs-iron thing was added much later. I'm curious if this is a Garyism, since I thought Dave didn't restrict wizards as to what armor they wore.

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