(proposal) incantations?

[Kahuna Burger]

I thought I'd float this as a possible rule to add to LEW. Incantations are a varient rule found in Unearthed Arcana, and can be briefly described as "ritual magic any class has the capacity to learn." Generally incantations require a number of knowlege checks (usually knowledge arcana, but we could also create a new knowlege skill, such as knowlege occult) an expenditure of XP, material components and time, and have a much greater chance of backlash effect or penalities for failure than normal spells.

The most important meta game rule for Incantations is that they are only created by the DM, and in this case with the approval of judges. They should aways be inferior to a spell for the same purpose (a divination incantation, for instance, should have a limited scope of knowlege, and be more costly on all levels than paying a spellcaster for a standard spell.)

I think the existance of incantations would be useful for the background plotting of some adventures (and is already implied in the unspecified "dark rituals" some DM's reference in the creation of their baddies) and could help shape quests.

I can transcribe a more detailed description of the incantation rules if anyone is interested.

kahuna burger

 

[nimisgod]

I have UA as well and I think this is a great idea.

 

[Velmont]

I like the idea of incantation.

For new knowledge, I don't think it would be necessary. Anything about magic is related to Arcana. You need some info about humanoid (Local) or Abberation (Dungeonneering) or Undead (Religion), there is a knowledge linked to it. I think the knowledge that exist in the main book cover almost everything and there is enough like that.

 

[azmodean]

My understanding of how LEW works is that we cannot use a system of rules from a published source like UA. We could certainly set up a system that does what you describe, but I think copying the rules from the book verbatim goes over the line.

Is this correct or have I misunderstood?

 

[Kahuna Burger]

My understanding of how LEW works is that we cannot use a system of rules from a published source like UA. We could certainly set up a system that does what you describe, but I think copying the rules from the book verbatim goes over the line.

Is this correct or have I misunderstood?

we don't use "closed content" published material, such as from the Complete line of books or any WotC publications that aren't in the SRD. however, UA was declared all Open Content, so it's up for grabs.

kb

 

[azmodean]

Ah, spiffy, how many other published books have been declared open? Er, strike that, now that I think of the number of 3rd party rpg publishers, it's bound to be a lot.

In that case, I really like the idea of incantations. Just wanted to make sure everything was on the up-and-up. Gives you something else to do with those knowledge checks.

 

[Kahuna Burger]

Does anyone know of a place where chunks of UA have been transcribed wholesale on line? Was going to resurect this thread with more details, but if someone else has already done the typing, I'd rather cut and paste.

kb

 

[Knight Otu]

The only thing I know would be the incantations from Urban Arcana, on which the Unearthed Arcana (UA UA!) rules are based, though they are definitely different.

That said, I generally approve of the idea of incantations.