Erick arrived at the [Mend]+[Cleanse] job full on mana. He knocked on the large front door. Thanks to [Meditation 7] he could walk and regen at the same time, but he was already on his 6th mana bar of the day. He was doing too much. Bed time could not come soon enough… But…
Where would he sleep tonight? Would Al really add a third floor to the Sewerhouse, making space for Jane and Erick? That would be good enough for him, but Jane wanted—
The door opened. The sounds of screaming kids filled the street.
"WHAT!"
The pink dragonkin woman standing in the front door looked chastised as soon as she yelled the word. Red paint marred her face and shirt. Blue paint accented her trousers and hair. Yellow paint was, simply, all over. Her face, her hands, her entire self, had been messed by…
And here came the screaming dragonkin kids themselves, similarly looking like a Jackson Pollock painting, all of them every color of the rainbow, each one with different colored scales. Each of them wearing what had once been nice clothes.
Really nice clothes.
Erick looked around him. He was in a nice part of town. This was a big house. They were rich people.
Ah. Mana Exhaustion. He really shouldn't walk around like this. He should have noticed the neighborhood before now. Was he dressed properly for this sort of place? No. Not in the least.
"Hume—" She cut herself off, saying, "Welcome to the Atriz house— Stop that, kids." The screaming kids were pulling at Pinkscale's clothes. She gently batted them away, speaking over the screams, "Are you from the Mage's Guild? You really should wear your badge in view."
"Oh!" Erick pulled out the badge from behind the collar of his shirt. "Sorry about that. I'm Erick Flatt from the Mage's Guild here for a CL job at the Atriz house. I apologize for my manners and appearance. It's been a long day. I'm a bit out of it."
Pinkscale laughed loud. Tears trickled. She stopped herself before she started to cry.
Something happened among the kids and all five of them tore off, back through the house, screaming as they went, playing with each other in some strange, kid-like way. Why did they run away? Did Erick say something he shouldn't have? Oh, no. Erick was really out of it. He shouldn't have taken this job—
Pink lady didn't give him a choice. "Thank all the gods and demons you're here." She stretched back, head to the sky. "Please, [Cleanse] me, right now. Big as you can. Grab as much of the house as you can."
Shaped [Cleanse].
Thick air washed over Pinkscale, evaporating paint, continuing into the rest of the house like a stiff breeze. Unwanted paint footprints vanished from the wooden floor as hand and clawmarks disappeared from the papered walls.
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="217">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<p align="center"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Mana Shaping Level up!</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Aurify unlocked!</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100%">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Aurify 1</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Transform an AOE spell into a semi-permanent effect surrounding yourself, based upon the parameters of the Aurified spell. Increase an instantaneous spell to a 1 second duration in order to create an aura.</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Able to support 1 aura at a time.</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 0/10000</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
If that's level one, it can't level like a normal skill. Right?
Pinkscale sighed in relief. "That feels so much better." She smiled, ushering Erick inside. Erick walked two steps into the house. It was air conditioned, of course. "Wait here while I make this a bit easier. The Guild can never send enough of you guys." The sounds of screaming, giggling, laughing kids began to return, like a police siren coming up from behind. With her voice a gentle warble, Pinkscale called to them, "Come here, kids! Meet the nice man."
They screamed and laughed as they came forward.
The lead kid stopped, proclaiming, "He's a cleaner! Run away!"
"[Cleanse] them, now!" Pinkscale pointed. "Now!"
The kids yelped and rushed to flee.
[Cleanse].
Pinkscale laughed as thick air washed over the kids and that whole section of the house, turning paint into a mirage, dirt into nothing, and screams of laughter into tortured sighs and drawn out 'why!'s. The kids stopped in their tracks to pull at their clothes.
Pinkscale whipped a hand through the air. The air around the kids warped, a sphere of clear-something trapping them all together.
Silence descended, but the kids were obviously still yelling. All five of them pounded on the surrounding invisible sphere with their tiny fists, clawed at something, doing no damage. Two of them wailed, silent to Erick, as they crashed to their butts.
"Ah! Some quiet!" Pinkscale said, "I'm only allowed to do that for half an hour a day so we gotta hurry."
