There are two mechanics that I would like to have in my fantasy games. Firstly: A freeform syntactic magic system, or at least one which provides a useful framework for making your own spells as opposed to the writers adding lists of spells each of which runs on its own logic. Secondly: A system for martial arts that goes all the way to superhuman and mythic feats, putting fighters on footing with mages when it comes to utility if necessary.

Are there any fantasy RPGs that have both of those things, but without needing to buy tons of books and learn tons of rules?

(I'm not familiar with the rules, but I heard that Godbound can pull this off using a unified framework for both. But I would still like to get second opinions on other games that might fit the criteria.)

One of my favourite RPGs of all time, Tales of Blades and Heroes, has a magic system based on power words. It's a great, underrated RPG on its own, but the magic system is the icing on the cake.

I was not terribly impressed with Godbound, but that was more of a personal taste thing. I'm also not sure Godbound does the free-form magic thing so much, but I admit it's been years since I looked at it.

Anima (not Beyond Fantasy, the one that only uses D6s) might fit what you need, but it's very, very story driven.

The free-form magic is really what's the harder of the two limiters here.

Quote from: Nerzenjäger;1074628One of my favourite RPGs of all time, Tales of Blades and Heroes

Oooh. That looks neat.

Godbound can do that if you want a big book with all the bells and whistles. The Whitehack can do it too if you want a cheap little book.