A core design principle of Alacrity is its unified approach to all supernatural abilities. Whether your character calls upon divine miracles granted by gods (or draws power from dark pacts made with demons), channels the primal forces of nature as a druid, wields the focused inner energy (ki) of a disciplined monk, unlocks latent psionic potential, or casts intricate arcane spells learned from dusty grimoires – all such powers, regardless of their source or flavor, operate using the exact same core mechanics detailed in this chapter.
There are no separate subsystems for divine casters, arcane mages, or martial artists tapping into supernatural reserves. Every extraordinary, non-mundane feat is represented as an Effect. These Effects are learned through gameplay and cost 5 XP each. They are fueled by Mana Points (MP), a resource pool derived directly from the character’s single Magic skill. Activation typically involves spending MP and making a check against that character’s Magic skill percentage. This unified engine ensures consistency and balance across all forms of supernatural expression within the game.
Crucially, gaining access to the Magic skill itself (which costs 20 XP to initiate) requires establishing a Narrative Anchor with the GM first – the in-world explanation for how the character taps into these energies (divine blessing, arcane study, intense discipline, otherworldly pact, etc.). This ensures that the specific flavor and source of a character’s power fit the setting, even while the underlying game mechanics remain consistent for everyone. This approach replaces distinct class-based spell lists with a flexible system where the description and narrative source of an Effect define its theme, while the mechanics stay unified.
This chapter provides the complete rules framework for using these extraordinary abilities. You will learn:
- How characters first gain access to magic by initiating the Magic skill through XP expenditure, tied to their Narrative Anchor.
- How specific powers (Effects) are discovered and learned through gameplay and further XP investment.
- How magic is fueled by Mana Points (MP), how these points are recovered, and the desperate measures available via Heroic Casting when that pool runs dry.
- The process of casting Effects, including using the Magic skill, determining success or failure, and the potential for backlash.
- Rules for maintaining ongoing spells through Concentration.
- Advanced options like group spellcasting (Communion) and the intricate process of creating permanent Enchanted Items.
- Guidance for Game Masters on adapting or creating new Effects suitable for their campaign.
Understanding these mechanics is essential for players wishing to portray characters wielding any form of supernatural power and for Game Masters seeking to integrate such abilities seamlessly and consistently into their world. Remember, in Alacrity, extraordinary power is accessed through a unified system, but its expression is deeply tied to the setting’s mysteries and a character’s unique story.
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File Created: 05/07/2025 Last Modified: 05/07/2025