Pow vs Pow versus MP vs MP

[Trifletraxor]

Using POW vs. POW instead of MP vs. MP was a common houserule I believe, and works well to avoid the total MP matrix dependency.

SGL.

[Tywyll]

Originally Posted by Shaira

BRP has spell resistance using both permanent POW and temporary Power Points, depending on particular spell, magic system, etc. It's pretty flexible. There are even instances of spells using other characteristics - INT, STR, and CON spring to mind - for resistance rolls.

Additionally, you can temporarily (for about 24 hours or so) increase your PP (what RQ3 called MP) above your POW score, up to double normal. This does give you the ability to punch through "normal" levels of spell resistance very effectively for certain spells, and reduces the mechanical dependence on things like POW crystals, which IMHO is a good thing.

Also, the "Magic" system (as opposed to "Sorcery", etc) provides rules for Wizard's Staves, which are effectively POW crystals built directly into the rule system - they store POW points equal to the Wizard's POW at the time of creating the Staff. Again, this allows spell casting without reducing PP (although it doesn't effectively increase your PP score for spell resistance rolls).

Finally, one key difference is that POW and INT no longer have species' maximums for human characters. This puts another level of strategic variation into magic use and conflicts - you really don't know how much POW that sorceror guy *might* have!

All in all, the BRP magic powering and resistance rules are pretty modular, and very flexible. They allow you to create different types of spell-casters, which should actually be quite cool in play - you won't necessarily be able to say "hey, I'm a POW 18 Rune Priest with 100 points of stored PP, I can wipe the floor with this other spellcasting guy". Takes some of the predictability out of spellcaster vs spellcaster.

Cheers,

Sarah

Hey, thanks for the details. That's good to know.

Now, if the book would just get here soon...

I'm still probably going to go with stat vs stat, though, if stat has no limits... humm, I'll have to think that through.

[Chaot]

Originally Posted by Shaira

Also, the "Magic" system (as opposed to "Sorcery", etc) provides rules for Wizard's Staves, which are effectively POW crystals built directly into the rule system

Just a note, the Sorcery system sort of does this as well. Difference is the Sorcery POW storage device has to be massive and stationary. More for use in ritual summonings than for day to day spell slinging.

[Shaira]

Originally Posted by Chaot

Just a note, the Sorcery system sort of does this as well. Difference is the Sorcery POW storage device has to be massive and stationary. More for use in ritual summonings than for day to day spell slinging.

I think the Sorcery POW storage techniques are very cool - not only the "Brazier of Power" but also the "Chain of Being" which allows multiple sorcerers to pool their resources. Agreed they're more likely for ritual summonings, etc, but still cool. And of course there's the item creation rules in the Equipment chapter - another way of getting dedicated POW for specific magical items (Wand of Fireballs, Flying Carpet type stuff).

Cheers,

Sarah

[Chaot]

Ooh, I don't believe I didn't mention Chain of Being. For whatever reason, my players never used it. Their opponents certainly did. Nice way to send a powerful demon or two to muck about with their plans.