Author: steven stewart

This thread got me thinking about the wizard and spells.

https://plus.google.com/108081872647188369149/posts/Jjq6P99AcsU

I know the general consensus is to ditch the wizard playbook, but I dig vancian magic and spells. It is easier for me and my players. Plus it feels like the old days.

The approach to using ritual is well explored in that thread. A different approach would be to create new move that could be taken when you level up to research magic spells. Googling revealed their is not a lot of work in this area.

What would such a move look like? I have this one for starters, not play tested though no one in my group is playing a wizard right now.

When you have enough time and access to a library you can craft a new spell. Describe he spell effect and what you want to have happen. The GM will:

Tell you what the actual spell can do

Tell you what level it is

Offer you a different version at a lower level or cantrip level

Roll+library

On a 10+ you are successful, cross off one use of your library and add the spell to your spell book

On a 7-9 you are successful cross off one use of your library and choose one:

– the process warps your mind, take -1 to INT rolls until you roll doubles while using magic in the future

– you attract unwanted attention on the planes of magic

– the process was more difficult than you expected, cross off 3 uses of library instead of 1. If you don’t have 3 uses then pick something else

– you are marked in someway, the magic is slowly changing you. You radiate magic continuously. If you take this consequence more than once the effect becomes more pronounced. Eventually you will be a being of whatever spells are made off. You can be dispelled.

– the spell will work but has some additional unattended consequence, the GM will tell you

– the research mostly worked, you are missing one ingredient, the GM will name it and tell you how to get it. It is up to you to determine if you want to. It may not be easy to get, but won’t be impossible.

On a 6- it is not successful cross off one use of your library and the GM will pick one

– an unspoken move appropriate to the game

– you cannot research a spell again until you find ________ to unlock the secrets of the Word.

– somehow you tapped into an interference with your link to understanding magic, something unexpected will happen when you use magic until you are able to do ______.

– your research tapped into a feedback loop on the planes of magic, you blaze with magic out on to the place were spells come from like an irrating feedback, surely some beast or planar being is disturbed by this and will seek you out to end it.

– the spell is not contained into spell book form, it comes alive in your library with a motive to destroy spells and libraries. It is only affected by magic or a quest to remove it.

Magical research library – bulky

Basic – 300 coin, + 0 library, 3 uses

Advanced – 600 coin + 1 library, 4 uses

World Class – 2000 coin + 2 library, 6uses

Incredibly Awesome – must find it in the ancient ruins of _______ + 3 library, 6 uses

What would you do instead of this?

I need some help with a custom move for my upcoming family game in the Mystery Islands.

The Opalescent City of Brass and Glass can only be reached by going over a bridge that crosses the River of the Water Fall and Water Riser. This bridge is actually a multi-dimensional portal that leads to the city.

There are guardians that protect the bridge, and the bridge may be the only way into the city. I haven’t described or named the guardians yet, I want to wait until the first part of the game plays out. But I will definitely introduce the city and bridge at some point.

Here is what I have for a move. Please critique it, help me make it better. Thanks in advance.

When you offer something of value, plead your case or try to fast talk your way across the bridge to the Guardians Roll+CHA. On a 10+ you gain passage across the bridge plus pick 2, On a 7-9 you gain passage across the bridge plus pick 1, On a 6- the Guardians are not interested or find your story unworthy, they instead compel you do something difficult that they need to gain passage. Take -1 Forward on any rolls that are not related to completing their request.

* The guardians give you a warning about what to watch out for in the City, something relevant and useful about the Opalescent City of Brass and Glass similar to a spout lore.

* The guardians tell you several parables about the city. This takes a while, spend a ration to keep them talking. Gain 2 Hold. Next time you have have to Discern Realities in the City you spend one hold to turn a failure into 7-9 result. Tell the GM what was in the parable after they answer your Question.

* Your weapons are not sealed with Murray’s Reoccurring Tesser Knot while in the city. All of your weapons are secured with a shimmering knotted cord holding it place, where you have it hidden or not. You can make out the words, “do not touch unless an emergency” in your native tongue hanging from a small paper tag that seems invunerable. Any time you try to undo the knot you find it to be an elaborate multi-dimensional affair, you just can’t get the knot undone on the other dimensions. If you take damage from a foe that attacks first, the knot unties itself, and your weapon can be freed. Once you put it away the knot reties itself.

* You are not marked with a glowing every changing chromatic Mark on your forehead indicating that you are a stranger to the City. The mark is size on a large coin, and bright enough as the light from a candle. Anyone in the city will know you are stranger. If you cover the mark or change shape, the mark is still there on the outside of whatever you tried to cover it with. It doesn’t sit in this dimension but shines on to it.