Spellcasting

Part of a series about the rules of Breaking Worlds.

• Safety
• Combat rules
• Calls
• Spellcasting
• Items and equipment
• Downtime
• Guides

Character creation:

• Character creation
• Starting abilities
• Skills
• Warrior skills
• Channeller skills
• Spell list
• Evoker skills
• General skills

See also:

• Overview

The magic of Breaking Worlds takes many forms. The two main types of magical ability within the game are spells and rituals.

Spells

A Spell is a supernatural effect delivered by touch or at range. These almost always have a call to indicate the effect.

Spells can be targetted in five ways:

• A self range spell only affects the caster.
• A touch range spell requires the caster to be close enough to touch the target. Unless it is also explicitly a self range spell, the caster may not use it on themself.
• A ranged spell can be used on a target up to five metres away, and requires the caster to clearly indicate the target (such as by calling their name or description).
• A mass spell uses the MASS call, which affects anyone within a five-metre radius of the caster. The caster may delineate an area of effect with their arms.
• A wide spell uses the WIDE call, which affects anyone within a ten-metre radius of the caster. At an interactive, it affects everyone present.

The caster must use a vocal (speak a few words appropriate for spellcasting). They must also have one hand free (that is, not ruined by CLEAVE and not holding a weapon or other item) to cast a spell.
An exception is that you may cast while holding a clearly magical implement such as a wand, rod, or staff. This may be weapon-safe - if so, it is considered a weapon and you may strike with it in melee for implied SINGLE (if you are proficient with a weapon of that size) or ZERO, but you may not use it for any other melee calls.
After casting a spell, a character cannot start casting another spell for five seconds.

Rituals

A Ritual is a supernatural effect that may have multiple participants and takes more time than a spell. Rituals are categorised as Minor, Major, or Epic, in the same way as EFFECTs.

• A minor ritual is slower and more complex than a spell, but still fairly routine. Anyone with the required skill is able to perform a minor ritual with two minutes of appropriate roleplay. However, they can sometimes increase the effect of the ritual by making additional efforts (see below). A character may be the target of any given minor ritual up to twice per day.
• A major ritual is a significant and impressive work of magic. Performing a major ritual takes at least two minutes and requires additional costs (typically at least two or three from the list below, and ideally more). A character may be the target of any given major ritual up to once per day.
• An epic ritual is an exceptional feat of magic. Performing such a ritual takes several minutes and requires substantial additional costs (examples from the list below) as well as a suitable plot opportunity - the Guides can advise on this.

Ways of increasing the power of a ritual include, but are not limited to:

• Performing the ritual with several participants
• Performing the ritual with the assistance of one or more spirits
• Performing the ritual in a place of power
• Sacrificing a substantial amount of silver
• Sacrificing gold
• Sacrificing something with inherent magical or spiritual power (including people!)