Brought up in another thread I opined that I don't care much for the rules when it comes to magic. Why you might ask: Wizards have at best 4 spells per engagement with the possibility to flub them fairly easily. If they decide to go balls to the walls to take out some really big bad they have even less. This makes them about level 2-3 in the old dungeon and dragons system. <snip>
Just picking at nits but wizards have 4 spells per scene which are a) extremely flexible and potentially fit
any scene; and b) are the most powerful attacks available on a per refresh basis.
So yeah, four spells per scene. That's the only major drawback. (Needing dedicated skills is minor.) Comparing to D&D as you did, it's like being able to pick any spell of any level to cast...only better since you can tailor them to fit.
An example defense in action: say you end up with a legendary roll: you have a block of 8 for one pass and then you have to roll again and gain another mental stress. Or you can reduce the block to 6 and have the spell last for 3 passes. Provided it isn't brought down early if the bad guy roles well. And what nasty in the Dresden world couldn't beat a block of fantastic.
As others noted, wizards are better off using enchanted items for blocks.
I just can't see how the white court brought down the entire red court of vampires. This system is not meant for large scale engagements. <snip>
Not really sure I'd rely on the novels to be recreatable by the game but:
The red court was taken out by a thaumaturgy spell they'd set up themselves. All the protagonists did was swap out a 'symbolic link' to redirect it. They did survive against an army long enough to do so but I think that has more to do with the
inverse ninja rule than with any game mechanic.
Now with all my feeling about the magic system you might ask why bother playing. I love urban fantasy, I can't decide which world is better The hollows or Dresdens I like playing in it. I only wish the magic system lived up to the books.
I don't think any game ever really recreates the feel of a novel. DFRPG did a better than average job at trying but games and novels have completely different methods and processes.
When it comes to novels, I recommend Ilona Andrews' "Kate Daniels" series and Seanan McGuire's "October Daye" series (and the previously mentioned Mercy Thompson series). They rank with Dresden for quality and entertainment.
