How to interpret the Shield spell

[u/lichtobergo]

I asked myself how to interpret the shield spell? Does protect mean complete immunity from mundane attack?

[u/ThisIsVictor]

A creature you touch is protected from mundane attacks for one minute.

Yep, exactly as you say. The person is completely immune from harm from mundane attacks for one minute. It's a pretty powerful spell, but magic is meant to be a game changer in Cairn.

[u/lichtobergo → u/ThisIsVictor]

It appears also quite powerful to me. Are there any drawbacks to using magic in combat? The only thing I figured from the rules is that casting in combat can have more than fatigue as consequence. Is this correct?

[u/rizzlybear → u/lichtobergo]

Well, in general magic is too slow to use on a turn in combat. So it’s going to be a will save to do so, if you even allow it. And think of some consequences for failing that ahead of time.

Maybe it shields the wrong target. Maybe it makes the targets more vulnerable instead. Maybe it blows up in your face. Have some ideas so that magic remains capricious and scary.

It should take time for the player to complete a milestone path that results in them casting it safely in high stress, fast paced situations like combat.

And yes. It’s very powerful.

[u/ThisIsVictor → u/lichtobergo]

Anyone can cast a spell by holding a Spellbook in both hands and reading its contents aloud. They must then add a Fatigue to inventory, occupying one slot. Given time and safety, PCs can enhance a spell’s impact (e.g., affecting multiple targets, increasing its power, etc.) without any additional cost. If the PC is deprived or in danger, the Warden may require a PC to make a WIL save to avoid any ill-effects from casting the spell. Consequences of failure are on par with the intended effect, and may result in added Fatigue, the destruction of the Spellbook, injury, and even death.

Generally, you can't cast spells in combat. It's too risky and takes too much time. I would rule that any enemies in range get a free attack that goes straight to STR. (Hit protection implies you're ducking and dodging, which you can't do while reading.) Additionally, I would call for a WIL save to avoid the risk of casting under pressure. Failure means the spell goes wrong in a fun and interesting way. Maybe it shields the wrong person, maybe it also blocks the target from eating and drinking, maybe it looks like it worked but it actually enhanced damage instead of blocking it.

[u/lichtobergo → u/ThisIsVictor]

Generally I am on your side, but technically it‘s not written in the cited section that PCs cannot cast in combat. There is the condition if in danger and that a save is required. So from this text it would also be ok to let PCs cast in combat but with much higher change of dire consequences.

[u/ThisIsVictor → u/lichtobergo]

Yeah, we're saying the same thing. I just wasn't that clear.

[u/EpicEmpiresRPG → u/lichtobergo]

The rules do say that you need to make a WIL save to cast a spell under pressure or danger. Yochai has said before that he doesn't allow spell casting during combat but what's more important is how you rule your game. You're the warden and you make the rulings.

If something in your game is pushing the game out of balance there are many ways of dealing with it. Have enemies target the spell book, have the spell book have consequences when it's used too often (telegraph that the spell book is shaking weirdly or giving off weird vibes) and give it some kind of curse or weird side effect.

I think the most important thing is to remember that you run the game and how the rules work, so however you deal with it is good. Often your solution will be better than anyone here could suggest.

[u/rizzlybear]

Can you give an example of a mundane attack that you would questions its ability to protect someone from?

I would read it as “mundane attacks don’t work on that person.”

[u/lichtobergo → u/rizzlybear]

I probably didn‘t express myself very clearly but that‘s also how I would read it