Mythic Europe Campaign Guide#

A Guide to Playing D&D 5th Edition in the Setting of Ars Magica

ICOSAHEDRON

Revision Date: July 15, 2026

Contents#

Overview

Races

Fantasy Races

Aging

Classes

Character Classes

Spellcasting Characters

Non-Player Character Magi

Using Published Characters

Backgrounds

Equipment

Currency

Economy

Lifestyles by Social Status

Mythic Europe Armor and Weapons

Customization Options

Multiclassing

Feats

Ability Scores

Ability Conversions

Saving Throws

Difficulty Class Conversions

Concentration

Confidence

Reputation and Personality Traits

Skills and Abilities

Reaction Checks

Adventuring

Covenants

Auras and Realms

Twilight

Warping

Vis

Downtime Activities

Sancta

Combat

Certamen

Wounds

Fatigue

Spellcasting

Converting Hermetic Spells

Acquiring Hermetic Spells

Casting Hermetic Spells

Hermetic Spells

The Art of Animal

The Art of Aquam

The Art of Auram

The Art of Corpus

The Art of Herbam

The Art of Ignem

The Art of Imaginem

The Art of Mentem

The Art of Terram

The Art of Vim

Storytelling

Races

Classes

Backgrounds

Economy

Customization Options

Adventuring

Combat

Spellcasting

Hermetic Spells

Charts and Tables

Spellcaster Levels

Spellcaster Progression

Hermetic Feat Spellcaster Level Progression

Hermetic Spell List

Hermetic Spells by School

Hermetic Spells by D&D Level

Dungeons & Dragons Spell List

Dungeons & Dragons Spells by School

Dungeons & Dragons Spells by Level

Dungeons & Dragons Spells by Art

Dungeons & Dragons Ritual Spells

Mythic Europe Spells by Art

Magic Item List

Licenses

Overview#

This document provides the barest sketch of what a Dungeon Master would need in order to run a Dungeons & Dragons campaign in Mythic Europe, the default setting of the Ars Magica fantasy role-playing game.

This guide assumes an intimate knowledge of Ars Magica as many of the concepts that form the basis of the game and setting are not detailed in this document. All amplifying information about the particulars of mechanics and the world are contained in the forty-two volumes that comprise the Ars Magica system.

It is best to think of this guide as notes on how to use the D&D system to run a campaign in Mythic Europe. Dungeon Masters will need to refer to the various Ars Magica sources, particularly its core rulebook, in order to fully detail and develop the campaign.

This document roughly follows the organization in the D&D Player’s Handbook. How to use fantasy races in in an all-human setting is detailed followed by new class options to capture the spirit of the setting. Mythic Europe backgrounds are included, making every Social Status in the Ars Magica Core Rulebook into a suitable D&D background. A short section on currency and equipment follows. Customization options for characters with rules for multiclassing and several new feats are offered. Sections on ability scores, adventuring, and combat add new options and aid in conversion. The spell section is large with a listing of all spells from the Ars Magica Core Rulebook. The game details for spells have been converted for use with D&D game mechanics.

D&D Sources

Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

Player’s Handbook (2014)

Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

Monster Manual (2014)

Elemental Evil Player’s Companion (2015)

Volo’s Guide to Monsters (2016)

Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (2017)

Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (2020)

Ars Magica Sources

Ars Magica 5th Edition

Ars Magica Core Rulebook (2004)

The Fallen Fane (2004)

Calebais (2004)

Guardians of the Forest (2005)

True Lineages (2005)

The Divine (2005)

The Mysteries (2006)

Covenants (2006)

Mystery Cults (2006)

The Infernal (2006)

City & Guild (2006)

Ancient Magic (2007)

Societates (2007)

The Lion and The Lily (2011)

Art & Academe (2011)

Magic (2011)

Hedge Magic (2011)

Faerie (2011)

Tales of Mythic Europe (2011)

Magi of Hermes (2011)

Lords of Men (2011)

Rival Magic (2011)

The Sundered Eagle (2011)

The Church (2012)

Legends of Hermes (2012)

The Cradle & The Crescent (2011-2013)

Hermetic Projects (2011-2013)

Apprentices (2012)

Grogs (2012-2013)

Against the Dark (2012-2013)

Antagonists (2013-2014)

Tales of Power (2013-2014)

The Contested Isle (2013-2015)

Transforming Mythic Europe (2013-2015)

Hooks (2014-2015)

Faith & Flame (2014-2015)

Mythic Locations (2014-2015)

Between Sand & Sea (2014-2015)

Through the Aegis (2015-2016)

Thrice-Told Tales (2015-2016)

Lands of the Nile (2015-2016)

Dies Irae (2016)

Adventures in Middle-earth

Player’s Guide (2016)

Loremaster’s Guide (2017)

Races#

Fantasy Races#

These can be used in a D&D Mythic Europe campaign, however there must be a change to the nature of these races. A player using a non-human race from the Player's Handbook or other source should consider their character to have either the Faerie Blood, Giant Blood, Strong Faerie Blood Virtue, or a similar Virtue. Strong Faerie Blood is suitable for characters that use the rules for dwarf, elf, gnome, and halfling (and perhaps even goblin, hobgoblin, and bugbear). Faerie Blood is suitable for half-elf or half-orc. Giant Blood would be suitable for some of the optional races such as goliath and half-ogre. Genasi would definitely be Jinn-Blooded while aasimar and tieflings would have the Strong Angelic Heritage and Demonic Blood Virtues, respectively. Characters based on the orc template would be Demon Blooded. Tritons could be considered Atlanteans. Dragonborn have Mythic Blood. These designations serve as descriptions of the Virtue the character would likely have in the Ars Magica system, given the player's non-human lineage. In this way, the D&D races can still be used in a "human-only" milieu. All of these characters can have The Gift.

