Sorcery

To manipulate the strands of magic which weave throughout the material world, then a specific training skill of sorcery is required skill. Sorcery uses arcane spells, called axioms, to alter and create matter and energy according to the arcane knowledge. This skill is its own form of magic and is incompatible with others, even if the spell name happens to be the same. The methods and birthing of the manipulations conjured are different than divine magic, fey magickery, runes, or even alchemical effects.

The idea of becoming a sorcerer may be intriguing to some; however, there are risks. Once discovering those prospects, a great many fall by the wayside and choose it is not a path for them. One of the first concerns is the dactyl surgery required. It is a crude procedure, and rejections do occur. The GM should not allow a failed surgery to occur to a PC without a very good reason, but from the perspective of those in the game-world, this is a risky process. The process has improved in recent years of the mago-technology boon, but this is not something for the weak of heart. The operation makes incisions over the bones of the hands and fingers and implants slivers of a rare metal called ductilium which magically grafts to the bones …if everything goes according to plan. This special metal causes a modification of tendons and ligaments over the next few weeks, while healing from the surgery, with the end result of a far greater flexibility than before. Divine healing during this time frame is strongly discouraged as it will likely ruin the surgery. Nevertheless, this new hand physiology, while offering no change to one’s sub-attribute scores, its success can be measure in that rolling a coin over one’s knuckles is a simpler task after a successful metal-grafting. Additionally, the ductilium helps to attract the knurls of magic that are entwined in the universe -- or perhaps ubiquiverse is a better term to include the various planes of existence.

After one’s hands have healed, typically requiring a few weeks, learning to use the added sense, subtle as it is, comes next. The sensation allows one to recognize the different energy strands which pertain to arcane magic. Although not directly part of this skill, the next step is to learn one or more axioms, which are magical spells of sorcery to be cast by manipulating those particles of magical energy. These various energy knurls subsist as part of the comprising of reality itself. What the sorcery skill does is train a being how to feel, find and manipulate these forces to create exceptions to the standard chimerics (physics) of the world. As its very purpose, sorcery is a process of knowing how to break the natural rules of the cosmos.

Once learning how to wield and shape these particles of energy into strands and patterns, then specific axioms for these forces can be applied. This is how a specific axiom works. It is a mental process of meshing magical energy, often mixed with gestures that weave the magic, to produce a potential effect. Performing this task is mentally exhausting, and therefore, costs points from a character’s Mind score when casting a sorcery axiom. This is why there is a prerequisite of a 10 Logic score or higher just to be capable of learning the base sorcery skill.

Typically, the base skill of sorcery must be learned from another, using karma or gained by training in the pre-history of the character’s origin. The investment of time could be used instead of karma; however, this would require a 300-day investment without a guaranty of success. Even when using karma to attain the skill, about two months are still required.

The sorcery skill allows access to learn axioms that have a Mind-cost of only 1 or 2 points. More powerful spells will require the advanced skills of either sorcery II or sorcery III.

To cast a sorcery spell, a specific axiom must be acquired. There are too parts for obtaining an axiom. First, the potential for learning it, based on karma, must be paid. To place the axiom into one’s repertoire, that karma expense is 100 points per Mind-point cost of the axiom. The second part is physically obtaining the spell instruction and procedure. Typically, this will be written on a scroll, then copied into a reference manual (or spell book). Of course, the scroll could be kept by itself rather than placed into a book, but there are issued with that which will be discussed next. All axioms must be reviewed from the magical writing at least once every 28 days; however, there is no daily “memorization” required. What this means is those axioms known are available, assuming a spellbook has been available in the past 28 days. If going longer than this, the axiom is not lost but cannot be used until it has been reviewed; thus, losing all one’s spellbooks is a serious concern.

To transfer from a scroll into a spellbook is part of the skill set learned from sorcery. However, going the other direction, from book to scroll, requires the scroll writing skill. What’s the difference? There is an important distinction. The scroll-to-book process not only moves the magical writing to a new medium, but also it lifts the magic stored in the scroll and integrates it into the lifesong of the sorcerer. Thus, it is two-fold in the technique. First, storing the writing for future reference, and secondly ingraining the magic into the aura of the caster. To be clear, this process destroys the scroll.

The other way around, book-to-scroll, literally stores a casting into the scroll, a part required to learn and obtain the axiom as a new spell; thus, the storing the potential energy of the magic into the scroll requires a more advanced skill than just the base sorcery technique. Yet, this is important one and has the potential for scams. As previously stated, the scroll could be kept and reviewed to keep the axiom in one&rsqo;s repertoire, but this means carrying a “loaded” version of the magic, plus it is likely the only copy. In the other direction, there are swindlers who will copy the magic writing scroll to another scroll without empowering the scroll. Thus, when a sorcerer believes he or she has purchased a powered scroll to learn or cast from, a big surprise of nothing occurs.

