Ritual Spellcasting
by Cab DavidsonIt's an innate ability in some critters (sprites and nixies come to mind) but it's not something I've considered for other characters.
It's a fairly common trope though, a cabal of mages or coven of witches.
So... off the top of my head...
(1) Every caster needs to be of the same type and must know the spell and have it memorised/prepared
(2) The lead caster is nominated as part of a group ritual casting. This is typically the highest level caster, but may be any spellcaster possessing the Ritual Casting (Int) skill.
(3) Up to 13 casters may work together for a spell. This ritual casting takes at least a minute, and the more casters there are the longer it takes thus:
| Number of Casters | Time Taken |
| 2 | 1 minute |
| 3-4 | 10 minutes |
| 4-7 | 1 hour |
| 8-10 | 2 hours |
| 11-13 | 4 hours |
(4) The spell is cast at the level of the lead caster, +2 level for additional caster of the same or higher level, and +1 level for each caster of a lower level. For example, a group trying to cast Quest led by a 15th level caster assisted by three other characters, one also 15th level and two at 13th level can do so as if a 19th level caster (15+2+1+1)
(5) The maximum level of effective caster level a spell can be cast by such a ritual is 30th level. The great archmages and most potent patriarchs have no need for such rituals.
New Skill: Ritual Casting (Intelligence): The ability to lead a group of casters of the same class in the ritual casting of a spell for increased efficacy. All spells ritually cast must have a duration longer than instantaneous.