HGd10PHB - Spell Aspect - Focus

Focus - Aspect
A spell focus is like a Material Component, however it is not consumed in the casting of the spell. Instead, the focus is used to increase the quality of the spell cast or as an anchor to help cast more difficult spells. There is a chance that a focus can be consumed accidentally in a casting. There is also the opportunity to use up a focus to significantly enhance the spell.

Each focus pertains to a specific Spectrum and only works with spells of that spectrum. Worldshards are a type of focus specific to the Primal Spectra on Loar.

DS to Learn
The potency of the focus available to the caster is determined by a Basic Mysticism Skill roll. The DS to learn is 25 + 1 for every 100 chrusil value of the focus. A Focus of 25 or less doesn't mean the caster doesn't have a Focus, only that it has no material value and does not provide any enhancement to spell casting. Certain spells or caster types require a Focus regardless of value.

''E.g. Amirith has a maximum focus capacity of 800. He wants to be able to use more powerful foci so he rolls his Magecraft and scores a 35. So he is now able to use foci up to 1000 Chrusil in value.''

Focus Enhancement
A focus can be used to enhance a spell during casting. This means that the focus use is often optional for the spell. Quality of the focus is a measure of a number of different properties of that focus, but for game mechanics, that quality is distilled down to its intrinsic monetary value (as opposed to appraised, advertised, or other type of value). The value of the focus can enhance Aspects of a spell beyond what the caster is normally capable of achieving without the focus.

Focus to Reduce Difficulty Score to Learn
A focus may be used to reduce the difficulty score to learn a new Spectrum or Purpose. The focus is not consumed in the learning, and can be used for spells using that Spectrum or Purpose like any other focus. It may not be used again to learn a new Spectrum or Purpose. When attuned this way, that focus may then be used with all spells related to that Spectrum or Purpose to add that bonus to rolls involving them. This bonus is added after the base roll is determined.

For every 1000 chrusil value of the focus, the DS is reduced by 1.

''For example, Amirith is attempting to add the Learn Purpose. He already knows Attack, Defense, and Aid (+10). To learn the Learn Purpose he needs to roll a DS = 10 + 10 + 5 = 25. He comes into possession of a 1000 chrusil focus attuned to the Learn Purpose. He only needs to roll a 24 to learn the Learn Purpose. He may now use that focus to add a +1 to all his Learn spells.''

Required Value
When a Spell requires a focus of a certain value, the difference between the required value and the actual value of the focus used to cast the Spell can be applied to enhancing the Spell as cast. For example, if a Spell requires a 100 chrusil focus, but a 1200 chrusil focus is used, then 1000 of that value can be used to add a +1 to the Spell check.

Consuming a Focus
If a caster desires, they can consume the focus with the casting of the spell to significantly boost the power of the spell. To consume the focus grants a one time value boost to the focus of ten times its actual value. A 100 chrusil focus becomes a 1000 chrusil focus one time and then the focus is no more.

Mounting a Focus
A focus can be mounted on equipment like any other gem. This makes the gem considered available for casting while not having to hold it in the caster's hand.

However, if the focus is consumed, there is the possibility that the equipment the focus is mounted on will be destroyed or damaged. For every 100 chrusil value of the focus, roll 1d10 versus 1d10 for every 100 chrusil of the crafted Value of the equipment. Do not count 1s for the focus roll. If the focus roll is higher than the crafted value roll, the equipment is destroyed. If the difference is lower, divide the roll by 2 and that is the damage done to the equipment. Ignore this partial damage concept if durability rules are not being used.

''For example, Thean has a geoshard mounted on his axe. During an attack, the focus is consumed to produce a particularly powerful effect. The geoshard is a 700 chrusil focus. The axe is worth 500 chrusil. The GM rolls 7d10 for the geoshard and gets 1, 1, 3, 3, 4, 8, 9 and Thean rolls 5d10 for the axe and rolls 1, 5, 7, 8, 10+3. Dropping the 1s, the geoshard rolled a 27 and Thean rolled a 34. The axe is saved but takes 3 points of durability damage and needs some minor repairs.''

Traits and Foibles can further modify the nature and use of foci.

Aspects

 * Casting Time
 * Duration
 * Mystical Energy Reserve
 * Intensity
 * Number of Targets
 * Other
 * Range
 * Shape
 * Focus
 * Verbal Component
 * Somatic Component
 * Material Component

Main

 * Hero's Guild Players Handbook Home
 * Chapter 1 - Creature Kinds
 * Chapter 2 - Base Characteristics
 * Chapter 3 - Skills
 * Chapter 4 - Traits and Foibles
 * Chapter 5 - Physical Combat Skills
 * Chapter 6 - Mystical Skills
 * Chapter 7 - Equipment
 * Chapter 8 - Crafting
 * Chapter 9 - Knowledge Social and Movement Skills
 * Chapter 10 - Optional Classes
 * Chapter 11 - Rules of Engagement