NERO ™ Formal Magic System is © 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2011 by Joseph Valenti and or NERO International Holding Co., Inc.
The NERO name and logo is a registered trademark of Joseph Valenti and or NERO International Holding Co. Inc.
This book is for use in official NERO games only.
Use of these rules by purchaser in any unsanctioned game where admission is charged is prohibited.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted, in whole or in part, by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without expressed written permission of NERO.
Purchase of this book implies acceptance of the above terms.
Joseph Valenti
2763 NC Highway 731
West Mount Gilead NC 27306
Barnesville GA 30204
(914) 309-7718
Welcome to the NERO® Formal Magic System©. The system may be modified from time to time by NERO International. Suggestions for modifications to these rules should be directed to NERO International at jvalenti@nerolarp.com with “NERO FORMAL MAGIC” as the subject. These rules may not be modified in any way by the NERO chapters, nor can any game effects change the way these rules work. Local chapters may not alter the mechanics of any of the rules contained in this rulebook. This includes “weekend” effects as well as “area-specific” effects. None of these types of effects are ever allowed under any circumstances. Scrolls may not contain modifications or flaws of any kind, except to make the scroll unable to be copied or destructible. The scrolls listed here may not be changed in any way. If used, they must be used exactly as written. Urgent questions and interpretations of these rules will be left to the local Formal Magic marshal. Any questions, interpretations, and local rulings should be brought to the attention of NERO International, which serves as final arbitrator of these rules. NERO International will not overturn decisions made by the local Formal Magic Marshal unless it is absolutely necessary, although wording may be added to the system to negate any confusion in the future.
The following is a definition of terms used throughout this document:
Affinity: When a transform(not curse of transformation) is cast cast on a spirit it leaves a mark called an “Affinity”. The affinity is specific to the transform creature of the scroll cast and level of the scroll.
The duration is permanent, and will remain even after the transform that left it has expired.
Affinities are needed to upgrade Transforms, once you have a 7th lvl affinity you can upgrade to an 8th, even if your 7th level transform has expired. Once you have a 8th lvl you can cast a 7th 8th or 9th lvl of the appropriate creature.
It does not count against a character’s spirit effect limit.
Affinity can be removed by casting a Destroy Magic spell on the target, casting a transform to a higher level creature of the same type, or casting a transform to any other creature.
The existence of an Affinity is not revealed during a Celestial IDENTIFY. Plot may allow some NPCs to sense a character’s transform, though they may have direct knowledge of what it is. For example, an Ice Wolf may bristle in the presence of a character with a fire-related Transform, even though it is not aware of the specific enchantment on that character.
Chapter: The local NERO game in which you are playing.
Marshal: Throughout this document, the term “Marshal” will be used to refer to the Formal Magic Marshal. Some chapters require a separate certification process for becoming a Formal Magic Marshal.
Caster: This term always refers to the Formal Magic Caster. This person is also known as the Primary Caster.
Secondary Caster: This term refers to those Formal Magic Casters (other than the Primary Caster) who are participating in a batch.
Levels: This always refers to the number of levels of Formal Magic possessed in the appropriate school. For instance, if a character is casting a Celestial Formal Magic, then only count the number of levels of Celestial Formal Magic he has purchased.
Dark Territory: This term refers to a formal magic that might not succeed. The outcome is determined by the Marshal using random means, usually the role of one ten sided die(1=success, 2-5=flaw, 6-9=fail, 10=backlash).
The chosen means of random determination must be explained to the caster and performed in the presence of the caster. “Pick a number” is never acceptable. The marshal must record the chosen means (and the outome) in the Formal Magic Log.
Batch: A group of formal magic castings of the same school of magic are lumped together into a single “Batch” so long as there is a gap no longer than a 60 seconds between each casting attempted. If more than 60 seconds elapses between formal magic castings within a batch, then the batch is finished. The formal magic Glyph of Protection can only be the first formal magic in a batch.
If the caster has cast other formal magic within the same batch, all formal magic attempted by that caster within that batch will count in the same game day – the game day in which the batch is begun.
Circle: This term refers to the representation used for the formal magic casting.
Extended Circle of Power: A circle created by the Create Protective Circle or Create Extended Circle of Power formal magic.
Components: This term refers to the Formal Magic Components being used for this formal magic casting. Components come in various “flavors”: Power (P), Creation (C), Elemental (E), Time (T), Void (V), Destruction (D), and Spirit (S). Each component has a value of 1, 2 or 4. Formal Magic costs are listed with the total value of each type of needed component.
For example, P5 means any combination of Power components totaling a value of 5. One spell, Greater Extension, specifically requires a Power component of value 2 or 4 in addition to other components. Components expire no longer than 2 years after the issue date. If there is no printed expiration date then the expiration date is assumed to be one year.
Scroll: This is the Formal Magic Scroll being used for this casting.
Spell: This term always refers to a magic spell of the appropriate school, level one through level nine.
Weapon: This refers to any item on the weapon production chart, including Bow or Crossbow, but not including Arrows or Bolts.
Unrestricted: This term refers to an item that was placed into game according to the Treasure Distribution Policy issued by NERO. Magic items are also given this classification if they are constructed using only components, scrolls, and production items of Unrestricted classification.
