Core:Elder Sorcery - Revision history

Gpe: /* Maximum Number of Words */

2026-09-18T16:27:31Z

Maximum Number of Words

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:27, 18 September 2026
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	=== Maximum Number of Words ===		=== Maximum Number of Words ===

	Just because a spell may be "balanced" in a mechanical sense does not mean that it can be created. After all, an archmage that's been casting for millennia should be better at creating spells than a {{L\|Core\|Leveling Up\|level 11}} {{L\|Class\|Flame Mage}}, even if their spells both use OP 1 words. This will manifest in several ways. The first in the number of words that be used in creating a spell. For the best chance of success, a character can only create ~~words~~ with 5 ''new'' words or less. So the new {{L\|Class\|Flame Mage}} could cast "use this torch for warmth" to try and empower a torch to provide the warmth needed to survive a harsh polar night. But their next spell could be "use this torch to immediately burn you to ash" to make it so their torch immediately {{L\|Condition\|Ruined\|ruins}} any creature it touches. This spell is nine words long, but Elder Sorcery relies on the number of distinct concepts the caster can hold in their head at once. So, the second use of the word "to" doesn't count towards their limit. And since the words "use", "this", and "torch" were present in a spell they already made, they have practice with those ideas already and they don't count towards the limit wither. Thus the five new words are "to", "immediately", "burn", "you", and "ash". In this way each spell an Elder Sorcerer makes expands the dictionary of words they can work with. And if an Elder Sorcerer wants to create a long and complex spell in the future, they may want to make lots of smaller spells to build up to their ultimate vision. In addition to this scaling word maximum, the maximum ''total'' number of words cannot exceed the caster's total {{L\|Core\|Leveling Up\|level}}.		Just because a spell may be "balanced" in a mechanical sense does not mean that it can be created. After all, an archmage that's been casting for millennia should be better at creating spells than a {{L\|Core\|Leveling Up\|level 11}} {{L\|Class\|Flame Mage}}, even if their spells both use OP 1 words. This will manifest in several ways. The first in the number of words that be used in creating a spell. For the best chance of success, a character can only create spells with 5 ''new'' words or less. So the new {{L\|Class\|Flame Mage}} could cast "use this torch for warmth" to try and empower a torch to provide the warmth needed to survive a harsh polar night. But their next spell could be "use this torch to immediately burn you to ash" to make it so their torch immediately {{L\|Condition\|Ruined\|ruins}} any creature it touches. This spell is nine words long, but Elder Sorcery relies on the number of distinct concepts the caster can hold in their head at once. So, the second use of the word "to" doesn't count towards their limit. And since the words "use", "this", and "torch" were present in a spell they already made, they have practice with those ideas already and they don't count towards the limit wither. Thus the five new words are "to", "immediately", "burn", "you", and "ash". In this way each spell an Elder Sorcerer makes expands the dictionary of words they can work with. And if an Elder Sorcerer wants to create a long and complex spell in the future, they may want to make lots of smaller spells to build up to their ultimate vision. In addition to this scaling word maximum, the maximum ''total'' number of words cannot exceed the caster's total {{L\|Core\|Leveling Up\|level}}.

	=== Prepared Spells ===		=== Prepared Spells ===

Gpe: /* Incantations */

2026-09-18T05:11:56Z

Incantations

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:11, 18 September 2026
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	No matter how Elder Sorcery is being cast, it requires a mastery of the particular concepts that make up spell. These are referred to as "{{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}}" and make up the fundamental pieces that spells are composed out of. The actual form of casting the spell, be it verbal, painted, brewed, or otherwise is akin to the "grammar" which strings these words together. The specific composition of words and grammar for a spell is referred to as its "incantation".		No matter how Elder Sorcery is being cast, it requires a mastery of the particular concepts that make up spell. These are referred to as "{{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}}" and make up the fundamental pieces that spells are composed out of. The actual form of casting the spell, be it verbal, painted, brewed, or otherwise is akin to the "grammar" which strings these words together. The specific composition of words and grammar for a spell is referred to as its "incantation".

	Verbal Elder Sorcery must be spoken loud enough that it is audible. Anyone within 20 feet can recognize the exact {{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}} you say. Anyone within 40 feet can recognize that you are speaking and that it is Elder Sorcery, but not what the exact {{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}} are.		Verbal Elder Sorcery must be spoken {{L\|Core\|Sounds\|loud enough that it is audible}}. Anyone within 20 feet can recognize the exact {{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}} you say. Anyone within 40 feet can recognize that you are speaking and that it is Elder Sorcery, but not what the exact {{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}} are.

