Spellcasting: Difference between revisions

This page covers the key magical effects that every player should understand, as well as the rules for casting spells, maintaining magical effects, and learning [[Magic|magic]].

The following calls, effects, and physical representations are commonly encountered during play and may affect any character, regardless of [[Classes|class]]. All players should familiarise themselves with this section.

* '''[[Magic#Heal|Heal]]''' - Restores 2 HP.

* '''[[Magic#Full_Heal|Full Heal]]''' - Restores all HP.

* '''[[Magic#Resurrection|Resurrection]]''' - Revives a [[Combat and Damage#Downed|Downed]] character to their base HP (2 HP or 4 HP depending on class).

* '''"Force"''' - Move backwards 5 steps. If this would push you into water, off a cliff, or into an obstacle or terrain, you are immediately Downed.

* '''"Bind"''' - You cannot move your feet for 30 seconds. You may still fight. The effect ends if you are reduced to 0 HP.

* '''"Nullify"''' - Removes many magical effects, including Arcane Servants, Blessings, Wards, and other active spell effects.

Magical buffs are lasting spell effects represented by coloured cloth markers. These markers allow other players to quickly identify active magical effects during play.

* '''[[Magic#Arcane_Ward|Arcane Ward]] / [[Magic#Holy_Ward|Holy Ward]]''' - The shield blocks magical damage and the wielder is immune to Bind effects. If struck by [[Weapons and Equipment#Siege_Weapons|siege damage]], the wielder must move back 5 steps. Represented by a purple or white shield cover or wrap.

Weapons and shields affected by '''Arcane Weapon''', '''Blessed Weapon''', '''Arcane Ward''', or '''Holy Ward''' may be prepared and left in a side's deployment area before combat begins.

If the player becomes Downed or discards the item, the effect ends.

The following rules apply to all spellcasters. These rules explain how spells are cast, how magical effects are maintained, and what happens when casting is interrupted.

While casting a spell, the caster must remain in the same position where they began the spell.

If the caster otherwise voluntarily moves, is forced to move, stops chanting, or is struck before the spell is completed, the spell is interrupted.

Most spells require the caster to chant the spell's name while counting aloud for the spell's listed casting time.

The spell is completed once the full casting time has been reached.

Casters must have access to their spellbook while playing. The spellbook contains the spells known by the character and the rules for casting them.

'''No Spellbook = No Spellcasting''', even if your class has spell access.

Many spells require a physical representation, such as a headband, weapon sock, shield cover, [[Weapons and Equipment#Arcane_Bolts_and_Thrown_Weapon_Rules|magic bolt]], or other prop.

Players are responsible for providing any physical representations required for the spells they intend to cast.

At weekly games, spells only last until the end of a game round. Spells refresh at the start of each round.

At events, spell length will vary depending on the type of event and spell cast. This will be explained during the event briefing.

Some spells can be upgraded by purchasing additional levels. Higher levels increase the number of active copies of that spell that the caster may maintain during a game round.

The exact benefits of each level are listed in the spell's description in [[Magic|Magic]].

A spell is interrupted if the caster:

* The attempt still counts towards any per-round casting limit.

When a spell is interrupted it causes backlash damage. This represents the unstable magic going awry and lashing out at the caster as they lose control of the magic.