Local Chapter Only (LCO) : This is a special Plot related item that can only be used in the issuing chapter. To all other chapters, the item does not exist for use in-game. These items are not intended to be used to alter the rules or create effects that are outside the system.
Pyramid: This term is used to describe formal magic castings that accumulate power based upon multiple castings within a batch. The scrolls Damage Aura, Protection Aura, and Spell Store are examples of this type of formal magic. The first step requires only a single casting, the next step requires two additional castings (for a total of three castings). To go further, three additional castings are needed (for a total of six castings), with the last step involving four additional castings (total of ten castings). These types of formal magic can never go past ten castings (four steps), and some may be limited below that number. Each step counts as one effect with regard to the 5 formal magic effect limit.
Healing Effects: Effects that, if cast normally, include the word “Earth” in the incantation.
Necromantic Effects: Effects that, if cast normally, include the word “Chaos” in the incantation.
A formal magic designated as scroll-specific means that the scroll is limited to a single specific type of that formal magic; it is never all the possible choices on a single scroll. For example, the formal magic Cloak is scrollspecific - the scroll will list the specific type of Cloak that it can be used to create; it may not be used to cast any type of Cloak not listed on the scroll.
This term refers to a category of formal magic that only affects a spirit after it permanently dies. The formal magic does not normally activate until this time. Subsequent castings of any type of Transform always override the previous casting.
All Transform formal magic is considered dormant. The existence of a Transform is not revealed during a Celestial Identify. At the time of the target’s permanent death, the target becomes an NPC at the chapter where the transform was cast. Even after permanent death, certain Transforms can upgrade or weaken the creature. See the individual formal magic scrolls for details. After the permanent death of the target, the formal magic takes effect to permanently transform the target into the specified creature. This may take place immediately, or may take several weeks. The details are left to local NERO Plot. Once transformed into the creature, the Transform formal magic is complete. The newly transformed creature will have the currently-active spirit-affecting formal magics as they did before the transformation, except for the Transform itself.
Effects exist which may for limited duration invoke the full transformation prior to permanent death. Circumstances which may temporarily invoke the transformation prior to permanent death are determined exclusively by the Plot/Staff of the local NERO chapter. In situations where the transformation takes place prior to the permanent death, the Transform is no longer dormant, and can be Identified in an appropriate Extended Circle of Power. The invocation of the transformation is generally not for use during situations where PCs are directly pitted against other PCs. The final determination of this is up to the local chapter.
Only one Transform may be in effect on any spirit at any one time. A new Transform formal magic will replace an old one on a target spirit. This includes Local Chapter Only Transform formal magic.
Being an NPC means that the target is completely under the local chapter’s direction. There is certainly no guarantee that the local chapter will even let the NPC ever come into game. If local plot chooses to allow the NPC to come into game, there is also no guarantee that the local chapter will allow the character to pursue the goals from its normal lifetime.
Local Plot must be notified well before the casting of this type of formal magic.
When the creature appears a new card will be supplied, regardless of the statistics of the creature when it originally appeared.
The caster may be required to supply an NPC to play the part of the creature or the local chapter may supply the NPC. This policy varies from chapter to chapter; please
check in advance with the local chapter. The local chapter can always substitute a staff member or other NPC for some or all of the role-playing interaction with the creature.
When this formal magic is performed, the marshal should consult the local guidelines for information on the attitudes and personality of the creature. The NPC playing the creature must abide by the personality requirements and directives given to them by the formal magic marshal. Failure to do so may result in the termination of the role and loss of the creature.
Unintelligent creatures will only follow simple 25 word (or shorter) command phrases with a single condition and a single objective. For example, an acceptable command would be “Follow me and kill anyone who attacks me”, “Attack anyone who enters this room besides these six people”, “Attack anyone who enters the crypt and isn’t wearing this symbol”, or “Follow me and search every creature I kill”. Control of unintelligent creatures can never be passed to someone else. All commands are subject to the approval of the local chapter. NERO International is currently compiling a complete list of acceptable commands; please send all suggestions via email to jvalenti@nerolarp.com with “NERO FORMAL MAGIC SUGGESTION” as the subject.
Intelligent creatures are not automatically controlled. They may be friendly or may simply attack. Negotiations may take place between the caster and the created or summoned intelligent creature.
A creature created or summoned in one NERO chapter might be prohibited from being taken to another chapter. If the creature can be taken to another chapter, the monster card used will be the monster card of the similar creature at the destination chapter.
Approved types of Summonings may be added to at local staff discretion.
The Create
A Pantherghast will be genocidal against one race. The Pantherghast will focus on the race named by the caster. The Pantherghast may choose to roleplay with the caster before beginning the hunt. Pantherghasts seek to exterminate the hunted race.
The creation of golems follows the Creation and Summoning rules above in addition to the rules below.
The formal magic will create a golem and place a willing spirit and associated body designated by the caster into the golem. If the caster places a simple animal within the golem then the animal need not be willing at all, and the golem is mindless and under the control of the caster. If an intelligent spirit and body are placed within a golem then that spirit will be able to command the golem from inside and use all of the golem’s full abilities. The golem will always be recognizable as the spirit who inhabits the golem. Note that any attempt to extend the golem through other formal magic casting will fail, consuming the components. The golem will cease functioning 5 days after the first command it executes, regardless of whether or not it has been extended.
