Can I have some help understanding ritual path spell effects?

[Christopher R. Rice]

Originally Posted by Boyboy180

The first example DOES need altered trait? I thought in that example it wouldn't because because it was part of the "Assumed effect."
Or do you mean that if you wanted to do a "Destroy body" lowering of ST it would need altered traits but a buff wouldn't?
I thought that you weren't meant to use altered traits if it was already part of the base description of the effect?

So think of it like this. A spell effect (e.g., Destroy Body) enables the use of a modifier (e.g., Altered Traits, Lowered ST) - you can't have a spell that's just modifiers. You must have a spell effect(s) as well. In addition to that you might need to call the spell Lesser (if it is within bounds for the Path skill's minor effects) or Greater (if it isn't). So a spell that reduces ST might look like this:

Lesser Enfeeble (Attribute)
Spell Effects: Lesser Destroy Body or Lesser Destroy Mind.
Inherent Modifiers: Altered Trait, Decreased (Attribute).
Greater Effects Multiplier: 0 (x1)

This spell grants the subject a -3 penalty to ST, DX, IQ, or HT for the next 10 minutes. This spell is called “Enfeeble ST,” “Enfeeble DX,” “Enfeeble IQ,” or “Enfeeble HT” depending on the penalty bestowed.

Typical Casting: Lesser Destroy Body or Lesser Destroy Mind (5) + Altered Trait, -3 to DX or IQ or ST or HT (6 or 12) + Duration, 10 minutes (1) + Subject Weight, 300 lbs. (3). 15 energy (15x1) (for ST or HT) or 21 energy (21x1) (for DX or IQ).

Originally Posted by Boyboy180

I understand the damage thing easily enough though, thank you.

Excellent.