The Weave of Magic

FROM THE FIRST BREATH, THE WORLD WAS WOVEN. Out of Seraphine's will, the threads of reality intertwined, binding life, magic, and fate in a delicate balance. We who are born of this creation walk upon the Weave, each step a ripple in the fabric of existence, unseen yet ever-present. The world we study is a tapestry of wonder and danger, woven from the very essence of Seraphine herself.
We who seek to understand must chronicle its mysteries, for the power that sustains us is as fragile as it is mighty. Those who harness the Weave must do so with wisdom, lest we unravel the very world we strive to protect. Knowledge is our shield, our guide, and within the threads of the Weave lie both our greatest strength and our greatest peril. — Lecture from the Landrian House of Scholars

The Weave

In Tavomia, the fabric of reality is known as the Weave—a mystical force that connects all things and allows for the manipulation of the world. Unbeknownst to most, Tavomia is not merely a physical realm but the dream of an ancient being called Seraphine. Revered as the creator deity, Seraphine shaped the world and brought forth the gods to govern its various aspects. It is believed she sacrificed herself to protect Tavomia from corruption, and her essence now permeates the world, sustaining its existence.
Magic in Tavomia draws upon this essence—the Weave—enabling spellcasters to alter the very fabric of Seraphine’s dream. Through divine favor, innate talent, rigorous study, or a primal connection to nature, spellcasters tap into the Weave to impose their will upon the world. This act is inherently risky. While minor spells may subtly manipulate the dream, more powerful magic challenges the stability of the Weave and risks unintended consequences.
Spellcasters who harness the Weave must tread carefully. The dreamlike nature of Tavomia means that reality is not as fixed as it seems, and powerful magic can disrupt the delicate balance maintained by Seraphine’s essence. When the Weave resists, spells can fail or produce dangerous anomalies, reflecting the unpredictable nature of a world born from dreams.

Magic is Rare and Revered

Though Tavomia is a high-fantasy world where beings of great power and magic exist, true mastery of magic is rare. The average person might have heard tales of magic or witnessed a cantrip, but those who can wield higher-level spells are few and far between. Even in regions where magic is more integrated, such as Escali—where sorceresses rule—true magical prowess remains rare.
Magic in Tavomia is viewed with a mix of awe and suspicion. While minor magical acts might be seen in towns and villages, high-level magic is another matter entirely. It is often the domain of scholars, priests, and adventurers who have dedicated their lives to its mysteries. Powerful spellcasters are exceedingly rare, and those capable of casting the most potent spells are nearly mythical. The rarity of high-level magic ensures it is a specialized and revered art, treated with caution and respect by those who witness its effects.

Types of Magic in Tavomia

Magic in Tavomia is diverse, with various sources interacting uniquely with the Weave. The practice of magic can be broadly categorized into several types, each reflecting the character and source of its power:

• Divine and Profane Magic: Channeled directly from the gods, this magic reflects their will—whether benevolent or malevolent. Divine magic aligns with principles like growth, protection, and justice, while profane magic involves manipulation, control, or destruction. Those who wield such magic act as conduits for their deities' will, with success or failure often depending on their alignment and intent.
• Inspirational Magic: Powered by belief and conviction, both in oneself and in the faith others place in the caster, this magic is deeply personal and emotional. It draws from the caster's commitment to their ideals or the inspiration they provide to others, relying on their emotional and psychological strength.
• Fey Magic: Rooted in the primal energies of the Fey Wilds, this magic is as whimsical and unpredictable as the Fey themselves. It reflects the chaotic balance of the Fey Courts and the primal forces of nature. Spells influenced by Fey Magic often mirror the ever-shifting moods of the Fey, making it a powerful yet unpredictable force.
• Arcane Magic: Involves the manipulation of raw magical energy through study, discipline, or innate talent. Spellcasters who practice Arcane Magic—such as wizards and sorcerers—bend the Weave to their will, conjuring fantastical effects and reshaping the world around them. This type of magic requires discipline and control, as its volatile nature can lead to unintended consequences.

Reagents and Foci in Tavomia

In Tavomia, the use of reagents—commonly known as spell components—is fundamental to magic. While standard components serve their purpose, the quality and source of these materials can significantly impact the effectiveness of the magic they support. High-quality reagents are not typically available from ordinary vendors; they must be sought out from rare sources, harvested from untamed wilderness, or crafted by expert artisans. Acquiring these superior components often involves quests to ancient forests, perilous journeys into enchanted caves, or dangerous negotiations with powerful entities.
Spellcasters also use specialized items known as arcane apparatus, rune-laid staves, religious artifacts, and other foci to channel their spells. Crafted with great care and infused with powerful enchantments, these items not only function as spellcasting foci but also enhance the caster's ability to connect with the Weave, offering benefits similar to high-quality components.

