Overcharge

Overcharge is a critical casting mechanic that rewards mages for exceptionally successful spellcasting.

When you cast a Structured Spell and roll more successes than the spell’s Tier requirement, those remaining successes become Overcharge. You may spend Overcharge immediately to augment the spell or inflict a Status effect, provided the spell’s narrative description supports it. Alternatively, mages can use Mana Burn (spending physical health) to intentionally buy Overcharge at a 1:1 ratio.

Common Overcharge Uses

• Enhancements (1 Overcharge each): Increase Duration (step up one category), Increase Scale (step up AoE/Targets), or Increase Potency (+1 damage or +1 defense).
• Status Effects:
  • Hindered (1 Overcharge): Target suffers a -2 dice penalty to their next action (e.g., blinded, chilled, off-balance).
  • Lingering Harm (2 Overcharge): Target takes 1 Physical Damage at the end of the scene or upon strenuous action (e.g., on fire, acid).
  • Restrained (3 Overcharge): Target cannot take physical actions until they succeed on a Strength/Athletics roll to break free (e.g., frozen solid, trapped in stone).