Spell Research System

The time taken to perform research is always unpredictable. It takes two weeks just to get organised and a further one-week for each failure. Once a successful result has been achieved then the Mage may still wish to continue their efforts in order that the spell may be further refined: in this case Failure results (other than Total Failure) are simply treat as no further result. Having a competent research assistant may reduce this time by up to 20%.

Assuming that the new spell is well founded the chance of success is given by the following formula:

{Researcher Specialism Level + 1} x {Mage's Level + Int-9 + (1=Spellcraft) } / Spell's Level

The Mage now rolls a d20 and adds this to the value calculated above, before consulting the following table. A score of 20 or more indicates a good result, but a roll of 1 always indicates a Total Failure.

Spell research costs 50 GP per week per spell level. Additionally the Mage requires exclusive access to a laboratory, these cost about 1000 GP per spell level to set up. This is a one off cost and existing labs may always be upgraded.

Score	Result
10 or less (or a 1 Rolled)	Total Failure. Complete Impasse until the Mage's Int or Level increase.
11	Failure - Material Components inappropriate, must start research from scratch.
12	Failure - Area of Effect must be reduced.
13	Failure - Approach weak, targets will have an improved saving throw.
14	Failure - Duration will be reduced.
15	Failure - Range will be reduced.
16	Failure - Verbal Component wrong, casting time will be lengthened.
17	Failure - Somantic Component wrong, casting time will be lengthened.
18	Failure - Verbal Component wrong, must retry.
19	Failure - Somantic Component wrong, must retry.
20-25	Success
26	Success - Less Material Component is Required
27	Success - Range is increased
28	Success - Verbal Component may be simplified, casting time reduced.
29	Success - Somantic Component may be simplified, casting time reduced.
30	Success - Duration is increased.
31	Success - Strong approach, targets will have a more difficult saving throw.
32	Success - Area of effect increased.
33	Outstanding Success - Choose 2 improvements from 26 to 29
34	Outstanding Success - Choose 2 improvements from 26 to 32
35 or more	Outstanding Success - Choose 3 improvements from 26 to 32

After a spell has been successfully researched the Mage is entitled to a 500 XP/Spell Level award.