	=== The Role of Words ===		=== The Role of Words ===

Gpe: /* Incantations */

2026-09-18T05:03:20Z

Incantations

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:03, 18 September 2026
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	No matter how Elder Sorcery is being cast, it requires a mastery of the particular concepts that make up spell. These are referred to as "{{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}}" and make up the fundamental pieces that spells are composed out of. The actual form of casting the spell, be it verbal, painted, brewed, or otherwise is akin to the "grammar" which strings these words together. The specific composition of words and grammar for a spell is referred to as its "incantation".		No matter how Elder Sorcery is being cast, it requires a mastery of the particular concepts that make up spell. These are referred to as "{{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}}" and make up the fundamental pieces that spells are composed out of. The actual form of casting the spell, be it verbal, painted, brewed, or otherwise is akin to the "grammar" which strings these words together. The specific composition of words and grammar for a spell is referred to as its "incantation".

	Verbal Elder Sorcery must be spoken ~~audibly~~ loud. Anyone within 20 feet can recognize the exact {{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}} you say. Anyone within 40 feet can recognize that you are speaking and that it is Elder Sorcery, but not what the exact {{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}} are.		Verbal Elder Sorcery must be spoken loud enough that it is audible. Anyone within 20 feet can recognize the exact {{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}} you say. Anyone within 40 feet can recognize that you are speaking and that it is Elder Sorcery, but not what the exact {{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}} are.

	=== The Role of Words ===		=== The Role of Words ===

Gpe: /* Incantations */

2026-09-18T05:02:30Z

Incantations

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:02, 18 September 2026
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	No matter how Elder Sorcery is being cast, it requires a mastery of the particular concepts that make up spell. These are referred to as "{{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}}" and make up the fundamental pieces that spells are composed out of. The actual form of casting the spell, be it verbal, painted, brewed, or otherwise is akin to the "grammar" which strings these words together. The specific composition of words and grammar for a spell is referred to as its "incantation".		No matter how Elder Sorcery is being cast, it requires a mastery of the particular concepts that make up spell. These are referred to as "{{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}}" and make up the fundamental pieces that spells are composed out of. The actual form of casting the spell, be it verbal, painted, brewed, or otherwise is akin to the "grammar" which strings these words together. The specific composition of words and grammar for a spell is referred to as its "incantation".

			Verbal Elder Sorcery must be spoken audibly loud. Anyone within 20 feet can recognize the exact {{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}} you say. Anyone within 40 feet can recognize that you are speaking and that it is Elder Sorcery, but not what the exact {{L\|Core\|Elder Sorcery Words\|words}} are.

	=== The Role of Words ===		=== The Role of Words ===

Gpe at 01:29, 18 September 2026

2026-09-18T01:29:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:29, 18 September 2026
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	== Learning Spells ==		== Learning Spells ==

	If a character stumbles upon a spell in the wild, they may be able to study and learn it more easily than if they are making a spell on their own. The spell's wording limitations still apply That is, the spell must not use more than five words that the caster studying the spell hasn't already created spells with. Learning spells don't unlock new words in this way. In addition, the baseline creation cost of three times the casting cost must still be paid. However, no spell creation rolls typically need to be made. If the {{GM}} wants, they may attach some additional {{L\|Tradecraft\|Metaphysics}} or other check to learning a new spell if its creator was substantially higher {{LVL}} than the caster learning it, if it's in a foreign grammar, if it uses some archaic version of Elder Sorcery, or if its especially challenging in some other way. As with creating a spell, it takes a {{L\|Core\|Long Rest}} to study one.		If a character stumbles upon a spell in the wild, they may be able to study and learn it more easily than if they are making a spell on their own. The spell's wording limitations still apply That is, the spell must not use more than five words that the caster studying the spell hasn't already created spells with. Learning spells don't unlock new words in this way. In addition, the baseline creation cost of three times the casting cost (not including {{L\|Core\|Heightening}}) must still be paid. However, no spell creation rolls typically need to be made. If the {{GM}} wants, they may attach some additional {{L\|Tradecraft\|Metaphysics}} or other check to learning a new spell if its creator was substantially higher {{LVL}} than the caster learning it, if it's in a foreign grammar, if it uses some archaic version of Elder Sorcery, or if its especially challenging in some other way. As with creating a spell, it takes a {{L\|Core\|Long Rest}} to study one.

