Thaumaturgy is the safest, most reliable method of doing magic—pretty much the polar opposite of evocation. The primary differences between the two are matters of preparation, time, and mindset. In evocation, you summon up your power, envision the result you desire, and attempt to control the energy on the fly. Because the construct is made up only from the caster’s will and the elements are held solely as concepts in the caster’s mind, evocation can achieve only simple effects, with a very good chance of something going wrong.
By contrast, thaumaturgy sets up the construct physically and allows the elements to act as a lens through which the wizard then focuses his power. Because the spellcaster doesn’t have to concentrate to keep the construct in mind (it’s right there in front of him), he creates a much stronger and more stable effect—meaning he can focus on achieving effects of much greater complexity and subtlety. He can also direct power into the spell gradually, making it far less likely that something will go awry.
Thaumaturgy also allows the wizard the luxury of drawing power from sources other than himself—such as bound spirits, forces of nature, or the assistance of others. Over time, the effects of thaumaturgy are more powerful than those of evocation. While a blast of fire may injure, a ritual curse can leave you and your offspring crippled for generations.
Most of the spells in traditional tomes, or the ones passed down through schools of sorcery, are basically thaumaturgy. They can be described in physical terms—if you follow the recipe of the spell correctly, feeding in the power that it requires, the spell/ritual will work. Particularly effective thaumaturgical rituals require elaborate physical preparations (such as rare items, multiple casters, unusual times of year, or outside influence such as storms) and may also require a minimal influx of power; this makes them usable by people who, otherwise, would never be regarded as wizards. This can be useful, or it can be very dangerous. (Sadly, it’s usually both.)
Thaumaturgy is also considered to be the purest magic as both Evocation and Entropy are more refined and simplistic versions of spells that could be accomplished through Thaumaturgy.
Limited to one of the six facets.
STEP 1: Lore
Generally, a lore check is required to determine the components that are required for the spell. It is important to always have an anchor to the target. The quality of the anchor can affect the difficulty.
Additionally, trying the spell to an item can decrease the difficulty.
STEP 2: Casting
Once the final difficulty is calculated, the caster may voluntarily removed a number of purple dice in exchange for stress at a rate of 2 per die. The amount removed in this fashion cannot exceed the rank of the caster's Conviction.
Personal Ward