The Ancients sometimes saw little difference between the ways
clerics and magic-users cast spells. All things came from the Gods after all,
including magic, so both classes would use similar methods at times. This fact
is reflected in game terms by not only the custom spell lists available in Divinities
and Cults: Volumes I & II, but also in the boons.
Below are a number of other boons available for spellcasters
in your game, so that they can increase the usual chances of a spell’s success
or even attempt greater elaborations (q.v.) Inspired by the historic Greek
Magical Papyri, and all its many cultural influences (in addition to Greek),
here is part 1 for your gaming enjoyment.
More Boons
Appeasement (+1,
+2, or +3): Provide food, drink, and
any other gifts that would appeal to the being that is summoned. The more appeasement
provided and the greater its relevancy, the greater the bonus. This boon only
works for spells that would summon beings, of course.
Scribing (+3 or +5): Carve special characters on a fitting
object to help in the spell. The process usually takes at least 1d20 minutes to
finish the carving, in addition to the time needed to either fabricate or
acquire the object (per Referee). The particular item can then no longer be
used for this boon, if and when the spell succeeds. The higher bonus is given if
the item is particularly valuable.
Smearing (+2): Cover the target’s body with a substance
or substances that match the spell’s intended effect and/or the cultural
tradition of the caster. It takes at least 4d6 minutes to apply and also 1d4
hours to get the unpleasant smell off the target, once the spell is finished. The target suffers a -4 penalty to all Charisma checks, as well as Saves vs. Magic during that time.
