OSE Mage Class from my own setting — Learned, Non-Vancian Magic
I've been working on a custom Mage class for my OSE campaign and wanted to share it here for feedback.
https://wurtz-brew.itch.io/ose-custom-mage
The main goal was to create a Mage based around learned, non-Vancian magic, while also making them capable of contributing directly to combat with a sword.
The intended trade-off is the core of the class: do I spend the next several rounds casting a powerful spell, or do I draw my sword and fight? A first-level spell is relatively easy to fit into combat, while a high-level spell can require several rounds of uninterrupted casting. The Mage therefore isn't simply a weaker Fighter who happens to have spells—they have to constantly decide whether their magical knowledge is worth giving up their ability to act in the immediate fight.
Outside of combat, the class is heavily focused on acquiring and researching magic rather than receiving spells automatically through level advancement.
I'm particularly interested in feedback on the balance of the casting system and the semi-martial aspect of the class, and whether it still feels appropriately OSE/BX despite the changes.
Credits: The underlying class-building and alternate-magic frameworks are based on BX Options: Class Builder and BX Options: Alternate Magicks by The Welsh Piper.