The Quintessential Chaos Mage
The Quintessential Chaos Mage front cover
| Author | Patrick Younts |
| Series | Quintessential Series |
| Publisher | Mongoose Publishing |
| Publish date | 2003 |
| Pages | 128 |
| ISBN | 1-904577-54-7 |
| OGL Section 15 | qcmg |
The material below is designated as open game content
Step Two: Choose an Area Element
All chaos magic spells default to a single target. A chaos mage, however, can extend his power across a wider area, provided he is willing to risk overreaching his ability to control the energy he summons. The complete definitions of the areas of effect listed below can be found in Core Rulebook I. A chaos mage can select any area of effect element, but must modify the casting DC of the spell, as noted below.
Each spell effect can, of course be modified by only one of the following areas of effect:
Single Target (DC +0)
The default setting for chaos weaves, the target may be either the chaos mage himself or another person.
Two Targets (DC +3)
A chaos mage can, if he so chooses, affect two different targets with a single spell. A spell with this area element must be coupled with a range of Touch, Close, Medium, Long or Extreme – the spell affects only those targets which are within its range, meaning spells which require the presence of both targets automatically fail to take effect if both targets are not within reach. This spell failure is independent of the casting check required to successfully weave the spell, meaning a spell which fizzles out due to one target being out of range does not cause backlash. The two targets of the spell must be chosen at the moment of casting.
For example, a minor Movement effect designed to instantaneously swap two beings’ positions will only work if both targets are within the spell’s range. Should only one of the intended targets fall within the spell’s range, then neither target is moved. Conversely, a Direct Damage spell which can affect two targets does not require the presence of both targets – it affects each target independently.
Burst (DC +5)
The minimum burst radius is 5 feet, and the maximum is equal to the caster level x 5 feet. The burst radius is chosen at the time of casting.
Cone (DC +5)
The minimum length of the cone is 10 feet, and the maximum is equal to caster level x 5 feet. The exact dimensions must be chosen at the moment of casting.
Spread (DC +10)
The minimum spread is 5 feet, and the maximum is equal to the caster’s level x 5 feet. The exact dimensions of the spread must be chosen at the moment of casting.
Modifiers to Area of Effect Elements
Once an area of effect element has been chosen, it can be enhanced by the following modifiers. Each modifier comes with its own casting DC, which must be added to the total casting check DC of the spell.
Enemies Only (DC +5)
The spell affects hostile targets only. Note that this does not require the chaos mage know who his enemies are – the magic knows the intent of those within the area of effect.
Allies Only (DC +5)
The spell affects friendly targets only. As above, the mage is not required to know who his enemies are. The magic does, and that is enough.
Chosen (DC +1 per subject)
The caster specifies which creature in the area of effect will not be targeted. Note that subjects so specified do not have to be visible to the caster when they are chosen, though he must be aware of them.
The casting DC modifier is +1 per subject not to be targeted within the area of effect.
Objects Only (DC +0)
Should the caster wish, he can choose to only affect inanimate objects, including those worn or held, without modifying the spell check DC.
