fatal

Chaos Magic
Aside from mages, all other casters utilize
chaos magic 1 , though few, if any, use this term.
Essentially, practioners of chaos magic posit that
the relationship differs between each caster and the
universe. Due to this difference, what works for
one caster may not work for another. To practitioners
of chaos magic, the most powerful component
is the will. Sorcerers and priests utilize chaos magic
instead of studying mana theories.
Sorcerers discover how to cast spells on accident.
Usually unaware of and disinterested in mana
theories, most sorcerers seem superstitious about
their magic. In addition to accidental discovery, it is
also possible to teach sorcery to others, though
the first precept taught to the
student is that the exact method
that works for the teacher will
probably not work for the student.
More than anything, instruction focuses
on self-exploration. In any case,
each time a sorcerer becomes able to
cast a new spell, the player must determine
whether or not a chant, ingredient,
and ritual are necessary (see below).
Priests receive spells either directly
from their god, or from an
attendant entity. In either case,
spells are granted to a priest in
return for their faith, worship,
and devotion. Most priests receive
instructions during
prayer to
their god.
Typically,
gods inform
their
priests of
what ingredients
and
chants are
necessary to
cast a spell.
Priestly spellcasting is often perceived as personal
or sacred between the priest and their faith. Each
time a priest becomes able to cast a new spell, the
Aedile must determine whether or not a chant, ingredient,
and ritual are necessary (see below). If a
chant is necessary, then it is accomplished by the
priest speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues, also
called glossolalia, is not understood by others, but
consists of a priest opening their mouth while meditating
and allowing spirits or powers of the religion
to shape the words. Priestly chaos magic is more
appropriately referred to as theurgia. Theurgical
magic, a subdivision of chaos magic, is magic that
in-herently involves a religious aspect.
Many creatures have innate
relationships with mana
and are capable of causing
specific magical effects;
such creatures may not,
without study, utilize
other magical effects.
For variations of this
reason, many creatures
endowed
with magic may
use limited selections
of spells -
- they are unable
to cast
spells available
to
mages.
Some do
not need to
cast spells,
but simply
will their
effect to
happen.
Chapter 11: Magic
1. Chaos Magic has been referenced from a publication by Phil Hine entitled “Oven-Ready Chaos” as a summary on the
subject. Chaos Magic is useful to F.A.T.A.L. due to its flexibility, and it is appropriate due to the diversity of historical magical
systems. For more information, see the References section at the end of this book.
495