Gpe: Text replacement - " DC" to " {{DC}}"

2026-07-29T21:27:10Z

Text replacement - " DC" to " {{DC}}"

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:27, 29 July 2026
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	#: How appropriate is the casting cost given the intention of the spell? If it seems perfect, then a score of 10 is possible. If spell is under-costed ''or over-costed'', then the score goes down.		#: How appropriate is the casting cost given the intention of the spell? If it seems perfect, then a score of 10 is possible. If spell is under-costed ''or over-costed'', then the score goes down.

	For each category, you will need to roll at least the corresponding "spell creation {{DC}}" on your {{Dice\|1d100}} roll. The base DC is 25 + 10 * (10 - score) - {{LVL}}. However, the {{GM}} can choose to give bonuses or minuses for spell creation. These are categorized as a "experience bonus", an "assistance bonus", an "effort bonus", and a "metaphysics penalty". The experience bonus, is based on {{L\|Core\|Proficiency Bonus\|proficiency}} and {{L\|Core\|Fluency Bonus\|fluency}}. The assistance and effort bonuses have a maximum of +25. And the metaphysics penalty is typically negative and can take on any value. Some possible modifiers are outlined below.		For each category, you will need to roll at least the corresponding "spell creation {{DC}}" on your {{Dice\|1d100}} roll. The base {{DC}} is 25 + 10 * (10 - score) - {{LVL}}. However, the {{GM}} can choose to give bonuses or minuses for spell creation. These are categorized as a "experience bonus", an "assistance bonus", an "effort bonus", and a "metaphysics penalty". The experience bonus, is based on {{L\|Core\|Proficiency Bonus\|proficiency}} and {{L\|Core\|Fluency Bonus\|fluency}}. The assistance and effort bonuses have a maximum of +25. And the metaphysics penalty is typically negative and can take on any value. Some possible modifiers are outlined below.
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|+ Spell Creation Bonuses		\|+ Spell Creation Bonuses
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	=== Fumbling ===		=== Fumbling ===

	If a spell fumbles, then it is not successfully created as intended. If all the spell creation rolls where within 25 of the spell creation DC, then the creation merely {{L\|Core\|Fizzles}}, whatever resources were put into creation are consumed, and no other costs apply. This is called a '''minor fumble'''.		If a spell fumbles, then it is not successfully created as intended. If all the spell creation rolls where within 25 of the spell creation {{DC}}, then the creation merely {{L\|Core\|Fizzles}}, whatever resources were put into creation are consumed, and no other costs apply. This is called a '''minor fumble'''.

	If at least one of the spell creation rolls rolled more than 25 below the creation DC, then this causes a '''major fumble'''. In such circumstances, the {{GM}} decides on something novel that occurs based on which roll or rolls fumbled, the severity of the fumble, and the design of the spell. Since Elder Sorcery is a "language of truth", the {{GM}} may think about the fumble through the framing of what was cast ''instead'' of the intended spell. Perhaps the spell casts early partway through the creation process and turns the caster into some mutated creature instead of the simple animal they intended. Maybe it summons some odd being the caster has to fight. Maybe the spell took more resources than intended and the caster was {{L\|Drain\|Wither\|withered}} to some degree. If there was immense {{MP}} or other resources spent on the spell, some strange metaphysical phenomena could occur. Fumbles could leave lasting scars on casters or the world. Nevertheless, the {{GM}} should consider what feels appropriate given the risk the player took in creating the spell and what would make for a fun game when deciding what happens. An unlucky roll on a well designed spell shouldn't permanently cripple a character and a poorly designed spell trying to destroy the universe shouldn't leave its caster unscathed. Oftentimes a fumble marks the beginning of a new adventure or challenge for the players to overcome.		If at least one of the spell creation rolls rolled more than 25 below the creation {{DC}}, then this causes a '''major fumble'''. In such circumstances, the {{GM}} decides on something novel that occurs based on which roll or rolls fumbled, the severity of the fumble, and the design of the spell. Since Elder Sorcery is a "language of truth", the {{GM}} may think about the fumble through the framing of what was cast ''instead'' of the intended spell. Perhaps the spell casts early partway through the creation process and turns the caster into some mutated creature instead of the simple animal they intended. Maybe it summons some odd being the caster has to fight. Maybe the spell took more resources than intended and the caster was {{L\|Drain\|Wither\|withered}} to some degree. If there was immense {{MP}} or other resources spent on the spell, some strange metaphysical phenomena could occur. Fumbles could leave lasting scars on casters or the world. Nevertheless, the {{GM}} should consider what feels appropriate given the risk the player took in creating the spell and what would make for a fun game when deciding what happens. An unlucky roll on a well designed spell shouldn't permanently cripple a character and a poorly designed spell trying to destroy the universe shouldn't leave its caster unscathed. Oftentimes a fumble marks the beginning of a new adventure or challenge for the players to overcome.