There is a benefit the other way as well. An axiom can be cast from the scroll, using the empowerment stored within, so long as one either has scroll reading as an attained skill. When doing so, as long as the Logic score permits the casting of that axiom, it can be manifested from the scroll using the reader’s sub-attributes to calculate any variance.

Oversiphoning

Further, a valid option when using axioms is a process called “oversiphoning.” In the process of manifesting the magic, the sorcerer is gathering and manipulating those energy knurls previously mentioned. The mental effort required to perform this act is measured in the cost of Mind points, as stated earlier. However, the sorcerer can push more mental power into an axiom, which creates a stronger concentrations of those magical forces, weaves thicker stands of sorcery and creates a more powerful effect from the axiom. The cost is extra Mind points used over the normally required amount. This the process is what magicians call oversiphoning. However, not all axioms may be worth the extra investment; some even might gain no effect at all. In the description is an explanation of how oversiphoning would work for that axiom and what the additional costs would be. One final clarification: oversiphoning does not alter the casting time.

Concentration

Just as advantage and disadvantage applies to combat, the same can occur for sorcery. When a sorcerer is at advantage for the casted axiom spell, then the first degree of oversiphoning can be used at the normal cost. If the axiom does not benefit from oversiphoning, then the advantage offers no benefit. Moreover, attempting to oversiphon at an even higher degree than what can be performed at advantage will not change the Mind-point cost. At the other end, if at disadvantage, the casting time is doubled.

Moreover, if at advantage or disadvantage when another attempts to disrupt an axiom, either during the casting or by interrupting the concentration, then two d20s will be rolled for the save. The save to be attempted will be discussed in the next subsection below. The better or the worse of the two scores will be used, depending on whether the sorcerer is at advantage or at disadvantage.

Some axioms require concentration. Unlike divine magic, the sorcerer can still partake in conversations and observe the surroundings, but while concentration is required; however, no reactions can be performed. No new axioms, cantrips or invocations be cast either. However, other actions, such as drinking a potion or activating a magic item are perfectly legitimate. However, combat attacks, whether melee or at range, can only be made with disadvantage. Further, movement rate is half during concentration. Of course, a specific detail in an axiom could override this general rule. Additionally, concentration cannot used if Pain, Anxiety, or Spite has crossed over the halfway point to create disadvanteage.

Should the caster&rssquo;s concentration be broken, it will usually end the axiom. Thus, if the concentration is required to maintain or complete an effect, then breaking the caster’s concentration would free the victims. However, in some cases, such as conjure elemental, it does not return end as one might expect.

Concentration may be broken by inflicting damage against Body, Mind or Spirit. Of course, being pushed into disadvantage due to Body, Mind or Spirit will ruin concentration (no save). However, the caster is permitted a save against a Comp:10 plus the number of points of damage to maintain concentration. If struck with Body damage, a Resilience save is used. If Mind damage, then Judgment; and if Spirit, then Muse.

This is the same type of save required if damage is inflicted upon a caster who is in the midst of casting. If failing the save against Resilience, Judgment; or Muse, then the casting is interrupted and the spell and Mind points are lost. However, if making the save, the casting can continue. Also, if the axiom uses gestures, then a successful grapple will force a save to break the casting, but obviously there are no additional points for damage. That said, if the caster can be knocked prone, then this adds 3 points to the Comp required. The same is true for silence-type effects if the axiom has verbal components. However, if the axiom has been started, a successful save indicates the sorcerer was able to complete the magic despite the limitations.

As for breaking concentration, one can use arcane disruption as an action or counterspell as a reaction at the start of the caster’s turn. Obviously, killing, stunning or incapacitating the caster would also work. Lastly, the GM may allow for environmental events to break concentration.

Vantages

Just as advantage and disadvantage applies to combat, the same can occur for sorcery. When a sorcerer is at advantage for the casted axiom spell, then the first degree of oversiphoning can be used at the normal cost. If the axiom does not benefit from oversiphoning, then the advantage offers no benefit. Moreover, attempting to oversiphon at an even higher degree than what can be performed at advantage will not change the Mind-point cost. At the other end, if at disadvantage, the casting time is doubled.

Moreover, if at advantage or disadvantage when another attempts to disrupt an axiom, either during the casting or by interrupting the concentration, then two d20s will be rolled for the save, as described in the subsection above. The better or the worse of the two scores will be used, depending on whether the sorcerer is at advantage or at disadvantage.

