Wizard’s Obstinance, a Muto Vim spell to Resist Disruption

I was thinking about the Ars Magica Vim, and the meta-magic spell effects in Rego, Muto, and primarily Perdo Vim, which suspend or dispel a magical effect. Generally speaking these effects must exceed the level of the target spell to affect them, and they are very effective in totally neutralising the target spell. Through clever design there are also Rego Vim spells which remove magic for their duration in a target area, or suspend it (see Wind of Mundane Silence, p161 and Suppressing the Wizard’s Handiwork, p162).

So a trisky magus might design a Muto Vim effect which is cast along side another effect to strengthens the spell against such disruptions, but does not alter the target spell’s effect description, or range, duration, or target. The effect is cast as normal, and the additional Muto Vim spell raises the base level of the effect for the purposes of being suspended or dispelled by other spells.

This effect would be similar to a Wizard’s Boost (Ars p.160), but with no material change of effect. Just like Wizard’s Boost there could be a different version for each form, and there also could be a less powerful more general spell for any Hermetic Form.

The rationale for Muto Vim spell guidelines are sometimes difficult to apply, as there is a tendency to say that almost all alterations to an effect are at least considered significant, and as degree of change in this effect adds two magnitudes, it must be considered a total change according to the MuVi guidelines.

The issue I struggled with was deciding if this effect needed to be designed as a Form specific effect, or if it could be a more general spell. I decided that the best choice was to closely match the Wizard’s Boost and Wizard’s Reach spells from the Muto Vim section of the core rules, which both add +5 levels in a specific manner at a base effect: level equal to the effect +1 mag.

In the design considerations I also looked at how the desired effect of “resisting disruption” might be handled mechanically in the game. These meta-magic spells have a similarity in design, where almost any of them could be used for this effect, and I see that as not meeting the goal of this effect. The extra +5 levels should do something of note.

The version of the spell designed for specific forms, designed as a basic effect:

Wizard’s Obstinance of (Form)

Muto Vim Gen, R: Touch, D: Mom, T: Ind

This spell is cast with another spell of a level less than the level of this one. The effective level of the other spell increases 5 levels in power, but not past the level of the Wizard’s Obstinance, and the altered spell is treated as being twice it’s new level for the purposes of resisting spells to alter it further, or dispel it.

A Wizard’s Obstinance may never affect a single spell more than once. There are ten variants of this spell, one for each Hermetic Form.

(Base effect of Significant change to a spell – at level +1, +1 Touch)

Refs and links:

• The big list of custom/new Ars Magica spells – The Ironbound Grimoire
• My Atlas Forum post with a bit of banter and discussion about this spell

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Quick effects for Wizards who like Winter

Another few effects for a wizard concerned with cold climates, particularly because of a penalty the wizard has in temperatures which are too hot. These are spells which might have peripheral uses but are mainly so that Agnarr Cold-Heart (an Ice mage) will be comfortable in warmer weather.

Aura of Winter’s Cold

Perdo Ignem 10, R: Personal, D: Sun, T: Individual

An area 1 pace immediately surrounding the caster is lowered to just above freezing for the duration.

(Base 4 to chill and object, +2 Sun)

Circle of Winter’s Cold

Perdo Ignem 15, R: Touch, D: Ring, T: Circle

The temperature within the targeted circle is lowered to an uncomfortable chill.

(Base 4 to chill and object, +1 Touch, +2 Ring)

Solar of Winter’s Cold

Perdo Ignem 25, R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Room

The temperature within the targeted room is lowered to an uncomfortable chill.

(Base 4 to chill and object, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +2 Room)

Ward Against Summer’s Heat

Rego Ignem 10, R: Personal, D: Sun, T: Individual

Target is protected against all normal warm temperatures and supernatural effects inflicting +5 fire and heat damage. Such effects are unable to approach within 1 pace of the target, and will dim as they pass.

(Base 4, +2 Sun)

I was contemplating a version for a castle or tower, but it is more efficient to craft the spell into a device when the  and the intent is to have a stable repeatable effect.

Ward Aganist Warmth (PeIg 34) – A steel outline shapes with intricate snowflake markings, to a hand width.

Tower of Winter’s Cold

Perdo Ignem 30, R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Structure

The temperature within the targeted structure is lowered to an uncomfortable chill.

(Base 4 to chill and object, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +3 Structure) (+4 levels for constant effect trigger)

Finally a stranger effect which I think might serve best as an item to enhance a covenant, being that it is fairly superficial and a little fun.

Soothing Bath

Creo Aquam / Rego Ignem 20, R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Individual

Creates a pool of very warm soothing water which holds it’s unnatural heat and shape; sized to allow 2-3 bathers.

(Base 4, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +1 Rego)

Find 600+ more new spells for Ars Magica in the Grimoire.

