Spellcasting

Spellcasting is the ability of a Shindōshi to channel the magics of the world, whether that be the magic of the Kami, or other less well known magics. Spells require suitable wording, phrases, and physical actions which suit the individual caster. There are other types of spell casting in Tokoro than those listed in this rulebook which characters can learn, provided they can find a teacher.

In order for a spell to work, the caster must  indicate their targets and clearly state the name of the spell and describe what it does, such as if it knocks the target off their feet or causes damage, and. Some spells will require referee intervention.

Spellcasting is draining to the body and mind of a Shindōshi and the amount of times they can call forth various magics is limited. All members of a shindōshi school begin with: 

• • 5 spell slots per day, to be used when casting spells or performing ad hoc ceremonies.

  • 5 spells from the basic spell list, to be chosen at character creation from elements they can cast from.

This number can be increased during character creation and advancement by purchasing skills and advantages. Each time a spell is cast, it uses a spell slot. When there are no more spell slots left, the Shindōshi cannot cast further spells unless they have another way to do so.

Shindōshi regain their full allotment of spell slots each morning, and some abilities allow them to restore spell slots or cast using an alternate power source. For example, all Shindōshi can use a Kū (Void) point to cast a spell they know without expending a spell slot.

Elemental Alignments

Each spell is associated with a specific element and each clan has a particular element from which they are unable to cast spells, known as their elemental deficiency. These are shown in the table below.

Note that before a Shindōshi can learn Kū magic, they must first purchase the background Kū (Void) Magic. In order for non-Sasori Shindōshi to learn Kage (Shadow) magic, they must first learn about it in the game and find a willing teacher.

Shindōshi can create new spells in elements they know spells in as a downtime action, provided they have the skill Spellcraft at level 2 or higher. They cannot create spells in the element they are deficient in. 

Performing Ceremonies

All Shindōshi can expend spell slots to perform ad hoc ceremonies, allowing them to perform feats of magic that are not restricted to the spells within the spell list. 

You will need to fill in a Short Term Request Form to the Imperial Clan box, to inform the game team in the respite period before your character wants perform a ceremony in and give the following information:

• • Who the caster is

  • Who or what the target is

  • What the desired effect is

  • How much power is being used

  • Are there any relevant items or people contributing to the ceremony

Shindōshi need to expend at least one spell slot to get an effect from a ceremony, but they can put in more spell slots to try and achieve greater effects. Performing these ceremonies is relatively safe when using a small number of slots, and the risk increases the more slots they use, but so does the potential reward.

There are many things characters can achieve by using a ceremony. For example, they could use one to empower a crafted item or weapon to give it a mystical power card, or to bless or curse a character. The results of these ceremonies may arrive after a short period of time, once the magic has settled and the game team have agreed on the outcome.