Table of Contents
Magic Module
This module adds structured spellcasting to ODDS RPG.
It may represent:
- Arcane magic
- Divine miracles
- Psionics
- Super science
- Ritual technology
The GM decides how magic fits the setting.
Using This Module
A character must have:
- The Arcana (or equivalent) skill
- Narrative justification (training, mutation, blessing, implant, etc.)
Magic is powerful but carries cost.
Casting a Spell
Roll:
1d20 + Mind + Arcana
Compare to spell TN.
| Spell Tier | TN |
|---|---|
| Minor | 10 |
| Standard | 15 |
| Major | 18 |
| Legendary | 22 |
If successful:
Roll Impact (2d10 + Mind unless stated otherwise).
Spell Strain
After casting, lose Resolve equal to spell tier:
Minor β 1 Resolve Standard β 2 Resolve Major β 3 Resolve Legendary β 4 Resolve
If Resolve reaches 0:
The caster becomes Broken. Spell still resolves unless GM rules otherwise.
Magic always has a cost.
Spell Tiers Explained
Minor:
Simple, quick effects. Combat utility or small manipulation.
Standard:
Strong combat or utility effect. Most commonly used spells.
Major:
Large-scale effect. Scene-changing ability.
Legendary:
Rare, powerful, dangerous. Campaign-impacting.
Sample Minor Spells
Arcane Bolt
2d10 damage at Near range.
Shield Flicker
Gain +2 Defense until your next turn.
Light
Illuminate Close range area for scene.
Detect Energy
Sense magic, tech, or psychic activity nearby.
Sample Standard Spells
Fire Wave
2d10 damage to all enemies in Close range (Agility TN 12 halves).
Barrier
Reduce incoming damage by 5 for one round.
Teleport (Short)
Instantly move to any visible location within Near range.
Mind Jolt
Deal 2d10 Resolve damage.
Sample Major Spells
Chain Lightning
2d10 damage to 3 targets.
Mass Heal
Restore 2d10 Health to all allies in Close range.
Summon Entity
Call a temporary creature (Standard role from enemy builder).
Wall of Force
Create barrier that blocks movement for one scene.
Sample Legendary Spells
Meteor Strike
2d10+5 damage to all in Far range (Agility TN 15 halves).
Planar Gate
Open portal to another location or realm.
Resurrection
Restore a recently deceased character (major narrative cost required).
Reality Warp
Temporarily alter environment drastically.
Legendary spells should require preparation or rare components.
Ritual Casting (Optional Rule)
For powerful magic:
- Requires Extended Task (Goal 3β8).
- Each failure increases risk.
- On final failure, backlash occurs.
Backlash examples:
- Lose additional Resolve
- Attract hostile entity
- Environmental anomaly
- Gain Condition
Backlash (Optional Rule)
If a caster rolls a Natural 1:
Roll 1d6:
1 Spell affects caster 2 Lose additional 2 Resolve 3 Environmental surge 4 Nearby ally affected 5 Magical signature attracts attention 6 Wild surge (GM improvises)
Backlash adds risk and tension.
Design Notes
Magic should:
- Expand options
- Not overshadow martial characters
- Carry visible cost
- Influence story tone
If magic dominates combat, increase Resolve cost.
If magic feels weak, reduce TN by 2.
ODDS RPG Magic Module v1.0
