Heroes

Of
Fantasy

Book 2, Part 2: FX
An
Alternity Rules System
for
Fantasy Campaign Settings
 Table of Contents
Chapter 4: Shared Magic 95
Shared Magic Skills 95
Abjuration 96
Black Magic 100
Divination 109
Earth Magic 112
Fire Magic 118
Rune Magic 122
Spirit Magic 128
Water Magic 134
Wind Magic 139
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic

Shared Magic FX represents those spells that are shared by Commune with the Earth 2 -
both Arcane and Faith Adepts. This means that both types of Conjure Earth Elemental 2 -
characters have access to them as well as do Talents. The Dig 3 0
manner in which the skills work for either an Arcanist or a Distance Distortion 2 -1
Believer is the same as if the skills belonged to the Arcane or Elemental Bonding 3 +1
Faith Magic FX categories. This means that an Arcanist would Magic Stone 1 -
study Fire Magic spells where a Believer would pray for the same Passwall 3 +1
spells. Therefore, Believers can ignore the ‘Learn’ column Transmute Earth 3 -
entries. Tremors 4 +1
Of the nine broad skills presented Abjuration and Divination
are the two most likely to be used by an Arcanist or a Believer. Fire Magic (Personality) 7 +1
The Elemental broad skills follow next in commonality but Aura of Fire 3 -
Arcanists use these skills more often. Black Magic and Spirit Body of Fire 2 -
Magic are far less common to either type of Adept as these skills Commune with Flames 4 -
not only provide spells but also shape who the character is in a Conjure Fire Elemental 2 -
greater degree than many other broad skills, with the exception Elemental Bonding 3 +1
of Wild Magic. The Runes & Symbols broad skill is similar to Fire Attack 1 -
Spirit Magic but it does represent a way for any Adept to access Fire Charm 2 0
the power of universal magic. Fire Seeds 4 +2
Fire Trap 2 +1
Quench 3 0
Shared Magic Skills Rune Magic (Will) 4 +2
Hegemony 5 +2
Cost Learn Legerdemain 3 -
Abjuration (Will) 5 0 Runes of Victory 4 +1
Circle of Warding 3 -
Dispel 2 - Spirit Magic (Personality) 7 +3
Forbid 3 - Bind 4 +2
Free Action 2 - Call 1 -
Magic Resistance 4 0 Charm Spirit 3 0
Obscure 3 - Circle of Warding 2 -
Protection 2 - Exaction 3 -
Sphere of Security 4 +1 Exorcise 3 -
Journey 4 +2
Black Magic (Constitution) 8 +1 Mana Weapon 2 -
Black Hand 4 -1 Spirit Sight 1 -
Blight 2 - Spiritual Alacrity 4 +1
Circle of Gloom 2 -
Curse 2 - Water Magic (Will) 7 +1
Darkness 1 - Acid Storm 4 +2
Death Spell 3 +1 Aura of the Deep 3 -
Embellish Undead 2 0 Body of Water 2 -
Nightmare 3 0 Commune with the Waters 4 -
Power of the Undead 3 +1 Conjure Water Elemental 2 -
Scourge 4 - Create Water 1 +1
Spectral Steed 2 -1 Elemental Bonding 3 +1
Undead Mastery 2 0 Reflecting Pool 3 +2
Unholy Guidance 2 - Saturate 2 -
Waveform 3 -
Divination (Intelligence) 6 0 Vaporize 3 0
Contact Other Plane 4 +1
Detect 1 - Wind Magic (Dexterity) 7 +1
Know 2 - Aura of the Winds 3 -
Locate 2 - Body of Air 2 -
Medium 1 - Breath 2 -
Scry 3 0 Command Winds 2 +1
Sixth Sense 3 -1 Commune with the Breeze 4 -
Conjure Air Elemental 2 -
Earth Magic (Constitution) 7 +1 Elemental Bonding 3 +1
Animate Earth 3 +1 Resonance 2 -
Aura of the Earth 3 - Vacuum 3 0
Body of Earth 2 - Vapors 4 +1
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
Abjuration (cost 5, learn 0)
This broad skill is a group of specialized protective spells.
Each is used to prevent or banish some magical or non-magical
effect or creature. While being similar to the Guardian broad skill
under faith magic, these spells protect against a greater range of
enemies and threats.
Abjuration is a very friendly and easy to use group of spells.
Aside from the numerous protections the broad skill offers most
of the specialty skills can be used at the broad skill level of use.
Circle of Warding (cost 3)
Duration: 5 Combat Rounds
Type: Personal
Resist: Resolve-physical resolve
Range: Centered on Adept
Trappings: See below
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: When cast this spell creates a 5-meter radius circle
around the Adept that prevents entry by a specified type of
creature. The circle can be specified to defend against
Elementals, Undead, Spirits, Outsiders, or Summoned
creatures. This spell may also be used against creatures, either
mundane or supernatural, that have either a positive, negative,
or neutral Moral Attitude. When used against a type of Moral
Attitude however only the basic option of the spell can be used.
The other two options (forming the circle with a substance or
drawing the circle) cannot be used against a Moral Attitude.
Moral Attitudes are defined in the following fashion.
Positive Neutral Negative
Ethical Anti-Authority Corrupt
Gallant Apathetic Despicable
Honorable Conformist Selfish
Virtuous Just Unscrupulous
Worldly
Once in place any creature of a specified type must pass a
Resolve-physical resolve check at a +1, +2, or +3 penalty
based on the quality of the spell check. A critical failure on the
target’s roll means that the being flees for 2d4 rounds. Even if
this check is passed any such creature within the circle suffers
the same penalty to all actions and Action Checks. If the spell is
cast while a creature of the type defended against is in the area
of effect, that creature does not have to roll to enter the circle.
However the penalty to actions still applies. Note that the
Magic Resistance of a target does not effect the strength or
ability of the circle. The Adept can have only one Circle of
Warding in existence at any one time. If a second Circle of
Warding spell is cast it replaces the previous one however
several Adepts could have several versions of the spell in effect
and in the same area simultaneously.
The protection granted by the spell requires that the
Adept not take certain offensive actions against the warded
creatures. If the Adept attacks a warded creature with a melee
or unarmed attack then the spell immediately ends. This same
condition occurs if the Adept forces the ward on a creature in
such a manner that the creature cannot avoid it. Ranged
attacks, ranged spells, or telepathic assaults do not cause the
circle to prematurely end.
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The circle automatically defends against all beings
belonging to the selected category however the Adept can state
that certain beings are not effected. Therefor an elemental
ward could exclude air elementals (i.e. allowing them to enter
and act without penalty), or one set against Outsiders could
allow those of the forces of good to enter without penalty as
well. The circle cannot be specified against more than one type
of creature at a time, as has already been stated.
If time allows and materials are at hand the Adept can also
form a physical circle with a substance of some type. The
substance need not be magical or exotic (like the ashes of a
vampire destroyed by sunlight) but must be difficult to find
naturally in large quantities. Some suggested substances and
what type of creature they may effect are given below.
Creature Type Substance
Elementals Opposite element or Flower petals
Outsiders Mercury, Obsidian Dust or Powdered Silver
Spirits Blood or Items owned by the Adept
Summoned Beings Powders or Herbs
Undead Salt or Garlic
Forming a circle with a substance requires 1 phase per 2
meters of circle drawn and assumes that there is enough of the
substance to complete the circle however using this option
allows for larger or smaller circles than the standard spell. At
no time during the formation of the circle or after it has been
laid can the circle be broken else all of the magic is lost and the
substance cannot be used for further, similar applications. The
use of the substance increases the resistance of the circle by 1
step. Of course once the circle is formed it cannot be moved
and if the Adept steps outside of it, the circle loses all
resistance and magic. The circle can be made and used later if
desired, but the circle must remain unmolested during the
interim.
If even more time is available the circle can be drawn as
well. Doing so requires a complex skill check requiring one
check for every 2 meters of circle drawn. One check is allowed
per minute. The quality of the complex skill check grants a –1,
2, or 3 step bonus to the actual casting of the spell. In addition
to this the resistance of the circle is increased by 1 step. While
ink may be used for this option, chalk or charcoal is a more
likely option. As with the substance option above once the
circle is formed it cannot be moved and if the Adept steps
outside of it, the circle loses all resistance and magic. The
circle can be drawn and used later if desired, but the circle
must remain unmolested during that time.
Both of the substance and drawn circle options may also
be used to create a circle that encloses a circular area that
excludes the Adept. This use is focused towards summoning or
trapping a being in the circle. In such a case all spell checks
and rules for the circle remain the same. After the circle is
complete the summoning spell can be cast. Such summoning
circles have an additional +1 to resistance but if the being
escapes, the circle is spoiled and loses its magic. Beings that
are inside the circle cannot make direct attacks outside of the
circle nor may they tamper with the circle directly. If a being is
summoned that has a specific name, and that name is said
aloud during the casting of this spell, then the creature must
pass a consecutive physical and mental resolve (assuming all
current penalties) skill check in order to escape.
At no point are any of the circles proof against physical
intrusion of an ‘Impact’ origin. The defense effects the being's
willpower and resolve but is not a barrier against accidents
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
like a person throwing a warded being into the circle. In other
words the spell does not create a force field. However a
creature would not willingly allow itself to be thrown into the
circle unless a physical resolve were passed (and in that case it
could cross the circle under it’s own power anyway).
⊗ Ranks 3, 6, 9, & 12 - Increased Duration: At the indicated ranks
the duration increases to 15 rounds (3 minutes), 50 rounds
(10 minutes), 150 rounds (30 minutes), and 300 rounds (1
hour).
Dispel (cost 2)
The effects of this spell may be Held
Duration: Instantaneous
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: Magic Resistance
Range: Rank by 10/20/30 meters (Modifiers: 0/+1/+2)
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This powerful abjuration grants the Adept the ability
to ‘undo’ another spell or innate ability that is also magical in
nature. Every 2 ranks of difference between the target spell
and the Adept’s Abjuration-dispel rank applies either a 1 step
bonus or penalty to the roll. If the target is a person with
magical resistance then that penalty applies as well. If the
check succeeds then the spell ends immediately. The Adept
always succeeds when using this spell against his own magic.
If the spell check succeeds then the target spell is ended,
as stated before, but for how long is the real question. Any
spell cast by an arcane or faith talent ends and is permanently
removed from the game (unless cast again of course) however
innate powers of creatures and FX items are handled
differently.
If the spell or ability requires FX points or charges to
invoke than it to is dispelled as if cast by an Adept. ‘Active’
powers and permanent abilities are only negated for a period
of time. In such a case the effect is negated for 1d4 time units
based on the degree of success: Ordinary, in combat rounds;
Good, in minutes; and Amazing, in 10 minute increments. In
these cases a rank score may not always be available. If the
‘Active’ power belongs to a creature then either its Stamina-
endurance or Resolve-physical resolve ranks can be used to
modify the dispel result. In the case of neither being available
(which usually involves FX items) then use the previous
options of the item’s wielder or no modifier, pro or con, exists.
The spell can target only one effect per casting. The effect
must also be in range and must be known by the Adept.
Therefor an Adept cannot come across a monster and dispel a
random power he doesn’t know about nor can he do the same
to another person who may have some spell in effect. This
spell has no effect on psionic powers of any sort or innate
abilities that are not magical. This includes natural adaptations
to GRAPHs, thermal vision, cultural benefits, or attacks like
poison or other hazards producing attacks (which include
breath weapons). This also includes mutations as well unless
specifically stated as being magical.
 Rank 3- Dispelling Shield: A ‘Dispelling Shield’ is a skintight
field of magical energy that surrounds the Adept, or person
touched. The duration of the effect is permanent until the
shield attempts to dispel an incoming magical influence. If the
person is attacked by a spell that the Abjuration-dispel ability
could nullify then the shield will attempt the same. In such a
case the shield uses the Adept’s skill score and follows the
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same rules for the standard use of the spell. Regardless of its
success the shield ends after one use. This effect can be
dispelled itself and if another ‘Dispelling Shield’ is cast on the
same person, the new shield overrides the old (i.e. a person
cannot have two or more of them at once).
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12- Improved Duration: At the indicated rank the
duration die rolled increases to a d6, 2d4, and 2d6 for effects
that only null for a duration.
 Rank 6- Dispelling Zone: At rank 6 the Adept can effect an
entire area with this option. In this case the Adept need not
know of any existing magical effect. The spell range remains
the same and Adept can target a 10-meter cubic area of effect.
When done so the Adept need only roll one check at normally
step modifiers. The quality of the spell check determines the
results. For spells in effect the quality of the spell check must
be equal to or greater than the spells to be eliminated. If so
then they are dispelled.
For innate powers or FX items with either Active or
Permanent qualities the rules change a bit. A being or item
targeted is allowed a Resolve-physical resolve or a Durability
check to resist the spell. However they need only produce a
success that is equal or greater in quality.
The dispelling zone cannot differentiate between friend
and foe nor can it specify certain magic to ignore. On the other
hand it does target all magic in the cube. Each of the abilities
must be rolled separately. If the Game Master and player agree
some persons, beings, or items may make one ‘all or nothing’
roll to save time.
 Rank 9- Anti-Magic Zone: At rank 9 the Adept can create a zone
that causes all magic to cease to function out to 10 from his
person. The duration of this effect is 10 minutes per degree of
success. The zone is mobile as the Adept moves, but is
centered on the character and cannot be cast at a distance.
Forbid (cost 3)
Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success
Type: Influential-Ranged by Accuracy
Resist: Resolve-mental resolve and Magical Resistance
Range: 5 meters per rank.
Trappings: An object to be effected
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: Yes
Description: Forbid creates a magical barrier that can surround
an object or entrance as long as it is no larger than 2 cubic
meters per rank of the Adept. Once in place the accuracy of the
spell’s casting (including Marginal results) imposes a modifier
towards the Resolve-mental resolve skill check of any being
that attempts to touch or pass through the object.
A success is required to by-pass the spell but the result of
the Resolve check must also be of equal or greater value of the
spell’s casting. Any failure indicates that the being cannot
approach closer than one meter of the object. Only one check
is allowed per being that attempts to approach the object. If
failed then that being cannot make another attempt to
approach the object while protected by this casting of the spell.
The Adept can assign a ‘password’ with the spell that will
allow those who know it to approach the warded object. Even
if a password is not assigned, the Adept can always approach
the object unhindered.
This spell cannot be placed on living beings. If the spell is
cast on an object that is held, worn, or that is within 1 meter of
a being then he can immediately make a mental resolve check
(at no penalties) per round to avoid the effects.
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
⊗ Ranks 3, 6, & 9 - Improved Duration: At the indicated ranks the ⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Increased Duration: At the indicated ranks
duration increases to 1 day per degree of success, 1 week per the duration of the spell increases to 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 4
degree of success, or is permanent until dispelled. hours per degree of success.
 Rank 6 – Bite of Forbiddance: At rank 6 the Adept can also
grant the ward the ability to cause damage to those who fail
the mental resolve check. The damage sustained is based on
both the Moral Attitude of the Adept and the other being. If
both persons have the same attitude in terms of positive and
negative and independent and associative then no damage is Magic Resistance (cost 4, learn 0)
taken. If the attitudes differ in terms of independent or This skill cannot be used untrained
associative then the being suffers 1d4+1w in damage, which is Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success
treated as En/O. If the attitudes differ in terms of positive and Type: Personal
negative then 2d4+1w is taken instead. If the attitudes differ Resist: None
in both ways then 2d4+1w is taken and the being must also Range: Touch
roll a check against fatigue damage using the standard rules. In Trappings: None
the case of the fatigue check the accuracy of this spell’s casting Complexity: Simple
does not apply. Armor and other protections can defend Marginal: No
against the damage. Description: The casting of the Magic Resistance spell grants the
Moral Attitudes are defined as being positive, negative, Adept, or another person touched, with a +/-1, 2, or 3
independent, or associative as shown on the tables below. Resistance Modifier against magical attacks and influences.
Specific rules for Magic Resistance is given in Chapter 8:
Positive & Negative Attitudes Gamers in Action of Book 1. This spell does not grant any
Positive Negative benefit from Attack type spells that create ‘Hazard’ conditions
Ethical Corrupt nor does it have any effect on psionic powers.
Gallant Despicable ⊗ Ranks 3, 6, 9, & 12 – Anti-Magic Shell: At the indicated ranks the
Honorable Selfish spell can also have an area of effect centered on the Adept or
Virtuous Unscrupulous the person protected by the spell. The area of effect is equal to
the rank the Adept has in the spell in meters (3-meter radius at
Associative & Independent Attitudes rank 3, 6-meter radius at rank 6, and so on).
Associative Independent ⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 - Spell Immunity: At the indicated ranks the
Conformist Anti-Authority Adept can specify a single Arcane, Faith, or Shared magic
Corrupt Apathetic specialty skill against which he is immune. The Adept can
Ethical Despicable specify 2 at rank 8 and a total of 3 at rank 12. The immunity is
Gallant Selfish complete unless the spell is cast at a rank higher than the rank
Honorable Unscrupulous of this spell.
Just Worldly  Rank 6 - Spell Turning: At rank 6 the Adept can cause a spell
Virtuous cast at him to in turn attack the caster of the spell. In order to
do this, the Adept must completely avoid the spell and must
then roll a success using this spell score. If successful the spell
returns to the caster at one degree of quality less than it was
originally. Every spell beyond the first that is cast at the Adept
Free Action (cost 2) in the same phase, and is one the Adept attempts to turn,
Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success imposes a cumulative +2 penalty.
Type: Personal  Rank 9 – Major Spell Turning: This benefit has the same effect
Resist: None as the Spell Turning benefit above with the exception that the
Range: 10 meters per rank. returned spell has the same quality as when it was cast.
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple Obscure (cost 3)
Marginal: No Duration: 10 minutes per rank
Description: Free Action protects a character from effects that Type: Personal
hinder movement or those that apply penalties to Action Resist: None
Checks. During the duration any effect or condition that Range: None
hinders either or both of these factors is reduced in penalty by Trappings: None
1, 2, or 3 steps based on the spell’s success. If percentages are Complexity: Simple
used then they are also modified by a similar number of steps Marginal: No
based on the scale of possible outcomes for varying degrees of Description: The casting of this spell makes the use of detection
success. This benefit also applies to effects and conditions that powers more difficult when applied against the Adept. The
are already in effect. The only area that this spell does not Adept need not know the nature of the other spell or power; it
protect is person is the effect of encumbrance or penalties for effects all of them equally. When cast the Adept imposes a +1,
heavy armor. 2, or 3 step penalty to the use of any Divination spell upon him.
In no way can the step modifiers be turned into bonuses as This includes FX items with detection abilities as well.
they only remove penalties.  Rank 4 - Obscure Other: At rank 4 the Adept can cast this spell
on another person. If they are resistant to the effect the
98
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
target’s Will Resistance Modifier can apply a penalty. The
range of this option is 10 meters per rank of the Adept.
 Rank 8 - Isolate: At rank 8 the spell will also render a person or
thing effected by the Obscure spell invisible as well. This
implies the usual +4 penalty to being detected and uses other
rules associated with the Illusion/Phantasm-invisibility spell.
The duration however remains the same as with the standard
spell but an effected person does not become visible if he
attacks. Other senses aside from sight are effected by the +4
penalty as well.
 Rank 12 – Illusionary Veil: This option allows the Adept to
create an illusion that is 100 cubic meters in area. The illusion
can be of anything that the Adept desires but once cast the area
of effect cannot be moved however any movement of the
illusions within the area is allowed. The Adept can also dictate
that some elements in the area cannot be seen as well.
Therefor the Adept could cast the spell over a mountain pass
so that it appears empty while an army is actually moving
through it. He could also specify that only one out of every
three men is seen or that the army appears as invading Orcs
instead of infantry of another species.
Attempts to scry the area, or the use of detection powers,
automatically detect the illusions as though they were real.
This means that the illusionary Orcs would also register as
having negative Moral Attitudes or that the pass is also quiet.
Direct observation (i.e. the use of Awareness-perception,
Intelligence checks, and so on) may allow the illusion to be
seen for what it is by using the rules for Illusion/Phantasm-
illusion spell. Other clues that are obvious or suspicious are to
be handled as the Game Master sees fit.
Protection (cost 2)
Duration: 10 minutes per rank.
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: Touch
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell is similar to the Circle of Warding and
Magic Resistance spells above with a few major exceptions.
First the spell cannot defend against magic that is Influential in
type. Secondly it cannot ward beings away. However the spell
grants a +1, 2, or 3 Resistance Modifier and/or a similar step
bonus against almost any other attack or effect. The protection
spell can be used to defend against the following effects:
1)Positive moral attitudes or Negative moral attitudes
2)Curses
3)Life/Ability draining attacks
4)Fire and Heat
5)Energy attacks (other than lightning, fire, heat, or cold)
6)Cold
7)Poison
8)Acid
9)Lightning
10) Wood
11) Metals
12) Paralytic attacks and effects
13) Telepathic Intrusion
14) A specific type of creature like Undead, Dragons,
Constructs, Beasts, etc. (as described in Book 3)
99
The defense covers any one selected effect above (or others
the Game Master allows) with modifiers indicated. The spell
does not prevent attacks or the ability of beings to approach the
Adept with the exception of the benefits stated above. The Adept
can cast this spell on another person instead however it cannot
be cast on unwilling persons or on objects of any type.
⊗ Rank 2 - Shared Protection: Beginning at rank 2 the Adept can
grant the same protection to other persons. The number of
other person is equal to as many ranks as he has with this spell
as long as they are within 5 meters of the Adept when the spell
is cast.
 Rank 4 - Scroll of Protection: At rank 4 the Adept can pen the
protective qualities of the spell on to a scroll, or other writing
surface, so that it can be cast by others who may or may not
have FX abilities. Writing the scroll follows the standard rules
for writing a magical one as described in Chapter 12: FX Items
of this book. There are no magical or arcane formulae involved
in the writing and the spell can be cast by any one who can
read the Adept’s own language or that of which the scroll is
written in. When cast the reader uses his own Will score but
gains the rank of the scroll’s author. While this allows for
varying results the scroll must be specified against one attack
form (i.e. a Scroll of Fire Protection and the like). If a Marginal
result is generated then the spell still functions at the Ordinary
level but the duration is halved. If a Critical Failure is rolled
then the reader suffers 1 point of fatigue damage and the scroll
is spoiled. Scrolls of protection can only be used once.
Sphere of Security (cost 4, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Special (see below)
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: 10 meters
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple or Complex
Marginal: No
Description: This powerful Abjuration spell allows the Adept to
protect all friendly persons within 10 meters. The spell grants
all persons a +1 bonus to both strength and dexterity
Resistance Modifiers and a +2 Resistance Modifier against
Influential magic and psionic attacks.
In addition to this the Adept can select as many as five
specific protection effects that are useable with the Abjuration-
protection at a rank equal to the score with this spell. Each
protective quality of the sphere however requires two more
skill checks changing the casting of the spell from simple to
complex. One check can be made every phase and the overall
quality of the complex check determines the quality of the
spell. Therefor if the Adept wanted to add three protective
abilities to the sphere then the spell would require 7 skill
checks to complete. All protective elements of the spell have
the same quality of the spell itself.
This spell is taxing to maintain and requires a lot of FX
energy to use. The spell costs 1 FX point to initiate however
this only powers the spell for the remainder of the round it is
cast in and for all of the next round. Another FX point is
required per combat round thereafter to maintain the spell per
combat round.
 Rank 6 - Easier Complexity: At rank 6 the Adept can cast this
spell with less complexity. Adding one protective spell
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
requires 2 checks and only one more check is required per effects also. Horses may be spooked in the presence of the Adept,
additional protection added. dogs may bark, and cats may flee. If the Game Master wishes to
use this element of the game then the animals Awareness-
intuition skill can be used.
One aspect that is special about this broad skill is that it
allows an Arcane Adept to use certain Faith Feat options.
However it is important to note that several Faith feats are
changed by the Adept’s nature. How each feat is changed and
which type of Adept can use a given feat is shown below.

Black Magic (cost 8, learn +1)

Feat Type Arcane Adept Faith Adept
Black magic is the entryway into damnation. Those who Atonement No No
practice this kind of magic are vile, conniving, and baneful. Magic Create a Holy Symbol No Yes
of this sort calls upon dark energy to power its spells and this Create Holy Water No No
pact with the forces of darkness eventually leads to defilement Focus No Yes
and corruption. The practice of this magic is an affront to all that Identify FX Item Yes Yes
is good and pure and as such the Game Master may not allow Outreach No Yes
players to select this broad skill. Prayer for Power Yes Yes
As one can imagine only persons with the following Moral Ring of Hands Yes Yes
Attitudes may purchase and use this broad skill: Selfish, Worldly, Sanctify Yes Yes
Corrupt, Unscrupulous, or Despicable. This is true for willing Uplift No No
participants in the dark arts, however it should be noted that
innocent or naïve persons may be lulled into using Black Magic Atonement: There is no atonement to be given to either the Adept
only to discover the error of their ways a little too late. In fact or others in the eyes of the dark lords.
powerful Arcanists and Believers are targets for the beings that Create Holy Symbol: Faith Adepts can use this option normally.
direct such power and are likely to send their minions to tempt Create Holy Water: Adepts who use Black Magic cannot make
and beguile such a character. holy water. There is no ‘unholy water’ known.
The specialty skills available fall into several categories. Focus: Faith Adepts may use this option normally.
First are those that are directed at harming other persons. Spells Identify FX Item: Faith Adepts may use this option normally.
like Black Hand, Blight, and Nightmare have these qualities. Arcane Adepts may only identify objects dedicated to Black
Other spells act as focuses for evil power and effect whole areas, Magic. The use of the Identify benefit under Arcane Magic
people’s attitudes, and even life forces. Curse, Death Spell, and remains unchanged.
Ring of Woe describe these types of spells. The final common Outreach: Faith Adepts may use this option normally.
types of spell found here are those that effect the undead. The Prayer for Power: Both types of Adepts may use this option
connection between the powers of darkness and undead normally however Arcanists may only use this option with
creatures are undeniable, as undeath is a force that corrupts the Black Magic spells.
natural cycle of life to death and life again. Spells like Embellish Ring of Hands: Re-titled as ‘Ring of Woe’ both Arcane and Faith
Undead, Power of the Undead, and Undead Mastery falls in to this Adepts may use this option normally. However, a Arcanist
category. must have the Faith perk in order to do so. Another note to
Black Magic is easily confused with the Necromancy broad this spell is that it does not effect the Cosmos-quell undead
skill. While the two seem similar, it should be noted that spell (being that neither Adept can have it). Instead the bonus
Necromancy, like most other FX skills, could be used for either can be applied to Black Magic spells in general.
benefit or ill will. Black Magic’s sole purpose is to cause and Sanctify: Both Arcane and Faith Adepts may use this option
spread misery and the power of he who wields it. normally. However, a Arcanist must have the Faith perk in
Characters who use this form of magic also make use of the order to do so.
Conjuration, Enchantment, and Illusion broad skills if the Uplift: With the Black Magic-curse spell and the fact that
character is an Arcanist. Believers tend to combine this dark art combined effort involving helping one another is not a
with the Animal, War, and Weather skills. Both types also make common trait among practitioners of Black Magic, this option
use of Elemental magic as well as the Divination, and Spirits cannot be used. Instead both Adept types have access to the
broad skills. This being said, Black Magic acts as the primary skill Black Magic-ring of woe spell.
group with other broad skills defining the character’s role. Writing Scrolls: An Arcane Adept may write arcane scrolls
Using this type of magic forces the character to wear a normally.
mantle that shapes all other aspects of the character. In fact it
could be said that this broad skill more defines a character than
any other skill in the game. Aside from the specialty skills
involved there are three qualities that are unique to this broad The Sacrifice
skill - the sacrifice, the price, and dark gifts. The latter two of The foul energies that grant this magic provide the Adept
these effects are detailed in Appendix 4: Black Magic Effects of with spells of extreme power and veracity. But these negative
this book. The sacrifice is detailed below. forces are selfish and require a sacrifice on the part of the Adept.
The duration of any Black Magic spell will detect as a When any Black Magic spell is cast it automatically drains 1 stun
negative moral attitude through out the duration of any spell. point of damage. This lost point does not count as a point of
This fact also includes abilities that detect evil intentions. As in damage per se, it rather lowers the Adept’s durability score
many horror movies, animals may also be sensitive to these maximum. Therefor an Adept with a stun score of 12 who casts a

