Aegis

Attribute: Influence
Type: Defend
Time: One Action

Description: Characters with this skill are protected by their faith and, when communing with their deity, can block attacks with only an upraised palm. They are able to turn away ranged attacks (Novice), melee attacks (Expert), and ranged or melee attacks when On-Guard and magical attacks (Master). The use of this skill begins a communal state.

Specialization: (Required) Deity or entity

Furrow

Attribute: Strength
Type: Attack
Time: One Action

Description: With this skill, a character can make sweeping attacks with a pole weapon. It can be used to attack all targets in a frontal 180º arc within reach of the weapon at no modifier, make a spinning attack to strike all targets in a 360º arc around the character within reach of the weapon at a difficult (-4) modifier, or strike at the legs (with a called shot modifier) to make a trip attack at targets in a frontal 90º arc (Reaction save to negate the trip attack). Characters can choose to change their facing by spending one free action to take up to a 90º pivot. Because of its aggressive nature, this attack action may not be used with a defensive stance or the On-Guard defense, and the use of it negates any defensive modifiers gained by skill-based stances, i.e. Defensive form, Counter form, etc. On a successful skill check, the target is hit and may defend normally; if the skill check fails or the target makes a successful defend, the attack misses.

Specializations: (Required) Proficient weapon(s) with reach capabilities

(E) Deadly Strike

Attribute: Strength
Type: Attack
Time: One Action

Description: A character with this skill can make a ferocious, forceful attack with the intent of destroying a foe. For this attack, the Strength modifier for weapon damage is increased by one per two points in the skill tree. Due to its aggressive nature, this attack action may not be used with a defensive stance or the On-Guard defense, and the use of it negates any defensive modifiers gained by skill-based stances, i.e. Defensive form, Counter form, etc. On a successful skill check, the target is hit and may defend normally. It may be used with any Novice attack skill in this tree, with all related and general combat modifiers applied normally. If the skill check fails or the target successfully defends, the attack misses.

Prerequisites: Four points in the skill tree

Wither

Description:  Those targeted with this spell are magically aged to an elderly state for their particular race. While under the effects of the spell, all attack, defend, and move skills have a difficult (-4) modifier, move rates are cut in half, and all armor ratings are reduced by 2. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach, the effect ends immediately. The material component is a cut of rotting scalp from a corpse dead for at least a year that is held in the palm and consumed in the casting.

Visage of the Dead

Description:  This spell is used to shape death energies to camouflage signs of undeath for a period of time. The Death Eater gets a defend save based on Casting Rank to Observation and Search skills to notice the signs of undeath, with the duration based on the Constitution score and character rank, i.e., Novice – minutes, Expert – hours, Master – days. Alternatively, it can be used to create a ghostly image of a specific person, mimicking their voice in the apparition, or allow the caster can take on the image and project the voice of a recently deceased person. Those who choose to disbelieve the illusion will get a Willpower save to see through the ruse. The material component is a strip of death shroud and piece of dead flesh (used up) that is held in the palm while casting.

Vampiric Touch

Description:  This spell inflicts the target with death energy and transfers their life energy to the caster. If the target does not make the save, they take up to skill rank damage which is transferred to the caster, healing Health damage first, and then Body damage. Armor is ineffective against the spell. The material component is a humanoid or animal tooth in a small vial of blood, that is consumed upon casting.

Turn Undead

Description:  With this spell, the Death Eater can effectively avert the undead, causing them to stop their current actions and wander away. Undead of a lower character rank get no save and will simply cease whatever actions they are taking and calmly depart the vicinity, while those of equal character rank get a Willpower save to resist. The spell is ineffective against undead of a greater character rank than the Death Eater. So long as there is no contact with them, the undead will ignore everything and everyone in the vicinity of the caster. The material component is a bone wrapped in corpse flesh that is tossed away and consumed during casting.

Terrify

Description:  This spell is used to scare a target so badly that they are able to only stand in place and quake at the sight of the Death Eater. The target is allowed a Willpower save to avoid the effect, but those who succumb are overwhelmed with terror and will stand prone staring wide-eyed at the caster for the remainder of the round and the next, in addition to entering a Fatigue condition while in the presence or vicinity of the Death Eater. While in the prone state, they are susceptible to a kill shot, though if the attack fails, the prone effect ends immediately. The second-round prone effect may be broken with assistance from an ally, requiring one action for the target and ally. The material component is a humanoid eye that is held in the palm and consumed during the casting.

Smother

Description:  The Death Eater can use this spell to literally suffocate those in the area of effect with death energy. When cast, shadowy wisps with no substance reach out from the caster to engulf the area of effect, requiring a Reaction save for anyone in the area. If the save is successful, the targets may use move actions to escape the AoE. However, anyone who enters the AoE after it is cast but while it is being maintained, is subject to the spell effect. Anyone caught in the area at the end of the round becomes trapped and begins to drown in the death energies, requiring a Stamina save each round, with a progressive -2 modifier each round. A failed save indicates that the target has passed out and, without assistance, will regain consciousness six rounds after the effect ends. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach, the effect ends immediately. The material component is a used death shroud wrapped around the caster’s throat.

Horror

Description:  With this spell, the Death Eater can horrify a target within the range of the spell that spreads to affect all in the AoE. Any who fail the save run off screaming in a random direction for the duration of the spell without concern for anything but getting away from the caster. The spell has a difficult (-4) modifier to cast, giving the target a difficult (-4) save to resist. After the duration ends, any target affected by the spell is left in a Fatigue condition while in the general vicinity and presence of the Death Eater. The material components are a death mask worn by the caster and a small vial of urine that is poured out and used up during the casting.

