Not sure if there's a similar thread, please link me there if you know of such 
I've been perusing through the various D&D Next threads as usual, when I saw the thread "Magic is different: Spell-slinging bards and wizard duels". This sparked an idea: if ever a magic duel would occur in your game (let's say two wizards start fighting ala-Hogwarts dueling match), how would you run it?
Personally I'm thinking that the Dragon articles on dueling give quite an interesting perspective on the matter, so here's my idea on the matter:
Spell duels are effectively matches to determine who is the superior caster, without having to actually kill each other. Thus, the match is effectively any of the following setups:
I've been perusing through the various D&D Next threads as usual, when I saw the thread "Magic is different: Spell-slinging bards and wizard duels". This sparked an idea: if ever a magic duel would occur in your game (let's say two wizards start fighting ala-Hogwarts dueling match), how would you run it?
Personally I'm thinking that the Dragon articles on dueling give quite an interesting perspective on the matter, so here's my idea on the matter:
Spell duels are effectively matches to determine who is the superior caster, without having to actually kill each other. Thus, the match is effectively any of the following setups:
- Skill Challenge. Primarily Arcana-centric if it's in terms of magic, you effectively try to out-maneuver the opponent in harmless magic fights. Non-INT characters could use their class' primary stat (e.g. Sorcerers or Hexblades being CHA-primary) instead of Intelligence for their Arcana checks, but otherwise the thing is resolved in this manner: two opposed Arcana checks, the winner gains one point. The first one to gain four points, wins the match.
- Combat. The competitors use attacks as normal, although an optional rule would be the use of opposed checks: as an immediate interrupt once per encounter, the target of the spell attack could make an Arcana check, with DC equal to the attacker's attack roll. On a hit, the spell is deflected, attacking a different square within the power's range determined at random -- possibly hitting bystanders if there's no protective wards in place -- while on a crit, the spell is reflected back at the caster, making him the target or the center of the burst.
- Combination Skill Challenge and Combat. This would be either a skill challenge that uses attacks instead of arcana checks, or a combat that has terrain powers that let you do "magical" stuff (not necessarily actual magic, like alchemical explosions or what not, although having let's say magical vials that cause conjurations or fireballs to appear at random could be an interesting mix :D ).
That's how I would do spell duels, how would you do them?
I don't know how the specifics would go but I think strategy should matter more than raw damage. Maybe have a way to counterspell. Like roll an Insight check to determine what spell is being cast, learn that your enemy is preparing to hit you with a fireball, and then counter with an ice storm or whatever. However, it still needs to be done within the skill challenge framework, using spells and skills to obtain success. Otherwise if you apply the spells as written, action-denying status effects will rule the day and it essentially becomes napalm rocket tag (the battle will be decided quickly, it'll just take a little longer for your enemy to die).
I would love to see a Chaos Sorcerer and an Illusion Wizard have a duel like this :D
Through a great combination of natural 1s and high rolls, last session our Swordmage believed the whole group was possessed and trying to trick him. He ended up teleporting behind my Ranger (yes, I DM and play a ranger.) and with his blade touching my throat he threatened to kill me. As a DM I knew this was the point where I had to step in and stop this crazyness, but then my ranger got an idea. Koriat the ranger new of Shant the Swordmage's background as a noble. I challenged him to a duel, knowing he could no refuse. I told him that we would have our duel after this quest, and with that calming the swordmage down and allowing the grouð to continue on his quest (luckily the player saw that things were getting out of hand and rolled with my idea).
Now, I did not realize that this was a problem, but how am I going to set up a duel between a ranger and a swordmage, that is satisfying for both players, interesting roleplay-wise and interesting for the other players to watch? Also, I am an Hunter Ranger being forced into a Melee Duel, where I cannot use my awesome magical bow, and note that this Swordmage does not have a striker feature. How do I make this balanced and fun, and in the spirit of "May the better fighter win"?
I think the skill challenge + combat is the best approach. One on one combat just isn't that interesting; 4e was built with a group dynamic in mind. The skill challenge alone loses a lot of flavor since it would likely rely heavily on Arcana checks and the individual spells wouldn't matter so much.
I don't know how the specifics would go but I think strategy should matter more than raw damage. Maybe have a way to counterspell. Like roll an Insight check to determine what spell is being cast, learn that your enemy is preparing to hit you with a fireball, and then counter with an ice storm or whatever. However, it still needs to be done within the skill challenge framework, using spells and skills to obtain success. Otherwise if you apply the spells as written, action-denying status effects will rule the day and it essentially becomes napalm rocket tag (the battle will be decided quickly, it'll just take a little longer for your enemy to die).
Hmm...
harrypotterfanworld.wordpress.com/spell-...
paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/ultimateMagi...
The translation to 4E should be simple enough
This thread reminded my of a problem that I have in a game I am currently DM-ing.
Through a great combination of natural 1s and high rolls, last session our Swordmage believed the whole group was possessed and trying to trick him. He ended up teleporting behind my Ranger (yes, I DM and play a ranger.) and with his blade touching my throat he threatened to kill me. As a DM I knew this was the point where I had to step in and stop this crazyness, but then my ranger got an idea. Koriat the ranger new of Shant the Swordmage's background as a noble. I challenged him to a duel, knowing he could no refuse. I told him that we would have our duel after this quest, and with that calming the swordmage down and allowing the grouð to continue on his quest (luckily the player saw that things were getting out of hand and rolled with my idea).
Now, I did not realize that this was a problem, but how am I going to set up a duel between a ranger and a swordmage, that is satisfying for both players, interesting roleplay-wise and interesting for the other players to watch? Also, I am an Hunter Ranger being forced into a Melee Duel, where I cannot use my awesome magical bow, and note that this Swordmage does not have a striker feature. How do I make this balanced and fun, and in the spirit of "May the better fighter win"?
Dragon #401: "Surely You Joust!" and "Step Into The Ring" -- which are the primary sources of inspiration for my attempt to resolve this interesting dilemma -- should help you with your concern ;)