Etichette

domenica 24 novembre 2019

Specialization spell for before 1st era games

Art by Luigi Castellani from the "Spears of  the Dawn" free art pack
The rule in brief: with this rule every spell-caster can specialize in a particular type of magic, when they specialize they will learn a "specialization" spell for each spell level they can use, such a spell when cast will let the caster choose a specific effect between a short list of spells (5 for each level usually) at the moment of casting.

This article is a modification of the Instant Spell Recall a spontaneous magic option for Vancian OSR systems rules. By changing a few assumption it catch 2 birds with one stone. In fact it represent specialization and it gives mage spontaneous magic in the framework of Vancian magic (cast and forget). Furthermore such a specialization can be also be seen as pact magic, as the spell can be easily represented as a special kind of magic that can be learned only if the spell-caster makes a pact with supernatural entity (gods, daeva, demons, faeries, dragon, immortal, aliens or whoever is able to give spell knowledge).

The spell for each level are are very similar to the ones presented in the previous article with the presence of a 1st level spell that let the spell-caster chose between 5 cantrips/orison (0th level spells)

Specialist Spontaneous Spell 0 - cantrip (1st level spell) Conjuration/Summoning
Duration: IstantaneousCasting Time: 1+spell casting time
Saving Throw: noneArea of Effect: self
Range: selfComponents: V, S + spell components
Description: When the spell-caster cast this spell she is able to cast a single spell from a list of 5 (five) 0th level spells, the list is defined by the mage specialization.

Specialist Spontaneous Spell I - 1st level (2nd level spell) Conjuration/Summoning
Duration: IstantaneousCasting Time: 1+spell casting time
Saving Throw: noneArea of Effect: self
Range: selfComponents: V, S + spell components

When the spell-caster cast this spell she is able to cast a single spell from a list of 5 (five) 1st level spells, the list is defined by the mage specialization.

...

Specialist Spontaneous Spell VIII - 8th level (9th level spell) Conjuration/Summoning
Duration: IstantaneousCasting Time: 1+spell casting time
Saving Throw: noneArea of Effect: self
Range: selfComponents: V, S + spell components

Description: When the spell-caster cast this spell she is able to cast a single spell from a list of 5 (five) 8th level spells, the list is defined by the mage specialization.

Once a specialization is chosen it's the same for each spell level (the Game Master can opt for multiple specialization but this should be unusual and with some restriction). Furthermore the GM can decide that such a specialization is at the cost of prohibited spells/schools or (for pact magic) at the cost of specific geas/quest.

let's see how two list of common specialization spells would look.


Spell 
Level
Black Mage
White Mage
1'
2'
3'
4'
5'
6'
  • Atonement F X: Removes burden of misdeeds from subject.
  • Break Enchantment: Frees subjects from enchantments, alterations, curses, and petrification.
  • Hallow M: Designates location as holy.
  • Raise Dead M: Restores life to subject who died as long as one day/level ago.
  • True Seeing M: Lets you see all things as they really are.
7'
8'
9th
  • Antimagic Field: Negates magic within 10 ft.
  • Cure Critical Wounds, Mass: Cures 4d8 damage +1/level for many creatures.
  • Dimensional Lock: Teleportation and interplanar travel blocked for one day/level.
  • Holy Aura F: +4 to AC, +4 resistance, and SR 25 against evil spells.
  • Shield of Law F: +4 to AC, +4 resistance, and SR 25 against chaotic spells.