Re: Need crystalmancy college
We've been using a gem-based system in the world we play in. They are the focus' used in the magical system, each containing spells with limitations. As they are used, one becomes more proficient in them and in effect makes the spells stored in them stronger (I was envisioning something like FF7, but non-transferable and a little more flexible).
There are obviously different gems throughout the world, and the specific family of gems (i.e. diamonds, pearls, etc.) related to a different family of spells (necromantic, illusionary, etc.).
There could be different diamonds that had different spells within the family, so you would not be stuck starting with one spell and using it before you could branch out to get others. Also, the basic spell was infused within the gem, with the severity of the limitations based upon the strength of the spell both in and out of combat.
After a certain number of uses in combat (out of combat practices helps a little, but not nearly at the same rate as using it under stress/pressure), and the limitations could be eased some or you could increase the potency/duration/area of effect of the spell.
I used it as a skill based system (3/2), with a -1 for every 10 active points of the spell (this is my faulty memory...will look up at home). There was also a perk to allow you to combine different gems so you didn't look like a walking jewelry shop looking for the right "spell". Gems of the same family always combined without issue, while gems of different families sometimes produced cross spells unique to what was originally in the gems.
Unfortunately, I don't have my notes with me here, but I can post more when I get home this afternoon, if anyone's interested.