One of the kids, Goldscale, had pulled out what was probably a pocketwatch, or something similar. Goldscale kid waggled his finger like a metronome at Pinkscale and Erick, as he held up the probable-watch.
Pinkscale pulled Erick along.
A whirlwind tour of the house demanded 270 mana spent on [Cleanse], 120 on Mana Shaping, and 150 on [Mend]. He had to Meditate for a bit in the middle there to make it all the way through Pinkscale's CL job.
With ten minutes left on Pinkscale's [Force Wall] cage, the job was over, the house was clean. She signed Erick's work order as she begged him to come back tomorrow, preferably after dinner. When everything was done, she dismissed the [Force Wall] surrounding the kids.
Two of them were napping but they were quickly roused by their compatriots to once again terrorize Pinkscale and the rest of the house.
Pinkscale stood in the open doorway. "You were great. Thanks, Mister Flatt."
"Glad to help." Erick stood outside. "By the way, what was your name?"
Pinkscale said, "Redalia. Sorry. I thought I told you?"
"You might have." Erick smiled. "It's been a long, long day."
"Don't I know it. Thankfully, Paint Day is only once a month at the Atriz house. Good bye."
- - - -
Erick trudged into the Mage's Guild with his completed job order and handed it to the receptionist.
The Atriz job was worth 3 silver. No tip. They didn't do tips in Spur, and the receptionist was a bit stiffer after Erick asked. Erick accepted the cash payout to lessen the dent of 1 gold it cost to sign up for the mage guild. Tomorrow he would do several of these jobs and direct deposit it all.
He left the Mage's Guild feeling lightheaded, exhausted, and hungry.
When he arrived at the Sewerhouse and saw Jane alive, he felt a lot better.
Jane was more than just alive, too. She was highly successful in her first hunt. Where did she hunt? In the sewers, of course. She had found 5 slimes, two with above average cores, and a rusted sword that Al mended to perfection. It was better than her knife!
She had turned the cores into the Adventurer's Guildhouse for a 1 gold quest completion, 10 gold for the pair of large cores, and 9 gold for the three smaller cores. She had brought a bottle of wine and part of a pig with most of her earnings. How she carried 200 pounds of meat through town was beyond Erick, but 20 Strength had a bit more of an effect than just more HP. Al was already chopping the pig up for dinner. He would be cooking tonight; Savral was out on an adventure in the Dead City.
As they sat down to eat, Erick said, "You did really good, Jane."
"She did!" Al raised his glass. "To your first hunt!"
Jane raised her glass, first to Al. "I couldn't have done it without you, Al. Thank you for everything you've done for both of us." She turned to Erick. "And you, Dad. I'm so glad you ended up on Veird with me. If you hadn't… I think I might have ruined any chance for a good life here, trying to get back home. I love you, Dad."
Al smiled at both of them, but remained silent as tears began to well in Erick's eyes.
Erick raised his own glass to clink Jane's, and Al's. "I'm glad we survived."
"To more than survival!" Al shouted, "To the future!"
"To the future!" Jane agreed.
"To the future!" Erick said.
Dinner was great. Wine was delicious.
"Oh yeah. Al? I got Aurify today. That's a funky looking experience requirement for level 1."
"What is it?" Jane asked.
Al smiled, then said, "Level 2 Aurify needs 10000 experience. It looks like a lot, but it's not. You don't get experience from Aurify, either. There are a few other funky skills like that out there, but I doubt you'll run into them."
Jane 'huh'd.
"Well that's a shame," Erick said. "I was hoping for a huge level boosting skill."
Al laughed. "Everyone would be an aura mage! It's 1 million experience for level 3, which is the last level, but the final level isn't that important. It's only two auras at once. The second level of Aurify is the good one. Aurify 2 lets you chose who is affected by your aura, or not, and doubles the range of your auras. Tripling your range at level 3 doesn't feel that much different than level 2."
Jane declared, "Funky skill!"
Erick said, "Now if only casting all this magic didn't grind me down like a toddler after a snack."
Al started, "Sci—"
"Scion of Focus means no Mana Exhaustion," Jane continued, smiling.
Al laughed. Erick chuckled.
Jane said, "I'm scouting housing tomorrow. I want you to come with me, Dad."