Gore Gloves

Description:  With this spell, the Death Eater can cause blood-covered bones to grow out of the flesh of their hands, forming living cestus that can be used to make unarmed melee attacks. Claw attacks are made with the Casting skill (Str+6, magic damage, SF 4, Crit 1, Small Size) and require the caster to have a Weapon Proficiency in Gore Gloves. The gloves can take whatever form the caster desires, so long as they maintain a small size, and once the casting state ends, the gloves and the spell must be recast. The material component is a small amount of the caster’s blood, either stored in a vial or from a small wound.

Death’s Shadow

Description:  This spell is used to afflict a living being with death energy, disrupting their life force with the chill touch of the grave. The spell causes sixteen (16) points of damage, if the target takes any damage, their flesh immediately turns cool and pallid, putting them in a Fatigue condition until that damage is healed. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Constitution plus relevant armor plus bonus modifiers) casters add their Basic Hits to the armor total against spells from the same magic foundation. Those who die while under the effect of this spell will immediately rise as a feeder and attack the nearest living being. The material components are a piece of used death shroud (used up) and a chunk of a gravestone or a coffin nail held in the palm during casting.

Control Undead

Description:  With this spell, Death Eaters can take control of and issue commands to any rotter of lower rank within range, temporarily bringing it into their employ. The effect is instant and there is no save. A rotter will remain under the caster’s influence for the duration of the spell, and while a broken spell may provoke an attack from the undead, most often they will either wander away or remain nearby, docile unless provoked. If trying to usurp control over a rotter that is under the control of another caster, that caster is allowed a Willpower save to retain control and becomes aware of the attempt. The material component is a cut of corpse flesh (used up) and a link from an iron chain that is held in the palm during casting.

Animate Skeleton

Description: The Death Eater uses this spell to raise and control the skeleton of a corpse with death energy, directing it with simple commands. Any dead humanoid may be raised in this manner, with any remaining flesh dissipating into dust. These skeletons are marionettes, whose threat rating is based on the caster’s Character Rank, i.e., Novice – Brute, Expert – Hunter, Master – Warling, though casters may attempt to animate a more powerful skeleton with a progressive -4 modifier per threat rank increase. Whether moving or standing still, the bones clack but make no other noise. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or the skeleton moves out of the caster’s spell reach, the skeleton collapses into a pile of bones unless the caster collects three bones and wires them together while the spell is being maintained. So long as this bone armature is kept intact and the skeleton remains within the caster’s spell reach, the death energy does not dissipate, and the caster need only hold the armature to issue commands. The material component is an intact atlas vertebrae placed at the base of the skull that is used up in the casting.

Shield Bash

Attribute: Strength
Type: Attack
Time: One Action

Description: This skill is used to make a sharp or forceful straight-arm punch attack with a physical shield, based on character rank. At Novice rank, characters may make one shield bash attack after weapon SF with no off-hand attack penalties. At Expert rank, characters can make up to two shield bash attacks after weapon SF (up to shield SF) with no off-hand attack penalties and if the target takes damage from the attack, a Stamina save is required to avoid being stunned for the remainder of the round. At Master rank, if the target takes damage from the attack, a Stamina save is required to avoid being staggered for the remainder of the round and the next round. The number of shield bash attacks cannot exceed the total number of actions in the round. On a successful skill check, the target is hit and may defend normally; if the skill check fails or the target makes a successful defend, the attack misses.

Specializations: (Required) Specific type of physical shield, i.e. small, medium, large, etc.

Dualist Stance

Attribute: Knowledge
Type: Utility
Time: N/A

Description: A combat style employing two weapons. Imposing and dynamic, it allows the combatant to make a full round of weapon attacks, allowing characters to use the full speed factor of each weapon (within the total number of available actions in the round), and potentially causing two different types of damage. Learners are instructed in two forms that carry specific attack/defend modifiers. The Balanced form offers no modifiers and used to assess threats or in group tactics. The Break Guard form is an assertive stance that offers a greater chance to hit with a +4 modifier to attack, but a -2 modifier to defend; its daunting nature gives opponents a -2 modifier to defend, while the attacker is wielding two proficient melee weapons. During combat the forms can be changed at the start of each round, but may not be changed during the round, carrying over to the next round if no change is announced. It may be used with any attack or defend skills in the tree, and the modifiers stack with all combat modifiers (including off-hand penalties). Only one stance may be purchased during character generation, but others can be selected as the character advances.

Specializations: (Required) Proficient weapon

Form              Attack/Defend
Break Guard            +4/-2
-defender has            –/-2

Punch

Attribute: Agility
Type: Attack
Time: One Action

Description: Those with this skill can make damaging or disabling attacks to the upper body causing physical damage equal to [Strength] + [Basic Hits]. All punch attacks have a speed factor of 4, a critical hit range of 1, and the difficulty to hit is based on location and damage type (blunt or disable). While this skill may be advanced normally, it may not be used with any Expert or Master level combat skills.

Specialization: None

Kick

Attribute: Agility
Type: Attack
Time: One Action

Description: A character with this skill can make damaging or disabling attacks to the midsection, lower limbs, or those low to the ground or prone, causing damage equal to [Strength] + [Basic Hits] +2. All kick attacks have a speed factor of 2 and a critical hit range of 1, and the difficulty to hit is based on location and damage type (blunt or disable). While this skill may be advanced normally, it may not be used with any Expert or Master level combat skills.