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 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
Black Magic spell will now be only able to take 11 points of stun
damage before passing out. This lowered score also lowers the
character’s threshold for dazed penalties as well. If the Adept’s
stun score should reach zero in this fashion he passes out
normally. Recovering lost stun points and raising the maximum
amount of stun that can suffered occur by raising the character’s
durability score back to normal first.
The Adept can also sacrifice fatigue, wound or mortal points
as well. Doing so incurs the greater danger of lowering the
character’s ability to take damage for each durability score but
grants a –1, -2, or –3 step bonus to casting the spell for sacrificing
a wound, fatigue, or mortal point. This point loss and recovery
works exactly as for the loss of stun damage however recovery of
the wound and mortal point maximums has a separate period of
time required before recovery can begin. Fatigue points are
recovered once per hour. Raising the wound level can only be
attempted once per day using a Resolve-physical resolve check.
Raising the mortal can only be done once every three days using
the same skill. In both cases the result of the die roll recovers a
number of points equal to that of fatigue damage. If the Adept in
reduced to zero mortal points, in any combination of lowered
scores and true damage, the character dies.
The sacrifice only effects living beings. Undead spell casters
or Outsiders do not suffer from this effect, as they are non-living,
immortal, or some combination of both. The sacrifice also grants
the Adept a tool to aid in casting these spell, all costs included.
Black Hand (cost 4, learn -1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: One combat round per rank
Type: Attack-Melee by Direct
Resist: Strength
Range: Touch
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: When this spell is cast the Adept empowers his
hands into life draining weapons. For the duration of the spell
the Adept’s touch causes 1d4+1s/1d6+1s/1d4f in damage by
the degree of success using the Unarmed Attack-brawl skill.
The attack gains a –1 Situation Modifier because only a touch is
required and armor offers no protection against it. Certain
spells and other magical defenses may protect the target
however. A noted exception to the armor rule is the use of
some FX items like cloaks and rings, which can aid the armor
value or the Resistance Modifier. Magical resistance may also
apply.
Every point of damage suffered by the target is granted to
the Adept. Every stun point absorbed grants the Adept 1 point
of healing and every fatigue point absorbed grants 4 points of
healing. The Adept can immediately heal a stun point of
damage per point absorbed, a wound point for every two
points absorbed, or either a mortal or fatigue point for every
four points absorbed. If the Adept has not lost any durability
then excess points can be stored following the rules for a Held
spell. In no way can the points increase the Adept’s durability
scores above their normal maximums.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Damage Increase: At each indicated rank the
damage increases by +1 point of damage.
 Rank 9 - Enervation: At rank 9 the spell can be also be used as a
ranged attack. In this circumstance the target uses the
Dexterity Resistance Modifier instead. The Adept can also
101
touch opponents if desired and the duration remains the same.
The attack appears as a black beam of pencil thin light. The
range of the spell is 10/20/30 meters by the Adept’s rank with
range modifiers of 0/+1/+2.
Blight (cost 2)
Duration: One minute per rank
Type: Influential-Melee by Direct
Resist: STR
Range: Touch
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: Blight imposes a malady on a person who is touched
by the Adept’s hands while the spell is in effect. The Adept
attacks with the Unarmed Attack-brawl skill and gains a –1
Situation Modifier as only a touch is required. When a person
is successfully touched the Adept curses them with sensory
deprivation, mental weakness, or physical weakness. In all
cases the duration of the spells effect on the target is Hours,
Days, or Months for an Ordinary to Amazing result. This
duration is then equal to the Adept’s rank in this spell.
Therefor if an Adept of rank 6 scored a Good touch on a victim
he would suffer the result for 6 days.
Sensory deprivation includes deafness or blindness as
well as the other three senses. The penalties for such a malady
are the same as described in Chapter 8: Gamers in Action of
Book 1. For the purposes of this spell a person so effected is
rendered totally blind, deaf, or so on (i.e. there are no degrees
of penalty save the most extreme).
Mental weakness makes the use of Intelligence, Will, or
Personality skill and feat checks more taxing on the character.
When any such check is rolled, a failure or marginal result
requires the character to roll an immediate fatigue check.
Recovery of fatigue points lost in this fashion follows the
normal rules.
Physical weakness is similar to the mental weakness
option above except that it applies to Strength, Dexterity, and
Constitution skill and feat checks and only occurs after
lengthened periods of exertion. If the character engages in an
activity that last longer than 1 combat round a fatigue check
must be rolled. Examples include combat, climbing a wall,
trailblazing, swimming, or picking a lock. The Game Master
may also determine that performing several actions
consecutively also imposes this penalty as well.
These effects are magical in nature and can be removed by
Abjuration-dispel or by Aid-cure. When the duration ends the
effect ends as well.
⊗ Rank 3 - Insanity: If this option is used the character effected
suffers a form of insanity specified by the Adept. The actual
effects of the insanity are left to the player’s design and the
Game Master’s discretion however a penalty of +1 to +3 could
be imposed based on the quality of the spell.
⊗ Rank 6 – Ranged Attack: At rank 6 the spell can be also be used
as a ranged attack. In this circumstance the target uses the
Dexterity Resistance Modifier instead. The Adept can also
touch opponents if desired and the duration remains the same.
The attack appears as a black beam of pencil thin light. The
range of the spell is 10/20/30 meters by the Adept’s rank with
range modifiers of 0/+1/+2.
⊗ Rank 9 - Wither: At rank 9 the Adept’s touch can cause a limb
effected by the ‘Physical Weakness’ option to wither and
become useless. The target is allowed a Resolve-physical
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
resolve to determine the outcome. If the check succeeds with
an Ordinary or Good result then the limb remains withered for
2d6 minutes after which time it returns to normal. If a Failure
is generated then the effect is permanent but may be remedied
by the Aid-cure spell. If a Critical Failure is rolled then the limb
turns to dust and Aid-regeneration or other similar power is
required to recover it. Amazing results avoid the effects of this
spell. This option will not effect the torso or the head of a
target, only limbs and other extremities.
Circle of Gloom (cost 2)
Duration: Special
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: The participating group
Trappings: None
Complexity: See below
Marginal: No
Description: It is rare that a group of vile persons will act in
accord, but when they do the results can be deadly. The circle
of gloom spell allows a body of persons who have the Moral
Attitude eligible to cast Black Magic (the Faith perk is not
required however) to pool their hatred and disgust for what is
good and right into an area of dark magic. To cast the spell the
Adept, and as many as 1 to 10 others, must complete a complex
skill check. Each member other than the Adept rolls a Resolve-
mental resolve or a Faith perk check. Then the Adept rolls a
complex skill check to harness the power. Each member’s
Resolve check cumulatively modifies the Adept’s complex
checks by +2/0/-1/-2/-3 for Critical Failures to Amazing
successes.
For a complex check requiring 2 success the spell grants a
–1 Situation Modifier to any actions and a +1 Resistance
Modifier against attacks that occur during the duration to all
members of the ring. If the Adept desires he may continue to
roll complex checks. For 5 success the bonuses increase to +/-
2 respectively. For 10 successes to bonuses increase to +/-3.
The level of bonus need not be stated and as long as the ring is
sustained the Adept can try for a better result. If three failures
are generated then all bonuses are lost. If the Adept rolls a
Critical Failure at any time while casting this spell all persons
involved are effected by a Black Magic effect as detailed in
Appendix 4 of this book.
The effects of the spell remain as long as at least two
members remain in a close proximity of each other (at least 4
meters). Members who leave the area for any reason lose the
benefits and must roll a Faith perk check to receive them again
once they return to the group. Using the Faith perk in this
fashion still follows the standard rules for that perk. The
effects are also negated for a member if he attacks another
member, whether under control by another party or by ones
own intentions.
⊗ Rank 4 - Line of Destruction: At rank 4 any person who
approaches the group within 4 meters of any member must
roll a Resolve-physical resolve skill check. Failure indicates
that the person suffers 1d4+1 wounds in damage. The damage
cannot be absorbed by armor however magical barriers and
spells that grant armor-like benefits do apply as do other spells
that protect from such attacks. This attack does not distinguish
102
between persons. Only members of the group remain
unaffected however ex-members attempting to reenter the
circle may take damage as with anyone else.
⊗ Rank 8 - The Black Circle: At rank 8 each member gains 1 FX
point per quality of bonus that can used to hurl a fist-sized
globe of dark energy towards a target. The Athletics-throw
skill is used and any strike will cause the target roll a Resolve
check or suffer damage as per the ‘Line of Destruction’ rank
benefit above. The FX point cannot be spent on other spells or
powers and disappears when the spell benefits cease, whether
used or not.
⊗ Rank 12 – Unholy Circle: In addition to the benefits of the ‘The
Black Circle’ option, ‘The Unholy Circle’ heals members of
damage from points of damage suffered by others who are
fighting the group. Damage healed can be spread out favoring
those who need it the most. If no member has lost any wound
points then stun points are healed instead. All healing is done
on a point for point basis, however this effect cannot heal
mortal or fatigue damage.
Curse (cost 2)
Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: See below
Range: 10 meters per rank
Trappings: The target must be considered an enemy
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell cannot be cast on any random person.
Instead this spell can only be cast on a being who has raised
the ire of the Adept or one who is identified as a distinct enemy
(which is usually not hard to do with evil spell-casters).
When the spell is cast all enemy targets that are within a
10 meter area of each other, and who are within spell range,
suffer a +1 penalty to all actions including Action Checks. The
Abjuration-dispel, Spirits-exaction spells or the Metapsionics-
psychic aura power can remove this effect. If the Game Master
allows other spells may also remove the curse if they seem
appropriate. There is no standard resistance to this spell aside
from Magic Resistance or the Abjuration-protection and magic
resistance spells.
⊗ Rank 2 - Defile: The ‘Defile’ option places a curse on a location
rather than a person (or persons). If the location is one that
has been effected by the ‘Sanctify’ faith feat then this spell
lowers that bonus by +1, 2, or 3 steps by the degree of success
when casting the spell. The location sanctified does gain the
step bonus to resist the attack however and the duration of this
effect is 1 hour per rank of the Adept who casts the spell. The
area of effect for this option is the same as the sanctified area.
The duration of this effect can only be canceled prematurely if
the Adept himself ends the spell or the Adept is killed.
In other, non-sanctified, locations the spell warps the
terrain with an aura of evil. Everything, including all persons
will detect as having evil intentions and any force or effect that
relies on the power of goodness is either cancelled or suffers a
penalty equivalent to that imposed to a sanctified location. The
duration of this type of effect is permanent as long as the Adept
maintains it. This means that he cannot recover the FX
point(s) spent in casting the spell. The same criteria as before
can end this spell’s effects. This option has an area of effect
equal to 100 square meters per rank of the Adept. After every
month, week, or day (based on the degree of success) that this
effect remains the Adept can roll a Standing check. Any success
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
indicates that elements of the terrain begin to change in favor
of evil. This includes a bonus to casting Black Magic spells, an
increased likelihood of evil creatures seeking shelter there, a
greater chance that undead will appear, and so on. The Game
Master is free to use this consideration however he feels fit but
it is best used to create a background for the adventure rather
than act as an ‘attack’ spell.
Black Magic Adepts may also use the ‘Sanctify’ option
described in Chapter 2: Arcane Magic of this Book, and that
effect and this spell are two separate, non-cumulative, effects.
⊗ Rank 4 - Greater Curse: At rank 4 the Adept can cast a more
powerful curse but only at one target per casting of the spell.
Unlike the standard version of the spell the target of the spell
may use its Will Resistance Modifier against the attack.
If an Ordinary check is rolled then the target suffers a +2
penalty to all actions and Action Checks. If a Good check is
rolled the target must roll a Dexterity feat check every phase or
drop whatever he or it is holding. More than one roll may be
required if items are held in each hand. If a shield is held then
an Armor Optimization-shields check may be more appropriate
and the item is not dropped but is unusable that phase. If an
Amazing result is generated then one of the targets ability
scores is reduced to a score of 4. If the Adept passes a
Personality feat check then he may select the ability effected,
otherwise roll for it randomly. An Adept who rolls a Good or
Amazing effect may opt for a ‘lower’ result if desired. The
duration of this effect is the same as for the standard version of
the spell. The Game Masters is encouraged to develop more
options for this rank benefit.
⊗ Rank 8 - The Evil Eye: At rank 8 the Adept can use the rank 4
option above but may effect more than one person. During the
phase that the spell is cast the Adept empowers his eyes with
the ability to cast the spell. After this phase any person who
meets the Adept’s gaze are attacked by the curse. This spell
option remains in effect for only 1 minute per degree of
success however the effects of a curse remain unchanged as
before.
The Adept must be able to make eye contact with the
target and must also be within 2 meters of the target as well.
The target, if aware of the origin of an attack, may attempt to
avoid the gaze attack as per the rules in Chapter 8: Gamers in
Action of Book 1.
⊗ Rank 12 - Hex: The most powerful version of this spell is the
Hex. This option has no set duration or area of effect but is
rather fulfilled in a manner similar to a Conjuration-wish spell.
Before the spell can be cast the Adept must be in close
proximity and in full view of a person or being that he hates
above all others (at least for the moment anyway). The casting
of the spell is the utterance of the curse itself and the victim is
fully aware of what will transpire.
Whatever the Adept states will become reality, at least
eventually, as the spell can only be stated as some affliction
that occurs as tragic events in the target’s life. Examples
include: wild fires destroying their home, never having a male
child, being unlucky in business dealings, plagues destroying
crops, ghosts or spirits haunting the target’s home or lands, or
being reduced to a life of squalor. These possible effects never
take effect immediately but rather occur after months or even
years. The target as well as all of those who descend from him
shares this hex.
The hex can be removed if the character kills the Adept
who cast it or if the Adept removes the hex. If the Adept dies
by other causes then neither of these options can apply. The
effected character may also petition a deity to lift the hex but
103
doing so requires long-term devotion and Standing checks. If a
check is passed then the hex is lifted but only one check may be
allowed every year or so. In addition to this the character must
also maintain his faith and still do good by the aiding deity or
the same curse, or one even worse, may be placed on the
character instead. This powerful curse cannot be removed by
spells like Abjuration-dispel or Spirit Magic-exaction.
While it may seem likely that a Faith Adept who is
targeted by this spell may petition his god to lift it, this is not
always the case. Standing checks are still required. This is not
to say that the deity invites the trauma on the character but
they do have many believers who each have their own
problems as well. Some deities may even see the hex as a way
for the character to show true devotion by remaining faithful
for the curses duration. In addition to these considerations,
the hex is granted by powerful and evil beings and the
character’s god may be reluctant to start a metaphysical war
over one person. The best advise to a Game Master about a
hexed Believer is the Quest. Put the responsibility of removing
the curse in the character’s hands by creating a challenging
adventure.
Darkness (cost 1)
Duration: By degree of success (see below)
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: None
Range: 10 meters per rank
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: Yes
Description: When this spell is cast an area of complete darkness
appears anywhere with in the spells range. The darkness is
absolute and obscures all vision including Thermal Vision
abilities. The darkness covers a 4 meter radius area and once
cast cannot be moved from that location.
The duration of the spell is permanent unless a marginal
result is generated. In that case the spell lasts for one combat
round per rank of the Adept.
Darkness can be undone by use of Abjuration-dispel or it
can also be countered with either Alteration-gleaming or
Cosmos-starlight. In the case of the latter two spells the check
result needs only succeed (as opposed to being equal or
greater in quality as with dispel) however it only modifies light
conditions for its area of effect. Therefor either spell could
partially brighten an area without completely removing the
darkness.
 Rank 3 – Fixed Darkness: This optional casting of the spell
allows the Adept to fix the darkness to a solid or non-corporeal
object. Doing so against a free-willed being or a held item
causes the spell to function as a Ranged by Accuracy spell. The
target can use a Dexterity feat check, an Acrobatics-dodge
check, or Resolve-physical resolve check to avoid the spell.
Even if the spell is avoided it still has its normal effect as long
as an ordinary or better result is generated. In such a
circumstance the target may still be enshrouded in the
darkness, however it is fixed to a specific location as per the
normal rules of the spell.
If a specific location like the eyes are targeted then a base
+2 penalty applies to the casting of the spell.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Increased Area of Effect: At the indicated
ranks the area of effect increases to 10, 20 and 50 meters in
radius as described above.
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
 Rank 6 – Black Light: This variation of the standard spell allows
the Adept and as many people as he has in ranks to see in the
magically darkened area as if the darkness did not exist.
Otherwise the spell is that same as before.
 Rank 9 – Deep Dark: This nasty version of the standard spell
can be used any previous rank benefit. The darkness
generated by this spell only lasts for one combat round per
rank of the Adept regardless of success however all persons in
the darkness must pass Stamina-endurance check or suffer
fatigue damage as normal for those rules. The quality of the
spells casting applies a modifier to this check as for the rules of
‘by Accuracy’ spells. One check is called for at the end of each
round in which a character was in the darkness. If the
character was in the darkness for 2 phases then a +1 penalty
applies. This penalty increases to a +2 or a +3 if the character
was is in the darkness for 3 or 4 phases.
The Adept is immune to these effects as well as a number
of pre-designated persons no greater than the Adept’s rank.
Constructs, Elementals, Outsiders, Spirits, and Undead are also
immune to the fatigue checks as well. This spell otherwise
behaves as the standard version of the darkness spell.
Death Spell (cost 3, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Instantaneous
Type: Attack-Ranged by Accuracy
Resist: None
Range: Centered on Adept
Trappings: None
Complexity: See below
Marginal: No
Description: Perhaps the most feared spell known to mortals,
Death Spell is exactly as it sounds – a spell that causes death.
By casting this spell the Adept releases a quantity of negative
energy in an area around him that drains life in a way that is
similar to how a sponge absorbs water. The quality of the
spell’s casting effects the results however the Adept must make
a larger sacrifice than is usual for a Black Magic spell. Each
stun point spent during the spells casting is equivalent to the
number of wound points of damage that are caused to those in
the area. The quality of the spell result converts the stun
points to wound points using the following ratios: Ordinary
1:1; Good 1:2; Amazing 1:3. This means that if an Adept
sacrifices 3 stun points and rolls a Good result then 6 wound
points is caused to all in the area of effect. Points of damage
lost to this spell may be recovered normally or by magical aid.
If the Adept wishes he could sacrifice wound points for
mortal points however the ratio is determined as 2:1, 1:1, and
1:2 respectively. If only one wound point is spent and an
Ordinary result is rolled then no damage is caused, however
the point is still lost.
The area of effect is centered on the Adept and extends
outwards to a radius of 5 meters per rank of the Adept. The
spell can effect all creatures except those that are Constructs,
Elementals, Outsiders, Spirits, or Undead. Non-living materials,
even those of plants origins, are similarly unaffected. The spell
does not pick favorites nor does it choose sides; all in the area
are effected equally.
Plants that are ambulatory or sentient are effected as
stated before however normal plants in the area rot and wilt.
Large plants like trees or masses of vines may show some signs
of decay but repeated applications of the spell would be
required to destroy them. In additional to all of this any
natural earth and soil in the area of effect losses its life bearing
104
nature and turns to silt and dust. This defilement extends to
1/10th a meter below the surface of the ground per rank of the
Adept and encompasses the area of effect.
If a Critical Failure is generated while casting this spell the
Adept suffers a number of wound points equal to the number
of stun spent. If wound points are spent then mortal points of
damage are caused instead. If the Adept passes a Personality
feat check then a Black Magic Effect (described in appendix 3
of this book) may apply instead.
⊗ Rank 3 - Finger of Death: At rank 3 the spell can now be used at
a range equal to 10/20/30 meters, per rank of the Adept, for
short to long range. Range modifiers are 0/+1/+2. The target
may use his Dexterity Resistance Modifier to worsen the result.
The target must then pass a Resolve-physical resolve skill
check or lose all remaining mortal points. If an Ordinary result
is rolled he suffers 1d6+1w, if a Good result is rolled then he
suffers 1d4w. An Amazing result avoids any ill effects.
Only one target may be selected per casting of this option.
This option also calls for a sacrifice of one wound point instead
of the normal stun point for Black Magic spells.
⊗ Rank 5 - Increased Power: At rank 5 the ratio improves to 1:2,
1:3, and 1:4 respectively. If wounds are converted to mortal
points of damage then the ratios are the same as for stun to
wound as per the standard use of the spell.
⊗ Rank 7 - Death Shroud: At rank 7 the Adept may cast this option
which surrounds the Adept, or another person touched, with
an aura of negative energy. For the spells duration any person
who touches or is touched by the person with the Death
Shroud suffers damage as the negative energy drains their life
force. The spell is treated as an Attack-Melee by Accuracy spell
and has a duration of 10 minutes per degree of success.
On a successful attack the target is allowed a Resolve-
physical resolve skill check to resist the damage. If a Good or
Amazing result is generated then the target suffers no ill
effects. For Ordinary to Critical Failure results damage is
1d6+1w/2d4+1w/1d4+1m. The resolve check is effected by
the quality of the spell so that Good and Amazing spells impose
a +1 or +3 penalty.
The melee or unarmed attack can also cause damage to
either party involved as appropriate. The shroud may be
removed by a successful casting of the Conjuration-wish spell
(4 successes recommended) or by the Abjuration-dispel or
Aid-heal spells as well. In the case of dispel and heal the result
generated must be equal to or greater than the quality of this
spell.
⊗ Rank 10 - Slay: At rank 10 the stun points now convert to
mortal points of damage instead of wound. The ratio remains
the same as for the rank 8 benefit above.
⊗ Rank 12 – Death Ward: At rank 12 the Adept can place the
power of the death spell over or around a portal so that if a
being passes through it and does not speak a word of
command the power of death is released. The creation of the
ward is difficult, as it requires carved symbols of death to
adorn it and special ink to be used in the creation of the ward.
The ink itself requires the Adept to have at least rank 4 in
Alchemy-concocting and the ink itself is treated as Amazing
quality scroll ink as found in the ‘Art of Making’ section of
Chapter 12: FX Items of this book. The ingredients of the ink
must include the poisons and blood of venomous creatures and
the ichor of creatures from extra-planar realms of damnation.
Once the ink is made the symbols must be carved. This
requires the use of the Creativity skill with stone carving or
sculpting being good specialty skills to have. The number of
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
checks required is described below and one check is allowed
per hour of work.
The complexity of the engraving is equal to how powerful
the Adept wishes the ward to be. For every mortal point of
damage the ward will cause one check is required. When the
ward is complete the Adept casts this spell. The quality of the
casting multiplies the resulting mortal points by x1, x2, or x3
for an Ordinary to an Amazing result. This means that the
ward can potentially cause anywhere from 1 to 30 points of
mortal damage until the magic is used up.
Any living being that passes through the portal must pass
a Resolve-physical resolve skill check or suffer enough mortal
damage to completely kill him. The nature of the spell causes it
to stop ‘attacking’ after the person has died so that the
remainder of points can be used later, against other intruders.
As long as mortal points remain in the ward, the duration is
permanent. When the last point is used then the magic ceases.
The ward cannot be recharged.
Characters can detect the Death Ward through a
combination of Metaphysics-magic theory and Investigate-
search. As the engraved symbols are obvious, no penalty is
generally applied to such checks. Game Masters can also allow
other skills to discover the ward. The ‘Death Ward’ can be
removed by Abjuration-dispel but each success removes only
1, 2, or 3 points of mortal damage the ward can cause. The
Game Master is free to allow other methods of removing or
dispelling the ward as he sees fit, but the canceling of the ward
should be based on the mortal points it has available instead of
the quality of the ward itself.
Embellish Undead (cost 2, learn 0)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: 1 minute per rank
Type: Influential-Ranged by Accuracy
Resist: Resolve-physical resolve
Range: 10 meters per rank
Trappings: Undead to be effected
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: The purpose behind this spell is to enhance the
power of undead in the area. Like many other spells these
effects vary as the Adept gains ranks, granting more options
that can be used. As usual the statistics for the spell act as a
base and individual rank benefits may modify them on a case-
by-case basis. At times some undead may not wish to be
effected by this spell. If that is the case then the Resolve-
physical resolve skill can be used to avoid it. Otherwise (and in
most cases) the undead willingly except the benefits of this
spell.
⊗ Rank 1 – Cloak Undead: Beginning at rank 1 the Adept can
cause as many undead that are within a 5 meter radius around
the Adept to become invisible. This radius is increased by 5
more meters per rank gained. The invisibility is treated as per
the rules detailed in Chapter 8: Gamers in Action of Book1 and
the Illusion/Phantasm-invisibility spell in Chapter 2: Arcane
Magic of this book. The invisibility lasts until the undead
creature attacks or 24 hours have elapsed. Once the spell cast
each undead remains invisible or becomes visible individually.
⊗ Rank 2 – Undead Alacrity: When this spell is cast all undead
within 5 meters per rank of the Adept gain the Dexterity score
of the Adept, the Adept’s Action Check score, and the Adept’s
combat movement rate (excluding easy swim, swim, glide, or
fly unless already possessed). If any of the undead have scores
105
better than these then they are not lowered. However if
anyone of them are better the undead gains those effects that
can benefit them.
⊗ Rank 3 – Undead Spell Focus: When this spell option is cast any
undead who are in range of the spell may act as a spell focus.
This means that any future spell cast by the Adept may
originate from the undead creature. Any side effects of Critical
Failures or FX point costs are still incurred by the Adept. This
spell can also be used to grant ‘touch’ attacks by various spells
as if the undead were the Adept. For this option to be used the
undead must be within the spells range from the Adept and
must also be in sight of the Adept as well.
⊗ Rank 4 – Resist Turning: When cast this option grants all
undead within range of the spell a +1, 2, or 3 Resistance
Modifier against the Cosmos-quell undead spell or other
powers that mimic the same.
⊗ Rank 6 - Regenerate: This spell option allows the Adept to heal
wound and mortal damage suffered by an undead creature that
is within range of the spell. The spell heals damage as per the
spells result as follows: Ordinary – 2w/0m; Good – 4w/2m;
Amazing – 6w/3m.
⊗ Rank 8 - Disguise: The Disguise option places an illusion over
some or all undead within 5 meters per rank of the Adept
which makes them appear as normal people. Their movements
appear normal as do their facial expressions however other
senses like smell may still detect them normally (i.e. animals
may still feel uneasy around them). This spell does not grant
the undead with the ability to speak and the illusion cannot be
changed once cast. It also goes without saying that Ghosts who
fly or pass through walls may also give themselves away as
being abnormal.
Otherwise the undead appear as the Adept intends them
to. A +1, 2, or 3 penalty is applied to detecting the illusion
based on the casting of the spell.
⊗ Rank 9 – Dark Junction: By using this option the Adept can
combine the Cloak Undead, Undead Alacrity, Undead Spell
Focus, or Resist Turning options above by casting this spell.
The Adept can combine 2, 3, or all 4 of the options for an
Ordinary to Amazing result.
⊗ Rank 10 - Imbue: This option allows the Adept to empower one
undead creature with the ability to cast a spell. The spell must
known by the Adept and the result of this spell check
determines the power the spell will be released at. Once cast
the undead is aware of the power granted to it and may release
it when desired. Spells cannot be given to mindless undead.
The spell acts as a ‘Held’ spell and the Adept cannot regain the
FX point cost of this spell until the spell is cast.
⊗ Rank 11 - Undead Enlightenment: This option can be cast with
any previous option available. When the embellish undead
spell is cast all undead in the area gain the Adept’s Intelligence
score and may use any Intelligence or Will based skill at the
ranks indicated for the Adept.
⊗ Rank 12 - Free the Will: This powerful option bonds a spirit to a
mindless undead creature making it ‘free-willed’. By virtue of
the spell only spirits with negative Moral Attitudes are bonded
however no allegiance is automatically gained. The spirit can
attempt to use any skills it had in life and may also use any FX
ability as well.
The process of freeing an undead’s will requires a complex
skill check of 6 success. One check is allowed every hour. If the
Adept desires he may attempt to bond a specific spirit to the
undead creature however 2 more success are required to do
so. If the spirit possessed any manner of FX ability that can be
used then 2 more additional checks are required.
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
The level of a random spirit is determined by the quality
of the complex skill check as described in Book 3 and in the
Spirit Magic section of this chapter. Using this consideration
apply the quality ratings for NPCs as detailed in Chapter 7:
Campaigns in Book 1 as guide for levels, skills, and
backgrounds.
Nightmare (cost 3, learn 0)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Special
Type: Attack-Ranged by Accuracy
Resist: Resolve-mental resolve
Range: 1 Kilometer per rank
Trappings: Must be cast at night and the victim must also be
asleep.
Complexity: Varies, see below
Marginal: No
Description: This wicked spell draws on the spirits of torment
and terror to victimize a sleeping person with a nightmare of
lethal proportions. In order to afflict a person with this spell,
the victim must first be asleep. The Adept may then begin the
casting but the victim must remain asleep throughout the
casting as well. The complexity of the spell check is based on
the power of the nightmare desired. If Ordinary then 4 checks
are needed, if Good then 7, and 10 checks for Amazing. One
check is allowed every 5 minutes and the Adept must remain
undisturbed during this time.
Ordinary nightmares cause the victim to gain no rest. FX
points can not be recovered nor can any lost fatigue points be
recovered as well. Good quality nightmares cause the effects of
an Ordinary one and also inflict 1d4w to the victim. Armor
cannot avoid this damage however certain mind protecting
powers can like Ego-mental barrier, or the like. Amazing
quality nightmares have the effects of both previous versions
and also cause the victim to suffer Critical Failure results on
both a 19 and a 20 as well a +1 step penalty to all skill and feat
checks for the following day.
The effects of the Nightmare can be avoided with a
successful mental resolve check but either a +1 or +3 penalty
is applied to the check for Good and Amazing versions of the
spell. Also, in order to use this spell the Adept must know the
person to be effected and must have looked him in the eyes at
least once.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 - More Victims: At the indicated ranks the
Adept can involve more persons in the nightmare as long as all
the targets are within spell range. The total number of persons
increases to 3, 5, and 10 persons at the ranks indicated.
 Rank 6 - Sleepwalker: At rank 6 the Adept can cause a person to
rise from his slumber and perform a stated action (declared
during the casting of the spell) while remaining completely
asleep. This option is cast in the same way as the standard
version of the spell and mental resolve checks can avoid as
normal for those rules. This spell option can effect only one
person and the Adept must remain in deep concentration
during the perpetration of the act as well.
As the person is not fully aware of what he is doing, all
skill, feats, and action checks suffer a +2 penalty if applicable.
If the victim is struck, shaken vigorously, or has water thrown
in his face then he may awaken by passing a Will feat check or
a mental resolve check. If this is not the case, and the mission
is completed the victim returns to bed with no knowledge of
what has transpired except that he had a dream of performing
the act. The Game Master is free to consider that some acts,
106
like killing a sleeping friend, may also invoke the Will or
Resolve check to awaken the victim from the sleepwalking.
As has been stated in old wives tales, a person who wakes
from sleepwalking can be traumatized. If the victim wakes up
he must pass a physical resolve check or suffer 1 point of
wound per quality of this options casting.
 Rank 12 - Night Hag: At rank 12 the Adept may opt instead to
summon a Night Hag who is described in Book 3. This spell
option always requires 10 successes to complete. If a Critical
Failure is generated during the complex check the Night Hag
turns its attention towards the Adept and may either ‘ride’ him
or may require some task with threat of retaliation in the
Adept’s dreams.
If successfully cast the Night Hag targets the victim
normally and persists in attacks as per its rules. In a sense the
Adept summons the hag’s attention and directs it towards the
victim. Unlike the Night Hags description this spell can compel
the creature to attacks persons without a negative Moral
Attitude.
Power of the Undead (cost 3, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: 1 combat round per rank
Type: Attack-Melee by Direct
Resist: STR and/or Magical Resistance
Range: Touch
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: Varies by rank benefit
Description: The power of this spell grants the Adept with
abilities shared by undead creatures. For the most part the
energy of undeath is in the Adept’s touch but several rank
benefits offer other uses of negative energy. As with many
spells this one is chiefly defined by each rank benefit given
below with the statistics above acting as a guide. The Adept
may have multiple versions of the spell in effect at once but
those that rely on touch can only be used on one target at a
time. Therefor an Adept could have ‘Chill Touch’ and ‘Mummy
Touch’ in effect at the same time but could only use one or the
other on any one target in the same phase. It is possible to use
both in a phase if two actions are taken however.
As a note, remember that touching a target (as opposed to
striking) offers a –1 step bonus to the attempt.
⊗ Rank 1 - Chill Touch: This rank benefit empowers the Adept’s
hands with the chill of the grave. The target may defend with
his or its Strength Resistance Modifier and damage caused is
d6s/d6+2s/d4w of type En/O. The damage is cold based and
any defenses of the target against such attacks do apply.
However if 1 or more points of primary damage are caused the
target, if successfully touched, must also roll a Constitution feat
check (modified by the spell quality at 0/+1/+3) or lose 1
point of strength. This strength loss is recovered in the same
manner as fatigue damage.
⊗ Rank 2 - Ghoul Touch: This touch attack causes no damage
however it forces the target to roll a Constitution feat check or
become paralyzed. A successful touch attack, modified by any
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
Melee Resistance Modifiers, is required and the duration of the
paralysis is based on the quality of the attack so that the target
is paralyzed for 1d4/1d6+1/2d4 combat rounds. This
condition can be corrected early by the use of Abjuration-
dispel or Aid-cure.
⊗ Rank 4 - Mummy Touch: A person touched by the Adept must
pass a Constitution feat check or become Ill as described in on
page 57 of the Alternity Gamemaster's Guide. The disease
takes effect immediately and has a strength rating equal to the
spells casting. The character rolls his condition as per those
rules and remains between Ill and Terminally Ill without the
ability to recover naturally (i.e. Good and Amazing results for
Ill conditions do not allow the character to recover). This
condition persists until the character dies, the effected is
dispelled, or the successful use of the Aid-cure spell. The
disease is magical and must be treated accordingly.
⊗ Rank 6 - Lich Touch: This powerful option combines the effects
of both the ‘Chill Touch’ and ‘Ghoul Touch’ options above. The
attack follows the same rules as the ‘Chill Touch’ until the
target rolls against the loss of strength. Instead the
Constitution feat check is made against the paralyzing effect of
the ‘Ghoul Touch’ option.
⊗ Rank 8 - Vampires Touch: This touch attack grants the Adept
with a vampire-like touch that drains durability from a target
and grants those points to the Adept. The target defends with
his Strength Resistance Modifier as normal and the damage
caused is 1d6s/1d4w/1d4+1w of type En/O. The Adept can
add the points of damage suffered to his own durability score
and may exceed any one score by 50% of its normal maximum.
Points of damage suffered by the Adept are taken from these
points first. The longevity of the drained points is based on the
quality of the spell when it is first cast: Ordinary, 1 hour; Good,
1 day; Amazing, permanent until lost. The Adept can still cause
damage to a target even if the maximum amount of damage
that he can absorb is achieved.
⊗ Rank 10 - Ghost Touch: This nasty attack ages the target
unnaturally. When a target is touched by the Adept the quality
of the touch ages the target by 1d4x2/1d4x5/1d4x10 years.
The target may make a Constitution feat check to avoid this
result.
⊗ Rank 12 - Wail of the Banshee: Not a touch attack at all, this
spell allows the Adept the ability to scream the deadly keening
of the banshee. Casting this spell options requires 4 successes.
One check is allowed per action and on the phase that the
check is complete a dreadful scream is released. At the
culmination of this most horrid option all living creatures
within 10 meters of the Adept to roll a Resolve-physical
resolve skill check or die. Those who pass the check are
unharmed. The scream is loud and may be heard for over a
kilometer away however the power to kill is limited to the
stated area of effect.
Scourge (cost 4)
Duration: Permanent
Type: Influential-Ranged by Accuracy
Resist: Special
Range: Rank by 10/20/30 meters (Modifiers: 0/+1/+2)
Trappings: A substance or person to be effected.
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: Yes
Description: Similar to both Black Hand and Blight, the Scourge
spell is geared towards infestation and poison. When used on
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food the spell spoils as many as 5 kilograms of edible stuff per
point of Will the Adept has.
When used on liquids the Adept can change as many as 1
liter per point of Will into a Hemotoxin, a Neurotoxin, a
Necrotoxin, or a Paralytic poison. The poison must be ingested
to have effect. The Adept can decide what type f poison is
created by the spell. The success generated by the spells
casting determines the Strength, Onset Time, and Duration of
the poisons as shown on the following table.
Strength Onset Time Duration
Marginal -1 10 Minutes 1 Day
Ordinary 0 1 Minute 12 Hours
Good +1 1 Round 6 Hours
Amazing +3 1 Phase 1 Hour
When cast on a person he or she becomes infected with a
disease. All elements of the disease (strength and incubation)
are equal to the quality of the spell when cast. The disease is
specific to that individual and cannot be spread.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 - Increased Effect: At rank 4 the volume as
material or liquid is increased by x2. This increases to x3 at
rank 8 and x4 at rank 12. If the spell is used to cause a disease
then result of the Constitution feat check has the following
effect: Amazing result – no effect; Good or Ordinary result – Ill;
Failure result – Extremely Ill; Critical Failure result –
Terminally Ill. At rank 8 Failure results become Terminally Ill,
Ordinary results become Extremely Ill, and Good results
become Ill. At rank 12 Ordinary results become terminal, Good
results become Extremely Ill, and Amazing results become Ill.
 Rank 6 - Pestilence: At rank 6 any person who comes within 1
meter of the target must also roll a Constitution feat check after
the Onset Time. The person must have been near the victim
for at least several minutes and if he or it came in physical
contact with the victim the feat check suffers a +1 penalty.
This option can be used with the Increased Effect rank benefit
above.
 Rank 9 - Ghoul Gauntlet: This wicked spell option can be
against only one person. Once successfully used the spells
power ends. When the Adept using this option touches a
person he is effected by a powerful illness that cannot normally
be cured or recovered from. The Strength and Onset Time of
the disease is equal to the quality of the touch attack.
Constitution feat checks are made normally however the
character cannot achieve a result that betters the condition.
This option does not gain the Increased Effect rank benefits
above.
Only the Aid-cure spell can stop the disease and even then
a success equal to or greater than the quality of the touch must
be rolled. If the character dies while infested with the disease
he will rise as a Ghoul. The creature uses all statistics for that
entry with optional powers or the chance to free-willed being
available.
Spectral Steed (cost 2, learn -1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Permanent
Type: Influential
Resist: None
Range: 10 meters
Trappings: A corpse of a large-sized Beast
Complexity: 4, 6 if magical (check per minute)
Marginal: No
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
Description: When cast this spell raises the body of any Beast that
is of large size as a Zombie. The beast must be of a type that
can be used as a mount. The limit of large size assumes a
medium-sized rider. If the Adept has another size then
variations may be cast, as the spell is subjective to terms of the
‘rider’ definition. The beast retains its physical statistics but
acquires the mental attributes as a Zombie. Other statistics use
those rules found in Book 3. If the Beast had Spell-Like or
Super Power FX abilities they may be retained using those
rules, however the complexity becomes a 6.
 Rank 5 - Skeletal Steed: At rank 5 the Adept can raise the
skeleton of a beast as a mount. The new creature uses those
statistics for a skeleton as found in Book 3.
 Rank 10 - Phantom Steed: At rank 10 the Adept can summon
forth the monster called a Nightmare to serve as a mount. To
do so the Adept must sacrifice an item personally owned by
either the Adept or a person the Adept intends to pursue. The
Nightmare will remain with the Adept for 1d4+1 days with a
cumulative roll for Good and Amazing results. While the spell
binds the Nightmare to servitude it still retains its own
thoughts and can either advise or contradict the Adept. The
Nightmare will also not sacrifice its own life for the Adept
unless properly provoked to do so through the situation, role-
playing, or encounter skills. Nightmares are described in
Chapter 9: Outsiders in Book 3.
Undead Mastery (cost 2, learn 0)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: Revenant modifier
Range: 100 meters per rank
Trappings: One or more undead creatures
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: For those Adepts who favor the use of undead as
puppets and soldiers this is the spell they need. When cast this
spell has a two-fold effect. First it will summon any undead in
the area to the Adept’s vicinity and secondly it will place a
magical yoke of obedience on them.
If undead are in the area the spell will summon up to three
undead per rank of the Adept. The area of effect is the range of
the spell itself. Each undead that can be summoned uses its
revenant score to resist. If the undead are in the Adept’s direct
line of sight, he gains a –1 Situation Modifier to the spell check.
The result of the spells casting is modified by each undead’s
resistance independently, each modifying the control die. This
means that the control die for the spell is rolled and each type
of undead applies the modifier of its revenant score as a
Situation Modifier. In this fashion the actual die result for the
spell could be a failure, but once modified by lesser undead it
could result in a success. Free-willed undead also receive a
Resolve-mental resolve skill check to completely avoid the
effects as well.
All of those undead that are charmed are under the
Adept’s direct control for the duration of the spell. No
concentration is required (at least in terms of using an action)
and control is established by thought alone and the dark link
between the Adept and the undead.
108
 Rank 3 - Animate Dead: When this spell option is cast the Adept
may also animate as many dead bodies as he may summon
undead as in the spells basic description. Only zombies and
skeletons may be animated and skeletons are only allowed if
the present bones are devoid of flesh for the most part. The
range of the spell remains the same and the Adept may
alternate some, all, or none of the number of undead allotted to
either summoning or animation. This means that if the Adept
is near two zombies and a fallen enemy he can ‘summon and
control’ the zombies and ‘animate and control’ the corpse.
Corpses and bones offer no revenant modifiers. Other
modifiers common to undead mastery remain the same.
Bodies and skeletons that are animated can make action checks
on the following round. The effect of animation is permanent
however the duration of control is not.
 Rank 6 - Ghost: In a manner similar to the ‘Animate Dead’
option above, the Adept may raise the soul of a newly dead
body as a ghost. Only one soul may be effected per casting of
the spell and the person cannot have died more than 1 combat
round per rank of the Adept before the spell is cast. The
successful use of the spell binds the spirit of the deceased to
the material world however no control is granted by this
casting of the spell. Control can be gained by casting the spell
again. New ghosts generally follow the rules as per their entry
in Book 3. The Game Master can make exceptions if the
circumstances prevail and may also assign salient powers to
the ghost or other effects following those rules.
 Rank 9 - Master Undead: At rank 9 the Adept’s ability to control
undead is increased. The Adept now gains a –2 step bonus that
applies against an undead’s revenant score. Free-willed
undead still gain a Resolve-mental resolve attempt to avoid the
effect however a success equal to or greater than that of the
spell must be rolled or the attempt fails. In addition to this the
time of control is lengthened to days instead of minutes.
 Rank 12 - Undead Plague: At rank 12 the Adept can now cause
the bodies and skeletons of all humanoid dead in a 1000
square meter area to rise as one and serve the Adept. If the
area is a battlefield or graveyard (either new or ancient) will
yield 10 zombies or skeletons for every 10 meter square area.
Long inhabited areas will yield 3 for every 10 meter square
area, and wilderness locations will yield 1 per 10 meter square
area. The range of the spell is one kilometer and the duration
is permanent, as is the control of these undead creatures. The
control aspects of this spell option do not effect other undead
in the area. The Game Master is free to limit the maximum
number of undead created by this spell based on assumed
populations and other factors. In either case the spell cannot
raise more than 1000 undead zombies and skeletons to serve
the Adept.
Unholy Guidance (cost 2)
Duration: Special
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: None
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This special divination magic allows the Adept to
seek advice. When this spell is cast the Adept gains a –1, a –2,
or a –3 Situation Modifier to an Intelligence, Will, or
Personality skill or feat checks. The bonus applies to a skill
that is used to ascertain knowledge about a subject or event
that is relevant to the completion of the Adept’s goal and the
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
purposes of the faith. The duration of the spell remains as long
as the skill it applies to is being used for the stated purpose of
the benefit and the bonuses mentioned do apply to each step of
Divination (cost 6, learn 0)
a complex skill if need be. Being one the more utilitarian broad skills, Divination
The spell can also be used to jog an Adept’s memory about encompasses the accumulation of information through various
a particular event, a person’s name, a secret hand signal, and mediums and the ability to enhance and extend the senses. Other
the like. In the latter case the degree of success determines specialty skills accomplish similar ends with Commune-divine
how clear the answer is. An Ordinary result may be cryptic guidance and Invocation-projection being good examples,
while an Amazing result would be easy to understand. In no however no broad skill is as dedicated to intelligence as this one.
case can either use of the spell divine the future except in the
case of a bonus applying to the Metaphysics-prophesy skill. Contact Other Plane (cost 4, learn +1)
As with any Black Magic spell, a sacrifice is called for. This skill cannot be used untrained
However in this case the loss of a wound point is common as Duration: Special
opposed to a stun point. This point loss is in the form of a Type: Personal
bloodletting on the Adept’s part. An exception to the rule is to Resist: None
sacrifice the blood of another. Doing so requires a mortal point Range: 0
of that individual’s blood however. Trappings: See below
 Rank 2 - Augury: At rank 2 the Adept can ask the gods of Complexity: Complex
darkness one question about the near future. The question Marginal: No
must be stated in a ‘Yes or No’ fashion and the answer will be Description: By casting this spell the Adept sends his mind to
given as either ‘Weal’ or ‘Woe’. The Game Master determines another plane of existence in a search for advice or
the answer based on the ultimate end that he predicts for the information. The spell grants the Adept contact with a
characters. If the characters have two doors to choose from, powerful being of a plane of the Adept’s choice. Powers resent
and must pass one, the Adept can use this spell to hopefully this kind of intrusion and answers to questions are usually
receive a meaningful answer. There are no degrees to ‘Weal or brief. To establish the link the Adept must first pass a complex
Woe’ nor are there increased benefits for Good or Amazing skill check based on the plane and/or intelligence of the power
results. to be contacted. One check is allowed per minute. The casting
 Rank 4 - Genius: At rank 4 the Adept can receive an answer to of the spell always costs 1 FX point and follows the standard
one question per casting of the spell. The question can be rules for complex skill checks.
about any event occurring at the moment and must be related Once this is complete the Adept may ask as many
to an evaluation of the current situation. A question like “What questions of the power as he has in ranks with this spell.
are theses monsters” is ok but one like “What’s on the other Asking each question requires a separate skill check (using this
side of the door” is not because it is speculation of the future. spells score) but does not cost any additional FX points. The
The answer will be of no more than two words for an ordinary quality of the check determines the quality of the answer.
result, five for a Good, and ten for an Amazing. Ordinary results are answered with single word statements
 Rank 6 - Scry Future: At rank 6 the Adept can gain insight of the like Yes, No, Maybe, Irrelevant, and so on. Good results grant
best manner to proceed with an impending action. The answer answers that are the length of short sentences or perhaps
is cryptic but may be as long as an entire sentence. The clarity archaic phrases. Amazing results can be answered with full
of the answer is not based on the result of the check. The paragraphs of information or as much detail as the Game
answer is based on the desires of the faith or deity and the Master is willing to allow. Failure results grant no answer and
course of action given will always be towards the ends of the waste one of the Adept’s questions.
faith if they apply. Rest assured however that is rare that a god If a Critical Failure result is rolled at anytime during the
will give advice to further the faith that also places the Adept in use of the spell then the Adept becomes stricken with insanity.
a position of doom and destruction. However if the quest at This can be avoided with a successful Standing check
hand is of a dire nature the Adept may be deemed a necessary (Personality feat check with the appropriate modifier). The
sacrifice as a last resort. duration of the insanity is given on the table below and the
 Rank 8 - Commune: At rank 8 the Adept can ask a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ effects are equivalent to the most extreme examples of Flaws
question of the gods about any event past, present, or future. like Obsession, Phobia, or even Forgetful. In addition to this
No cryptic answers will be given and the answer will be as true affliction the Adept must also roll a Resolve-physical resolve
as possible based on the wording of the question itself. check. If the result is a Critical Failure then the Adept dies
 Rank 10 - Revelation: When this benefit is cast the Adept gains immediately. If an Amazing result is rolled then the listed
extraordinary divinatory powers. The spell’s duration is 1 duration of the insanity is halved. Once the insanity runs its
hour per point of Standing and during that time the Adept course the Adept can remember any learned information.
gains the following insights. The first the ability to see things
as they really are as per the rank 6 Divination-ESP benefit Complexity Situation Insanity
‘True Seeing’. Next is an instant awareness of any lie being told Plane Contacted Required Modifier Duration
if the Adept can hear the speaker and the speaker is intentional Elemental 2 +2 1 Week
Astral or Ethereal 3 +1 2 Weeks
lying. Also the Adept gains the ability to be understood by any
Outer Planes, Int 15 3 0 3 Weeks
creature. And finally the Adept gains a –1 Situation Modifier to Outer Planes, Int 16 4 -1 1 Month
all Action Checks during the duration thanks to a split second Outer Planes, Int 17 6 -2 3 Months
insight into the future. Outer Planes, Int 18 8 -3 6 Months
Outer Planes, Int19+ 10 -4 1 Year

