Spells

Not all Domains provide access to spells, but those that do follow these shared rules.

Spells are written on Feature cards, just like other Domain abilities. They must be concise enough to fit entirely on a card, and clear enough to be usable at the table without looking up extra rules.

Each spell includes tags to help identify its nature and usage. One of the following magic source tags is required:

• Arcane
• Divine
• Nature

These source tags define the type of magic involved. Domains that grant spellcasting will specify which spell types they can access.

Additional tags may include:

• Evocation, Illusion, Healing, Movement, etc.
• Ritual – can be cast without a slot if time and tools permit
• Reaction – may be used off-turn if the caster is allowed to react

All spells include an Action Cost, expressed in terms of the system's Action Load mechanic. This defines how many actions or how much effort the spell requires to cast.

Examples:

• 1 Action – costs 1 point of Action Load
• 2 Action – costs 2 Action Load points (more effort or complexity)

Some spells include optional enhancements that increase Action Load for extra effects. These will be described clearly in the spell text, such as:

“You may choose to increase your Action Load by 1 to fire an additional dart.”

Optional costs are never written into the base Action Cost line. Only required costs appear there.

The casting resource system is determined by the Domain. Domains interpret this according to their own rules. For example:

• Pact Domains use a small number of high-Tier slots that refresh on a short rest
• Arcane Domains may use a Vancian slot system, with multiple spells per day per Tier
• Divine Domains might use a roll-to-cast system and track individual spell failures
• Mana-based Domains may assign a point cost per Tier and draw from a common pool

Each Domain’s base card defines:

• The available Tiers
• The number of spell uses or slots
• The refresh method (e.g. rest, ritual, daily)

Domains may also provide rules for regaining or recovering spells during play.

Cantrips typically do not consume spell slots or mana. They may be cast freely each turn, subject to:

• Action Load limits
• Aspect requirements (some cantrips may perform poorly if your Aspect is too low)

Some passive or always-on spells may be marked as:

• Spell Cost: Free – requiring no action or resource to maintain

Some spells include scaling effects when cast using a higher Tier slot or resource. This will be listed in the spell’s description under “Upcasting” or “Enhancements.”

Domains that offer spellcasting will explain how to prepare, learn, cast, and recover spells. The rules here define the common structure all spells share across the system.