I referenced you mate because on the numerous times in the past where you've explicitly stated you play this game in order to be the most powerful being/Character you can be. You don't want to play the Sims, and I get that.Invoker wrote:It's a matter of what one needs to do.
As well, since this is still the Forgotten Realms—no matter how customized (as D&D was meant to be, actually...lest we forget that); more on that later—there is something like 2 handfuls of matter-of-fact Epic Mages, on Faerun. Why not your PC(s) being or becoming one of them, right?!? In D&D or the bastardized version used by the NWN2 engine, and our lovable Server as well, there is no Rule against that happening...so why not go for it...can I get a witness?!?
However—there is always a however, isn't there!—those Mages of truly magical might are often far above the Commoner and the commonplace (and some are mad). How does that parallel the Events/storylines/actions our Player Characters find themselves in? Furthermore, now that your (anyone's really) PC just wielded the Ultimate Magic Item of Might Against All Fugue-ness, turned back the Ultimate Suffering of Agonosity, and summoned from the Great Planes of Rest all the devote souls that wish to continue to suffer upon the Prime for the Good of All Mortal Beings...how is that cheese sandwich tasting?!!? Try it with ketchup, perhaps?
You get my point?
@Boddynock:
Let's not throw out the baby with the bath water. D&D was originally designed to be customized by the DM and Players. Maybe we find ourselves too reliant on the mechanical existence of things, because since this isn't table-top—as you rightfully pointed out—the limitations of the CRPG engine are making us also think in limitations. Chicken and the Egg question, I would offer.
Yes, it is not easy, nor maybe practical, nor maybe wanted, to play and say: "I wield Ninth Tier magic with near perfect reliance, and though I may rest with frequency and regain my strength as needed, I choose not to summon this elemental, for the wasting of the Weave, it would be."
Nah, sounds bogus. Just cast the damn spell, and let's go munch some mobs for XP.
My OP was posted in order to share context, and imply possibility. And exactly because I see that context in the link not represented very well, on BGTSCC. How do we do this?
At this time, I can only imagine 2 things happening simultaneously, would allow it to occur:
One is that DMs would have to overall, make a change to rely less on Magic to solve any and all issues, as well, make Magic not the issue to be solved, either. Thus, when Magic IS used, it would be an actual important event. And unique. And memorable.
Two, Players not relying on Magic as the solution to everything, when problems arise. That means accepting failure, that there is no solution, and that limitation exists. That can be part of expected RP, not just solely when a Player decides to have it happen, but built into the DM-Player-Event structure—not asking for more, but working with less. Karond touched on this rather specifically. And honestly, in my experience DMing, it would be a huge relief to the Dungeon Master, to not have setup an long-investment puzzle and have the Players come back with "Well, my Cleric should be able to cast a Wish spell...and that can give me the answer, right?" How about applying Skills and Abilities, or more importantly, thinking about those and whether they exist in your PC or not, before applying them. Essentially, reduce the Player vs. DM paradigm, and forge ahead with a Player Character vs. NPC paradigm.
It has to be in tandem, to work.
Another way to say what I am trying to get across, is: consider Choices more important to role-play gaming, than Magic solutions. And definitely more than mechanical ones.
. 
( joking)