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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Beholder Bob" data-source="post: 1221755" data-attributes="member: 12866">More of the 'rules'.  After this, I'll post the alternate casting rules for spells (spells require a roll to cast, with chance of damage for some casters)MAGICS NATURE AND USE    What the source of magic is: Stellar lines on force pierce the mortal realm, but just as radio waves are not noticed by modern man, so to are these lines not noticed by mortals.  These columns off force are thicker in some regions and less so in others (a dead magic area would be free of these columns).  Indirectly related, these columns of stellar influence, while beyond the notice or interaction of creatures in general, are what shape the nature of beings born in that area, giving them their astrological signs.  The cumulative effect of these lines have long-term effects, causing unusual growths, encouraging veins of particular metals in the earth, and dictate the weather and soil conditions.Wizards align themselves with the magic, in effect sticking part of them-selves into the flow and interacting with it.  The flow can be thought of as columns of water that rises & falls (as per an AC flow) at incredible force and speed – one does not jump in the middle and block this flow, let alone redirect it.  They divert a small portion of the flow, using the components of the spell to shape the magic so that it conforms to the spell desired.  Casters who are not careful, or intently grab for more power then they can safely accommodate are harmed, part of their essence being washed out in the flow of magic.  Wearing bulky or movement inhibiting clothing/armor can inhibit the caster from going through the somatic motions required to direct the flow at the full speed needed – possibly ending the spell and or causing the caster harm.  Priests are under no risk of harm from casting their spells, but are unable to directly tap this flow of magic.  Their prayers for divine intervention/spells causes these columns to reverberating up to the heavens (or below) to draw the attention of their divine masters and signal to them the magic needed.  When they succeed in drawing attention, the divine masters send a wave down directed to the priest, giving them the spell.  Thus a priest may need more time to cast his spells, and his knowledge of the sacred lore is critical in forming not just the basic words of the prayer needed, but also the correct entity to address it to and with enough authority to gain the spell quickly.  The ability to channel, or turn undead, is a divine gift given to the priests and is an actual investment of divine energies in the priest.  Channeling while requesting a spell is the equivalent of labeling the spell request “urgent”.Bards use their music to cause sympathetic vibrations in the flow of magic, causing it to undulate and form rings that separate from the prime flow of magic.  The bard builds up a reservoir and keeps it from re-uniting with the prime flow by continuing to play, tapping into it as needed.  A concert of bards can share the same reservoir, working in sympathy.  If the music ends abruptly, the magic quickly drains back into the main flow, losing all benefits accumulated.Psions access the flow in a unique and dangerous way, they allow the magic potential to flow into their minds, charging it with incredible potential.  Errors cause the body to bleed out, decompose, or fissure.  This stored potential allows the psion to delicately direct magic without the normal required components, why encumbrance has no effect on their type of magic, and why psionic creatures feed off each other (for stored power).Magic Items continuous items continuously tap into the flow of magic at a very slow rate, taking just enough magic to maintain their abilities.  One shot items do not tap into the flow of magic, but are instead temporary vessels that hold magic.  Items that have limited uses per day are like capacitors, absorbing magic until filled and slowly bleeding off the magic stored.  Once emptied, it takes a while to refill with magic potential.Magic’s impact on creatures in general, children and expecting mothers in particular.  Magic taps into the fields that shape the development of a creatures spirit.  Creatures can handle a limited amount of ‘interference’, the amount is dependent on how potent their spirit is.  Exceeding this amount causes damage to the spirit of the creature immersed in it – and creatures born to those who exceed their limits risk their child having birth defects.  Expecting mothers who travel frequently in magic rich areas or are exposed to high magic infrequently are at high risk of still birth, birth defects, and giving birth to a monster.  These risks are not always immediately obvious, a child could appear normal only to begin to transform once they reach their teen or adult years.</blockquote>

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