Magic and the Arcane Arts
Mana Attribute
Establishing Mana as a key attribute for interacting with and manipulating wild magic is a great way to quantify a character's magical aptitude. This system allows for a broad spectrum of magical abilities, from novice spellcasters to master wizards.
The Interplay of the Five Forces
Magic in Mithayre draws upon five fundamental Forces: Grund, governing structure, mass and permanence; Veyne, governing motion, causality and connection; Tharn, governing energy, transformation and entropy; Alveon, governing vitality, adaptation and living rhythms; and Adyss, governing hidden spaces, secrets and dimensional possibility. Their interactions shape reality itself. Each pairing produces a Hybrid Force whose properties emerge from the relationship between its constituent Forces.
Encourage players to explore inventive applications of the magic their characters have learned. A spell that reinforces a shield might also support a damaged structure, provided its established effects and limits permit it.
Spellcasting Mechanics
Spellcasting in Ascended combines knowledge of Mithayre’s Five Forces with preparation and personal power. Magical Lore determines the complexity of spells a character can master. When a casting check is required, the caster’s Mana Rating and the spell’s difficulty help determine success, while the final result establishes its Arcane Potency for resistance and other specified effects.
Casting takes time, and interruptions can force an arcanist to begin again. Successful spells consume Current Mana, with more demanding workings drawing greater reserves. Failed attempts cost time but expend no Mana, while pushing beyond available reserves risks exhaustion or death.
Oblivion Corruption and Risk
Oblivion presents a dark counterpart to the creative potential of wild magic. Introducing mechanics where spells or abilities tap into Oblivion's power at the risk of corruption or other negative consequences can provide compelling choices for characters. Oblivion Corruption is a resource that tracks a character's exposure to or control over Oblivion's influence, impacting their interactions with magic, NPCs, and the world itself.
Deific Influence and Aspect Attribute
Aspect as a measure of a deity's favor is a powerful tool for role-playing and character development. It ties the characters' abilities and progression to their relationship with their deity, emphasizing the role of faith and worship in the game.
The system of divining core and antithetic aspects, along with the cost modifiers, adds a strategic layer to using divine powers. It encourages players to align closely with their deity's ethos, further integrating character backstory and motivations into gameplay. The linkage of Aspect to specific abilities and interventions from deities can lead to dynamic storytelling and character arcs.
Psionics and Psionic Faculties
Psionics introduce a third pillar of supernatural ability that is distinct from magic and divinity. By basing psionic abilities on an internal resource (Psyche) and requiring the development of specific faculties, you create a system where psionic power is deeply personal and variable.
“The struggle between wild magic and Oblivion, the influence of deities, and the emergence of psionic abilities can all serve as key plot points, conflict drivers, and sources of quests and adventures.”