Difference between revisions of "Xuln Magic System"

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Using Advantages to create whatever magic effect is desired has proven to be the favorite way to "do magic" in our campaigns.  
 
Using Advantages to create whatever magic effect is desired has proven to be the favorite way to "do magic" in our campaigns.  
  
−
= Steps to Creating a Magical Power =
+
= Steps to Creating a Magical Spell =
−
#Imagine, or recreate, the concept for an ability, spell or magical effect ("Power")
+
#Imagine, or recreate, the concept for an ability or magical effect ("Spell")
−
#Identify which Advantage most closely matches the power
+
#Identify which Advantage most closely matches the effects of the spell
 
#Add Enhancements & Limitations [B104, P107] to modify the base Advantage
 
#Add Enhancements & Limitations [B104, P107] to modify the base Advantage
 
#Get approval from GM
 
#Get approval from GM
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*'''Costs Fatigue''', -5%/level (1 FP per level)
 
*'''Costs Fatigue''', -5%/level (1 FP per level)
−
**One level of casting cost per every 10 points of the ''modified'' cost of the advantage (rounded).
 
−
**A very low point ability (4 or less) could have no casting cost.
 
  
−
== Spell Casting Requires Attribute Roll ==
+
Unless the description of the advantages states otherwise, by default a spell takes one second (an action) to cast the spell. The effects of the spell occur at the end of the caster's turn. If the spell is a combat spell, the attack is made immediately unless the spell is "held" for the purposes of Aiming or Waiting--if the power has a signature, the cast power will be visible as a ball of light held in one hand.
−
Some powers may require an Attribute Roll to function.  
+
*Requires Ready Action to Activate, -5% ... or ... Requires Concentration to Activate, -10%
 +
 
 +
Some powers may take longer to activate, perhaps representing a longer ritual, additional manipulation of components or a greater time gathering the mana.
 +
*'''Takes Extra Time''' [B115], -10%/level (each level doubles the time needed to cast the spell, i.e. 2 sec, 4 sec, 8 sec, etc.)
 +
 
 +
Every spell also has an associated skill, used to activate the ability. This is always a Hard skill based on the controlling attribute of the ability, defaulting to that attribute-6.
  
−
=== Requires (Attribute) Roll [P112 & PP20] ===
 
 
*Roll against Ability
 
*Roll against Ability
 
**Roll against Will or Per, -5%
 
**Roll against Will or Per, -5%
 
**Roll against DX, IQ, or HT, -10%
 
**Roll against DX, IQ, or HT, -10%
−
*Roll is a Quick Contest, -10% (incompatible with any power that already allows a resistance roll, may be added to powers that already require an attribute roll).
 
−
*Active Defense, -40% (your ability only protect you against threats you're aware of, DX/2+3, +1 for Combat Reflexes)
 
  
−
=== Based on Different Attributes [P100] ===
+
Besides the energy cost and skill to cast, there are other factors which a spell may require in order to be able cast a spell, such as rituals, components or magical signature.
−
*Caster may change a DX, IQ, HT, Will, or Per Roll to successfully cast a power to another above Attribute, +20%
 
−
*Caster may change a DX, IQ, HT, Will, or Per Opposed Roll to avoid the spell to another above Attribute, +20%
 
  
 
== Ritual Requirements ==
 
== Ritual Requirements ==
 +
These are Accessibility limitations in which a specific situation must be met in order to activate the ability as the spell is cast.
  
−
'''Rituals Required to Activate Power'''
+
'''Somatic / Gestures'''<br>
−
*Requires two of the limitations upon activating the power (-5%). Choose upon activation.
+
The caster uses his body to perform one or more gestures. If the caster is unable to use the required body part, the spell cannot be cast.
−
**Nuisance Effect During Activation: No Stealth
+
*Accessibility During Activation: One Hand Free (-5%)
−
**Nuisance Effect During Activation: One Hand Free
+
*Accessibility During Activation: Two Hands Free (-10%)
−
**Costs 1 FP
+
*Accessibility During Activation: One Hand & Feet Free (-10%)
−
*Nuisance Effect During Activation: Two Hands Free (-5%)
+
*Accessibility During Activation: Whole Body Free (-15%)
−
*Nuisance Effect During Activation: One Hand & Feet Free (-5%)
 
