Motes: Specializing Magic
Motes represent a Magic User’s specialization in spellcasting abilities. Depending on the focus, Motes can alter a spell’s casting method, add flair, change specific parameters, or create entirely new or more powerful spells.
Acquiring and Ranking Motes
Mages acquire Motes using the same systems as New Thieves’ Abilities, Crafting Skills, and Martial Skills (using Ability or Martial Skill rules).
Motes typically come in five ranks:
| Mastery | Mote Rank | Example Glantri Term | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Cantrip | Penny | Basic specialization level. |
| Skilled | Charm | Baccara | |
| Expert | Incantation | Sovereign | |
| Master | Enchantment | Ducat | |
| Grand Master | Grand Mote | Crown | Highest level of specialization. |
(Note: Motes are not like Secret Crafts; there are no success checks unless otherwise specified, and their nature can be public or secretive.)
Applying and Researching Motes
Each application of a Mote requires the Mage to research the spell with the new Mote applied.
- No Experience Gain: Since the Mage is working with an already known spell, no experience points (XP) are earned from this research process.
- Loss of Original Spell: By tapping into the essence of the spell to apply the Mote, the original, unmodified version of the spell is lost. It can no longer be cast from the Mage’s spellbook or research library.
- Relearning the Original: If a Mage wishes to relearn the lost original spell, treat the research requirements (time, % chance) as if the spell were three levels higher than its actual level. Any XP earned during this relearning process is applied as a penalty to the Mage’s total experience.
List of available Motes:
Prestidigitation
Hexing Motes
Ley Lines
Ritual Casting
Focal Motes
Agility Training
Conjure Companion
Mandragora
Meditation
Quick Casting
Mana Casting
Combat Casting
Silver Tongue
Lingering Effect
Channeling
Spell Combination
Glamor
Arcane Healing
Knowledge Arcana
Abjuration
Conjuration
Divination
Enchantment
Evocation
Illusion
Necromancy
Symbiotic Casting
Scriptorial Sorcery
Ochalean Seals
Ochalean Ki
Ochalean Calligraphy
Elven Bow Casting
Elven Longsword
Blood Magic
Spirit Binding
Archaic Cantrips
Artisan’s Infusion