Erick smiled. "I'd like that."
"But it's late and all the hotels are too far away! You sleep here tonight."
"Thanks, Al."
"Thank you."
- - - -
Earlier in the day, Al had spent all of 4 seconds Aurifying a Mana Shaped [Mend] for 510 MP per second, inside of his office. Every scrap of paper that had been burned, every fragment of his desk, everything that had been trashed in the attack, was remade in those 4, short seconds.
Part of what Al recreated were the papers and notes he had given Erick.
Erick spent some time after dinner lying on his couch, reading those papers, while Jane snored softly on the couch next to him. They were abbreviated lists, curated by Al, and with a few of his personal notes strewn throughout. One of the lists was of skills that gave a hint as to the greater workings of the Script. He went over that list first.
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="831">
<tbody>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Skill </span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Effect</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Cost</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Requirements</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Strike 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Hit for damage + damage</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Variable </span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 STR</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Defend 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Take a % less HP damage</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Variable.</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 STR</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Strong 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>2x-3x HP</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>passive</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>20 STR</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Scion of STR</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Quadruples HP, no other effect</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>passive</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>50 STR, can only pick one Scion ability</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="831">
<tbody>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Skill </span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Effect</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Cost</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Requirements</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Second Wind 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>HP recovery per day becomes per minute for 1 minute.</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>1/2 HP cap level 1, 1/10th cap at level X</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 VIT</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Precision 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Lower HP cost of skills by 5% to 50%, Favored Attack for extra 25% off for 4 selected attacks</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>passive</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 VIT</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Enduring 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>2x-3x natural HP regen </span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>passive</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>20 VIT</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Scion of VIT</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>4x natural HP regen, no healing fatigue.</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>passive</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>50 VIT, can only pick one Scion ability</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="831">
<tbody>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Skill </span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Effect</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Cost</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Requirements</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Mana Shaping 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Alter spell AOE </span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Variable</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 WIL, </span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Mana Altering 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Alter spell effects</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Variable</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 WIL</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Discipline 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>2x-3x MP</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>passive</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>20 WIL</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Scion of WIL</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Quadruples MP, no other effect</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>passive</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>50 WIL, can only pick one Scion ability</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" valign="top" width="819">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><em><strong>You need all of these except Scion of Willpower.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="831">
<tbody>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Skill </span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Effect</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Cost</span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Requirements</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Meditation 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>You are at Rest while Meditating. </span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Free. </span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 FOC. </span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Clarity 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Lower MP cost of all skills by 5% to 50%, Favored Spell for extra 25% off for 4 selected spells</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Passive. <em><strong>You</strong></em><em><strong> need Clarity eventually. </strong></em><em><strong>Buy</strong></em> <em><strong>after you pick </strong></em><em><strong>your </strong></em><em><strong>attack spell.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 FOC, </span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Concentration 1</span></p><span class="cjQ4NjZkNzBkYzcwNTQ4NWRhNDZiYmIzZjE1OTBlMWYw">
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
</span>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>2x-3x natural MP regen</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Passive </span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>20 FOC</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td height="48" width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Scion of FOC</span></p>
</td>
<td width="275">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>4x natural MP regen, no mana exhaustion.</span></p>
</td>
<td width="163">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Passive </span></p>
</td>
<td width="220">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>50 FOC, can only pick one Scion ability</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Clarity was nothing special. Just less MP costs. Cheaper spells were absolutely needed to keep an aura up for long, but Clarity wasn't important right now. First level gave a Favored Spell, too. He could save up his Favored Spells, but that seemed like a waste.
He glanced at Jane, tucked in to herself, sleeping on top of five pillows and under her blanket.
Maybe I should go hunting slimes with her tomorrow. I still can't believe that she was out killing monsters and making so much more money than I did. But that's what risking your life does for you. I'm not about to start killing monsters for money, though.
But if those Incani attack me… Ugh. Not great.
He read Al's attack spell list. He needed one of those. Probably Shrapnel.
