Spell-casters in Melee

[foxroe]

I'm a bit perplexed by the rule on page 14 of Volume 2 (v3) about spell-casting in melee.

As I read the rule, if a spell-caster loses the initiative, whether they are hit or not, they lose the spell.

Shouldn't that read something like: "Magic spells can be cast successfully in the turn that melee is joined if the caster wins initiative; otherwise, the caster is interrupted and his spell is ruined if disrupted before completion." 

[waysoftheearth]

Oct 13, 2014 18:23:51 GMT -6 foxroe said:

As I read the rule, if a spell-caster loses the initiative, whether they are hit or not, they lose the spell.

Hey foxroe, thanks for raising this question

I think your reading of the DD rule is as it is intended.

This comes directly from Chainmail which says:
In order to cast or maintain any spell a Wizard must be both stationary and undisturbed by attack upon his person. (Chainmail p32).

The implication is that spell casting is not possible in melee. The magic-user must therefore remain outside of melee combat in order to cast spells; otherwise he becomes a "regular" combatant in the general hand-to-hand fighting (not a good situation to be in with AC 9!).

FWIW, Holmes also implies this same interpretation of the CM rule:
"A magic-user must concentrate on his spell so he cannot cast a spell and walk or run at the same time, and he certainly cannot cast a spell while engaged in combat." (Holmes, p13)

[foxroe]

Oct 13, 2014 19:43:36 GMT -6 waysoftheearth said:

I think your reading of the DD rule is as it is intended.

This comes directly from Chainmail which says:
In order to cast or maintain any spell a Wizard must be both stationary and undisturbed by attack upon his person. (Chainmail p32).

The implication is that spell casting is not possible in melee. The magic-user must therefore remain outside of melee combat in order to cast spells; otherwise he becomes a "regular" combatant in the general hand-to-hand fighting (not a good situation to be in with AC 9!).

FWIW, Holmes also implies this same interpretation of the CM rule:
"A magic-user must concentrate on his spell so he cannot cast a spell and walk or run at the same time, and he certainly cannot cast a spell while engaged in combat." (Holmes, p13)

Ah, I see now. I was looking at it through the lens of later editions I suppose.

[Stormcrow]

The rule is there for the same reason that magic-users can't wear armor: because it's not part of the trope.