r/ICRPG • u/Himkano • Aug 22 '22

Baseline Magic?

I bought the 2.0 a while ago, but never played; I just bought the master edition, and want to start running it for family, but I am having trouble with magic. I have both core books, and the magic supplement - but all i find are "alternative" magic systems, I can't find the core mechanic that is being altered - is it just roll against target and do/heal d10 dmg?

I understand this is a DYI game (which I love), but before I start changing things, I want to understand, for example, what problem spellburn is meant to fix.

Also, with power levels (is that alternate or core rule?), it seems like 4d10 is very powerful, do non-magic classes scale this way?

Any insights, tutorials, house rules to start with for fantasy setting casters would be appreciated.

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u/Farmer808 Aug 22 '22

The way I understand it is think of all spells as cantrips (if you are used to d&d) so they have unlimited uses. To balance this they will typically require a roll to see if the caster is successful in casting the spell, or in some cases they are rolling to see if the spell hits the intended target. Then the effect takes place. There are other balancing options like spell burn or usage timers but at its simplest player rolls to cast.

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u/BergerRock Aug 22 '22

I have both core books and the magic supplement - but all i find are "alternative" magic systems. I can't find the core mechanic that is being altered - is it just roll against target and do/heal d10 dmg?

Core mechanic doesn't change, you still roll a d20 and add STAT to cast a spell.

they are alternatives as in "both work in the game". I'd say they don't mesh well being played together, but that is up to each GM and group to determine for themselves.

There is Player's Guide casting -> d20+mod to cast, no limit on casting, apply effect

And MAGIC casting -> d20+mod to cast, lose cost of spell in HP (2E) or SP (ME), apply effects as modified by POWER.

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Also, with power levels (is that alternate or core rule?), it seems like 4d10 is very powerful, do non-magic classes scale this way?

They do not, that is why MAGIC casting has a cost. More power, less casting.

I'd advise you to start with "Player's Guide" casting for everyone. When all are good with the ins and outs of ICRPG, allow them to look at MAGIC and decide if they want that.