Effect Restrictions

There are a few axioms where an effect may be removed by subsequent saves made against the effect. However, this might seem ambiguous if the result of the axiom for failing the initial save results in a restriction that makes all future saves automatically fail. An example of this is nauseating breath. If the victim fails the initial save, then he or she is stunned but also allowed subsequent Resilience saves to clear the magical gas from one’s system. The conflict occurs when reading the effects of being stunned, which include the automatic failure of any Body saves while under the restriction. In these cases, subsequent saves are not penalized by the inflicted restriction; however, all other reasons to make a save or feat roll would be. Thus, the following round after failing the save against nauseating breath would be a normal save, but if someone grappled the victim, then the competition would automatically go to the one attempting the hold. Furthermore, previous existing effects might also play into these subsequent saves. If the victim were at disadvantage for some other reason for the initial save against nauseating breath, the subsequent saves would also be at disadvantage, so long as the cause for disadvantage still applied. Combined effects should apply in order as a base rule whenever these factors must be considered. Of course, a specific rule of an item or other magic would override this general one.

Channeling

There is one final note on casting axioms. There do exist items of channeling: rods, orbs, wands, scepters, fans and the like. These are often made from special materials; sometimes feywood or perhaps mythril. The fashioning of these items is performed through arcane craft, requiring about one week of time and roughly 2500 bits of raw material.

A focus channel is not something for the casual caster, such as a fighter who picks up ice blast to strike targets out of reach. This is for the serious sorcerer who primarily casts only magic and does it frequently. Otherwise, it may not be worth the investment.

Axiom List

The chart of axioms is ordered by cost, while the descriptions are ordered alphabetically.

Axioms Explained

Glitter Verbal, Gesture				Mind Point Cost: 1
Time Required:	1 second	Range:	Special	Duration:	1 turn
The sorcerer uses a phantasm to create an explosion of sparkling color appearing in front of his or her body. This has the potential to affect up to 9 creatures within 15 feet. The effect will distract 3d10 Mind points worth of creatures, but none whose max score of 13 or higher. Of those in the area, the GM will arrange them (only the conscious ones) in ascending order by current Mind scores and subtracting from the 3d10 value when selecting a creature affected until the points can no longer be applied. Those selected creatures then become distracted by the light show and are at disadvantage on any action each takes on their following turn.
Oversiphoned: Points: 2 Cone of effect is 14 hexes. Distract total of 4d12

Nauseating Breath Verbal, Gesture				Mind Point Cost: 2
Time Required:	2 seconds	Range:	15 feet	Duration:	Instantaneous
The caster breathes out a cloud (9 hexes) of sickly green gas. Anyone caught in the cloud must make a successful Resilience save (TM:13) or be stunned for d4 rounds. Helmets will not assist the save for this type of stunning effect; in fact, helmets will allow the nauseating stun effect to last one combat round longer. The affected target is permitted another Resilience save (TM:13) as the substitute for an action at the end of each of its turns. On a successful save, the stunned effect ends. When breathing victims are stunned by this effect, they automatically fail any Body save or check; however, this automatic failures of the stun restriction do not apply to the subsequent saves to overcome the originating axiom effect.
Oversiphoned: No benefit.

Sleep Verbal, Gesture				Mind Point Cost: 1
Time Required:	4 seconds	Range:	20 feet	Duration:	2 turns
The sorcerer forces from up to three targets within range to fall into an enchanted slumber. Creatures in a 60-degree cone up to 20 feet from the caster are potential victims.  Cost  Victim Result 1 Mind <=10 Victim put to sleep 1 Mind <=10 & Mental Fortitude Victim permitted Judgment save (TM:15) 2 Mind <=10 Victim put to sleep 2 Mind <=10 & Mental Fortitude Victim put to sleep 2 Mind 11 to 13 & Mental Fortitude Victim permitted Judgment save (TM:15) However, only those having a maximum Mind score of 10 or lower can be affected. Use the table to determine whether someone is a potential victim. Qualifying adversaries closest to the caster will become a victim first. Those unconscious or already sleeping are not considered. If more than one are equidistant, then the one with the lowest current Mind is selected first. When a target is determined to be a victim, then tally its maximum Mind score. When another target becomes a victim, add its Mind score to the running total. A total value of 24 total Mind points can be affected. If the total victims exceed that value, then that last one should be dropped. A slept creature is under the unconscious restriction but can be awakened as the asleep restriction. If not aroused by other means, the victim will awaken at the end of its turn in the following round; however, it is subject to being in a surprise round for assessing its surroundings (using the standard rules of an Awareness check). This axiom can only affect anthronins. However, elves, any beings who are immune (or even resistant) to charm, persons with a shielded mind, and those who do not sleep cannot be affected even if they are part of an affected phylum. Those with mental fortitude who are still valid to be targeted are permitted a Judgment save (TM:15) to avoid the effect.
Oversiphoned: Points: 2 Potential targets change.

Withering Circle Verbal, Gesture				Mind Point Cost: 2
Time Required:	2 seconds	Range:	60 feet	Duration:	Instantaneous
The caster summons necrotic energy to manifest in a 15-foot-diameter circle centered on a point within range. Each creature in that area must make a Resilience save (DC:13), taking d6 points of necrotic damage if failing the save. No damage is inflicted if it is successful. Nonmagical vegetation in that area withers and grass turns black.
Oversiphoned: Points: 4 Resilience save (DC:15).