In addition to the components, this formal magic requires silver pieces equal to the number of body points divided by ten (round up), which will be incorporated into the body of the golem and is retrievable when the golem is destroyed. On occasion, some or all of the silver will be useless and irretrievable.
A golem will always be unaffected by Life and Death, and will be considered “Dead” as soon as it reaches zero body points or receives a killing blow, even if it can normally be healed. If this occurs, any spirit and body that inhabit a Golem will seek resurrection.
When this formal magic expires, the spirit and body will emerge without the occurrence of a death. The body will retain any battle magics that were cast upon the golem, and exhibit wounds identical to the golem’s (i.e., if the golem had a Shield Magic spell and was down by 15 points, the person has a Shield Magic spell and is down by 15 body). The person will have at least one body point.
If Destroy Celestial Magic is successfully cast on the golem, the spirit and body will emerge without the occurrence of a death in a similar condition as described above.
Anyone who possesses the skill Celestial Formal Magic or Earth Formal Magic may cast from formal magic scrolls of the appropriate school.
Formal Magic Scrolls are Indestructible unless a specific Flaw states otherwise. TT The caster(s), Formal Magic Components, Formal Magic Scroll(s), and the target of
the formal magic must be within a specially scribed representation on the ground. This representation must be drawn in the shape of a circle with a V. see Figure 1-1. This is known as a “fishtail,” and is not protective in any way. The representation must also contain sigils, runes, or other symbols, fetishes, implements or
props to indicate that a powerful magic is going to be cast. This representation is often also termed a “Circle.”
No Formal Magic may have a duration of longer than two years with the exception of Transforms.
Durations measured in-game-days are considered to include the current game-day or portion thereof – thus an effect with a duration of one game-day will expire at the beginning of the next game-day, even if that is only one hour away.
The standard time to cast any formal magic is five minutes. However, if a formal magic is directly harmful to a PC the casting time is one hour, though the PC may opt to allow the normal five minute casting time if they inform the marshal at beginning of the formal. This option does not apply to the Obliterate formal magic or formal magic that does not target the PC’s personal items or spirit. The decision to choose this option is wholly out of game and is not subject to any in-game coercion, review, or planning. The hour casting time is automatic upon the desire of anyone in the Circle or the Marshal. ‘Harmful’ includes destroying a ward or circle, placing a formal magic circle around a ward, using a formal magic to escape PC pursuit, etc. If the formal magic is directly harmful to an NPC the casting time is determined by the appropriate representatives of the chapter and may vary between five minutes and one hour.
The game day is defined as 6:00 PM to 5:59 PM the following day. Some chapters end the game day at around 3 PM.
If any LCO components, scrolls, items, or spells are used to create a magic item, the resulting item becomes LCO. LCO stands for Local Chapter Only, which means the item cannot be taken to another NERO Chapter. This includes new spells that are being tested.
A PC is always aware of all formal magic effects on his or her spirit, including school, specific type, and duration as applicable.
A formal magic caster can not cast more than one formal magic spell at any given time.
No target may retain more than 5 different formal magic effects simultaneously. If a target already contains 5 formal magic effects and a sixth casting is attempted, the casting will fail on that target. A single spirit or item can only retain 5 formal magic effects. Any formal spell with the duration of instantaneous is not retained, thus Obliterate, Spirit Forge, etc. do not count toward this 5 effect limit.
In addition, the following lasting effects are exceptions to this rule and do not count toward the five effect limit on a spirit or item: Extend Enchantment, Extend Formal Magic, Greater Extension, Investiture, Render Indestructible, Interplanar Travel, Planar Asylum, Spirit Walk, Whispering Wind, Dreamvision, Create High Horoscope, Transform to Greater Creature, Transform to High Creature, Transform to Master Creature, and Create
The Spirit Mark and Mark Cantrips do count against the five effect limits.
All formal magic castings must be performed within an appropriate representation. If two or more formal magic castings are performed in the same representation at the same time they are all cast in Dark Territory.
The caster may cast a total number of levels of formal magic they possess in the appropriate school with automatic success in any one game day. A caster may cast an additional number of formal magic levels equal to the total levels of formal magic they possess in the appropriate school of magic in Dark Territory. A caster cannot cast beyond Dark Territory. A caster cannot even attempt to cast from a scroll that is higher level than the number of levels of Formal Magic skill he possesses in the appropriate school.
Casters can choose to pool their formal magic ability to cast multiple Formal Magic spells onto a single target. The total number of Formal Magic they can use cannot exceed double the amount of their total unused formal for the day. This accounts for casting in Dark Territory.
The primary caster of any individual formal magic within a batch must be designated just prior to the start of that formal magic and that caster must be in possession of the scroll at the start of the formal magic for which he is caster.
All casters involved in a batch must be within the Circle for all formal magic cast within that batch. If any caster drops out between formal magic castings in a batch, the total level of formal magic allowed within the batch is recalculated. That caster is no longer required to remain in the Circle. If the total levels of formal magic already equals or exceeds the new limit then the batch terminates. No formal casters may be added to a batch once the batch begins.
