Greg Gorgonmilk has edited a couple of stories by Jack Vance, four articles by Gary Gygax, and some optional rules by SHADRAC MQ and assembled them, along with some evocative illustrations and an afterward by Greyharp, into a supplement of almost 100 pages that nicely explains the magic system used in The World's Most Popular RPG system. Gary Gygax's choice for White Box's magic system has been the topic of much discussion and many "house rules" over the years, but has also stood the test of time as a game mechanic and remains in use up to and including the current 5th Edition of the game. This supplement attempts to explain the origins, game adaptations and use of what has come to be called the Vancian Magic system.
So what is Vancian Magic and where does it come from? Jack Vance is listed by Gary Gygax in a more than one source as one of his favorite authors. In a number of Mr. Vance's Dying Earth stories various users of magic cast spells by speaking powerful syllables (and making specific gestures) which have previously been committed to memory. The act of casting the spell erases all memory of those syllables from the magician's mind and requires an extended time of study in magic tomes in order to re-memorize the spell. The capacity to memorize magic in this way requires an exceptional mind and in the stories even the most accomplished user of magic can hold but a few magic spells in memory at a given time.
Mr. Gygax explains in the articles included in this supplement why he chose Vancian Magic for White Box. He cites the fact that a system of memorized spells requires very little bookkeeping on the part of the player, simply the writing down and crossing off of the spells. The Vancian system worked well with efforts to balance the classes and scaled with the level system. As the magic user advances in level more spells can be memorized and therefore cast and spells of a higher potency can be eventually learned. Thus there are six levels of magic user spells in White Box. Cleric magic is similar except the source for the magic is divine.
In the included articles, Mr. Gygax defends as well as explains the Vancian Magic system. He is particularly critical of various magic point systems which he states have no place in White Box and if used make for a totally different game. He indicates that he dismissed such a system in designing the game as being too much record keeping. It is quite evident in his characterization of the mechanics for magic use as well as combat that speed of play was an important consideration as was planning ahead and making decisions during play. Player skill seems more important to him than character skill.
Realism, or the search for realism in the game, is another recurring theme of many of Mr. Gygax's writings. He refers to such efforts as the "bugaboo" of the hobby and even though he admits to occasionally succumbing to the urge to discuss game concepts in realistic terms, he adheres to a position condemning the search for a more realistic fantasy game. As argument to support his contention, Mr. Gygax reminds us that White Box is a game and games are foremost about fun and also that the subject is fantasy.
SHADRAC MQ offers an alternative list of spells for the game all with very Vancian names. In his system spells are first learned using the o-level Arcane Cypher. Once "deciphered" the spell can be memorized for use and cast per the usual Vancian way. The author includes a generous number of spells, thirty each for levels 1-6. The spell "The Excellent Prismatic Spray" from the story Turjan of Miir is a 6th level spell described thus:
The Excellent Prismatic Spray
R: 2" D: Instantaneous AoE: ½" square/level Save: None
Darts of prismatic fire instantly slay 2d20 hit dice of creatures. 8 HD or more get a saving throw.
It is a relatively short range spell, but one of potency able to instantly slay powerful creatures and is therefore in keeping with the description in the story.
The Vancian Magic Supplement is an interesting compilation of material from a number of sources, most long out of print. As a play aid the supplement includes both an explanation of the magic system used in White Box and subsequent editions and a useful alternative list of magic user spells if one desires a bit more Vancian "color" in their game. I find it an enjoyable read.
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