Specialization: None

Layering, Active

Attribute: Knowledge
Type: Utility
Time: N/A

Description: This skill is used to protect against spell interrupts. After successfully casting an Active Duration spell with any Casting skill in this tree, the caster can layer the same spell with this skill, maintaining the spell through any disrupt, including dispelling, moving out of range, loss of concentration, failing to use an action to maintain, etc., for one round per layer added. The spell effect ends if the caster does not maintain the original casting after all added spell layers expire. So long as the target is under the effect of the original casting, there is no save against the layered spell, and there is no limit to the number of times a spell can be layered. Spell details can be found in the Core Rules: Magic Users section.

Tactical Use: After a Hold spell is cast and the target fails the Willpower save, the effect is activated. In the next round, a second Hold spell is cast on the same target, adding a layer; if a Dispel is used or the caster fails to maintain the spell, moves out of range, etc., the spell continues into the next round and that layer is lost, leaving only the original casting which must be maintained normally.

Specialization: (Required) Magical Foundation, i.e. Mystic, Land Strider, Wind Rider, Fire Walker, Wave Runner

Chromatic Hand

Description:  This spell allows the caster to create a hand of shimmering magic of the same color and/or texture as their focus object. When cast, it can be used to make an immediate punch attack, causing twenty (20) points of magic damage, make a push attack to a target prone, or lift or hurl objects up to the caster’s carrying capacity a distance equal to the Influence score in yards, causing ten (10) points of damage plus the weight modifier. While the spell is being maintained, the caster may spend one action (in addition to any active spell maintenance requirements) to take any of the described actions once per round to affect any targets in the locus, though hurling objects requires a casting skill check to hit. A Reaction save and move are required to escape the area of effect, and targets must use a defend action to avoid hurled objects. The spell effect ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell or moves away from the locus, past the caster’s spell reach.

Fire Fist

Description:  With this spell, the caster can create a flaming fist in the same color as their focus object, that strikes from above. The fist causes twenty (20) points of elemental damage to all in an area equal to the Influence score /2, which sets the locus area on fire, causing twenty (20) points of elemental damage the next round and for each subsequent round the spell is maintained. A Reaction save and move is required to avoid the flaming fist; afterward, move actions are required to escape the AoE fire. The spell effect ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell or moves away from the locus, past the caster’s spell reach.

Ice Hand

Description:  Casters with this spell can fashion a hand of ice of the same color as the focus object. It can be used to make punch attacks, causing 20 points of magic damage, grab opponents and crush them causing 12 points of elemental damage, or lift or hurl objects up to the caster’s carrying capacity a distance equal to the Influence score in yards, causing ten (10) points of impact damage plus the weight modifier. While the spell is being maintained, the caster may spend one action (in addition to any active spell maintenance requirements) to take any of the described actions once per round to affect any targets in the locus, though hurling objects requires a casting skill check to hit and grabbed targets may attempt to escape, requiring two actions to grab and crush. A Reaction save and move are required to escape the area of effect, and targets must use a defend action to avoid hurled objects. The spell effect ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell or moves away from the locus, past the caster’s spell reach.

Galeforce Fist

Description:  A caster with this spell can produce a fist made of powerful winds the color of the focus objects to strike targets in an area equal to the Influence score in yards. Those struck are thrown 10 yards into the air and 10 yards back, taking D20+10 falling damage (Elemental damage) and knocked prone. While the spell is being maintained, the caster may spend one action (in addition to any active spell maintenance requirements) to move the locus and affect any targets in range. Targets must make a Reaction save and take a move action to get out of the AoE. The effect ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell.

Ground Strike

Description:  Those with this spell are able to cause a series of stone fists of the same color and/or texture as the focus object to shoot up from the ground, striking those in the AoE. A number of fists equal to the Influence score strikes each target, causing 4 points of impact damage times the number of fists, i.e., 8 stone fists cause 32 impact damage, 9 stone fists cause 36 impact damage, etc., for each round while the spell is maintained A Reaction save and move is required to avoid the initial attack and escape the AoE; afterward, move actions are required to escape the AoE.

Chromatic Chain

Description:  This spell can be used to temporarily immobilize animals, enemies, and monsters. Targets are held in place with a series of chains of the same color and/or texture as the caster’s focus object, remaining aware of their surroundings but unable to move or speak. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or moves out of the spell reach, the effect ends immediately. Anyone who makes contact with an affected target is subject to the spell effects as above, making the effect stronger and increasing its brightness, and adding a progressive -2 save modifier per affected target to others who make contact with an affected individual. In addition, once four or more targets are affected, the brightness of the effect will temporarily blind anyone within the spell reach. When layered, the progressive modifier increases by 2 for each affected target, i.e., one affected target -4, two affected targets -8, etc. Those under the effect of this spell are not subject to a kill shot. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or moves out of the spell’s reach, the effect ends immediately for all affected targets.

Cyclone

Description:  When cast, animals, enemies, or monsters are temporarily trapped in a micro tornado, causing them to rapidly spin around, putting them in a fatigue condition (-2 modifier to all attack, defend, or move actions) that lasts three rounds for each round spent under the spell effect. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or moves out of the spell’s reach, the effect ends immediately. Anyone who makes contact with an affected target immediately breaks the effect, because of this, those under the effect of this spell are not subject to kill shots. When layered, each casting must be interrupted individually to break the effect of the spell.