The details for most races are found in the Player’s Handbook or Dungeon Master’s Guide. The rest are found in Volo’s Guide to Monsters and the Elemental Evil Player’s Companion. Other sources contain information on other races as well.

The characters look more or less human, without scales, horns, tails, etc. Features and coloration can vary outside of human norms but the characters appear human. Any race of Small size should have an average height of one foot more but the race still retains its Small size category. These characters age as humans do but their maximum average lifespan may be longer. Normal maximum age is shown in the table above, based on an average human lifespan of 70 years. Apparent age will progress linearly, given their normal lifespan (e.g., elves age about one year for every two years after adulthood is reached). These characters do not know any racial languages (as these do not exist in Mythic Europe).

Aging#

There are no rules in D&D 5e for aging, but there are rules in Ars Magica. Aging is represented by penalties to ability scores in Ars Magica (but not in D&D). Humans under the age of 14 have all ability scores lowered by an amount equal to 14 minus the character's age (with a minimum ability score of 3). Thus, a 10-year-old starting apprentice would have all ability scores lowered by four. For human and near-human characters, aging rolls begin after reaching age 35 in Mythic Europe. Use the following simplified system.

Aging Roll:

1d10 + Age ÷ 10 (rounded up)

– Living Conditions (LC) modifier

– Longevity Ritual (LR) modifier

– Racial Aging Modifier (RM)

Aging Threshold (AT):

3 + (LC + LR + RM) modifiers ÷ 5 (rounded up)

If the result is 13 or more, subtract twelve from this result and multiply by 10%. This is the chance that the character gains one Decrepitude Point. When the character has accumulated five Decrepitude Points, he or she will die sometime that year. Current age is the real age of the character while apparent age is the age they appear to be.

Classes#

Character Classes#

Three sets of classes are used to simulate the characters in Mythic Europe. Grogs can take levels in the sidekick classes (expert, spellcaster, and warrior). Companions can take levels in the companion classes detailed in this document and the sidekick classes. The Gifted and Mythic Companions can take levels in the D&D character classes (artificer through wizard), the companion classes, and the sidekick classes.

Keep in mind that there are no Hermetic Magus archetypes for the grog and companion classes. Only Hermetic magi can take Hermetic spells, conduct Hermetic downtime activities, engage in certamen, etc. The arcane companion and spellcaster classes receive only D&D spells.

All characters can multiclass and the DM will have to adjudicate situations where a duplication of class features might occur, such as a companion taking levels in the martial companion class and also the sidekick warrior class.

Grogs#

Grogs are made as sidekicks in Dungeons & Dragons. Humans with suitable stat blocks are listed below. Refer to Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything for all information concerning sidekicks. Consult the Adventures in Middle-earth Loremaster’s Guide for creatures that have the LG source.

Grogs cannot have The Gift and can take any Background except Hermetic Magus but the troupe should keep in mind that these are meant to be minor characters.

Companions#

Companions are made as normal D&D characters and can take levels in the four companion classes and the three sidekick classes.

Companions can take levels in any of the companion classes detailed below. They may not take levels in the player character classes (artificer through wizard) unless they have The Gift. However, Mythic Companions can take levels in the normal player character classes even though they do not have The Gift. Companions of all types may have any Background except for Hermetic Magus.

The Academic Companion#

Academic Companion Class Features#

All academic companion class features follow the rules for the bard class in the Player’s Handbook unless otherwise noted below. Academic companions may take the archetypes detailed below.

Hit Points#

Hit Dice: 1d8 per companion level

Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier

Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitution modifier per academic companion level after 1st

Proficiencies#

Armor: Light armor

Weapons: Simple weapons

Tools: Calligrapher’s supplies

Languages: Latin

Saving Throws: Choose one of the following from this list – (a) Constitution, (b) Dexterity, or (c) Wisdom as well as one of the following from this list – (d) Charisma, (e) Intelligence, or (f) Strength

Skills: Choose any four skills

Equipment#

• (a) a dagger or (b) a quarterstaff

• (a) a holy symbol, a flask of holy water, and clerical robes or (b) calligrapher’s supplies

• (a) a scholar’s pack or (b) an explorer’s pack

Common Knowledge#

You know many things that are hidden from most and tidings of distant events tend to reach you with astonishing speed. The source of your knowledge is obscure and you do not explain how you know the things you do to others – it is enough that what you know is true.

At the start of each adventure or after spending time at a Hermetic covenant, the Dungeon Master should inform you of one or two events of importance occurring somewhere in the Tribunal.

Academics always know a little bit about everything and the Dungeon Master should regularly give you rumors or information based on your appropriate Passive ability checks. For more clarity you can always make an active ability check to learn more about a person, place, or event. Once per adventure you can add +5 to one of these active ability checks.

Cunning Linguist#

You know a little of many languages. You can hold a simple conversation in any of the Latin-based languages, and know a few common phrases in the languages of other peoples – enough to offer a greeting, shout a warning, or insult someone.

Scholarly Inspiration#

Use the rules for Bardic Inspiration.

Rousing Speech#

Use the rules for Song of Rest.

Astute Historian#

At 6th level, you find deeper meaning in the long history of the world. If you remind another character of a relevant tale from the history of their people, then that character gains Inspiration. You may inspire a number of characters equal to your proficiency bonus. Once you have used this feature, you cannot use it again until you have taken a long rest.

Magical Secrets#

At 11th level, you gain either the Magic Initiate or Ritual Caster feat.

Highly Educated#

At 15th level, your learning is such that you know there are few who can understand your concerns and worries, and so you must look to yourself for wise counsel. You may spend Inspiration to gain another use of a feature that typically requires a long rest before you can use it again, or is usable only once per adventure. Highly Educated is itself only usable once per adventure.

