Magic operates in a similar way to the basic mechanic but with a few modifications. The first is that in place of Attributes and Skills magic uses a score for the Method and Form, both of which have no upper limit. The score for a Method and Form are added together to generate a total which is used when determining spell effect and power. If the spell has multiple Methods and/or Forms the total is generated using the lowest combination of Method and Form. The second is that there are two varieties of spells, spontaneous and rote, which impose their own limits on spellcasting. The third is that spells are divided into 'ranks' which allow or bar certain effects from being produced. Each rank imposes an mandatory penalty to the spellcasting total that must be meet; representing the mental load necessary to cast the magic. Spellcasting totals are affected by bonuses and penalties given by the Mark's qualities and any enchanted items.
Spell Types
There are two types of spells: spontaneous or rote. A spontaneous spell is created on the fly in response to a sudden situation. In exchange for this flexibility they cannot benefit from spell qualities, meta-magic effects granted by foci, and gain only half, round down, (min. 1) any casting bonus provided by a foci. A rote spell is gained through dedicated practice and mastery, either earned during Downtime or through roleplaying. These spells have no such limits and grants a minor bonus (+2) to concentration when casting.
Spell Ranks
A spells Rank determines the scope of the effects it can produce. By default a spell of given Rank has no qualities associated with it but can obtain them by taking a cumulative -2 penalty (1st quality = -2 , 2nd = -6, etc.). Below is a list of ranks, their title, the spellcasting penalty imposed by rank, its base duration and rate, and a non-exhaustive list of possible effects.
Ranks in Brief
A list of descriptors which can be used to determine the Rank needed for a desired effect.
- Rank 0: instantaneous duration, limited to single target attacks and personal defense.
- Rank 1: short duration, single targets, small areas, short ranges, low complexity, small quantities, simple changes
- Rank 2: moderate duration, complexity, quantities, and changes; medium areas, multiple targets, medium range,
- Rank 3: long duration, high complexity, large quantities, large scale changes, sensory ranges, large area effects
- Rank 4: extreme duration, very-high complexity, extreme range, massive quantities, massive scale.
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Example Spells
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Spell Qualities
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:42, Mon 31 Aug 2020.