Journal Short Circuit's Journal: RPG: Using Magic Creatively in RPGs 1
From perpetual motion machines to illusory firestorms to party favors, there's all sorts of things you can do with magic in the fictional realm of pen-and-paper role-playing games. Need party favors for a birthday party? Levitate frogs. Is the construction near a client's business-district coffee shop too noisy for business? Cast a silence spell on the coffee shop.
Don't limit yourself to a spell/target mindset. Think about the spell's possible side-effects, and how you might turn them to your advantage. Is the opposing party or army in a large, dry field? A well-placed fireball can force them to move in whatever direction you wish by setting up a wall of fire.
Sometimes simple spells are all you need. Need to prevent a successful outcome to a dinner meeting between two noblemen or businessmen? Sully their clothes, or make them stink. Spoil the food on their plates, or make it otherwise inedible. Cause one to hear muttered insults from the other.
Don't forget you're playing a game. Most of the players at the table around you have senses of humor; Play to it, use your character's magic to make them laugh. If your GM senses the opportunity, he might even allow silly stunts or actions to succeed, just for the sake of lightening the mood. But don't forget the plot has to move along, too.
I want to cast Magic Missle (Score:2)