109
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
The table details the type of plane contacted and includes
the intelligence of outer planar beings. The ‘Complexity
Required’ entry describes the number of successes needed to
establish contact. The ‘Situation Modifier’ column gives the step
modifier for questions asked of that power however this modifier
is not applied to the complex skill check used to establish the link.
At the Adept’s option, a specific power maybe questioned.
Doing so includes the Adept’s Standing modifier as it applies to
that god or goddess. Of course those who have a step penalty
with that deity never use this option. The modifier for Standing
can apply to both the complex skill check and each question
asked.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Easier Contact: The Adept may lower the
complex skill to establish contact by one check at the indicated
ranks.
 Rank 9 - Vision: At rank 9 the Adept may attempt a simple
check to establish contact instead. Only one question may be
asked and the answer is based on the quality of the check.
Ordinary to Amazing results are the same as for the standard
use of the spell. If a Failure is rolled the Adept becomes insane
for 1d20 weeks. If a Critical Failure is rolled then he must pass
a Resolve-physical resolve check or die. If the resolve check
succeeds then he is rendered insane as per a Failure result.
As this option quickly seeks an answer there is no decision
as to what plane or power is contacted. Therefor the Adept
cannot use his Standing score to modify the results nor do the
elements of the table above apply to this spell option.
Detect (cost 1)
Duration: Standard if Active, 10 Minutes if Passive
Type: Personal
Resist: Will
Range: Standard if Active, 100 Meter Radius if Passive
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: Yes
Description: Detect allows the caster to name and then be able to
perceive an effect, a state of being, or metaphysical anomaly
that would not normally register to the character’s senses.
With this spell the caster can attempt to detect the following:
I. Positive or Negative intentions (based on Moral
Attitude).
II. Magical Auras.
III. Psionic Auras.
IV. Scrying attempts on the caster or the immediate area.
V. Intentional Lies and Deceptions.
VI. Poisons.
VII. Traps and Potential Ambushes.
VIII. Charmed and unnaturally Influenced persons.
IX. A specific type of creature (as described in Book 4).
X. Invisible being or objects.
XI. Extra-dimensional effects and/or creatures using such
abilities.
At the time of casting, the player states which one of the
aforementioned effects is desired and only that effect can be
detected by that use of the spell. While the detail to be
detected may be more specific than that mentioned, the effect
cannot be broader. This means that a character could state
that he wishes to detect dragons but could not say that he
wishes to detect dragons and elementals. Multiple effects can
be detected but only after casting multiple versions of this
spell.
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The player must also decide whether the spell is Active
or Passive in application. The Active version of Detect allows
the character to automatically ‘see’ the intended effect as long
as it is within his normal line of sight. If a Marginal success is
generated then the sense is not automatic however, the
character can detect the anomaly with an Intuition check with
a –2 Situation Modifier. This optional use of the spell is
blocked by either 0.1 meters of stone or metal and 1 meter or
more of wood.
The Passive version has the range indicated above and
provides the character with the ability to sense the effect
regardless of physical (but not always magical) barriers. This
option does not require line of sight to have effect. This is
expressed as a bonus to the character’s Intuition check as no
bonus for a Marginal check, -2 for an Ordinary check, -4 for a
Good check, and Amazing checks are automatic.
⊗ Ranks 1 to 12 – Increased List: Starting at rank 1 a character
can add one new effect to the list. Each rank past the first
allows the same. New additions to the list should be in the
same vain as those shown.
⊗ Rank 4, 8, & 12 – Multiple Detection: At rank 4 the caster can
detect an additional anomaly as well with the casting of the
same spell. This number increases to three effects at rank 8
and four at rank 12.
Know (cost 2)
The effects of this spell may be Held
Duration: Instantaneous
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: Special
Trappings: Something to ‘know’
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: While Detect tunes the Adept’s senses to a specific
phenomenon, Know grants the Adept a brief insight into
something as described below. Each casting of the spell allows
the Adept to ‘know’ anyone of the following things:
I. The exact number of specific things in a group. This could
include the number of jellybeans in a jar, the number of
trees in a groove, or the number of men in an army.
II. The ‘balance’ of forces in the area. This could include the
strength of various political factions, the flow of a battle,
or the presence of either good or evil influences in the
local area the Adept is in.
III. The direction of travel that is required to arrive at a
location the Adept is aware of. The Game Master may
apply a modifier to this check based on the Adept’s
familiarity with the intended location. This option may
also include the locations of water, food, or a specific race
of being.
IV. The customs of a cultural that the Adept is experiencing.
This option focuses on the elements of a culture the Adept
is experiencing at the time and can be used to provide
insight into what the Adept must do in order to ‘fit in’.
V. The exact time that it is now (in terms of the character’s
home plane) or how much time has elapsed since
something occurred.
VI. The exact age of someone or something.
VII. The Moral Attitude of a being.
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
As indicated above this spell is of the ‘Held’ variety. This
means that when cast the Adept ‘holds’ the spell until he wishes
to ‘know’ something about someone or something.
⊗ Ranks 1 to 12 – Increased List: Starting at rank 1 a character
can add one new effect to the list. Each rank past the first
allows the same. Each added effect must remain within the
same faith of rules as the other options.
⊗ Rank 6 – Uncover: At rank 6 the Adept can determine if some
manner of illusion or other deception is masking the effected
to be ‘known’. This can be determined by an Awareness-
perception or intuition check and the check gains a –1 bonus
for a Good spell result or –3 for an Amazing. As noted this
option only costs 1 FX point and is assumed to be in use during
the general casting of the spell. However the Adept must state
the desire to detect a deception in order for it to have any
effect.
⊗ Rank 9 - Legend Lore: At rank 9 the Adept may use this option
to learn exactly who someone or something is. This discovery
is limited by the history surrounding the person or thing. If
they are famous there is much to learn, if they are not then
there may be nothing to learn at all. If the item is magical the
Adept may learn of some properties associated with the device
in terms of what it can do, however the spell does not give
gaming statistics for the device. This means that a Wand of
Fire could be described as “the wand that spat angry flames
from heaven upon it’s opponents” as opposed to a Wand of Fire
with rank 6 in Invocation-magic fire. The better the success
the more that is learned but all information should be
delivered as a narrative.
Locate (cost 2)
Duration: 1 Minute per rank
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: 100 meters
Trappings: Something to find
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: While similar in some ways to the Know spell above,
Locate is more exact but is also limited in range and scope.
When the spell is cast the Adept may attempt to determine the
exact location of any of the following as long as it is within the
spells range:
I. Traps and Ambushes.
II. A specific species of creature.
III. A specific object.
IV. The safest path to travel.
V. A specific person if his name is known.
VI. Food or drink.
The spell provides the Adept with an internal compass so
that he is constantly aware of the item or person’s location
through the duration of the spell. Should the item or person
move beyond the range of the spell then the Adept can no
longer locate them. However the spell duration does not end
and if that item or person moves back into range the Adept
may once again locate them.
⊗ Ranks 1 to 12 – Increased List: Starting at rank 1 a character
can add one new effect to the list. Each rank past the first
allows the same. Each added effect must remain within the
same faith of rules as the other options.
⊗ Rank 6 – Detect Deception: At rank 6 the Adept can determine if
some manner of illusion or other deception is masking the
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effected to be located. This can be determined by an
Awareness-perception or intuition check and the check gains a
–1 bonus for a Good spell result or –3 for an Amazing. As noted
this option only costs 1 FX point and is assumed to be in use
during the general casting of the spell. However the Adept
must state the desire to detect a deception in order for it to
have any effect.
Medium (cost 1)
Duration: Special
Type: Personal
Resist: Special
Range: Special
Trappings: See below
Complexity: Simple (spell is cast in conjunction with other
Divination spell)
Marginal: No
Description: This specialty skill is similar to the Component
Trappings option discussed in Chapter 1: FX Rules of this book.
As one may have noticed the specialty skills in this group offer
fewer ‘Range’ and ‘Use’ benefits than other broad skills. While
this may seem a drawback, by purchasing this specialty skill
those benefits may be gained for any Divination spells.
In order to use the spell effectively the Adept must posses
some manner of device that is to aid in the use of a Divination
specialty skill. In addition to this each item possessed must
also be attuned to a specific option for any spell as well. This
means that the Adept could chose a wand to aid in the location
of specific creature or may use a spyglass to ‘know’ the number
of persons in a standing army. The exact nature of the object is
not always important and neither does it need to be
empowered in anyway but once it has been used to aid a spell
it becomes bonded to that effort. The FX point cost for this
spell is paid only once when the item is first used to aid a spell.
After that no additional FX points are required for that item.
When this spell is cast the quality of the result grants a –1,
-2, or a –3 step bonus to the casting of another Divination
specialty skill. Both rolls are made during the same action and
spell casting. This means that the Adept cannot keep rolling
until he rolls a result they like.
If a Critical Failure is ever rolled for the medium then it
becomes useless and must be ‘re-initiated’ as if being used for
the first time.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Shared Item: At rank 4 the Adept may use
one item for all options in one specialty skill. At rank 8 the
Adept may use the same item for any two selected Divination
specialty skills. At rank 12 the item may be used for all
Divination specialty skills known.
Scry (cost 3, learn 0)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: 1 round per rank
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: Special, see below
Trappings: A location or person to be scryed upon.
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell allows the Adept to extend his sight or
hearing to a far off location. The use of the spell is based on
knowledge of either a person or a specific place. The Adept can
select either and his knowledge of that person or place applies
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
a Situation Modifier to the spell check as shown on the table ‘transmitted’ by the target mind instead of actually entering
below. the mind to gain knowledge. The range of this option is 10
meters per rank of the Adept. This spell option cannot be cast
Location/distance Modifier on others only the Adept himself.
Location is familiar -1 Using the ability requires a spell check and can be effected
Unfamiliar location none by the targets Will Resistance Modifier. This use does require
1 –10 meters -1 an action to perform and the target must be within the spell
11 – 100 meters none range as well. The Adept may use the mind read on as many
101m – 1 km +1 persons desired and all uses of the mind read require an
2 – 10 km +2 action. The Adept cannot re-roll a previous result for the same
11 – 100 km +3 mind with the same casting of the spell. To gain a better result
101 – 10,000 km +4 the Adept must recast the spell and hope for a low roll.
High orbit +5 The quality of the mind read check (which is the same as
for this spell) determines the quality of information garnered
The area to heard or seen must be unobstructed (not from the target mind. If an Ordinary check is rolled then the
inside a solid object) and once cast the scrying cannot be moved Adept learns only part of the thought. If a Good check is rolled
to another location without re-casting the spell. The effect does then all of the thought is received. If an Amazing check is
not grant additional sensory abilities however it does include rolled then the Adept also becomes aware of background
those in the possession of the Adept (dark vision, night vision, thoughts that are apart of the original thought. These
other spell effects, etc.). background thoughts could include intended deceptions,
The effects of the spell work in tandem with the Adept’s misgivings, emotions, or remembrances. The ESP ability is
normal senses. If he opens his eyes he’ll see double vision, if he stopped by either 50cm of stone or rack and 5cm of metal of
does not cover his ears he’ll hear in both places at once. This any type.
effect can ⊗ Rank 4 – Moment Reading: At rank 6 the Adept may also
 Rank 3 - Eye of the Adept: At rank 3 the Adept can create an attempt to ‘read the moment’. This means that the Adept, or
extra-sensory organ that is both invisible and intangible. The recipient of the spell, becomes associated with time and space
‘eye’ begins no more than 2 meters from the Adept and can and the flow of action or conversation around him. When cast
move a number of meters per phase equal to the Adept’s Will the Adept gains a –1, -2, or –3 step bonus to action checks for
score. As with the standard use of the spell, the eye of the the remainder of the spells duration. This effect is not
Adept does not grant any additional sensory powers. At the cumulative with the ‘mind reading’ ability above.
player’s option he may also use the ‘Ear of the Adept’ option as ⊗ Rank 6 - True Seeing: When this option is cast the Adept, or the
well. All rules remain the same. The ‘eye’ can travel as far as it recipient of the spell, can see things as they actually are. The
can during the spell duration. spell penetrates natural or magical darkness, secret doors are
⊗ Ranks 4, 8 & 12 - Increased Duration: At the indicated ranks the plain, and the exact location of displaced things is apparent.
duration of the spell increases to minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 Illusions and apparitions are seen through (but not
minutes per rank respectively. phantasms), polymorphed creatures and enchanted objects are
 Rank 6 – Change of Perspective: At rank 6 the Adept can cause obvious (the real form of a creature is superimposed on the
the scry to move to another location without spending another apparent form). The character may also see up to 10 meters
FX point. Doing so does require a successful spell check. A into the ethereal plane and the bordering area of adjacent
failure means that the location or being cannot be scryed upon planes and may also determine a person’s Moral Attitude with
with this casting of the spell. Modifiers to the spell check are a successful Awareness check. The maximum range of this
based on the distance to the new location from the original. effect is 30 meters.
The Adept can perform this feat any number of times during ⊗ Rank 9 - Foresight: This powerful option grants the Adept
the spell duration. instantaneous warnings of danger and impending doom and is
an improvement on the rank 4 ‘Moment Reading’ option above.
Sixth Sense (cost 3, learn -1) As such the Adept gains the benefits of that rank benefit and of
This skill cannot be used untrained course gains the bonus to Awareness and Investigate checks as
Duration: 10 minutes per rank well. In addition to this the Adept gains a bonus Last Resort
Type: Personal or Influential-direct point that must be used before the spell expires, the Adept
Resist: Will Resistance Modifier cannot be surprised, and the Adept gains a bonus +1
Range: 10 meters per rank Resistance Modifier against melee and ranged attacks. In the
Trappings: None case of attacks or dangers related to traps or other things that
Complexity: Simple-Held do not normally call for an Action Check the Adept can
Marginal: No completely avoid the danger if an Action Check is rolled and
Description: The Sixth Sense spell attunes the Adept’s awareness generates an ordinary or better result.
of the world around him. The quality of the spell always grants This effect can be cast o another willing person whom
a –1, 2, or 3 step bonus to all Awareness and Investigate skill then gains all of the stated benefits. The Adept may also relate
checks. This benefit always applies regardless of the use of his premonitions to others as well but doing so requires that
other rank benefits that the Adept may gain with this spell. the Adept must be able to communicate to the endangered
⊗ Rank 2 – Mind Reading: At rank 3 the Adept can garner person and if so that person is not surprised (no other benefits
perceptions about a target character’s intentions by reading are gained).
their surface thoughts. This mind reading ability works in a
passive fashion as the Adept’s mind ‘receives’ thoughts

