Rules Update: Arch Caster

The following Higher List replaces the Battle Caster and Valence lists:

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The Arch Caster List

Introduction:
This class may be purchased as a higher list for Mages, Druids, Priests, Bards, or Psionicists. This list represents the ability of the caster to focus her already present abilities, and refine them to be able to cast them more easily and accurately (Battle Casting), with additional power (Thaumaturgy), or to be better able to defend against them (Valence).

The phrase “Casted Ability” refers to any abilities that those five classes can cast. When used multiple times in the same skill description, it is subsequently referred to as “Ability”. The use of the word “Career Points” refers to the appropriate points needed or used to cast a Casted Ability.

Prerequisite:

• 4 Rank IV Casted Abilities

A character with this list may only specialize in one Path, reaching its pinnacle Tier 4 Ability. She may choose a secondary Path, from which she may purchase Tier 2 Abilities. For any remaining paths, she may only purchase Tier 1 abilities.

The use of any skills on this list require the caster to have a Casting Focus. A Casting Focus is an item created by the caster, that is a personal representation of her ability to cast. This item should be a gem, and my be in a setting (such as a pendant, ring, or bracelet), and may not serve any other purpose (i.e. - it cannot have any other game mechanical effects or value). You do not need to touch or hold the gem to use it, although it must be worn openly to be used.

The Arch Caster's first focus is created as the final step in opening the Arch Caster list. An Arch Caster may only have one focus at a time, and the focus must be present on them to be able to use any skills on this list. The focus should have a simple item card, denoting its owner. The focus can be stolen or destroyed like any normal item. Creating a new focus requires 15 minutes of concentration on the part of the caster, and renders the old focus useless.

An Arch Caster with access to multiple casting lower lists only needs one focus, and may use any skills from this list with any casing abilities they have.

An Arch Caster that also has access to a Ritual Tool (such as a Sorcerer's Wand) may use the Ritual Tool as a Casting Focus. A character may have one or the other, but not both items, at any one time - creating a new Casting Focus invalidates the Ritual Tool, and vice versa.

In order to teach this list, or the skills on it, the teacher and the student must have a casting class in common, and have the minimum requirements for the list in that class. For example, if a Mage / Priest wanted to teach a Druid / Mage, both characters would need to have four Rank IV spells in Mage for the lesson to be successful. Mages may teach Bards with two Rank IV Enchantment spells as if they were Mages, and vice versa.

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Three new traits have been added, to reflect the new abilities in this list.

Source - Valence: These are abilities of a protective nature, drawn from the rarer and more powerful supernatural elements of the world. Abilities with the Valence trait do not expire at the end of a period - they carry over to the next period, until used or the event is over. Abilities cast with Valence may use Career Points used for casting other abilities (MP, FP, DP, PsiP or SSP), but different types of Career Points may not be combined for one ability.

Type - Augment (Battle Casting): These powerful abilities enhance existing abilities to potent levels, and must be combined with a casted ability. Unlike normal effects with the Augment trait, Battle Casted abilities may be combined freely, including with each other, or with abilities with other Augment traits.

Type - Augment (Thaumaturgy): These powerful abilities enhance existing abilities to potent levels, and must be combined with a lower list casted ability. Unless otherwise noted only one skill with this trait can be used at a time when casting another ability.

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Battle Path:

Weapon Cast
Tier: 1
Build: 6
Usage: Continuous
Traits: Skill (Continuous), Augment (Battle Casting)
This skill gives the Arch-Caster the ability to deliver their casted abilities through their weapon and the ability gains the trait of the weapon medium used (Melee for melee weapons, Ranged for ranged weapons, etc). After reciting the verbal the Arch-Caster must attempt to strike the targets body as if doing damage or delivering a periodic skill in order for the ability to have effect. If you fail to land your strike within five seconds, the ability is wasted and the Casting Points are used up, just as if you missed with a spell packet. When the Arch-Caster purchases this skill they also receive either the one handed edge or one handed blunt skill for free.

Spell Holding
Tier: 1
Build: 3
Maximum: 4 Purchases
Pre-Req.: None
Usage: Periodic
Traits: Skill (Periodic), Augment (Battle Casting)
With this skill, the character may cast a casted ability and then hold the spell packet for up to 5 minutes (instead of 5 seconds) without losing the spell. The character must say the name of the ability at least every 30 seconds, or the ability will be lost as if it was not cast within the allotted time. The caster has up until the end of the normal 5 second casting window to use this skill - it does not need to be used during casting.

