Spell Matrix Question

[Narl]

Through the use of the Detect Magic spell an adventurer finds an item with a spell matrix. How can they tell what spell matrix it contains? Do they just "know" or does it require casting Analyze Magic?

Just wondering how most GMs play this sort of thing out. Thanks!

[Richard S.]

I'd probably require casting analyze magic to know for sure, though if they knew it was a matrix they could also just try casting it. Whatever runes or other decorations are on it could give a clue too.

[PhilHibbs]

If it's a matrix for a spell that most people are familiar with, like Healing or Bladesharp, I'd just straight out tell them. Something more exotic might require some experimentation. I wouldn't give them a matrix for "Self Immolation 10" as a trap.

I think the process of casting a spell - whether known or in a matrix - is a deliberate one, you see in your mind's eye the nature of the magic as it forms, targeting or directing it as necessary. It might be possible to construct a booby-trapped matrix that creates the illusion of a beneficial purpose whilst concealing a horrendous effect, but that would be a lot of effort. Maybe chaos can corrupt matrixes in this way, though.

[d(sqrt(-1))]

I always thought that without any restrictions placed on the item you'd know the spells when you picked up the matrix.

[g33k]

I'm thinking that a new RQG rule-set might merit a new way of figuring this.  Absent any "official" answer, I am probably going to allow any of several methods...

- Spells to ID the item

- Lore Roles from the same Cult, if any, as created the matrix.  "This matrix has the exact same odd sheen-and-sparkle effect as all my Temple's other Heal-3 matrices... It's really very distinctive!"

- Examination on the Spirit Plane (e.g. by bound or allied spirits, by Second Sight, etc).

Also, I think I want to look at matrix creation rules and so forth for.cues in similar/related bits of the rules, for hints & inspiration.

I don't think it should be terribly onerous, mostly, but neither a "gimme."  Players should routinely expect a bit of time and effort, occasional expense, and even find they occasionally need to adventure or quest if they want to really pin down something obscure.

YGMV

[soltakss]

On 10/18/2018 at 3:48 PM, Narl said:

Through the use of the Detect Magic spell an adventurer finds an item with a spell matrix. How can they tell what spell matrix it contains? Do they just "know" or does it require casting Analyze Magic?

Just wondering how most GMs play this sort of thing out. Thanks!

We always played that holding a spell matrix told you what it was. Otherwise, you just cast it and see what happens.

Analyse Magic works, but you need a specialist for that.

If the item has runes, they might give you an idea of what the matrix is. I would expect a matrix to have the rules associated with the spell as part of its makeup.

[Psullie]

The 'Rune Metals and Magic Crystals' preview mentions this. All crystals need to be attuned to the the user, which takes 1 week. Spell storing crystals that are not attend lose their spells - but can be filled up again. This would make using other peoples artefacts impossible.

[Richard S.]

Just now, Psullie said:

The 'Rune Metals and Magic Crystals' preview mentions this. All crystals need to be attuned to the the user, which takes 1 week. Spell storing crystals that are not attend lose their spells - but can be filled up again. This would make using other peoples artefacts impossible.

Narl's question is about Matrices I believe, not storage crystals.

[Psullie]

Ah, okay...

[Joerg]

2 hours ago, soltakss said:

We always played that holding a spell matrix told you what it was.

Provided you were allowed to use it just for holding it. If it has a specific user condition, only those who fulfill that condition can find out what the spell is without Analyze Magic. They don't need to cast the spell to find out.

2 hours ago, soltakss said:

If the item has runes, they might give you an idea of what the matrix is. I would expect a matrix to have the rules associated with the spell as part of its makeup.

Sure. Which is why an enchanted item can be decorated with almost all the core runes.

It's not like all spirit spells have a clear runic association.