Tower of Shadows: Sorcery

Sorcery Rules

In effect, Sorcery replaces all of the rules for the use of the Force found in Force and Destiny and other Star Wars RPG supplements.

Unless otherwise noted, all of the rules associated with the use of the Force apply to Sorcery. And a summary is as follows:

• Casting a spell through the use of Sorcery is always an Action unless the Spell, Talent or similar specify otherwise.
• Characters with magical aptitude have an Arcane Rating, instead of a Force Rating. Arcane Rating functions identically to Force Rating in all respects and is used in an identical way.
• Characters with an Alignment score of 30 or above, use Results unless otherwise noted by the Spell, Talent, or effect. Characters with an Alignment score of 29 or less use unless otherwise noted by the Spell, Talent, or effect.
• Characters may choose to use Arcane Results other than / but to do so, the Character suffers a number of Strain and Conflict equal to the Results used. The Character must also Spend a Destiny Point.

Sorcery in the Realms

Arcane energies permeate everything within the Realms. While true Magical Objects are rare to the point of Mythical, there are many who possess the ability to call upon the Arcane and perform amazing feats.

The terms Sorcery, Arcane, Occult, and Magic are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Arcane power is known to be divided into two energies, that of the Light and that of the Shadow. While either can often be used to achieve the same effect, the Light is most commonly considered to be a source of inner strength, peace, and order. The Light is also the fundamental foundation of the beliefs of the Holy Church. Its polar opposite is the Shadow. Known to be deceptive and corruption, the Shadow is commonly believed to be a source of aggression and enslavement.

Further, the Holy Church teaches that the Light has a will of its own, driving all of the peoples of the Realms to their destiny. But the Shadow, with it's corruptive influence, actively tries to undermine the will of the Light and twist others to stray from their predetermined path.

Because of this corruptive influence, untrained or unsanctioned Sorcerers are universally feared. Arcane power can turn a common man into a near god, and abuse of that power has driven many to become tyrants, warlords, and villains of every sort. The history of the Realms (such as it is) is filled with such accounts, and these Eclipsed (the term for someone that has been turned to the Shadow) individuals have become the antagonists that legendary heroes have defied and defeated.

Within The Kingdom practicing Sorcery is outlawed unless the practitioner is Sanctioned by either the Throne or the Church. The Throne maintains an organization where it puts such individuals to use - known as the Order of Battle Mages. They are trained within Enclaves scattered throughout The Kingdom, and can be called upon at any time by the Throne, the Court or a member of the local Nobility. When not in such service, Battle Mages are free to travel the lands as they wish. It is customary for any local authority or Nobility to provide a Battle Mage with room and board, if so requested, while they are within their lands.