Honest query, not supposed to impress, however what do you hate about Vancian magic?  Maybe I do not get out a lot, however the various is normally the “sorcerer” method to magic the place you simply have a specific amount of mana/spell factors, and so forth. which you could forged at will.

Just to place it within the correct context, I’m referring to the unique designs round vancian magic, the place casters wanted to memorize spells and any little distraction prompted them to lose it utterly for the entire day.

That proper there may be my major grievance. It’s a complete magic system constructed up round an obscure guide sequence and does not precisely mannequin the best way magic is depicted within the majority of pulp fiction

Also, “forgetting spells” is a shit mechanic. I get that DnD magic is usually extra highly effective than commonplace assaults and {that a} mitigating issue wanted to be put in place, however the “5-minute wizard” all the time sucked to play. The fighter can combat all day, and the cleric can flip undead every time they needed, however the mage may solely use magic a few times and was then just about ineffective. The 3e Sorcerer was a giant step in a greater route, and 5e is divergent sufficient the place I would not actually name it “vancian” anymore. Personally, I assumed the three.5 Expanded Psionics Handbook was a greater “magic” system than any of the above (it butchered every little thing PSIONICS was, nevertheless it was nonetheless a greater SYSTEM).

I ought to most likely point out that I actually don’t have anything in opposition to ‘spell ranges’, however I additionally really feel there are higher approaches. As a gate to extra highly effective spells, I get why they exist, however they all the time felt lame. Like, why are minor phantasm and main phantasm two totally different spells and never simply totally different variations of the identical spell? I’d a lot favor a system the place you simply had “phantasm” and acquired higher at it as you stage up. No must be taught a brand new spell. Then, if you happen to simply needed to forged the “minor” model, you would; nothing’s stopping you.

I’ve kinda all the time appreciated the necessity to consider what spells to organize and decide an method to what the occasion is about to do somewhat than simply moving into all weapons blazing.  And there’s few issues sweeter than seeing the look on the participant’s face when he/she selected simply the suitable spell to organize.

That’s most likely the look of shock and aid.
As against the look of exasperation and disappointment.

Of course, the other might be true however I normally have some technique accessible for the caster to commerce out a spell or have one in reserve (Ring of Spell Storing, and so forth.).

Well, that is the factor, is not it? You must have these contrivances to make up for the place the system is missing. Magic objects is definitely one other considered one of my peeves. They are completely out of hand, imho. AD&D had its creep, however WotC D&D acquired actually dangerous with the magic merchandise bloat. It will get to the purpose the place the magic courses change into redundant. I hesitate to say “ineffective” solely as a result of spells get silly highly effective at mid-high stage.

But I’m going off on tangents…
In quick, I simply don’t love the best way vancian magic feels in play. It makes taking part in a mage really feel like a crutch, the place it is advisable micro handle every little thing and hope you choose the suitable spells. It’s most likely the explanation later variations launched spell-swapping, both on-the-fly or with a couple of minutes prep. But truthfully, when you hit the purpose the place you want particular guidelines that change the core perform of the magic system, you are most likely higher off scraping it for one thing less complicated.

Just questioning what you like higher since our tastes run form of related (it appears).

Skill-based magic. Progressive-leveling on spells. Chance of failure as an alternative of “forgetting.” And perhaps an choice for indefinite durations with focus, somewhat than mounted durations (lively spells may make subsequent castings tougher). On the fence with that final one, however I like the thought in idea.