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 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
Earth Magic (cost 7, learn +1)
The power of this FX broad skill calls on the powers and
spirits of the elemental plane of earth to protect the caster, heal
damage caused by elemental attacks, and to rearrange the
landscape. Earth magic is based on the users Constitution score
as it represent the character’s internal fortitude, a quality that
creatures of the earth respect.
Animate Earth (cost 3, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: One minute per degree of success
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: None
Range: 30 meters
Trappings: An object made of earth, stone, or metal
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: By employing the animate earth spell an Adept can
cause any earth, stone, or metal object to move. The Adept can
effect no more than 2 cubic meters of such material per rank.
The object must be separate from its surroundings or
foundation and it can attack, break objects, lift things, or simply
move. The spell does not allow the Adept to change the shape
of the object nor can he cause appendages that do not exist to
appear. This fact may limit the use of the object.
The object will follow, to the letter, any spoken command
given it by the Adept but it does not have a mind of its own.
Once animated the object will follow that last command given
unless a new command is stated during the spell duration.
While the Game Master decides the exact details of the
object is they usually follow these considerations: Armor –
1d6+1, Toughness – Good, Durability – base of 4 + 1 per cubic
meter, Damage – 1d6s/1d6+2s/1d4+1w; + 1 point of damage
per 6 cubic meters. Attacks by objects of 12 cubic meters or
greater cause Good power damage. These statistics can vary
based on the material itself and the manner that the object
would be able to attack. How fast the object can move is
relative to its shape however most have only a walk rate of 4.
If the object is a statue and has a weapon then that
weapons statistics should be referenced. If the object attacks
then it uses the Adept’s best Melee Weapons of Unarmed
Attack rank (the skill that best reflects the attack). The
Strength of the object is usually a base of 10 + 1 point for every
2 cubic meters in size. This score acts as a base for the attack
plus the any ranks owned by the Adept, however a +1 penalty
is assumed do to the slower speed of the object. Animated
objects act on the Adept’s next action one phase after the spell
has been cast.
 Rank 3 - Appendage: At rank 3 the Adept may cause a duplicate
of his hand to arise from any solid earthen foundation. The
reach of the object is no greater than the Adept’s own natural
limb and has his strength + 2. The Adept must concentrate on
the limb in order for it to act. This requires no action on the
Adept’s part however if the limb grabs a person it may
maintain a hold even if concentration ceases. The spell
duration does not end if concentration is cancelled however an
action must be spent in order for the limb to act again.
The limb can attack at no penalty but uses the brawl skill
to do so. This casting is separate from the standard use of the
spell but the Adept may cause the appendage to appear from
an animated earthen object if desired. The duration of this
option is always 1 round per rank of the Adept.
113
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Extended Duration: At the indicated ranks
the duration of the spell for animated objects increases to
5minutes, 10 minutes, and 1 hour increments.
 Rank 6 - Earth Spray: At rank 6 the Adept may cause any loose
dirt, stones, or shattered glass to whirl in a storm at a specific
target. The Adept can effect an area around him that is 2
meters per rank. In addition the spray has a range of 10
meters per rank which is as wide as the area of effect itself. All
beings in the area, except the Adept himself may suffer
damage. Each beings rolls a Dexterity feat check or an
Acrobatics-dodge check, the results of which determines the
damage. For a Critical Failure to an Ordinary result damage is
2d4+1w/1d6+1w/1d4w. Good and amazing results avoid the
effect. The damage is considered Hi/O in type and the
Duration of the effect is Instantaneous.
 Rank 8 – Freedom of Movement: At rank 8 the animated object
no longer suffers the +1 penalty to attacks. In addition the
walk rate of the object increases to 6.
 Rank 10 - Whirlpool of Doom: This option causes an area of
natural and solid ground to swirl as if a whirlpool. In order to
use this spell the Adept must fully concentrate on it. If the
Adept’s concentration is broken then the spell ends
immediately.
The area of effect can be as small as 2 meters in diameter
and no larger than 2 meters in diameter per rank of the Adept.
All beings in the area that must rely on land movement
immediately begin to sink and be pulled down into the earth.
Once the spell is cast the area of effect cannot be moved.
Each phase, after the spell is cast, all beings can roll a
Movement-trailblazing, Movement-swim, Athletics-jump, or
Athletics-climb skill check. Otherwise a Constitution feat check
or a Strength feat check will work as well. The result of the
check determines how far into the ground the person sinks. On
a Critical Failure results the being sinks to 50% of his height
into the whirlpool. A failure indicates that he sinks to 25% of
their height and an Ordinary result sinks the person by 10%.
Good results indicate that the being does not sink and the
being may move at his walk movement rate. On an Amazing
result the being may move at their run movement rate. If the
movement rate allows the being to leave the area of effect then
they are exempt from further checks.
For every 25% increment that a being sinks into the
ground he suffers a cumulative +1 penalty to future attempts
to escape the whirlpool. Every phase that a person sinks into
the ground they suffer one-tenth of the total percentage sunk
(rounded up) in stun damage. This means a character that is
50% submerged into the whirlpool suffers 5 points of stun
damage. While this damage is only Ordinary in quality armor
cannot block it nor can spells that provide armor with the
exception of the Earth Magic-body of earth spell. Once a being
sinks to 100% or greater then they also begin to suffocate
following those rules given in the Alternity Gamemaster's
Guide. Game Masters need to track the amount of % each
individual sinks and track damage phase by phase accordingly.
Aura of the Earth (cost 3)
Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: Touch
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
Description: This spell surrounds the caster with a skin-tight,
centimeter thick dull gray aura. During the spells duration the
caster gains a +2 Resistance Modifier vs. melee and ranged
attacks by creatures from the plane of earth and a +1 vs. any
other elemental creature. This bonus also acts as a Magic
Resistance against Elemental Magic at those values stated. In
addition the caster gains a –1 Situation Modifier to the casting
of any Earth Magic spell.
In addition to this benefit the Adept may ignore natural
earth and can move through solid earth and stone at his walk
movement rate. If the spell duration expires and the Adept is
still within solid earth or stone then the effects of the ‘Sink’
option below immediately apply to the Adept.
Only one Aura can exist for a character at one time. This
includes auras from the other elemental magic. If a new
version of the same Aura is cast, or a one of a different element
is cast, both cannot exist at the same time. In any case the best
result assumes position. If a new Aura is cast but is not equal
to or greater than that in effect, the spell has no effect and the
FX points are spent normally. This rule includes any effect,
positive or negative, that may apply by rank benefits from this
spell as well.
 Rank 2 – Fist of Stone: In addition to the previous benefits the
Adept can use this spell to turn his clenched fist into solid
stone. When used in unarmed combat a punch uses a ‘d6’
instead of a ‘d4’ to determine damage.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 - Earth Well: At rank 4 the spell also grants the
Adept 1, 2, or 3 bonus FX points (determined by the degree of
success) that can be used to power Earth Magic spells only.
These points disappear, if unused, when the spell duration
ends. At rank 8 the bonus points gained are doubled and at
rank 12 they are tripled.
 Rank 6 - Shared Aura: At this rank the power of the aura can be
cast on another person. Other persons receiving this benefit
do not gain any FX points even if they could benefit from them
nor do they gain the ‘Fist of Stone’ benefit either. The duration
of this option is the same as for the standard use of the spell. If
a person resists being touched then they may impose their
Strength Resistance Modifier against the results of the spell.
 Rank 8 - Sink: This optional benefit causes any touched being
to sink into the earth. Of course the target must be standing on
solid ground and there must be sufficient space for them to be
encased in. If the ground is simple earth or dirt then the effects
of suffocation take effect immediately. If the area the target
sinks into is stone or metallic ore then the target also suffers
1d4s per phase. Creatures from the elemental plane of earth
are immune to this effect. If the effect is cast on creatures from
the other elemental planes then they suffer 1d4w per phase
instead regardless of the ground’s composition.
The power of this spell may also be used to call on the
healing power of the earth as well. If so the Adept or another
person that is touched can willingly sink into the earth and
immediately heal all lost stun points. In addition to this they
may also heal 1d4w per round. This effect can benefit
creatures from the elemental plane of earth.
The effects of either option last for only 1 combat round
per degree of success. When this time elapses the individual is
returned to the surface, whether living or dead.
 Rank 12 – Elemental Form: At rank 12 the Adept is so attuned
to the power of this spell that the aura of earth transforms him
into an earth elemental. When in the elemental form the Adept
gains the elemental’s Armor values, Magic Resistance if any,
immunities to Hazards and environmental effects, the ability to
ignore penalties from stun, wound, and mortal damage, as well
114
as the elemental’s Strength score if it is higher than the Adept’s.
In addition the Adept gains the elemental’s method of attack.
Any FX abilities inherent to the elemental are gained and are
treated as Super Power FX abilities for the Adept.
The Adept retains his other ability scores, action check
score, and his number of actions, last resorts, and skills. This
includes FX abilities, however psionic powers suffer a +1
penalty to their use with the exception of Ego skills in the
‘Internal Ego’ category. The elemental Adept can move only its
walk rate as determined normally for a character.
Casting this option is a simple action and the result of the
spell check determines the quality of elemental the Adept
becomes. If desired, the Adept can attempt to transform into a
specific quality of elemental by making a complex skill check.
The number of successes required is 4, 7, and 10 for Ordinary
to Amazing quality. One check is allowed per phase of casting.
In no way can an Adept become a Greater or more powerful
type of elemental.
After the initial FX points are paid to cast the spell the
Adept must expend an additional FX point at the beginning of
the next round, and each following round to maintain the
effect. Otherwise the duration of this option is permanent.
This spell may also be cast on another but in order to so
the ‘Shared Aura’ option of this spell must first be cast. The use
of this option also requires the Adept to pay FX points to
maintain the spell and 1 FX point must be paid for each person
involved per round.
Body of Earth (cost 2)
Duration: Special
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: Touch
Trappings: A person to be protected
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: Yes
Description: This spell calls on the magic of the earth to protect a
character. When the spell is cast, the Adept, or anyone person
touched, receives a number of magical points that are used to
absorb either Low Impact or High Impact damage. The quality
of the casting determines how many points are gained:
Marginal, 1d4 points; Ordinary, 1d4+1 points; Good, 1d6+1
points; Amazing, 2d4+1 points. When a character is
successfully hit by an attack of the low impact or high impact
variety one point is drained if the hit is Ordinary in quality. If
the attack is Good then two points are lost, and three are lost
against an Amazing attack. In addition to this if the power of
the attack is Good then the points lost are doubled and if the
power is Amazing then the loss is tripled. While this spell does
not protect the character from energy damage, those attacks
do drain the same number of points as any other attack type.
In addition Impact damage or that from slow and continuous
sources (constriction or crushing pressure) cause normal
damage and do drain points appropriately.
If the character suffers an attack that removes more points
than he currently has, the attack is degraded by the number of
points remaining to the next attack value. For example if a
character has two points remaining and is hit by an Amazing
attack, the attacks strength would be reduced to Ordinary in
quality.
If this spell is cast on a person who already has protective
points from this spell in place, the new points override the old
regardless of the number or either.
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
⊗ Ranks 3, 6, 9, & 12 – Increased Protection: At the indicated
ranks the Adept may grant a cumulative +1 point to the die
roll.
 Rank 4 – Body of Stone: At rank 4 the protective benefits of this
spell are not lost to attacks that the points cannot block. This
means that while an energy attack can still cause damage it
does not drain any protective points in the process.
 Rank 8 – Body of Iron: At rank 8 the protective benefits of this
spell can now be used to block Energy (En) damage as well.
Commune with the Earth (cost 2)
Duration: Special
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: None
Trappings: Solid and natural earth to commune with.
Complexity: Special
Marginal: No
Description: This spell grants the Adept with the ability to ask the
spirits of the earth questions that they would know about the
immediate surroundings or lore of the earth itself. Answers to
questions are given in short sentences but are exact and simple
in nature.
The spirits will answer what is asked of them but do not
elaborate the answer nor they do they offer hinted
information, or guess at questions that the Adept might intend.
Therefor if an Adept asks the spirits at a cave entrance if 10
Orcs have passed this way the answer would be ‘no’ if only 9
Orcs had. If the same questions simply stated “have Orcs
passed this way” then the answer would be ‘yes’.
The Adept may attempt as many skill checks as he has in
ranks. Each check result will allow answers for 1, 2, or 3
questions for the quality of the spell check. Failures offer no
answers and three failures prematurely end the spell as with
normal complex skill checks. A Critical Failure at any time also
ends the spell.
One check is allowed per minute and assumes the time to
ask the question(s) and receive the answer(s). The Adept
must be in full concentration and/or prayer while using this
spell. Any distraction, even listening to another person for
advice, immediately ends the spell.
As concerns lore about the earth itself, the spirits of earth
will never divulge information that could harm the power of
earth or its balance in the grand scheme of things.
Conjure Earth Elemental (cost 2)
Duration: By quality of complex skill check: Marginal, one Minute;
Ordinary, ten Minutes; Good, one Hour; Amazing, one Day.
Type: Influential-Ranged by Accuracy
Resist: Special
Range: 10 meters
Trappings: The caster must on solid ground.
Marginal: See below
Complexity: 2, 4, 7, or 10 checks required, one check allowed per
phase.
Description: This powerful spell allows the caster to summon an
earth spirit to the prime material plane. In order to do so a
sufficient amount of earth must be present and it cannot be in
any refined or worked form. Before the spell is cast the Adept
must determine the quality of the elemental that is to be
summoned. The quality of the elemental desired determines
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the complexity of the spell as stated above. Therefor if an
Adept wanted to summon an Ordinary elemental then 4
successes are required.
The Game Master may allow a character to stop a
summoning process in order to procure an elemental of less
quality than was originally intended. This means that if the
Adept wished to summon a Good quality elemental and feared
producing a third failure then he could instead immediately
summon forth one of Ordinary quality. However this must be
done when the forth check (or a single result that exceeds it) is
successful. If the Adept rolls further the he is committed to
summoning the good quality elemental.
Once the complex skill check is successful the elemental
will take form and be able to act the next phase. The
summoning lasts as indicated above based on the overall
quality of the complex check (the highest of anyone result with
ties going to the lower quality). A summoned elemental
regards the Adept with a Hostile attitude and will attack him if
it is able. While this is the automatic starting attitude, it can be
changed through the use of Encounter skills as well as FX
abilities that effect the same.
If the Adept concentrates on controlling the elemental
then it is compelled to perform, as the Adept desires. If the
Adept is unable to concentrate (taking damage or rendered
unconscious) the elemental will move to engage the Adept.
The Adept can regain control with a success Resolve-mental
resolve check. An elemental can be controlled up to 30 meters
per rank from the Adept and while the Adept cannot sense
what the elemental can the control does not require line of
sight.
If a Critical Failure is generated during the summons the
desired quality of elemental appears but cannot be controlled
by means of this spell. This uncontrolled elemental remains on
the Adept’s plane for 1d4 minutes and then can return home if
and when it is ready to do so. The spell lasts until the duration
expires, the elemental dies, or the Adept successfully casts
Abjuration-dispel on the elemental. As concerns the last
parameter a +1 cumulative penalty is applied per quality of the
elemental starting with marginal.
 Rank 2 - Earth Maul: At rank 2 the Adept can use the conjuring
power of this spell to reach into the ground and pull forth a
maul made of solid stone. The maul has these statistics:
Damage 1d12s/1d8+2w/1d6+1m
Accuracy 0
Actions 1
Mass 6
Skill Melee Weapons-bludgeon
The Adept may add his Strength damage modifier to any
damage caused and the maul also adds +2 points of damage
when used against inanimate objects or creatures composed of
stone, earth, or metal. The earth maul remains for the duration
indicated for the standard use of the spell. The maul is magical
and resists all FX powers with a +1 Resistance Modifier even if
the effect is beneficial.
 Rank 4 - Earth Wall: At rank 4 the Adept may create a wall of
earth and stone in any open area as long as the wall is no
greater than 10 meters squared per rank of the Adept. The
earth wall can be no thinner than 2 meters at any given point
but can be shaped into any geometric configuration however
hemispheres and exact shapes are not possible. The Durability
of the wall is equal to one-half of the Arcanist’s skill score with
this spell, Armor is 1d6+1 vs. all attack types, and the
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
Toughness is Good against all attack types. The wall has as
many sections as twice the caster’s level. This spell is
effectively permanent however the wall can be dispelled at any
time.
 Rank 6 - Conjure Earth: At rank 6 the Adept may summon forth
raw material from the plane of earth. This material cannot be
formed in any specific shape and the area it enters must not be
occupied by anything else. The Adept may conjure forth any
type of unworked ore, stone, or mineral desired and the total
mass of the conjured element cannot exceed 100 kilograms per
rank of the Adept. The conjured material may appear
anywhere with 30 meters of the Adept.
Using this ability to summon forth any type of material
other than dirt, sand, or soil is cause for a loss of Standing and
any other penalties that the loss may imply. Though the
resources of the earth may seem limitless, the wanton or
squandering uses of the earth’s resources angers those spirits.
The loss to Standing can be avoided as long as such material is
summoned for a cause that furthers the earth’s goals. This
does not include making the Adept rich.
 Rank 8 - Stone Wall: The ‘Stone Wall’ option is the same as the
‘Earth Wall’ spell above with the following exceptions. The
wall can now be as thin a 1-meter at any given point, can be
shaped into any geometric configuration including a
hemisphere or even a staircase, and Armor is 2d4+1 vs. all
attack types.
 Rank 10 - Creature of Earth: At rank 10 the Adept may call forth
creatures from the plane of earth other than its native spirits.
Creatures mentioned in Book 3, in the Elementals chapter,
include Dao, Pech, Xorn, and Sandlings. The limit on what can
be summoned is only limited by the Adept’s knowledge of
those beings. The aforementioned beings are considered
known and can be readily summoned.
Casting the spell requires a total of 6 skill checks with one
check allowed per minute. Once the spell is complete the
quality of the complex skill check applies a 0/+2/+4 modifier
to the desired being’s Resolve-mental resolve check. If this
check fails then the creature is summoned and acts as if Fanatic
in attitude towards the Adept. If the check succeeds then the
creature avoids the spell and does not appear. The creature, if
summoned, remains in this world for a length of time equal to
the standard use of this spell with Elementals.
 Rank 12 - Iron Wall: The ‘Iron Wall’ option is the same as the
‘Stone Wall’ spell above with the following exceptions. The
wall can now be as thin as 10th of a meter at any given point,
can be shaped into any geometric configuration including
spiked protrusions and razor sharp edges, and Toughness is
Amazing.
Dig (cost 3, learn 0)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: One phase per rank
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: None
Range: 10 meters
Trappings: Solid ground to be affected
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: The Dig spell takes earth on this plane and returns it
to the plane of earth leaving a void that mortals call tunnels.
Once cast this spell allows the Adept to make disappear a mass
of natural earth and stone equal to 2 square meters per rank
per phase. The beginning point of earth removal must be no
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further than 10 meters from the Adept but the actual terminus
of the spell effect is variable. Any opening, orifice, or tunnel
created by this spell can be no smaller than 1 meter.
If an existing cavity or cavern or hole is reached by use of
this spell then it terminates at that junction. If the Adept wants
a meter wide tunnel, but is unaware of an opening, the hole
will proceed in that direction. Should an opening be
encountered the hole will venture around it, following the path
of least resistance (like water flowing down hill), and will
return to its previous course as soon as possible. The Adept
can ‘override’ this feature of the spell by simply stating so
however.
This spell may also be used as an attack against creatures
composed of earth (earth elementals, stone golems, etc.).
When cast the creature must be within 10 meters of the Adept
and if so it receives 1d4+1w/1d6+1w/1d4m points of damage
for an ordinary to an amazing success. This effect is
instantaneous and cannot be used in tandem with the standard
use of the spell.
Distance Distortion (cost 2, learn -1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: One combat round per rank
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: Magic Resistance only
Range: 30 meters
Trappings: An enclosed passage or tunnel
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell causes an enclosed passage or tunnel that
is no longer than 10 meters per rank of the Adept to magically
expand it’s dimensions so that it is x2, x3 or x5 longer in depth.
The diameter of the tunnel cannot be greater than 5 meters per
rank of the Adept however this diameter does subtract from
the maximum effective range of the spell.
All persons in the tunnel or passage move and otherwise
react to the alteration as if it were real. This means that if the
spell were cast on a 10 meter long area and a good result
achieved the area would act as if it were 30 meters long. A like
division (#/2, #/3, #/5) may also shorten the distance if a
distant location was desired to be closer. While this is
beneficial to escape or other maneuvers, certain terrain
features like cliffs, chasms, or traps cannot be avoided by
shrinking a tunnels distance.
This effect is dimensional in nature and can be effected by
spells that manipulate such things. Also, the spell cannot
manipulate distances or objects that already alter dimensions
or provide access to other worlds or dimensions. In such a
case the effect ends where the dimensional anomaly begins.
This spell cannot be selective about who it effects however the
Adept may end the spell at anytime.
Elemental Bonding (cost 3, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Instantaneous
Type: Personal
Resist: Magic Resistance
Range: Touch
Trappings: A person wounded by an elemental force
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell allows the Adept to heal damage caused to
a being by an elemental force. This includes just about any
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
type of naturally occurring damage like being burned,
suffocation, drowning, or being caught in an avalanche. The
spell can heal all such damage caused but only by one source.
Therefor if a character had suffered 4 points of wound damage
by fire and then fell for 6 wound points of damage, the Adept
could heal all the damage caused by either the fire or the fall.
Damage caused by creatures, poisons, disease, any type of
weapon, or magical energy cannot be healed by this spell.
However GRAPH effects that cause damage can be healed as
stated above.
If a Good success is generated the Adept may heal up to
two elemental effects that caused damage. If the result is
Amazing then up to three effects can be healed.
This spell may also be used to heal Elementals of any type
of damage. In this case the quality of the success heals 1d4-1,
1d4, or 1d4+1 mortal points of damage. If all mortal points are
healed then the remaining points heal wound, and then stun if
all wounds are healed.
Magic Stone (cost 1)
Duration: Special
Type: Influential-direct
Resist: None
Range: Touch
Trappings: Natural, small stones
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell causes small rocks to become deadly
missiles. When cast the Adept can effect 1, 2, or 3 stones by
degree of success per rank (i.e. 1 to 36 stones). When thrown
each stone causes damage as a club and are considered Hi/O in
type. The duration of the spell is permanent for each stone
until they are thrown at which time the stone becomes normal
again regardless of a hit or miss.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 - Increased Damage: At the indicated ranks the
damage caused increases by +1.
 Rank 6 – Stone of Sharpening: This optional use of the spell can
effect as many whetstones as per the normal use of the spell.
When done so, and the stone is used to sharpen a bladed
weapon, a weapon causes +1 point of damage. This bonus
remains in effect for 1 day per degree of success of the spells
casting.
Passwall (cost 3, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: 1 hour per degree of success
Type: Influential-direct
Resist: None
Range: 10 meters
Trappings: A solid wall to be made passable
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell creates a visible opening in a wooden,
stone, or plaster wall, but not other materials. The spell causes
a 12 meter cubic opening to appear. No dimension of the cube
may be less than 2 meters. If dispelled the passage closes away
from those in it ejecting them out of the area. If a Dexterity feat
check or an Acrobatics-dodge check is failed then the ejected
person(s) suffers 2d4 points of stun damage (Li/O).
 Rank 3 - Meld into Stone: This spell option allows the Adept to
meld his body into natural stone or earth. The duration of this
effect is 1 minute per rank of the Adept and this option may
only benefit the Adept or another person touched. This effect
117
does not render the character immune to attacks even from
stone weapons, it merely allows the character to phase into
natural stone and earth for the duration. If the duration
expires and the character is still in the earth or stone then
2d4w are suffered (Li/O) unless a Constitution feat check or a
Stamina-endurance check are passed.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Increased Duration: At the indicated ranks
the duration of the spell increases to 2 hours, 3 hours, and 5
hours per degree of success.
 Rank 9 - Phase Door: This spell causes an area of a wooden,
stone, or plaster wall to become intangible and thus passable
by solid beings. The Adept can effect an area no greater than
16 cubic meters (a 2x2x4 passage). This area can be increased
with multiple castings of the spell. The effect of the spell does
not alter the use of the area. This means that cave-ins are
avoided, as are structural collapses. The spell does not
disallow specific persons or beings from using the passage. If a
person suspects that such a passage exists, an Investigate-
search check can be used made to find it.
Transmute Earth (cost 3)
Duration: See below
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: None
Range: 30 meters per rank
Trappings: An earth based substance to be effected.
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell allows an Adept to change earth based
substances in one, two, or even three major ways. The first
change can be the size and mass of the object, the second is the
item’s shape and features, and finally the Arcanist can modify
the items earthen composition.
The real crux of this spell is determining what the Adept
wants to do and then applying a modifier based on the changes
desired. Each change is detailed below but it is important to
note that several changes can apply to one item with only one
casting of the spell. For each change beyond the first a
cumulative +1 penalty is applied to the spell. Additional
penalties may apply depending on each individual change as
described below. This spell cannot modify the temperature of
a substance however. Therefor the Adept cannot change a rock
into molten lava.
The duration of this spell is based on the result of the
skill check. Ordinary results last for 1 Minute per rank, Good
results last for 1 Hour per rank, and Amazing results are
permanent. The effect is magical however and can be dispelled
and can also be reversed by the Adept at any time. The Adept
can change one item per casting of the spell that has a mass no
greater than 100 kg or a 2 meter cube per rank. The three
types of modifications (and any incumbent Situation
Modifiers) are detailed next.
1)Size and mass modifications apply no penalty as long as the
item is not enlarged or reduced to 10% or it’s original
mass or size per rank of the caster. Every 10% beyond
this imposes a cumulative +1 penalty to the casting of the
spell. Every 10% increases or decreases the items
Durability score by 1 point to a minimum of 1. Toughness
and Armor remain unchanged.
2)Features and shapes never impose a penalty. The restriction
of this option is that no complex or moving parts can be
added to the new shape. If the Adept attempts to create a
stone image of someone or something the Game Master
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
may require a Creativity-sculpting check, or other related Adept’s hand in turns into a boulder as does damage as if
ability, to add any specific details. All new shapes must hurled from a Heavy Catapult. The Adept may also include
remain with the original mass of the object or a +1 base another pebble in the spell for each rank above 7th. These
penalty is applied as for a size/mass modification as additional pebbles must also be thrown in consecutive phases
detailed above. by the next available action or their magic is lost as well.
3)Mineral conversions are based on a penalty or bonus applied ⊗ Ranks 4, 8 & 12 – Easier Casting: At the indicated ranks the
to the spell check which is determined by the type of Adept gains a cumulative 1 step bonus to the modifiers on the
conversion involved. Earth includes soil, dirt, sand, and conversion table above. In no case can this modifier improve
other non-solid deposits. Stone includes all hard and soft the situation to a –1 or better step.
minerals like granite, quartz, obsidian, agate, and crystal.  Ranks 4, 8 & 12 - Glass: At rank 4 the Adept can effect a mineral
Precious Stone include amethyst, jade, opals, rubies, conversion into glass which applies no modifier to the spell
diamonds, and topaz. Metals are basic ores with iron ore unless sand or stone are the subject, which applies a –1
most common however copper and other non-smelted Situation Modifier to the check. Flesh cannot be turned into
metals are available. Rare Metals include mithral, silver, glass. At rank 8 any allowed mineral may be converted into
gold, as well as smelted metals like bronze and steel. glass however it still retains its normal strength. At rank 12
Wood is allowable only with non-living examples. Living normal glass can be made as hard as steel.
trees cannot be effected by this spell. Flesh as an option is ⊗ Ranks 6 & 12 - Increased Duration: At rank 6 all Good results
limited to any single being that qualifies by the amount of are permanent and Ordinary results last for one hour per
mass that can be effected. The target receives a Resolve- degree of success. At rank 12 any success is permanent.
physical resolve check to avoid the spell which is modified
on a by accuracy basis. If a mineral is turned into flesh Tremors (cost 4, learn +1)
then a non-living body is formed in the case of a statue This skill cannot be used untrained
while other minerals create an unidentifiable meat that Duration: Special
quickly rots. Bodies from statues have no ‘assigned’ soul Type: Influential-Ranged by Accuracy
and grant a –2 Situation Modifier to animation or Resist: See below
possession magic. Range: 30 meters per rank
Once turned to stone the target uses its normal Trappings: Solid ground within the area of effect
durability score however armor and toughness are than of Complexity: See below
the substance turned into. The character suffers any damage Marginal: No
normally. If arms or other limbs are broken off can be Description: This spell allows the Adept to create tectonic
healed by Aid-regenerate once the character is returned to vibrations within the ground in the area of effect. This spell is
his normal form. All possession that are on the target, or very demanding and is exhausting to use. The initial use of the
those that are in hand, are turned into the selected mineral spell requires the Adept to spend a full-uninterrupted combat
as well. Flesh cannot be turned into Earth nor can it be round (12 seconds) in concentration. At the end of this time a
turned into another type of flesh. spell check is rolled and 1 FX point is expended. Any success
causes tectonic vibrations within 10 meters of the point
Conversion to E S PS M RM W F
selected. If a failure is rolled the Adept must immediately roll a
Earth 0 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 +5
Stone 0 0 +1 +1 +2 +3 +4
fatigue check and 2 FX points are paid. If a Critical Failure is
Precious Stone -1 0 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 rolled 3 FX points are paid, 1 fatigue is automatically assumed
Metal 0 0 0 0 +2 +3 +4 and a fatigue check is also required.
Rare Metal +1 0 0 0 0 +3 +4 Once successfully cast the Adept may then opt to continue
Wood +2 +3 +3 +3 +3 0 +2 with spell. If this is done the spell check must be made the next
Flesh n/a +4 +4 +4 +4 +2 n/a phase. If so then a successful check expands the area of effect
by 10 more meters. This costs another FX point and if a failure
It goes without saying that multiple castings of this spell is rolled the ability to continue the spell is terminated. Failure
may be used on any one subject. Each separate change and Critical Failure results are determined as stated above.
however has its own duration and may create some interesting All persons in the area of effect and who are on the ground
situations as each transmutation wears off. When the duration must roll an Acrobatics-fall or Dexterity feat check per phase
ends (or when the effect is dispelled) the item returns to its against Impact damage for an Extremely Short fall. Damage is
normal state unless it is destroyed (i.e. losing all of its mortal considered High Impact in nature. Modifiers are based on the
points). Even modifications like turning someone’s sword into last success generated so that an Ordinary result imposes no
sand will return the sword when the duration ceases even penalty, a Good result imposes a +1 penalty, and an Amazing
though the logic of the situation would seem that the sand result imposes a +3 penalty. This changes from phase to phase
would spread out and could be dispersed. Don’t worry about as the spell is continued. Regardless of damage a person who
logic too much, it is after all magic. The effects that this spell fails a check is considered prone (-2 bonus to attackers) and
may have on magical items varies but is detailed in Chapter 12: those that generate an ordinary or good results are
FX Items. sitting/kneeling (-1 bonus to attackers). Characters who roll
 Rank 4 - Pebble to Boulder: Similar to the magic stone spell, this Amazing results suffer no ill effects. Earth elementals and
option allows the Adept to empower a pebble to turn into a creatures from that plane are immune to these effects and may
boulder once hurled. After the phase the spell is cast the act normally. Objects, buildings, and walls roll Durability
pebble must be thrown on the next available action or the checks against the Impact damage as determined for
magic is lost. Range and accuracy are determined by the characters.
Adept’s Athletics-throw skill. When the pebble leaves the