−
*Nuisance Effect During Activation: Whole Body Free (-10%)
 
−
 
 
−
:::<span style="color:#0000ff">'''''Sample Power (Simulating Activation Ritual)''' [x-10%] (Requires Ready Action to Activate, -5%; Pick Two: Nuisance Effect During Activation (no stealth), One Hand Free, or Costs 1 FP, -5%). The caster must take 1 second to make a small one-handed gesture and speak a word or two.''</span>
 
  
−
=== Casting Cost & Duration ===
+
NOTE: for One Hand Free, this means the caster's dominate hand. If using the off-hand, the skill roll is modified per using off-hand rules.
−
*'''Extend Duration''' [B105]
 
  
−
=== Casting Time ===
+
'''Verbal / Chanting'''<br>
−
Unless the description of the advantages states otherwise, by default a spell takes one second (an action) to cast the spell. The effects of the spell occur at the end of the caster's turn. If the spell is a combat spell, the attack is made immediately unless the spell is "held" for the purposes of Aiming or Waiting.
+
The caster must speak one or more magical words. If the caster is unable to speak, the spell cannot be cast.
−
*Requires Ready Action to Activate, -5% ... or ... Requires Concentration to Activate, -10%
+
*Accessibility During Activation: Whispered Words (-5%) ... -? to Stealth
 +
*Accessibility During Activation: Spoken Words (-10%) ... -? to Stealth
 +
*Accessibility During Activation: Shouted Words (15%) ... -? to Stealth
  
−
Some powers may take longer to activate, perhaps representing a longer ritual, additional manipulation of components or a greater time gathering the mana.
+
:::<span style="color:#0000ff">'''''Sample Power (Simulating Activation Ritual)''' [x-10%] (Requires Ready Action to Activate, -5%; Pick Two: Nuisance Effect During Activation (no stealth), One Hand Free, or Costs 1 FP, -5%). The caster must take 1 second to make a small one-handed gesture and speak a word or two.''</span>
−
*'''Takes Extra Time''' [B115], -10%/level (each level doubles the time needed to cast the spell, i.e. 2 sec, 4 sec, 8 sec, etc.)
 
  
−
=== Components ===
+
== Components ==
 
Components can be handled by combining a number of limitations.  
 
Components can be handled by combining a number of limitations.  
 
*'''Trigger [B115]''' (ability requires exposure to a specific substance or condition, one dose is expended and is required per use)
 
*'''Trigger [B115]''' (ability requires exposure to a specific substance or condition, one dose is expended and is required per use)
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** Can Be Lost or Stolen, -5%; Accessibility (requires condition, not expended, Occasional) -15%; Nuisance Effect: One Hand Free During Activation, -2% : -22%
 
** Can Be Lost or Stolen, -5%; Accessibility (requires condition, not expended, Occasional) -15%; Nuisance Effect: One Hand Free During Activation, -2% : -22%
  
−
=== Magical Signature [B106] ===
+
== Magical Signature [B106] ==
 
*Normal Signature, +0% (all magical effects are obviously magical and easily observed)
 
*Normal Signature, +0% (all magical effects are obviously magical and easily observed)
 
*Low Signature, +10% (no more easily identifiable than a champagne cork popping)
 
*Low Signature, +10% (no more easily identifiable than a champagne cork popping)
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= Duration of a Spell =
 
= Duration of a Spell =
 
Spells have a default duration of 1 minute, or 1 second (instant) for single-use attack spells (Affliction or Innate Attack) for active defensive spells. Should the caster, or subject of spell power, desire the spell effects to continue, they can expend of half (round up) the cost to cast; this is done as a free action. If the caster (or subject) loses conciseness, either due to sleep, injury or spell effect, active spells cannot be maintained.  
 
Spells have a default duration of 1 minute, or 1 second (instant) for single-use attack spells (Affliction or Innate Attack) for active defensive spells. Should the caster, or subject of spell power, desire the spell effects to continue, they can expend of half (round up) the cost to cast; this is done as a free action. If the caster (or subject) loses conciseness, either due to sleep, injury or spell effect, active spells cannot be maintained.  
 +
 +
*'''Extend Duration''' [B105]
  
 
Some spells, those of high power or used by notice casters, may have additional requirements to maintain the effects of the spell for the total duration.
 
