Magic of Krynn

How Magic Works

Magic in the Dragonlance setting comes from a wide variety of sources, but can be divided into two primary categories, arcane and divine. The first thing to decide when creating a character with magical ability is to choose the source from which she receives her power. This is reflected, first, by the role you choose. The Priest and Mage roles both describe characters who have dedicated a significant portion of their lives learning the craft of spellcasting and include core stunts that define the rules of such. Those who take on the role of Warrior and Rogue but have a high concept that indicates some magical talent or training can still cast spells, but are limited to overcome and create an advantage actions. Example aspects a minor caster might have include things like Knight of the Sword; Kagonesti Hunter; Spell-thief; Renegade Hunter; Traveling Jack of all Trades.

As with any other aspect, a minor spellcaster of this type may spend a fate point and invoke her high concept or create an advantage to add a +2 bonus to any non-magical action that might benefit from magical assistance, to place a magical situation aspect on the scene, or to magically overcome an obstacle. Anyone with a high concept that suggests magical ability can do these things, even if spellcasting isn't one of their core stunts. Additionally, one can always use cantrips to do simple tricks like lighting a candle, creating simple illusions that affect a single sense, mending armor and clothing, or any other simple casting that requires no roll on the part of the caster or her intended target.

Finally, a minor spellcaster can invest their refresh in stunts that will expand what she can do.

Regardless of the source of your character's magic, casting spells is essentially the same process for everyone:

• Describe the effect you want your character’s spell to have
• The GM decides the cost of the spell by determining what combination of stunts and conditions will produce the desired effect and which approach is most appropriate.
• You roll the dice, pay the cost of the spell, and add the appropriate bonuses and penalties.

Determining Cost

As already stated, a high concept that indicates some kind of magical training gives your character permission to use their approaches to create magical advantages and overcome obstacles. Usually, it's handled like any other action, but more potent magic requires something extra from the caster. Magic comes with a price, and your ability to cast spells is not unlimited. At the most basic level, spell effects are a combination of stunt-like effects and conditions. By determining the right combination to produce the desired effect, you can work out the spell's cost.

• +2 for each stunt-like effect
• +1 for each fleeting condition
• +2 for each sticky condition
• +3 for each lasting condition

You can cover the cost of a spell in any of the following ways:

• Create an advantage
• Use a boost
• Invoke an aspect by spending a fate point
• Mark one or two boxes of stress to gain a +1 per box marked.
• Mark a condition to gain a bonus as described in your spellcasting stunt.