Every formal magic spell in this system has a corresponding tag. Chapters are not permitted to re-issue tags issued from another chapter without National approval. Thus players may not add formal magic effects to items tagged by other chapters, since the local chapter may not re-issue the tag. Chapters may re-issue tags from their own chapter (adding new effects if appropriate), but the Transferability status of an item can never increase. This means that if an Unrestricted transfer item has an LCO Enchant cast it, the tag must be reissued as LCO. If an item has effects of varying durations, the duration of each effect must be marked. Magic item tags cannot be otherwise marked or modified other than to reduce numbers of charges or destroy the tag. Each tag for items generated using the Formal Magic system must be marked as “Indestructible” or “Destructible.”
Schools: A scroll must be marked as one School or the other.
The target of a formal magic must be declared at the beginning of a formal magic and may not be changed during the casting. If the target has a spirit the target will know immediately that it is the target of the formal magic and what formal magic is being cast. In the case of multiple targets, all such targets must be declared.
Formal magic spells that target a spirit may be refused, with the exception of Investiture/Divestiture, Create Mark / Destroy Mark and Obliterate. The Formal Marshal will inform the target that he is able to refuse this formal magic and the consequences thereof. This can be done anytime up to the end of the formal magic casting, prior to any die roll (if needed). Refusing a formal magic cast upon a spirit will cause the target to die and immediately leave to seek resurrection, regardless of whether the target is conscious.
Casting a pyramid based formal magic upon an item with the same pyramid based formal magic already on it (from another batch) does not increase the original pyramid. In order to increase the size of a pyramid once cast, a new pyramid larger than the first must be cast, in which case the first pyramid immediately expires and the second pyramid takes effect.
Hex may in no way affect the casting of formal magic.
Flaws and Backlashes are identifiable in an extended celestial circle and, in most cases, lingering effects are removable by a Destroy Magic formal magic of the appropriate school.
At the individual chapter’s discretion any character with the appropriate skills can cast formal magic spells at check-in as part of logistics if he wishes. In order to do so, the character turns in the required formal magic components to the production station at check-in and all scrolls that are to be used. The caster will not need to role-play the casting of the formal magic spells that are cast in this way, and he can only cast spells using auto-success. No spells may be cast in Dark Territory at logistics in this way. Special plot related formal magic castings must always be cast in-game and cannot be cast using this method. At the end of logistics, the formal magic caster will have the appropriate number of levels removed from his first day’s ability, and all scrolls that were not used up will be returned with the appropriate modifications to them. If, for any reason, the production staff person cannot complete the caster’s formal magic logistics, all scrolls and components will be returned to the formal caster and he will be forced to cast the desired spells in-game using the standard rules for formal magic casting. Spells that target an unwilling spirit, an item that automatically resists, such as a circle of power or ward, or that are “in-game” unlawful within the local region cannot be cast in this way
Since the spirit of a player character is by default an item of unrestricted transfer, all formal magic upon the spirit of a player character is listed on that character’s card. A Local Chapter Only formal Magic on the spirit is considered in the total limit on formal magic upon a single spirit. The effect of Local Chapter Only formal magic on the spirit will be suppressed when outside the chapter of origin.
When a scroll specifies that an action must be taken during the “time of formal casting”, then it may be done at any time during the casting of the formal magic.
Here is a complete list of what is needed to begin a Formal Magic:
· The Scroll. The caster is responsible for reading and understanding the scroll.
· The Formal Magic Components.
· A representation in which to cast.
· The Caster.
· The Secondary Casters (if any).
· The target(s) of the formal magic.
· Marshal
Marshal Checklist
· A white headband.
· These rules, including the individual scroll descriptions.
· Component Identification charts.
· Formal Magic Log/Receipt Book.
· Flaw & Backlash charts.
· A ten sided die.
The caster is responsible for locating the marshal. Some chapters provide a list of the available marshals at a given event to players who inquire. It is best to arrange a time in advance with a marshal. Many marshals are players too, and there is no guarantee that a request for a marshal can be granted if it is 3:00 AM, especially if arrangements haven’t been made in advance. The marshal must remain out of game for the entire duration of all formal magic castings. The marshal’s character cannot be present in any way, even as a mere onlooker. Many chapters do not allow a marshal to marshal a formal magic in a situation where his or her close friends are involved, especially for in-game associates.
Prior to the actual start of the formal magic any players involved should be informed by the marshal if the resulting item will be of any other category besides “Unrestricted” and why. This requires an advanced examination of all materials involved in all of the formal magic castings. Since magic item categories are mostly due to out of game issues, the intent of this rule is to ensure customer satisfaction. In order to have Unrestricted transferability, all components, scrolls, and effects used must be Unrestricted. No effect that alters these rules may be in effect. If these conditions are not met the item or effect created will automatically be Local Chapter Only.