Commanding Knowledge#

At 18th level you are among the greatest academics in the world. You may replace any Intelligence or Wisdom ability check you make with a 15 (before adding modifiers). You may do this a number of times equal to your Intelligence modifier. You regain any expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Savant-Sage#

At 20th level, your knowledge on one subject approaches absolute and the educated widely recognize you as the preeminent authority on matters pertaining to your chosen lore. Choose one Intelligence or Wisdom skill – you automatically succeed at all ability checks using that skill. Additionally, you may spend Inspiration to learn something completely hidden about your chosen lore. Whether by shrewd guess or seemingly chance insight, you learn a useful secret that most could have no way of knowing. You must take a long rest in a covenant before you use this feature again.

Scholar Archetype#

Bonus Skills#

When you take this archetype at 3rd level, you gain one skill. If you apply a choice to a skill you already have, you gain expertise (as the rogue class feature).

Cutting Words#

Also at 3rd level, you learn how to use your wit to distract, confuse, and otherwise sap the confidence and competence of others. When a creature that you can see within 60 feet of you makes an attack roll, an ability check, or a damage roll, you can use your reaction to expend one of your uses of Scholarly Inspiration, rolling a Scholarly Inspiration die and subtracting the number rolled from the creature's roll. You can choose to use this feature after the creature makes its roll, but before the DM determines whether the attack roll or ability check succeeds or fails, or before the creature deals its damage. The creature is immune if it can't hear you or if it's immune to being charmed.

Magical Secrets#

At 6th level, you gain either the Magic Initiate or Ritual Caster feat.

Peerless Skill#

Starting at 14th level, when you make an ability check, you can expend one use of Scholarly Inspiration. Roll a Scholarly Inspiration die and add the number rolled to your ability check. You can choose to do so after you roll the die for the ability check, but before the DM tells you whether you succeed or fail.

Orator Archetype#

Silver Tongue#

At 3rd level, you are a master at saying the right thing at the right time. When you make a Charisma-based ability check, you can treat a d20 roll of 9 or lower as a 10.

Unsettling Words#

Also at 3rd level, you can spin words laced with notions that unsettle a creature and cause it to doubt itself. As a bonus action, you can expend one use of your Scholarly Inspiration and choose one creature you can see within 60 feet of you. Roll the Scholarly Inspiration die. The creature must subtract the number rolled from the next attack roll, ability check, or saving throw it makes before the start of your next turn.

Unfailing Inspiration#

At 6th level, your inspiring words are so persuasive that others feel driven to succeed. When a creature adds one of your Scholarly Inspiration dice to its ability check, attack roll, or saving throw and the roll fails, the creature can keep the Scholarly Inspiration die.

Universal Speech#

At 6th level, you gain the ability to make your speech intelligible to any other person. As an action, choose one or more people within 60 feet of you, up to a number equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of one person). For the next hour, the chosen people can understand what you are trying to convey, regardless of the language you speak. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.

Infectious Inspiration#

At 14th level, when you successfully inspire someone, the power of your eloquence can now spread to someone else. When a creature within 60 feet of you adds one of your Scholarly Inspiration dice to its ability check, attack roll, or saving throw and the roll succeeds, you can use your reaction to encourage a different creature (other than yourself) that can hear you within 60 feet of you, giving it a Scholarly Inspiration die without expending any of your Scholarly Inspiration uses. You can use this reaction a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Medicus Archetype#

Educated Chirurgeon#

At 3rd level you gain proficiency in the Medicine skill. If you already have the Medicine skill, you gain expertise (as the rogue class feature).

Skilled Healer#

Also at 3rd level, the healing time for patients under your care become three days for a Light Wound, two weeks for a Medium Wound, and six weeks for a Heavy Wound. You may also automatically stabilize a creature that has zero hit points without having to make an ability check. You may attend to a number of patients equal to your proficiency bonus.

Superior Practitioner#

At 6th level, patients under your care heal a Light Wound after a long rest. The healing time for a Medium Wound becomes one week and the healing time for a Heavy Wound becomes three weeks. You may attend to a number of patients equal to your proficiency bonus.

Magister in Medicina#

At 14th level, your skill at healing others seems almost magical. Patients under your care heal a Light Wound after a short rest and heal a Medium Wound after a long rest. The healing time for a Heavy Wound becomes one week. You may attend to a number of patients equal to your proficiency bonus.

The Arcane Companion#

Arcane Companion Class Features#

Hit Points#

Hit Dice: 1d6 per companion level

Hit Points at 1st Level: 6 + your Constitution modifier

Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d6 (or 4) + your Constitution modifier per arcane companion level after 1st

Proficiencies#

Armor: None

Weapons: Simple weapons

Tools: Choose either alchemist’s supplies, calligrapher’s supplies, or herbalism kit

Saving Throws: Choose one of the following from this list – (a) Constitution, (b) Dexterity, or (c) Wisdom as well as one of the following from this list – (d) Charisma, (e) Intelligence, or (f) Strength

Skills: Choose any three skills and Arcana

Equipment#

• (a) a dagger or (b) a quarterstaff

• (a) alchemist’s supplies, (b) calligrapher’s supplies, or (c) an herbalism kit

• (a) a scholar’s pack or (b) an explorer’s pack

Spellcasting#

Arcane companions have the ability to cast D&D spells. They do not get the ability to cast Hermetic spells and a Hermetic magus who takes levels in this class must take D&D spells when entitled to gain spells when advancing as an arcane companion.

Cantrips#

The arcane companion knows the number of cantrips indicated on the chart above. Cantrips can be selected from any D&D spell list.

Spell Slots#

The table above shows show many spell slots the arcane companion has to cast spells of 1st level and higher. To cast one of these spells, the arcane companion must expend a slot of the spell’s level or higher. The arcane companion regains all expended spell slots after a long rest.

