Wordcasting (3.5e Variant Rule)

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Wordcasting

Wordcasting Basics

Wordcasting is a spellcasting method that works by stringing words together, and then succeeding on the wordcasting check. Each word has it's own properties, and combined they describe a spell. The categories of words are shape words, effect words, and modifier words. The shortest spell consists of an shape word describing how an effect word is applied. Ayl(one target) Pyr(fire damage) is a two word spell. There is no upper limit on how long a spell might be, but longer spells take more time, and have higher wordcasting checks.

Wordcasting Frequently-Important-Facts (FIFs)

Shape Words: These describe the shape of the spell's effect. Since a spell cannot be multiple shapes at once, only one shape word can have effect in a spell. If a spell is cast with multiple shape words, it automatically fizzles.

Effect Words: These describe the effect of the spell. These are additive, and, where relevant, take effect in the order that they are said (for instance, "Ayl pyr kol" would set people on fire then ice the ground, rather than "ayl kol pyr" causing people to trip, then burning them and melting the ice with heat).

Modifier Words: Modifier words are optional, and affect everything in the spell after the modifier (thus they often come before the shape word). Modifier words are very diverse, some modifying the shape, some modifying the effect of the spell, some creating triggers, etc.

Saves: When a wordcasting spell effects a target, the target immediately makes any required saves. All saves of the same time are lumped together (Reflex, Will, Fortitude). The saves occur before any effects take place. The save DC for a Wordcasting spell specific to the wordcasting class in question, but generally follows the pattern of 10 + (Number of Words used)/3 + the class's relevant stat. Each spell can only

Wordcasting spell level: A wordcasting spell counts as a spell of level equal to one third the number of words in the spell (rounded down).

Wordcasting level: A caster's Wordcasting level is the sum of classes levels that can do wordcasting.

Wordcasting Check: To cast a spell with wordcasting, the caster must succeed against a wordcasting DC determined by the words used. Each word adds a specified amount to the check (starting at 0). The roll is 1d20 + (the caster's wordcasting level). As the caster's wordcasting level increases, she gains multipliers on the d20 roll: A x2 at level seven which increases to x3 at level 14, and so forth every 7 levels (21, 28, etc.). A natural 1 is an automatic fail. (See chart).

Wordcasting Check Results: On a success, the spell is cast, and any unpaid word costs are spent (Word Wizards spend words during spell preparation). On a failure, the spell fizzles, and half the words invested in the spell are wasted, and the other half are retained/regained by the caster.

Casting Time: The time used by a wordcaster to cast a spell is based on how many words are in the spell. As an immediate action, a word caster can cast a spell with 2 words. 3 words can be cast as a swift action, 10 words as a standard action, and 20 words as a full round action. For every 20 words after that, starting with 21 words, add on another consecutive full round action. The number of words castable in any given action is doubled by the tungtwist modifier word, and also by accelerating pronouns. (See chart).

Spell Resistance: Spell resistance affects any targeted wordcast spell that does not specify otherwise. Some words (like Orb) grant exceptions.

Components and Foci: All wordcasting uses Verbal and Somatic components unless specified otherwise (this causes arcane spell failure to be a problem for most wordcasters). The Tungtwist modifier word requires a book of tongue-twisters as a focus. The Gilt modifier word uses any component costing a specific amount (See chart).

Arcane Spell Failure: Wordcasting suffers from arcane spell failure chance for any spell with a somatic component - by default, this is all wordcasting spells.

Wordcasting Lists

Shape Words List

Shape Words List
Word	DC	Effect Summary
Ayl	+1	Medium range, Single target
Spyn	+3	120 foot line
Orb	+1	Ignores SR but needs a ranged touch attack
Bang	+3	Medium range, 20 foot spread
Hand	-2	Melee touch attack
Burs	+2	15 foot burst, only hits targets you want it to
Con	+2	30 foot cone
Chen	+2	Hit three targets in a Close range chain
Wal	+1	30 foot wall
Sfir	+1	10 foot-radius sphere around you

Effect Words List

Effect Words List
Word	DC	Effect Summary
Pyr	+1	1d6 fire, burn things
Lek	+1	1d6 electricity
Forch	+1	1d4 force
Saun	+1	1d4 sonic, deafen things
Aci	+1	1d4 acid, 1d4 acid over time
Kol	+1	Ice the ground
Deth	+1	1d6 negative energy, raise skeletons
Min	+1	Befuddle
Terr	+1	Scare
Path	+1	Read minds somewhat
Avis	+2	Turn things invisible
Ilus	+1	Make illusions
Lyf	+1	1d6 positive energy, raise people
Arm	+1	+2/+1 per 4 Armor bonus
Inv	+1	Spell immunity
Excel	+1	Boost skills, saves, and attack rolls
Sir	+1	Spell resistance
Port	+15/+2	Grant targets the opportunity to teleport
Al	+1	Make Port more precise
Thro	+1	Throw things around
Disp	+10/+2	Dispel magical effects
Lift	+18/+1	Provide the power of flight
Ant	+1	Suppress magical effects