Identify the components to make sure they are correctly marked, if necessary. Insufficient components will result in the marshal stating “The Formal Magic does not begin”. If this occurs, the components are not consumed. If the spell is part of a declared batch, the marshal will notify the player that the components are insufficient before the batch begins. (Inform the player later, during step D)
Read the Formal Magic Scroll. Make sure that there is a complete understanding of the scroll, and follow any special instructions on the scroll. If the scroll is Unlimited and only usable once each day, verify on the back of the scroll (or the back of the tag) that the scroll hasn’t been used today. If the physical representation of the scroll varies from the current version, then the current version must be used. The only flaws allowed upon a formal magic scroll are “Flaw: this scroll cannot be copied” or “Flaw: this scroll is destructible”.
In order to begin the formal magic, the Caster states “Beginning Formal Magic”. Confidentially ask the Caster if they are waiving auto-success, and casting in Dark Territory. Insufficient components will result in the marshal stating “The Formal Magic does not begin”. If this occurs, the components are not consumed.
The caster must declare the target(s) of the formal magic. The target, if a spirit, must be made aware of this by the marshal.
The Caster(s) must indicate to any casual, secret, or imagined observers that they are performing a formal magic. This must be accomplished through various role-play methods, like constant movement or verbal action or a combination of both. The exact amount of role-play or activity is left up to local plot/rules. The movement can be as simple as constant, circular hand motion or as complicated as broad movements or the hands and/or arms, dancing movements of the entire body, or stylized movements suchas drawing of symbols or lighting candles or incense. Verbal action would include litany speech, question and reply, chanting, or recitation in a “magical language”. The caster may not engage in regular conversation.
Any method chosen by the caster must make use of the components and the scroll.
Poor performance on the role-playing aspect of the formal magic casting will cause the marshal to issue a warning. After receiving two such warnings, the third occurrence of poor performance will result in automatic failure of the formal magic.
The formal magic automatically backlashes under the following conditions:
· Any caster is struck with a ranged attack, Disrupted, takes body damage or becomes unconscious.
· If any caster cannot speak, move their hands, or easily be in a position from which they could see the formal magic scroll even if they are not currently looking at it.
· If any caster uses any other game skill other than those required by the formal magic scroll, Read/Write,,Wear Extra Armor, or Dexterity Armor.
· If any caster ceases casting the formal magic, voluntarily or involuntarily.
· The formal magic components, formal magic scroll, or any target is damaged (Shattered, Destroyed, affected by an Explosive Trap, or numerical damage), destroyed, dies, becomes unusable, or leaves the fishtail.Anything that leaves the circle is always affected by the backlash as if it were still inside the circle.
If the formal magic casting is completed, the Caster must roll the die if required to do so see Table 1-1 and allow all casters to see the results. If the caster has chosen Autosuccess then no roll is necessary. Each caster knows the results of the formal magic. The marshal will record the results in the Formal Magic Logbook. If the caster(s) wish(es) to perform more formal magics, then the Marshal should not write any tags until it is convenient. Perform the following additional instructions:
Success: The formal magic completed properly; follow the instructions on the Scroll.
Flaw: The formal magic completed, but with skewed results. Turn to the “Flaw Table” and determine the results. If one of the results indicates that any of the components or the scroll is not consumed, then return the appropriate items and indicate the flaw caused these items to not be consumed in the formal magic log. If the result indicates that the target should receive an additional formal magic effect and the target is at the limit of effects it can hold, the additional effect will fail.
Failure: The formal magic was a complete failure, resulting in no magical effects.
Backlash: The formal magic was a complete failure, and generated a very powerful magical side effect. Turn to the “Backlash Table” and determine the results and apply them as directed.
I. Casting Completes
At this time, the Marshal should:
• Collect all components that were expended in the casting.
• Either mark Limited (times-ever) Scrolls accordingly or collect them on the last use.