118
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
If the Adept desires cracks and fissures may also appear.
Doing this allows a crack to appear within the area of effect for
every additional FX point spent. Cracks and fissures may be up
to 2 meters wide and may be widened with by 2 more meters
per FX point spent. The fissure runs the length of the existing
area of effect. Avoiding a fissure requires a Dexterity feat
check or an Acrobatics-dodge check. A penalty equal to +2 or
+1 is applied if the person is Prone or sitting/kneeling as
explained above.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Increased Area of Effect: At the indicated
ranks the initial area of effect increases to 15, 20, and 30
meters. Maintaining the spell still only increases the area by
10 meters for future checks.
⊗ Ranks 6 & 12 – Increased Damage: At rank 6 damage is
considered as if a Short fall. At rank 12 damage is treated as if
a Medium fall. The penalties associated with being prone or in
a sitting/knelling position remain the same.
Fire Magic (cost 7, learn +1)
Fire magic calls on the spirits of flame to aid the caster or to
attack his enemies. Being as voracious as fire itself, the spells in
this group are more attack oriented as most can cause direct
damage to those unfortunate enough to be down range.
Many of these spells require that a fire of varying size is
present. This is no different than earth of but both of those
elements are rather easy to come by. Fire is common but burns
itself out rather easy and for this reason Adepts who use this
broad skill usually have the means to start a fire in short order.
Aura of Fire (cost 3)
Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success
Resist: None
Range: Touch
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell surrounds the caster with a skin-tight,
centimeter thick flickering red aura. During the spells duration
the caster gains a +2 Resistance Modifier vs. melee and ranged
attacks by creatures from the plane of fire and a +1 vs. any
other elemental creature. This bonus also acts as a Magic
Resistance against Elemental Magic at those values stated. In
addition the caster gains a –1 Situation Modifier to the casting
of any Fire Magic spell, and a Good toughness vs. Fire spells
and hazards for the spell duration.
Only one Aura can exist for a character at one time. This
includes auras from the other elemental magic. If a new
version of the same Aura is cast, or a one of a different element
is cast, both cannot exist at the same time. In any case the best
result assumes position. If a new Aura is cast but is not equal
to or greater than that in effect, the spell has no effect and the
FX points are spent normally. This rule includes any effect,
positive or negative, that may apply by rank benefits from this
spell as well.
 Rank 2 – Fire Gauntlet: At rank 2 the caster can use this spell
(in addition to its other benefits) to create a nimbus of flames
around one of the caster’s hands and any weapon in that hand.
The flame inflicts d4w/d6w/d8w (En/O) in addition to any
other damage the character would normally cause. The caster
may also attempt to ignite a target with a successful attack. In
the case damage is not rolled, rather the victim rolls a
Constitution feat check vs. a fire hazard which is modified as if
119
by an Attack-accuracy spell. These benefits lasts until
successfully used in an attack. At the caster’s option, an FX
point can be spent and the gauntlet can be reinstated as long as
the spell is still in effect.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 - Fire Conjunction: At rank 4 the spell also
grants the Adept 1, 2, or 3 bonus FX points (determined by the
degree of success) that can be used to power Fire Magic spells
only. These points disappear, if unused, when the spell
duration ends. At rank 8 the bonus points gained are doubled
and at rank 12 they are tripled.
 Rank 6 - Shared Aura: At this rank the power of the aura can be
cast on another person. Other persons receiving this benefit
do not gain any FX points even if they could benefit from them
nor do they gain the ‘Fire Gauntlet’ benefit either. The
duration of this option is the same as for the standard use of
the spell. If a person resists being touched then they may
impose their Strength Resistance Modifier against the results
of the spell.
 Rank 8 - Blaze: This optional benefit causes any target within
30 meters of the caster to erupt in flames. The target takes
1d6+1 points of wound (En/G) every phase until the spell
ends. Armor protection does apply to each phase’s damage.
The flames are very magical in nature and cannot be
extinguished by mundane means. Only Abjuration-dispel,
Invocation-ice, Elemental magic and creatures of varying types,
or other similar FX powers can effect the attack. Psionic
powers cannot effect the blaze in any way. The duration of this
option is 2 phases per degree of success.
 Rank 12 – Elemental Form: At rank 12 the Adept is so attuned
to the power of this spell the aura of fire transforms him into a
fire elemental. When in the elemental form the Adept gains the
elementals Armor values, Magic Resistance if any, immunities
to Hazards and environmental effects, the ability to ignore
penalties from stun, wound, and mortal damage, as well as the
elementals Dexterity score if it is higher than the Adept’s. In
addition the Adept gains the elementals method of attack. Any
FX abilities inherent to the elemental are gained and are
treated as Super Power FX abilities for the Adept.
The Adept retains his other ability scores, action check
score, and his number of actions, last resorts, and skills. This
includes FX abilities, however psionic powers suffer a +1
penalty to their use with the exception of Ego skills in the
‘Internal Ego’ category. The elemental Adept can move only its
run and walk rate as determined normally for a character.
Casting this option is a simple action and the result of the
spell check determines the quality of elemental the Adept
becomes. If desired, the Adept can attempt to transform into a
specific quality of elemental by making a complex skill check.
The number of successes required is 4, 7, and 10 for Ordinary
to Amazing quality. One check is allowed per phase of casting.
In no way can an Adept become a Greater or more powerful
type of elemental.
After the initial FX points are paid to cast the spell the
Adept must expend an additional FX point at the beginning of
the next round, and each following round to maintain the
effect. Otherwise the duration of this option is permanent.
This spell may also be cast on another but in order to so
the ‘Shared Aura’ option of this spell must first be cast. The use
of this option also requires the Adept to pay FX points to
maintain the spell and 1 FX point must be paid for each person
involved per round.
Body of Fire (cost 2)
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success.
Type: Personal
Resist: Strength
Range: Caster or person touched.
Marginal: Yes
Description: This spell surrounds the spell caster with a shroud of
flame. In addition to protecting the caster from GRAPH heat
categories ranging from H1 to H4 the armor also provides
protection of +1/+1/+3 vs. Li, Hi, and En damage. Anyone
who successfully strikes a person who has this shield in effect
with a melee or unarmed attack automatically takes 1d4+1
points of wound damage that is type En/O. The caster cannot
use the shield in melee to cause damage however, and neither
can it ignite combustible materials.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Cleansing Flame: At rank 4 the spell allows
the Adept to re-roll all feat checks against poison as long the
poison is causing damage of some type. Such results cannot be
worsened by the re-roll. At rank 8 the Adept automatically
heals 1d4+1 wound or stun when first cast. At rank 12 all
poisons are eliminated from the Adept’s system and the spell
heals 1d4+1 mortal, wound, or stun.
⊗ Ranks 5 & 10 – Increased Protection: At the indicated ranks the
Adept the protection of the spell increases to +2/+2/+4 at
rank 5 and to +3/+3/+5 at rank 10.
Commune with Flames (cost 4)
Duration: Special
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: None
Trappings: A burning fire.
Complexity: Special
Marginal: No
Description: This spell grants the Adept with the ability to ask the
spirits of fire questions that they would know about the
immediate surroundings or lore of fire itself. Answers to
questions are given in short sentences but are exact and simple
in nature.
The spirits will answer what is asked of them but do not
elaborate the answer nor they do they offer hinted
information, or guess at questions that the Adept might intend.
Therefor if an Adept asks the spirits of a campfire if 10 Orcs
have passed this way the answer would be ‘no’ if only 9 Orcs
had. If the same questions simply stated “have Orcs passed
this way” then the answer would be ‘yes’.
The Adept may attempt as many skill checks as he has in
ranks. Each check result will allow answers for 1, 2, or 3
questions for the quality of the spell check. Failures offer no
answers and three failures prematurely end the spell as with
normal complex skill checks. A Critical Failure at any time also
ends the spell.
One check is allowed per minute and assumes the time to
ask the question(s) and receive the answer(s). The Adept
must be in full concentration and/or prayer while using this
spell. Any distraction, even listening to another person for
advice, immediately ends the spell.
As concerns lore about fire itself, the spirits of fire will
never divulge information that could harm the power of fire or
its balance in the grand scheme of things.
Conjure Fire Elemental (cost 2)
Duration: By quality of complex skill check: Marginal, one Minute;
Ordinary, ten Minutes; Good, one Hour; Amazing, one Day.
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Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: Special
Range: 10 meters
Trappings: A fire that is at least 1 meters cubed in size must be in
range.
Marginal: See below
Complexity: 2, 4, 7, or 10 checks required, one check allowed per
phase.
Description: This powerful spell allows the caster to summon a
fire spirit to the prime material plane. In order to do so a fire
that is at least 1 meters in all dimensions must be within spell
range. Before the spell is cast the Adept must determine the
quality of the elemental that is to be summoned. The quality of
the elemental desired determines the complexity of the spell as
stated above. Therefor if an Adept wanted to summon an
Ordinary elemental then 4 successes are required.
The Game Master may allow a character to stop a
summoning process in order to procure an elemental of less
quality than was originally intended. This means that if the
Adept wished to summon a Good quality elemental and feared
producing a third failure then he could instead immediately
summon forth one of Ordinary quality. However this must be
done when the forth check (or a single result that exceeds it) is
successful. If the Adept rolls further the he is committed to
summoning the good quality elemental.
Once the complex skill check is successful the elemental
will take form and be able to act the next phase. The
summoning lasts as indicated above based on the overall
quality of the complex check (the highest of anyone result with
ties going to the lower quality). A summoned elemental
regards the Adept with a combative attitude and will attack
him if it is able. If the Adept concentrates on controlling the
elemental then it is compelled to perform, as the Adept desires.
If the Adept is unable to concentrate (taking damage or
rendered unconscious) the elemental will move to engage the
Adept. The Adept can regain control with a success Resolve-
mental resolve check. An elemental can be controlled up to 30
meters per rank from the Adept and while the Adept cannot
sense what the elemental can the control does not require line
of sight.
If a Critical Failure is generated during the summons the
desired quality of elemental appears but cannot be controlled
by means of this spell. This uncontrolled elemental remains on
the Adept’s plane for 1d4 minutes and then can return home if
and when it is ready to do so.
The spell lasts until the duration expires, the elemental
dies, or the Adept successfully casts Abjuration-dispel on the
elemental. As concerns the last parameter a +1 cumulative
penalty is applied per quality of the elemental starting with
marginal.
 Rank 2 – Fire Blade: At rank 2 the Adept can use the conjuring
power of this spell to reach into a fire and pull forth a blade
composed of solid flame. The blade has these statistics:
Damage 1d4+1w/2d4w/1d4+1m
Accuracy 0
Actions 3
Mass 2
Skill Melee Weapons-blades
The Adept may add his Strength damage modifier to any
damage caused and the blade and the blade causes +2 points
of damage against any creature composed of water or ice. The
fire blade may also be used to catch inanimate objects on fire
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
as well. The attack gains a –1 Situation Modifier if the item is
only touched (no damage weapon damage caused) and if the
item is worn or held the defender may apply his strength
Resistance Modifier the attack. If hit the item must roll a
Durability check against a Heat hazard. This roll is modified by
+2 if the attack is Good or by +4 if Amazing.
The fire blade remains for the duration indicated for the
standard use of the spell. The blade is magical and resists all
non-psionic FX powers with a +1 Resistance Modifier even if
the effect is beneficial.
 Ranks 4 - Wall of Fire: This spell option creates a wall of
roaring flames that encompasses a total area of 20 square
meters. The wall can have any shape that the caster desires
however the minimum dimension of any part of the wall is 1
meter. This option does not have effect on a Marginal result.
The wall provides light cover (+1 penalty) to all who
attack through the wall and any who come into contact with
the wall must roll a Constitution feat check against a fire
hazard. Those who actually pass through it suffer a +1 penalty
to the roll.
The wall remains as long as the Adept maintains
concentration on it. If the concentration end the wall lasts for
5 combat rounds per degree of success. As with the standard
version of this spell a fire of no less than 1 meter cube must be
present in order to conjure a wall of fire.
 Rank 6 - Conjure Fire: At rank 6 the Adept may summon forth
fire from that plane. The Adept may conjure forth a total area
of 2 cubic meters worth of pure flame per rank and the
conjured fire may appear anywhere within 10 meters of the
Adept. The area may be occupied. All beings and objects in
such an area must roll Constitution feat checks against a fire
hazard. Fire spirits could care less what the Adept conjures the
fire for and as such there is no risk of losing Standing for
wanton or excessive use of this option.
Unlike the standard rules of the spell no fire need be
present when casting this spell. The duration of this option is
Instantaneous and all fire conjure will vanish unless material in
the area is set on fire. This additional fire(s) will burn
normally.
 Ranks 8 & 12 – Greater Wall of Fire: At rank 8 the total area of
the spell increases to 40 meters and all penalties for feat
checks are at a base of +1. At rank 12 the area increases to 80
meters and penalties are at a base of +3.
 Rank 10 - Creature of Fire: At rank 10 the Adept may call forth
creatures from the plane of fire other than its native spirits.
Creatures mentioned in Book 3, in the Elementals chapter,
include Effreti, Salamander, Fire Snake, and Azer. The limit on
what can be summoned is only limited by the Adept’s
knowledge of those beings. The aforementioned beings are
considered known and can be readily summoned.
Casting the spell requires a total of 6 skill checks with one
check allowed per minute. Once the spell is complete the
quality of the complex skill check applies a 0/+2/+4 modifier
to the desired being’s Resolve-mental resolve check. If this
check fails then the creature is summoned and acts as if fanatic
in attitude towards the Adept. If the check succeeds then the
creature avoids the spell and does not appear. The creature, if
summoned, remains in this world for a length of time equal to
the standard use of this spell with Elementals.
 Rank 12 - Firestorm: This rank benefit option is an
improvement on the ‘Conjure Fire’ option above and behaves
exactly as the rank 5 ‘Fireball’ benefit for the Invocation-magic
fire spell. The sole exception between this spell option and
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Fireball is that the area of effect is equal to a Wall of Fire for
that Adept.
Elemental Bonding (cost 3, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Instantaneous
Type: Personal
Resist: Magic Resistance
Range: Touch
Trappings: A person wounded by an elemental force
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell allows the Adept to heal damage caused to
a being by an elemental force. This includes just about any
type of naturally occurring damage like being burned,
suffocation, drowning, or being caught in an avalanche. The
spell can heal all such damage caused but only by one source.
Therefor if a character had suffered 4 points of wound damage
by fire and then fell for 6 wound points of damage, the Adept
could heal all the damage caused by either the fire or the fall.
Damage caused by creatures, poisons, disease, any type of
weapon, or magical energy cannot be healed by this spell.
However GRAPH effects that cause damage can be healed as
stated above.
If a Good success is generated the Adept may heal up to
two elemental effects that caused damage. If the result is
Amazing then up to three effects can be healed.
This spell may also be used to heal Elementals of any type
of damage. In this case the quality of the success heals 1d4-1,
1d4, or 1d4+1 mortal points of damage. If all mortal points are
healed then the remaining points heal wound, and then stun if
all wounds are healed.
Fire Attack (cost 1)
Duration: Instantaneous
Type: Attack-Ranged by Direct
Resist: DEX
Range: Rank by 10/20/30 meters (Modifiers: 0/+1/+2)
Complexity: Simple
Trappings: None
Marginal: No
Description: This spell forms a sphere of fire in the caster’s open
hand that can be cast at a target with in the spell’s range. The
damage caused is (En/O) and does d4+1w/d6+1w/d4m.
Despite the nature of the sphere it does not have sufficient
strength to cause a fire hazard however any object struck by
the sphere must roll a durability check against heat and can
possibly be set ablaze.
Casting this spell costs only 1 FX point regardless of the
result generated. If a miss is rolled then it is possible for other,
near by targets may be struck. If a Critical Failure is rolled the
spell only costs 2 FX points.
⊗ Ranks 4 & 8 - Multiple Spheres: At rank 4 the spell creates a
second sphere that may be cast at the same target or at another
at no penalty for doing so. At rank 8 the spell creates three
spheres.
⊗ Rank 12 – Power Increase: At rank 12 the spheres’ damage type
increases to En/G.
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
Fire Charm (cost 2, learn 0)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: One minute per degree of success
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: None
Range: 30 meters
Trappings: A fire that is at least 1 cubic meter in size.
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: When first learned the Adept may increase the
amount of light produced by a fire by 1, 2, or 3 degrees as per
the rules for illumination in Chapter 8: Gamers in Action of
book 1. This increase also effects the heat of the fire so that
checks against fire damage suffer a +1, 2, or 3 penalty. This
increased heat may cause the fire to burn out its fuel source
faster as determined by the Game Master. During the duration
the Adept may lower or raise the intensity of the fire at will as
long as the increase does not exceed that determined by the
spells casting. The Adept may cause a fire to extinguish if
desired, however this option cannot be used on fires not in
control of the Adept himself. This includes other spells in this
broad skill like the Wall of Fire option under Conjure Fire
Elemental.
The spell may also be used for a more dramatic effect to
cause any fire that produces smoke to cloud an area with
smoke and cinders in a blinding flash. All beings who are
within 30 of the flash must roll a Resolve-physical resolve
check or be blinded as for the rules for ‘flash blinding’ in
Chapter 8: Gamers in Action of book 1. This effect also rapidly
fills an area equal to 10, 20 or 30 times the size of the fire itself.
Al those in the area of the smoke must roll a Constitution feat
against Heat and Smoke per phase. This effect remains for one
phase per rank of the Adept.
Using the second option, often called Pyrotechnics,
extinguishes the fire source used. Magical sources, regardless
of origin cannot be used to fulfill this spell. The smoke may be
dispersed by winds or may linger longer if in an enclosed area.
 Rank 2 - Moths to the Flame: This option causes a fire to
glimmer and gossamer so that any person who sees it suffers a
+1, 2, 3 penalty to resist encounter skills or FX powers that do
the same (Enchantment spells, telepathic Mind Control powers,
etc.). This modifier may also apply as a bonus to the use of
those same abilities as long as only one application of the
bonus or penalty is used in the same phase or situation.
The intensity of this option is such that player characters
are guided in action by the results of their die rolls, not by
stating that they wish to resist as can be the case with torture
or interrogations. The spell ends if dispelled, the duration
expires, or if the fire is extinguished.
 Rank 4 - Heat: This spell option causes any inanimate object to
begin to heat up. Doing so requires that the Adept
concentrates and if concentration is broken the spell ends.
Regardless of rank or degree of success the Heat option uses its
own scale to determine damage. On the first phase after the
spell is cast the object rolls a durability check at a –2 bonus
against a heat hazard. On the following phases this modifier
lowers per phase by 1 step until a +2 penalty is reached. At
that point the process reverses until a –2 modifier is reached
again and the spell ends.
If the object is held or worn (like armor or a helmet) the
wearer must also roll a Constitution feat check using the same
modifiers against heat as well. While swords and helms may
be removed or dropped easily armor may be another matter.
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Use the Armor Optimization-heavy armor skill to determine
how quickly a suit of armor may be removed.
 Rank 6 - Everburning: This spell option causes any naturally
existing fire to never burn out its fuel source. The effect is
magical and can be dispelled. If this is the case the fire will
proceed to burn out normally again.
 Rank 8 - Animate Fire: By casting this option the Adept can
animate a fire to spread. In one phase the fire can move in a
line no longer than 1 meter per rank of the Adept. The width of
the line is equal to the width of the source itself. The duration
of any fire spread is equal to one phase per rank of the Adept
and the Adept may also have the flames continue spreading
during this duration if desired. The intensity of the fire, and
subsequent damage caused, is the same as for the source.
Therefor if a candle flame is the source then damage would be
the same as if touching it. The same holds true for a bonfire.
Fire created by this spell does not require a fuel source to
burn nor does it diminish the original flame in any way.
Therefor lines of fire may move across ice or even water with
out extinguishing and such a surface would remain relatively
unharmed.
 Rank 10 - Incendiary Cloud: This spell effect is an improvement
on the ‘Pyrotechnics’ option for the standard use of the spell.
When cast this option changes the hazard of the smoke and
heat to that of fire. All other aspects of the spell remain the
same.
Fire Seeds (cost 4, learn +2)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Special
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: DEX
Range: Touch
Trappings: Living seeds or fruit pits.
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell causes seeds or fruit pits to become deadly
missiles. When cast the Adept can effect 1 seed or pit per
degree of success. When thrown each seed is treated as if a
Fiery Grenade as described in Chapter 4: Weapons and Armor
in book 1. The duration of the spell is permanent for each seed
until they are thrown at which time the seed returns to normal
if a miss occurs.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 - Increased Damage: At the indicated ranks the
damage caused increases by +1. At rank 12 the damage is also
considered Amazing in power.
Fire Trap (cost 2, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: One hour or until the trap is sprung.
Type: Attack-special
Resist: None
Range: Touch
Trappings: An object to be trapped
Complexity: 4 success, one check allowed per round
Marginal: Yes
Description: This spell allows the caster to place a magical trap on
any closeable item or object that is no larger than 2 cubic
meters in size. The next time the object is opened the trap
explodes inflicting d4m points of damage to anyone within
contact within, d6+2 points of wound damage to all within 2
meters, and d4+2 points of wound damage to all within 4
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
meters. All damage is En/O. The object also suffers d4 points
of mortal damage as well. At the end of the spell’s casting, the
character can opt to spend an additional FX points to extend
the duration to one month however the Adept cannot regain
that point until the spell is triggered.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, &12 - Increased Duration: At rank 4 the spells
duration increases to 2 hours or 2 months depending on the
option that the caster chooses. At rank 8 the spells duration
increases to 3 hours or 3 months. At rank 12 the spells
duration increases to 4 hours or 4 months.
Quench (cost 3, learn 0)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: One phase per rank
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: None
Range: 10 meters
Trappings: An area that contains fire
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: The Quench spell takes fire on this plane and returns
it to the plane of fire. Once cast this spell allows the Adept to
make disappear an area of natural fire equal to 2 square
meters per rank per phase. The beginning point of the
quenching must be no further than 10 meters from the Adept
but the actual terminus of the spell effect is variable. Any path
or opening created by this spell can be no smaller than 1 meter
in area.
This spell may also be used as an attack against creatures
composed of fire (fire elementals, salamanders, etc.). When
cast the creature must be within 10 meters of the Adept and if
so it receives 1d4+1w/1d6+1w/1d4m points of damage for an
ordinary to an amazing success. This effect is instantaneous
and cannot be used in tandem with the standard use of the
spell.
Rune Magic (cost 4, learn +2)
Carved and inked symbols can have a tremendous amount of
power when crafted by an Adept. This broad skill allows the
Adept to tap into the universal power of magic to provide for a
variety of effects. Use of this broad skill is often found among
primitive cultures and is seen by some as a lesser cousin to Spirit
Magic. However any talent could potentially learn it, regardless
of his or her background.
Unlike other broad skills, Believers and Faith Talents must
also learn this broad skill in the same manner as an Arcanist.
Being able to have the broad skill also requires the character to
have the Lore-rune lore specialty skill before learning can begin.
The ability to read and write is not mandatory for this broad skill,
as the runes are a special language unto themselves, and the rune
lore skill can be used to decipher runes carved by other
practitioners of this magic. In any case most persons who make
use of this power are often referred to as Runecasters.
Each specialty skill has multiple runes and symbols that can
be used. All such symbols use the score for that specialty skill
during the complex skill check phase, however each individual
rune has its own complexity, cost, and effect.
Each type of rune is described on the tables below for each
specialty skill, but all of them have common terminology. The
Complexity column gives the number of success required to
correctly grant the symbols power. Unless otherwise stated, one
check is allowed per minute.
123
The Skill/FX Cost column shows the number of FX points
used or the number of Skill points that the Runecaster must pay
in order to empower the rune. In the case of FX points the cost
indicated applies to any successful result. If a Critical Failure or
three Failures are rolled during the complex check then the FX
points are spent and the symbols have no power. FX points
cannot be recovered as long as the runes they were spent on are
still in effect. After the rune runs it course or is destroyed then
the Runecaster may recover those points normally.
In the case of Skill point cost the number given shows the
amount of skill points the Runecaster must pay to use the rune or
totem. These points can only come from the character’s ‘Saved’
point pool. This means that the points can only come from a pool
of skill points that can, but have not yet been spent. If sufficient
points are not present then the rune or totem cannot be used.
Skill point lose is permanent. However if a Failure results then
there is no FX point or skill point cost. On a Critical Failure the
character losses the skill point, or points, and the rune has no
effect.
Runes can gain benefits from the Creativity-engraving and
the Lore-rune lore skills using the rules of skills aiding other
skills. The Game Master can allow other skills to be used as well
if they fit the profile of a specific rune. An example could be using
the Lore-beast lore skill to aid in carving a Totem of Change,
which is found under the Legerdemain specialty skill.
While the runes draw upon the universal magic that resides
in a world, the power of a rune can be dispelled with Abjuration-
dispel. Doing so involves the comparison of rank vs. rank as well
as requiring the achievement of a success equal to or greater than
that of the rune’s quality. At the Game Master’s option other
‘removal’ type spells may be used if they counter act the effects of
the rune in question. In such cases the rules stated above for the
dispel ability still apply.
(Note: This broad skill was added to the game after the
creation of chapters 2 and 6 of book 1. As such it is not included
in the descriptions of character careers or in the NPC templates
provided. Any primitive or barbaric character may have access
to it. In addition it should also appear as an allowed skill for the
Nature Priest as well. An individual Game Master is encouraged
to fit this skill in where he or she feels it fits best. It is also
important to note that Rune Magic is popular among both
Dwarves and Giants, and both races have Adept characters that
specialize in this form of FX)
Crafting New Runes
Each specialty skill describes the nature of a new rune
introduced into the game. If a player wishes to create a new rune
then they must craft it first. This includes that the new rune is
drawn or carved with the intent of immediate use. As the new
rune is undiscovered territory, the Game Master before hand sets
the complexity and FX/Skill cost but does not tell the character
these factors. In addition to this one more success is required
and a base +1 penalty is applied.
Once a new rune has been crafted and successfully employed
it may be called on again at a later time without the increase in
complexity of penalty as stated before. The Adept also knows the
complexity and cost of the rune as well.
If a Critical Failure is rolled during this initial period then
that Adept cannot create the rune as intended. Three Failures
indicate that the rune must be created again to have effect.
Crafting a new rune requires the use of the Lore-rune lore or
the appropriate Rune Magic specialty skill. Creativity can also aid
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
in the crafting as per the rules of Skills aiding Skills. As the new night the person sleeps above the rune he or she must roll a
rune is undiscovered territory the time increment between Resolve-mental resolve check. If passed the rune has no effect
checks is increased from the increment that will be attributed to that night. If the check is failed then the person views the
that rune. Increments are measured in Minutes, Hours, Days, other named person with an attitude equal to Fanatic.
Weeks, Months, and Years. Individual Game Masters can The magic in the rune is permanent but if discovered and
elaborate on these increments as it suits their campaign. known for what it is, the magic is broken and attitudes return
to normal. Also, the rune must remain where it was placed. If
Lore-rune lore (cost 1) not the magic is also lost.
This skill allows a character to read and write runes. While Dead Rune: This dark and potent rune allows the Adept to speak
it requires the Rune Magic broad skill to provide actual magical with the spirits of the departed. When the rune is created it
power to them the ability to understand runes can be very must name the specific person the Adept wishes to speak to. If
helpful, especially in locations where they are often used. While the person was buried the rune must be placed at that site. If
no spell power is granted by this skill, a character can read and the person was lost then it must be cast into the sea. If the
understand the nature of magical runes. If a command word or person was burned on a pyre then the rune must also be
event can trigger the runes, then that information is also learned burned.
and can be used. Understanding the rune also allows the When the rune is placed, burnt, or thrown, a word of
character knowledge as to who the runes where designed to beckoning is spoken. The spirit then appears before the Adept,
effect and how (as in the cases of the Totem of Curses). and all others present, and can then be asked questions.
Adepts with the Rune Magic broad skill must also have this Before this however the Adept must use an encounter skill to
skill at rank 1. For these characters, rune lore acts with Rune determine the Starting Attitude of the spirit, which can dictate
Magic as read/write does for an Arcanist and arcane and shared the outcome of following events. If the spirit was an ally of the
magic spells. In all cases the rank of the rune lore skill applies Adept then the attitude starts at Friendly, otherwise it is
benefits and hindrances as any other Knowledge-language skill Neutral. If the modified attitude becomes Hostile the spirit
does. leaves, answering no questions. If the Adept rolls a Critical
Failure during the attitude check the spirit manifests in
physical form as a Wraith or Specter (as described in Book 3).
Hegemony (cost 5, learn +2) Otherwise the Adept, and only the Adept, may ask the
This skill cannot be used untrained spirit three questions. Answers are usually cryptic or poetic,
Duration: Varies by application but are truthful and exact. If the Adept asks a question about
Type: Varies by application dark or hidden lore or about the gods then a new attitude may
Resist: Varies by application have to be determined. Otherwise the answers are exactly
Range: Varies by application right.
Trappings: Varies by application Disease Rune: This wretched rune is employed in the same
Complexity: Varies by application manner as the Charm Rune above except that it names only
Marginal: Varies by application one person. Each night the person sleeps on top of the rune he
Description: Hegemony means power and authority, and that’s or she must roll a Stamina-endurance check against disease.
what these runes provide. If they are not powers over life and The disease is magical and cannot be cured by mundane means
death, then they grant power over people. Kingdoms and once in effect. The strength of the disease is equal to the
civilizations that have regular use (FX Level 2+ as per Chapter quality of the complex skill check used to carve it. Once the
7: Campaigns of Book 1) of Rune Magic often have lords victim contracts the disease or the rune is broken it loses its
employing Adepts with this skill. power, however the disease remains of course.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Easier Complexity: At the indicated ranks the Fortune Rune: This rune allows the Adept to determine the fate of
complexity required for a rune or symbol is lowered by one an event or person(s) named in the rune. Once completed the
check. In no case can the complexity be lowered below one rune (carved on wood) is burned in a fire. Gazing into the fire
check. the Adept can see the future of events, as they will unfold
naturally. The images seen are not dream-like but they may be
Rune/Totems Complexity Skill/FX Cost as vague as the Game Master sees fit, considering the runes
Charm Rune 4 Skill 1 quality of course.
Dead Rune 6 Skill 1 Observing the future in this manner requires an
Disease Rune 4 FX 3 Awareness-intuition check on the Adepts part to accurately
Fortune Rune 3 Skill 2 decipher what is seen. The breadth of information sought after
Life Rune 8 Skill 2 can apply a penalty or bonus of 1 or 2 steps as the Game
Lore Rune 5 FX 3 Master feels necessary. The rune can only be used once as it is
Standing Stones See below See below burned during its use.
Totem of Curses 10 Skill 5 Life Rune: This difficult rune seeks to grab the departed spirit of a
New Rune ? ? deceased person and reacquaint it with the dead party. In
other words it can return a person to life.
Any runes on this table use the rank of its parent specialty Aside from the complexity of the rune, a cumulative
skill for any and all rolls that determine effect or quality. penalty of one step applies for each day the person has been
dead. The body must be whole and the death could not have
Charm Rune: When this rune is carved it must include the names occurred by a means that leaves the cadaver in a condition that
of two persons who are to have a deep trust and love for each it couldn’t hold the life once returned to it. If the rune is used
other. When the rune is completed it must be placed under the and such a condition exists, the body will be returned into
bed or mattress of one of the persons stated in the rune. Every
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 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
undeath, rising as a ghoul, wight, revenant, or other corporeal
undead creature.
The rune is special in that it must be drawn on the body of
the deceased. Any ink or stain can be used, but it must be
durable to some degree and must also resist rain or streaking
in extremely moist conditions (i.e. oil based). When the rune is
successfully completed the Adept calls forth the spirit of the
character to return to his or her body. The Adept can use any
Encounter skill that the Game Master feels is appropriate for
the deceased character. The Adept can apply a 1, 2, or 3 step
bonus to the check based on the quality of the original complex
spell check result. On any success the spirit returns and the
character recovers all mortal and wound damage, however all
of the subjects fatigue points are lost. Fatigue points must be
recovered on a daily basis, as opposed an hourly basis. If a
Critical Failure is generated then the spell has no effect, it
cannot be used on the character later, and the skill point cost is
still paid.
If Failure results from the Encounter skill check then the
returning spirit is accompanied by 1d6+1 ordinary quality
Poltergeists (see Book 3) who try to steal the spirit and take it
back to the great beyond. On the round after the Encounter
skill check the Poltergeists materialize and begin the process of
removing the spirit. To do this they need to achieve as many
successes as the revived character has in mortal points, using
their Unarmed Attack score. Of course the character’s allies
can aid by fighting the Poltergeists. Each Poltergeist slain
increases the complex check they need to steal the spirit by
one more success. Regardless of the number of Poltergeists
present, only one ‘attack’ is made per action to steal the spirit.
Regardless of success or failure, this magic may only be
used once for any one person or being. Also if the subject of
the power is an animal and a Failure is generated on the
Encounter check, then 1d6+1 animal spirits of the same type
appear to steal the spirit instead.
Lore Rune: This rune allows the Adept to seek the answer to a
single question. The Adept forms the question into the runes
and carves them on a stone. If the rune is formed correctly the
answer will come to the Adept in the form of a dream in 1d6
nights. Like most prophetic answers, the vision will be full of
strange and confusing terms for the Adept to investigate and
decipher. Aside from the theatrics of the dream, the
information is exact and is correct based on the rune’s
inscription and the Adept’s request.
Standing Stones: Standing stones are large shaped stones that rise
from the ground to towering heights. Normally stones with
graven images can be found in a multitude of cultures and most
of them act as ceremonial sites, astronomical observatories,
gates into locations, or as boundary markers. In the case of
Rune Magic however a skilled Adept can create a single or
series of standing stones that can have a variety of magical
effects. While the idea of the Standing Stones invokes images
of Stonehenge, many cultures made use of monumental stones
in various arrangements to suit different needs. Egyptians
certainly did, and in fantasy settings Dwarves are very likely to
make use of this option if available.
Standing stones come in two common varieties: single
works, or multiple stones formed in a specific arrangement.
Single stones can have the following effects, as selected by the
Adept at the time of carving the runes onto the stone. It is also
important to note that the time increment for checks is
measured in Hours, Days, Weeks, or Months. Each type of rune
gives this information in parenthesis next to the complexity of
the rune.
125
Single Stone Powers
Rune Power Complexity Cost
Elemental Guardian 6 (days) Skill 3
Petrified Entity 4 (hours) Skill 2
Speaking Stone 7 (days) Skill 1 to 3
Spell Store Varies (hours) FX 2
Elemental Guardian: This rune works in tandem with the
various conjure elemental spells (as found under each
elemental broad skill) and allows the Adept to create a
permanent elemental guardian as long as the Adept has rank
1 or higher in the selected conjure elemental spell. After the
runes are successfully crafted the Adept casts the conjure
elemental spell upon them, bonding an elemental to the
stone. The quality of the elemental can be determined in the
same manner as per the normal use of any conjure elemental
spell. The elemental can be summoned when a specific
command word is spoken (specified when the runes are
carved) or when a certain event or circumstance takes place.
The appropriate element must be present in order to
facilitate the runes and unlike the Petrified Entity rune
below, the stone does not change into the elemental but
rather the rune summons the elemental forth. The
elemental that is summoned cannot move further than 30
meters from the stone. While the elemental, by virtue of the
runes, seeks to protect the location it is in, the runes do not
provide any level of control over the elemental. However if
the site is sacred or holy then all persons with a Standing of
1 or higher in that faith are safe and will be protected if need
be. All others, or elementals summoned forth in other
locations, are all considered a threat to the elementals
location. The sole exception to this is the Adept who carved
the runes. This person can control the elemental at will, an
act that does not require concentration.
Petrified Entity: This option can only be used on a being that
has been permanently transformed into stone, as with the
use of the Earth Magic-transmute earth spell or other power.
When these runes are carved on to the ‘body’ of that being
the being can then be transformed back into flesh by
speaking a keyed word of command. At the Adept’s option,
this power of the runes may also initiate the transformation
under certain specified circumstances. The transformation
lasts for one hour if the runes are Ordinary in quality, one
day if Good, and one Week if Amazing. After this time
elapses the being returns to stone.
The power of the runes is permanent however an
individual most remain in stone form for at least as long as
the being had last been changed back into flesh, allowing the
runes time to recharge. This is a magical effect and can be
removed by Abjuration-dispel or any other powers that can
remove curses or change auras.
Speaking Stone: This rune simulates the commune with nature
spell under the Plant broad skill. After the runes are carved,
the Adept can decide whether to spend 1, 2, or 3 skill points
on the rune. Each skill point spent represents the number of
questions that can be asked of the stones per week. While
the runes may need to recharge, the power of the runes is
permanent.
The Adept can also bind a spirit to the stones as well. If
successfully done, the spirit will be compelled to answer any
question asked of it as truthfully as it can. Bound spirits can
be asked as many questions as are standard for this rune as
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
described above. Needless to say, spirits do not like this
kind of treatment.
Spell Store: Using this optional rune an Adept can store the
power of a faith, arcane, or shared magic spell in the runes.
The complexity of the runes is equal to the rank the spell will
be cast at plus one-half of the spells base cost, rounded up.
The cost of the rune is 2 FX points.
When the runes are successfully crafted the Adept then
casts the desired spell on to them. The quality of the runes
indicates the maximum quality of the spell once released.
When the word of command is spoken (specified during the
creation of the runes) the speaker is bestowed with the spell
and is aware of the nature of the ability. If the spell has a set
effect then those factors are based on the spells quality. If
the spell requires a roll to use, as with an attack type spell,
then the rank it was stored at acts as an add-on the
appropriate ability score. When the spell is released from
the runes and cast by the recipient, the FX points can then be
recovered.
If the Adept is able then MetaMagic-permanency may
also be cast on this rune. Doing so makes the magic
permanent however it can only be accessed once per week.
Multiple Stone Powers
Rune Power Complexity Cost
Peaceful Stones Varies (months) Skill 2
Power Focus See below (months) Skill 3+FX
Trilithon Gate 8 (weeks) Skill 2
A note on multiple stones: A large system of runes can
cover an area no less than 10 square meters or no more than a
square kilometer. In either case, one large stone must be in
every 10 square meters or, if arranged in circles, the stones
must enclose the area and all inner rings must be no less than
50 meters from outer rings. Other geometric shapes are
allowed but they must always complete a full shape. This
means that no gaps in the can exist. The Game Master can
make exceptions for certain shapes, like horseshoes, but these
shapes must be symmetrical.
The magic infused in these runes cover large areas and as
such they are very difficult to dispel. To destroy the magic
involved at least one-half of the stones must have their magic
dispelled or the stones themselves must be cleaved into pieces
to so that the runes are defaced. If an attempt is made to
destroy the magic but the Game Master does not feel the effort
qualifies, the magic will slowly repair the stones and return the
power back to the wounds. This process is equal to one stone
or rune replaced per day. During this time however the magic
is temporarily unusable.
Peaceful Stones: This elaborate rune creates a protected area
where all those in the area and the land itself, shares an
enhanced resistance against harsh environments. The
quality of the runes acts as both the Guardian-stabilize and
the Weather-weatherproof spells as regards their effects on
nature and weather and is equal in quality to the runes
themselves. The effects are permanent within the ring or
area of stones.
Power Focus: This set of stones provides a boost to the skill
score of a certain, specified skill that is carved onto the
runes. The bonus usually applies to skill, both mundane and
FX, that aid the crafting persons in some pursuit or
endeavor. Examples include Cosmos-divine guidance,
Metaphysics-prophesy, Nature-meteorology, Lore-beast lore,
126
Spirit Magic-exorcise, or the like. Only one spell or skill can
gain the bonus, which ranges from one to three steps based
on the quality of the runes. No skill check is required to
access the bonus, however it does cost 1 FX point (arcane or
faith only) per step bonus gained; a cost incurred by the
person invoking the power.
Any person who invokes the power must now the
command phrases that need to be spoken. If they are not
known they can be learned by reading the stones and
passing a successful Lore-rune lore check. Persons without
FX points suffer 1 fatigue point for each FX point required.
No roll in granted to resist this effect.
Trilithon Gate: This rune must be carved on two stones that are
to be linked through space and time. The complexity and
cost of the rune is for each individual gate. When one gate is
successfully completed the other gate can be created. When
both gates are successfully created then a designated
command word can be used to create a portal between the
gates.
The gates can be in any location or time, even on other
planes however both must be created by the same Adept and
no more than a week can transpire between works or a +1
penalty is assumed per day of delay. The gate can be
activated once per month when the command word is
spoken. The gate will remain open for as long as five
minutes unless the Adept or person speaking the command
words concentrates on the gate. In such a case the gate
remains open until concentration ceases. The gate can be
activated more than once per month however doing so costs
the Adept 1 FX point that cannot be recovered. Characters
who are not arcane or faith adepts, or those without such FX
points cannot activate the gate.
While the gate is open individuals on both sides of the
gate can pass through. Environmental effects from either
side of the gate may also pass through as well. Gates of this
type are often used by Druids to maintain a link between
their orders on a given world. Other persons also make use
of such gates to advance knowledge on worlds that are far
removed, and some even use them as a means of travel and
conquest between planets, dimensions, and times.
The various runes above can be combined in any manner
the player desires, and the Game Master allows. Therefor a set
of stones could have the Peaceful Stones option in effect while
any number of individual stones in the group could have Single
Stone Powers. Here ends the details of Standing Stones.
Totem of Curses: Perhaps the most feared of all runes, this totem
places a powerful curse on a person who has gained the enmity
of the Adept. When created the totem must state the name of
the person to be cursed, and it must also state why. The rune
ends with the nature of the curse that is to be enacted. When
the rune is complete the Adept must display it in some location
that is no less than 1 kilometer away from the target’s current
home or base of operation.
When the totem is in place and the Adept speaks a word of
command a curse is born that follows the rules for the rank 12
‘Hex’ option for the Black Magic-curse spell. Unlike that spell
option however, this curse takes effect immediately and has
greater personal and outwardly physical signs than the Black
Magic-curse spell. A man who offends a shaman by spitting on
him may find that he constantly and uncontrollably drools. A
person who abuses animals may find one day that all animals
are Combative towards him and attack on sight. While the
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
nature and effect of the curse is open-ended, Game Masters
must not let this power be used as a super charged attack spell.
In other words, the curse should fit an offense committed
against the Adept or something he cares about.
Carving this rune is not an act taken lightly by the powers
that be. When a Totem of Curses is created the Adept must
suffer a game effect. This can range from a negative Standing
score with an existing power in the campaign, a mandatory
Taboo as described under Spirit Magic, or a special quest that
must be completed by the Adept alone that removes him from
the group for a long period of time. Game Masters may allow
the player to select or propose the effect, or he may simply
assign it as best fits the curse.
If a Critical Failure is rolled during the crafting of the
totem then the Adept may suffer from a Black Magic Effect as
described in that appendix at the end of this book. The method
of determining the effect follows the normal rules.
New Hegemony Rune: Other runes can exist under this broad
skill. New runes should fit he character of those that it is
coupled with. Runes not found on the table above, but are
introduced later, must be learned using the Lore-rune lore skill
with success based on the parameters of this specialty skill.
Once learned the rune can be used at the character’s current
rank.
Legerdemain (cost 3)
Duration: Varies by application
Type: Varies by application
Resist: Varies by application
Range: Varies by application
Trappings: Varies by application
Complexity: Varies by application
Marginal: Varies by application
Description: This specialty skill grants the Adept with an array of
useful runes that mimic many common arcane spell effects.
Legerdemain (which means magic) include runes with an
array of ability allowing primitive Shaman and other Believers
to mimic some spells effects of Arcanists.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Easier Complexity: At the indicated ranks the
complexity required for a rune or symbol is lowered by one
check. In no case can the complexity be lowered below one
check.
Rune/Totems Complexity Skill/FX Cost
Ale Rune 4 Skill 1
Beast Totem 6 Skill 2
Help Rune 4 FX 3
Limb Rune 6 Skill 1
Quench Rune 3 FX 1
Rune of Opening 3 FX 1
Sight Rune 3 FX 2
Totem of Change 7 FX 3
Water Rune 8 Skill 2
Any runes on this table use the rank of its parent specialty
skill for any and all rolls that determine effect or quality.
Ale Rune: This rune protects a person from potential treachery in
the form of poisoned drink. When the runes are inscribed on a
drinking horn, mug, or cup it will immediately shatter if a
substance is poured into it that would cause the drinker harm
(aside from alcoholic beverages of course). The magic remains
until such an event takes place.
127
Beast Totem: This totem allows the Adept to understand the
speech of one particular animal. When shaped the totem must
name and must also be a carving of a particular beast. A type
of animal (“any bear”) is not sufficient; an exact identification
must be provided (“the bear that lives in the big cave at the
mouth of the Red River”). Once the rune is carved, the Adept
can converse with that animal as if by normal speech, both man
and animal understanding each other as if both had rank 3 in a
special language.
The effects are permanent, however the totem must be on
the Adept when he converses with the beast or it must be
buried and no further than 1 kilometer from the beast named
on it.
Help Rune: This valuable rune can be fashioned to cure diseases,
including those caused by magical means. When shaped the
Adept must know the name and symptoms of the sufferer by
use of Medicine, Knowledge-first aid, or other similar skill. The
rune is then carved on a plank and placed under the ailing
person.
Each morning the sufferer rolls a Stamina-endurance
check. If successful the disease is reduced a grade (Terminally
Ill to Extremely Ill, Extremely Ill to Ill, and so on) and some of
the symptoms vanish. This process continues until the person
is cured. Note however that this is an on-going battle against
the illness and the patient must also roll checks to prevent the
illness from becoming worse as well. In addition the patient
must rest on the rune for an entire day for it to have effect (i.e.
no activity).
Limb Rune: This useful rune can be used to heal injuries,
particularly those suffered in battle. To be effective, the rune is
shaped with the injured person’s name and then is carved into
a living tree. Blood from the wounded person must then be
touched to the carved letters. When successfully completed
the patient recovers 1d4+1, 1d6+1, or 2d4+1 points of mortal
damage (based on the quality of the complex skill check). If no
mortal damage remains then left over points apply to wound
damage instead. This power cannot help with stun or fatigue
damage.
Quench Rune: This rune allows the Adept to extinguish any single
fire. The rune must state the location that it will have effect on
and it must be carved on a piece of wood. When the rune is
thrown into a fire at that location is automatically extinguishes
any single fire up to the size of a small building. If the rune is
thrown on an elemental creature from the plane of fire then it
acts as the Fire Magic-quench spell, causing damage equal to
the quality of the rune. These runes can also be used to protect
ships and other vessels.
Rune of Opening: When this rune is carved it will cause any door,
lock, or other man-made closure to open as long as it is not
magically held shut. To use the rune the Runecaster must be
able to see the closure and must break the rune or destroy the
rune for it to have effect. If the opening of a door or seal is
physically contested the spell acts as if it had a strength score
equal to the Runecaster’s score with this spell, or the minimum
strength that would be needed to open the closure.
Sight Rune: When this rune is carved, stating the name of a
specific person, and worn by that person, it allows him or her
to ‘see’ things that would not normally register to the senses.
The effect is equal to the Divination-detect spell and the person
named in the rune can decide what it is that he wishes to ‘see’.
The effect lasts for one hour and the power of the rune fades
after that time or until the rune is destroyed. The rune must be
held at all times in order for the person to receive its benefits.
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
Totem of Change: When this powerful rune is crafted it allows the
Runecaster to change into a specified type of beast. The beast
can be of any type naturally found in the environment that the
Adept is in. While in the form of a beast all the rules for the
Alteration-shape change spell apply. The limitations are that
the new form must be a Beast (as described in Book 3) and the
Adept cannot use any Super Power FX or innate magical
abilities, however other effects like toughness, poison attacks,
and Active Super Power abilities can be used. Also unlike the
spell none of the Adept’s personal belongings change with him.
The one exception to this is the Adept’s holy symbol if a
Believer or his fetish if he uses Spirit Magic.
One special feature of this power is that the Adept may
cast any Arcane, Faith, or Shared Magic spells as if a Sorcerer
while in the form. This means that the beast form does not
need to provide hands for the Adept to cast further spells.
Some spells that have mandatory Trappings, and that do
require the use of hands or faculties not available to the form,
might not be useable as determined by the Game Master.
To activate the power the Adept completes a totem
dedicated to the beast he wishes to change into. This totem is
then displayed proudly in or near that beast’s natural habitat.
When this is done the Adept may change into the beast at
anytime. The duration of the power is permanent until either
the totem is burned or destroyed, or the Adept changes back
into his original form.
Water Rune: This helpful rune is used to protect a person during
voyages at sea or when they are in water. The rune is shaped
on a stone or piece of wood, naming the protected person. The
rune is then cast into the sea. From that point forward the
protected person gains a one step bonus to rolls concerning
drowning, may swim at his Swim rate even without the
Movement-swim skill, and will naturally float in a way that
allows them to breath if they are rendered unconscious. The
magic ends if the rune is burned (if carved on wood) or
crushed (if carved in stone).
New Legerdemain Runes: Other runes can exist under this broad
skill. New runes should fit he character of those that it is
coupled with. Runes not found on the table above, but are
introduced later, must be learned using the Lore-rune lore skill
with success based on the parameters of this specialty skill.
Once learned the rune can be used at the character’s current
rank.
Runes of Victory (cost 4, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Varies by application
Type: Varies by application
Resist: Varies by application
Range: Varies by application
Trappings: Varies by application
Complexity: Varies by application
Marginal: Varies by application
Description: These runes focus magical energy to aid in battle or
on quests. Their use centers on making a person capable of
achieving his or her goals by enhancing defense, offense, and
luck.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Easier Complexity: At the indicated ranks the
complexity required for a rune or symbol is lowered by one
check. In no case can the complexity be lowered below one
check.
Rune/Totems Complexity Skill/FX Cost
128
Armor Rune 5 FX 1
Berserk Rune 3 FX 2
Catch Rune 6 FX 2
Luck Rune 6 FX 3
Sea Rune 3+ Skill 2
Shield Rune 5 FX 2
Strength Rune 5 Skill 1
Triumph Rune 6 FX 2
Any runes on this table use the rank of its parent specialty
skill for any and all rolls that determine effect or quality.
Armor Rune: This potent rune is greatly valued by warriors and
adventurers. When carved on a wooden amulet and worn by
the person stated in the rune, he or she suffers 1 less point of
primary damage suffered from any attack. The amulet must be
donned as soon as it is crafted, only one may be made per
person, and the magic remains as long as it is worn and the
recipient does not die (i.e. losses all of his or her mortal
points).
Berserk Rune: This rune can be used to incite berserk rage in a
person. This rune must be carved on the grip, hilt, or shaft or a
weapon. The runes must name an individual as well as a set
piece battle or duel that is known to the Adept. Once the runes
are shaped the named wielder of the weapon automatically
goes berserk and gains those benefits for the Berserk Rage
perk as shown in Chapter 1: Hero Creation of Book 1. The
power lasts until the character uses another weapon, the
character is slain, retreats, or is out of combat for more than
two combat rounds.
If the Adept desires, this rune can also act as the Berserk
Rage flaw as well.
Catch Rune: This must be tooled into the palms of a pair of leather
gloves. When the rune is shaped, the wearer, place, and time
must be specified (i.e. “these gloves are for Drixil in his fight
with the Drow whom we are about to fight”). The runes
remain effective for the entire conflict named and allow the
character to attempt a Dexterity or Strength feat check to catch
any thrown or fired weapon as long as it is not of the High
Impact or Energy damage types. Doing so does not cost the
character an action however only one such item can caught per
phase. Arrows and crossbow bolts may also be caught but a
base +2 penalty applies to the attempt. In addition is the
attack is Good in quality a +1 penalty is applied, and a +3 if the
attack is Amazing.
Game Masters may also allow other skills to be used if the
character has one (Athletics-specific or throw, or Acrobatics-
specific) that seems appropriate.
Luck Rune: This rune, carved on a stick or other wooden surface,
gives a person a free last resort point. The shaping of the rune
requires the name of the person who gains the lucky charm.
The rune must be held or worn to have effect, it must be used
within 24 hours of its creation, and losses its power once used.
Sea Rune: This highly prized rune is used during the construction
of a sea-going vessel to make more controllable and sea-
worthy. The complexity of the rune is never less than three
and is equal to the number of compartments if greater than
three. In the case of this rune the complexity can be above the
usual limit of ten.
Once the rune is carved on the interior of the prow and aft
any one at the helm or rudder gains a one step bonus to regain
control. In addition to this all crewmembers gain a one step
bonus to the use the Ship Operation-sails skill. When the ship
is in danger of taking on water the ship receives a 1 step bonus
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
to its Seaworthy check as described in Chapter 5: Goods and
Services of Book 1.
Once the rune is carved its effects are permanent until the
vessel is destroyed or sinks. Only one such rune can be placed
on any one ship. If the Game Master allows this rune may be
applied to other vehicles. This would include the need to
purchase a separate specialty skill under this broad skill and
generally would only allow a one step bonus to regain control.
As a further option aircraft may gain the one step bonus vs.
Impact damage, land vehicles may gain it to general durability
checks, and spelljamming crafts may gain the bonus to the
situations given for both aircraft and sea-going ships.
Shield Rune: This protective rune is similar to the Armor Rune
above. When the name of a person is carved on to this amulet,
and as long as it is worn, that person gains a +1 Resistance
Modifier to Strength, Dexterity, Will, Magic Resistance, or
Psionic Resistance as stated in the runes. A person may have
several amulets but only one of each type.
Strength Rune: This rune is designed to greatly increase the
named person’s strength score. The rune is carved on a piece
of wood or stone and is then driven into the earth. When the
named person touches the runes the power takes effect. For he
next 24 hours the named characters Strength score increases
by 1d4 points to a minimum of 13. The score can exceed the
character’s standard racial maximum.
It goes with out saying that other ability scores could
similarly be effected. Each would require its own specialty
however.
Triumph Rune: This special rune is crafted for one person for an
event or battle that is forth coming. When worn the person
named in the rune gains a one step bonus to all attack,
defensive, and other combat-related skill checks and feats
rolled during the specified event. When the situation ends the
magic fades.
New Victory Runes: Other runes can exist under this broad skill.
New runes should fit he character of those that it is coupled
with. Runes not found on the table above, but are introduced
later, must be learned using the Lore-rune lore skill with
success based on the parameters of this specialty skill. Once
learned the rune can be used at the character’s current rank.
Spirit Magic (cost 7, learn +3)
The Spirit Magic broad skill invokes a sense of the primitive
shaman speaking to the spiritual ancestors of a tribe or seeking
advise from the spirits of animals and nature. This is perhaps the
most common use of this skill however it is not unheard of for
more civilized Adepts to make use of spirit magic. Some Adepts
may have discovered the secrets of spirits magic while visiting
primitive cultures or they may come from advanced societies
whose religion is based on ancestor and natural spirits. Oriental
societies are good examples of the latter. Regardless of how a
character accesses this broad skill there are some common rules
to its use, and like Black Magic or Wild Magic this broad skill
further defines a character.
Gaining Spirit Magic
Believers may only purchase this broad skill if it is available
to them based on their faith (see Book 1, Chapter 2: Careers)
however they may attempt to learn it in the same manner as an
Arcanist if it is not. This means the believer must research
writings and symbols and otherwise engross himself in the lore
of spirits to learn it. The rules for this progression are the same
129
as for an Arcanist and only in this circumstance do the rules
change for the Believer. Any failure generated during the
learning process lowers the Believer’s Standing score by one
point. If a Critical Failure is rolled the Believer’s Standing is
reduced to zero and can only be restored by some quest or the
Atonement faith feat.
By whatever means that the Adept gains this broad skill he
must have a Standing score with the spirit world. For a character
with the Shaman career this is easy enough, as this is the only
Standing they have to start with. Other characters must have a
special Standing score for the spirit world in addition to any
other they may or may not have. If the Adept’s score is lowered
by any means then a +1 penalty is suffered per point that the
new score is below the original. If the score ever reaches zero
then the ability to cast Spirit Magic is lost until some great quest
is performed to reestablish the character in the eyes of the spirit
world.
A Standing score for this circumstance is established and
maintained by the selection of taboos, rituals, and/or a fetish.
These can vary per character based on the campaign and the type
of spirits the character desires to focus on. An Adept must select
one of each type (a taboo, a ritual, and a fetish) in order to
establish a Standing score.
Taboos
Taboos are acts that the Adept must or must commit. These
can include never cutting one’s hair or fingernails, always sitting
facing a certain direction, never eating meat, or never
apologizing. Players are free to choose the taboo but it must
always be some manner of sacrifice or burden on the character’s
part, whether physically or socially.
Rituals
Rituals are small ceremonies that must be performed at
certain times to appease the spirits. The ritual can involve
prayer, dance, chanting over a small fire, or any creative
combination that seems appropriate. The times a ritual is best
are after achieving a victory, after a successful hunt (i.e.
apologizing to the animal spirits), the death of person close to the
character and/or an enemy, or rituals performed during specific
calendar events (like eclipses, solstices, changing of seasons,
etc.). As a general rule, the less often a ritual is called for, the
more elaborate the ritual must be. Therefor if a ritual need be
performed only once a year then it may need to last for an entire
week!
Fetishes
The Fetish is the last factor in the character’s Standing. A
fetish is either a routine gift to the spirits or a token or totem that
must worn and maintained. A gift can consist of a small portion
of food set aside for the spirits at each meal or screaming the
name of a famous hero after defeating a foe. Tokens are items
that are personal to the Adept and must fit the criteria of a ‘Focus
Trapping’ as described in Chapter 1: FX Rules of this book.
Totems are built and must be adorned with images of the spirits
the Adept is closest to. The Totem may be built at a stationary
location, taken with the Adept, or forgotten and rebuilt wherever
the Adept goes. Totems may also be tattoos and other body art.
As stated before an Adept must select one of each type of
effect in order to establish a positive Standing. These effects can
be combined in a way that they form one action as long as each
type of effect is observed. An example could be a Nordic warrior
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
who screams the name of a famous Norse hero every time an
opponent is slain (the fetish), then smears a line of the opponents
blood across his face (the ritual), and cannot wash off any blood
used in this manner (the taboo). In any case be creative, these
effects should be fun and helpful in the definition of a character.
There are many types of spirits that can be involved in these
spells and Adepts are generally free to choose the type of spirits
they consort with. Similarly there is no outright bonuses
incurred for dealing with only a select few, as can be the case
with the Animal broad skill for faith magic. All spirits are
described in terms of being Marginal to Amazing in quality.
Marginal spirits are easy to manipulate and control but have a
corresponding weakness in their ability to effect the physical
world. Ordinary spirits are the most commonly summoned.
They are strong enough to influence the real world but are
manageable by a skilled Adept. Good quality spirits are usually
the most powerful of spirits summoned and have considerably
more power but are much harder to control. Amazing quality
spirits are usually dealt with only in times of great need. Only the
most skilled of Adepts can hope to control them and Amazing
spirits may interact with the real world with devastating effect.
The types of spirits and how they interact with the game is
discussed in Book 3.
Use of this broad skill also follows very closely with the
details of Spirits in Book 3. Types of spirits, as well as individual
spirits, include rules and options for their interactions with
characters and the real world.
Bind (cost 4, learn +2)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Special
Type: Influential-Ranged by Accuracy
Resist: Special
Range: Rank by 5/10/20 meters (Modifiers: 0/+1/+2)
Trappings: A spirit to be bound and the item, location, or person
it is to be bound to.
Complexity: Complex, see below
Description: This spell binds a spirit to a physical object, a
location, or a living being. A target spirit that is to be subjected
to this spell must be in range. Only one spirit may be effected
per spell casting. The type of spirit, based on quality, is cross-
referenced with the object it is to be bound to producing a
Situation Modifier for the spell check as shown on the next
page.

