Spells

Each spell is described with a set of characteristics. Here’s a rundown of those categories and what the different abbreviations accompanying them mean.

Type: Spells are either Physical spells (P) or Mana spells (M).

Physical spells: When using Physical spells, the magician converts the channeled mana to energy and/or tangible material in the physical world. The tangible material is simple—energy or matter such as ice, acid, oxygen, heat, light, etc. This material is also temporary unless sustained, converting back to mana energy when the spell ends. Physical spells can affect both living and non-living objects in the physical world.
Mana spells: When using mana spells, the magician can only affect living things with auras or astrally active entities (such as spirits or foci) even in the physical world. Mana spells can affect targets on either the physical or astral planes, but only if you’re on the same plane as your target(s).

Range: This describes how close you have to get, or how far away you can be, to cast the spell. The most common range is Line of Sight (LOS), meaning you have to physically see the target. Some spells require you to Touch (T) the target—if the target is unwilling, you’ll need to make an unarmed attack against the target. Some spells are Area spells, affecting an area rather than a single target. These spells are noted with (A) after the range designation. With a few exceptions, the area is a radius in meters equal to the Force of the spell.A spell with the range of Self (S) can be placed on the caster only. If the spell is an area (A) effect, the caster is at the center of the spell’s area of effect and is automatically affected unless the description states otherwise.

Damage: If the spell inflicts damage, this describes the type—either Physical (P) or Stun (S). The Damage Value for the spell is listed in the spell or spell category description.

Duration: This describes how long the spell’s effect lasts. Instantaneous (I) spells have an effect that happens and then fades, while Sustained (S) spells last as long as you keep them going. Permanent (P) spells don’t fade or dissipate; their effect becomes a lasting, non-magical characteristic after you sustain the spell for (Force) Combat Turns.

Drain: This is the formula used to calculate the Drain Value inflicted by a spell. It is based on the Force (F) of the spell and can never be below 2. Some spells have keywords listed in parentheses. These keywords are explained in the description of the spell category.