Some spells, those of high power or used by notice casters, may have additional requirements to maintain the effects of the spell for the total duration.
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:::<span style="color:#0000ff">'''''Sample Power (Simulating Maintaining Ritual)''' [x-20%] (Requires Ready Action, -10%; Nuisance Effect (no stealth), -5%; One Hand Free, -5%). The caster must spend a Ready Action every round and continually chant while making a one-handed gesture.''</span>
 
:::<span style="color:#0000ff">'''''Sample Power (Simulating Maintaining Ritual)''' [x-20%] (Requires Ready Action, -10%; Nuisance Effect (no stealth), -5%; One Hand Free, -5%). The caster must spend a Ready Action every round and continually chant while making a one-handed gesture.''</span>
−
 
  
 
= Other Common Enhancement & Limitations =
 
= Other Common Enhancement & Limitations =
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=== Enhancements ===
 
=== Enhancements ===
 +
 +
'''Based on Different Attributes''' [P100]
 +
*Caster may change a DX, IQ, HT, Will, or Per Roll to successfully cast a power to another above Attribute, +20%
 +
*Caster may change a DX, IQ, HT, Will, or Per Opposed Roll to avoid the spell to another above Attribute, +20%
  
 
=== Limitations ===
 
=== Limitations ===
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'''Uncontrollable''' and '''Unreliable''' [B116] are good limitations when a character is still a novice with their power.
 
'''Uncontrollable''' and '''Unreliable''' [B116] are good limitations when a character is still a novice with their power.
  
−
= Powers in Combat =
+
= Active Defense Spells =
 +
There are four special spells which a caster can use as an Active Defense while in combat.
 +
 
 +
*Active Defense, -40% (the ability only protects against threats the caster is aware of; DX/2+3, +1 for Combat Reflexes)
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Blink (dodge)''', build on Warp
 +
 
 +
'''Invisible Fist (parry)''', build on Telekinesis
  
−
*For powers which are ranged attacks (Innate Attacks or Afflictions), once the effect is cast, the power can be held in order to Aim or wait for the best moment to release the effect. If the power has a signature, the cast power will be visible as a ball of light held in one hand.
+
'''Force Shield (block)''', build on Damage Resistance, for physical attacks
−
*Some powers can potentially be used as an Active Defense (if one is allowed in the situation):
 
−
**Damage Resistance, if not already active, can be activated in place of an active defense.
 
−
**Telekinesis, if already active, can be used for a Parry.
 
−
**Warp, if already active, can be used as a Dodge to make a very short, instant jump.
 
  
−
= Easy Limitations =
+
'''Mana Shield (block)''', build on Magical Resistance, for non-physical magical attacks
−
'''Magic spell requires spell component that must be retrieved and manipulated. (-45%)'''<br>
 
−
(Magic, -10%; Trigger (sand), -10%; Requires Ready Action, -10%; Takes Extra Time 1, -10%; One Hand Free, -5%)<br>
 
−
''The above power is magical in nature. It channels mana and can vary based on local mana levels. It can also be negated by anti-magic powers. To cast the spell, the caster must have one hand free; use a Ready Action to retrieve a pinch of sand; then, use a second Ready Action to dust the sand between two fingers. The spell is cast at the end of the caster's second turn and lasts for 1 minute. If the caster wishes to increase the duration of the spell after the initial casting, he needs to prepare and expend sand. The caster can have the pinch of sand in hand ahead of time (the ready actions do not need to be right after one another).''
 
  
−
'''Power from within requires a shout and expenditure of fatigue. (-25%)'''<br>
 
−
(Chi, -10%; No Sneak, -10%; Costs 1 FP, -5%)<br>
 
−
''The above power comes from within the individual. The individual must have meditated within the past 24 hours as well as continually fulfilling the requirements of a -10 Point Disadvantage (for example, Pacifism: Cannot Harm Innocents). The individual shouts a word of power while spending 1 FP. The power lasts for one minute and can be maintained for 1 FP every minute.''
 
  
−
= Sample Magical Powers =
+
= Sample Spells =
 
The following are sample Magical Powers using Advantages.  
 
The following are sample Magical Powers using Advantages.  
  

Revision as of 09:04, 5 December 2017

Using Advantages to create whatever magic effect is desired has proven to be the favorite way to "do magic" in our campaigns.