• Indicate the casting of this formal magic
| roll | effect |
|---|---|
| 1 | success |
| 2-5 | flaw |
| 6-9 | failure |
| 10 | backlash |
Flaw and Backlash Tables Instructions:
| Roll | Result |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Formal succeeds, scroll is destroyed. |
| 4-7 | All in circle lose all spells and cantrips currently active upon them. |
| 8 | All x-ever items in the circle lose a charge. |
| 9 | All x-ever items in the circle lose all charges. |
| 10 | All magic items in the circle (except for ward and wizard lock keys) cease working for 24 hours. They remain rendered indestructible and spirit link/locked if they had been. |
| 11-12 | Caster is divested from any circle that he/she was inside while casting the Formal. |
| 13-15 | Caster must perform an action as part of all Formals they are involved in from now on. (Action is determined by the marshal, negotiable with the player, action must be able to be completed within 60 seconds. Examples: Clap 5 times, jump on one foot 5 times, spin in a circle 5 times, recite a particular poem, etc.) |
| Additional power components totaling the level of the Formal must be destroyed in the circle within 1 minute or the Formal fails. | |
| All in circle lose Formal casting ability for 24 hours. | |
| Primary caster loses all spells and cantrips currently active upon him/her. | |
| All per-day items in circle lose one charge per effect, for the day. | |
| All per-day items in circle lose all charges for the day. | |
| Any circle containing the Formal (even if not being used to cast) loses all investitures, one randomly selected person in the circle gains investiture. | |
| Additional level 1 components totaling the level of the Formal must be destroyed in the circle within 1 minute or the Formal fails. Components must be of a type used in the Formal. | |
| Silver totaling 5 times the level of the Formal must be destroyed within the circle within 1 minute of the end of the Formal or it fails. | |
| Gold totaling 5 times the level of the Formal must be destroyed within the circle within 1 minutes of the end of the Formal or it fails. | |
| Primary caster loses 1 body for the base duration of the formal being performed. | |
| Formal duration is halved. | |
| All silver in the circle in which the Formal is being cast is destroyed. | |
| All gold in the circle in which the Formal is being cast is destroyed. | |
| All components in the circle in which the Formal is being cast are consumed. | |
| All per-day magic items in the circle in which the Formal is being cast recharge their uses for the day. | |
| 46 | 1% Formal effect occurs twice. |
| 47 - 48 | Primary caster’s pyramid in the school of the Formal renews |
| 49 - 51 | All in the circle in which the Formal is being cast have their pyramids in the school of the Formal renewed. |
| 52 - 54 | 3% All in the circle in which the Formal is being cast renew all skills. |
| 55 | 1% Primary caster is invested in any circle that he/she was inside while casting the Formal. |
| 56 - 57 | Primary caster renews all skills. |
| 58 - 59 | Formal duration is doubled (up to 2 years unless LCO). |
| 60 - 61 | Any Creation components are not consumed in this Formal. |
| 62 - 63 | Any Elemental components are not consumed in this Formal. |
| 64 - 65 | Any Spirit components are not consumed in this Formal. |
| 66 - 67 | Any Time components are not consumed in this Formal. |
| 68 - 69 | Any Destruction components are not consumed in this Formal. |
| 70 - 71 | Any Void components are not consumed in this Formal. |
| 72 - 73 | Any Power components are not consumed in this Formal. |
| 74 - 75 | No components are consumed in this Formal. |
| 76 - 80 | Roll twice, both effects happen simultaneously. |
| 81 - 100 | Roll on Formal-Specific Flaw Table. |
General Backlash Effect
| Roll | Odds | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 -10 | 10% | Roll twice, both effects happen simultaneously. |
| 11 -17 | 7% | Scroll is destroyed. |
| 18 - 19 | 2% | All Formal magic in the circle (including circle) expires immediately. |
| 20 - 25 | 6% | Primary caster is divested from any circle that he/she was inside while casting the Formal. |
| 26 - 27 | 2% | Any circle containing the Formal (even if not being used to cast) loses all investitures, all in circle are ejected. |
| 28 - 31 | 4% | All magic (Batle and Formal) on primary caster is destroyed. This includes carried items. |
| 32 | 1% | Primary caster goes to resurrect. |
| 33 | 1% | All casters go to resurrect. |
| 34 | 1% | All in the circle in which the Formal is being cast go to resurrect. |
| 35 | 1% | All in the circle in which the Formal is being cast take 15 times the formal spell level in arcane body damage. |
| 36 - 41 | 6% | All casters die, may receive life spells. |
| 42 - 46 | 5% | All in the circle in which the Formal is being cast except primary caster die, may receive life spells. |
| 47 - 49 | 3% | All in the circle in which the Formal is being cast die, may receive life spells. |
| 50 -51 | 2% | Arms of primary caster withered as per the spell, may be restored. |
| 52 -53 | 2% | All limbs of primary caster withered as per the spell, may be restored. |
| 54 | 1% | All limbs of all casters are withered as per the spell, may be restored. |
| 55 | 1% | All limbs of all in the circle in which the Formal is being cast are withered as per the spell, may be restored. |
| 56 | 1% | All in the circle in which the Formal is being cast go ‘Berserk’, immediately atacking all creatures in the vicinity, including each other, to the best of their ability and the exclusion of all other actions, for ten minutes. |
| 57 - 58 | 2% | Any circle containing the Formal (even if not being used to cast) is destroyed. |
| 59 - 62 | 4% | All in the circle in which the Formal is being cast lose all daily skills until next reset. |