	If the {{GM}} allows, a major fumble could result in a significantly modified spell that the character still gains and can rotate into. It might not do what they originally intended, but it could still be "interesting".		If the {{GM}} allows, a major fumble could result in a significantly modified spell that the character still gains and can rotate into. It might not do what they originally intended, but it could still be "interesting".

Gpe at 02:05, 6 June 2026

2026-06-06T02:05:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:05, 6 June 2026
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	#: How doable is this intention in and of itself? Is it simple, clear, straightforward, and manageable? Or is it sprawling, far-reaching, vague, or metaphysically impossible?		#: How doable is this intention in and of itself? Is it simple, clear, straightforward, and manageable? Or is it sprawling, far-reaching, vague, or metaphysically impossible?
	# '''Creation Cost'''		# '''Creation Cost'''
	#: How appropriate is the creation cost for this spell? It must be at least 1 {{MP}} per OP of ''each'' word in the spell plus triple whatever the casting cost of the spell is (see {{L\|Ability\|Elder Sorcery Creation}}). If these criteria are met, the creation cost has a score of 8. Putting in more resources can push the creation cost up to 9 or 10. If this basic criteria is not met, the creation cost score is automatically 0. There is no downside to putting additional resources into the spell's creation cost when it comes to the spell creation roll itself. ~~If it seems appropriate, the {{GM}} may allow~~ other ~~players beyond just~~ the spell's creator to put resources into the creation cost.		#: How appropriate is the creation cost for this spell? It must be at least 1 {{MP}} per OP of ''each'' word in the spell plus triple whatever the casting cost of the spell is (see {{L\|Ability\|Elder Sorcery Creation}}). If these criteria are met, the creation cost has a score of 8. Putting in more resources can push the creation cost up to 9 or 10. If this basic criteria is not met, the creation cost score is automatically 0. There is no downside to putting additional resources into the spell's creation cost when it comes to the spell creation roll itself. People other than the spell's creator are not usually allowed to put resources into the creation cost. It typically takes tools such as {{L\|Ability\|Altar of Power}} in order to pool {{MP}} for large spells.
	# '''Casting Cost'''		# '''Casting Cost'''
	#: How appropriate is the casting cost given the intention of the spell? If it seems perfect, then a score of 10 is possible. If spell is under-costed ''or over-costed'', then the score goes down.		#: How appropriate is the casting cost given the intention of the spell? If it seems perfect, then a score of 10 is possible. If spell is under-costed ''or over-costed'', then the score goes down.

Gpe: /* Learning Spells */

2025-11-20T09:35:15Z

Learning Spells

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:35, 20 November 2025
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	== Learning Spells ==		== Learning Spells ==

	If a character stumbles upon a spell in the wild, they may be able to study and learn it more easily than if they are making a spell on their own. The spell's wording limitations still apply That is, the spell must not use more than five words that the caster studying the spell hasn't already created spells with. Learning spells don't unlock new words in this way. In addition, the baseline creation cost of three times the casting cost must still be paid. However, no spell creation rolls typically need to be made. If the {{GM}} wants, they may attach some additional {{L\|~~Tradecrafts~~\|Metaphysics}} or other check to learning a new spell if its creator was substantially higher {{LVL}} than the caster learning it, if it's in a foreign grammar, if it uses some archaic version of Elder Sorcery, or if its especially challenging in some other way. As with creating a spell, it takes a {{L\|Core\|Long Rest}} to study one.		If a character stumbles upon a spell in the wild, they may be able to study and learn it more easily than if they are making a spell on their own. The spell's wording limitations still apply That is, the spell must not use more than five words that the caster studying the spell hasn't already created spells with. Learning spells don't unlock new words in this way. In addition, the baseline creation cost of three times the casting cost must still be paid. However, no spell creation rolls typically need to be made. If the {{GM}} wants, they may attach some additional {{L\|Tradecraft\|Metaphysics}} or other check to learning a new spell if its creator was substantially higher {{LVL}} than the caster learning it, if it's in a foreign grammar, if it uses some archaic version of Elder Sorcery, or if its especially challenging in some other way. As with creating a spell, it takes a {{L\|Core\|Long Rest}} to study one.

