Spell Complexity And D&D.

In D&D Men & Magic rules it is mentioned that “The number above each column is the spell level (complexity, a somewhat subjective determination on the part of the authors).” This statement does not seem that important unless one had read Chainmail also mentioned as a book you needed to have and use in D&D combat resolution. 

Chainmail has this to say about Spell Complexity “Each listed spell has a complexity value, and this value indicates how difficult it is to use such spell. Wizards can more easily employ any value of spell than can sorcerers. Sorcerers are more able than Warlocks, etc. In addition there may be a delay in the effect of the spell, or it may be totally negated due to some minor error or distraction. The table below gives the scores necessary for immediate, deferred (1 turn), and negated spell effects by the various levels of the magic-users.”

Chainmail uses d6 dice and none of the numbers on the chart exceed 12. I surmise therefore 2d6 is rolled in addition to the attack roll in Chainmail to determine if the spell even worked. 

The Table

Value Effect Seer Magician Warlock Sorcerers Wizard

1.       I.         8.       7.             6.           5.             4.

          D.       7.       6.              5.           4.             3.

          N.       5.       4.             3.           —.            —.

2.       I.         9.       8.             7.           6.             5.

          D.        8.       7.             6.*         5.            4.

          N.        7.      6.             4.*.        3.             —.

3.       I.        10.      9.            8.            7.             6.

          D.        9.       8.           7.            6.             5.

          N.           7.      6.           5.           4.              3.    

4.       I.           11.     10.          9.            8.             7.

          D.         10.     9.            8.            7.             6.

          N.         8.       7.             6.           5.              4.

5.       I.         12.      11.          10.            9.             8.

          D.        11.      10.           9.             8.             7.

          N.          9.         8.          7.             6.             5.

6.        I.         —.      12.          11.           10.            9.

          D.         12.      11.          10.           9.              8.

          N.          10.       9.           8.            7.              6.

 * The original table I believe had an error with 8 & 9 instead of the numbers that should have logically occurred in the pattern.

Looking at this table we can now look at D&D’s Magic-Users and see how it all goes together. The Seer is a 2nd level Magic-User. Next the Magician is a 6th level Magic-User. Followed by the Warlock which is an 8th level Magic-User. The Sorcerer is a 9th level Magic-User and finally with the Wizard being an 11th level Magic-User. 

Now in applying this concept to D&D combat.

First the Complexity Casting Check is rolled using either 2d6 or an 1d12.

Second the Attack To Hit Roll.

Third Saving Throw if applicable rolled.

For spells with higher complexity above 6 or Magic-Users above 11th level the chart will need to be expanded. The dice may need to be fiddled with as well. 

I hope folks find this useful. 

Happy Gaming Everyone.