Ring of Fire

Description:  Those with this spell are able to trap animals, enemies, and monsters in a fiery band, which causes twelve (12) points of elemental damage each round, on top of the other effects. Targets are bound in fire of the same color as the caster’s focus object, remaining aware of their surroundings but unable to move or speak. When layered, the total amount of elemental damage increases by four (4) per additional casting. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or moves out of the spell’s reach, the effect ends immediately. Anyone who makes contact with an affected target takes the elemental damage and immediately breaks the spell effect. Because of this, those under the effect of this spell are not subject to kill shots.

Roots

Description:  With this spell, the caster summons a series of roots, either stone or plant-based, to coil around the target, temporarily immobilizing animals, enemies, or monsters. The roots take on the same color and/or texture as the caster’s focus object, and while remaining aware of their surroundings those affected are unable to move. Anyone who makes contact with an affected target is subject to the spell effects as above, increasing the number of roots, making the effect stronger, and adding a progressive -2 save modifier per affected target to others who make contact with an affected individual, i.e., one affected target -2. two affected targets -4, etc. When layered, the progressive modifier increases by 2 for each affected target, i.e., one affected target -4, two affected targets -8, etc. Those under the effect of this spell are not subject to a kill shot. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or moves out of the spell’s reach, the effect ends immediately for all affected targets.

Submersion

Description:  This spell engulfs an animal, enemy, or monster in a sheath of water that holds them in place and causes them to begin drowning after two rounds. Targets get a save on their initiative turn each round to avoid the drowning effect. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or moves out of the spell reach, the effect ends immediately, at which point the sheath pops, splashing to the ground and leaving the target soaked. In addition to standard spell interrupts, if the sheath is struck from the outside with a sharp weapon, the caster gets a save against the casting skill. If the check fails, the sheath pops, subjecting those in melee to the water splash. When layered, each casting must be interrupted or popped individually to break the spell. Those under the effect of this spell are not subject to kill shots.

Lightning Ball

Description:  This spell is used to surround the target with a ball of lightning causing sixteen (16) points of damage. The effect lasts four rounds, but on the fourth round, the ball will discharge sheets of lightning in all directions, causing twenty-four (24) points of damage to anyone in an area equal to the Influence score /2, with a Reaction save to reduce the damage by half. The ball of lightning engulfs the target and remains on them for the duration of the spell. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor plus bonus modifiers).

Chromatic Charge

Description:  Those with this spell can engulf a target with a volatile burst of magic that causes sixteen (16) points of damage. The effect lasts four rounds, but on the fourth round, the magic detonates causing twenty-four (24) points of damage to anyone in an area equal to the Influence score /2, with a Reaction save to reduce the damage by half. The spell appears as a colorful, pulsating symbol that grows more complex with each round before finally exploding in a display of light and sound. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor plus bonus modifiers).

Conflagrate

Description:  With this spell, the caster can wreath a target in fire, causing sixteen (16) points of damage. The effect lasts four rounds, but on the fourth round, a ring of fire will erupt from the target, causing twenty-four (24) points of damage to anyone in an area equal to the Influence score /2, with a Reaction save to reduce the damage by half. Those engulfed in flame burn for the duration, though it doesn’t cause them to catch on fire; however, when the spell detonates any flammable items worn or carried by anyone in the AoE will catch fire and burn for three rounds or until snuffed. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor plus bonus modifiers).

Tremors

Description:  When this spell is cast, it causes the target to shudder and shake, taking fourteen (14) points of damage and suffering a-2 modifier to all actions. The effect lasts four rounds, but on the fourth round, the magic will release a powerful shockwave, causing twenty (20) points of damage and knocking prone anyone in an area equal to the Influence score /2, with a Reaction save to reduce the damage by half and resist the knockdown effect. Those affected by this spell appear to strobe in place, while the shockwave appears as a blur of motion. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor plus bonus modifiers).

Flashfreeze

Description:  With this spell, the caster is able to instantly freeze water in the air around the target, causing sixteen (16) points of damage. The effect lasts four rounds, but on the fourth round, the magic immediately releases an icy wave of cold that causes twenty (24) points of damage to anyone in an area equal to the Influence score /2, with a Reaction save to reduce the damage by half. Those who are afflicted with this spell take on a bluish hue and have fogging breath and a series of tiny ice shards accompany the blast of intense cold when it explodes. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor plus bonus modifiers).

Wind Gust

Description:  With this spell, the caster can call on the winds from the realm of air to instantly travel in any direction, up to the Influence score in yards. It can be used as a defend action (the caster must move at least one yard) or to move tactically. If the caster moves to a point in the air, they’ll fall slowly at a rate of two yards per action. The caster appears as an immaterial blur moving from point to point, though they are visible and can be tracked.

Chromatic Burst

Description:  When this spell is cast, it initiates an eruption of magical energy centered on an area as defined by the caster. Anyone in the defined area must make a Reaction save, if successful, they may use move actions to escape the AoE, and anyone caught in the AoE suffers twenty (20) points of magic damage. The spell effect appears as a colorful circle filled with runes, that explodes into a series of lights and sounds. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor bonus modifiers).

Chain Lightning

Description:  Those with this spell are able to rain lightning in an area defined by the caster. Anyone in the defined area must make a Reaction save, if successful, they may use move actions to escape the AoE, and anyone caught in the AoE suffers eighteen (18) points of magic damage. The bolts strike targets in the area and the ground, with each accompanied by a crash of thunder, leaving a thick cloud behind that obscures vision, giving all in the AoE a -2 modifier to all actions for the remainder of the round and the next before dissipating. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor bonus modifiers).