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="831">
<tbody>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>Force Bolt</u></span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>A bolt of mana unerringly strikes a target for 10 + ½ WIL damage</u> <em><strong>if you can't aim, take this.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>5 MP</u></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>Force Shrapnel </u></span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>Sharpened forward blast of mana for 5 + ½ WIL damage</u> <em><strong>Take this as soon as you can. If you've the personal skill, the shrapnel can be Mana Shaped to all strike one target.</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><em><strong>B</strong></em><em><strong>asis of much of an Auramancer's </strong></em><em><strong>arsenal. </strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>5 MP</u></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Force Wave</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>A pulse of rolling mana for 15 + ½ WIL all around you.</span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>15 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Force Bomb</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Launch a ball of tightly packed mana that explodes on contact</span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>25 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>Force Beam</u></span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>A thin beam of piercing, slicing mana</u> <em><strong>Can you aim?</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>25 MP</u></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Force Trap</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>A meter-wide trigger mechanism explodes into damage Z</span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 MP + Z</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Force Crash</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Rain AOE destruction from on high. <em><strong>Better than Force </strong></em><em><strong>Bomb</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>50 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Force Wall</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Create a stable, stationary wall of hardened mana.</span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>25 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Force Platform</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Create a mobile platform of hardened mana that moves with you</span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>25 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Conjure weapon</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Create an unbreakable weightless weapon</span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>50 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Conjure armor</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Create unbreakable weightless basic body armor on yourself</span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>50 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Conjure item</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Create an unbreakable non-specific item</span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>50 MP +variable</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Envelop item</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Envelop an item in unbreakable mana. </span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>50 MP +variable</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Utility spells…
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="831">
<tbody>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Name</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Description </span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Cost</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Cleanse</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Remove Toxins, Disease, Filth, and Corruption in an area</span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Mend</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Repair objects</span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Prestidigitation </span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Create small magical effects, <em><strong>Can cook with this and cause lights to attach to your person </strong></em><em><strong>and walls</strong></em><em><strong>. </strong></em><em><strong>U</strong></em><em><strong>seful, but not recommended.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Mage Hand</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Move small objects for a time</span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Identify</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Discover the properties of an object <em><strong>touch range! </strong></em><em><strong>Don't go touching magical objects if you don't know what they are!</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>50 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Tongues</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Speak and Hear in any language <em><strong>Registrar Only. Sad.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>25 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Create Food and Water</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>As it says in the name. <em><strong>Registrar Only. Very Sad</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>variable</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Ward</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Prevents damage in an area + more</span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 MP + variable</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Invisibility</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Light passes through you, except for your eyes <em><strong>Certain cultures don't like you to have this, </strong></em><em><strong>like human and incani</strong></em><em><strong>. If you do, you are ostracized. </strong></em><em><strong>Spur is not one of them, but you are required to report that you have this skill. Also, human and incani are the two cultures who use this the most.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>100 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>Blink</u></span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>Instantly move from one location to another within sight</u></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>25 MP</u></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>Teleport</u></span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>You and [hands] number of people reappear in a known location</u></span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><em><u><strong>Must have Blink 10 for Teleport to appear for purchase</strong></u></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>250 mana per person</u></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
And yet more skills and spells.
