d20 Magic Ideas

The d20 magic system as it is designed now is a wonderful system 
for modeling D&D magic.  Unfortunately, it leaves something to be 
desired in other settings.  Specifically, the system isn't the 
best for capturing magic in more modern settings, or for putting 
together classless systems.

The goal of these notes are to begin to put together some thoughts
on how to mutate this system into something more suitable for a 
more generic set of settings.  The goal is not to completely 
rewrite the magic system.  Instead, the goal is to modify it so 
that all those wonderful d20 spells can still be used, but in a 
bit more flexible manner.

What Needs to be Kept
=====================
The goal of these notes are to present a system that builds on 
the current magic system, not replaces it.  The basic layout of 
the spell system should be kept (10 levels of spells, 8 Schools 
of magic) and the spells themselves should remain useful.  
Mecanics of spellcasting itself should remain the same - select 
a spell and cast it.  Save DCs should be set the same way - level 
of spell + Caster Int + 10, or maybe by die roll (+d20 instead
of +10).

What Needs to be Tossed
=======================
The "slot" system for spells is probably not flexible enough for
a more generic system.  Using the psionic point-based system as
a spell-point system makes much more sense.  All spells that
affect a target other than the character should require a die
roll - either to set a DC to resist the spell or to make an
attack roll against a target.  There should be NO Magic Missile
spells (i.e. no instant hits).

What Needs to be Considered
===========================
Skill-based system for spellcasting?  Feat-based?  Keep a point-
based system as per psionics?  Slot-based isn't necessarily
very good for classless systems.  A spell-casting skill?  (To
what end?)  Each spell as a skill?  Feats to buy collections of
spells?  Purchase spells for Experience Points as per building
an item?  Keep a Knowledge(Magic) skill to tell how many spells
the character knows?  Allow spontaneous casting like sorcerers?
Allow spells to be prepared like wizards?  Allow spells to be
cast right out of Grimoires like on TV and movies?

Spell Information
Sorcerer Information