[LotFP] Question about casting spells

jux · December 09, 2016, 03:41:14 PM

So I bought LotFP hardcover book, such a nice book, but I cannot understand the magic rules.

I know that cleric and magic-user must ready their spells before hand, but when casting them, do they have to roll anything? Could you give a simple explanation please.

estar · December 09, 2016, 04:04:58 PM

Quote from: jux;934408So I bought LotFP hardcover book, such a nice book, but I cannot understand the magic rules.

I know that cleric and magic-user must ready their spells before hand, but when casting them, do they have to roll anything? Could you give a simple explanation please.

No however the target may get a saving throw.

For example the first paragraph of Charm Person

QuoteThe Charm Person spell makes a single subject utterly enamored with the caster and desperate to please him if the saving throw versus Magic is failed.

During his turn the magic-user says he casting charm person. As long as he is only lightly encumbered and within 120 feet, the spell takes hold. The target then rolls a saving throw. If he succeeds there is no effect and the spell is a waste. If the target fails, the target is now charmed per the spell's description. In either case the spell dissipates from memory and a new spell has to be rememorized for that slot.

Now the Charm Person has more text but it Raggi's extensive description of what it means to be "enamored with the caster".

Edgewise · December 09, 2016, 05:13:18 PM

Quote from: jux;934408So I bought LotFP hardcover book, such a nice book, but I cannot understand the magic rules.

I know that cleric and magic-user must ready their spells before hand, but when casting them, do they have to roll anything? Could you give a simple explanation please.

From the LotFP rules (in the Encounters section):

Quote from: LotFP Rules (Encounters)Cast a Spell

Casting a spell during combat is a very risky proposition because the caster leaves himself completely helpless and open to attack while doing so. MagicUsers must have both hands free (a staff or wand in hand is acceptable), Elves need just one free hand, to cast a spell. Clerics must have their holy symbol in one hand for the entire Round. A character wishing to cast a spell cannot drop anything at the beginning of the Round or move at all during the whole of the Round. His attention must be on casting the spell for the entire Round.

Spells with an instantaneous or permanent duration take effect right away. All other spells take effect at the beginning of the next Round before Initiative rolls are made.

If a character has taken any damage earlier in a Round, the character cannot cast a spell that Round.

That's it, other than the fact that you have to re-prepare the spell before it can be cast again. What happens next depends entirely on the spell itself, as stated by estar; just refer to the text of the individual spell for that. It sounds like you're thrown off a little by the fact that this is all there is to it.

jux · December 09, 2016, 05:22:56 PM

Thanks! I thought so, but that is so unusual for not rolling anything.

Another quick question - I think it's more because my bad English. What does a spell "turn undead" do. It says it turns the undead, but what does it mean? Rises the dead - like zombies?

Simlasa · December 09, 2016, 06:20:43 PM

Quote from: jux;934417Another quick question - I think it's more because my bad English. What does a spell "turn undead" do. It says it turns the undead, but what does it mean? Rises the dead - like zombies?

It 'turns' them away... like a vampire being confronted by a crucifix.

jux · December 10, 2016, 11:27:50 AM

Really? Ok, glad I asked

Cave Bear · December 11, 2016, 12:59:32 AM

There are a few spells that require you to roll stuff. Most notably Summon (that one requires you to roll a lot!) If there's anything you have to roll, it will be in the spell's description. It's not like there's a 'Spellcasting' skill or anything.

RPGPundit · December 15, 2016, 11:15:27 PM

Quote from: jux;934417Thanks! I thought so, but that is so unusual for not rolling anything.

Another quick question - I think it's more because my bad English. What does a spell "turn undead" do. It says it turns the undead, but what does it mean? Rises the dead - like zombies?

I'm guessing you never played Dungeons & Dragons? In D&D, in most of its versions, spells work just like in LotFP. Same with "Turn Undead". Turning means that undead are forced to 'turn away' from the cleric, and move away in the opposite direction from him. If the cleric is high level, they may just be disintegrated instead of turned away.