Modifier Words List

Modifier Words List
Word	DC	Effect Summary
Scri	+2	Watch something
Del	+3	Give the spell a trigger
Tra	+2	Make a Del spell trap-like
Long	+3/+4/+5	Add more range
Wyd	+5	Affect a larger area
Tungtwist	+1	Reduce casting time
Gilt	-X	Add a spell component
Charg	+10	Double the spell's power
Vudu	+4	Cast from scrying
Lob	+2	Cast over obstacles

Wordcasting Descriptions

Modifier Words

• Scri: You can see and hear from the viewpoint of the center of the spell's area (if it has an area), or from the position of the target (If it targets a single creature or object), it follows that creature or object for three minutes. For every additional time you add Scri to the spell, increase the duration of your observation by three minutes or add an additional sense. Scri adds 2 to the DC to cast this spell.

• Del: When you cast the spell, you specify a trigger condition. The spell does not take affect until the trigger condition occurs. The presence of such a spell can be detected with a DC 10 spot or search check. When triggered, the spell casts from the location you cast it at, with the range of the spell, etc. Spells with a Del trigger last one day per instance of Del. Each additional instance of Del adds 3 to the DC to cast this spell.

• Tra: You can only learn this word if you already know Del, and you may only add this word to a spell with Del in it. The spell can only be detected with a DC 21 Search check (it qualifies as a magical trap). For every additional time you add Tra to the spell, the DC for the Search check increases by 3. By spending an amount of experience equal to 25 x (Wordcasting Check DC), you can cause the Del triggered spell to become permanent until discharged. By spending an amount of experience equal to 100 x (Wordcasting Check DC), you can cause the Del triggered spell to become permanent, taking 24 hours to recharge. Tra adds 2 to the DC to cast this spell.

• Long: Increase the spell's range from Medium to Long, from Close to Medium, or from Touch to Close. Long adds 3 to the DC to cast the spell the first time it's applied to that spell, 4 the second time, and 5 the third time.

• Wyd: (Area of effect spells only): Double the length of any cone or line, and the radius of any spread or burst involved in the spell. Two instances of Wyd triples the length instead, and so on. Wyd adds 5 to the DC to cast this spell.

• Tungtwist: The spell now requires a focus of a book of tongue twisters, and the Wordmaster must make a Speak Language check equal to the DC to cast the spell to cast it (in addition to the caster level check.) However, the spell is cast twice as quickly (The time it takes to cast is based on it having half as many words in it). You cannot add more than one instance of Tungtwist to a spell.

• Gilt: The spell requires a material component, although only the price of the component matters. The effect of the material component on the DC is described on this chart. Gilt does not increase the DC of the spell. You cannot add more than one instance of Gilt to a spell.

• Charg: When the Wordmaster finishes casting the spell, they are dazed for one round as they cackle maniacally or grin with anticipation. During that time, energy boils up from the ground and down from the sky towards the Wordmaster (A noticeable effect for miles around). The spell only takes affect after this period of time. The save DC of the spell is determined as though there were twice as many words in it. Also, the spell takes effect as though each effect word had been applied twice. Each additional instance of Charg increases the length of being dazed by one round, and triples (quadruples with three instances, etc.) the word length for save DCs and the effect of effect words. Charg increases the DC of the spell by 10.

• Vudu: Vudu always increases the casting time of any spell it is applied to by one full-round action. It may now be cast from any position you can see from (not merely any position you can see). Any creature directly effected by the spell gets a clear mental image of your current location, distance, and direction from them. Vudu increases the DC of the spell by 4.

• Lob: Lob can only be applied to a spell with an area of effect that is not centered on you. You do not need line of sight or line of effect in order to cast this spell, but you must be able to describe an arc going from you to a targeted square. Lob increases the DC of the spell by 2.

Wordcasting Miscellaneous Charts

Casting Times Table
Casting Time	Normal	Tungtwist or Accelerating Pronouns	Tungtwist and Accelerating Pronouns
Immediate Action	2	4	8
Swift Action	3	6	12
Standard Action	10	20	40
Full Round Action	20	40	80
+1 Full Round Action	+20	+40	+80

Wordcasting Check Table
Caster Level	Roll
Levels 1 through 6	1d20 + Caster Level
Levels 7 through 13	1d20x2 + Caster Level
Levels 14 through 20	1d20x3 + Caster Level
Levels 21 through 27	1d20x4 + Caster Level
+7 levels	1d20x(+1 from above) + Caster Level

Gilt Prices and Effects Table
Component Cost is at least:	DC reduction is:
1 gold piece	1
5 gp	2
25 gp	3
125 gp	4
500 gp	5
500 gp	6
2500 gp	7
5000 gp	8
10000 gp	9
+10000 gp	+1
Subtract the largest.

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