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Post by geoffrey on Sept 25, 2012 0:28:37 GMT -6
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?  |
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Post by increment on Sept 27, 2012 12:26:02 GMT -6
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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Post by Finarvyn on Sept 27, 2012 13:45:12 GMT -6
Jon, I just threw another EXALT at you because you're so darned awesome. Thanks for all that you have contributed here!  |
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Post by tombowings on Nov 24, 2012 1:38:16 GMT -6
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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Post by increment on Nov 24, 2012 11:56:03 GMT -6
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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Post by tombowings on Nov 24, 2012 14:56:12 GMT -6
Was there still a spells per day system, or was magic limited in some other way?
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Post by increment on Nov 24, 2012 18:31:49 GMT -6
"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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Post by aldarron on Dec 2, 2012 11:20:13 GMT -6
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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Post by mgtremaine on Dec 5, 2012 9:39:57 GMT -6
Loved On Stranger Tides and Tim Powers in general. Thumbs up! -Mike |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2012 12:18:20 GMT -6
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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