Magic & Spell Weaving
Chapter 3 of Einsol's Razor — how raw magical energy is shaped into spells, the cost of weaving, and the paths to mastering the arcane arts.
Spell Weaving
Spell Weaving transforms raw magical energy into specific, directed, tangible outcomes. The Spell Weaver fulfills a Spell's vocal, somatic, or material components to focus arcane energy.
Magic Skill Requirement
To use magic beyond Level 0, you MUST choose “Magic” as one of your Skill Aptitudes. Without it, you can't cast spells at higher levels.
Spell Weaving Flow
1
Vocal
Speak the incantation aloud to channel the Weave.
2
Somatic
Perform the required gestures to shape the energy.
3
Material
Provide physical components (reagents, herbs, talismans) to anchor the spell.
Spell Levels & Cost
Spells are organized into tiers that unlock as your character gains levels. Each tier increases in Arcane Point cost and Encoding difficulty.
| Type | Level | Cost (ARC) | Encoding DC | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innate | 0 | 1 | 10 | Elemental and intuitive, these Spells form the bedrock of magical practice. |
| Novitiate | 2 | 1 | 11 | A deeper understanding of magical principles, more refined and versatile. |
| Mystagogue | 4 | 2 | 12 | Specific to your Subclass, increased potency and complexity. |
| Ascendant | 6 | 3 | 13 | Transformative power, capable of altering reality. |
| Thaumaturge | 8 | 4 | 14 | Formidable, weaving intricate magical patterns for awe-inspiring effects. |
| Magus | 10 | 5 | 15 | The epitome of magical mastery, commanding forces that shape destinies. |
| Arcanum | 12 | 6 | 16 | Rediscovered in ancient ruins, the deep web, and old tomes. |
Innate Spells
Can be used immediately without Memorization, costing 1 ARC. At level 4, Innate Spells cost 0 ARC. Start with up to 4 Innate Spells at level 0.
Novitiate Spells
Available to Spell Weaver Base Classes (Neophyte, Sylváeia, Yokai). Cost 1 ARC, take up a MEM slot, and must be learned.
Subclass Spell Lists
From Mystagogue (level 4) to Arcanum (level 12), Spell Weavers use only their Subclass List.
Magic Mechanics
Arcane Points (ARC)
The resource spent to cast spells. Base ARC: 5 at level 0. Maximum increases as you level.
- Short Rest: Recover half your ARC (rounded up).
- Long Rest: Recover all ARC.
- Non-Weavers (Chaya, Kymara, Luminary): Magic stagnates at level 2.
Weaving Ability Modifier (WAM)
Your spellweaving modifier, derived from one of four Ability Scores as specified by your Base Class:
Spell Weaving Check
1. You Roll
d20 (Level 0) or d20 + MAB (Level 2+)
2. Target Rolls Defense
Target makes a Defense Roll using Will, Fortitude, or Reflex (determined by spell).
3. Compare
Your roll > Target = Success. Target ≥ You = Resisted.
Magic Action Economy
Most Spells require a Core Action. Others can be a Quick Action, Reaction, or have longer Weaving times specified in the spell description.
Elements of Magic
Vocal
Incantations spoken aloud to channel the Weave. Silenced or gagged characters cannot fulfill this component.
Somatic
Specific gestures required to shape arcane energy. At least one free hand is needed.
Material
Physical objects such as reagents, herbs, and talismans consumed or used to anchor the spell.
Targeting & Range
Targets must be within clear Line of Sight. Spell range types include:
Self
Touch
Area of Effect
Ranged
Area of Effect Shapes: Cubes, Cones, Lines, and Waves.
Duration
Spell effects range from Instantaneous to Permanent, with various lengths in between as specified by each spell.
Concentration
Only one Concentration spell or feat active at a time. Taking damage requires a Concentration Check:
d20 + Will Modifier vs. Spell's Encoding DC
Amplify Magic
Enhances spell effects beyond their base power. Must be learned through Feats. Amplification increases the spell's ARC cost.
Object Weaving (Unmemorized)
Spells can be cast from objects such as Hymn Books, Scrolls, and Spellbooks. Object Weaving costs double AP and requires a Concentration Check vs. the spell's Encoding DC.
Acquiring Spells
Spell Weavers don't gain spells automatically. Magic must be found, learned, and memorized.
Finding Magic
Searching the Internet
Make a Technology Skill Check (DC set by GM) to locate spell information online.
Finding Spell Scrolls / Spellbooks
Buy in shops, loot from enemies, or find in libraries and ancient ruins.
Teachers
Find someone to teach you the spell. This can be another player character or an NPC.
Communing
Meditate to connect with the Weave, cosmic forces, or deities to receive magical knowledge.
Experimentation
Make a Critical Thinking, Magic, or Performance Skill Check vs. DC (2× Encoding DC). Spend ARC. On failure, roll on the Backlash Table.
Learning Magic
Memorization (MEM)
Novitiate and higher spells must be memorized. MEM Slots are granted by your Base Class. You can change memorized spells during a Long Rest.
Methods: Long Rest Memorization (automatic) or Instant Encoding Check (during play).
Object Transcribing
Copy a spell from an object (scroll, spellbook) into your own collection. Requires a Critical Thinking, Magic, Faith, or Crafting Skill Check vs. the spell's Encoding DC.
Granted
Make a Faith or Persuasion Skill Check when Communing. On success, memorize the spell during a Long Rest or attempt an Encoding Check to learn it immediately.
Encoding Check
d20 + WAM vs. Spell's Encoding DC
You can attempt this a number of times per day equal to your WAM.
Magic Items & Arcane Bonding
Items forged with magical energy have dormant power until an Arcane Bond is formed between the item and its wielder.
Will as Conduit
Your Will Modifier determines how many items you can bond with simultaneously (minimum 1).
Long Rest Bonding
Bonding occurs automatically at the end of a Long Rest, provided all prerequisites are met.
Bonding Roll
d20 + Will Modifier vs. Item's Bonding DC
Failure means you can't retry until after a Long Rest.
Bonding Rarity Table
| Rarity | DC | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Worthless / Junk | 5 | Barely any magical essence |
| Standard Grade | 10 | Run-of-the-mill magical item |
| High Quality | 15 | Powerful, requires solid Will |
| Rare | 18 | Highly sought-after, real challenge |
| Exotic | 22 | Top-tier, only exceptional Will |
Bond Limit Break
Attempting to bond beyond your limit increases the DC:
DC = Bonding DC + 5 per item beyond limit
Failure triggers Backlash.
Breaking a Bond
You can voluntarily end an Arcane Bond with any item during a Short Rest, freeing up a bond slot for a new item.
Explore the Spell-Loom
Ready to see the full spell list and the Spell-Loom system? Dive deeper into the arcane.