Gpe at 10:32, 27 October 2025

2025-10-27T10:32:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:32, 27 October 2025
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	\| The incantation exclusively uses words the character has used in spells they've already made.		\| The incantation exclusively uses words the character has used in spells they've already made.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Assistance		\| Assistance Bonus
	\| +25		\| +25
	\| The spell creation is being overseen and assisted by some other powerful Elder Sorcery caster or supernatural being that is taking on personal costs from the spell and has direct power over the spell's subject matter.		\| The spell creation is being overseen and assisted by some other powerful Elder Sorcery caster or supernatural being that is taking on personal costs from the spell and has direct power over the spell's subject matter.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Assistance		\| Assistance Bonus
	\| +15		\| +15
	\| The spell creation is being overseen and assisted by some other powerful Elder Sorcery caster or supernatural being that has expertise in the spell's subject matter.		\| The spell creation is being overseen and assisted by some other powerful Elder Sorcery caster or supernatural being that has expertise in the spell's subject matter.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Assistance		\| Assistance Bonus
	\| +5		\| +5
	\| The spell creation is being assisted by other members of the party.		\| The spell creation is being assisted by other members of the party.

Gpe at 10:28, 27 October 2025

2025-10-27T10:28:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:28, 27 October 2025
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	If a spell fumbles, then it is not successfully created as intended. If all the spell creation rolls where within 25 of the spell creation DC, then the creation merely {{L\|Core\|Fizzles}}, whatever resources were put into creation are consumed, and no other costs apply. This is called a '''minor fumble'''.		If a spell fumbles, then it is not successfully created as intended. If all the spell creation rolls where within 25 of the spell creation DC, then the creation merely {{L\|Core\|Fizzles}}, whatever resources were put into creation are consumed, and no other costs apply. This is called a '''minor fumble'''.

	If at least one of the spell creation rolls ~~then~~ more than 25 below the creation DC, then this causes a '''major fumble'''. In such circumstances, the {{GM}} decides on something novel that occurs based on which roll or rolls fumbled, the severity of the fumble, and the design of the spell. Since Elder Sorcery is a "language of truth", the {{GM}} may think about the fumble through the framing of what was cast ''instead'' of the intended spell. Perhaps the spell casts early partway through the creation process and turns the caster into some mutated creature instead of the simple animal they intended. Maybe it summons some odd being the caster has to fight. Maybe the spell took more resources than intended and the caster was {{L\|Drain\|Wither\|withered}} to some degree. If there was immense {{MP}} or other resources spent on the spell, some strange metaphysical phenomena could occur. Fumbles could leave lasting scars on casters or the world. Nevertheless, the {{GM}} should consider what feels appropriate given the risk the player took in creating the spell and what would make for a fun game when deciding what happens. An unlucky roll on a well designed spell shouldn't permanently cripple a character and a poorly designed spell trying to destroy the universe shouldn't leave its caster unscathed. Oftentimes a fumble marks the beginning of a new adventure or challenge for the players to overcome.		If at least one of the spell creation rolls rolled more than 25 below the creation DC, then this causes a '''major fumble'''. In such circumstances, the {{GM}} decides on something novel that occurs based on which roll or rolls fumbled, the severity of the fumble, and the design of the spell. Since Elder Sorcery is a "language of truth", the {{GM}} may think about the fumble through the framing of what was cast ''instead'' of the intended spell. Perhaps the spell casts early partway through the creation process and turns the caster into some mutated creature instead of the simple animal they intended. Maybe it summons some odd being the caster has to fight. Maybe the spell took more resources than intended and the caster was {{L\|Drain\|Wither\|withered}} to some degree. If there was immense {{MP}} or other resources spent on the spell, some strange metaphysical phenomena could occur. Fumbles could leave lasting scars on casters or the world. Nevertheless, the {{GM}} should consider what feels appropriate given the risk the player took in creating the spell and what would make for a fun game when deciding what happens. An unlucky roll on a well designed spell shouldn't permanently cripple a character and a poorly designed spell trying to destroy the universe shouldn't leave its caster unscathed. Oftentimes a fumble marks the beginning of a new adventure or challenge for the players to overcome.

	If the {{GM}} allows, a major fumble could result in a significantly modified spell that the character still gains and can rotate into. It might not do what they originally intended, but it could still be "interesting".		If the {{GM}} allows, a major fumble could result in a significantly modified spell that the character still gains and can rotate into. It might not do what they originally intended, but it could still be "interesting".