I like the Force of Will fix above better. The
Cantrips idea is a good one, I think. I have some other comments, take 'em or leave 'em:
I feel the cantrips idea is stronger without the competing Bonus Wizard Abilities.
I'd prefer to see the Cantrips simplified and reduced into each having a single, 1-MP-cost-only version, as it would better reflect the default, single effect of spell cards. Weaker spell groups could exploit the better use of the two currently listed or even combine both (ex. Mystic Sight would work for any search, costing a Mind Point.)
Another simplification I'd reccommend for cantrips is for them to obey general casting rules other than MP cost and recasting. I'm mainly talking about all cantrips working both on the caster and anyone in LOS.
I like the idea presented of automatically gaining the cantrips associated with those spell groups chosen for a Wizard at the start of a Quest.
Maybe drop the Mind Point cost to reduce record keeping and not penalize an already handicapped Hero. Instead, when a Cantrip is cast, roll a combat die. If a skull is rolled, the Cantrip is used and discarded. Otherwise, it may be cast again with the same check. With four starting spell groups, this guarantees 4 castings but should average out to 5 or 6 Cantrips cast in a Quest. Any Mind Point-increasing artifacts could allow a single reroll for each bonus MP.
I kind of like the last mechanic. Maybe I'll incorporate it an artifact that applies to the Wizard's standard spells, but it requires white shields as a seperate power-up solution. This would guarantee casting the 9 chosen spells of the published rules but average 13 cast spells without requiring any extra Spell Cards.
Wizard's Circlet
This metal headband is set with a mystical
gem. It can be worn only by the Wizard,
aiding him in the recall of cast spells.
When you cast one of your spells, roll a
combat die. If a white shield is rolled, the
spell isn't discarded but rotated to the
right. A rotated Spell Card is discarded
after it is cast a second time.
Casting back-to-back Genies may be a problem, so here is the same artifact reworked with a delay:
Wizard's Circlet
This mystical headband enables recovery
of cast spells. It can be worn only by the
Wizard. A Spell Card may be flipped rather
than discarded when cast. On his next turn,
the Wizard then uses a cast-a-spell action
and rolls a combat die. If a white shield is
rolled, flip the card back over and turn it
to the right for reuse. Discard the spell if
the roll fails or when it is cast again.
Posted: November 20th, 2014, 3:32 am