Skip to content

Magic System Rules

Magic in the Perilous Adventures Warbands Guide (PAWG) is a raw, powerful force—wild and draining, but a game-changer for those who wield it. Whether you’re new to tabletop roleplaying or a seasoned spell-slinger, this section explains how to cast spells, manage your mystical energy (Mana), and push your limits. We use the d100 system: roll two ten-sided dice (one for tens, one for units) and aim to get equal to or under your target—lower is better! With examples from our warband—Torren, Lira, Eryn, Kael, and Veyra—we’ll show you how it works, step-by-step. Let’s tap into the arcane!

Magic Basics

Magic comes from your Mana Pool, fueled by your mind and spirit. You cast spells with the Spellcasting skill, rolling against a Difficulty to make them work. Success costs Mana; failure wastes some. Here’s the core:

  • Mana Pool: Your total Mana = Wisdom (WIS) + Intelligence (INT). It’s how much magic you can wield before resting.
  • Casting: Roll d100 under your Spellcasting skill minus the spell’s Difficulty.
  • Spells: Each has a Mana Cost, Difficulty, and effect—like blasting foes or healing allies.

Newbie Tip: Think of Mana like stamina for magic—use it wisely, and you’ll shine!

Step 1: Your Mana Pool

  • Calculation: Add WIS + INT. Distinctions (e.g., Mana Reserves) can boost it.
  • Kael (Human Mystic): WIS 80 + INT 60 = 140 + 10 (Mana Reserves) = 150 Mana.
  • Eryn (Embermarked Scholar): WIS 70 + INT 90 = 160 + 10 (Flameheart) = 170 Mana.
  • Non-Casters: If Spellcasting is 0 (like Torren, Lira, Veyra), Mana starts at 0—distinctions like Arcane Dabbler can grant a small pool.
  • Recovery: Regain full Mana with a Long Rest (8 hours) or 10% per hour of light rest (e.g., Kael regains 15 Mana/hour).

Details: High WIS and INT mean more spells—Eryn’s 170 Mana lets her cast longer than Kael’s 150.

Step 2: Casting a Spell

  • How It Works: Pick a spell, roll Spellcasting (WIS-based) under your skill minus the spell’s Difficulty (skill - Difficulty = target).
  • Success: Spend the full Mana Cost, apply the effect.
  • Failure: Lose half the Mana Cost (rounded down), no effect.
  • Math Example: Kael casts Fire Bolt (10 Mana, Difficulty 40). Spellcasting 100 - 40 = 60 target. Rolls 30 (success)—deals 20 damage, Mana from 150 to 140. If he rolls 70 (fail), Mana drops to 145 (half of 10 = 5), no damage.
  • Critical: 01-05 = crit success (e.g., double damage for Fire Bolt), 96-00 = crit failure (e.g., GM complication).

Example Character: Eryn casts Healing Touch (15 Mana, Difficulty 50). Spellcasting 90 - 50 = 40 target. Rolls 20 (success)—heals 40 HP, Mana from 170 to 155.

Newbie Note: Roll low, hit your target—it’s that simple!

Step 3: Spell Effects

Spells vary—damage, healing, utility. Here’s a taste:

  • Fire Bolt (10 Mana, Difficulty 40): 20 damage, range 60 ft.
  • Kael: Rolls 50 (target 60), hits for 20, Mana to 140.
  • Healing Touch (15 Mana, Difficulty 50): Heal 40 HP, touch range.
  • Eryn: Rolls 30 (target 40), heals 40 HP, Mana to 155.
  • Shielding Aura (10 Mana, Difficulty 40): +20 defense or 10 DR for 3 rounds.
  • Group Mending (25 Mana, Difficulty 70): 20 HP to all allies in 20 ft, 1 minute cast.

Details: Check the spell list—some need resist rolls (e.g., WIS + Spellcasting vs. caster’s roll) to halve effects.

