Holding Magic

Dude27492 · 12-15-2010, 04:43 PM

I wanted to know is it possible to hold a magic spell till you need it later on in the campaign, like holding a fireball spell till you need it in combat?

Anders · 12-15-2010, 04:44 PM

Yes. Hang Spell (p.M128) does exactly this.

Diomedes · 12-15-2010, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dude27492

I wanted to know is it possible to hold a magic spell till you need it later on in the campaign, like holding a fireball spell till you need it in combat?

Missile and Melee spells can be held, yes. But you can't cast any other spells in the meantime. Also, if you're in combat, the spell might 'go off' by accident.

pjason · 12-15-2010, 07:19 PM

I agree that Hang Spell is one of the best to do this for missile spells. Counts as one spell on, and costs mana per hour equal to the spells cost. Its activated as a free action, and then the caster pays for the spell and rolls to cast it. As I run a world where artilary mages are common (Elementalists), this spell is used a LOT.

Another alternative that is especially handy for Regular spells cast on yourself or others is Delay (which is a prereq for Hang Spell anyway). Counts as 2 spells on, costs 3 mana every 2 hours. It takes affect the turn after activation, but the spell cost and roll are made up front when the spell is delayed so they can be recovered after casting it in the morning. Very handy for DF mages to delay a Great Haste on the fighter at the beginning of the day and set the trigger to having the fighter say someting (and with my group... its usually an embarassing phase that must be shouted).

Other alternatives may exist... but in my games Hang Spell and Delay is pretty much a prerequisite for blaster mages to keep up with the fighters.

12-15-2010, 04:43 PM	#1
Dude27492 Join Date: Dec 2010	Holding Magic I wanted to know is it possible to hold a magic spell till you need it later on in the campaign, like holding a fireball spell till you need it in combat?

12-15-2010, 04:44 PM	#2
Anders Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden	Re: Holding Magic Yes. Hang Spell (p.M128) does exactly this. __________________ “When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...” Marcus Aurelius Author of Winged Folk. The GURPS Discord. Drop by and say hi!

12-15-2010, 07:19 PM	#4
pjason Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Tucson AZ	Re: Holding Magic I agree that Hang Spell is one of the best to do this for missile spells. Counts as one spell on, and costs mana per hour equal to the spells cost. Its activated as a free action, and then the caster pays for the spell and rolls to cast it. As I run a world where artilary mages are common (Elementalists), this spell is used a LOT. Another alternative that is especially handy for Regular spells cast on yourself or others is Delay (which is a prereq for Hang Spell anyway). Counts as 2 spells on, costs 3 mana every 2 hours. It takes affect the turn after activation, but the spell cost and roll are made up front when the spell is delayed so they can be recovered after casting it in the morning. Very handy for DF mages to delay a Great Haste on the fighter at the beginning of the day and set the trigger to having the fighter say someting (and with my group... its usually an embarassing phase that must be shouted). Other alternatives may exist... but in my games Hang Spell and Delay is pretty much a prerequisite for blaster mages to keep up with the fighters.