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GameMastery Guide / Rewards / PCs Controlling Rewards / Research and Designing Spells

Creating a Spell

Source GameMastery Guide pg. 114
Successfully researching a new spell requires time and expensive research. An optional system for researching new spells is outlined below. The research should cost at least 1,000 gp per spell level (or even more for particularly exotic spells) and require both the Spellcraft skill and a Knowledge skill appropriate to the researcher’s class. Wizards and bards use Knowledge (arcana), sorcerers use a Knowledge skill appropriate to their heritage (usually arcana, nature, or planes), druids and rangers use the Knowledge (nature) skill, and clerics and paladins use Knowledge (religion). The actual research process varies by the type of spell, often involving magical experimentation, the purchase and study of moldy scrolls and grimoires, contact with powerful magical beings or outsiders, and extensive meditation or rituals.

For each week of research, the caster makes separate Knowledge and Spellcraft checks against a DC of 20 plus twice the level of the spell being researched, modified according to Table 5–1. To successfully research the spell, the caster must succeed at both checks. Failure indicates the week was wasted. Spells of 4th–6th level requires 2 weeks of successful research, while spells of 7th–9th level require 4 weeks. The researcher may employ up to two assistants in the research process to assist on the skill checks using the aid another action (see page 86 of the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook).

Table 5-1: Spell Research Materials

Condition	DC Modifier
Caster already knows a similar spell	-2
Per material component required	-2 (maximum -6)
Focus required	-2 to -5, based on cost and rarity
No verbal component	+10
No somatic component	+5
Additional research materials	-1 per 100 gp per spell level (maximum +5)

Archives of Nethys

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Creating a Spell

Table 5-1: Spell Research Materials