Spell Crafting in Tavomia

Spell crafting in Tavomia is a meticulous process that involves more than memorizing incantations or gestures. Given the unpredictable nature of the Weave, spellcasters must be precise in their formulation and execution to avoid catastrophic failures. When crafting a spell, they must consider the alignment of the Weave, the potency of their reagents, and the precise words and movements that will effectively harness the Weave’s power. This process is more art than science, blending intuition with extensive knowledge of the magical arts.
The Weave’s fluid nature means that even well-crafted spells can behave unpredictably. The best spellcasters in Tavomia are those who have learned to read the Weave and adapt their techniques to its ever-changing flows. As a result, spell crafting is as much about adapting to the Weave as it is about imposing one’s will upon it. Many spellcasters specialize in crafting unique spells that reflect their personal understanding of the Weave. These spells often carry the mark of their creator, combining traditional magical theory with innovative approaches. Such spells are highly prized, and the secrets of their crafting are closely guarded.

Safety in Spellcasting

Given the unpredictable nature of the Weave, spellcasters in Tavomia have developed practices to mitigate risks and enhance their chances of success. Preparation is key. Spells cast in a calm state, not in the heat of combat or under stress, are less likely to fail, as a calm mind creates a stable connection with the Weave.

In Closing

Magic in Tavomia is both wondrous and perilous, a testament to the world’s dreamlike nature and the enigmatic essence of Seraphine. The Weave binds all things, allowing spellcasters to manipulate reality and shape events. Yet, this power comes with great responsibility and inherent risk. Whether drawing on divine favor, fey whimsy, arcane discipline, or personal conviction, those who weave magic into the fabric of Tavomia must do so with care and respect. In a world where reality is as fluid as a dream, even the smallest ripple can cause unforeseen consequences. Magic in Tavomia is not just a tool but a delicate art—one that demands a deep understanding of the Weave and the wisdom to know when to use it.

Spellcasting Checks

In the world of Tavomia, the act of spellcasting involves a degree of inherent risk. While magic grants extraordinary power, spellcasters must adhere to precise methods and preparations to mitigate potential dangers.
Whenever a spellcaster attempts to cast a spell of 2nd level or higher, or when casting a 1st-level spell using a higher-level spell slot (upcasting), they must make a Spellcasting Check to determine if the spell is successfully cast.
Spellcasting Check Formula: Roll 1d20 + proficiency bonus + spellcasting ability modifier.
Spell Failure DC: The DC for this check is 10 + the spell’s base level + half the number of additional spell slots used (rounded down).
If the spellcasting check fails, the spell's magic falters, causing an anomaly—an unintended and potentially dangerous effect.
Anomaly Roll: The number of d10s rolled for the anomaly is equal to the level of the spell slot used, modified by half the number of additional spell slots expended (rounded down).
Note: Your GM may assign you additional d10s to roll if your character is in an area of Thin Reality. This is covered in more detail under "Thin Reality."
Outcome Determination: The results of the anomaly roll dictate the severity of the unintended effects, ranging from minor magical disturbances to catastrophic failures.

Anomaly Effects Overview

• Minor Effects (1–40): Harmless or mildly inconvenient. The spell works with minor alterations.
• Moderate Effects (41–75): Noticeable alterations. The spell works but not entirely as intended.
• Major Effects (76–100): Significant misfires or unintended consequences. The spell may work in a drastically altered way.
• Deadly Effects (101+): Severe, potentially catastrophic outcomes. The spell may cause dangerous effects, potentially harming the caster and others.

Preparation and Non-Combat Spells

Any spell cast outside of combat and in an environment where the caster has time to prepare themselves, and where they are not distracted, gives advantage on the Spellcasting Check. This is at the GM's discretion; for example, casting in a quiet room with time to clear your mind would give advantage, while casting on the edge of a wind-swept cliff amidst falling debris would not.

High-Quality Components and Foci

Spellcasters who invest in high-quality components or foci—defined as those costing at least 50% more than the standard price and requiring special effort to obtain or craft—gain advantage on the Spellcasting Check.
This rule reflects the importance of careful preparation, emphasizing that a well-equipped spellcaster is less prone to dangerous mishaps.

Crafting New Spells

The creation of new spells is a highly experimental and risky endeavor. When casting a newly crafted spell for the first time, regardless of its level, the spellcaster must make a Spellcasting Check to determine if the spell is successfully cast.
This reflects the uncertainty inherent in forging new magic. A spell is not considered fully researched until it has been successfully cast for the first time. Afterward, the usual rules for spellcasting apply.