Using Magic Items

Magic items follow the rules given
for the spell(s) they contain. Many
give the user the power to cast the
spell – perhaps only on himself, possi-
bly on any subject. Some are “mage
only”; that is, they only work for users
who possess Magery. Unless specified
otherwise:
• There is no ritual. The user just
wills the item to work.
• Casting time is as described for the
spell. High Power doesn’t affect this.
• Energy cost is the same as for a
normal casting of the spell. High Power
does not affect this (but the Power
spell does – see p. 480).
• Determine success normally. Use
the item’s Power as the caster’s base
skill and apply all the usual modifiers
for the kind of spell being cast. Power
is at -5 in low-mana areas. A Resisted
spell allows a normal resistance roll;
use the item’s modified Power as the
caster’s skill in the Quick Contest.
• Only one person at a time can use
the item. If two people attempt to use
it, only the first to touch it can use it.
If one can’t use it – for instance,
the item is “mage only” and he
lacks Magery – his touch
doesn’t count.
• All other effects are
as usual for that spell.