Steps to Creating a Magical Spell

  1. Imagine, or recreate, the concept for an ability or magical effect ("Spell")
  2. Identify which Advantage most closely matches the effects of the spell
  3. Add Enhancements & Limitations [B104, P107] to modify the base Advantage
  4. Get approval from GM

Casting a Spell

The manifestation and use of magic requires an expenditure of energy to create the magical effects.

  • Costs Fatigue, -5%/level (1 FP per level)

Unless the description of the advantages states otherwise, by default a spell takes one second (an action) to cast the spell. The effects of the spell occur at the end of the caster's turn. If the spell is a combat spell, the attack is made immediately unless the spell is "held" for the purposes of Aiming or Waiting--if the power has a signature, the cast power will be visible as a ball of light held in one hand.

  • Requires Ready Action to Activate, -5% ... or ... Requires Concentration to Activate, -10%

Some powers may take longer to activate, perhaps representing a longer ritual, additional manipulation of components or a greater time gathering the mana.

  • Takes Extra Time [B115], -10%/level (each level doubles the time needed to cast the spell, i.e. 2 sec, 4 sec, 8 sec, etc.)

Every spell also has an associated skill, used to activate the ability. This is always a Hard skill based on the controlling attribute of the ability, defaulting to that attribute-6.

  • Roll against Ability
    • Roll against Will or Per, -5%
    • Roll against DX, IQ, or HT, -10%

Besides the energy cost and skill to cast, there are other factors which a spell may require in order to be able cast a spell, such as rituals, components or magical signature.

Ritual Requirements

These are Accessibility limitations in which a specific situation must be met in order to activate the ability as the spell is cast.

Somatic / Gestures
The caster uses his body to perform one or more gestures. If the caster is unable to use the required body part, the spell cannot be cast.

  • Accessibility During Activation: One Hand Free (-5%)
  • Accessibility During Activation: Two Hands Free (-10%)
  • Accessibility During Activation: One Hand & Feet Free (-10%)
  • Accessibility During Activation: Whole Body Free (-15%)

NOTE: for One Hand Free, this means the caster's dominate hand. If using the off-hand, the skill roll is modified per using off-hand rules.

Verbal / Chanting
The caster must speak one or more magical words. If the caster is unable to speak, the spell cannot be cast.

  • Accessibility During Activation: Whispered Words (-5%) ... -? to Stealth
  • Accessibility During Activation: Spoken Words (-10%) ... -? to Stealth
  • Accessibility During Activation: Shouted Words (15%) ... -? to Stealth
Sample Power (Simulating Activation Ritual) [x-10%] (Requires Ready Action to Activate, -5%; Pick Two: Nuisance Effect During Activation (no stealth), One Hand Free, or Costs 1 FP, -5%). The caster must take 1 second to make a small one-handed gesture and speak a word or two.

Components

Components can be handled by combining a number of limitations.

  • Trigger [B115] (ability requires exposure to a specific substance or condition, one dose is expended and is required per use)
    • Very Common, -10% to Rare, -40%
  • Accessibility [B110] (ability requires exposure to a specific substance or condition, the substance is NOT expended and is required per use)
    • Very Common, -5% to Rare, -20%
  • Preparation Required [B114] (in conjunction with Trigger, preparation of the components is required immediately prior to casting; not appropriate for combat spells)
    • 1 minute, -20% to 8 hours, -60%
Sample Power (Simulating Components) [x-40%] (Common Trigger, -20%; Requires Ready Action to Activate, -5%; Takes Extra Time (2 seconds), -10%; One Hand Free, -5%). The caster takes one second to retrieve a component one-handed from a belt pouch, then takes another second to cast the spell using the component in hand. The component is expended and the spell lasts for 1 minute.Trigger & Nuisance Effect: One Hand Free might be redundant.
  • Requires Power Focus (Holy Symbol, Magical Staff, Wand, etc) One special form of component is an object that serves as a focus for manifestation of the power, such as a cleric's holy symbol or a wizard's wand for example. These objects have a rarity of Occasional, being very expense and hard to find, however, they are not consumed in use as with Trigger substances. This limitation is comprised of the following:
    • Can Be Lost or Stolen, -5%; Accessibility (requires condition, not expended, Occasional) -15%; Nuisance Effect: One Hand Free During Activation, -2% : -22%