The Spirit Mind Spirit Binding Table

As a by-product of understanding the Spirit World the Adept Bonded to  Object Location Being
who purchases this broad skill automatically gains an Awake Marginal -3 -2 -1
Persona (see chapter 10 of this book). Having this broad skill Ordinary -1 0 +1
also acts as the Persona broad skill and the Adept may purchase Good 0 +1 +2
those skills freely. No psionic FX points are gained and the Adept Amazing +5 +4 +5
cannot purchase Ego or Mind Control powers unless other
measures are taken. In addition he cannot use any Persona skills The duration of the binding is based on the quality of the
that allow the Persona or any mental effect to leave his own complex spell check result and the complexity of the spell
Persona or Ego zones as with the Psyche-awaken skill. Persona check. The Adept can predetermine how many checks he
powers may be no greater than Ordinary in quality. To achieve a wishes to achieve in order to bind a spirit, however if a simple
higher ability in mental/spiritual defense the Adept of Spirit complexity is selected then a base +1 step penalty is applied to
Magic would have to purchase the Psyche-awaken specialty skill. the roll.

Non-Believers Binding Duration Table

While the above information readily applies to Faith Talents, Complex Check Result
the rules can vary for other character types. As it is not necessary Complexity Ordinary Good Amazing
for a character to have the Faith perk to purchase Spirit Magic the Simple (1 check) 1 round 2 rounds 3 rounds
standard rituals, taboos, and fetishes can be ignored. However Marginal (2 checks) 1 minute 5 minutes 10 minutes
because the character does not have the close connection to the Ordinary (4 checks) 1 day 10 days 1 month
spirit world, as do ‘true believers’ they do not gain the Persona Good (7 checks) 1 month 3 months 1 year
broad skill or an Awake Persona. Amaz. (10 checks) 5 years 25 years Permanent

