Streamlining spell durations: good?

[Zulgyan]

Here are the LBB spell references (edited from Swords & Spells):



Would it be good to streamline spell durations? There are already not THAT different from each other.

Maybe going with something like:

In regards duration there are 3 kinds of spells:
1. Instantaneous Spells - such as fireball.
2. Permanent Spells (until dispelled) - such as polymorth.
3. Duration Spells - spells that last for [enter universal general duration here]

I've been cracking my head to find an universal general "duration" for Duration Spells. Some very special spells could be an exception to the rule, but they should be few.

Possibilities:

1. Magic-user level x 2 turns.
2. 6+level turns.
3. 2d6+level turns.
4. A long list of etcs.

Also something like this could be devised:

Divination spells: turns equal to M-U level
Offensive duration spells: 1+level.
Defensive duration spells: 3+level.
Other: 6+level.



Most clear benefit: Never open the book again to check the duration of any given spell.

What do you guys think?

[foster1941]

You'll still have to open the book for ranges and areas of effect. Why not just print out that nice table you posted above, paste it onto a spare panel of whatever you're using for a DM screen, and go with that?

[Zulgyan]

You'll still have to open the book for ranges and areas of effect.

That was going to be the subject of a following thread. ;D

What you say is what I've been doing. But I want to experiment playing "screen-less", like Gary.