Spells Known#

The Spells Known column on the table above shows how many spells of 1st level or higher the arcane companion knows. Each of the spells in the Spells Known column must be of a level for which the arcane companion has spell slots, as shown on the table and the arcane companion can choose spells from any D&D spell list.

Spellcasting Ability#

The arcane companion’s spellcasting ability is the highest from among Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma

Spell Save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your spellcasting ability modifier

Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your spellcasting ability modifier

Spellcasting Focus#

You can use a focus of any type as a spellcasting focus for your arcane companion spells.

Ritual Casting#

You can cast a spell you know as a ritual if that spell has the ritual tag.

Magical Defense#

Choose a school of magic. You have advantage on saving throws when you are a target of a power or spell of the chosen school.

Wonderworker#

At 18th level, choose one: (a) gain the wish spell (usable once per long rest) or (b) gain the Divine Intervention cleric class feature or (c) gain the Timeless Body druid class feature.

Arcane Master#

At 20th level, the arcane companion can draw on an inner reserve of mystical power to regain expended spell slots. The arcane companion spends one minute drawing upon the power of his Realm to regain all expended spell slots from the arcane companion Spellcasting feature. Once spell slots have been regained with this feature, the arcane companion must finish a long rest before being able to do so again.

Abjurer Archetype#

2nd Level – Abjurer#

You gain one D&D 1st level abjuration spell. You also gain one D&D abjuration spell of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. Choose one Realm, either Divine, Faerie, Infernal, or Magic. You are aligned to the chosen Realm.

You gain the following wizard class features at the indicated levels:

2nd Level – Arcane Ward#

6th Level – Projected Ward#

10th Level – Improved Abjuration#

14th Level – Spell Resistance#

Bard Archetype#

2nd Level – Bard#

You gain one 1st level spell from the bard spell list. You also gain one spell from the bard spell list of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. Choose one Realm, either Divine, Faerie, Infernal, or Magic. You are aligned to the chosen Realm.

You gain the following bard class features at the indicated levels:

2nd Level – Song of Rest#

6th Level – Countercharm#

10th Level – Magical Secrets#

14th Level – Magical Secrets#

Bladesinger Archetype#

2nd Level – Bladesinger#

When you choose this archetype you gain one 1st level spell from the bard spell list. You also gain one spell from the bard spell list of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. You are aligned to the Faerie Realm.

You gain the following wizard class features at the indicated levels (found in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything):

2nd Level – Training in War and Song#

2nd Level – Bladesong#

6th Level – Extra Attack#

10th Level – Song of Defense#

14th Level – Song of Victory#

Cleric Archetype#

2nd Level – Cleric#

You gain one 1st level spell from the cleric spell list. You also gain one spell from the cleric spell list of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. You are aligned to the Divine Realm.

You gain the following cleric class features at the indicated levels:

2nd Level – Channel Divinity (1/rest)#

6th Level – Channel Divinity (2/rest)#

10th Level – Divine Intervention#

14th Level – Destroy Undead (CR 3)#

Conjurer Archetype#

2nd Level – Conjurer#

You gain one D&D 1st level conjuration spell. You also gain one D&D conjuration spell of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. Choose one Realm, either Divine, Faerie, Infernal, or Magic. You are aligned to the chosen Realm.

You gain the following wizard class features at the indicated levels:

2nd Level – Minor Conjuration#

6th Level – Benign Transposition#

10th Level – Focused Conjuration#

14th Level – Durable Summons#

Diviner Archetype#

2nd Level – Diviner#

You gain one D&D 1st level divination spell. You also gain one D&D divination spell of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. Choose one Realm, either Divine, Faerie, Infernal, or Magic. You are aligned to the chosen Realm.

You gain the following wizard class features at the indicated levels:

2nd Level – Portent#

6th Level – Expert Divination#

10th Level – The Third Eye#

14th Level – Greater Portent#

Druid Archetype#

2nd Level – Druid#

You gain one 1st level spell from the druid spell list. You also gain one spell from the druid spell list of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. You are aligned to the Faerie Realm.

You gain the following druid class features at the indicated levels:

2nd Level – Wild Shape#

6th Level – Wild Shape Improvement (4th)#

10th Level – Wild Shape Improvement (8th)#

14th Level – Beast Spells#

Enchanter Archetype#

2nd Level – Enchanter#

You gain one D&D 1st level enchantment spell. You also gain one D&D enchantment spell of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. Choose one Realm, either Divine, Faerie, Infernal, or Magic. You are aligned to the chosen Realm.

You gain the following wizard class features at the indicated levels:

2nd Level – Hypnotic Gaze#

6th Level – Instinctive Charm#

10th Level – Split Enchantment#

14th Level – Alter Memories#

Illusionist Archetype#

2nd Level – Illusionist#

You gain one D&D 1st level illusion spell. You also gain one D&D illusion spell of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. Choose one Realm, either Divine, Faerie, Infernal, or Magic. You are aligned to the chosen Realm.

You gain the following wizard class features at the indicated levels:

2nd Level – Improved Minor Illusion#

6th Level – Malleable Illusion#

10th Level – Illusory Self#

14th Level – Illusory Reality#

Invoker Archetype#

2nd Level – Invoker#

You gain one D&D 1st level evocation spell. You also gain one D&D evocation spell of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. Choose one Realm, either Divine, Faerie, Infernal, or Magic. You are aligned to the chosen Realm.

You gain the following wizard class features at the indicated levels:

2nd Level – Sculpt Spells#

6th Level – Potent Cantrip#

10th Level – Empowered Evocation#

14th Level – Overchannel#

Necromancer Archetype#

2nd Level – Necromancer#

You gain one D&D 1st level necromancy spell. You also gain D&D one necromancy spell of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. Choose one Realm, either Faerie, Infernal, or Magic. You are aligned to the chosen Realm.

