Editing Magic (section)

== Magic Systems ==
Most magic systems try to divide up all possible supernatural effects into categories. [[Four By Five Magic]] is probably the simplest example, damn near identical to [[Ars Magica]] but without copyright junk and easier to remember. [[Mage: The Ascension]] had all of reality divided neatly into nine categories before throwing it all away so they could sell more product with [[Mage: The Awakening]].

However, the most common systems of casting magic tend to fall into a couple of categories: Vancian Magic and Mana Pools.

===Vancian Casting===
[[Vancian Casting]] is the variety often seen in D&D and many other d20 systems. The basics of Vancian Magic are that the caster is given a set amount of slots per day. The caster must then choose which slot would cast a spell per day.

This system works, but it still receives a large amount of criticism for being very restrictive. Throughout the various editions of D&D, several attempts have been made to work around Vancian prepared casting. Most notable of these is spontaneous spellcasting.

====Spontaneous Casting====
Basically, a spontaneous spellcaster is limited to a select few spells, but is free to cast them using every spell slot they have available. [[Bard|Bards]], [[Sorcerer|Sorcerers]] and [[Oracle|Oracles]] are examples of this philosophy.

Oftentimes, these casters end up in [[Tier System|tier]] 2 or 3. They're powerful and sometimes can even break the game, but they're not quite as broken as a tier 1 class, like [[CoDzilla]] or a [[wizard]]. And ultimately, they still use slots, and they sometimes don't have enough to outweigh the power of a prepared caster.

However, 5th Edition took this even further. Read that section to learn more.

===Mana Pool Casting===
Mana pool casting relies more upon having a small (or fuck-off huge) pool of magical energy the caster can draw from. Once the pool runs out, the caster can no longer cast spells until they can get these points back. Until then, however, the caster can cast any spell they wish, as long as they have the mana for it.

Well, not exactly ''any'' spell. The actual mechanics can vary. Some systems still require you to be at a suitable level, or have invested enough points in spellcasting to be able to use the stronger stuff. Still, the point stands that Mana casting tends to be much more free form, albeit with a bit more bookkeeping required.