Magical Signature [B106]

  • Normal Signature, +0% (all magical effects are obviously magical and easily observed)
  • Low Signature, +10% (no more easily identifiable than a champagne cork popping)
  • No Signature, +20% (almost completely unnoticeable as in a blowgun dart; or undetectable by normal means but leaves a magical trace)

Duration of a Spell

Spells have a default duration of 1 minute, or 1 second (instant) for single-use attack spells (Affliction or Innate Attack) for active defensive spells. Should the caster, or subject of spell power, desire the spell effects to continue, they can expend of half (round up) the cost to cast; this is done as a free action. If the caster (or subject) loses conciseness, either due to sleep, injury or spell effect, active spells cannot be maintained.

  • Extend Duration [B105]

Some spells, those of high power or used by notice casters, may have additional requirements to maintain the effects of the spell for the total duration. Rituals Required to Maintain Power (only usable on advantages that normally stay on and/or have a duration)

  • Requires Ready Action, -10% [P112] (requires consecutive Ready Actions)
  • Requires Concentration, -15% [P112] (requires constant concentration, full action)
  • Nuisance Effect: No Stealth, -5% (caster must continually chant)
  • Nuisance Effect: One Hand Free, -5%; or Two Hands Free, -10%; or One Hand Free & Standing Freely, -10%; or Two Hands Free & Standing Freely, -15% (caster must gesture with hand(s) and possibly feet for the entirety of power)
Sample Power (Simulating Maintaining Ritual) [x-20%] (Requires Ready Action, -10%; Nuisance Effect (no stealth), -5%; One Hand Free, -5%). The caster must spend a Ready Action every round and continually chant while making a one-handed gesture.

Other Common Enhancement & Limitations

  • For powers that are ranged attacks (Innate Attack or Afflictions), a minimal level of fairness should be added to allow the target a chance to avoid the effect. If the attack has a signature, the target can potentially see it coming and make an active defense to dodge. If the attack has no signature, then the power should have a resistance limitation.

Enhancements

Based on Different Attributes [P100]

  • Caster may change a DX, IQ, HT, Will, or Per Roll to successfully cast a power to another above Attribute, +20%
  • Caster may change a DX, IQ, HT, Will, or Per Opposed Roll to avoid the spell to another above Attribute, +20%

Limitations

Accessibility [B110]

  • Environmental Accessibility - can only be cast in certain environments
    • Very Common, -5% (in the presence of air, on a planet, in a gravity field)
    • Common, -10% - (in contact with dust, in the presence of microbes)
    • Occasional, -20% - (in a city, in the wilderness, outdoors, touching the ground)
    • Rare, -40% - (in a storm, dense vegetation, desert, underground)
    • Very Rare, -80% - (in lava, quicksand, vacuum)

Unconscious Only [B115] is a good limitation for a character that has a power as a "wild talent".

Uncontrollable and Unreliable [B116] are good limitations when a character is still a novice with their power.

Active Defense Spells

There are four special spells which a caster can use as an Active Defense while in combat.

  • Active Defense, -40% (the ability only protects against threats the caster is aware of; DX/2+3, +1 for Combat Reflexes)


Blink (dodge), build on Warp

Invisible Fist (parry), build on Telekinesis

Force Shield (block), build on Damage Resistance, for physical attacks

Mana Shield (block), build on Magical Resistance, for non-physical magical attacks


Sample Spells

The following are sample Magical Powers using Advantages.

Insane Fireball that Kills a Lot of People

The caster takes a Ready Action to retrieve some uncommon components from his satchel. For a full 16 seconds afterwards: the caster chants words of power, makes grand gestures with both hands while manipulating the components, and moves wildly about in a circular pattern. The caster cannot sneak, hold anything but the components, or be bound in any way. As a magical ability, any opposing caster can attempt to dispel the magic within the 16 seconds of the casting time. On the 16th round of casting, the caster makes an attack roll to send the fireball to the destination and deals 6d burn damage to anything within a 16 yard radius.

Innate Attack (6d burn) [56] (Nuisance Effect (No Stealth), -10%; Nuisance Effect (Requires 2-hands & Feet), -15%; Requires Ready Action, -10%; Takes Extra Time, 16 seconds, -40%; 16y Radius, +200%; Trigger Occasional, -30%; Magic, -10%)

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