Residuum - Physical Magic

Written by DoStuffZ

Residuum Grading System

Residuum is a versatile and potent magical substance obtained by deconstructing existing magical items. It comes in various grades, each corresponding to the power level of the items it can create or enhance.

Grades of Residuum

• +1 Residuum (Low Grade)
  1. Source: Common and Uncommon magical items.
  2. Properties: Can be used to create or enhance items with a maximum enhancement of +1.
  3. Examples of Use: Crafting a +1 weapon or armour, adding a minor magical effect to an item.
• +2 Residuum (Mid Grade)
  1. Source: Rare magical items.
  2. Properties: Can be used to create or enhance items with a maximum enhancement of +2.
  3. Examples of Use: Crafting a +2 weapon or armour, adding a moderate magical effect to an item.
• +3 Residuum (High Grade)
  1. Source: Very Rare and Legendary magical items.
  2. Properties: Can be used to create or enhance items with a maximum enhancement of +3.
  3. Examples of Use: Crafting a +3 weapon or armour, adding a significant magical effect to an item.

Crafting Rules

1. Combining Residuum: Residuum of different grades cannot be combined to create a higher-grade effect. For example, two +1 Residuum cannot be combined to produce a +2 Residuum. Each grade of Residuum is specific to the level of enhancement it provides.
2. Item Creation: When creating a magical item, the grade of Residuum used must match the desired enhancement level. Crafting a +2 weapon requires +2 Residuum.
3. Item Enhancement: Enhancing an existing magical item requires Residuum of the appropriate grade. Upgrading a +1 sword to a +2 sword necessitates +2 Residuum.

Narrative Considerations

1. Rarity and Availability: Ensure that higher-grade Residuum is rare and challenging to obtain. This can involve quests, rare encounters, or significant in-game achievements.
2. Residuum Degradation: Consider introducing a mechanic where Residuum has a limited shelf life, encouraging players to use it rather than hoard it.
3. Magical Source: Tie the creation of Residuum to notable in-world events or locations, making it a sought-after resource that players must actively pursue.

Example Scenario

Your players wish to enhance their weapons using Residuum. They have deconstructed a few magical items and have accumulated some +1 Residuum. Here's how the scenario could unfold:

1. Current Resources: The players have 3 units of +1 Residuum.
2. Desired Outcome: They want to create a +2 weapon.
3. Crafting Process: They realize they need +2 Residuum to achieve this. Their current +1 Residuum cannot be combined to meet this requirement.
4. Next Steps: The players must seek out a rare magical item to deconstruct for +2 Residuum or find another means within the game world to obtain it.

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Residuum Decay System

Residual Magic and Half-Life

1. Residuum is inherently unstable, and its potency diminishes over time.
2. Each grade of Residuum has a specific half-life, representing the period during which its magical essence remains effective.

Grades of Residuum and Their Half-Lives

• +1 Residuum (Low Grade)
  1. Half-Life 8 hours
  2. Decay Rate Loses half its potency every 8 hours.
  3. Example A unit of +1 Residuum collected at dawn will be at half strength by mid-afternoon and nearly depleted by midnight.
• +2 Residuum (Mid Grade)
  1. Half-Life 3 days
  2. Decay Rate Loses half its potency every 3 days.
  3. Example A unit of +2 Residuum will last through several in-game days but will need to be used within a week to retain most of its power.
• +3 Residuum (High Grade)
  1. Half-Life 1 week
  2. Decay Rate Loses half its potency every week.
  3. Example A unit of +3 Residuum will remain potent for up to two weeks, providing players with ample time to plan and execute their crafting.

Handling Residuum Decay

1. Tracking Decay Use a system for tracking Residuum decay, such as marking the in-game time when Residuum is obtained and calculating its potency over time.
2. Residual Power As Residuum decays, its effectiveness in crafting or enhancing items decreases proportionally. For instance, a unit of +2 Residuum that has decayed to half its potency may only be useful for creating or enhancing +1 items.
3. Decay Notification Remind players of the decay timeline during sessions to encourage timely use of Residuum.

Example Scenario

Scenario 1: Immediate Use of +1 Residuum

• Deconstruction Event: The party deconstructs a magical dagger at 10 AM, yielding 1 unit of +1 Residuum.
• Usage Window: They must use the Residuum by 6 PM the same day (8-hour window).
• Crafting Decision: The party immediately heads to their crafting station and uses the Residuum to enhance a weapon before it loses potency.

Scenario 2: Planning for +3 Residuum

• Deconstruction Event: The party deconstructs a rare magical staff on the first day of the month, yielding 1 unit of +3 Residuum.
• Usage Window: They have until the eighth day of the month to use the Residuum (1-week window).
• Strategic Planning: The party spends the next few days gathering additional materials and preparing for a significant crafting session to create a powerful +3 weapon.