A Note on Spirits and Spirit Magic Once a spirit is bound to an object it cannot leave it until
the duration expires or the Spirit Magic-exorcise spell is
This broad skill contains spells that directly effect spirits.
successfully used on it. If the spirit may effect the outside
These spells call them, bind them, free them, influence their
world then it may still do so but is otherwise unable to leave
reactions, or even heal them. Many features of shamanism may
the object, area, or person it is bound to on its own.
seem to belong here but are in fact found in another broad skill
If the spirit is bound to a location it can freely manifest
like Travelers, Animal, or Weather. As the name of this broad
itself within the logical confines of the determined location,
skill implies these spells focus on magic that directly effects
which can be no larger than 100 square meters per rank or less
spirits.
than a 10 meter square area.
Having said all of that it should also be pointed out that with
If the spirit is bound to a person it can engage in telepathic
creative input from the player these spells alone can provide for a
combat with that person. In this circumstance the two minds
multitude of benefits not readily described in any initial
share the same Persona Zone and need not cross a center to
descriptions. An Adept could Call a spirit, charm it, and then
enter either mind’s Ego. Resolution of telepathic combat can
convince his new friend to possess him so as to enhance a skill.
determine who controls the target’s body. Aside from the
Similarly the Adept could do the same with an animal spirit and
change of the mental terrain, the rules for telepathic combat
gain movement abilities or other traits specific to the type of
remain the same.
animal emulated.
130
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
If the spirit is bound to an object then it gains all the
properties of an Ego Item as described in Chapter 12: FX Items
in this book. In this case the bound spirit’s Center becomes
physical contact with the object involving a sentient being.
The Adept who cast this spell can lift he binding at
anytime with only a word. However the Adept must be on the
same plane as the spirit for the dispelling to have effect.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 - Increased Skill: At the indicated ranks the
Adept gains a cumulative –1 step bonus when casting this spell.
Call (cost 1)
Duration: Instantaneous
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: N/A
Trappings: The Adept’s fetish, ritual, and taboo
Complexity: 2, 4, 7, or 10 successes required
Marginal: No
Description: Call is the most basic of spells and it is a good idea to
buy a rank or two in this skill early in one’s career. There are
times when a spirit may be encountered but as is explained in
Book 3 this is rare. What’s more spirits are by nature very
elusive and hard to pin down if they wish to leave. The Call
spell draws forth the spirit the Adept wishes to confront. If the
spirit has manifested in the real world then the Adept must
adhere to the spell range given above. Otherwise the spirit
may potentially be called from anywhere.
When the spell is cast the Adept describes the spirit he
wishes to call forth. On any success the spirit appears. On a
Critical Failure the spirit appears but has a Combative attitude
towards the Adept. A complex skill check is called for and is
equal to the quality of the spirit called as follows: Marginal, 2
checks; Ordinary, 4 checks; Good, 7 checks; Amazing, 10
checks.
The starting attitude of the spirit is determined normally
as with any other being or creature, with the exception of a
Critical Failure result. Encounter skills can also be used to
ward bad feelings. How the spirit reacts to the Adept and the
calling is determined by the starting attitude, the Game Master,
and the nature of the campaign. In general spirits have no
universal abhorrence of such summoning as elementals do, and
reactions can vary greatly.
 Rank 3 - Ghost Pack: This special version of the spell allows the
Adept to call forth a pack of spirit animals. All of the animals
must be of the same type and a complex skill check is still
required normally. Once the result of the casting is determined
a pack of specified animal spirits will appear within the Adept’s
field of vision.
While the casting of the spell determines the overall
quality of each individual spirit called, a Personality feat check,
which is modified by Standing, determines the actual number
appearing. A base die roll of 2d4 is normal with a modifier of –
4/-2/0/+2/+4 applying for a Critical Failure to an Amazing
result on the feat check. Regardless of the result, at least two
spirits will be summoned if the spell is successfully cast.
By virtue of the spell the ghost pack will follow the Adept’s
commands however the duration is limited to 1 minute for
every rank the Adept possesses.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 - Decreased Checks: At rank 4 the complexity
for the spell decreases to 1, 3, 6, and 8. At rank 8 they decrease
further to 1, 2, 4, and 6. Finally at rank 12 the complex check
required is reduced to only 1, 2, 3, and 4 successes needed.
131
 Rank 6 - Summon Council: This unique version of the spell calls
forth a group of similar or like minded spirits that would have
some reason to be summoned in unison.
In most cases the summoned council is from the Adept’s
race, culture, or tribe. If so then the council has a Friendly
attitude towards the Adept. If a council from another race or
culture is summoned then the starting attitude is determined
randomly. Therefor an Adept who summons a council of
dragon spirits to inquire about dragon weaknesses may find
himself hated or may instigate a debate and open discussion on
the topic.
 Rank 9 - Beacon: The ‘Beacon’ option allows the Adept to apply
a simple casting of the Call spell to himself. Once cast the
Adept becomes a curiosity to local spirits and they will
naturally come to investigate the Adept, usually manifesting in
the process.
Charm Spirit (cost 3, learn 0)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success
Type: Influential-direct
Resist: WIL or INT
Range:
Trappings: Spirits must be present
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell allows the Adept to increase the likelihood
of success for encounter skills used with spirits. The quality of
the spell check grants a –1, -2, or –3 to all such rolls. In
addition, while the spell is in effect, the initial reaction of
spirits is improved by one place (Combative to Hostile or
Charmed to Fanatic). While the Resistance Modifier for
Intelligence or Will may apply against encounter skills, only a
magical resistance can defeat the adjustment to the initial
reaction. In this case a modifier that lowers the spell check to a
Failure does not cause the spirit’s reaction to shift.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8 & 12 – Improved Initial Reaction: At rank 4 the initial
reaction of spirits are improved by two steps. At rank 8 all
spirits automatically begin with at least a Friendly reaction. At
rank 12 all spirits in range automatically start with a reaction
of Charmed.
 Rank 6 – Spirit Mask: At rank 6 the Adept can craft a special
ceremonial mask that is to be worn when facing a certain
spirit. The creation of the mask usually requires on day to
complete and either a Crafting or Creativity skill check to
complete. Once the mask is made and is apart of the successful
use of the charm spirit spell the spirit will perform whatever
task the Adept asks of it without question. The duration of the
spell remains the same. When the normal spell expires the
mask losses its power and the spirit is immediately aware of
the manipulation. When a new attitude is rolled the spirits
attitude is worsened by two shifts regarding the Adept.
Circle of Warding (cost 2)
Duration: 5 Combat Rounds
Type: Personal
Resist: Resolve-physical resolve
Range: Centered on Adept
Trappings: See below
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: When cast this spell creates a 5-meter radius circle
around the Adept that prevents entry by a specified type of
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
creature. The circle can be specified to defend against
Elementals, Undead, Spirits, Outsiders, or Summoned
creatures. This spell may also be used against creatures, either
mundane or supernatural, that have either a positive, negative,
or neutral Moral Attitude. When used against a type of Moral
Attitude however only the basic option of the spell can be used.
The other two options (forming the circle with a substance or
drawing the circle) cannot be used against a Moral Attitude.
Moral Attitudes are defined in the following fashion.
Positive Neutral Negative
Ethical Anti-Authority Corrupt
Gallant Apathetic Despicable
Honorable Conformist Selfish
Virtuous Just Unscrupulous
Worldly
Once in place any creature of a specified type must pass a
Resolve-physical resolve check at a +1, +2, or +3 penalty
based on the quality of the spell check. A critical failure on the
target’s roll means that the being flees for 2d4 rounds. Even if
this check is passed any such creature within the circle suffers
the same penalty to all actions and Action Checks. If the spell is
cast while a creature of the type defended against is in the area
of effect, that creature does not have to roll to enter the circle.
However the penalty to actions still applies. Note that the
Magic Resistance of a target does not effect the strength or
ability of the circle. The Adept can have only one Circle of
Warding in existence at any one time. If a second Circle of
Warding spell is cast it replaces the previous one however
several Adepts could have several versions of the spell in effect
and in the same area simultaneously.
The protection granted by the spell requires that the
Adept not take certain offensive actions against the warded
creatures. If the Adept attacks a warded creature with a melee
or unarmed attack then the spell immediately ends. This same
condition occurs if the Adept forces the ward on a creature in
such a manner that the creature cannot avoid it. Ranged
attacks, ranged spells, or telepathic assaults do not cause the
circle to prematurely end.
The circle automatically defends against all beings
belonging to the selected category however the Adept can state
that certain beings are not effected. Therefor an elemental
ward could exclude air elementals (i.e. allowing them to enter
and act without penalty), or one set against Outsiders could
allow those of the forces of good to enter without penalty as
well. The circle cannot be specified against more than one type
of creature at a time, as has already been stated.
If time allows and materials are at hand the Adept can also
form a physical circle with a substance of some type. The
substance need not be magical or exotic (like the ashes of a
vampire destroyed by sunlight) but must be difficult to find
naturally in large quantities. Some suggested substances and
what type of creature they may effect are given below.
Creature Type Substance
Elementals Opposite element or Flower petals
Outsider Mercury, Obsidian Dust or Powdered Silver
Spirits Blood or Items owned by the Adept
Summoned Beings Rare Powders or Herbs
Undead Salt or Garlic
Forming a circle with a substance requires 1 phase per 2
meters of circle drawn and assumes that there is enough of the
132
substance to complete the circle however using this option allows
for larger or smaller circles than the standard spell. At no time
during the formation of the circle or after it has been laid can the
circle be broken else all of the magic is lost and the substance
cannot be used for further, similar applications. The use of the
substance increases the resistance of the circle by 1 step. Of
course once the circle is formed it cannot be moved and if the
Adept steps outside of it, the circle loses all resistance and magic.
The circle can be made and used later if desired, but the circle
must remain unmolested during the interim.
If even more time is available the circle can be drawn as
well. Doing so requires a complex skill check requiring one
check for every 2 meters of circle drawn. One check is allowed
per minute. The quality of the complex skill check grants a –1,
2, or 3 step bonus to the actual casting of the spell. In addition
to this the resistance of the circle is increased by 1 step. While
ink may be used for this option, chalk or charcoal is a more
likely option. As with the substance option above once the
circle is formed it cannot be moved and if the Adept steps
outside of it, the circle loses all resistance and magic. The
circle can be drawn and used later if desired, but the circle
must remain unmolested during that time.
Both of the substance and drawn circle options may also
be used to create a circle that encloses a circular area that
excludes the Adept. This use is focused towards summoning or
trapping a being in the circle. In such a case all spell checks
and rules for the circle remain the same. After the circle is
complete the summoning spell can be cast. Such summoning
circles have an additional +1 to resistance but if the being
escapes, the circle is spoiled and loses its magic. Beings that
are inside the circle cannot make direct attacks outside of the
circle nor may they tamper with the circle directly. If a being is
summoned that has a specific name, and that name is said
aloud during the casting of this spell, then the creature must
pass a consecutive physical and mental resolve (assuming all
current penalties) skill check in order to escape.
At no point are any of the circles proof against physical
intrusion of an ‘Impact’ origin. The defense effects the beings
willpower and resolve but is not a barrier against accidents
like a person throwing a warded being into the circle. In other
words the spell does not create a force field. However a
creature would not willingly allow itself to be thrown into the
circle unless a physical resolve were passed (and in that case it
could cross the circle under it’s own power anyway).
⊗ Ranks 3, 6, 9, & 12 - Increased Duration: At the indicated ranks
the duration increases to 15 rounds (3 minutes), 50 rounds
(10 minutes), 150 rounds (30 minutes), and 300 rounds (1
hour).
Exaction (cost 3)
Duration: Special
Type: Influential-Ranged by Accuracy
Resist: See below
Range: 5 meters
Trappings: An area, item, or being that is cursed
Complexity: See below
Marginal: No
Description: The Exaction spell is used to remove curses that
have been placed on locations, items, or persons. The use of
the spell acts as the Abjuration-dispel spell in that a spell check
that is equal or greater than that of the effect that created the
original curse must generated in order for it to be removed. In
addition to this if the Black Magic-curse spell was used (or
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
other similar spell) a +/- 1 penalty is applied as a modifier for
every two ranks of difference between Adepts.
If the curse was placed by a spell or feat check that
involved a Standing modifier then the Adept casting this spell
must modify the result with his Standing modifier as well.
Certain curses (like the rank 12 benefit ‘Hex’ for the Black
Magic-curse spell) may not be removable by this spell.
Whether this spell can be used or not depends strictly on who
placed the curse. If an immortal inflicted the curse or it is the
result of the ‘Hex’ option then this spell has no effect. Other
curses imposed by non-deities can be removed as stated
before.
Aside from removing a curse the Adept may also use this
spell to identify a curse as well. Any simple success will reveal
if a curse is indeed on a location, person, or thing. If the result
of the skill check is Good then the Adept may also learn the
nature an effect of the curse. If an Amazing result is generated
then the Adept also learns who placed the on the
anathematized target. The first use of this option costs no FX
points regardless of the result. If further checks are deemed
necessary then the standard spell costs are incurred.
 Rank 6 - Transfer Curse: If the curse is placed one a location,
item, or being by use of a common spell then the Adept may
also use this rank 6 option. Transfer Curse allows the Adept to
place a successfully removed curse on to or in to another
target.
Immediately following the standard use of this spell, the
Adept can internalize the curse and release it as an attack later.
This absorbed curse must be recast no longer than 1 minute
per rank of the Adept. Any success places the curse at its
original level of power into the target using any rules specific
to that curse. If a Marginal result is generated the curse
remains with the Adept. If three Failures are rolled, a Critical
Failure is rolled, or the time expires the Adept is himself the
victim of the curse. If this happens, the curse can be removed
normally but imposes a base +1 penalty to any such checks.
Exorcise (cost 3)
Duration: Instantaneous
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: WIL
Range: 5 meters
Trappings: An invading entity and its host
Complexity: See below
Marginal: No
Description: Exorcise functions exactly as its name implies by
removing a possessing spirit from a physical host. This of
course applies to invading spirits, but can also be used on other
mental possessions as well including telepathic combatants
and invading Person. The type of invading entity determines
the complexity required in exorcising it from the host.
Possessor Type Complexity Required
Arcane/Faith Magic Equal to spell’s quality
Outsider Amazing (10 successes)
Spirit Equal to Spirit’s quality
Telepathic Persona Simple (1 success)
Telepathic Power Equal to power’s quality
Arcane/Faith Magic refers to any spell used to dominate or
control a person against their will. Outsiders with the
‘Possession’ Super Power FX ability can only be removed with
10 successes. If they do not have that ability or use another
133
type of power then the complexity needed is based on the
quality generated. Spirits can naturally possess sentient beings
and their removal is based directly on how powerful a spirit
they are. Telepathic Persona who are in another mind’s
Persona or Ego zone can be removed with a simple success. In
this case this spell acts exactly like the Ego-eject telepathic
power as described in Chapter 10: Telepathy of this book. The
Persona could have originated from any source and can include
the likes of Outsiders that are telepathic, Ego Weapons, and
normal telepathic persons and creatures. Telepathic Powers
are treated in the same manner as spells. In all cases the
invading entity uses its Will Resistance Modifier to resist the
spell, apply the adjustment for each check rolled.
The invading entity cannot be bound to the target, as
would be the case with the Spirit Magic-bind or the
Necromancy-life force spells. This means that the possession
must be deliberate on the part of the invader or this spell has
no effect.
The quality of the complex skill check (as described in
Chapter 3: Skills of book 1) determines the power of the
banishment. If the result is Ordinary then the invading entity
is removed from the host but can act normally on its next
action. If the result is Good then the invading host cannot
attempt to re-possess the same host for one day per rank of the
Adept. On an Amazing complex skill check the entity cannot
attempt to possess the host it was cast out of for one month per
rank of the Adept. In the case of simple complex checks (like
those used to remove a Persona) these considerations do not
apply and the Ego-eject power should be used as a guide.
 Rank 6 - Unbind: This optional use of the spell can used to
unbind a spirit from a location, item, or being that it has been
bound to by use of the Spirit Magic-bind or the Necromancy-
life force spells. As with the Abjuration-dispel ability and an
equal or greater success must be generated to free the spirit.
In addition to this every two ranks difference between the
Adept using exorcise and the Adept that bound the spirit
applies a +/- 1 step modifier to the spell casting.
This option may also be used to free or unbind Egos that
bonded with a weapon or item as is the case with Ego Weapons
and Psionic Items. See Chapter 12: FX Items of this book for
more information on such items.
Journey (cost 4, learn +2)
Duration: Special
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: None
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell allows the Adept to enter and associate
with the spirit world. The description of this location, as well
how this effects the Adept who enters it, is given in the chapter
on Spirits in book 3. Normally this spell only allows the Adept
and his personal gear to make the trip. If however, the Adept is
in the company of or is riding a beast that is of Animal
intelligence then it too may join in the trip.
The spell lasts as long as the Adept desires, unless some
force expels him. While the spell is in effect the character
enters a trance-like state which is as deep as normal sleep.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 - Hunting Party: At rank 4 the Adept can bring
along a number of persons equal to one-half of his Will score
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
(rounded up). At rank 8 this number doubles, and at rank 12
this number triples.
 Rank 6 - Travel: At rank 6 the Adept can physically cease to
exist in the ‘real’ world and travel fully to the Spirit World. In  Rank 3 - Past Life: With this option the Adept can determine
such a case the Adept exists only dreams. Otherwise the
duration is standard as stated above.
Mana Weapon (cost 2)
Duration: 1 Day per rank
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: None
Trappings: A specially designed melee weapon
Complexity: See below
Marginal: No
Description: The Mana Weapon is a special tool used by a
character to attack or intimidate spirits. The weapon is
invisible and intangible to all save the Adept and spirits.
However it can harm anyone when used in an attack.
Creating a Mana Weapon requires that the Adept craft a
special weapon (usually a spear or hand ax) and adorns the
weapon with symbols of his faith. When this is completed (as
determined by the rules in Chapter 3: Skills of book 1) the
Adept places the weapon under his bedroll, blanket, or buries
it in the ground beneath him. During the next full nights sleep
this spell casts itself. The result determines the FX cost
normally. Any success indicates that the Adept wakes in the
morning to find the weapon invisible to all with the exception
of himself, spirits, and those who can see into the spirit world.
In the case of a success only one FX point is spent but it cannot
be recovered until the spell expires, the weapon is destroyed,
or the Adept ends the spell, which would return the weapon
back into its normal form.
When the weapon is employed against spirits it ignores
any Resistance Modifiers the spirit has and the spirits armor
value vs. Low Impact damage is halved. In addition the
weapon is treated as if a magical weapon with its Magnitude
(see Chapter 4: Weapons and Armor of Book 1) being equal the
result of the spell check and grants the Adept a –1 step bonus Marginal (2 checks)
against those who cannot see the weapon. In this one Ordinary (4 checks)
exception to the general rules of Magnitude, the weapon does
not have to have an equal or better quality than the Magnitude
granted.
Spirit Sight (cost 1)
Duration: 1 Combat Round per rank
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: Special
Trappings:
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: When this special divination is cast the Adept is able
to see both the real world and the Spirit World simultaneously.
Visual range is normal for the terrain the Adept is in. During
the spell duration the Adept can see anything having to do with
the Spirit World, the Ethereal Plane, or the Astral Plane. The
Adept cannot see magical effects, dimensional or temporal
anomalies (unless they access the aforementioned planes),
psionic effects, invisible creatures, or hidden doors or traps.
If there are features or beings that are attempting to
remain unknown or are magically masked in some way, the
quality of the spells casting grants a 1, 2, or 3 step bonus in
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removing any penalties due. In no case can these modifiers
produce a step bonus less than zero. In most cases Awareness
and Investigate skills can be used normally.
who or what the character was in his past lives. On an
ordinary success the Adept can only determine the most recent
incarnation. On a Good result the Adept can learn the identity
of as many previous incarnations as the Adept has in points of
Will. An Amazing result allows the Adept to learn of as many
previous incarnations as desired. Information about past lives
and incarnations are discussed in Chapter 10: Spirits of book 3.
Once an incarnation is known the Adept can Call the spirit
from the spirit world. The attitude that the Adept has with the
spirit is identical to that of the subject of the spirit sight spell.
The traits, flaws, skills, and moral attitude of the incarnation
can be imprinted on the subject character with the use of the
Spirit Magic-bind spell. While that spell can accomplish the
same end, using a character’s previous incarnation grants a
step modifier as shown on the table below.
Spirit Binding Table
Spirit Quality Modifier
Marginal -4
Ordinary -2
Good 0
Amazing +2
Also modifying the rules for the Bind spell is the duration
of the binding as determined by the complex check desired by
the Adept.
Binding Duration Table
Complex Check Result
Complexity Ordinary Good Amazing
Simple (1 check) 1 minute 2 minutes 3 minutes
1 hour 1 day 1 week
1 month 3 months 6 months
Good (7 checks) 1 year 5 years 10 years
Amaz. (10 checks) 25 years Permanent Permanent
Because of the affinity shared with the character and his
or her past incarnations, certain flaws, skills, and perks may be
available to that character once the spirit is bound to him.
Based on the quality of the simple or complex check the
character can access 1, 2, or 3 perks or skills that they do not
have. In addition to this 1, 2, or 3 mind based flaws (i.e. those
based on INT, WIL, or PER) can be reduced or ignored during
the duration.
It should be noted however that when perks or flaws are
exchanged any come as a ‘whole package’. This means that a
incarnation may grant a perk, but also grants any flaws that it
had in life. For example: Felicia has a phobia to water. Her
Shaman companion finds a past life that did not have this
phobia and after a successful bonding her phobia is removed.
However, this past life had the Forgetful flaw so Felicia now
suffers from that flaw instead.
It should also be said that the Moral Attitude of a past life
may also impact the character as well. If the past life has a
Moral Attitude that distinctly different than that of the
character (like Virtuous vs. Selfish) the character feels the urge
to behave in that moral fashion. This is best enforced through
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
the role-playing bonus and it should not be granted if the
character refuses to role-play elements of the new attitude.
While this may seem harsh, it does allow the player to make
the decision concerning his characters actions.
Game Masters should reference Chapter 10: Spirits of
book 3 about past lives and are free to develop the attributes of
those incarnations and spirits as he sees fit.
Spiritual Alacrity (cost 4, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Permanent
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: None
Range: 10 meters
Trappings: A spirit or persona in need of healing
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell allows for the healing of spirits. An aside
benefit of this spell is that it also heals Awake Persona as well.
When the spell is cast any one spirit or persona within 10
meters of the Adept heals 2 stun + 1 wound, 4 stun +2 wound,
or 4 stun and wound + 2 mortal points of damage for an
Ordinary to Amazing result.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8 & 12 – Increased Healing: At the indicated ranks the
Adept can heal one more spirit or persona. The Adept can
select which being gains the benefits of this spell.
Water Magic
While often seen as being a more benign element to draw
power from, the force of water can be great. As with any
elemental magic there are some common spells. In addition
there are few attack type spells with Acid Storm and Waveform
being common for this purpose. Water Magic is also highlighted
by its various healing abilities, as water is often associated with
health and well being.
Acid Storm (cost 4, learn +2)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Instantaneous the following phase
Type: Attack-Ranged by Accuracy
Resist: CON
Range: 10 meters per rank
Trappings: An area with at least 50% humidity
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell is a very nasty use of elemental power and
calls on the most extreme of watery compositions in its
employment. When cast a vaporous cloud appears over any
location within spell range. The spell filters out either acidic or
basic elements found in those natural vapors. In other words
the spell forces out those elements present that determine the
‘pH’ balance. The result is a minor rainstorm of a highly
corrosive nature.
When cast a vaporous cloud appears 10 meters or so
above an area that can be no larger than 4 meters in radius per
rank of the Adept. On the phase following that casting of the
spell a misty rain descends on the area of effect. All creatures
and objects in the area must roll a Constitution feat check
against an ‘Acid Splash’ hazard with damage remaining as
indicated. The feat check suffers the normal +1 penalty for a
feat check that is increased to a +2 for a Good result or a +4
135
for an Amazing. The damage is treated as En/O and armor may
absorb some or all of the damage.
⊗ Rank 5 - Corrosive Torrent: At rank 5 the hazard is changed to
‘Acid Immersion’.
⊗ Rank 10 - Dissolving Torrent: At rank 10 the damage for the
hazard increases to Good in power.
Aura of the Deep (cost 3)
Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: Touch
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell surrounds the caster with a skin-tight,
centimeter thick shimmering blue aura. During the spells
duration the caster gains a +2 Resistance Modifier vs. melee
and ranged attacks by creatures from the plane of water and a
+1 vs. any other elemental creature. This bonus also acts as a
Magic Resistance against Elemental Magic at those values
stated. In addition the caster gains a –1 Situation Modifier to
the casting of any Water Magic spell.
While this spell is in effect the Adept may breath water as
if it were air. He may also move at his swim rate regardless of
whether the skill is known or not. If it is of consideration, the
character may also descend to a depth of 500 meters.
Only one Aura can exist for a character at one time. This
includes auras from the other elemental magic. If a new
version of the same Aura is cast, or a one of a different element
is cast, both cannot exist at the same time. In any case the best
result assumes position. If a new Aura is cast but is not equal
to or greater than that in effect, the spell has no effect and the
FX points are spent normally. This rule includes any effect,
positive or negative, that may apply by rank benefits from this
spell as well.
 Rank 2 – Water Walk: In addition to the previous benefits the
Adept may also rise to the surface of a body of liquid and stand
and walk as if on solid ground. If the Adept suffers
encumbrance penalties for gear carried then the modifier to
movement also indicates how much of the Adept’s body is
below the surface of the water.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 - Water Tap: At rank 4 the spell also grants the
Adept 1, 2, or 3 bonus FX points (determined by the degree of
success) that can be used to power Water Magic spells only.
These points disappear, if unused, when the spell duration
ends. At rank 8 the bonus points gained are doubled and at
rank 12 they are tripled.
 Rank 6 - Shared Aura: At this rank the power of the aura can be
cast on another person. Other persons receiving this benefit
do not gain any FX points even if they could benefit from them
nor do they gain the ‘Water Walk’ benefit either. The duration
of this option is the same as for the standard use of the spell. If
a person resists being touched then they may impose their
Strength Resistance Modifier against the results of the spell.
 Rank 8 - Drown: This optional benefit causes any target within
30 meters of the caster to become encased in a skin of water.
This spell option only lasts for as many phases as the Adept has
ranks, but target immediately begins to drown until the spell
ends. The effect is magical and can be dispelled however no
mundane methods of rescue are possible, except in
extraordinary circumstances. The size of the target can be no
greater than Huge.
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
 Rank 12 – Elemental Form: At rank 12 the Adept is so attuned
to the power of this spell the aura of the deep transforms him
into a water elemental. When in the elemental form the Adept
gains the elemental’s Armor values, Magic Resistance if any,
immunities to Hazards and environmental effects, the ability to
ignore penalties from stun, wound, and mortal damage, as well
as the elemental’s Strength score if it is higher than the Adept’s.
In addition the Adept gains the elemental’s method of attack.
Any FX abilities inherent to the elemental are gained and are
treated as Super Power FX abilities for the Adept.
The Adept retains his other ability scores, action check
score, and his number of actions, last resorts, and skills. This
includes FX abilities, however psionic powers suffer a +1
penalty to their use with the exception of Ego skills in the
‘Internal Ego’ category. The elemental Adept can move only its
run and walk rate as determined normally for a character.
Casting this option is a simple action and the result of the
spell check determines the quality of elemental the Adept
becomes. If desired, the Adept can attempt to transform into a
specific quality of elemental by making a complex skill check.
The number of successes required is 4, 7, and 10 for Ordinary
to Amazing quality. One check is allowed per phase of casting.
In no way can an Adept become a Greater or more powerful
type of elemental.
After the initial FX points are paid to cast the spell the
Adept must expend an additional FX point at the beginning of
the next round, and each following round to maintain the
effect. Otherwise the duration of this option is permanent.
This spell may also be cast on another but in order to so
the ‘Shared Aura’ option of this spell must first be cast. The use
of this option also requires the Adept to pay FX points to
maintain the spell and 1 FX point must be paid for each person
involved per round.
Body of Water (cost 2)
Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: Touch
Trappings: A person to be protected
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: Yes
Description: This spell calls on the magic of the deep to protect a
character. When the spell is cast, the Adept, or anyone person
touched, gains a bonus of +2/+1/+1 to armor. This bonus is
also the amount of secondary damage that is absorbed as well.
This spell also grants the recipient a –1 Situation Modifier
against any kind of mundane or magical poison.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Increased Protection: At the indicated ranks
the protection granted by the spell increases to +2/+2/+2 at
rank 4; +3/+2/+2 at rank 8; and +3/+3/+3 at rank 12.
⊗ Ranks 6 & 12 – Poison Resistance: At the indicated ranks the
Adept may grant an additional -1 Situation Modifier against
poisons.
Commune with the Waters (cost 4)
Duration: Special
Type: Personal
136
Resist: None
Range: None
Trappings: Any body of water larger than 100 liters.
Complexity: Special
Marginal: No
Description: This spell grants the Adept with the ability to ask the
spirits of the water questions that they would know about the
immediate surroundings or lore of the deeps itself. Answers to
questions are given in short sentences but are exact and simple
in nature.
The spirits will answer what is asked of them but do not
elaborate the answer nor they do they offer hinted
information, or guess at questions that the Adept might intend.
Therefor if an Adept asks the spirits at a waterfall if 10 Orcs
have passed this way the answer would be ‘no’ if only 9 Orcs
had. If the same questions simply stated “have Orcs passed
this way” then the answer would be ‘yes’.
The Adept may attempt as many skill checks as he has in
ranks. Each check result will allow answers for 1, 2, or 3
questions for the quality of the spell check. Failures offer no
answers and three failures prematurely end the spell as with
normal complex skill checks. A Critical Failure at any time also
ends the spell.
One check is allowed per minute and assumes the time to
ask the question(s) and receive the answer(s). The Adept
must be in full concentration and/or prayer while using this
spell. Any distraction, even listening to another person for
advice, immediately ends the spell.
As concerns lore about the deeps itself, the spirits of water
will never divulge information that could harm the power of
the deep or its balance in the grand scheme of things.
Conjure Water Elemental (cost 2)
Duration: By quality of complex skill check: Marginal, one Minute;
Ordinary, ten Minutes; Good, one Hour; Amazing, one Day.
Type: Influential-special
Resist: Special
Range: 10 meters
Trappings: The caster must on solid ground.
Marginal: See below
Complexity: 2, 4, 7, or 10 checks required, one check allowed per
phase.
Description: This powerful spell allows the caster to summon a
water spirit to the prime material plane. In order to do so a
sufficient amount of water must be present and it cannot be
brackish or diluted. Before the spell is cast the Adept must
determine the quality of the elemental that is to be summoned.
The quality of the elemental desired determines the complexity
of the spell as stated above. Therefor if an Adept wanted to
summon an Ordinary elemental then 4 successes are required.
The Game Master may allow a character to stop a
summoning process in order to procure an elemental of less
quality than was originally intended. This means that if the
Adept wished to summon a Good quality elemental and feared
producing a third failure then he could instead immediately
summon forth one of Ordinary quality. However this must be
done when the forth check (or a single result that exceeds it) is
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
successful. If the Adept rolls further the he is committed to
summoning the good quality elemental.
Once the complex skill check is successful the elemental
will take form and be able to act the next phase. The
summoning lasts as indicated above based on the overall
quality of the complex check (the highest of anyone result with
ties going to the lower quality). A summoned elemental
regards the Adept with a combative attitude and will attack
him if it is able. If the Adept concentrates on controlling the
elemental then it is compelled to perform, as the Adept desires.
If the Adept is unable to concentrate (taking damage or
rendered unconscious) the elemental will move to engage the
Adept. The Adept can regain control with a success Resolve-
mental resolve check. An elemental can be controlled up to 30
meters per rank from the Adept and while the Adept cannot
sense what the elemental can the control does not require line
of sight.
If a Critical Failure is generated during the summons the
desired quality of elemental appears but cannot be controlled
by means of this spell. This uncontrolled elemental remains on
the Adept’s plane for 1d4 minutes and then can return home if
and when it is ready to do so.
The spell lasts until the duration expires, the elemental
dies, or the Adept successfully casts Abjuration-dispel on the
elemental. As concerns the last parameter a +1 cumulative
penalty is applied per quality of the elemental starting with
marginal.
 Rank 2 - Trident of the Deep: At rank 2 the Adept can use the
conjuring power of this spell to reach into the water and pull
forth a trident made of coral. The trident has these statistics:
Damage 1d4+1w/1d6+1w/1d4+1m
Accuracy 0 creature avoids the spell and does not appear. The creature, if
Actions 3 summoned, remains in this world for a length of time equal to
Mass 2 the standard use of this spell with Elementals.
Skill Melee Weapons-pole arms
The Adept may add his Strength damage modifier to any
damage caused and the maul also adds a +1 Resistance
Modifier to the Adept’s strength. The trident remains for the
duration indicated for the standard use of the spell. The
trident is magical and resists all non-psionic FX powers with a
+1 Resistance Modifier even if the effect is beneficial.
⊗ Rank 4 - Wave Wall: At rank 4 the Adept may create a rolling
wall of water in any open area as long as the wall is no greater
than 10 meters squared per rank of the Adept. The wave wall
can be no thinner than 2 meters at any given point but can be
shaped into any geometric configuration however hemispheres
and exact shapes are not possible.
Within the area of effect the wave wall rises and falls in
itself as a never-ending wave. If anyone attempts to pass
through the wall it attacks immediately using the Adept’s spell
score as both the strength of the wave and the score for its
attack. The wave wall always uses the overbearing rules, gains
a base –1 Situation Modifier to the attack, and always seeks to
use the Maul option. Suffocation is also a factor and is
considered a danger once the target is successfully attacked.
Escaping the wave wall uses the same rules as for escaping an
overpowering attack. If a person only penetrates the wave
wall with a single limb then the –1 Situation Modifier the wall
gains is lost. It should also be said that beings larger than the
wall are immune to this effect, however their movement is
temporarily slowed by one-half.
137
For the purposes of logistics the wall has as many sections
as twice the caster’s rank. The wall remains as long as the
Adept maintains concentration on it. If the concentration end
the wall lasts for 5 combat rounds per degree of success.
 Rank 6 - Conjure Water: At rank 6 the Adept may summon forth
pure water. The total amount of water conjured cannot exceed
10 liters (or 2.6 gallons) per rank of the Adept. The conjured
water may appear anywhere with 30 meters of the Adept.
Though the resources of the deep may seem limitless, the
wanton or squandering uses of the deep’s resources angers
those spirits and is cause for a loss of Standing and any other
penalties that the loss may imply. The loss to Standing can be
avoided as long as such water is summoned for a cause that
furthers the deep’s goals or if the water is summoned to
enhance a situation where water is sorely needed.
⊗ Ranks 8 & 12 – Greater Wave Wall: At rank 8 the total area of
the spell increases to 40 meters and a –2 Situation Modifier
applies to the wall’s attacks. At rank 12 the area increases to
80 meters and attacks gain a Situation Modifier of –3.
 Rank 10 - Creature of Water: At rank 10 the Adept may call
forth creatures from the plane of water other than its native
spirits. Creatures mentioned in Book 3, in the Elementals
chapter, include Marid, Water Weirds, Nereid, and Tritons. The
limit on what can be summoned is only limited by the Adept’s
knowledge of those beings. The aforementioned beings are
considered known and can be readily summoned.
Casting the spell requires a total of 6 skill checks with one
check allowed per minute. Once the spell is complete the
quality of the complex skill check applies a 0/+2/+4 modifier
to the desired being’s Resolve-mental resolve check. If this
check fails then the creature is summoned and acts as if fanatic
in attitude towards the Adept. If the check succeeds then the
 Rank 12 – Flood: At rank 12 the Adept may conjure forth water
as per the rank 6 benefit ‘Conjure Water’ save that the amount
is greatly increased. Instead of a liter measure the Adept now
determines the volume by cubic area. This area is equal to the
Adept’s skill score cubed. This means that a score of 14 is
equal to 14 cubic meters of water. This base amount is
multiplied by 3 for a Good result and by 5 for an Amazing. All
other rules and descriptions of this ability as the same as for
the ‘Conjure Water’ rank benefit above.
Create Water (cost 1, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Permanent
Type: Influential-direct
Resist: None
Range: 10 meters
Trappings: A drop of water and suitable containers
Complexity: 4 success required, one check per round
Marginal: No
Description: This spell allows the Adept to change a single drop of
water into a large quantity. When the spell is cast the Adept
can create 15 liters (or 4 gallons) of water per rank in this
spell. The water automatically appears in designated
containers within 10 meters of the Adept as desired. Each
container will fill to its capacity but will only overflow if the
Adept directs it to do so.
The nature of this spell prevents water from appearing
outside of a container. This is due to the fact that the spell is
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
provided by the spirits of water to quench the thirsts of those
in need or the used for utilitarian purposes. During the first
minute of the water’s existence it is still magical and can be
dispelled. After this time it becomes normal but can still be
lost if spilled or evaporated.
 Rank 3 - Curing Draft: At rank 3 the water grants a –1, -2, or –3
Situation Modifier to rolls against disease or radiation for an
entire day after the water has been consumed.
 Ranks 4, 8, &12 - Increased Amount: At the indicated ranks the
base amount of water created increases to 25, 35, and 50 liters
per level of the Adept.
 Rank 6 - Healing Draft: At rank 6 the water contains a healing
property that immediately removes all stun and fatigue
damage once a sufficient amount of the water has been
consumed. Each person also heals 1d4 points of wound
damage after the first drought of the water. This benefit can
only aid one person per casting of the spell and even then only
once per day
 Rank 9 - Dust to Water: At rank 9 the Adept may turn either
dust or sand into water instead of the spell’s standard trapping.
Elemental Bonding (cost 3, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Instantaneous
Type: Personal
Resist: Magic Resistance
Range: Touch
Trappings: A person wounded by an elemental force
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell allows the Adept to heal damage caused to
a being by an elemental force. This includes just about any
type of naturally occurring damage like being burned,
suffocation, drowning, or being caught in an avalanche. The
spell can heal all such damage caused but only by one source.
Therefor if a character had suffered 4 points of wound damage
by fire and then fell for 6 wound points of damage, the Adept
could heal all the damage caused by either the fire or the fall.
Damage caused by creatures, poisons, disease, any type of
weapon, or magical energy cannot be healed by this spell.
However GRAPH effects that cause damage can be healed as
stated above.
If a Good success is generated the Adept may heal up to
two elemental effects that caused damage. If the result is
Amazing then up to three effects can be healed.
This spell may also be used to heal Elementals of any type
of damage. In this case the quality of the success heals 1d4-1,
1d4, or 1d4+1 mortal points of damage. If all mortal points are
healed then the remaining points heal wound, and then stun if
all wounds are healed.
Reflecting Pool (cost 3, learn +2)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: One minute per rank
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: Special
Trappings: A still, calm pool of water or other clear liquid
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: The reflecting pool spell is very similar to the
Divination-scry spell mentioned earlier. In effect the Adept
casts the spell over a still pool of water and may then scry upon
138
a location or person that is known to him. The spell receives a
modifier based on the criteria on the table below.
Location/distance Modifier
Location is familiar -1
Unfamiliar location none
100 meters -1
10 kilometers 0
100 kilometers +1
10,000 km +2
Same Planet +3
Beyond planet n/a
The Adept can see and hear anything in the watched area.
The view cannot be moved if the Adept selects an area to watch
however it can move if the target is a person. In this case the
scry always moves automatically with that person. This
scrying activity may be detected by the Divination-detect spell
using those rules.
The Adept cannot cast spells through the pool however
divination magic other similar effects that enhance the Adept’s
senses can have normal effect. Concentration need not be
maintained for the pool to useable and others aside from the
Adept may see through it. This means that the Adept may
leave the pool and come back to it later to see what is going on
with that place or person.
 Rank 6 - Watery Double: An odd application for a divinatory
spell, this option creates a booby trap in a body of water.
When any one other than the Adept looks into the pool and
sees his reflection a watery duplicate of himself rises and
attacks. The double appears as the being but uses the statistics
for an Ordinary, Good, or Amazing water elemental, which is
determined by the success of the spell.
Once cast the trap will lay dormant indefinitely and can
prove dangerous to anyone. The watery double attacks until
destroyed, the character that has been duplicated moves more
than 100 meters from the watery double, or if the double is
dispelled.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Increased Duration: At the indicated ranks
the spell duration increases to 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour
