(c)Ray Cochener (silveroak@elysian.net) 29 Aug 1995

Candle magic(mental/VH):
	Candle magic breaks down into several optional specializations,
by color. While the specialization is optional, the color of the
candle is not.  Any use of candle magic must use candles of the
appropriate colors, as follows:
	Red: Passion, fire, science, knowledge
	Blue:water, mystery, wisdom, shaping, destiny
	Brown: earth, death-rebirth, growth
	Green: life, healing, money, fertility
	Orange: healing
	Black: protection, destruction
	White: purity, light
	Yellow: air, intellect, philosophy, knowledge, vision
	Violet: psychic powers

	When using candle amgic, each candle must be specifically
attuned to its intended use, and charged with power. Thus, a red
candle could be charged with fire, or passion, or science, for a
specific use, and would be powerless before being charged.  A
charged candle can only be used in complex ritual by the person
who charged it (see below). Charging a candle takes 60-skill seconds
for a 6 inch, 1/2 inch diameter candle, and costs one fatigue. The
choice between large candles or a large number of candles is
described below. At the end of the charging, roll versus skill to
determine effect, and *secretly* note success or critical success.
Failure is not detected, and critical failure results in a negative
aspect charge (for example, a red candle might invoke the destructive
aspects of fire, or a yellow candle lead towards distraction... as
with most Critical failures, this is the time for GM's to get
creative.)
	Once the candles are charged, there are a number of uses
for them. The first is a complex ritual, in which a specific desired
effect is required. Each ritual is unique, according to the effect
desired. Additional "candlepower" can be used to enhance the spell,
but each candle whose empowerment was not a critical success
subtracts one from the effective skill due to the more diffuse
focus. Larger candles last proportionately more time- and all
candles used must be of the same size. The candles will last 1d
minutes per unit of size/power, and the person must make a roll
versus candle magic every minute to maintain focus until the spell is
done. Regular success costs one fatigue, and a critical success
has no fatigue. Failure means the spell is disrupted, and critical
failure indicates that the spell will be warped- the more dangerous the 
intent the greater the possible damage. A healing spell will probably
simply delay recovery, while a spell of vengance will bring the
sought revenge upon the caster.
	Optionally, the candles may be put to more general use. In
this case, a "lighting ritual" (candle magic+5) must be used, which
takes 1d seconds to enact. Once this has been done, the candles
will burn for 1d minutes, and durring that time add +1 to any
abilities for which they are aspected, for the person who lit them
ceremonally. Critical success candles do not require the ceremonial
lighting, and will affect everyone whom their light is shed upon.
	Combat will rarely be aided by such candles, unless the
opposition is so diametric that the "candle power" is obviously on
one side: a white crit succ. candle being used for lighting during
a battle between the evil dead and the holy knights will add +1 to
the skills of the knights and subtract one from the skills of the
dead. Black candles will also add +1 to defense rolls, but if they
are critical successes do not discriminate based upon sides.
	Designing the spells: each spell is a sort of customised
wish, and obviously uses a great deal of energy in the invocation.
The GM must decide what aspects are appropriate, and the candlepower
required in each for the spell to work. Excess candlepower will be
applied as a penalty to resist the spell. If the subject is present
and not physically resisting (unconcious, restrained, or consenting)
the effects are doubled. General guidlines are:
	Damaging: appropriate candle (usually black, but not always)
at a rate of 1 candlepower for each 1d-2, or three candle
power for 2 dice even. If this is another color, damage will be as
appropriate to the aspect (fire being an obvious choice, though a
healing spell to cause disease and other manifestations are possible)
these will require at least one destructive aspected candle,
regardless of chosen manifestation. Resisted by HT.
	Healing: one candle power for each 1 die of healing. Green
or orange required. Resistance (if desired) is made versus health.
	Mental influence: Varies by diversion from normal tendencies.
For a minor alteration (think I'll wear the blue suit today) one
candle will ussually suffice. Important but close decisions (hmm...
whom to hire) will generally take five candlepower. Subtle changes
in behavior (when did you start eating chocolate?) will take ten,
life changing decisions (I *will* take that other offer) require
fifteen, and radically different changes (when did you start dating
her, you always hated her!) will take twenty. Radically different
life altering decisions require 40 candlepower. Additionally, each
of these is resisted by will, with a bonus to will equal to number
of required candlepower divided by five, minus one (yes, they are
at minus one when you try to influence what they wear... it's not
a high priority item). In individual cases the required candle
power may lie somewhere in the middle, and will should be rounded.
	Karmic: if you can't change their mind, change their luck!
Will modify rolls for 1 day-bonus per candlepower (i.e. 2 candle
power can be +1 for two days, or +2 for 1- or minuses if it's
retribution oriented). *Not resisted!*
	These bonuses only apply to the ends which the spell was
dedicated (generating money, study, romantic appeal, protection in
combat, etc.)