Unlimited Mana is a type of mana not a level of mana. Contrast with Wild Mana
Background[]
Unlimited Mana first appeared as an alternative to Classic: Magic in Pyramid Classic #9 in 1994
There was a web page update in 1999 and another in 2001 and was updated for 4e in GURPS Thaumatology under the new name Threshold-Limited Magic
The Basics[]
In 4e this involves a variant of Magery called Threshold Magery. In threshold-limited magic, mages are not limited by a quickly-replenishing pool of Fatigue Points but by a buildup of forces as they cast spells in quick succession. As the power tally of energy spent on spells crosses different thresholds, the GM rolls for increasingly dangerous side effects or calamities. By choosing the thresholds and the rate at which the tally decreases (the recovery rate), and choosing an appropriate calamity table, the GM can give magic a unique flavour. Threshold-Limited Magic enables mages to cast bigger spells, but discourages them from casting as often as fatigue-limited mages.
Spells cast in Mana of this type do not cause fatigue but instead are counted against a threshold total (default is 30). The spell that first brings the mage's tally over Threshold triggers a Calamity Check with a +1 on the 3d for every full five points by which Threshold has been exceeded. All spells cast once Threshold is reached trigger a Calamity Check.[1] "Once per day, the mage's Tally is healed by an amount equal to his Recovery Rate (RR). The "default" RR score is 8, with recovery occurring at sunrise."
Related Advantages[]
Increased Power[]
Prerequisite: Magery
Cost: 10 Points/Level
"This advantage may only be taken by mages. For each level of Increased Power that you have, increase your Threshold by 20%, and your RR by 25%, of the campaign average (round normally).
Each of these effects can also be purchased individually for 5 points/level, as the Increased Threshold and Rapid Recovery advantages. Mages may not purchase decreased levels of Threshold and RR; the campaign default defines the weakest levels of personal power."
Safer Excess[]
Prerequisite: Magery
Cost: 10 Points/Level
Calamity rolls are at +1 for every 10 points of excess, instead of +1 per five. Every additional level doubles this effect (+1 per 20, +1 per 40, +1 per 80, and so on).
References[]
- ↑ GURPS Thaumatology 76-80
- Pyramid Classic #09 (Sept 1994)
- "Unlimited Mana - An alternative approach to GURPS Magic" (1994, 1999) by S. John Ross