I posted this in my house rules thread, but figured it might deserve it's own thread. A variant I've considered using is based on the "Power Pool" concept from Champions. Instead of having a specified list of spells to choose from, the character would basically be allowed to come up with spells on the fly. As long as he could reasonably articulate what he wants to do to the GM, and has the power available to cast the spells, he could do it. Although, I'd place several restrictions on this version to keep it from getting out of hand, and I'd also have the GM set the power requirements for the actual spells. But I think it's simulate some of the things I've seen Dr. Strange and Dr. Fate pull off. Any thoughts?

John wrote on Jun 10^th, 2009 at 4:07pm:


The possible abuse is my primary worry, but as I said the PC would have to be able to justify to the GM, who'd have final say so, any action he would want to take. The GM, with PC input, would also dictate the PR, range, and duration, of any spells cast.

I was tinkering with a similiar idea and I was going to call it "Hex Power".  This would be just like you said, pretty much what ever spell you wanted.  I would make Spells to be like D&D, research and intellegence and such, but Hex Power would be more like a magic based superpower ala Dr Fate or Zatanna.

If you're referring to Wanda's "Hex" power, I'd classify that as more of a "Mutant Power" (which I do believe Jeff Dee & Jack Herman worked out), instead of a magical ability. I've got my own version of Probability Control, posted over in my house rules thread, if you want to take a look at it.

THE ONI wrote on Jun 10^th, 2009 at 8:42pm:

No, its very different. Whereas the probablity spell from the Mystic was based on randomness,  the Hex Power I am talking about here is about control.  The Hero uses Hex Power to call upon a specific effect to happen.  He wants light, he uses Hex to copy the flash power of the light control.  He wants rain, he uses Hex Power to summon rain as the Weather Control power.  This copies the nebulous ablities of comic spellcasters like Dr Strange, Dr Fate and Zatanna.

THE ONI wrote on Jun 10^th, 2009 at 10:19pm:


Yup, its a copy cat spell, or power depending how you look at it.  And yes, it should have checks and balances in it, as it could become an abusive power.

What about the more powerful spells?
Like Dr Strange's binding Crimson Bands?
Would that spell be akin to a force field (Powered by the chara) with invulnerability on it?... like... maybe in the 30 range. I don't think anyone ever broke them... not even the Hulk (or maybe Hulk broke it once or twice... but most times it could contain even him).

Though I think that the Hex/Transmutation thing is a truely wonderful and insightful idea. (Though it may demand that the GM have his RB on hand to reference PRs for abilities/spells).
I would think about adding a penality PR for simply using Spells that are that free ranging (i.e.; all the powers in the book) of like auto PR3-5+ whatever the power calls for. That way they won't just haphazardly start casting the cheapest spells all the time and making the other team artillery heroes seem like 3rd wheels.
Frankly I think the strain should automatically double the PR cost with a min of 3. Logic behind this is that they have all the powers of the book open to their disposal. For that kind of power... there has to be some sort of penality

G7

What about the GM stating that maybe the PC didn't learn that specfic arena of spells or spell ability... but the player wants to try anyhow? Do you think they could use their inventing % to figure it out? then maybe if it did fail... they could make a save vs. their intelligence to avoid some magical catacalymic failure (which I would say effects an area).

Just throwin stuff out there.

G7

I play a Magic user as one of my characters. Luckily I also rolled Heightened Int B as well at creation so I have a good inventing percentage and lots of inventing points.

To combat a Magic user overpowering a campaign when putting together stats of a spell, it usually has a very high power cost. I have many spells over the years and most are either player created and GM modified. Here is a list if some of Arcanus's spells.

"Doomsday Punch" HTH attack PR=10. +1 PR per 1d10 dam added to a max of 10d10. R=1"

"Sloth" PR=5 Attacks as Mind Control. Targets movement and phases are halved. R=10"

"Deadeye" PR=6 Can only be used once per turn, +1 accuracy per +1 PR spent to hit.

"Arcane Healing" 1PR spent = 1PR healed (great for healing teammates) 2PR = 1HP healed R=1""

"Spell Store" Store 1 spell to be released at a later time. PR= spell stored. 24 hour recast time to store another spell.

"Chains of Bonding" Attacks as Paralysis. PR=7 R=30" SV 1d100 vs Str or be rooted in place.

"Mater of the Deep" Waterbreathing A

"Translations" PR=1 10 minute duration. Understand, translate, and communicate foreign and alien languages.

"Elemental Crusader" Duration is 4 turns. Summons Fire Blade +5 to hit, 2d12 damage + HTH pr=4. Summons Ice Shield, 130 ADR PR=4. 24 hour recast time

Thats just a few spells, I have some other inheriant powers, and i have a few items including a 25 PR regain amulet, a summon an imp device, etc.

Here are my favorite two uses of magic in the published adventures!

LodeStone from Opponents Unlimited has a power that drains/absorbs magical energy in the vicinity rather than through a direct attack. The added touch is that the character isn't himself inherently mystic.

Mutation: The LodeStone may deaden all magic within thirty inches by spending one action per turn. PR cost of magic cast in this area is funneled into his own power score; this boost lasts for six hours after these points are absorbed.

A mystical character from "The Dragon of Juompur" magazine adventure has a Cosmic Awareness magic item: It's a talking mirror! So when she asks it a question, the mirror answers yes or no. This is classic! And a lot more fun than simply receiving a yes/no mental impression.

Here's a take on a dispelling magic that is worth considering.

In Great Iridium Con, Devilspawn's spell called Elfsbane attacks as Transmutation, Range = 31 inches, PR = 4. Dispels spell effects, magical transmutation, magical paralysis, magical Mind or Emotion Control but not damage or devitalization. Also dispells the powers of magical items, weapons and armor on a special attack for 7 + 1d6 turns.

One of her other spells was clearly inspired by Oscar Wilde.

Portrait: A true likeness of Devilspawn is hidden in Cadair (her magic teleportation tent). This portrait has hit points. If the portrait is in range at the time (240 miles), it will suffer loss of hit points instead of Devilspawn until exhausted--when it will be destroyed. Damage inflicted on the painting will likewise, but transferred to Devilspawn.

The villain has 10 hit points. Since the module doesn't tell us otherwise, I would venture that the magic portrait is supposed to have that many hit points as well.