| Redchigh |
The basic idea is, what if magic functions more like alignment with residues and strengths.
A wand glows slightly because its magic, and you can 'perceive' details with your senses. (Usually a spellcraft or knowledge arcana, but noticing that a passerby has a wand in their back pocket would be perception first, then a roll to identify.)
For spells themselves:
A low level (0-4) leaves a residue for 1d10 rounds after the effects end.
A moderate level spell (5-9) is 1d10 minutes.
High level (10-14) 1d10 hours
Epic level (15-20) 1d10 days
Characters with 'buffs' would leave a trail that can be tracked.
With detect magic on, knowledge arcana 'sniffs the air's. (Maybe it should be spellcraft, I dunno...) DC is affected by how powerful the caster was, whether it was prepared or spontaneous, and how long its been.
DC 5- Can detect the aura.
DC 15- Can tell whether its Arcane or Divine.
DC 25- Can recognize school, or domain if applicable.
DC 35- Can recognize the spell.
DC 45- Can recognize the caster if familiar with their aura.
I also had to introduce a few things:
Metamagic Feat: Stealthy Spell
DC to get details on a stealthy spell is increased by 15, and duration of the residue is as a spell 4 levels lower.
Spell takes up a slot 2 levels higher.
Counterspell may be used to cover up a spell already cast, but requires a spell slot one level higher than the one being hidden. The counterspell used this way is easily detectable, however. It simply hides the other residues.
Dispel Magic can be used to shorten the duration of all present residues by 2/3.
This mechanism may even pave the way for new archetypes, or even a new class, able to tap into residues and recast residual spells.....
Maybe instead of being 'detect magic's related, it should all be added into a new anti-magic class or inquisitor archtype?
Or an
Definately needs balancing, but what do you guys think? Advice and suggestions are welcome.
Who knows, maybe it has real potential.....