Magic Users and sucky attacks

[Machpants]

Hi all,
Me and my gaming buddies have been looking over the LW RPG books and wondering if we are missing something with regards to users of magic.
They all have willpower scores (read magic points) that renew at the end of adventure. They use these to power spells, and with things like levitation costing 1 pt per yard, they are going to go down fast. So to me that says very short 'adventures' or most magic users are going to spend the majority of their time using their very poor combat skill and dying a lot. As it is not defined or even alluded to in the books, what would constitute an adventure? How many combat encounters would people recommend?
The other point is it seems that all of the magic users direct attacks are basically bow attacks... except it cost them willpower to use. Apart from when they want to power them up for multiples of damage why would every MU just use a bow? I'll answer cos their crap CS means they'll miss while burning off a load of willpower.

Help us understand, it seems to me you are at a major disadvantage in combat as a MU> I know, and encourage, clever and tricky uses of powers/spells to get around direct confrontations or put yourself in an advantageous position. But none of my players would play a MU in these rules, which to us, means no gaming in it.

Words of wisdom welcome



MP

 

[Bleeding]

I think you're right, a magical attack or a bow will do the same damages if the spell is not powered by additionnal WP.

So, using a bow, a crossbow or a thrown weapon is the best option.

But don't underestimate the capacity to launch a ranged or melee attack without a weapon in hand. A magic user without the look of a magic user can be deadly.

 

[beowuuf]

Willpower restoration is also up to the GM, so a night's sleep or the right potion might keep a magic user going.

I think the WP assisted multipliers aren't to be sneezed at. A bowman gets one combat round before he is unarmed in close combat (unless he is well placed). A magic user slays his foe in one shot if he pumps enough WP into the spell.

The most important point, of course, is why is your magic user engaging in combat all the time? Unlike say D&D where the magic user has a clear field controlling role, a magic user in Magnamund is really your non combatant who can do a cool thing to get you out of trouble (levitate out of the pit, teleport out of danger for help) and otherwise is your knowledgeable and skillful guy.

Put him in to a corner and he can blow people away, but it will drain him with just one fight.