How Much Mana Does a Spell Cost
For those interested in Arduin or curious about the use of mana points within the context of older Dragon and Elf games.
Determining the Mana Points of Characters
For spells that use mana points, Magi use their INT score and add +5 to determine their mana points. Every level gained earns +3 additional mana points1.
All magic types regain mana equal to their total after 12 hours of rest, or 24 hours of activity.
Spells and Mana Points
A spell's base Mana cost is:
Spell Level × 1.5
For example:
- 1st-level spell = 1.5 Mana
- 2nd-level spell = 3 Mana
- 3rd-level spell = 4.5 Mana
Some spells have additional costs.
Damage Spells
Spells that deal damage cost extra Mana.
+ Spell Level Mana per damage die
This includes spells that deal damage per Caster Level.
Example: Fireball is a 3rd-level spell and deals 1d6 damage per Caster Level.
A Fireball dealing 3d6 damage costs:
- Base cost: 4.5 Mana
- Damage cost: 3 dice × 3 Mana = 9 Mana
Total Cost: 13.5 Mana
Duration Spells
Spells that last for multiple turns cost extra Mana.
+ Spell Level Mana per turn of duration
Examples:
- Light (1st level): 1.5 Mana base + 1 Mana per turn.
Multi-Projectile Spells
Spells that create multiple missiles, bolts, or beams cost extra Mana.
+ Spell Level Mana per projectile
Example: Magic Missile (1st level)
- Base cost: 1.5 Mana
- Additional cost: 1 Mana per missile
Mental Influence Spells
Spells that affect the mind, such as Fear or Charm Person, cost double their normal Mana cost.
Total Mana Cost × 2
Example: Fear (2nd level)
- Normal cost: 3 Mana
- Mental effect multiplier: ×2
Total Cost: 6 Mana
Summoning and Creation Spells
Spells that summon creatures or create walls, barriers, and similar effects are delayed.
Delay = 1 round per Spell Level
A caster may reduce this delay by spending additional Mana.
Extra Mana required = Spell's normal Mana cost per round removed
Example: A 3rd-level summoning spell costs 4.5 Mana and normally takes 3 rounds to appear.
- Normal casting: 4.5 Mana, appears in 3 rounds.
- Remove all 3 rounds of delay: 4.5 + (4.5 × 3)
Total Cost: 18 Mana; appears immediately.
See Arduin Adventure Page 25↩