Ritual Spellcasting, A Theoretical Optimization Thread Options Track this topic Email this topic Print this topic Download this topic Subscribe to this forum Display Modes Outline Switch to: Standard Switch to: Linear+

[Ramaloke]

So I've read a few threads that basically have this to say about Ritual Spellcasting: "It's a trap! Avoid it," and I agree. It seems to be largely useless for a runner unless the entire group is comprised of magicians. So I worked out a little math to see if I (and others) were right. I basically set out to see what could be done with it if taken to the extreme.

So, supposing the following (highly unlikely) ingredients:

1. A group of 7 powerful initiated magicians (Magic 7, Ritual Spellcasting 7, Great Ritual Metamagic).
2. A R6 Aspected Domain, raising their magic to 13.
3. Due to the increased magic from the domain, the 6 magicians using ritual spellcasting allow for a total of 78 other magicians (Magic 6, Ritual Spellcasting 7) to be added to the ritual.
4. This group (of elves) all have 8 charisma, and have 8 bound F7 or F6 spirits (depending on their Magic rating).

So the setup looks like this:

1. The lead magician is the only one contributing dice, the six others are using their Ritual Spellcasting Metamagic to add their Magic Rating to the spell being Cast. The Spell is being cast at F91.
2. There are 56 F7 Spirits that are effectively F13 in the Domain, they all Aid Sorcery on the Ritual Leader adding 728 Dice to the Ritual Leader's dice pool.
3. The 78 Magicians with Magic 6 all spend edge on their ritual spellcasting test, rolling 20 Exploding Dice, adding 546 Dice to the Ritual Leaders dice pool.
4. There are 642 F6 Spirits that are effectively F12 in the Domain, they all Aid Sorcery on the Ritual Leader, adding 7,704 Dice to the Ritual Leader's dice pool.
5. The Ritual Leader spends a point of edge, allowing him to go over the hit cap on a F91 Spell, his dice pool 8,999, and they are all exploding.

Obviously the system breaks down pretty quickly when this type of thing is done. He gets an average of 3599 Hits.

Of course I realize how rare such a group would be, this kind of thing would be a plot device.