One thing I've wondered for a long time is if the third ability of the Philosopher, namely the ability to discard a spell you just drew to draw a new one, synergises with his ability to draw a spell at the beginning of the game. So far, I've gone with "no", since you actually draw the spell before you begin the game proper, and the characters' abilities only work during a game, naturally. But what do you guys think?

In my personal opinion, I think it should be allowed, because otherwise he would miss an obvious synergy between his abilities, and honestly, he could use the power-up that entails, as he seems to me like an underpowered character, even though I like him. If there is no synergy between his first and third ability, I really think he should have had the ability to gain spells during the game, like, for example, the ability of the Sage and Magus to gain a spell at the beginning of their turn if they do not have a spell already. But at least we can buy a Spellbook or two as him now that the City is out.

The third ability may be used every time the Philosopher draws a Spell.

Considering that Talisman has no rules that define a pre-game phase where character abilities cannot be used, the Philosopher can use his third ability on the Spell he draws at the start of the game.