Dale McCoy Jr wrote:
From what I've seen, the biggest complaint about WoP boils down to, "that is not how I would have made it." I was certainly guilty of that and I've talked with others that, when it comes down to it, have a similar complaint.
Then I actually played the system. I love it now. When I compare what is actually there to what I would have come up with, I prefer WoP. It really is a well developed system. Mind you, I don't believe it is perfect, but I'll take it over Vancian magic any day.
After having actually played it for a few months, there are, IMO, two main problems with the system as it stands right now. 1) the sum total of the spell words available don't even let you do the full breadth of spells in the core rulebook, let alone the APG, UM, UC, etc. This is easily fixed with additional support, such as Book of Magic: 10 Undead Spell Words. I'm not saying that every spell needs an equivalent spell word, but when you can't create an undead creature with the system, you're missing something. And 2) the damage spell words don't work well with the condition words. [technical] The duration of any word spell is equal to the lowest duration of any one spell word. So if you mix a spell word that has duration rounds/level and hours/level, the duration is rounds/level (sorry hours/level spell word, your spell got shortened). So when you mix an instantaneous damage spell word (like the equivalent of fireball) with a longer duration spell word (like the equivalent of slow), what happens? Slow becomes useless because it is an instantaneous duration wordspell. There are a few damage spells with duration in the rules, but no where near where it should be to really make it useful. Fixing this would actually require some of the spell words to be rewritten. Hence the longer project I am discussing. [/technical]
I, myself, am fascinated with the system, and have been since it's release. I'm only just now getting an opportunity to get some actual in game experience with it. In the new campaign I'm partaking in, both systems of magic are in place as an option.
Just doing a bit of play testing we (The DM and I, after thorough discussion) are having a trial period on some house rules. The major, sweeping change is the removal of (most) target word restrictions to the effect words. I know some of you familiar with the system are probably already saying "overpowered!" and, that may well be founded and accurate in some instances. thus, the play testing.
Personally, I feel like the restrictions already in place regarding target word minimum levels help govern things nicely. With reduced damage (in most cases)higher level spells for the same effects and a much more limited selection that opening up word casters to have more flexibility with targeting and fair trade.
Also in the process of porting and modifying some existing spells in to effect words. I was fairly disheartened to see a complete lack of support for WoP wince their release, by Paizo or and 3rd party publishers. Seeing this thread makes me smile, and gives me hope. I'll be checking out your product today!
I'm sure there will be a few kinks
