Spell Foci are Objects which serve two purposes.
Firstly, they are typically required for the Casting of Spells (see the Spellcasting Page for more).
Secondly, they serve as a form of Magical Weapon which Characters Skilled in them may use.
Using a Spell Foci
To use a Spell Foci you must be Skilled in the Type of Spell Foci and, with the exception of Gadgets, you must be Attuned to the Spell Foci (see Types of Spell Foci and the Inventory Page for more).
Additionally a Character must have enough Free Hands with which to use the Spell Focus.
Like Weapons, some Spell Foci may require a Character have One or Two Hands, or grant additional Benefits when the Character has Two Hands.
Attunement
Attunement is discussed more fully on the Inventory Page, but in short Attunement represents you forming a magical bond between yourself and a Magical Object.
Attuning to a Spell Focus requires a Character spend 10 minutes building a connection with the Focus, through methods such as meditation, practice or performing a simple ritual over the Object.
A Character may only be Attuned to 3 Magical Objects at any time.
Additionally a Character may only Attune to a Spell Focus if they are Skilled in that Type of Spell Focus.
Properties
Spell Foci may benefit from all the same Properties which Weapons may.
The majority of Spell Foci have the Ranged Property.
Spell Foci generally have a lower Damage Rating than their Weapon counterparts, however they also use Non-Physical Damage Types.
Types
There are many different Types of Spell Foci, representing a range of different Magical Objects which are typically used for the Casting of Spells in many different Fantasies.
Types of Spell Foci include Gadgets, Instruments, Relics, Staves, Tomes and Wands.
Most Themes which grant you the ability to Cast Spells will grant you a Spell Foci and allow you to become Skilled in that Type of Spell Foci.
Below we summarize the defining features of each of the types of Spell Foci.
Gadgets
Gadgets are a unique type of Spell Foci which are used to create magical effects through mundane means. Most Fantasies offer a great variety of different Gadgets with varying properties, from Gravity Guns and Lasers, to Tasers and Flamethrowers.
Gadgets typically do not require a Character be Attuned to them to in order to use them as a Spell Foci, they must however be Skilled in Gadgets to use them as such.
Instruments
Instruments represent a range of different magical Musical Instruments or tools of Creativity which, in the hands of some, can be used to create many wondrous effects.
Being Skilled in an Instrument will, in addition to allowing you to use it as a Spell Foci, allow you to use it as a Tool you are Skilled in for the purposes of Skill Checks which relate to the use of it as a Tool.
Relics
Relics represent a range of different wearable Objects of magical importance. They often have religious or cultural significance, and are frequently found in temples, tombs or historical collections. Common examples might include magical rings, amulets or religious artefacts such as crucifix or meditation beads.
Relics have the Accessory Trait. This means that they must be stored within an Accessory Slot to be used effectively.
Because Relics must be Worn while they are being used, a Spellcaster cannot be easily disarmed of these Spell Foci. While a Relic is worn, you must still have a Free Hand to interact with a Relic in order to use it to Cast a Spell or make a Spell Attack.
Staves
Staves represent a range of sticks, standards, rods or scepters with either inherent magical properties or cultural significance.
Unlike the majority of Spell Foci, Staves are a Melee Spell Foci (i.e. they are used to make Melee Spell Attacks) and often they will have the Versatile Property.
Tomes
Tomes represent books, tablets, electronic devices and other means of storing information with magical significance.
Tomes can be unwieldly to use, possessing the Heavy and Two-Handed Property, however they can be quite powerful and often allow the user to cause multiple different types of Damage.
Wands
Wands represent small elongated objects, typically fashioned from wood and imbued with magical significance by secret rituals known to few.
Unlike most other Spell Foci, Wands have the Light Property, meaning they can be used as part of the Flurry Combo. See the Weapons, Shields and Ammunition Page for more.
Attacks
You may make an Attack with a Spell Focus you are carrying.
Because a Spell Focus draws on your ability to perform Magic, you may use either their Charisma or Focus Bonus for the Ability Bonus of this Attack.
Spell Attack Result = d20 + your Charisma or Focus Bonus + your Skill Bonus
Attacks made with a Spell Focus are considered “Spell Attacks”, and not “Weapon Attacks”, for the purposes of effects which rely upon the Type of Attack being made.