Range (of a Spell)
The Range of a magical effect in general, or Hermetic spell in particular, specifies the distance on which it successfully affects its Target. It is important to note that this is the range to reach the target, and need not encompass all of it - it is enough to "touch" it, so to speak.
Mysteries and Traditions set aside, Hermetic magic knows the follow basic ranges:
- Personal
- Affects the caster only.
- Touch
- Affects a touched a Target.
- Eye
- Affects a Target that the caster can see eye to eye.
- Voice
- Affects a Target that the caster's voice carries to.
- Sight
- Affects a Target that the caster can see.
- Arcane Connection
- Affects a Target that the caster has got an Arcane Connection to.
Although these are the standard ranged, Hermetic formulaic (and Ritual) spells can utilize non-standard ranges. These are limited only by the Limits of Magic and the consent of the troupe, but precedent seems to indicate only minor extensions are allowed. Spontaneous spells are limited to the standard ranges.
Non-Hermetic Ranges
Certain mysteries allow magi to cast spells with other ranges, often violating the Limits of Magic in subtle ways.
- Road
- The Faerie Magic Exoteric Outer Mystery allows several benefits, amongst them the use of the new Road range. This range can also be accessed by the Neo-Mercurians.
- Symbol
- The Mystery of Symbolic Magic teaches several new spell parameters, including the new range Symbol.
References
- ArM5, p. 111