Eschalon: Book I Interview
-
Category: News ArchiveHits: 855
Q: What about the magic system? What different types or schools will we see, and what's particularly distinctive or interesting about this aspect of the game?
A: Magick, as it's called in Eschalon, is handled in a very traditional CRPG approach. New spells are gained by finding and reading scrolls, and they are cast by the spending your character's Mana points.
Magick involves two distinct realms, Elemental and Divination. As the name suggests, Elemental Magick deals with the manipulation of universal elements -fire, air, earth and water- all the classic Wizard-type spells. Divination Magick deals with the spiritual, ethereal and the flesh; classic Priest-type spells. Each realm features dozens of spells, and each can be cast at one of six power levels. With this system, spells that you learn early in the game can mature with you; they don't become obsolete once you reach a higher level like in most RPGs.
Eschalon: Book I also features Alchemy (potion mixing), but that is handled in a more pseudo-scientific sort of way. Finally there are several unique (secret!) spells that require the player know both Elemental and Divination skills to be able to utilize them.
