Alternative paradigms for D&D spellcasting classes, part 1

prokopetz:

• Bard: Some cultures believe that the Creator sang the universe into existence, which is both correct and completely literal. Using scraps of divine melodies stolen from those few beings old enough to have heard them first-hand, a bard beguiles and bamboozles the very fabric of Creation into carrying out her wishes – in essence, successfully impersonating God. (This is why bardic spells depend on Charisma – when running a con job, projecting confidence is more important than getting the fine details right!) Demonstrating bardic magic in the presence of angels and other celestial beings is not recommended.

• Cleric: Contrary to popular belief, clerical magic does not flow from a divine patron, nor from the cleric’s own belief in her principles; there are clerics dedicated to philosophies with no identifiable deity, and even a few clerics who believe in nothing at all. Rather, clerics are able to perform miracles because other people believe they can. The humble village priest’s power is limited by her small audience, while the truly mighty cultivate reputations known by millions. Many of the most powerful clerics are hereditary monarchs, trading on the fact that “everyone knows” the hands of a King are the hands of a healer. Confusingly, the gods do exist, but have nothing to do with the magic of their self-appointed representatives.

• Wizard: “Spells” are living – albeit intangible – creatures that the wizard induces to inhabit her brain. They produce magical effects on demand as payment for the wizard’s cranial hospitality. High-level wizards learn to cultivate more spacious and luxurious mental accommodations, allowing them to house both larger numbers of spell-creatures and more demanding ones. While most low level spell-creatures are essentially interchangeable, high level spells (particularly those of 6th level or greater) may be named individuals with distinct personalities and opinions; a wizard who repeatedly prepares a particular spell may end up with the same entity over and over again.