Karhu, Agnarr’s polar bear familiar, a sample magical creature

Karhu is a stoic creature. As one of the few magical beasts who inhabit the polar region he has grown used to quiet nights and peaceful landscapes. He was content with simple pleasures of plentiful food and being one of the more powerful beasts in the region. He and Agnarr crossed paths unexpectedly while both were hunting, and neither thought the other appetising. Initially they hunted apart, but the rare occasion when brother bear wasn’t able to quickly fill his belly, Agnarr shared a fresh seal kill. They then watched each other for many days, hunting and continuing to share food. After the initial meeting Agnar returned a few years later and befriended Karhu. Now years later the two are both magically and mentally joined.

Personality – Speaks very little, even to Agnarr. His Ars Magica stats can be found at the foot of this longer post on Agnarr, also repeated below.

Seven Lesser Enchanted Devices for Guards and Watchmen

These are a few enchanted items for Ars Magica grogs, intended to increase their effectiveness. The goal of these items is to make the grogs more efficient without compromising their capacity to respond, which means a range of situational powers is better than one large dramatic one. The powers have many uses per day as they can be used by every member of the guard, if these were designed for a single user they would be slightly lower level.

For example a power which affects the weapons of the grog would be avoided. Powers which affect the grog’s equipment are better as they also avoid warping.

The Seven Charms of the Earnest Guardsmen – this set of steel charms is set upon a life sized oak bust of a grizzled guardsman who is helmed and armored in scratched and worn gear. Each charm is held in place and enchanted separately as a lesser enchanted device. The bust is anchored in place in the watch-house or garrison of the covenant. The charms place enchantments upon the user, allowing a each charm to be used by many members of the covenant.

The items were designed as lesser devices and set together, this way further enhancements could be added over time and items could be replaced if another power was preferred. Each item could also be taken and worn, and each is a two way arcane connection to the wooden bust.

Each power is activated by touching the selected charm with one hand and the target’s chest with the other.

Charm of the Bear’s Hide – a steel chain around the neck of the statue, with a small bear shaped token attached. As per Gift of the Bears Fortitude (Ars p.131) (MuAn 35), (Base 15, +1 Touch, +2 Sun), with +5 for 24 uses per day.

Twin Charms of the Perceptive Hound – two steel cloak pins, shaped for a leaping dog and a sniffing dog, when worn together one jumps the other.

First pin’s effect is Nose of the Bloodhound (MuCo/An 10), (Base 2, +1 Touch, +2 Sun), with +5 for 24 uses per day. This effect changes the target’s nose to be that of a hound, greatly increasing their ability to track by scent and notice unusual odours.

Second pin’s effect is Ears of the Bloodhound (MuCo/An 10), (Base 2, +1 Touch, +2 Sun), with +5 for 24 uses per day. This effect changes the target’s ears to be that of a hound, greatly increasing their hearing abilities.

Charm of the Perceptive Watchman – a full steel helm. As per Eyes of the Cat (Ars p.131) (MuCo/An 10), (Base 2, +1 Touch, +2 Sun), with +5 for 24 uses per day.

Charm of the Resilient Gambeson – a steel brooch set upon the bust’s chest, shaped as a round-shield and decorated with a gauntlet symbol. As per Doublet of Impenetrable Silk (Ars p.118) (MuAn 20), (Base 4, +1 Touch, +2 Sun), with +5 for 24 uses per day.

Charm of Preternatural Growth – a steel pauldron strapped to the shoulder of the bust. As per Preternatural Growth and Shrinking (Ars p.131) (MuCo/AnTeHe 15), (Base 3, +1 Touch, +2 Sun), with +5 for 24 uses per day. The target and their equipment increases in size by one category to a maximum of size +1.

Charm of the Allied Turb – a diamond shaped steel badge worn over the bust’s heart which signifies the covenant symbol. (MuIm 10) (Base 1, +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +1 detailed), with +5 for 24 uses per day. The target’s appearance is altered to match their untransformed form (for those with some of the effects above), and also to be wearing a tunic of covenant colors and symbol. This effect is used in combination with the others to indicate those on duty and also the expiry of the other effects.

Final note: beware the warping some of these items will cause if used regularly. Initially I had a goal to create all the items with no warping, however it proved too difficult.

A new Hermetic Target: Sphere

To affect a single thing requires Individual but it cannot easily affect the area immediately around a thing. A new target Sphere represents the area surrounding a point, creature, or object; based upon the standard size for each form, then increasing with each added magnitude.

Target: Sphere (+1) The spell affects up to or including an area immediately surrounding an object or point. The sphere may define an edge or boundary where the magic takes place, or affect a material within its boundary. Typical range for most sphere spells is Touch. A moving sphere adds one magnitude.