Spells, other:
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="831">
<tbody>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>Telekinesis 1</u></span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>Move a small object with your mind. </u><em><strong>Might be good. Your choice, of course.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>10 MP + variable</u></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Control Item 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Control a non-living object to move how you want</span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>5 MP + Weight in KG</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Fabricate 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Using provided materials, create an object you know how to create. <em><strong>Supposed to be Registrar Only, but it's not. Good luck finding a teacher.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>50 MP + variable</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Duplicate 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Using provided materials, create a copy of an object. <em><strong>Supposed to be Registrar Only, but it's not. Good luck finding a teacher.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>50 MP + variable</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Telepathy 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"'>Communicate with the minds of people you know. 1 connection available per level. Unwanted connections are harmful to caster. </span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"'>1 MP per minute + Variable</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Conjure Force Elemental</span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Conjure a non-intelligent monster made of hardened mana to attack your enemies for 1 minute per spell level. <em><strong>Very stupid creature. Hard to make good, but can be done. I have witnessed very impressive summons before.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 MP level 1 </span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>100 MP level 10</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Dispel </span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Uncreate an ongoing magical effect <em><strong>Situational. </strong></em><em><strong>Hard to say if it's good or not. </strong></em><em><strong>Better for Scion of Willpower than Focus</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>MP of spell you're trying to Dispel</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Induce Emotion</span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Induce an emotion in yourself and then the target. <em><strong>Restricted </strong></em><em><strong>by law and by Script</strong></em><em><strong>. Mind Magic is frowned upon by most cultures, </strong></em><em><strong>so don't buy stuff like this</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>25 MP, minor, 100 MP major.</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Find Target </span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Find a target near you. <em><strong>The basis for many homing spells. EXPENSIVE</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>5 MP + 5 per square meter searched</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Interception </span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Take an attack meant for another. <em><strong>Jane might like this.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>5 MP + 5 MP per meter moved to intercept</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Detect Magic</span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Detect ongoing magical effects <em><strong>Good? Probably.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 MP, aoe pulse </span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Grow</span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Cultivate a single plant, or induce growth in an area. <em><strong>Absolutely necessary for Mage Guild work. Do you need it? Your choice.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>5 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>Stoneshape</u></span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>Control a minor volume of stone and dirt for 1 minute per spell level</u>. <em><strong>Necessary for construction work</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><u>10 MP, same growth as telekinesis </u></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Watershape</span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>``, but water</span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>``</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Airshape</span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>``, but air</span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>``</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Fireshape</span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>``, but fire <em><strong>None of these create, just control </strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>``</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Lightshape</span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>``, but light <em><strong>Useful for fighting in Ar'Kendrithyst, but not directly. </strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>``</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="139">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Shadowshape</span></p>
</td>
<td width="470">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>``, but shadow <em><strong>Useful for fighting in Ar'Kendrithyst</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="190">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>``</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
And then, of course, there were some healing spells, though these came with a message attached at the beginning. Erick didn't think he was going to get many of these, and certainly not right now.
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100%">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><em><strong>You can pick one healing spell with no worries, but multiple healing spells require Registrar or priestly approval. Pick carefully, or not at all. I would stick to a high mana personal [Ward]. You'll see why when you get to [Ward X]</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="831">
<tbody>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Rejuvenation 1</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Touch a creature, heal 5 HP + ½ WIL per second per level of spell. <em><strong>One of the best. Consider it, but you don't need it.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>5 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Healing Word</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Speak, and heal 25 HP + ½ WIL <em><strong>Very fast casting spell. </strong></em><em><strong>Most spells take a second or so to activate. You can cast this as fast as you can speak.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>10 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Healing Beacon</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Stationary light orb heals all in range for 10HP per second, per level of the spell, for 1 minute. <em><strong>Heals ALL. Don't use in combat.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>25 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Heal</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Touch a creature, instantly heal 50% HP <em><strong>Have to have clearance from a god or other similar entity to get this spell. Cannot buy it.</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>5 MP per 50 healed.</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Soothing Light</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Instantly put willing target into state of Rest, removes pain.</span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>25 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Treat Wounds</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Heal long term damage for a single target over the course of a day; restoring limbs, fixing teeth, etc. Restore all HP over 24 hours. Damage breaks effect. <em><strong>Don't buy. Go to a priest or doctor</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>50 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="131">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Mass Treat Wounds</span></p>
</td>
<td width="523">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Heal long term damage for all in range over the course of a day; restoring limbs, fixing teeth, etc. Restore all HP over 24 hours. Damage breaks effect. <em><strong>Only a priest or doctor can get this</strong></em></span></p>
</td>
<td width="145">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>100 MP</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
There were entirely too many options. What should he pick? There were thousands of basic spells out there; the ones on these papers were just a part of Al's curated list. There were undoubtedly more attacks than just [Strike], too.
What sort of build was Jane planning? What skills has she bought lately?
…
… Erick bought Mana Altering, Force Shrapnel, and Force Beam, before he could talk himself out of it. And then he bought Clarity, which prompted a Favored Spell, which, thankfully, he could put off selecting.
As hovering boxes appeared and disappeared, Erick had a thought.
I think I made a mistake.