| 63 - 65 | 3% | Any circle containing the Formal (even if not being used to cast) becomes a Formal Magic Platform (non-protective) until next reset. |
| 66 | 1% | All in the circle in which the Formal is being cast lose ½ body (round the loss down) for one year. |
| 67 - 68 | 2% | Cure Light Wounds spell acts as a death spell against the primary caster for one year. |
| 69 - 70 | 2% | Ingested and Gas Alchemical substances act as a death spell against the primary caster for one year. |
| 71 - 72 | 2% | Elemental Shield spell acts as a death spell against the primary caster for one year. |
| 73 - 74 | 2% | Magic Armor spell acts as a death spell against the primary caster for one year. |
| 75 | 1% | Magic Armor spell acts as a death spell against the primary caster indefnitely. |
| 76 | 1% | All casters take 1/2 effect from what normally heals them for one year. |
| 77 - 78 | 2% | Primary caster takes double damage from one of the following for one year: Chaos (healing if undead), fre, lightning, ice, stone, magic missile / storm, silver weapons, magic weapons, normal weapons - note that “weapons” includes any boffer atack that delivers damage of the appropriate type. Determine randomly). |
| 79 - 82 | 4% | Primary caster must have at least one secondary caster to perform any Formal magic for one year. |
| 83 - 85 | 3% | Primary caster may not be the primary caster in any Formal magic cast in Dark Territory for one year. |
| 86 - 90 | 5% | Primary caster automatically casts in dark territory for six months. |
| 91 | 1% | Any circle containing the Formal (even if not being used to cast) switches schools. |
| 92 - 96 | 5% | Primary caster becomes an idiot, unable to use any skills, for one hour. |
| 97 | 1% | All charged items in circle activate one charge upon their possessor (may not be accepted under shield magic, activations occur in random order). |
| 98 | 1% | All charged items in circle activate one charge upon the primary caster (may not be accepted under shield magic, activations occur in random order). |
| 99 | 1% | All charged items in circle activate all charges upon their possessor (may not be accepted under shield magic, activations occur in random order). |
| 100 | 1% | All charged items in circle activate all charges upon the primary caster (may not be accepted under shield magic, activations occur in random order). |
Summon Formal Magic Spells
| Roll | Odds | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 20 | 20% | Creature summoned will be friendly and cooperative towards the primary caster. |
| 21 - 40 | 20% | Creature summoned will atack the primary caster immediately. |
| 41 - 60 | 20% | Creature summoned will atack a random secondary caster (primary if no secondary casters are present) immediately. |
| 61 - 80 | 20% | Creature summoned cannot speak or hear. |
| 81 - 100 | 20% | Caster is rifted to summoned creature’s plane of origin, with planar asylum, for one hour. |
Item Creation Formals Including Damage Aura, Elemental Aura, Magic Aura
| Roll | Odds | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 10 | 10% | Item is randomly Delimited - See Delimit Table |
| 11 - 20 | 10% | The Formal is placed on a random appropriate item in the circle. It fails if no other appropriate item is present. |
| 21 -30 | 10% | Formal batch may not be extended (reroll if durations were instant). |
| 31 - 40 | 10% | Batch receives a Greater Extension (reroll if durations were instant). |
| 41 - 50 | 10% | Item receives Render Indestructible formal magic. |
| 51 - 60 | 10% | User of item must perform an action before item’s Formal can be invoked. (Action is determined by the marshal, negotiable with the player, action must be able to be completed within 60 seconds. Examples: Clap 5 times, jump on one foot 5 times, spin in a circle 5 times, recite a particular poem, etc.) This applies each time the item is activated, or at least once an hour if donned or drawn. |
| 61 - 70 | 10% | Formal is effective only at night (6 PM to 6 AM). This does not apply to Render Indestructible or Spirit Link/Lock. |
| 71 - 80 | 10% | Formal is effective only during day (6 AM to 6 PM). This does not apply to Render Indestructible or Spirit Link/Lock) |
| 81- 90 | 10% | Item must be worn openly to perform its function. |
| 91 - 100 | 10% | User of item takes 5 arcane body damage when item is activated, or when appropriate for always-on items (e.g., a Magic Aura sword will deliver the damage each time it is grabbed or drawn). |
Spirit Formal Magic Castings
| Roll | Odds | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 15 | 15% | Target spirit gains 1 body for base duration of Formal (may not be extended). |
| 16 - 32 | 17% | Person whose spirit is the target may not wear armor while the Formal is in effect (does not apply to instant Formals). |
| 33 - 49 | 17% | A mark (determined by caster with no input from target spirit if other than the caster) is placed on target spirit. |
| 50 - 66 | 17% | A mark (determined by target) is placed on target spirit. |
| 67 - 83 | 17% | Person whose spirit is the target must receive and be affected by a benefcial spell (determined by the marshal) every 24 hours (while in-game) for the Formal to function (Does not apply to instantaneous Formal spells. Formal is considered suppressed until affected by determined spell). |
| 84 - 100 | 17% | Target spirit (primary caster’s spirit if Obliterate is being cast) is weakened by 1 death but need not resurrect or draw. |
| Roll | Odds | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 4 | 4% | A Fighter |
| 5 - 8 | 4% | A Rogue |
| 9 - 12 | 4% | A Scholar |
| 13 - 16 | 4% | A Templar |
| 17 - 22 | 6% | Someone under X level (roll 1-10) |
| 23 - 27 | 5% | Someone under X level (roll 1-10 + 10) |
| 28 -29 | 2% | Someone over X level (roll 1-10 + 10) |
| 30 - 32 | 3% | A Human |