You gain the following wizard class features at the indicated levels:

2nd Level – Grim Harvest#

6th Level – Undead Thralls#

10th Level – Inured to Undeath#

14th Level – Command Undead#

Sorcerer Archetype#

2nd – Sorcerer#

You gain one 1st level spell from the sorcerer spell list. You also gain one spell from the sorcerer spell list of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. Choose one Realm, either Divine, Faerie, Infernal, or Magic. You are aligned to the chosen Realm.

You gain the following sorcerer class features at the indicated levels:

2nd Level – Font of Magic#

6th Level – Metamagic (3rd)#

10th Level – Metamagic (10th)#

14th Level – Metamagic (17th)#

Transmuter Archetype#

2nd Level – Transmuter#

You gain one D&D 1st level transmutation spell. You also gain one D&D transmutation spell of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. Choose one Realm, either Divine, Faerie, Infernal, or Magic. You are aligned to the chosen Realm.

You gain the following wizard class features at the indicated levels:

2nd Level – Minor Alchemy#

6th Level – Transmuter’s Stone#

10th Level – Shapechanger#

14th Level – Master Transmuter#

War Wizard Archetype#

2nd Level – War Wizard#

When you choose this archetype you gain one 1st level spell that does hit points of damage. You also gain one spell that does hit points of damage of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. Choose one Realm, either Divine, Faerie, Infernal, or Magic. You are aligned to the chosen Realm.

You gain the following wizard class features at the indicated levels (found in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything):

2nd Level – Arcane Deflection#

2nd Level – Tactical Wit#

6th Level – Power Surge#

10th Level – Durable Magic#

14th Level – Deflecting Shroud#

Warlock Archetype#

2nd Level – Warlock#

You gain one 1st level spell from the warlock spell list. You also gain one spell from the warlock spell list of a level you can cast each time you gain a level in arcane companion. Choose one Realm, either Divine, Faerie, Infernal, or Magic. You are aligned to the chosen Realm.

You gain the following warlock class features at the indicated levels:

2nd Level – Eldritch Invocations (2)#

6th Level – Eldritch Invocations (3)#

10th Level – Eldritch Invocations (4)#

14th Level – Eldritch Invocations (5)#

You must qualify for any invocations you choose and all prerequisite levels for you are equal to double the normal level minus one. If a spell slot is required, you must use a spell slot of a level equal to your prerequisite level of the invocation divided by four, rounded up.

The Martial Companion#

Martial Companion Class Features#

All martial companion class features follow the rules for the fighter class in the Player’s Handbook. Martial companions may take the Battle Master, Cavalier, Champion, and Knight (i.e., Samurai) archetypes and those below.

Hit Points#

Hit Dice: 1d10 per companion level

Hit Points at 1st Level: 10 + your Constitution modifier

Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d10 (or 6) + your Constitution modifier per martial companion level after 1st

Proficiencies#

Armor: All armor, shields

Weapons: Simple weapons, martial weapons

Tools: None

Saving Throws: Choose one of the following from this list – (a) Constitution, (b) Dexterity, or (c) Wisdom as well as one of the following from this list – (d) Charisma, (e) Intelligence, or (f) Strength

Skills: Choose any two skills

Equipment#

• (a) one full suit of medium armor (light armor if Squalid or Poor, heavy armor if Comfortable, Wealthy, or Aristocratic) and (b) one shield

• (a) two martial weapons

• (a) a dungeoneer’s pack or (b) an explorer’s pack

Captain Archetype#

You gain the following Captain Archetype features at 3rd, 7th, 10th, 15th, and 18th level.

Turb Leader#

At 3rd level, when initiative is rolled, the captain may take a reaction to form a fighting group that consists of himself and a number of additional characters equal to his proficiency bonus. The characters must use a reaction to join the group.

Once the fighting group is formed, the captain gains a Leadership Die, which starts as a d6 at 3rd level. Each round the captain decides how to apply the Leadership Die. The Leadership Die can be applied to an attack roll, a damage roll, an ability check, or a saving throw of one of the other members of the fighting group. When used, the die is rolled and the result is added to the roll it was applied to. The Leadership Die must be applied before the other roll is made. The Leadership Die becomes a d8 at 7th level, a d10 at 10th level, and a d12 at 15th level.

All for One#

At 7th level, the captain may redirect the damage suffered by a member of the fighting group. The captain may use a Leadership Die to transfer damage suffered by one other member of the fighting group that round to another. The captain can transfer damage to herself but cannot transfer her damage to another. Roll the Leadership Die and transfer this much damage, up to the full amount that was suffered.

One for All#

At 10th level, the captain may use a Leadership Die to affect a type of roll made by all members of the fighting group. Choose either attack roll, damage roll, ability check, or saving throw. All members of the fighting group get the bonus to the type of roll chosen during that round. Once you use this effect, you must finish a long rest before you can use it again.

Inspiring Leader#

At 15th level, when the captain forms a fighting group, all other members of the fighting group, besides the captain, gain Inspiration.

Superior Tactics#

At 18th level, the attack rolls of all members of the captain’s fighting group, besides the captain, are made with advantage.

Vanguard Archetype#

You gain the following Vanguard Archetype features at 3rd, 7th, 10th, 15th, and 18th level.

Tough#

At 3rd level, all of your hit dice from the martial companion class become twelve-sided rather than ten-sided and you also permanently add two hit points to your hit point maximum. When you gain this feature at 3rd level, your hit die is a d12. You may roll your hit die and add the result to your total hit points or take seven hit points to add to your hit point total.

Martial Instinct#

At 7th level, your instincts are so honed that you have advantage on initiative rolls. Additionally, if you are surprised at the beginning of combat and aren't incapacitated, you can act normally on your first turn.

Armored Defense#

At 10th level, you add your Constitution modifier to your Armor Class if you are wearing armor.

