Magic Spells Reconsidered

Now that we have established the pip system as the range in which bonuses dwell, it should be no surprise that this will transfer to magic as well.

Before we can design spells, we have to define how magic works, or more specifically, how spellcasting works. There are two types of magical energy. Spiritual and Elemental. Spirit energy coming from life and belief. While, elemental energy comes from the magic latent in most elements. Spirit Spellcasters attempt to move the spirit energies to do their bidding, while elemental caster attempt to energize and focus the energy to the task. Spirit energies flow through the soul of the caster, while elemental energies are controlled by the mental focus of the caster.

Thus, spirit casters attempt to find the spiritual rhythm  of the energy and align it to their need, while the elemental caster identifies the magic of the materials being used, energizes and manipulates the magic.

So, each caster uses their skills and bonuses to cast their spell, the spellcasting roll is compared to the resistance roll of the target. Below the target is a failure, but over the target is the amount of success the spell has. This success, depending on the spell, can be channelled to an effect. This overage is the damage of a spell meant to damage, or a time extender for spells with a timed effect, like water breathing. Some spells will give the caster the option on directing the success down different avenues.

Magic spells are usually learned from a teacher (or church), and each teacher(or church) has a repertoire of spells that a student may learn. Each culture has different spells that work in much the same way, but are cast in largely different ways. Different vocal, somantic and material components can be used to create the exact same result. Some similar spells may have very interesting differences. Bards and fire mages can cast the same spell effect, but they do it in vastly different ways.

Successfully casting a spell is not a given. There is always a chance that the target will be too high, and the spell will fail. Usually this simply means the magic never formed, but occasionally the magic will come forth in an uncontrolled way.