| 33 - 35 | 3% | A Mystic Wood Elf |
| 36 - 38 | 3% | An Elf (any except Stone Elf) |
| 39 - 41 | 3% | A Dark Elf |
| 42 - 44 | 3% | A Stone Elf |
| 45 - 47 | 3% | A Gypsy |
| 48 - 50 | 3% | A Scavenger |
| 51 - 53 | 3% | A Barbarian |
| 54 - 56 | 3% | A Biata |
| 57 - 59 | 3% | A Half Orc |
| 60 - 62 | 3% | A Half Ogre |
| 63 - 65 | 3% | A Dwarf |
| 66 - 68 | 3% | A Sarr |
| 69 - 71 | 3% | A Hobling |
| 72 | 1% | Someone with Weapon skill X (caster’s choice) |
| 73 | 1% | Someone with Backstab skill |
| 74 | 1% | Someone with Dodge/Assassinate skill |
| 75 | 1% | Someone with Profciency skill |
| 76 | 1% | Someone with Critical Slay/Parry skill |
| 77 | 1% | Someone with Master Profciency skill |
| 78 | 1% | Someone with Master Critical Slay/Parry skill |
| 79 | 1% | Someone with Waylay skill |
Spirit Formal Magic Castings
| Roll | Odds | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 1% | Someone with Pick Locks skill |
| 81 | 1% | Someone with Disarm Traps skill |
| 82 | 1% | Someone with Create/Set Traps skill |
| 83 - 84 | 2% | Someone with Smithing skill |
| 85 | 1% | Someone with Herbal Lore skill |
| 86 | 1% | Someone with Alchemy skill |
| 87 | 1% | Someone with Craftsman Other (Astrologer) skill |
| 88 | 1% | Someone with Craftsman (OtherX) skill |
| 89 | 1% | Someone with Read and Write skill |
| 90 | 1% | Someone with Read Magic skill |
| 91 | 1% | Someone with First Aid skill |
| 92 | 1% | Someone with Healing Arts skill |
| 93 | 1% | Someone with Earth spell slot level X (Random 1-9) |
| 94 | 1% | Someone with Celestial spell slot level X (Random 1-9) |
| 95 | 1% | Someone with Earth Formal level X (Random 1-10) |
| 96 | 1% | Someone with Celestial Formal level X (Random 1-10) |
| 97 | 1% | Someone with Create Potion skill |
| 98 | 1% | Someone with Create Scroll skill |
| 99- 100 | 2% | Someone with Wear Extra Armor skill |
For a player to cast a Cantrip he/she must have the skill Earth Formal Magic or Celestial Formal Magic. A player may cast one Cantrip of their school of magic per day for each level of formal magic they possess. The full list of Cantrips, their effects, and components costs is available at www.nerolarp.com.
In order to cast a Cantrip the player must be carrying a Cantrip tome which contains the Cantrip they wish to cast. Cantrip tomes are in-game objects that must be acquired in-game. The phys-rep for a Cantrip tome must be at least 6” x 4”. The tome is governed by the rules defined in th enchant cantrip tome Cantrip.
In addition to Cantrip tomes, there are also Cantrip pages. Cantrip pages function like Cantrip tomes but are of one use only and will only contain a single Cantrip. A Cantrip Page must be the same size as a celestial scroll. To cast from a Cantrip Page, the caster must read and touch a packet to the Page.
To cast a Cantrip the player must say the proper incant for the Cantrip and physically break or tear the number of level one components designated for that particular Cantrip (0, 1, or 2) to gain the power for the Cantrip. When casting a Cantrip with 0 component cost there need not be a “tearing” motion. Breaking or tearing a single level two component will power a Cantrip which takes 2 components or two Cantrips which take 1 component cast one immediately after another. Breaking or tearing a level four component will power two Cantrips which take 2 components or four Cantrips which take 1 component cast one immediately after the other. The components must be broken or torn within 10 seconds of finishing the incant. The components used for a Cantrip may only be unrestricted NERO components or local to the chapter in which the Cantrip is being cast. The components must be identifiable by the chapter which they are used in at the time of the casting, and they may not be SR components. Components are to be turned into a marshal after the casting of any Cantrip. The components will be checked at this time.
Cantrips are cast on the fly for any Cantrip in the carried tome(s). Cantrips do not require a fishtail to cast. Cantrips are never thrown at an opponent in the manner of battle magic, but they may allow the caster to throw a packet or series of packets with a defined effect (e.g.10 elemental fire”). Casting a Cantrip is subject to Spell Disruption. No other skill or item may be used from the point when the incant is started till the point when the components are snapped or torn or the Cantrip will fail and the components are still consumed.
A Cantrip may never be extended in any manner or placed into an item in the manner of an enchantment, expanded enchantment, etc. A Cantrip or the effect of a Cantrip may never be spellstored.
The statement “dies and requires a life spell” refers to any time the character is dead whether they receive a life spell or not, resurrect, regenerate, revives through a manner other than a life spell, or is not affected by life.
There are five types of Cantrip:
Cantrips may have the following durations:
Hour: One Hour
Day: One Day, until the next Standard Reset or game end. whichever occurs first
Instant: Immediate and not lasting, the effect on another may last.
Year: Until removed by in-game methods or 1 year passes.
Concentration: The caster must maintain concentration to keep this Cantrip going.
Invoked: When an invoked Cantrip is cast the caster will receive 5 charges of the effectin the appropriate school of formal magic. Using the effect uses one charge. An effect can be used against a single opponent for a maximum of 5 minutes or line of sight. All unused charges expire at the next tag reset. Multiple charges may be used against multiple opponents at the same time. The caster must state “I Invoke
2 Year: Until removed by in-game methods or 2 years passes. Unless otherwise indicated, the effect of any Cantrip with the duration of Day is lost if the target requires a life spell.