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projects:odds_rpg:modules:magic

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 3–8).
  • 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

projects/odds_rpg/modules/magic.txt Β· Last modified: by freedomotter

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