Fireball

Description:  With this spell, the caster launches a massive ball of fire, where it will explode in an area defined by the caster. Anyone in the defined area must make a Reaction save, if successful, they may use move actions to escape the AoE, and anyone caught in the AoE suffers twenty (20) points of magic damage. Unless an action is taken to put out the flames, the effect continues to burn into the next round, causing one point of Health damage, plus one per point in the skill tree. It appears as a wide flaming sphere that races at the target area. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor bonus modifiers).

Shockwave

Description:  This spell can be used to produce a shockwave of energy centered on an area as defined by the caster. Anyone in the defined area must make a Reaction save, if successful, they may use move actions to escape the AoE, and anyone caught in the AoE suffers eighteen (18) points of magic damage. The force of the shockwave causes the ground to crack in front of the caster and knocks all targets in the AoE prone. If used underground or in buildings, it could cause structural damage. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor bonus modifiers).

Torrent

Description:  Those with this spell can generate a maelstrom of water that strikes targets in an area as defined by the caster. Anyone in the defined area must make a Reaction save, if successful, they may use move actions to escape the AoE, and anyone caught in the AoE suffers twenty (20) points of magic damage. It appears as a series of powerful water streams that drive through the AoE from various directions and angles, soaking everyone and extinguishing lanterns and torches. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor bonus modifiers).

Chromatic Blast

Description:  This spell is used to create a blast of magic from the caster’s hands that strikes an individual target, causing twenty-two (22) points of damage. It appears as a colorful globe or ray and may have an accompanying sound effect. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor bonus modifiers).

Lightning Bolt

Description:  When cast, this spell throws a bolt of lightning from the caster’s hands that strikes for twenty-two (22) points of damage. It can appear as a sheet, bolt, ribbon, etc, and may crackle or thunder. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor bonus modifiers).

Flame Strike

Description:  Those with this spell can generate a lance of fire, striking for twenty-two (22) points of damage. Unless an action is taken to put out the flames, the effect continues to burn into the next round, causing one point of health damage, plus one per point in the skill tree. The spell can appear as a stream, funnel, etc. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor bonus modifiers).

Stone Shock

Description:  This spell is used to create a directed seism that drives up through the ground, striking for twenty-two (22) points of damage, and knocking the target down. Although the shock wave is not visible, the displaced land and a thunderous rumble from the area are obvious. Use of this spell could cause structural damage if cast in buildings or underground. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor bonus modifiers).

Tidal Force

Description:  When cast, this spell sends a stream of water at the target, striking for twenty-two (22) points of damage and causing knockback. While there is little actual water in the attack, the force of it is enough to extinguish lanterns or torches. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Basic Hits plus relevant armor bonus modifiers).

True Seeing

Description:  This spell allows the caster to see through most types of deceptions, including magic and natural form altering, camouflage, and even verbal deceptions, such as lying. The caster’s focus object must be set in the center of the forehead, whether worn or held, acting as a third eye through which they view the deception. Once cast, the spell will reveal deceptions by enveloping the specified area of effect in a magic aura highlighting the deception. The caster is required to interpret the deception, though often it is obvious from the context of the situation. Deceptions created by magic get an opposed save using the casting skill check to negate the effect of this spell.

Water Elemental

Description:  Those with this spell can summon and control an elemental from the realm of Water. The strength of the elemental is based on Character Rank, i.e., Novice – Lesser, Expert – Greater, Master – Primal, though casters may attempt to summon a more powerful elemental with a progressive -2 modifier per threat rating increase, i.e., Lesser to Greater -2, Lesser to Primal -4. Whoever holds the caster’s focus object may command the elemental, though an initial Willpower save is required by the individual to whom the focus object is passed in order to gain control. Water Elementals despise being summoned, and if the elemental’s overall Threat Rating is higher than the Character Rank it will attempt to break free every 3 rounds, requiring the controller to make a Willpower save to retain control. When summoned, it appears adjacent to the caster, and if its Health is reduced to zero, it dissipates in a splash that soaks anyone directly adjacent. Control ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell, passed control fails, or the elemental moves out of the spell reach of the focus object. A free elemental may immediately return to the Realm of Water. but will more likely choose to attack, getting a Willpower save to resist the caster’s attempts to regain control.

Land Elemental

Description:  With this spell, the caster can summon and control an elemental from the realm of Land. The strength of the elemental is based on Character Rank, i.e., Novice – Lesser, Expert – Greater, Master – Primal, though casters may attempt to summon a more powerful elemental with a progressive -4 modifier per threat rating increase, i.e., Lesser to Greater -4, Lesser to Primal -8. Whoever holds the caster’s focus object may command the elemental. Unless treated poorly, Land elementals typically do not mind being summoned and will go out of their way to aid whoever holds the focus object, though if treated badly, an initial Willpower save is required to gain control, and it will immediately return to the realm of land if the caster fails to maintain the spell or the elemental moves out of the caster’s spell reach. When summoned, it appears adjacent to the caster, and if its Health is reduced to zero, it dissolves into the ground.