Step 4: Overcasting

  • When Mana’s Low: Cast beyond your Mana by paying with Fatigue (1 level per 5 Mana short) or HP (1 HP per 10 Mana short).
  • Fatigue: -10 to all rolls per level, 5 levels = unconscious.
  • Math Example: Kael has 5 Mana, casts Healing Touch (15 Mana). Deficit 10 = 2 Fatigue (-20 to rolls) or 10 HP lost. Rolls 40 (target 50), heals 40 HP, Mana to 0, takes 2 Fatigue.
  • Example Character: Eryn at 10 Mana casts Group Mending (25 Mana). Deficit 15 = 3 Fatigue (-30 rolls) or 15 HP. Rolls 10 (target 20), heals 20 HP each, Mana to 0, Fatigue 3.

Pro Tip: Overcast in emergencies—Fatigue stacks fast, so plan ahead!

Step 5: Learning Spells

  • Starting: If Spellcasting > 0, pick 3 spells at creation (e.g., Kael: Fire Bolt, Healing Touch, Light Orb).
  • Gaining More: Spend 10 XP per spell via training or finding scrolls. Distinctions (e.g., Arcane Dabbler) add 1 spell to non-casters.
  • Spellbook: Holds up to 10 spells, +10 to rolls if consulted (1 round).

Details: Eryn’s Flameheart gives Fire Bolt free—Embermarked start fiery!

Step 6: Counterspelling

  • Reaction: Once per round, counter a spell targeting you. Roll Spellcasting vs. caster’s roll, costs 5 Mana (win or lose).
  • Math Example: Bandit Mystic casts Fire Bolt on Kael (Spellcasting 60, rolls 30). Kael counters (Spellcasting 100, rolls 40). Kael wins (30 < 40), spell fails, Mana from 150 to 145.
  • Example Character: Eryn counters a foe’s spell (rolls 50 vs. 60, fails). Mana drops to 165, spell hits—high skill helps, but dice rule!

Example Characters in Magic

  • Torren (Human Warrior): Mana 0—no casting, relies on steel.
  • Lira (Duskborn Rogue): Mana 0—sneaks, not spells.
  • Eryn (Embermarked Scholar): Mana 170, Spellcasting 90—casts Fire Bolt (target 50), heals with Healing Touch (target 40). High Mana fuels versatility.
  • Kael (Human Mystic): Mana 150, Spellcasting 100—reliable Fire Bolt (target 60), Healing Touch (target 50). Reroll with Adaptable Spirit for clutch moments.
  • Veyra (Windrunner Leader): Mana 0—leads with arrows, not arcane.

Newbie Tip: Kael’s healing saves lives—start there if you like magic!

Math Examples

  • Eryn’s Shielding Aura: 10 Mana, Difficulty 40. Spellcasting 90 - 40 = 50 target. Rolls 45 (success)—gains +20 defense, Mana to 160. Rolls 60 (fail)—Mana to 155, no effect.
  • Kael’s Group Mending: 25 Mana, Difficulty 70. Spellcasting 100 - 70 = 30 target. Rolls 20 (success)—heals 20 HP each, Mana to 125. At 10 Mana, overcasts (15 deficit = 3 Fatigue), rolls 15—succeeds but at -30 rolls.

For Experienced Players

  • Tactics: High Spellcasting (e.g., 100) ensures success—Kael rarely fails Difficulty 50 spells (target 50+). Stack Channeler’s Focus (-10 Difficulty) for ease.
  • Mana Management: Eryn’s 170 Mana = 17 Fire Bolts or 6 Group Mendings—pace yourself or overcast (e.g., 3 Fatigue = -30, risky but clutch).
  • Synergy: Eryn’s Flameheart + fire spells = thematic power. Kael’s healing (40 HP) offsets big hits (50-80)—time it right!

That’s PAWG’s magic! It’s potent but draining—master your Mana, roll that d100, and weave your legend. Check the spell list for more, and tweak with your GM!