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="300">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="5" valign="top" width="288">
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><strong>Erick Flatt</strong></span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Human, age 48</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Level 9, Class: None</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 1713/5500</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Class: -/-</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Points: 4</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="86">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>HP</span></p>
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="80">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>90/90</span></p>
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="102">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>150 per day</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="86">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>MP</span></p>
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="80">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>532/532</span></p>
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="102">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>554 per day</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="86">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Strength</span></p>
</td>
<td width="58">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>9</span></p>
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="58">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>+0</span></p>
</td>
<td width="57">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>[9]</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="86">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Vitality </span></p>
</td>
<td width="58">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>15</span></p>
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="58">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>+0</span></p>
</td>
<td width="57">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>[15]</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="86">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Willpower</span></p>
</td>
<td width="58">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>20</span></p>
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="58">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>+0</span></p>
</td>
<td width="57">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>[20]</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td width="86">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Focus</span></p>
</td>
<td width="58">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>20</span></p>
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="58">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>+0</span></p>
</td>
<td width="57">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>[20]</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="5" valign="top" width="288">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'><strong>Favored Spell waiting!</strong></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100%">
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Concentration 8</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Multiply your base MP regen by 2.77</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Requirements: 20 Focus</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 1055/3400</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td height="93" valign="top" width="100%">
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Discipline 7</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Multiply your base MP by 2.66</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Requirements: 20 Willpower</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 1886/2100</span></p>
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</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100%">
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Clarity 1</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Reduces spell MP costs by 5%</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Requirements: 10 Focus</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 0/100</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100%">
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Mana Shaping 5</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Alter spell AOE in better, subtle ways, 10 MP + spellcost</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Alter spell AOE in better, moderate ways, 30 MP + spellcost</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Aurify Unlocked</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Requirements: 10 Willpower</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 140/800</span></p>
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</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100%">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Aurify 1</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Transform an AOE spell into a semi-permanent effect surrounding yourself, based upon the parameters of the Aurified spell. Increases an instantaneous spell to a 1 second duration in order to create an aura.</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Able to support 1 aura at a time.</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 0/10000</span></p>
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</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100%">
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Mana Altering 1</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing Damage</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 0/100</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="832">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="820">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Meditation 7</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>You are at Rest while Meditating.</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Afflicted ailments: Normal movement, small actions/spells.</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Requirements: 10 Willpower</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 926/2100</span></p>
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</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100%">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Cleanse 5, instant, short range, 10 mana.</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Purge an area equal to the level of the spell in meters of all Toxins, Disease, Filth, and Corruption. </span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 460/800</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100%">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Mend 4, instant, touch, 10 mana</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Touch a non-magical medium sized object, or small complicated, and restore it to its prime.</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 200/500</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100%">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Ward 6, instant, short range, 24 hours, </span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Create a Small Ward that can have Minor Effects, or prevent Z damage from attackers. 10 MP + Z</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Create a Small Ward that can have Small Effects, or prevent Z damage from attackers. 15 MP + Z</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Create a Special Ward. Variable Cost</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Create a Medium Ward that can have Small Effects, or prevent Z damage from attackers. 20 MP + Z</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Create a Medium Ward that can have Medium Effects, or prevent Z damage from attackers. 25 MP + Z</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Personal Ward: Any Ward of any type can be made Personal, to move with you. Original Cost x2</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Minor Effects: Bug Ward, Temperature Ward, Alarm Ward</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Small Effects: Visual Disruption, Audio Disruption, Weather Ward</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Medium Effects: Area Hostile Visual Disruption, Area Hostile Audio Disruption</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Special Ward: Eschew all other effects in order to shape, color, and illuminate a ward however you can. Skill at mana manipulation determines final outcome. </span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 987/1300</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100%">
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Force Beam 1, instant, medium range, 25 mana</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>A piercing, slicing beam of hardened mana that deals 25 + ½ WIL damage for 1 second</span></p>
<p align="left"><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 0/100</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="chapter-table" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="100%">
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Force Shrapnel 1, instant, short cone, 5 MP</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Sharpened forward blast of mana that deals 5 + ½ WIL damage in a cone</span></p>
<p><span style='font-family: "Linux Libertine Display G"; font-size: 1.1em'>Exp: 0/100</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Damn. That's a lot of little boxes.
… I hope I can aim!
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