Dungeon Chatter

Ars Arcana Blog 2.4:  Spells: Points, Slots, and Abilities Travis Joseph Rodgers Do spellcasters in your game use spell points, spell slots, or can they call upon spells like other abilities (like climbing, throwing, and hacking)? Here are three potential problems your magic system will have to deal with and three approaches to solving those problems, with strengths and weaknesses of each approach considered. Part I: The Approaches These three approaches may not be exhaustive, but they do a good job of capturing the typical range of options one might see in an RPG. They are differentiated by the frequency one can cast and the relative customizability of the power of a “readied” spell. Spell Points (SP) Pool of points. Each spell has a cost. More points for more powerful spells. Systems: MERP, Role Master. E.g., Merlin and Magic Martha both cast “flame bolt” spell. Merlin easily pumps a dozen spell points into it, making it devastate his opponents. Martha fum...

The Magebanes In Brief The magebanes are a guild responsible for stamping out misuses of magic in Kura. Magebanes are trained in the investigation of the arcane and the containment of dangerous arcana. This means they often operate covertly, with only the council and/or the local hiring agent being aware of their presence. Magebanes almost never advertise. Heraldry The traditional symbol of the magebane is the opposed wands rune, presented either vertically or horizontally: >--------- ---------< This symbol is quickly produced and recognized. More advanced symbols include the hooded mantle of the upper echelon members, sometimes with a vertical wand in accompaniment. Membership Apprentice > Cap > Cloak > Mantle > Council A typical apprenticeship lasts for two years (apprentices are called apprentices), before the newly-titled cape is permitted to handle jobs on her own. After adequate service through approximately five years, the cap...