Base size varies with Form, limited as:

• Animal / Corpus – a sphere with a diameter as wide as the creature can reach and step at full extension in all directions. Estimated a sphere with a diameter a pace wider than the arm span of a man. Magnitude increases the sphere diameter by two paces.
• Aquam / Auram / Terram – equal to sphere with the standard mass of Individual, perfectly shaped. There is no Finesse or difficulty check for creating the sphere as it is an intrinsic property of the target. Magnitude increases volume of material as normal.
• Herbam – a sphere with a diameter equal to the target plant at its greater of height or width, or a standard plant, including the root system. Magnitude increases volume by x10.
• Ignem – the distance which the light illuminates or the fire warms effectively as a diameter sphere.
• Imagonem – the area surrounding a point equal to three yards in diameter.
• Mentem / Vim – An area surrounding a point measured as Corpus above.

I can see Sphere being a minor breakthrough to create, and being handy for a range of specific uses, although not overly powerful. The ideas for use are for detection spells around the caster and wards. Other uses are likely possible, but these seem the most thematic.

Sphere of Awareness

Intellego Corpus 15, R: Touch, D: Diameter, T: Sphere

The target can sense other humans within a sphere equal to one pace immediately around them in all directions.

(Base 3 for general information, +1 Touch, +1 Diameter, +1 Sphere, +1 moving sphere)

All the new spells for Ars Magica can be found here.

Spells for cheating at dice and cards

These are spells which manipulate the outcome of games of chance. Perhaps more suited to grogs and companions, or given as enchanted effects in items, or for the utmost advantage to Gentle gifted Magi.

Gambler’s Favored Dice

Rego Terram 3, R: Touch, D: Momentary, T: Individual

The targeted dice, stick, or other random game tool will roll as the caster desires. Game pieces made from other materials require requisites at casting time.

(Base 2, +1 Touch)

It would make rpg games a bit too easy at least.

Gambler’s Favored Throw

Rego Terram 10, R: Voice, D: Momentary, T: Group

The targeted dice, sticks, or other random game tools will roll as the caster desires. Game pieces made from other materials require requisites at casting time.

(Base 2, +2 Voice, +2 Group)

Then as an item.

Fidget for the Unlucky Gambler – this small stone token is shaped like a knuckle  bone, and threaded with a loop of leather so it can be carried on a belt, wrist, or on the neck. It is enchanted with the Gambler’s Favoured Throw spell above, with unlimited uses (Final device level ReTe20; spell as above ReTe10 and Unlimited uses per day), and actived by rubbing the fidget in a particular way.

These are a few spells I’d like my Merinitia to create and use if the pbp game take off again, as it’s sneaky and suits his more subtle approach.

Gambler’s Desired Card

Muto Imagonem 5, R: Touch, D: Concentration, T: Individual

The targeted dice, stick, card, or other game piece is altered visibly to suit the desired outcome of the caster while they concentrate. With care this spell could significantly change the outcome in games of chance.

(Base 1, +1 Touch, +1 Concentration, +1 detailed image, +1 moving object)

Gambler’s Desired Hand

Muto Imagonem 20, R: Voice, D: Concentration, T: Group

The targeted dice, sticks, cards, or other game materials are altered visibly to suit the desired outcome of the caster while they concentrate. Up to ten discrete things may be affected; with care this spell could significantly change the outcome in games of chance.

(Base 1, +2 Voice, +1 Concentration, +2 Group, +1 detailed image, +1 moving object)

To find hundreds more new spells for Ars Magica check out the iron bound grimoire.

Spear of Tempered Ice, a lesser enchanted device

This lesser device was designed to be a limited use and limited lifespan weapon against creatures with magical resistance.

Backstory – Crafted by the ice wizard Agnarr in preparation for returning to a dangerous and desolate locale where he previously fled a linorm wyrm. Agnarr expects that the staff will assist but not guarantee his future safety.

This hardwood staff has been carved with graceful arcs, circles, and scroll-work along its length, then stained and sealed with a black resin. The style was chosen as a nod of respect to the wind wizards in the arctic north who helped save him and his companions.

It makes use of the limited lifespan rules in Ars Magica device enchantment to provide an enchanted item within a single season, otherwise Agnarr could not craft the device in one season. After seeing how handy the boost is for characters enchanting a device, the 70 year limit isn’t really a limit in most sagas, as 70 years is a darn long time in game years.

The basic effect is an improved Dagger of Ice (HoH:S) spell which hurls the ice projectile far more quickly.

Effect: Spear of Tempered Ice (CrAq/Re 46)

Creo Aquam / Rego 20, R: Voice, D: Momentary, T: Individual

As per “Dagger of Ice” (HoH:S p35) altered to be sharper and stronger, inflicting +15 damage.

(Base 3, +2 Voice, +1 Rego requisite, +2 enhanced damage)

Device mods: +5 for 24 uses a day, 70 year lifespan from first use, +21 Pen grants +42 vs MR