Magic

The GM should decide exactly how magic works in their game, what its limitations are, what it can and can't do, and who can use it.  Each magical ability is a skill, as described by the GM. Each individual magic skill should be described vaguely enough that the player has room to tailor it for their character and describe what it does. Each type of magic gets its own Gateway skill, and the GM should determine which attribute they are based on. The GM might limit how many different types of magic you can use. As always, spending experience points on Gateway skills is recommended but not required. 

Alternatively, the GM could determine that all magic comes from Features.  In this case, you simply select the Feature and then you have the ability.  In this case, the description of the Feature should also describe what to roll or when if necessary.  Perhaps the GM chooses to include a skill simply called Magic, or perhaps the results of magic are simply handled narratively. 

A third option is the old “por que no los dos?”  Perhaps some forms of magic come from Features and others are Skills.  The GM is free to determine how much of either option to make use of. 

Passive magic, or magic that is always on, should be a 5-point feature.

This game uses both skills and features for magical abilities. 

When a player learns a magic skill (other than a Gateway skill), they learn one magical ability of that type, and must describe exactly how it works. All magical abilities are subject to GM approval, and the GM may want to provide examples of acceptable powers. If a player wants to use more than one similar ability, they can take the Extra Magic Ability feature so that their skill can have more than one function. 

The player and the GM should also work out when the ability requires a roll and/or what the skill level means in terms of how good you are at this magical ability.  Whenever a roll seems necessary, you roll with that magical skill.  For example, if your game has a skill called Fire Magic and your character uses it to hurl fireballs, then your roll to see if you hit the bad guy with a fireball should be with the Fire Magic skill.

Basically, each magic skill you put xp into can do one thing, and you choose what that one thing is when you first start spending.  If you want your magic to be able to do more things, then you can get the Extra Magic Ability feature.  If you do, then both of your abilities use that same skill check. 

Example

Suppose Maylene puts xp into Command of Animals.  She decides that she wants the ability to sense the emotions of animals.  She spends points until she has a skill level of 13 with Command of Animals, and then works out with the GMs exactly how her animal empathy works.  Later, as Maylene progresses, her power grows. She spends the 2xp on Extra Magic Ability to add another ability to her Command of Animals skill.  Now, she can also use a charm/suggestion effect on animals to get them to help her.  Whether she is attempted to read the animal's emotions, or whether she is attempting to charm them, she rolls with her Command of Animals skill, which has a skill level of 13.  Maylene can spend xp on Command of Animals to increase her skill level, and it would apply to both abilities.  She could also spend xp on Natural Aid to make animals stronger, and then Shapeshifting to turn into an animal herself. 

Magic giving a bonus to Skills

If you would like to make up a magical ability that gives a bonus to a skill, here is a recommended mechanic:  Choose a single skill when you describe your magical ability.  When you roll with that magic skill, you add a bonus to that chosen skill equal to half your margin of success, round up, minimum 1. 

Magic giving a bonus to Attributes

If you would like to make up a magical ability that gives a bonus to an attribute, here is a recommended mechanic:  Choose a single attribute when you describe your magical ability.  When you roll with that magic skill, you add a bonus to that attribute equal to your a quarter of your margin of success, round up, minimum 1. 

The GM may impose limitations on how magic always works in their setting, or players may wish to impose them to help keep it interesting.  Here are some examples of limitations on magical abilities to consider.

• You need a special item.
• It takes a long time to activate. 
• You need to speak magical words.
• It only works during the day. 
• It only works if you are touching the target. 
• It only works if the target is near you. 
• The area of effect is unpredictable. 
• Certain items or substances disable or prevent it.  
• It only works at night. 
• It only works while your are singing. 
• You can’t move while the effect persists. 
• You are vulnerable while you’re using your magic. 
• It takes a lot of your energy to use it. 
• It requires a drop of blood or physically harms you in some way. 
• You need something that belongs to the target in order to effect them.

There are a handful of Features that grant magical abilities.  Look for the keyword Magic (ctrl+F is your friend!) to find them. They won't be listed here for the sake of brevity, but here are the important features for getting magic to work. 

Magical Aptitude

Choose a type of magic; you can now spend points on the skills associated with it, in order to use active abilities of that type. You can only choose one. If you have any Passive Magic, the types must match. Each magic skill gives your character one magical ability of that type (but see also the feature: Extra Magic Ability) Flavor Requirement: For any magical skill you learn, you must write a description of how your character's ability works and any limitations they have.

XP cost: 0
Keywords: Magic, Anyone

Passive Magic

Choose a type of magic. You have some kind of passive, "always on" ability that fits in with that type. It does not depend on a magic skill, hence the cost of this feature. If you have Magical Aptitude or other Passive Magic, the types must all match. Flavor Requirement: Work with the GMs to describe it. You must provide a paragraph on how it works or any limitations your ability has. You may select this feature more than once, but your abilities must fall under the same type.

XP cost: 5
Keywords: Magic, Anyone

Extra Magic Ability

Choose a magic skill. You can use an additional magical ability of that type. You can take this feature multiple times for the same skill or for different skills. Flavor Requirement: State which skill this is for, and describe the new ability along with any limitations it has.

XP cost: 2
Keywords: Magic, Anyone