Air Elemental

Description:  Those with this spell can summon and control an elemental from the realm of Air. The strength of the elemental is based on Character Rank, i.e., Novice – Lesser, Expert – Greater, Master – Primal, though casters may attempt to summon a more powerful elemental with a progressive -4 modifier per threat rating increase, i.e., Lesser to Greater -4, Lesser to Primal -8. Whoever holds the caster’s focus object may command the elemental, though an initial Willpower save is required by the individual to whom the focus object is passed in order to gain control. In addition, if the elemental’s overall Threat Rating is higher than the Character Rank it may attempt to break free, requiring the controller to make a Willpower save to retain control. When summoned, it appears adjacent to the caster, and if its Health is reduced to zero, a series of winds carry its form away in different directions. Control ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell, passed control fails, or the elemental moves out of the spell reach of the focus object. A free elemental will choose its own targets and/or return to the Realm of Air as it wishes.

Fire Elemental

Description:  When cast, this spell summons and controls an elemental from the realm of Fire. The strength of the elemental is based on Character Rank, i.e., Novice – Lesser, Expert – Greater, Master – Primal, though casters may attempt to summon a more powerful elemental with a progressive -4 modifier per threat rating increase, i.e., Lesser to Greater -4, Lesser to Primal -8. Whoever holds the caster’s focus object may command the elemental, though an initial Willpower save is required by the individual to whom the focus object is passed in order to gain control. In addition, if the elemental’s overall Threat Rating is higher than the Character Rank it may attempt to break free, requiring the controller to make a Willpower save to retain control. Fire elementals despise being controlled and will seek every opportunity to break free and kill the caster who summoned them and perhaps their companions out of spite, before returning to the Realm of Fire. When summoned, it appears adjacent to the caster, curses the caster continuously, and if its Health is reduced to zero, it spittles and sparks into oblivion, swearing eternal vengeance on the caster. Control ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell, passed control fails, or the elemental moves out of the spell reach of the focus object. A free elemental may immediately return to the Realm of Fire or choose to attack, getting a Willpower save to resist the caster’s attempts to regain control.

Arcane Beast

Description:  This spell is used to summon an elemental from the Mystic Realm over which the caster has full control. The Arcane Beast appears the same color and general shape as the caster’s focus object, with a power level based on Character Rank, i.e., Novice – Lesser, Expert – Greater, Master – Primal. Casters may direct the monster with free actions, but the directions must be simple and clear, and once both free actions are used, additional actions are required. When summoned, it appears adjacent to the caster and fades back into the Mystic Realm if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell, the elemental moves out of the caster’s spell reach, or its hit points are reduced to zero.

Shrink

Description:  With this spell, a caster can decrease the size scale of an individual or object by up to two size categories. As targets are decreased in scale their weight class is decreased by the same value, reducing the amount of damage they cause and can mitigate. All armors, gear, clothing, and weapons are decreased proportionally, but the effectiveness is not, i.e., a shrunken healing balm will simply require less of it to be as effective. For common items and objects, there is no save and the change affects the durability in that there is less of it, i.e., one inch of steel is not as strong as three inches of steel. A mirror of the talisman remains with the shrunken character, visually linking them to the caster for the duration of the spell. The spell effect ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach.

Slow

Description:  When cast, this spell causes the target to become extremely lethargic, reducing their number of actions in the round by three for the duration of the effect. Those under the effect of the spell appear to be hampered by magical bonds in the color and/or texture of the caster’s focus object. In addition to losing three actions, the target’s move rate per action becomes the move rate per round, and the speed factor/rate of fire for all weapons and spell casting is reduced to one. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach, the effect ends immediately.

Silence

Description:  Those with this spell can completely suppress all sound in an area around the target, surrounding them in a soft glow the same color as the focus object. Should the save fail, the target is unable to hear anything or make any sound vocally or with movement, in addition, anyone in an area around the target equal to the Influence score /2, is similarly silenced with no save, though they may step out of the effect by exiting the AoE. The spell may be cast on a willing target without requiring a Willpower save, but the visual display makes the effect fairly obvious in most instances.

Pain

Description:  A damaging spell that escalates as it endures, causing eight (8) points of magic damage in the first round and increasing by four (4) points each round thereafter until the caster fails to maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach. The agony generated causes those under the effect to enter a fatigue condition (-2 to all actions) for the duration of the spell. To the target, the effect appears to be generated by the caster’s focus object, with any body damage sustained imprinted into the flesh in its shape. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Constitution plus relevant armor plus bonus modifiers) casters add their Basic Hits to the armor total against spells from the same magic foundation. This spell typically needs to last for multiple rounds to be effective, and due to its vicious nature and the way it often elicits screams from the target, use of it is morally questionable for most schools of magic and among most casters. This spell is ineffective on animals and monsters.

Flare

Description:  When cast, this spell creates a bright burst of light that can be used to blind foes, signal a companion, etc. The shape and color of the light is based on the character’s focus object. Targets within the area of effect, friends and foes alike, get a Reaction save to avoid the effect. Those who make the save see spots but suffer no modifiers, but those who fail the save are blinded, suffering a very difficult (-8) modifier to all attack, defend, and move actions for three rounds, reduced to a difficult (-4) modifier for three additional round. If a warning is issued to allies, no save is required, though the warning itself may alert savvy opponents, likely giving them a bonus modifier to the save.

Charm

Description:  This spell is used to persuade a target to view the caster as an ally for up to one hour per point in the Influence attribute. The target gets a Willpower save initially, and a modified Willpower save if asked to perform any act or action that they would find morally questionable. This spell may be cast upon NPC’s or enemies but is ineffective against animals and monsters. The target is fully aware and will not knowingly engage in a life-threatening activity, in addition, any aggressive action directed at the target will break the spell without requiring a save.

