Gathering Magic

David Altman (izzyux2@mvs.oac.ucla.edu)
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Gathering Magic - A Higher Mystery

After long experimentation and research, scientists at U.C.L.A Occult
Studies have discovered a new derivative skill. The skill was discovered to
be a related derivative power of Centering, but one that was seemingly
available to only Structurally Astrally Sensitized mages of second rank
(Read: Initiate Level 1). This power allows the casting mage to attune to
astral space and "draw" astrally energy previous to casting a spell. The
mage was able to influence, by virtue of his Astral Magico-Gravity, waves of
raw Astral Energy. While more studies are needed, the news would be
extremely exciting, even revolutionary to the field. More updates as they
come in.

Reprint from the Astral Peek Column, of Magickal Proceedings, August 2054

Game Mechanics:

Once a mage (Initiation Level 1) has decided to cast a spell, and specified
a Force Level, he may try to "Gather Magic" in order to make it more potent.
To do this he must relax and go into Astral Space. For every Complex Action
he spends in astral space (up to a maximum equal to his Magic Attribute) he
may try to "Gather Magic". Every action he may roll a number of dice equal
to his Magic Attribute - this represents him using his "sensitivity" to the
threads and currents of Astral Energy- to Gather Magical Force. Target
Number is the Declared Force of the spell. For every 2 success he gathers
one point of magical force. At the end, he MUST cast the spell at the
declared force or loose the spell and the Gathered Magic.

Benifits:

For every point the mage gathers his Drain Target number goes down 1, thus
possibly reducing a spell that would have caused physical damage to stun
damage.

EXAMPLE

Say the mage has an Magic Attribute of 7. He decides to cast a Force 9
fireball. Its combat time, and his crew is badly outnumbered. He declares
all this stuff and goes into astral space to Gather Magic. He spends only 2
complex actions doing this (he's in a hurry) and gets 4 successes. Now he
must cast the spell, which he does, his Drain Target number is now 7. In
addition, he resists the spell as if he had cast it at Force 7 (Drain is
stun, not physical).