Fudge RPG - Magic: Re: Spells for Gramayre

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From: CarlCravens

Date: Fri, 01 Oct 1999 16:54:22 GMT

Subject: Magic: Re: Spells for Gramayre


On Fri, 1 Oct 1999, Joseph R. Dietrich wrote:

> So instead, I'm beginning the process of coming up with a big list 'o
> spells for Gramayre (how is that pronounced, anyway?). Carl has mentioned

gra-muh-ree.  It should be in your Websters. 
 
> Anyway, it's an idea. Criticism, comments, or any other input at any part
> of this process would be greatly appreciated.

Part of the point of the Gramarye's design is to avoid massive lists of
generic effects... you don't have to give details on how to start a fire
because starting a fire should be obvious within the rules.  (Create Fire)
The size, intensity, and exact nature is up to the caster and can vary
from setting to setting and even character to character. 

That said, a GM may find the Gramarye to be a useful meta-system to create
spells which are then fixed in the game world.  Like using a D&D spell
list, where the spell works the same all the time, except you had a design
system to help guide the creatio0n of the spells.  

I'm of mixed feelings about large spell lists of generic effects, because
my experience has shown that many players are reluctant to think outside
the box... the list being the box.  When presented with a list of options
and a way to create their own options, many players restrict themselves to
the list and are unable to come up with their own creations.  (Witness the
number of Champions characters whose disadvantages are taken from the
*sample* disads in the rulebook.) 

While every fantasy campaign is likely to have a "fireball" spell, there's
no reason for everyone's fireball to look the same.  By leaving the system
open, it encourages players to create their own personalized spells, even
if they aren't creating spells on the fly in the middle of combat. 

What I'm personally interested in seeing is a selection of interesting and
even unique spells written in Gramarye terms.  One important thing this
does is give more examples for inexperienced players.

On another point, you said that after you compiled lists of effects, you'd
start assigning them to colleges... some effects may be accomplished by
more than one college, so be careful about pigeon-holing an effect into a
particular college. 

--
Carl D Cravens (raven@phoenyx.net)
Hey, you work at McDonalds, you can afford it!

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0 beginning the process of coming up with a big list 'o > spells for Gramayre (how is that pronounced, anyway?). CarlCravens 1999-10-01 16:54:22