GURPS - Magic.pdf

Magic in the
Basic Combat System
These rules give very precise descriptions of
range and area-of-affect, on the assumption that
most campaigns will use some or all of the
advanced combat rules.
But if you are playing without a map, use
these guidelines for “range modifiers” to skill:
Missile spells are always thrown at the
caster’s basic Spell Throwing skill or the DX-3
default. Other combat-type spells are cast at
basic skill if the GM rules the subject is in
“striking range” of the caster. Otherwise,
subtract 3 from the caster’s effective skill.
For other spells: On the rare occasion when a
“mapless” GM needs a precise range or
distance, use those given. Otherwise, just make
it fun!
Special Combat Rules:
Invisibility and
Darkness
In a combat situation where some fighters
can’t see their foes, there will be certain effects
on attack and defense abilities:
Attacker cannot see anything: Attacker must
make a Hearing-2 roll (or use some other
method) to discover his foe’s location. If the
Hearing roll is failed, he may swing at a
randomly chosen hex. His attack roll will be at
-10 (-6 if he is accustomed to being blind), and
cannot be aimed at any particular body part.
Attacker cannot see his foe, but can see his
other surroundings: As above, except the attack
penalty is only -6.
Attacker cannot see his foe, but knows his
location for sure (e.g., defender is in a lone
Darkness hex): As above, but no Hearing roll is
required and the attack penalty is only -4.
Defender cannot see attacker: If the defender
is aware he is being attacked and makes a
Hearing-2 roll, he defends at -4. Otherwise he
gets no active defense at all! If the attacker is in
a hex of Darkness (see p. 58), but the defender
is not, he defends normally since he can see the
weapon coming.
Example: Mordecai is invisible, and fighting
a bandit in daylight. The bandit must make a
Hearing-2 roll to locate Mordecai before each
attack - if he succeeds he attacks at -6.
Mordecai attacks normally and defends
normally. Any defense roll the bandit makes
against an attack by Mordecai is at -4, and if he
misses his Hearing roll he gets no active
defense at all.
Note also that an unseen fighter can safely
try things (stand on a table, lie down, etc.) that
a normal fighter could never do. He may also
just wait in a corner until his foe is exhausted!
The strength of a missile spell depends on the energy put into it. For instance,
a fireball does 1 die of damage for each point of energy used in creating it.
Time to prepare a missile spell depends on the energy put into it; each turn
gives it I point of energy. After completing one turn of concentration, the caster
tries his spell roll at the beginning of his new turn. If he succeeds, the missile has
I point of energy and can be released on that turn; releasing it is a free action, and
the caster can immediately start another spell. Thus, he can cast a 1-point missile
spell every turn.
Or he can hold it and enlarge it! Another second of concentration (no
additional roll required) gives it another point of energy. A third second of
concentration makes it a 3-point missile. This is as big as most missiles can get.
Thus, a wizard could create and release a 1-point missile every turn - or a
2-point missile every other turn - or a 3-point missile every third turn. He may
not aim while he is creating the missile; if he is going to aim, he must take
another turn to do so after the missile is created.
A wizard may keep a missile spell “in hand” after it is ready to throw. He
may move while holding it, or use the Aim maneuver to increase his chances of
hitting. He does not have to release the spell until he wants to. This is the only
sort of spell that can be “held until ready.” A wizard cannot cast another spell
(except a Blocking spell) while holding a missile spell. Blocking spells are at -2
while a missile is in hand, and a critical failure on the Blocking spell causes the
missile to go off prematurely and affect its creator...
If a wizard is injured while he has a missile “in hand,” he must roll vs. Will.
If he fails the roll, he loses control of the missile. A solid missile will simply fall
to the floor, but fireballs, lightning and curses will immediately affect the
unlucky caster!
Blocking Spells
A “blocking” spell is a spell that can be cast instantly as a defense - either
against a physical attack or against another spell. This is the magical equivalent
of a block, parry, or dodge. You may only use one blocking spell each turn. A
critical success on an attack makes a blocking spell impossible.
If you try a Blocking spell, it automatically interrupts your own
concentration. Any spell you were preparing is lost. However, you may
concentrate again when your own turn comes. And if you have an
already-prepared missile spell in hand, it is unaffected. You cannot cast or
enlarge it that turn, but you may retain it for later use.
PRINCIPLES OF MAGIC
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