Post by Tomahawk on Jan 14, 2005 17:01:31 GMT
Ofuda
Ofuda is a specialized magical mechanism (in game terms) originating in the orient. Essentially, it is done by carefully placing magical symbols onto slips or strips of paper, which are then tied onto a place or activated by some other means (Word, Gesture, etc). Activating the Spell contained on an Ofuda requires less than a round; for game purposes, it is considered instantaneous, or simultaneous with the character’s initiative that round.
The actual symbols written or drawn on the Ofuda are very complex and not easily copied by those not trained in the art. The reason for this is because it is not simply the symbols themselves, but the special inks, papers, even the order in which the strokes of the brush or pen are made which imbues the Ofuda with it’s charms.
The time required to properly craft an Ofuda is equal to it’s power rank number in minutes. A Feeble (2) spell, for example would take a mere two minutes (and would likewise be relatively simple), whereas an Amazing (50) spell would require almost an hour (fifty uninterrupted minutes). The materials required for properly crafting Ofuda cost ½ the power rank number (rounded UP) in resources. How often the character would need to check resources would be dependent on how many Ofuda they wish to make.
Untrained characters could, of course, attempt to copy of forge their own Ofuda, however to do so they would first need to carefully examine and observe someone crafting an Ofuda, as well as know the exact composition of the ink, and know which paper should be used. Finally, they would need to know what word, gesture, or other command would be required to activate it. None of this information is likely to come easily!
Of course, a character could always try to activate an Ofuda in their possession which was crafted by someone else. To do so, they would have to follow the same procedure (2 Red Reason FEATs) as is outlined in the Ultimate Powers Book’s section on Magic (reprinted in this forum as well).
Beginning Characters with spells of at least Excellent (20) using Ofuda as their mechanism gain bonus talents of Artist: Calligraphy and Artist: Drawing & Painting (both of which could help offset the costs of the materials used for the Ofuda themselves…) Characters learning this later on in their magical career do not receive these bonus talents.
The primary benefit of this mechanism lies in the fact that a character can have practically an unlimited amount of spells already prepared and ready to go, provided he or she has taken the time to prepare them beforehand. The major downside is in the time it takes to make the Ofuda, as well as the costs. Also, there is the problem of being caught unawares and not having one’s carefully prepared Ofuda with them when they need them… Characters wanting or needing to stockpile their Ofuda spells are likely to be broke, and not have much of a social life.
*Optional- Cheaper materials (either paper, ink, or both) can be used, or the character can attempt to complete the Ofuda in half the time (rounded up), HOWEVER the Judge then secretly makes an Amazing intensity Psyche FEAT roll. On a Red result, the Ofuda will work as it should, with no problems. On a White result, it’s trash and the character knows it. On a Green or a Yellow result, SOMETHING is going to happen, but never quite what the character had in mind. (Judges are known to be particularly mischievous in such cases!)
Ofuda is a specialized magical mechanism (in game terms) originating in the orient. Essentially, it is done by carefully placing magical symbols onto slips or strips of paper, which are then tied onto a place or activated by some other means (Word, Gesture, etc). Activating the Spell contained on an Ofuda requires less than a round; for game purposes, it is considered instantaneous, or simultaneous with the character’s initiative that round.
The actual symbols written or drawn on the Ofuda are very complex and not easily copied by those not trained in the art. The reason for this is because it is not simply the symbols themselves, but the special inks, papers, even the order in which the strokes of the brush or pen are made which imbues the Ofuda with it’s charms.
The time required to properly craft an Ofuda is equal to it’s power rank number in minutes. A Feeble (2) spell, for example would take a mere two minutes (and would likewise be relatively simple), whereas an Amazing (50) spell would require almost an hour (fifty uninterrupted minutes). The materials required for properly crafting Ofuda cost ½ the power rank number (rounded UP) in resources. How often the character would need to check resources would be dependent on how many Ofuda they wish to make.
Untrained characters could, of course, attempt to copy of forge their own Ofuda, however to do so they would first need to carefully examine and observe someone crafting an Ofuda, as well as know the exact composition of the ink, and know which paper should be used. Finally, they would need to know what word, gesture, or other command would be required to activate it. None of this information is likely to come easily!
Of course, a character could always try to activate an Ofuda in their possession which was crafted by someone else. To do so, they would have to follow the same procedure (2 Red Reason FEATs) as is outlined in the Ultimate Powers Book’s section on Magic (reprinted in this forum as well).
Beginning Characters with spells of at least Excellent (20) using Ofuda as their mechanism gain bonus talents of Artist: Calligraphy and Artist: Drawing & Painting (both of which could help offset the costs of the materials used for the Ofuda themselves…) Characters learning this later on in their magical career do not receive these bonus talents.
The primary benefit of this mechanism lies in the fact that a character can have practically an unlimited amount of spells already prepared and ready to go, provided he or she has taken the time to prepare them beforehand. The major downside is in the time it takes to make the Ofuda, as well as the costs. Also, there is the problem of being caught unawares and not having one’s carefully prepared Ofuda with them when they need them… Characters wanting or needing to stockpile their Ofuda spells are likely to be broke, and not have much of a social life.
*Optional- Cheaper materials (either paper, ink, or both) can be used, or the character can attempt to complete the Ofuda in half the time (rounded up), HOWEVER the Judge then secretly makes an Amazing intensity Psyche FEAT roll. On a Red result, the Ofuda will work as it should, with no problems. On a White result, it’s trash and the character knows it. On a Green or a Yellow result, SOMETHING is going to happen, but never quite what the character had in mind. (Judges are known to be particularly mischievous in such cases!)