Retaliation#

Starting at 15th level, when you take damage from a creature that is within 5 feet of you, you can use your reaction to make a melee weapon attack against that creature.

Martial Paragon#

At 18th level, your Strength and Constitution scores increase by 4. Your maximum for those scores is now 24.

The Skilled Companion#

Skilled Companion Class Features#

Skilled companion class features follow the rules for the bard and rogue classes. Skilled companions may take the Assassin, Inquisitive, Mastermind, Scout, Swashbuckler, and Thief archetypes and those below.

Hit Points#

Hit Dice: 1d8 per companion level

Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier

Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitution modifier per skilled companion level after 1st

Proficiencies#

Armor: Light armor, medium armor, and shields

Weapons: Simple weapons

Tools: Choose any two from the table on page 154 of the Player’s Handbook

Saving Throws: Choose one of the following from this list – (a) Constitution, (b) Dexterity, or (c) Wisdom as well as one of the following from this list – (d) Charisma, (e) Intelligence, or (f) Strength

Skills: Choose any four skills

Equipment#

• (a) a dagger or (b) a club

• (a) two sets of tools

• (a) a burglar’s pack, (b) a dungeoneer’s pack, or (c) an explorer’s pack

Courtier Archetype#

At 3rd, 9th, 13th, and 17th level, you gain the Courtier Archetype features below.

Skilled Communicator#

At 3rd level, choose a skill from the following list: Deception, Insight, Intimidation, Performance, or Persuasion. You have advantage on ability checks with the chosen skill.

Master Manipulator#

At 9th level, the courtier gains an almost supernatural ability to influence the actions of others. Choose from among the following spells each time you wish to invoke this feature: calm emotions, enthrall, or suggestion. The courtier may produce a non-magical effect that mimics the chosen spell. Saving throws still apply, if applicable. Once you use this feature, you must finish a long rest before you can use it again.

Smooth-Tongued Eloquence#

At 13th level, you may invoke a non-magical effect that mimics the glibness or mass suggestion spell. You can choose either spell each time you use this feature. Saving throws still apply, if applicable. Once you use this feature, you must finish a long rest before you can use it again.

Prime Minister#

At 17th level, whenever you make an ability check for the skill you chose at 3rd level for the Skilled Communicator feature, you may treat a d20 roll of 19 or lower as a 20 (but this is not considered a “natural” 20). Also at 17th level, you may invoke a non-magical effect that mimics the mind blank spell. Once you use this effect, you must finish a long rest before you can use it again.

Expert Archetype#

At 3rd, 9th, 13th, and 17th level, you gain one of the Expert Archetype features below. You may not choose a feature more than once.

Expert Advantage#

Choose one skill or tool that you have expertise in. If you do not have expertise in a skill, then choose a skill; you gain expertise in this skill. In either case, you have advantage on all d20 ability checks involving the chosen skill.

Expert Talent#

Choose one ability score. Increase that ability score by 2, to a maximum of 20.

Expert Knowledge#

Choose two skills. You gain expertise with these skills (as the rogue class feature).

Expert Skill#

You may add half your skilled companion level, rounded up, to one ability check involving a skill you are proficient with. You may wait to see if the roll succeeds or fails before adding this bonus. You may not use the Expert Skill feature again until after a short or long rest.

Herald Archetype#

At 3rd, 9th, 13th, and 17th level, you gain the Herald Archetype features below.

Martial Training#

At 3rd level, you gain proficiency in martial weapons and heavy armor.

Battlefield Advice#

Also at 3rd level, you gain a number of dice equal to your proficiency bonus and this number of dice increases as your proficiency bonus increases. These dice start as d6 but become d8 at 5th level, d10 at 10th level, and d12 at 15th level. You may expend one die to give all of your allies within 30 feet a bonus equal to the roll of the die to their next attack roll. Alternatively, you may spend one die to increase the weapon damage roll of one ally within 30 feet by a roll of the die.

Extra Attack#

At 9th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the attack action on your turn.

Break Resolve#

At 13th level, your steely gaze causes lesser foes to falter before you. As an action, you may attempt to instill fear in one creature within 30 feet of you that can see you by making a DC 15 Charisma (Intimidation) check. The affected creature must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC equals the result of your Charisma check) or gain the Frightened condition. You may use this ability only once, regaining it after a short or long rest.

An End Worthy of Song#

At 17th level, your stirring words help your allies stand against any challenge, even if it is to be their last stand. As an action, you can speak words of hope and valor that move you and all of your allies within 30 feet, granting each of you a +2 bonus on all attack rolls, a pool of temporary hit points equal to your character level and immunity to being Frightened. This effect lasts a number of rounds equal to your Charisma modifier +1 (minimum of 1). You must take a long rest in a Hermetic covenant (or your home) before you can use this ability again.

Sentinel Archetype#

At 3rd, 9th, 13th, and 17th level, you gain the Sentinel Archetype features below.

Martial Training#

At 3rd level, you gain proficiency in martial weapons and heavy armor.

Guardian#

Starting at 3rd level when you choose this archetype, when a creature you can see attacks a target within 5 feet of you (other than yourself), you can use your reaction to impose a disadvantage on the attack roll.

Ceaseless Guard#

At 9th level, you can use your reaction in order to interpose yourself in front of an attack meant for another within five feet of you. You make a Dexterity saving throw with a DC equal to the enemy’s attack roll. If you succeed, the attack is automatically directed at you. You may increase your AC by your proficiency bonus against this attack.

A Creature of Stone and Steel#

At 13th level, you gain a permanent pool of temporary hit points equal to 12 + your Constitution modifier. This pool replenishes after finishing a long rest.

Unyielding Guard#

Starting at 17th level, your skill at protecting yourself and others reaches its zenith. You can use your action to utterly thwart your enemies. Choose any number of opponents within 10 feet of you whose total Challenge and/or Hit Dice are equal to or less than your own number of Hit Dice. For the following round, these opponents do not roll their attack dice – all of their attacks automatically miss. You cannot use this ability again until you’ve taken a short or long rest.