Double Power
Tier: 2
Build: 4
Maximum: 4 Purchases
Pre-Req.: 1 Tier 1 Battle Skill.
Traits: Skill (Periodic), Augment (Battle Casting)
With this skill the Arch-Caster may double the damage, AP, Soak, or Threshold of a casted ability. To use this ability the Arch-Caster must insert the words "Double Power" into the verbal before the spell name. In example when casting an incinerate the Arch-Caster would state "I call upon the Volcanic powers from the eternal plane of fire to summon forth a double power incinerate. 400 Magic Fire."

Spell Surge
Tier: 2
Build: 4
Maximum: 5 Purchases
Pre-Req.: 1 Tier 1 Battle Skill
Traits: Skill (Periodic), Augment (Battle Casting)
This skill allows a character to use any 1st or 2nd rank ability without the use of a spell packet or saying the verbal, singing, or concentrating the normal required time. The caster must have their arm extended and finger pointing at the target (the caster may not be paralyzed, immobilized, or stunned). To invoke this skill you must call “Spell Surge” and then the ability name. The caster must have a clear line of sight to the target, and the target must be within 10 feet.

Perfect Cast
Tier: 3
Build: 5
Maximum: 4 Purchases
Pre-Req.: 1 Tier 2 Battle Skill
Traits: Skill (Periodic), Augment (Battle Casting)
This skill allows a character to use any rank ability without the use of a spell packet or saying the verbal, singing, or concentrating the normal required time. The caster must have their arm extended and finger pointing at the target (the caster may not be paralyzed, immobilized, or stunned). To invoke this skill you must call “Perfect Cast” and then the ability name. The caster must have a clear line of sight to the target. The caster must be capable of throwing a spell packet the distance of the target - she may be asked to throw a packet as far as the target if the range is questionable, but it does not need to be accurate.

Battle Casting
Tier: 4
Build: 10
Maximum: 2 Purchases
Pre-Req.: 1 Tier 3 Battle skill
Traits: Skill (Periodic), Skill (Continuous), Augment (Battle Casting)
When invoked the user chooses one sphere, domain, psionic ability tree (Attack, Defense, or Disciplines), or variety of Bard Song (Nocturne, Lyric, Fanfare, Requiem, or Riddle). For the duration of the battle, the user may surge cast any abilities form the chosen category. Additionally, while casting any abilities, the user is no longer interrupted by damage. If struck while casting, the caster should finish casting and state “Battle Casting” to inform the attacker that they were not interrupted.

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Valance Path:

Alchemy Shield
Tier: 1
Build: 4
Usage: 5 Casting Points
Traits: Valence, Defense, Latent, Superior
This ability defends against of one effect with the Alchemy or Poison trait.

Elemental Ward
Tier: 1
Build: 4
Usage: 5 Casting Points
Traits: Valence, Defense, Latent, Superior
This ability defends against of one effect with the Elemental trait.

Enchanted Armor
Tier: 2
Build: 5
Pre-Req.: 1 Rank 1 Valance ability
Usage: 6 Casting Points
Traits: Valence, Defense, Latent
This spell bestows 30 Armor Points to the recipient. The target may not be wearing leather, steel, or plate armor (or equivalent materials) to gain the benefit of this spell.

Mind Citadel
Tier: 2
Build: 5
Pre-Req.: 1 Rank 1 Valance ability
Usage: 6 Casting Points
Traits: Valence, Defense, Latent, Superior
When invoked, this ability will stop any effect with the Mental trait.

Negation
Tier: 3
Build: 6
Pre-Req.: 1 Rank 2 Valance ability
Usage: 7 Casting Points
Traits: Valence, Defense, Latent, Superior (Caster Only)
This defense will negate any one non-superior casted ability. If cast on oneself, this ability gains the Superior trait, and should be invoked as “Superior Negation” to reflect this.

Resist
Tier: 4
Build: 8
Pre-Req.: 1 Rank 3 Valance ability
Usage: 8 Casting Points
Traits: Valence, Defense, Latent, Superior
When invoked, this defense will protect the recipient from any one attack, including attacks with the Piercing trait.