Enlarge

Description:  This spell is used to increase the scale of an individual or object by up to two size categories. For items and objects, the change affects the durability in that there is simply more of it, i.e. three inches steel is stronger than one inch of steel. Targets increased to large class increase to a hulking weight class, while those that go to giant class increase to a massive weight class. All armors, gear, clothing, and weapons are increased proportionally, but the effectiveness is not, i.e. a large healing balm requires more of it to be as effective. A mirror of the talisman remains with the enlarged character, linking them to the caster for the duration of the spell. The spell effect ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach.

Animate Rotter

Description:  This spell is used to raise and control the recently dead by imbuing them with death energy and then issuing simple commands. These rotters are marionettes, whose threat rating is based on the caster’s Character Rank, i.e., Novice – Rotter, Expert – Shambler, Master – Stalker, Epic – Demilich, though casters may attempt to animate a more powerful rotter with a progressive -4 modifier per threat rank increase. Although they lack emotion and personality, they are driven to complete a given task. Eerily silent when still, anytime a rotter moves they make a haunting wail, often leaving a trail of gore, depending on the condition of the corpse. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or the rotter moves out of the caster’s spell reach, the rotter simply stops moving and remains still. The death energy dissipates an hour after the spell effect ends unless the caster collects at least a quarter of the rotter’s heart while the spell is being maintained. So long as the heart is kept intact and the rotter remains within the caster’s spell reach, the death energy does not dissipate, and the caster need only hold the heart to issue commands. The material component required to animate is a quarter of any humanoid heart placed on the chest that is used up in the casting.

Thorns

Description:  With this spell, the caster can summon a ground covering of thorny foliage in a particular area. The effect of the thorns varies by character rank, those in the AoE become snarled, reducing move actions by half and requiring an action to break free before taking a move action (Novice), while suffering eighteen (18) points of impact damage for each move action taken (Expert), and becoming immobilized after two rounds in the AoE, taking damage from every action (Master). The spell may be cast on any natural terrain, or upon dirt or wood flooring, during which spherules rush to the area and plunge into the surface, instantly growing into the foliage.

(E) Smite

Attribute: Influence
Type: Attack
Time: Two Actions

Description: Characters use this skill to call upon the deity or entity to bring their wrath down on an opponent. On a successful skill check, a target within a range of 1 yard per point in the skill tree is knocked prone and inflicted with a fatigue state that lasts for one round per 2 points in the skill tree, beginning immediately and ending at the end of the expiration round. The target gets a Stamina save with a -1 modifier per 3 points in the skill tree to resist the Smite, with the knockdown affecting up to large-sized beings. The use of this skill begins a communal state.

Prerequisites: The rebuke skill and four points in the skill tree

(E) Heal

Attribute: Constitution
Type: Utility
Time: Two Actions

Description: Those with this skill can lay on hands to absorb significant wounds, healing the target while taking on their body damage. The character can choose to exchange any number of body points and heal the target at a 1:1 ratio, though upon taking on the damage, they immediately enter a damaged condition (-4 modifier to all actions). The target’s damaged condition is not removed unless all body damage is healed. The use of this skill begins a communal state.

Prerequisites: The Offering skill and four points in the skill tree

Rejuvenate

Description:  When cast, this spell will remove Condition effects, including fatigue and damage, and combat effects, including stun, stagger, and sensory deprivation effects, i.e. blind, deaf, etc. It will also revive those knocked out but have positive health or body points remaining. After the effect ends, targets return to their previous state, but those who have been revived remain conscious. While the spell effect removes modifiers for attacking, defending, and move actions immediately, a target that’s been knocked out must still wait for their initiative turn to stand from prone. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach, the effect ends immediately. A continuous burst of spherules accompanies the effect until the spell ends.

Soothe

Description:  This spell is used on animals, enemies, or monsters providing a degree of calm to counter the fight or flight response. When under the effect of the spell, the target ceases all aggressiveness, anger, hostility, or desire for combat for the duration, allowing for roleplay opportunity to resolve combat. Any aggressive act, including verbal threats, made against the target will negate the spell, and the spell effect ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach. Targets are fully aware of what’s going on around them, and while animals or monsters may lose interest and wander away, enemies will typically interact with the caster. For the duration of the spell effect, slow-moving spherules run between the caster and target, linking them.

Life Projection

Description:  This spell is used to create an exact copy of the caster in the current circumstances, appearing up to a distance away equal to the spell reach, extending the caster’s overall spell reach from each individual projection. The number of projections is based on character rank, i.e., Novice = 1, Expert = 2, Master = 4, with each capable of independent movement, defend actions, and speech. When used with layering, one additional projection may be added per casting. Casters are able to transfer their physical form between the projections by spending one action in the round as a move or defend action, though a casting check is required to transfer the physical form as a defend action, and the transferred projection may not take any defend actions. If a projection is struck, it explodes into spherules, requiring a recasting to be restored. When the caster takes an attack-type action, all projections mimic it, which may make it difficult to determine which is the true physical form, depending on the situation, i.e., a ranged attack can appear to come from all projections at once, but a melee strike from a projection at range will not fool anyone. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or a projection goes beyond the caster’s spell reach, the projection dissipates immediately, requiring a recasting to be restored. During casting, spherules briefly shroud the caster and projections as they appear.