Performer Archetype#

Requirement: Expertise in a musical instrument.

At 3rd, 9th, 13th, and 17th level, you gain the Performer Archetype features below.

Bardic Inspiration#

At 3rd level, you gain the Bardic Inspiration class feature from the bard class.

Song of Rest#

Also at 3rd level, you gain the Song of Rest class feature from the bard class.

Font of Inspiration#

At 9th level, you regain all of your expended uses of Bardic Inspiration when you finish a long or short rest.

Countercharm#

Also at 9th level, you gain the Countercharm class feature from the bard class.

Enchanting Music#

At 13th level, you may invoke a non-magical effect that mimics one of the following spells of your choice each time you use it: animal friendship, charm person, calm emotions, enthrall, compulsion, confusion, mass suggestion, modify memory, sleep, or suggestion. Saving throws still apply, if applicable. Once you use this feature, you must finish a long rest before you can use it again

Superior Inspiration#

At 17th level, when you roll initiative and have no uses of Bardic Inspiration left, you regain one use.

Hermetic Magi#

Hermetic Class Archetypes#

The following class archetypes can be used to simulate Hermetic magi in the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition system. A character must have the Hermetic Magus background to take these class archetypes.

There is one class archetype for each of the thirteen character classes. When the decision point is reached, typically at 1st, 2nd, or 3rd level, a character may choose the Magus archetype for their class (but need not). For the spellcasting classes, this adds the entire Hermetic spell list to the spell list of their class. For the non-spellcasting classes (barbarian, monk, fighter, and rogue), the character gains the Hermetic Dabbler feat.

Artificer: Magus#

Artificer - 3rd Level - Hermetic Magic#

You gain the Hermetic Magic feat.

Artificer - 5th Level - Magic Shield#

You gain the Magic Shield feat.

Artificer - 9th Level - Spellmaster#

You gain the Spellmaster feat.

Artificer - 15th Level - Spell Penetration#

You gain the Spell Penetration feat.

Barbarian: Path of the Magus#

Barbarians wishing to take this Path are encouraged to take Hermetic feats (Hermetic Initiate through Hermetic Magus) at 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, if possible.

Barbarian - 3rd Level - Hermetic Magic#

You gain the Hermetic Magic and Hermetic Dabbler feats.

Barbarian - 6th Level - Magic Shield#

You gain the Magic Shield feat.

Barbarian - 10th Level - Spellmaster#

You gain the Spellmaster feat.

Barbarian - 14th Level - Spell Penetration#

You gain the Spell Penetration feat.

Bard: College of the Magus#

Bard - 3rd Level - Hermetic Magic#

You gain the Hermetic Magic feat.

Bard - 6th Level - Magic Shield#

You gain the Magic Shield feat.

Bard - 14th Level - Spell Penetration#

You gain the Spell Penetration feat.

Bard - 14th Level - Spellmaster#

You gain the Spellmaster feat.

Cleric: Magus Domain#

Cleric - 1st Level - Blessings of Knowledge#

You learn two languages of your choice. You also become proficient in your choice of two of the following skills: Arcana, History, Nature, or Religion. Your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses either of those skills.

Cleric - 2nd Level - Hermetic Magic#

You gain the Hermetic Magic feat.

Cleric - 6th Level - Magic Shield#

You gain the Magic Shield feat.

Cleric - 8th Level - Spellmaster#

You gain the Spellmaster feat.

Cleric - 17th Level - Spell Penetration#

You gain the Spell Penetration feat.

Druid: Circle of the Magus#

Druid - 2nd Level - Hermetic Magic#

You gain the Hermetic Magic feat.

Druid - 6th Level - Magic Shield#

You gain the Magic Shield feat.

Druid - 10th Level - Spellmaster#

You gain the Spellmaster feat.

Druid - 14th Level - Spell Penetration#

You gain the Spell Penetration feat.

Fighter: Magus#

Fighters wishing to take this Archetype are encouraged to take Hermetic feats (Hermetic Initiate through Hermetic Magus) at 4th, 6th, 8th, 12th, and 14th level, if possible

Fighter - 3rd Level - Hermetic Magic#

You gain the Hermetic Magic and Hermetic Dabbler feats.

Fighter - 7th Level - Magic Shield#

You gain the Magic Shield feat.

Fighter - 10th Level - Spellmaster#

You gain the Spellmaster feat.

Fighter - 15th Level - Spell Penetration#

You gain the Spell Penetration feat.

Fighter - 18th Level - War Magic#

When you use your action to cast a D&D or Hermetic cantrip, you can make one weapon attack as a bonus action.

Monk: Way of the Magus#

Monks wishing to take this Archetype are encouraged to take Hermetic feats (Hermetic Initiate through Hermetic Magus) at 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, if possible

Monk - 3rd Level - Hermetic Magic#

You gain the Hermetic Magic and Hermetic Dabbler feats.

Monk - 6th Level - Magic Shield#

You gain the Magic Shield feat.

Monk - 11th Level - Spellmaster#

You gain the Spellmaster feat.

Monk - 17th Level - Spell Penetration#

You gain the Spell Penetration feat.

Paladin: Oath of the Magus#

Paladin - 3rd Level - Hermetic Magic#

You gain the Hermetic Magic feat.

Paladin - 7th Level - Magic Shield#

You gain the Magic Shield feat.

Paladin - 15th Level - Spell Penetration#

You gain the Spell Penetration feat.

Paladin - 15th Level - Spellmaster#

You gain the Spellmaster feat.

Paladin - 20th Level - Paladin Aspect#

Choose one 20th level paladin Oath feature (such as Holy Nimbus, Elder Champion, or Avenging Angel). You gain this feature.