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Thaumaturgy Path:

Spell Proficiency
Tier: 1
Build: 4
Maximum: 6 Purchases
Pre-Req.: None
Traits: Skill (Continuous), Augment (Thaumaturgy)
With this skill, the caster may specialize in a casted ability, named at the time of purchase. For each purchase of the skill, the caster may cast her specialized ability for one less casting point. You may purchase this skill multiple times for the same ability to reduce the point cost of that specific ability up to 50% only, rounded up (A 3 point ability can only be lowered to 2). You may specialize in a different casted ability for each purchase of this skill.

Lay Over
Tier: 1
Build: 6
Maximum: N/A
Pre-Req.: None
Traits: Skill (Continuous), Augment (Thaumaturgy)
Any lower list latent defenses cast on the arch mage by herself does not expire at period change, for the duration of the event.

Spell Tether
Tier: 2
Build: 6
Maximum: 3 Purchases
Pre-Req.: 1 Tier 1 Thaumaturgy ability
Traits: Skill (Periodic), Augment (Thaumaturgy)
With this skill the Arch-Caster may take a beneficial casted ability with a fixed duration and increase the duration to two hours. To use this ability the Arch-Caster must insert the words "Spell Tether" into the verbal before the spell name. In example when casting a Blur the Arch-Caster would state "With deception I conjure a Spell Tethered Blur"

Double Cast
Tier: 2
Build: 5
Maximum: 3 Purchases
Pre-Req.: 1 Tier 1 Thaumaturgy ability
Traits: Skill (Periodic), Augment (Thaumaturgy)
With this skill the Arch-Caster may augment any casted ability with the attack trait such that the target must defend against said ability twice or be affected by each spell that was not defended against. To use ths ability the Arch-Caster must insert the words "Double Cast" into the verbal before the spell name. In example when casting an incinerate the Arch-Caster would state "I call upon the Volcanic powers from the eternal plane of fire to summon forth a double cast incinerate. 200 Magic Fire, 200 Magic Fire."

Arcing Cast
Tier: 3
Build: 5 Build
Maximum: 3 Purchases
Pre-Req.: 1 Tier 2 Thaumaturgy ability
Traits: Skill (Periodic), Augment (Thaumaturgy)
When used in conjunction with any other spell-like ability, that ability then encompasses a 90* arc, 5 foot range, from the caster’s extended hand. If being used in conjunction with defensive abilities, a maximum of three targets within the arc can be chosen to be effected. To use this ability the Arch-Caster must insert the words "Arching Cast" into the verbal before the spell name.

Absolute Power
Tier: 4
Build: 5
Maximum: 4 Purchases
Pre-Req.: 1 Tier 3 Thaumaturgy ability
Traits: Skill (Periodic), Augment (Thaumaturgy), Superior
With this skill the Arch-caster may enhance a casted ability so that it gains the Superior Trait. This skill can only be used in conjunction with a casted ability with the Attack, Defense, Headband, or Detection Traits. To use this ability the Arch-Caster must insert the words "With Absolute Power" at the beginning of the verbal. In example when casting an Absolute Power Enfeeblement the Arch-Caster would state "With Absolute Power from the deepest shadows in the realm of eternal Darkness I cast Enfeeblement". If used in conjunction with a latent effect the Arch-Caster must additionally notate the target’s card with “AP” prior to the ability name. When invoking an effect augmented by Absolute Power, the invoker must state “Absolute Power <effect name>.” This ability may be combined with the skill Double Cast.

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The Bard Promotional Skill has been updated as follows:

Bard - Unbreakable Voice
2 Build; Skill (Per Event), Defense
This skill allows a bard to perform a song without being vulnerable to interruption or attack. Any attack that would specifically silence the bard or render her unable to perform the song fails, and all attacks that inflict damage or other effects will not affect the bard or cause the song to be interrupted. The bard may announce the use of this skill before or during the song. Stopping her performance to OOG notify others of this skill’s effect, when necessary, does not interrupt the song.

Fanfare of the Turning Tide has been updated as follows:

Fanfare of the Turning Tide
6 SSP; Traits: Arcane (Bardic), Voice, Augment
This song empowers the allies of the bard, granting them valor in battle. This song grants the bard and her allies +1 damage for the remainder of the battle.

