I think the biggest problem of the current system is that it allows using multiple spell categories to maximum effect for very little investments. Lets have a look at two different characters:
Case 1:
I am a Warrior that dives in to the enemy lines. I also want to uses close range fire magic along with my sword.
current beta version (1.0.59.0):
- I need 1 point in fire magic to equip 3 spells
- i have to invest points in intelligence to be able to learn fire spells
- the amount of intelligence points I invest determine the power level of fire spells I can cast
The current system works here, because of the int requirement. I have to make an investment in intelligence in order to use my fire spells.
What happens when I want to mix different magical schools? Lets have a look at that:
Case 2:
I am a Fire Mage that attacks his enemies with high damage spells from afar. I also want to use some earth magic to supplement my kit.
current beta version (1.0.59.0):
- I need 1 point in earth magic to equip 3 spells
- since I already have high intelligence I can learn the highest level earth spells immediately (given I have the required character level). These spells are just as powerful as the spells of the main element (which I have maxed)
- with a single point in any other spell category I can also learn its most powerful spells
The current system does not work very well in this case, because I get full access to the most power full each categroy without any drawback for just 1 ability point. It would be very easy to just put one point into each spell category and in the end this would be the most effective way building any pure mage character. You will end up with a jack of all trades killing, healing and buffing maschine.
The "something extra" for skill abilities as already mentioned would have to be something substantial (like +10% damage increase per point and a unique effect when maxed out) to remedy this. It still would feel strange to cast a meteor storm with just one point in fire magic.
That being said I would also prefer the old system with some adjustmens.
Or maybe magic should be treated differently than the physical combat abilities.
