MAGIC SYSTEM

By Tommy "Punk" Fransson

This is a fast magic system to use in City of Mordheim. In most RPGs you have something similar to: A set number of Magic points (MP) where each spell costs a certain number of MPs to cast. This number is then deducted from your MP allotment, and once you have run out of MPs you can cast no more spells. In WFB, a random number of power and dispel cards are available to cast or dispel each turn. Neither of the two really represents the sort of mental fatigue one would theoretically suffer casting spell after spell. This magic system uses a different, but more entertaining, approach that was suggested by Brad Hann after he read my first draft - reverse it.

Each spell costs a number of MP to cast. However, don't subtract the number of MPs from your total - add it. Each Wizard starts at a D6 accumulated MPs and adds to this total with each spell cast. Now, after casting a spell, the Wizard must make a mental fatigue roll. Roll a 2D6 for a level 1 Wizard and 4D6 for a level 2 Wizard. If you score greater than his total accumulated magic points, he is not yet fatigued and can continue to cast spells. If you score equal to or less than his total, he cannot cast any more spells this turn or the next turn. Note that the D6 for accumulated MPs is rolled before each battle and it is not a fixed number.

You may cast a spell on friendly as well as enemy models and all spells require line of sight unless specifically stated otherwise. You may cast any number of spells in each turn although you cannot cast the same spells twice unless it spefically says so. The Magic Phase comes after the Hand-to-hand combat phase. If you cast a spell that will remain in play then at the start of the next Magic Phase you must pay MPs for upkeep if you want the spell to remain in play. The upkeep cost is indicated on the MP cost as the +number, e.g. 4+1 means the spell cost 4 MP to cast and an extra 1 MP in each subsequent Magic Phase. If you do not pay the upkeep or do not want the spell to continue working then it is immediately removed from play. Work out effects of spells remaining in play once you have paid upkeep for all spells that are to remain in play, after that you can continue to cast other spells. Note that you don't require a mental fatigue roll for upkeep, only for spells. If you fail your mental fatigue roll all spells currently in play are removed from play.

A wizard receives 3 spells per magic level. The spells are divided on a number of spheres and you roll randomly to determine which spells the wizard has access to prior to each battle. Note that the spells are not fixed and you may choose your Spheres before each battle. First choose all your spheres and then roll the dice to see which spells you get. E.g. take 2 Combat Sphere and one Mind Sphere, then roll to see which spells you get. In this example roll 2 dice for Combat Sphere and 1 for Mind Sphere. If you roll a spell you already have then you may choose your spell from that sphere.

If you want to limit or ease the use of magic just change the number of dice rolled, maybe even add the Wizards level to the roll. I want the magic to be a small part and the spells should be more fun than battle-winners. Changing the number of D6 rolled per level is an easy way to modifiy how weak/powerful you want the Wizards to be.

This system works best with the skirmish setting if you only include a single wizard per warband and only magic level 1 or 2. Magic should be kept low and the spells will be either battle spells or small tricks that can be pulled. The fights are not supposed to be won by magic alone. I have not included dispels as I wanted to keep the system fast. Also I have tried to make the spells lesser ones instead of battle-winners so there should be no need for dispels.

The characteristics and cost of a Wizard should be based on a "youngblood" of that race, then add the cost for the Wizards magic level. Magic Level 1 cost +20 points and Magic Level 2 cost +50 points. The Wizard will be a Hero but should only have access to the same wargear as Henchmen. Remember that, apart from Skaven, Beastmen and Orcs, Wizards are not fighters so they should not have access to the best weapons. The best idea is to come up with a new Equipment list of your own for the Wizard, also remember that Wizards may not wear armour as it interferes with their spell casting. Below are the recomended characteristics for a number of races, note that the cost below includes a magic level of 1.

The magic has been designed to be low and not one-spell-win-the-battle. A wizard will have enough power to cast a few spells that, if used at the right moment, may turn the battle. I hope the spells will entertain the players and add to the fun of the game, spells may cause some rather funny situations and during play testing we had a few laughs. The system is designed to allow you to add your own spheres or to add to the existing ones.

This sphere contains offensive and defensive spells and most Wizards will have a few spells from this sphere.

This sphere contains spells that allow you to hold your own warband together or throw a rival warband into confusion.

This sphere contains spells that allow you to summon and control the wind or to change the form of air itself.

This sphere contains spells that allow you to summon the beast within you or even nearby animals.

NECROMANCY

This sphere contains spells vital to any Necromancer as it allow you to control Undead creatures as well as striking dread into rival warbands.

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