@nono - typically by playing the system attached to the setting. In the event that there isn't one or I'm doing a homebrew campaign, I typically go for the simplest system with the broadest range of mechanical/system based options for character types.
I don't do generics anymore, they've frustrated me one too many times.

@Miru - Depends on the campaign, really, but instrumental seems to be the best for most sessions. My group has a habit of having intro songs for each session that usually have lyrics, too.

@dapperbear - I'm in! Thanks again for setting this up!

@corvidae - there's also vampirism as a disease or realization of an internal spiritual corruption.

@sil - Characters with prestidigitation, druidcraft, or thaumaturgy get to really live up the whole "I am a creature of MAGIC, mortals!" thing thanks to those rules, which I really appreciate in a spotlight junkie drama queen sort of way.

@corvidae - in my own game development work I vary between the terms referee or Director. Director is usually used when I'm trying to emulate a specific genre, and referee is for more action oriented games.

@sil - Yeah, that's how it works. You just have to use the action to cast it in a combat scene. Outside of a combat scenario cantrips can be perpetually used without much issue.