Are You the Matrix? : More on Magic-User Spells

A lot of the descriptions in the old AD&D rules about magic really made no sense. Magic-Users were limited in how many spells they could have in a spellbook, and the spellcaster had to take time every morning to 'memorize' spells, which would then disappear from memory and need to be re-memorized the next day, but only from a Magic-User's own spellbook, never from someone else's. I understand the need to put limits on Magic-Users, otherwise at upper levels they would do nothing but cast Wish or Disintegrate every round. Still, I figure this system could be handled with a bit more finesse.

[Much of the following concepts surrounding spell matrices came from the Earthdawn roleplaying game.]

When a Magic-User is putting a spell into a spell-book, he is actually attuning that spell to himself on the ethereal plane. Spellbooks are personal items, and are linked magically to their owner. 'Learning' the spell is as much the caster learning how to cast the spell as it is familiarizing the spell with the caster. Magic is a living thing, after all!

Once a spell is 'learned' and in one's spellbook, the Magic-User may choose to make use of it as part of their daily spell allowances. In order to do so, Magic-Users use what is known in Arcane circles as a Spell Matrix. This is a thought construct on the ethereal plane that is used to house the magic of the spell until it is released by the caster. The process of weaving these matrices and storing the spells within is referred to as 'memorization'. It does seem to the outside observer that the Magic-User is chanting the spell over and over again out of their spellbook when preparing their daily spells, but it really has nothing to do with re-learning the spell every day.

When it comes time to actually cast the spell, follow the rules for casting time, spell requirements and components and other instructions given under each spell description. This is what is used in order to release the spell from its matrix into reality.

Cantrips are simple enough spells that they need no matrices to operate out of, and can be done at will. Rituals are unique in that the ritual casting itself weaves a temporary matrix using the elaborate casting and material cost outlay. The temporary matrix and components are consumed immediately when the ritual is finally brought into being.