In RMC Spell Law, there's an option allowing for more RMSS/RMFRP style spell acquisition on page 22 that has me confused. If I understand it correctly, under this option, a pure spell user pays 2/* for every level in a given spell list learned, regardless of whether the list is open, closed or base for them - am I correct so far?
Now, how does this interact with the 'Spell List Restrictions' chart on page 21 (Table 03-01). Is the character limited in the maximum number of ranks they may develop in a list, in such a way that the skill caps out at the same maximum spell level they'd get under the standard system? Or does this table not apply under option 2.2? If it does not apply, then does that mean that under this option, base, closed and open list are equally dificult to learn and may be learned to an equally high level under this system? If this is the case, is there even any point to picking additional base lists as described under 'Extra Base Lists' on page 21?
There is a second segment that confuses this me. If I may quote, one part of option 2.2's description reads: 'Characters may purchase ranks on up to 5 different lists at normal cost, ranks for the 6th through 10th lists cost x2 DP per rank, ranks for lists beyond the 10th list cost x4 DP per rank.'
There are two alternate interpretations to this text that I'm unable to pick between:
First Interpretation:
This text mean thats ~when advancing a level~, those costs apply to each list in which levels are learned during that level up operation. I.E., under this interpretation, a pure caster levels, and wants to develop 3 levels each in seven different lists. To do so, he would need 54 DP available (making it quite unlikely that he could do so!), calculated as follows:
((2 per rank * 3 ranks * 5 lists) + (4 per rank * 3 ranks * 2 lists)).
Second Interpretation:
This text means that ~throughout a character's career~, those costs apply to each list learned, chronologically. I.E, a magician, during adolescent skill development, learns 3 ranks of Fire Law for 6 DP. During apprenticeship skill development, he learns 3 ranks of Light Law for 6 DP. At level 2, he learns 3 ranks of Earth Law for 6 DP. At level 3, he learns 3 ranks of Wind Law for 6 DP. At level 4, he learns 3 ranks of Ice Law for 6 DP. At level 5, he learns 3 ranks of Water Law - as this is his sixth list, he is now paying double, and it costs him 12 DP.
Any insight as to which of these interpretations is correct, and as to my previous confusion regarding the significance of open/closed/base classifications under this option would be greatly appreciated as it sounds like the most appealing way to handle spell list development to me, if I can just work out the mechanics.