Samples of Sound Spells

A little while ago I proposed a set of spell guidelines for Imagonem magic involving sound, and participated in a robust debate on the Ars Magica forums. This post is a follow-up as sample spells using those guidelines. This is perhaps to demonstrate the leverage from Imagonem as more than just visual images, and also to demonstrate the relative power levels to other spell effects.

Shatter the Bon Vivant’s Glass

Creo Imagonem 10, R: Voice, D: Momentary, T: Individual

The caster creates a short high pitched burst of sound next to a glass item, which is shattered by the sound. The caster must succeed a Finesse check vs base 6 to correctly target the sound. The sound created is very loud.

(Base 3 to break glass with Finesse check 6+, range to Voice +3)

This is a simple spell to shatter an item made from glass, without targeting the glass itself with magic. The Finesse should be modified by other conditions, however the base has been chosen as the area of effect of noise is large enough so that the spell should be easy to target in non-complicated situations.

F is for Fire

Fire magic is present in almost all rpgs, and as I’m an Ars Magica magic system fan, here are some run-ups of the spell guidelines for Ignem (fire) spells (a part I really like is the naming of the spells).

Some effects might not be perfectly in-line with the core spell guidelines, and often Ars Magica spells cause debate due to many interpretations or variations. YSMV.

Ignite the Incriminating Writ

Creo Ignem 5 / Herbam, R: Voice, D: Mom, T: Individual

This effect ignites a targeted item item quickly providing a fire which will likely destroying it and leaving only ash. The spell was invented for use on writs and other paper documents which could be either incriminating or hold Magi to agreements which they would prefer to avoid.

(Base 3 as ignite parchment, +2 Voice, +0 He Requisite)

A second version of the spell was invested which could be used at great range using an arcane connection, for those documents that the caster wishes to remove after signing them, and handing them to another.

Ignite the Promiscuous Memoir

Creo Ignem 25 / Requisite, R: Arc, D: Mom, T: Individual

This effect ignites an item connected via an arcane connection, thereby providing a fire which will likely destroying it. The item may be in almost any anything slightly flammable such leather, damp wool.

The spell was invented for use on writs and books, but can also be used to ignite almost any material.

(Base 5 as ignite something slightly flammable, +4 Arc)

Melt the Vanguard’s Arms

Creo Ignem 25 / Terram, R: Voice, D: Mom, T: Part

Up to ten metal items carried by or on the target are heated to melting point. Thus a soldiers sword, helm, and segments of armor will all instantly be burning hot, and melt. This has a side effect of inflicting +5 damage per round while metal items targeted are carried or worn.

(Base 10 heat an object to melting point, +2 Voice, +1 to increase number of parts targeted, +0 Te Requisite)

Conceal the Fire within the Arrow

Muto Ignem 25 / Herbam, R: Touch, D: Diameter, T: Individual

This spell changes a fire up to the size of a small campfire (+5 damage) into an arrow or bolt suitable for use by an archer. The size and form of the projectile is chosen by the caster. The arrow can be used and fired normally until the duration of the spell expires, when it will revert back into a fire.

(Base 10 to change into an unnatural element of another form, +1 Herbam requisite, +1 Touch, +1 Diameter)

Part of the Blogging A to Z initiative, is to create an A-Z list of some sort, and I’m posting what ever random thoughts pop into my head for each letter of the alphabet.