Martyr

Description:  With this spell, the caster can link the life energy of two beings, causing one to endure the effects that are visited on the other. The type of effect endured is based on character rank, one of which is selected by the caster, i.e., impact or elemental damage – Novice; magic damage or healing effects – Expert; recent death or physical location – Master. Multiple effects can be layered onto one target. When cast upon willing targets, no save is required, while unwilling targets are allowed an initial Stamina save. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or one of the targets moves out of the caster’s spell reach, the effect ends immediately. Upon casting, a line of spherules runs between the targets, growing from transfer target to enduring target.

Regenerate

Description:  This spell regenerates health or body damage per round based on Character Rank, up to the maximum scores. The healing effect takes place on the caster’s initiative turn, restoring health/body damage (Novice 2/1, Expert 4/2, Master 6/3) depending upon the casting. Only one type of damage may be healed per target per casting, requiring a new casting check to change the type of healing, although a single target can have the effect layered to heal both health and body points. The spell effect ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach. Spherules from the caster will move to the target and crawl or roll over them for the duration of the spell.

Life Aura

Description:  When cast, this spell summons life energy from the surrounding area and concentrates it in a particular location. Living creatures in the area of effect are overwhelmed with a radiant energy that suppresses all negative actions and emotions, trapping them in a peaceful trance-like state so long as the spell is maintained. Targets are not subject to an attack of opportunity while in the trance and an attack breaks the effect, though if the effect is broken or the target makes the initial save, they must move out of the area of effect before the end of the round or become trapped. Any undead beings in the area of effect become trapped within the barrier of life energy and suffer sixteen (16) points of magic damage each round, though they may escape the area of effect by using a full round of move actions to push out of it. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Constitution plus relevant armor plus bonus modifiers), and undead casters add their Basic Hits to the armor total against spells from the same magic foundation. The spell effect ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach. When cast, spherules rush in from the surrounding area and flitter through the area of effect so long as the spell is maintained.

Invigorate

Description:  This spell fills the target with mystical adrenaline, temporarily increasing their effectiveness, based on Character Rank. Targets may be granted a bonus modifier to the Constitution score to resist damage (Novice +1, Expert +3, Master +5), a bonus modifier to the Strength score to cause damage (Novice +2, Expert +4, Master +6), or a per action movement increase (Novice +3, Expert +6, Master +9). These do not stack with similar effects, targets get the better modifier. When the effect of the spell effect ends, the target is left physically drained and is immediately subject to the normal effects of fatigue (-2 modifier to all actions) for a period of time based on Character Rank, i.e. Novice 1 hour, Expert 30 minutes, Master 10 minutes. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach, the effect ends immediately. The spherules dance excitedly about the target for the duration of the spell, mimicking the effect.

Pestilence

Description:  The Death Eater can use this spell to afflict the target with a virulent disease that puts them in a fatigue state and causes sixteen (16) points of magic damage each round. All damage saves are made against the Magic Armor total (Constitution plus relevant armor plus bonus modifiers) and casters add their Basic Hits to the armor total against spells from the same magic foundation. If the target takes damage, their flesh begins to swell and blister, growing puss-leaking abscesses for as long as the spell is maintained. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach, the effect ends immediately. The material component is a cut of maggot-ridden flesh that is held in the palm and used up in casting.

Exhaustion

Description:  Those targeted by this spell suffer a magical fatigue, giving them a -2 modifier to all attack, defend, and move-based skills and reducing the number of available actions by one (1). In addition, Expert level castings reduce the number of the target’s available actions by 2, and Master level Castings by 3. Targets of this spell are outwardly weary, appearing out of breath with a constant burn in their muscles with every action. The spell effect ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s range.

Speak with Dead

Description:  With this spell, the Death Eater can gather the death energies surrounding a corpse to animate it enough to communicate. The spell doesn’t recall the spirit, rather it collects memory imprinted on the remains, allowing the corpse to intelligently answer questions and offer details about its life without the rage against the living that comes with animate dead. The target may choose to refuse to answer questions by making a difficult Willpower save, but most often will require a favor of some type before answering. This will often be a message to be delivered, though it may be far more complex, and those who do not honor the promise will typically find themselves haunted. Once the spell effect ends, the remains decompose rapidly and turn to dust. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or moves out of the spell reach, the effect ends immediately. The material component is a humanoid tongue placed into the mouth of the skull, that is consumed on casting.

Fear

Description:  This spell is used to evoke panic in a target within the range of the spell that spreads to affect all in the AoE. Any who fail the save are overwhelmed with a wave of panic and may take only defensive actions for the remainder of the round. In each subsequent round that the spell is active, targets suffer a modifier to all attack, defend, and move actions based on the caster’s Character Rank, i.e., Novice -2, Expert -4, Master -6, Epic -8. The spell effect ends immediately if the caster doesn’t maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach, and the material component is a skeletal vertebra that is held in the palm and used up during casting.

Dominate Undead

Description:  Death Eaters can use this spell to enact their will over any existing undead being and force them to serve. If the target’s save fails, they remain under the caster’s control until the spell is released, though a feeder with a higher Threat Rating than the caster’s Character Rank may attempt to break free, requiring the caster to make a successful Willpower save to maintain control. If trying to usurp control over a feeder that is under the control of another caster, the controlling caster is allowed a Willpower save to retain control and becomes aware of the attempt. While dominated undead are subject to the will of the caster, the moment the magic is dispelled, they regain their autonomy. If the caster fails to maintain the spell or the target moves out of the caster’s spell reach, the effect ends immediately. The material component is a severed finger (used up) in a small wrought iron cage that is dangled before the target.

Animate Feeder