increments.
Saturate (cost 2)
Duration: Instantaneous
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: 5 meters per rank
Trappings: One target within range
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: When cast this spell ‘fills’ a target suffering from
fatigue with elemental water. The result is a removal of 1d4-1
points of fatigue damage (minimum of 1 point) for an ordinary
success. A good success removes 1d4 fatigue and an amazing
removes 1d4+1. Any points that are unspent may also be used
to remove any remaining stun damage as well. This effect can
only be used on one person per day. If the Adept does cast it
on the same person within the same day he may lose a point of
Standing unless a successful Standing check is passed.
This spell may also be cast on natural earth or rock, which
turns up to 10 cubic meters per rank of the Adept into mud or
quicksand. This effect is permanent but it may be dispelled at
anytime and evaporation will naturally undo the effect in time
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
if applicable. The Adept cannot ‘undo’ the spell however he
may automatically do so by casting the Abjuration-dispel spell.
A final option is the spells use against fire. This option
works in a manner similar to Abjuration-dispel in that a result
equal to or greater than the quality of the fire must be
generated. Most normal, non-magical fires are ordinary
however bonfires may be considered good in quality and a fire
as large as a burning house may be considered amazing. The
Game Master may also divide a fire into logical section (as in a
‘Wall of Fire’ created by the conjure fire elemental spell). In
this case the Adept can potentially extinguish as many sections
as he has in ranks.
While there are many possible expansions to this spell in
the form of additional rank benefits, the saturate spell provides
only the above options.
Waveform (cost 3)
Duration: One combat round per rank
Type: Influential-Ranged by Accuracy
Resist: None
Range: 30 meters
Trappings: A body of water to be manipulated
Complexity: Simple – one full round to cast.
Marginal: No
Description: By means of this spell the Adept is able to shape and
direct the patterns of natural or magical water currents
allowing him to mold liquids into a variety of forms. The spell
effects a quantity of water no greater than 10 cubic meters per
rank. If cast onto a larger body, like an ocean or a lake, the
spell effects only the water within the area of effect.
After casting waveform, the Adept can form the water into
any desired shape. The spell does not bind the liquid together
in any fashion; it is still limited by its fluid properties and
gravity. Thus, an Adept could not use the spell to create a
humanoid creature with arms and legs and direct it to walk
across land. He could, however, create a roughly human shape
with flowing arms that rises out of the water, crashes forward
in a huge splash, then rises and repeats the process. Other
possible shapes include gigantic waves, geysers, whirlpools,
and troughs. The shape takes form during the spells casting,
which consists of a full round. At the phase the spell is begun
the waveform takes effect on the Adept’s next action.
Concentration must be maintained else the form and
magic are lost. The form can be directed to travel in any
direction at a rate of 12 meters per phase. If the waveform
moves into or through a body of water, the form loses no
intensity. However, if the wave is moved over dry ground, it
loses a point of any damage caused per 2 meters crossed (i.e. a
1d4w becomes 1d4-1w). If propelled against a target, the
waveform causes impact damage of a short fall against all
creatures in its path. The attack can be directed against
creatures above or below the surface of the water. Those
attacked can roll either a Dexterity feat check or an Acrobatics-
dodge skill check to avoid damage. Once damage is caused a
Stamina-endurance or Acrobatics-fall check determines the
amount using the impact damage table. If the targets are in or
on a body of water, the shape will sweep them along.
Creatures of Small size are carried with the form, moving at its
speed. Medium and Large size creatures are swept along at
half the waters speed. Creatures Larger than this resist to
movement in normal circumstances. Those caught in the
current can attempt a Strength contest, using the Adept’s score
in this spell as the form’s strength, to break free. Players may
139
also opt to use Movement-swim to do the same. The waveform
may also pull a target under the water with an overbearing
attack using the Adept’s score with spell.
Aside from damaging a ship using the rules previously
mentioned a watercraft might also be capsized if the area of
effect is at least equal to that of the craft. In that case a result
equal to or greater than that rolled for a Vehicle Operation-
watercraft check must be achieved. The spell may also be used
in an Instantaneous fashion causing damage to creatures of
elemental water as with the vaporize spell below.
⊗ Ranks 3 & 9 - Increased Damage: At rank 3 the damage caused
to targets is treated as a medium fall. At rank 9 this increases
to a long fall.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 - Increased Area: At the indicated ranks the
area of effect increases to 20, 50, and 100 cubic meters per
rank.
 Rank 6 - Suspended Duration: At rank 6 the waveform
continues as last directed for one round per rank of the Adept
from the time that concentration ends. In addition to this the
spell remains in effect as long as the Adept maintains
concentration.
Vaporize (cost 3)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: One phase per rank
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: None
Range: 10 meters per rank
Trappings: An area that contains water
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: The vaporize spell takes water on this plane and
returns it to the plane of water. Once cast this spell allows the
Adept to make disappear an amount of water equal to 2 cubic
meters per rank per phase. This ability can effect all water that
is both known and unknown to the Adept as long as it is in
range and does not exceed the amount allowed by rank.
This spell may also be used as an attack against creatures
composed of water (water elementals, water weirds, etc.).
When cast the creature must be within 10 meters of the Adept
and if so it receives 1d4+1w/1d6+1w/1d4m points of damage
for an ordinary to an amazing success. This effect is
instantaneous and cannot be used in tandem with the standard
use of the spell.
 Rank 3 - Thirst: At rank 3 the Adept may evaporate fluids in a
living creates body thus forcing an immediate fatigue check.
The check against fatigue is modified by a +1 for a Good check
or by +3 for an Amazing as this option use the ‘accuracy’ rules
for casting. The duration of this option is Instantaneous.
 Rank 6 - Mud to Stone: This spell option turns up to 10 cubic
meters per rank of the Adept of mud or quicksand into rock or
sand. This effect is permanent but it may be dispelled at
anytime. The area effected could of course be introduced to
water and become mud or quicksand again. The Adept cannot
‘undo’ the spell, however he may automatically do so by
casting the Abjuration-dispel spell. The duration of this option
is Instantaneous and Permanent.
 Rank 9 - Horrid Wilting: This powerful option evaporates
moisture from all living things that are within the area of effect
of the spell. The area effected is equal to a 2 meter radius per
rank of the Adept and may be cast within the spells normal
range. All creatures and living plants in the area must roll a
Stamina-endurance feat check as if against a Caustic Agent on
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
the poisons hazards table. This roll is modified as with any
‘accuracy’ spell. Creatures from the plane of water and living
plants also suffer a base +2 penalty to roll. The duration of this
option is Instantaneous.
Wind Magic (cost 7, learn +1)
The plane of air is a wild and chaotic place with no up or
down and no solid ground larger than free-floating
mountaintops. Elemental magic requires quick reflexes and
timing and as such it is based on the Adept’s dexterity score.
Aura of the Winds (cost 3)
Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: Touch
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell surrounds the caster with a skin-tight,
centimeter thick hazy white aura. During the spells duration
the caster gains a +2 Resistance Modifier vs. melee and ranged
attacks by creatures from the plane of air and a +1 vs. any
other elemental creature. This bonus also acts as a Magic
Resistance against Elemental Magic at those values stated. In
addition the caster gains a –1 Situation Modifier while using
any Wind Magic spell. While the spell is in effect, the caster can
fly at his ‘Fly’ movement rate or can simply walk in the air if
desired. Any checks required of flying using the Acrobatics-
flight skill, a skill that can be learned and advanced in by
persons who make use of this ability.
This benefit also makes the caster immune to impact
damage from falls regardless of whether he is conscious or not.
The caster also gains a –1 Situation Modifier to the casting of
any Wind Magic spell as well as the Acrobatics-flight skill.
While this aura is in effect the character cannot be suffocated.
Only one Aura can exist for a character at one time. This
includes auras from the other elemental magic. If a new
version of the same Aura is cast, or a one of a different element
is cast, both cannot exist at the same time. In any case the best
result assumes position. If a new Aura is cast but is not equal
to or greater than that in effect, the spell has no effect and the
FX points are spent normally. This rule includes any effect,
positive or negative, that may apply by rank benefits from this
spell as well.
 Rank 2 – Zephyr: At rank 2 the Adept gains a friendly wind that
sends forth a spiral of air to help speed and aim ranged and
thrown weapon attacks. The degree of success grants the
character a –1, 2, or 3 Situation Modifier on the character’s
ranged attacks for the duration of the spell. Once used the
Zephyr is gone, however the Adept can call another Zephyr to
aid him by spending an FX point. No roll is required to call
another Zephyr.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 - Air Conduit: At rank 4 the spell also grants
the Adept 1, 2, or 3 bonus FX points (determined by the degree
of success) that can be used to power Wind Magic spells only.
These points disappear, if unused, when the spell duration
ends. At rank 8 the bonus points gained are doubled and at
rank 12 they are tripled.
 Rank 6 - Shared Aura: At this rank the power of the aura can be
cast on another person. Other persons receiving this benefit
do not gain any FX points even if they could benefit from them
140
nor do they gain the ‘Zephyr’ benefit either. The duration of
this option is the same as for the standard use of the spell. If a
person resists being touched then they may impose their
Strength Resistance Modifier against the results of the spell.
 Rank 8 - Ride the Wind: This option is cast on one being that is
within spell range. When cast the spell causes that being to
become as light as air and is subject to the movement of winds
around him. Magic resistance may apply a penalty to the spell
casting and the target may also roll a Resolve-physical resolve
skill check to avoid the effects.
The total mass of the target cannot exceed 100 kilograms
per rank of the Adept. If the mass exceeds this limit then the
spell automatically fails.
Affected targets can control their altitude with a
successful Dexterity feat check or with an Acrobatics-flight skill
check and may rise or fall at a rate equal to their walk move
rate or their fly move rate as either applies to that target’s
situation.
Unless the target holds on to something he is subject to
the current winds and moves at the wind speed in the area. If
no wind is present then the spell has no immediate effect.
Impact damage is almost always certain with the damage
sustained being based on the force of the wind. Information on
wind speed and effect is discussed in Chapter 8: Gamers in
Action of book 1.
 Rank 12 – Elemental Form: At rank 12 the Adept is so attuned
to the power of this spell the aura of the winds transform him
into an air elemental. When in the elemental form the Adept
gains the elemental’s Armor values, Magic Resistance if any,
immunities to Hazards and environmental effects, the ability to
ignore penalties from stun, wound, and mortal damage, as well
as the elemental’s Dexterity score if it is higher than the
Adept’s. In addition the Adept gains the elemental’s method of
attack. Any FX abilities inherent to the elemental are gained
and are treated as Super Power FX abilities for the Adept.
The Adept retains his other ability scores, action check
score, and his number of actions, last resorts, and skills. This
includes FX abilities, however psionic powers suffer a +1
penalty to their use with the exception of Ego skills in the
‘Internal Ego’ category. The elemental Adept can move at its
fly and glide rates as determined normally for a character.
Casting this option is a simple action and the result of the
spell check determines the quality of elemental the Adept
becomes. If desired, the Adept can attempt to transform into a
specific quality of elemental by making a complex skill check.
The number of successes required is 4, 7, and 10 for Ordinary
to Amazing quality. One check is allowed per phase of casting.
In no way can an Adept become a Greater or more powerful
type of elemental.
After the initial FX points are paid to cast the spell the
Adept must expend an additional FX point at the beginning of
the next round, and each following round to maintain the
effect. Otherwise the duration of this option is permanent.
This spell may also be cast on another but in order to so
the ‘Shared Aura’ option of this spell must first be cast. The use
of this option also requires the Adept to pay FX points to
maintain the spell and 1 FX point must be paid for each person
involved per round.
Breath (cost 2)
Duration: See below
Type: Personal
Resist: None
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
Range: 10 meters per rank
Trappings: None
Marginal: Yes
Complexity: Simple
Description: This spell can effect how a living creature breathes.
When cast on a subject, or the caster himself, the spell extends
the duration required between Stamina-endurance checks for
suffocation as detailed on page 61 of the Alternity
Gamemaster's Guide. Endurance checks are extended by 2
rounds for a Marginal result; 1 minute per check for an
Ordinary result; 5 minutes per check for a Good result; and 10
minutes per check for Amazing.
 Rank 3 - Water Breathing: At rank 3 the Adept can grant a
number of people equal to twice his rank the ability to breath
water as if it were air. The duration of the spell is 10 minutes
per degree of success. All recipients of this benefit must be
within 10 meters of the Adept when the spell is cast but may
move freely afterwards without disrupting the benefit.
 Rank 6 - Airy Element: At rank 6 the Adept can create an
effervescent effect in another element, primarily earth and
water. In either element the spell creates a breathable
substance out of the native (or ever present) element that
extends 10 meters away from the Adept or any other
designated person who must be touched at the time of the
spell’s casting. Anyone or thing in the area can breath
normally as long as they can breath like the Adept. This
option’s duration is 10 minutes per degree of success.
The Adept may also cast this spell on a specific location
within spell range. If so the effect cannot be moved once cast.
 Rank 9 - Suffocate: At rank 9 the Adept can cast the aura on
another person pulling the air from around that target person.
The end result is suffocation. The duration of the spell is 2
rounds per degree of success. At the end of each round the
target must roll a Constitution feat with the following damage
occurring: Critical Failure: 4 stun; Failure: 3 stun; Ordinary: 2
stun; Good: 1 Stun; and Amazing: no stun. After each round
beyond the first the victim suffers a cumulative +1 penalty to
the feat check.
Body of Air (cost 2)
Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: Touch
Trappings: A person to be protected
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: Once cast this spell grants the Adept, or another
person, a cloak of winds which redirects physical attacks. The
quality of the spells casting grants a +1, +2, or a +3 Resistance
Modifier against melee and ranged attacks for the spell
duration.
⊗ Ranks 4, 8, & 12 – Parry: At the indicated ranks the protected
person may make 1, 2, or 3 parry attempts per combat round
against melee or ranged attacks. Unlike other parry actions
this one costs no actions. The parry attempt uses the Adept’s
score in this spell to determine success.
 Rank 6 – Gaseous Form: This option allows the Adept to
transform his body into a gaseous form. While in this form the
Adept is invisible and imposes a +4 penalty to Awareness
checks to detect him and the penalty to melee and ranged
attacks as well. While the Adept does not gain the benefit of
Resistance Modifiers for high strength and dexterity scores he
141
is considered to have Good toughness and have a base armor
value of 1d4+1 against attack forms. Against fire and lightning
attacks however Toughness is reduced to Ordinary.
FX items and spells that grant bonuses to armor or
resistance can still have effect, but physical armor (magical or
not) and Bracers of Defense do not help. The character is
immune to gas attacks and to poisons however they can still be
effected by Influential powers and spells.
While in gaseous form the Adept can move at his walk rate
and can pass through any opening that is airtight. However the
Adept can only move as by walking and cannot fly, even if he is
able to do so in his normal form, unless some other magic is
used to grant that ability (like Wind Magic-aura of the winds).
Command Winds (cost 2, learn +1)
Duration: Special
Type: Influential-Ranged by Accuracy
Resist: None
Range: Self or 20 meters per rank
Trappings: An area where wind can blow
Complexity: Simple or Complex (see below)
Marginal: No
Description: This spell seeks to take control of the winds in an
area and either increase or decrease the wind speed. The
Adept can effect a 10 meter square area per rank in this spell.
For each degree of success the Adept can increase or decrease
the wind speed based on those factors shown on the Wind
Speed and Effect table in Chapter 8: Gamers in Action of book
1. The Adept can shift the wind speed by one, two, or three
shifts per degree of success. The Adept can choose a smaller
area of effect and/or a lesser modification to the wind speed
effected.
The duration of this spell is special and can be exhausting
to the Adept. The spell takes effect on the phase following the
successful casting of the spell and will remain in effect for a
number of phases equal to the Adept’s rank. Spending 1 FX
point can extend this duration by a like number of phases.
However, extending the duration in this manner requires a
Stamina-endurance check by the Adept against fatigue damage.
Fatigue damage suffered is normal as per the rules in the
Alternity Players Handbook.
The winds will always blow in the direction the Adept is
facing, and change direction based on the Adept’s movements,
if the Adept centers the spell on himself. If the effect is cast in a
location at a range then the direction of the wind remains as it
originally was.
 Rank 3 - Whispering Wind: At this rank the Adept can opt to
create a small breeze with his voice that will carry his spoken
word to the ear of a person or being designated during the
spell casting. The range of the spell is 100 meters per rank of
the Adept and the target does not have to be in his line of sight.
The length of the message delivered depends on the quality of
the casting. On an ordinary result only a few words can be
relayed. With a good check the Adept may transfer a sentence
worth of information. On an amazing result the Adept can send
several sentences no larger than a small paragraph in
communication to the receiver. If the Adept can see the target
then a -1 bonus is granted to the casting of the spell.
Only the person or being receiving the whispering wind
can hear it however others may feel a slight breeze. The Adept
can use any language known to him however this can hinder
the spells effectiveness if the listener does not know that
tongue. This spell option is Instantaneous in duration.
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
⊗ Ranks 5 & 10 - Increased Duration: At rank 5 the initial
duration of the spell is measured in combat rounds. At rank 10
the initial duration is measured in minutes. Spending
additional FX points to sustain the winds however does so for
one phase per rank after the initial duration.
 Rank 9 - Cyclone: At this rank the Adept can call forth a cyclone
if Strong Winds or greater exist within range of the spell. If the
command winds spell creates these winds then this option can
be included in the initial spell casting.
The duration of this effect depends on the manner in
which the cyclone was summoned. If existing winds are
sufficient to sustain the cyclone then it lasts for as many
rounds as the Adept has in ranks. If the cyclone is produced by
increased winds created by the command winds basic use then
the cyclone is dependent on the Adept’s continued
maintenance of the effect.
The table below describes the basic statistics of each type
of cyclone summoned and is based on the created or existing
wind speed. The Adept does not have to summon the strongest
possible cyclone available and can opt to call forth one of lower
strength. The cyclone is controlled directly by the Adept and if
concentration is not maintained then the cyclone will travel in
a random direction at one-half of its available movement rate.
The cyclone always uses all-out movement and can attack, lift,
or throw any number of persons or things in its area of effect.
Strong Wind Gale Hurricane Tempest
FX Cost 1 2 3 4
Area 4 meters 10 meters 20 meters 30 meters
Movement Skill Skill x 2 Skill x 3 Skill x 4
Strength Skill Skill x 1.5 Skill x 2 Skill x 3
Attack Skill Skill + 4 Skill + 8 Skill + 12
Damage 1d8 2d4 2d6 2d12
Power Good Good Amazing Amazing
* Skill is based on the Adept’s score with this spell. Multipliers increase
this number as indicated.
Defining the Table
FX Cost: This indicates the base cost incurred for summoning a
specific type of cyclone. On a failure result a one more FX point
is spent and on a Critical Failure 2 more are spent. If the use of
this option includes the use of the command winds basic ability
to increase the wind speed, the FX cost mentioned is not
assumed while maintaining the effect.
Area: Area indicates the area of effect for the cyclone. The
number of meters given is a diameter or square and Game
Masters may determine it best to mark a central point to
determine area of effect on game maps.
The height of a cyclone is equal to twice the area of effect
and the cyclone can ‘attack’ normally to its natural height.
While some cyclones are conical in shape, most are cylindrical.
Movement: Movement indicates the maximum movement rate of
the cyclone. Uncontrolled cyclones move at one-half of this
move rate. Cyclones do not suffer movement-related penalties
regardless of their speed during a phase.
Strength: This score indicates the cyclone’s strength in regards to
its ability to lift objects that are not sufficiently secured. Lifting
an object uses those modifiers given in Chapter 3: Skills of
book 1 under Strength Skills. The natural tendency of the
cyclone is to first lift an object and then to throw it. Both
actions use the strength score to determine success. Unless the
Adept controls the cyclone, the direction an object is thrown is
randomly determined. If an object is secured to the ground
then the cyclone automatically attempts to break it loose. This
142
check is made each phase the object or person is in the area of
effect. If successful the above actions are followed normally.
Attack: This score determines attack results against standing
structures like castles, walls, or houses. An attack is made per
phase against each section of any building or edifice in the area
of effect. These attacks are separate and in addition to those
for wind speed conditions as they may apply.
Damage: The die type indicated is used to determine damage
caused to structures and concerns an Ordinary attack. Good
and Amazing attacks increase the damage by +3 and +6. The
power of the attack is equal to the cyclone’s Toughness.
Power: This entry indicates the Power of a cyclone’s attack
strength if required.
A cyclone created by this spell is different from an air
elemental. It is not a living creature nor is it a spirit inhabiting
a natural effect. It has no mind, feels no pain, and cannot be
‘killed’ in any sense, after all it is a true force of nature like an
avalanche or raging river. Because of this a cyclone is
extremely resistant to attack. Most weapons, magical or
otherwise, are ineffectual against a cyclone. Most spells are
inadequate in harming them as well.
Certain spells may effect them however. Invocation-force
field could be used to create an impassable wall or Earth
Magic-tremors could create an impassable chasm. By and large
however a cyclone does not suffer damage. The best and
perhaps only defense is to avoid it all together.
However they do have their weaknesses. Their first
weakness is their dependence on current wind speeds. If wind
speed is reduced then the type of cyclone present is reduced to
that value. If wind speeds are reduced below Strong Wind then
the cyclone losses all strength and disappears. This means that
its greatest threat is the very spell that creates it. Another
weakness could also include another Adept using this spell
option to take control of the cyclone itself. Doing so calls for a
skill contest with the highest roll winning control. Ties go to
the Adept who created the cyclone.
Aside form using Command Winds to eliminate the great
threat a cyclone poses, three other spells can also help. The
Abjuration-dispel spell can dispel a cyclone created by this
spell. This is because the cyclone does exist due the magic of
the spell involved. Weather-weatherproof can also be used
and the step modifier given for that spell effects the cyclone’s
ability to lift or otherwise attack the protected character. The
final spell of note is the Rune Magic-hegemony rune using the
‘Peaceful Stones’ option. This acts as the weatherproof spell
above but protects the entire area.
Commune with the Breeze (cost 4)
Duration: Special
Type: Personal
Resist: None
Range: None
Trappings: An area with a breeze or wind
Complexity: Special
Marginal: No
Description: This spell grants the Adept with the ability to ask the
spirits of the air questions that they would know about the
immediate surroundings or lore of the air itself. Answers to
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
questions are given in short sentences but are exact and simple
in nature.
The spirits will answer what is asked of them but do not
elaborate the answer nor they do they offer hinted
information, or guess at questions that the Adept might intend.
Therefor if an Adept asks the spirits of a valley breeze if 10
Orcs have passed this way the answer would be ‘no’ if only 9
Orcs had. If the same questions simply stated “have Orcs
passed this way” then the answer would be ‘yes’.
The Adept may attempt as many skill checks as he has in
ranks. Each check result will allow answers for 1, 2, or 3
questions for the quality of the spell check. Failures offer no
answers and three failures prematurely end the spell as with
normal complex skill checks. A Critical Failure at any time also
ends the spell.
One check is allowed per minute and assumes the time to
ask the question(s) and receive the answer(s). The Adept
must be in full concentration and/or prayer while using this
spell. Any distraction, even listening to another person for
advice, immediately ends the spell.
As concerns lore about the air itself, the spirits of the wind
will never divulge information that could harm the power of
air or its balance in the grand scheme of things.
Conjure Air Elemental (cost 2)
Duration: Marginal, one Minute; Ordinary, ten Minutes; Good, one
Hour; Amazing, one Day.
Type: Influential-special
Resist: Special
Range: 10 meters
Trappings: A place where winds are blowing
Marginal: See below
Complexity: 2, 4, 7, or 10 checks required, one check allowed per
phase.
Description: This powerful spell allows the caster to summon an
air spirit to the prime material plane. In order to do so the
Adept must be in a location where the winds are blowing.
Before the spell is cast the Adept must determine the quality of
the elemental that is to be summoned. The quality of the
elemental desired determines the complexity of the spell as
stated above. Therefor if an Adept wanted to summon an
Ordinary elemental then 4 successes are required.
The Game Master may allow a character to stop a
summoning process in order to procure an elemental of less
quality than was originally intended. This means that if the
Adept wished to summon a Good quality elemental and feared
producing a third failure then he could instead immediately
summon forth one of Ordinary quality. However this must be
done when the forth check (or a single result that exceeds it) is
successful. If the Adept rolls further the he is committed to
summoning the good quality elemental.
Once the complex skill check is successful the elemental
will take form and be able to act the next phase. The
summoning lasts as indicated above based on the overall
quality of the complex check (the highest of anyone result with
ties going to the lower quality). A summoned elemental
regards the Adept with a combative attitude and will attack
him if it is able. If the Adept concentrates on controlling the
elemental then it is compelled to perform, as the Adept desires.
If the Adept is unable to concentrate (taking damage or
rendered unconscious) the elemental will move to engage the
Adept. The Adept can regain control with a success Resolve-
mental resolve check. An elemental can be controlled up to 30
143
meters per rank from the Adept and while the Adept cannot
sense what the elemental can the control does not require line
of sight.
If a Critical Failure is generated during the summons the
desired quality of elemental appears but cannot be controlled
by means of this spell. This uncontrolled elemental remains on
the Adept’s plane for 1d4 minutes and then can return home if
and when it is ready to do so.
The spell lasts until the duration expires, the elemental
dies, or the Adept successfully casts Abjuration-dispel on the
elemental. As concerns the last parameter a +1 cumulative
penalty is applied per quality of the elemental starting with
marginal.
 Rank 2 - Air Blade: At rank 2 the Adept can use the conjuring
power of this spell to produce an invisible blade composed of
solid wind. The blade has these statistics:
Damage 1d4+1w/1d6+1w/1d4m
Accuracy -1
Actions 4
Mass 1
Skill Melee Weapons-blades
The Adept may add his Strength damage modifier to any
damage caused and the blade causes. While held in hand the
Air Blade encourages grace and enhances coordination
granting the wielder a –1 Situation Modifier to Action Checks.
The air blade remains for the duration indicated for the
standard use of the spell. The blade is magical and resists all
non-psionic FX powers with a +1 Resistance Modifier even if
the effect is beneficial.
 Ranks 4 – Wind Wall: This spell option creates an area of
violent winds that encompasses a total area of 20 square
meters. The winds can cover an area in any shape that the
caster desires however the minimum dimension of any part of
the wall is 1 meter. This option does not have effect on a
Marginal result.
The wall is of considerable strength and is strong enough
to blow away any birds smaller than an eagle or to tear light
materials from a person’s hands. Insects cannot pass the
barrier and loose materials fly upward when caught in the
wall. Arrows and crossbow bolts are deflected upward and
miss while thrown weapons suffer a +2 penalty to the attack
roll. Gases and vapors are similarly deflected and cannot pass
the wind wall either. Creatures from the elemental plane of air
however are immune to these effects and can pass through the
wall as if it were not there.
The wall remains as long as the Adept maintains
concentration on it. If the concentration end the wall lasts for
5 combat rounds per degree of success. As with the standard
version of this spell a wind of at least Light Wind properties
must be present in order for this option to have effect (see
Wind Speed and Effect in Chapter 8: Gamers in Action of book
1).
 Rank 6 - Conjure Wind: At rank 6 the Adept may summon forth
wind and air from that plane. The Adept may conjure forth a
total area of effect of 2 cubic meters worth of air per rank and
the conjured air may appear anywhere within 10 meters of the
Adept. All beings and objects in such an area must roll a
Strength feat check against the strength of the wind, which is
equal to the Adept’s score with this spell. If failed the target(s)
must then roll a Dexterity feat check or a Acrobatics-fall skill
check or be knocked prone and suffer damage as if an
Extremely Short fall. Beings larger than the area of effect are
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
immune. Wind spirits could care less what the Adept conjures
the wind for and as such there is no risk of losing Standing for
wanton or excessive use of this option.
Unlike the standard rules of the spell no wind need be
present when casting this spell. The duration of this option is
Instantaneous and the wind ceases after it has effect. However
the wind can replenish fouled air or provide air in places that
have none. In such a case the Game Master may determine a
volume vs. volume percentage of fresh provided.
⊗ Ranks 8 & 12 – Greater Wind Wall: At rank 8 the total area of
the spell increases to 40 meters and all penalties for feat
checks are at a base of +1. At rank 12 the area increases to 80
meters and penalties are at a base of +3.
 Rank 10 - Creature of Air: At rank 10 the Adept may call forth
creatures from the plane of air other than its native spirits.
Creatures mentioned in Book 3, in the Elementals chapter,
include Djinn, Sylphs, Aerial Servants, and Invisible Stalkers.
The limit on what can be summoned is only limited by the
Adept’s knowledge of those beings. The aforementioned
beings are considered known and can be readily summoned.
Casting the spell requires a total of 6 skill checks with one
check allowed per minute. Once the spell is complete the
quality of the complex skill check applies a 0/+2/+4 modifier
to the desired being’s Resolve-mental resolve check. If this
check fails then the creature is summoned and acts as if fanatic
in attitude towards the Adept. If the check succeeds then the
creature avoids the spell and does not appear. The creature, if
summoned, remains in this world for a length of time equal to
the standard use of this spell with Elementals.
 Rank 12 - Sirocco: At rank 12 the Adept may summon forth a
greater version of the Conjure Wind option above. The total
area of effect increases to 4 cubic meters per rank and may
appear anywhere within 10 meters of the Adept. Beings larger
than the area of effect are immune. In all other regards this
rank benefit acts like the Conjure Wind rank benefit above with
the exception that damage is treated as a Short fall instead.
Elemental Bonding (cost 3, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: Instantaneous
Type: Personal
Resist: Magic Resistance
Range: Touch
Trappings: A person wounded by an elemental force
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell allows the Adept to heal damage caused to
a being by an elemental force. This includes just about any
type of naturally occurring damage like being burned,
suffocation, drowning, or being caught in an avalanche. The
spell can heal all such damage caused but only by one source.
Therefor if a character had suffered 4 points of wound damage
by fire and then fell for 6 wound points of damage, the Adept
could heal all the damage caused by either the fire or the fall.
Damage caused by creatures, poisons, disease, any type of
weapon, or magical energy cannot be healed by this spell.
However GRAPH effects that cause damage can be healed as
stated above.
If a Good success is generated the Adept may heal up to
two elemental effects that caused damage. If the result is
Amazing then up to three effects can be healed.
This spell may also be used to heal Elementals of any type
of damage. In this case the quality of the success heals 1d4-1,
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1d4, or 1d4+1 mortal points of damage. If all mortal points are
healed then the remaining points heal wound, and then stun if
all wounds are healed.
Resonance (cost 2)
Duration: 1 minute per rank
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: Magic Resistance
Range: 10 meters per rank
Trappings: Any location with an atmosphere
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: Resonance allows the Adept to manipulate the
manner in which air acts as a medium for sound. The quality of
the check result allows the Adept to change sounds in intensity
by 1, 2, or 3 shifts on the Sound Table in Chapter 8: Gamers in
Action for the duration of the spell.
The Adept can alter sounds occurring in a diameter of 10
meter radius per rank and up to a range of 10 meters per rank.
Alternately the Adept can apply the spell to himself or another.
When applies to himself he can elect to increase the sound of
his voice or to decrease the sounds he makes while moving and
perform activities. If applied to another person then the target
may apply any Magic Resistance they may have. Such
applications include increasing the noise they make or
decreasing the sound of their voice.
 Rank 3 - Voices: At this rank the Adept can manipulate the air
in such a way as to produce what seems to be voices. Any
success allows the Adept to create voices with intensity
ranging from Moderate (shallow breathing) to Ordinary
(normal conversation). If the Adept concentrates on the effect
then he can determine what the voices say. If not then the
voices repeat a statement pre-stated during the spell casting
throughout the standard duration of the spell or the last series
of comments ‘spoken’.
The voices can only speak in languages the Adept knows
or they can speak complete gibberish if desired. If the Adept
knows other voice related skills, like Outdoors-animal noise, or
Creativity-voice mimicry then these skills may also be used. In
addition the Game Master may allow the Entertain-
ventriloquism skill to aid this skill with a bonus. While the
Adept can have as many voices ‘talking’ as desired the intensity
created must be within the intensities stated above.
If the basic use of this spell can be used to increases sound
intensity to Good or Amazing then the ‘Voices’ that emanate
from the area can be of that intensity. Doing this however
requires two separate castings of the spell.
 Rank 5 – Blast of Sound: Similar to the Voices option above, this
option allows the Adept to create a momentarily deafening
blast of sound. The range and area of effect for the basic use of
the resonance spell remain the same. Those in the area are
allowed a Resolve-physical resolve check with the results
indicating the damage for an Amazing to a Critical Failure
result: No Damage/1d4s/1d4+2s/2d4s/2d6s. This attack is
considered Li/O however armor offers one-half of its defensive
value rounded down unless specifically stated as protecting
against sound-based or sonic attacks.
The sound produced by this option is Instantaneous in
duration and is considered as a Good intensity sound.
 Rank 8 - Air Fist: This option allows the Adept to turn the force
of sound into a single punching blow. The target(s) is allowed
to use any Dexterity Resistance Modifier available and the
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
attack (ranged by direct) is the Adept’s rank by 10/20/30
meters with 0/+1/+2 modifiers for range.
The Air Fist can strike all targets within 2 meter radius
and the attack causes 1d6+3s/1d8+3s/1d12+3s of Li/G
damage. Armor can defend normally against this attack.
The attack of the Air Fist occurs in the same phase as the
casting of the spell. Therefor if the control die indicates a
success the Adept does not suffer a 2 point FX cost even if
Resistance Modifiers cause the spell to miss.
 Rank 12 - Thunderclap: This Amazing intensity sound is the big
brother of the Blast of Sound option above and acts as that
option in all ways except as noted below. The damage caused
is No Damage/1d6+1s/1d6+4s/2d4+2s/2d6+2s for an
Amazing to a Critical Failure result on a Resolve-physical
resolve check. Range and area of effect are also determined as
the Blast of Sound option.
Vacuum (cost 3, learn 0)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: One phase per rank
Type: Influential-Ranged by Direct
Resist: None
Range: 5 meters per rank
Trappings: An area that contains air
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell takes air on this plane and returns it to the
plane of air leaving a void that is often called a vacuum. Once
cast this spell allows the Adept to make disappear an amount
of air sufficient to fill 10 cubic meter per rank per phase as long
as concentration is maintained. If the concentration ends for
any reason then the spells effect ends immediately.
As existing air will immediately rush in to fill the void this
power must be used each phase on the same area to sustain
the vacuum. However the area is expandable per phase as
well. For example an Adept who is rank 3 with this spell could
create a vacuum that is 30 cubic meters in size. The following
phase this area could be expanded to 60 cubic meters and then
to 90 cubic meters on the third and final phase of the spell. If
the Adept changes the dimensions or location of the vacuum in
following phases then air will fill that vacuum.
During any phase that the vacuum is in effect all fires are
extinguished. Gunpowder and explosives are also rendered
inert. Fire and air elementals in the area also suffer damage as
if attacked by the Quench spell with damage being based on the
quality of the initial casting of this spell, which is
1d6+1s/1d8+1s/1d4+1w. There is no defense against this
damage. Sound is also impossible and sound or sonic based
attacks or abilities are rendered useless.
Beings in the area that breath air must roll an immediate
Stamina-endurance check or suffer stun damage due to the
shock of not being able to breath. Based on the results a
character suffers 4 stun for Critical Failure; 3 stun for a
Marginal result, 2 stun for an Ordinary; 1 stun for a Good
result; and no damage for an Amazing result. For each round
beyond this initial roll another is called for using a cumulative
+1 penalty. Persons prepared for effect can hold their breath
as per those rules in the Alternity Gamemaster's Guide.
When the spell runs its course air fills the vacuum on the
next phase. Game Masters can be creative with this effect and
it is possible that large fires or those with smoldering fuel
sources may re-ignite with the rush of fresh air.
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This spell may also be used to directly attack creatures
composed of air (air elementals, aerial servants, etc.). When
cast the creature must be within 10 meters of the Adept and if
so it receives 1d4+1w/1d6+1w/1d4m points of damage for an
ordinary to an amazing success. This effect is instantaneous
and cannot be used in tandem with the standard use of the
spell.
⊗ Ranks 5 & 10 - Sustain: At rank 5 the vacuum persists for one
phase per rank of the Adept after the last phase of the spells
standard duration. At rank 10 the vacuum is sustained for one
round per rank after the standard duration.
Vapors (cost 4, learn +1)
This skill cannot be used untrained
Duration: 10 minutes per degree of success
Type: Influential-Ranged by Accuracy
Resist: None
Range: 10 meters per rank
Trappings: None
Complexity: Simple
Marginal: No
Description: This spell causes a misty vapor to arise around the
caster. The effect applies a +2 penalty to Awareness checks to
those within the area and vision, including Thermal Vision, is
reduced to 2 meters. The effect covers a radius of 4 meters per
rank. The vapors can achieve a height no greater than the
radius, but may be lower than that if desired. The vapors may
cast up to 10 meters away per rank if desired, or it can be
centered on the Adept.
Winds or varying strength can disperse the vapors by
draining time off of the spell duration. This effect is shown on
the table below.
Type of Wind Time Drain Frequency
Light Wind 1 minute 1 round
Strong Wind 5 minutes 1 round
Gale 5 minutes 1 phase
Hurricane 10 minutes 1 phase
Tempest 30 minutes 1 phase
The Time Drain column indicates how much time is
drained off of the spell duration. The Frequency column shows
how often the time drain is applied. This means that if vapors
is cast at Good quality (20 minute duration) and was exposed
to a Strong Wind the vapors duration would degrade by 5
minutes every round. This degradation is in addition to the
normal countdown of the spell duration.
Fire burns the vapors away immediately, but only in the
area the fire covers. Vapors can move to fill the area but this
will reduce the overall size of the cloud.
If desired the vapors can be made to move by allowing
them to follow natural slopes. This effect only allows the
vapors to move down however and all such movement follows
the terrain as it exists, not as it may be perceived. Therefor the
vapors could descend into a pit covered by an illusion,
appearing to disappear in the floor.
 Rank 2 - Stinking Cloud: At rank 2 the vapors created have the
effect of an Irritant Poison to all within the cloud. The
Constitution feat check is modified by an additional +1 if the
casting is Good, or by +3 for Amazing. This poison has an
onset time of 1 round and has a duration equal to the spell
duration.
 Chapter 4: Shared Magic
All other attributes of the Stinking Cloud are the same as  Rank 12 - Death Fog: This horrible option uses the rules for the
for the standard use of this spell. ‘Cloud Kill’ option above except that damage is determined
 Rank 3 - Solid Fog: At rank 3 the Adept can create vapors that using the Acid Immersion hazard.
have a solid nature to them. The vapors cause any being within
them, who are of a physical and corporeal nature, to reduce
their maximum speed to one-half of their Walk move rate. The
Movement-trailblazing skill can increase this rate by 1, 2, or 3
meters per phase per degree of success.
Melee or Unarmed attacks suffer a base +1 penalty due to
the dense nature of the fog and all Thrown or Ranged attacks
have their distance divided by 10 per range category. Range
modifiers apply normally.
All other attributes of the Stinking Cloud are the same as
for the standard use of this spell. The only exception is that the
solid fog reduces winds that would drain its duration by
shifting them two steps lower on the table above. This means
that Solid Fog is immune to Strong Winds, Gales are treated as
Light Winds, Hurricane force winds are equal to Strong Winds,
and Tempest force winds have Gale force.
 Rank 5 - Cloud of Purification: This cloud of vapors draws upon
the healing properties of the plane of air. The duration of the
spell is equal to the Adept’s rank in rounds. All within the
cloud heal wound and stun damage at a rate of 1, 2, or 3 points
each for each full round spent in the cloud. The cloud has no
effect on mortal or fatigue damage.
The cloud can also aid in fighting poison or disease. Each
round spent in the cloud allows a person suffering from either
(or both) to roll a new Constitution feat check each round. The
best feat check replaces old results. While obtaining a better
result does not undo damage caused by the disease or poison,
the clouds healing ability can using the rules stated above. The
feat checks gain a one, two, or three step bonus per check
based on the quality of the cloud.
 Rank 6 - Cloud Form: At this rank the Adept can call forth a
Solid Fog but can have it form a specific shape. The dimensions
of the form can be no larger than one-half of that used for the
standard use of this spell cubed (i.e. 2 cubic meters per rank).
This cloud form is as dense as stone and has the same
properties for durability, armor, and toughness (see Chapter 8:
Gamers in Action). If the Adept concentrates on the cloud form
it can be made to move at a rate equal to the Adept’s score with
this spell (rounded to the next highest even number). Even
though the form is as dense as stone it can also fly using that
same move rate as stated above. In this manner an Adept
could form a boat and have it fly across a chasm or over a river.
The Cloud Form has the same resistance to winds as with
the Solid Fog option above.
 Rank 8 - Cloud Kill: At rank 8 the vapors have an acidic quality
that causes damage as a Caustic Agent. The same modifiers
apply as per the ‘Stinking Cloud’ option above however it
includes a base +1 penalty to resist, and it has an onset time of
one phase. Any person who does not vacate the vapors by the
end of the next round must roll again and that damage is
cumulative with the initial damage.
 Rank 10 - Freezing Fog: This cloud draws on the areas of the
plane of air that contain freezing winds and ice. This cloud has
the features of the Stinking Cloud option except that all
persons in the cloud must roll a Constitution feat check each
phase or suffer damage as follows:
2d6w/2d4w/1d6+1w/1d4+1w for a Critical Failure to a Good
result. Amazing results avoid any damage for that check.
Checks are called for each phase that a being is in the cloud and
the cold attacks as En/O in type and power.

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