Sherborne:
In reply to Silverglade (msg # 51):
Then the rule set we are using should be clarified. I have seen OD&D referenced, but I think the real intention was to play Basic D&D because of the reference to the 'red book', the directions I am seeing appear to be basic, and the DM I think referenced getting the rule set in 1985. Please correct me if I am wrong.
On page B16 it says the magic user gets one spell in the spell book, and the spells available are: Charm Person, Detect Magic, Floating Disc, Hold Portal, Light, Magic Missile, Protection From Evil, Read Languages, Read Magic, Shield, Sleep, and Ventriloquism. For the description of Read Magic it says the cast doesn't need it to read his own magic. It's basic so I don't think this part was especially fleshed out as far as just how a magic user would get new spells. But it sound like either the DM picks, or the DM can allow the player to pick the spell.
To follow on from what Sherborne has said. Basic rules red book. First level Magic User = 1 spell to go into his or her spell book. That's it. I can't see or remember anything from basic rules about everyone having read magic like in later editions. Read Magic is powerful when you think about what it allows (eg Read Magic required for reading MU spell scrolls) however not really a choice for 1st level MU adventurer (Sleep, MM, Prot from Evil all useful stuff).
All that being said without Read Magic how does a 2nd level MU get to learn his second first level spell without reading it somewhere or learning it from something someone else has written down etc. Maybe each MU casts slightly differently and effectively works out the secret knowledge in their own way without needing Read Magic as each MU can read their own spell book writings.
EDIT: Just saw DM ruling so there's the answer. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 09:44, Fri 01 May 2015.