The following Sorcery rituals have been updated as follows:

• Ritual of The Amulet – Cap of 50, 1 point per 2 GP value of Gem. Any existing gems over 50 points in value are reduced to 50 points, not their new ratio.
• Ritual of Storing – Cap of 50, 1 point per 2 GP value of Gem. Any existing gems over 50 points in value are reduced to 50 points, not their new ratio.
• Ritual of Higher Embedding – The ability to embed one lower list spell and one Valence spell has been changed to allow the caster to embed three fourth rank spells. Items with Valence spells in them should be altered to replace the spell with two additional fourth rank spells.

The Tortured Soul skill "Replenish Essence" has capped at a maximum of 20 Magic Points.

I will start us off.

1) Those of us who have old Ritual of Higher Embedding Items. Are they now subject to be re-written and modified to fit into the rules, or will they be grandfathered in?

2) Can you utilize both purchases of Battle Casting at the same time, to say Surge Cast Air and Fire?

3) Does Valance Casting still occur as a 60 second roleplay? In the past when it was Mages only, the Roleplay was specific to Weave-Use... if say a Priest were to cast Valance, could they pray over you for 60 seconds?

4) While utilizing Arching Cast, does it modify the ability to the Area Effect Trait and thus make it impossible to Dodge/Evade?

5) The modifications to Ritual of the Amulet and Storing. Same as question one. Those who have Power Gems over 50, are they grandfathered or to be brought and modified to fit the new ratio?

6) Augment (Battle) and Augment (Thaumaturgy)

Type - Augment (Battle Casting): These powerful abilities enhance existing abilities to potent levels, and must be combined with a casted ability. Unlike normal effects with the Augment trait, Battle Casted abilities may be combined freely, including with each other, or with abilities with other Augment traits.

Type - Augment (Thaumaturgy): These powerful abilities enhance existing abilities to potent levels, and must be combined with a lower list casted ability. Unless otherwise noted only one skill with this trait can be used at a time when casting another ability.

Battle Casting Augment says "...or with abilities with other Augment traits." Does this mean I can combine Battle Casting Augments with other Battle Casting Augments ONLY or does it "with other Augment traits" mean I can combine it with Thaumaturgy traits as well?
Thaumaturgy Augment says "...only one skill with this trait can be used at a time when casting another ability." - Does this mean only one skill with this trait [Read: Augment (Thaumaturgy)] or does it mean just the Trait: Augment?

Edit: Silver, Gold and Mithril Pledge Items with Valance in them... are they also to be re-written? I don't think it's an issue, but I figured better to think up what to replace in them now than later.

1) I'll defer to higher authority on this.
2) I don't see why is a problem. They will still be subject to the surge casting rules, so despite them being different spheres, you must still wait the 5 seconds.
3) Still takes 60 seconds. Valence is still the same power source and I believe is still roleplayed in the same way.
4) The spell becomes a spray attack and would work like any other spray attack.
5) Any existing gems over 50 points in value are reduced to 50 points, not their new ratio. No, they are not grandfathered.
6)No, Battle abilities can't be combined with Thaumaturgy abilities.

Enchanted Armor
Tier: 2
Build: 5
Pre-Req.: 1 Rank 1 Valance ability
Usage: 6 Casting Points
Traits: Valence, Defense, Latent
This spell bestows 30 Armor Points to the recipient. The target may not be wearing leather, steel, or plate armor (or equivalent materials) to gain the benefit of this spell.

Could this be casted on Players with Iron Body?

Aleister wrote: 6)No, Battle abilities can't be combined with Thaumaturgy abilities.

Does this mean one cannot Absloute Power a Weaponcast ability? Same question for Spell Holding.

Can you still use Tracking to follow the footsteps of someone in Absolute Power Invisibility, even if you do not have the means of seeing through the actual ability?

I have a few questions too:

Can the various augment skills be applied to spells read off of scrolls (not that the scrolls would be scribed with the augments, but that they would be applied to the reading.)? Additionally, can an Archcaster augment scroll spells to which they don't know the spell, e.g., a Druid Archcaster using Double Power Blade of Victory off a scroll?

Valance or Valence? In the Traits, each ability is listed as Valance, but in most other instances, it's Valence.