Spell Template
Restructuring the Codex
We are currently moving articles around and changing the general structure of the Codex. Please come back later if you get lost!Powerful ability and magical spells.
The spell template is designed to help you build spells and abilities. The prompts point out many aspects a spell or ability might have. In some cases, this template can lead to a more technical article if the focus is on the actual mechanics in an TTRPG or game.
To break through this, you could add a quote of a person witnessing this spell or ability and how they perceive it. An alternative is to describe its cultural significance or how society deals with its consequences. There are, of course, many more options to connect a spell or ability with your world. Describe an organization which heavily uses it or a skilled character who uses this spell or ability as their signature move.
Statblocks
It is possible to associate a statblock to an article. The associated block is then displayed between the article page and the metadata section. You can attach the block with the prompt ASSOCIATED RPG BLOCK under Sections > Footer Sections.
The template has many prompt boxes which can be filled in. Use them for inspiration and to help format your article. Do not feel like you have to fill out all of them!
The terms in the braces below each heading tell you under which tab this prompt appears and what the title of the box is.
The terms in the braces below each heading tell you under which tab this prompt appears and what the title of the box is.
Effect
(GENERIC > EFFECT)
Describe the effect of the spell or ability when used. You could do so with a quote or a bit of prose.
Side/Secondary Effects
(GENERIC > SIDE / SECONDARY EFFECTS)
Some spells might have a secondary effect or a sideeffect. Something that is caused by the primary effect described above. A fireball or acidic fog would create heavy burns while a healing spell could make the target very hungry.
Manifestation
(GENERIC > MANIFESTATION)
How does the effect of the spell manifest in the world? Are there lights? Rune circles? Does it appear out of nowhere? Does it have a smell or makes some kind of sound? Maybe it causes an effect which can only be felt by individuals or species with a specific sense or perception. How would a person of the world describe the manifestation? What kind of language would they use? Is this kind of manifestation something they can experience regularly or something fantastical?
Source
(GENERIC > SOURCE)
Spells or abilities usually use some kind of power source to mannifest its effect. This source can be a deity, laylines, natural energies, life-force, demonic energies, planar energies, mind or soul powers! There are many ways to explain this surge of power! A common trope is the power of friendship.
Discovery
(GENERIC > DISCOVERY)
How was this spell discovered? Was it given to the people by a deity? Was it invented by a mad scientist? Was it lost and then rediscovered in an ancient tome from a sorceress tower?
Related Deity/Higher Power
Related Organizations
Material Components
(TECHNICAL DETAILS > MATERIAL COMPONENTS)
What kind of materials are required to cast the spell if any? There are many possible ways to use this to make a spell or ability harder to use or more specific when it can be used. Does the spell caster need a specific item to cast the spell or use this ability? Is it difficult to procure these materials or items? Where can they be procured?
Gestures & Ritual
(TECHNICAL DETAILS > GESTURES & RITUALS)
Many spells or abilities will involve some kind of gesture, ritual or movement to cast. The more complicated this gets the harder it is to follow along. Is this something secret? Where to the spell casters learn these movements? If someone has a disability that makes it impossible or very hard to make a gesture does that preclude them from spell casting or are there alternatives?
Related Discipline
Use the mention system to link a tradition or profession which this spell or ability is related to.
Related School
Just name the school or link a natural law, an organization or a tradition which this spell or ability is a part of.
Related Element
A related element. Could be a standard thing like fire, water or earth. Or much more elaborate. Use the mention system to link in a material.
Effect Duration
How long do the effects of the spell last?
Effect Casting Time
How long does it take to cast the spell, or manifest the ability?
Range
How far and wide do the effects of the spell affect?
Level
How super-saiyan do you need to be to cast this spell? Is it for an apprentice, a layman, or the lord high unicorn only?
Applied Restriction
(TECHNICAL DETAILS > APPLIED RESTRICTIONS)
Are there any restrictions on the use of this spells? There are many different types of restrictions that could be considered. Are there any legal, social or cultural restrictions on the use of this spell? Who is enforcing these restrictions? Can the spell only be used in a specific location? Or only by people who believe in a deity or members of a species?
Related Prompts
The prompts listed below are part of the Worldbuilding Prompts that can be found under the Community menu. These prompts use the template discussed in this article. Using these prompts is a great way to expand your worldbuilding!
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