Ranger: Magus#

Ranger - 3rd Level - Hermetic Magic#

You gain the Hermetic Magic feat.

Ranger - 7th Level - Magic Shield#

You gain the Magic Shield feat.

Ranger - 11th Level - Spellmaster#

You gain the Spellmaster feat.

Ranger - 15th Level - Spell Penetration#

You gain the Spell Penetration feat.

Rogue: Magus#

Rogues wishing to take this Archetype are encouraged to take Hermetic feats (Hermetic Initiate through Hermetic Magus) at 4th, 8th, 10th, 12th, and 16th, if possible

Rogue - 3rd Level - Hermetic Magic#

You gain the Hermetic Magic and Hermetic Dabbler feats.

Rogue - 9th Level - Magic Shield#

You gain the Magic Shield feat.

Rogue - 13th Level - Spellmaster#

You gain the Spellmaster feat.

Rogue - 17th Level - Spell Penetration#

You gain the Spell Penetration feat.

Sorcerer: Hermetic Training#

Sorcerer - 1st Level - Hermetic Magic#

You gain the Hermetic Magic feat.

Sorcerer - 6th Level - Magic Shield#

You gain the Magic Shield feat.

Sorcerer - 14th Level - Spell Penetration#

You gain the Spell Penetration feat.

Sorcerer - 14th Level - Spellmaster#

You gain the Spellmaster feat.

Sorcerer - 18th Level - Apex Power#

Choose one 18th level sorcerer Origin feature (such as Draconic Presence or Spell Bombardment). You gain this feature.

Warlock: The Magus#

Warlock - 1st Level - Hermetic Magic#

You gain the Hermetic Magic feat.

Warlock - 6th Level - Magic Shield#

You gain the Magic Shield feat.

Warlock - 10th Level - Spellmaster#

You gain the Spellmaster feat.

Warlock - 14th Level - Spell Penetration#

You gain the Spell Penetration feat.

Wizard: Hermetic Tradition#

Wizard - 2nd Level - Hermetic Magic#

You gain the Hermetic Magic feat.

Wizard - 6th Level - Magic Shield#

You gain the Magic Shield feat.

Wizard - 10th Level - Spellmaster#

You gain the Spellmaster feat.

Wizard - 14th Level - Spell Penetration#

You gain the Spell Penetration feat.

Magus Archetype Table#

For reference, the levels at which various magus archetype features are gained for each class are shown below.

See the Customization Options section for more information on multiclass Hermetic magi and the Feats section for a table showing the earliest levels that Hermetic barbarians, fighter, monks, and rogues can attain spellcasting levels 1st through 6th.

Magus Archetype Features

Making Your Hermetic Magus#

To make a Hermetic magus character use these steps:

• First, choose the Hermetic Magus background.

• Choose a normal D&D class and decide if you want the Hermetic archetype for that class later or if you will pick another archetype from D&D material.

- If you will choose the Hermetic archetype, you will gain the proper Hermetic feats as you advance, leaving your Ability Score Improvement class features free for ability score increases or feats.

- If you will choose another archetype, plan on taking the following Hermetic feats as early as possible as you advance: Hermetic Magic, Magic Shield, Spellmaster, and Spell Penetration.

• If you chose a non-spellcasting class, such as barbarian, fighter, monk, or rogue, and decide that you will choose the Hermetic archetype, take the Hermetic feat series that begins with Hermetic Dabbler and ends with Hermetic Magus when you can.

• If you chose a non-spellcasting class and decide that you will take another archetype as you advance, you must balance your feat choices. Take the Hermetic Magic feat first and then take Hermetic Dabbler when you can, advancing along that track. You may wish to take the Magic Shield feat at some point, foregoing a feat that increases your caster level. This will make a character that is only barely “Hermetic.”

Familiars#

Even though there is a find familiar spell in D&D, this magical spirit merely takes the form of a small animal and is not a familiar in the Hermetic sense (even Bjornaer wizards can cast this spell, since it does not summon a true familiar, merely a magical companion spirit).

A familiar is created as a sidekick. Choose a naturally occurring tiny or small beast with a Challenge of 1/2 or less. From there, use the sidekick rules to make the familiar. The familiar does not gain armor or weapon proficiencies. The familiar may take class levels in the expert, spellcaster, and warrior classes. Familiars do not need to speak or gesture to cast spells (i.e., ignore the verbal and somatic components). They may also forego the material component of a spell as long as it does not have a gold piece value. For this reason, familiars rarely learn spells requiring material components with a cost. The familiar can become a multiclass character as well.

Familiars grant their magi a number of benefits. The magus and familiar are bound by three Cords – the Golden, the Silver, and the Bronze. Each Cord has a Cord score, equal to the character’s proficiency bonus minus one. The Golden Cord reduces the maga’s botch chance (normally 1%, but can be higher). The Silver Cord grants the maga a bonus on saving throws against mental effects and verbal trickery. This bonus stacks with any saving throw proficiency the maga may have. The Bronze Cord increases the maga’s AC and also acts as a bonus to aging rolls.

Apprentices#

Technically speaking, Hermetic apprentices would be Hermetic magi of character levels one through five. The Apprentice would spend a number of years at each character level equal to that level (i.e., one year at 1st level, two years at 2nd level, etc.). They would become a full Hermetic magus upon attainment of 6th level. It is assumed that apprentices have much more freedom under D&D rules when compared to their normal lot in Ars Magica. Masters would most certainly send apprentices out to seek magical material components, investigate situations troubling the covenant, travel to other covenants to conduct business, etc. The D&D group may wish to roleplay each character's Gauntlet at the end of 5th level to make it more memorable. It is interesting to note that these apprentices would be quite young at start (10 years old at 1st level). A child's ability scores are equal to the adult (normally rolled) scores penalized by an amount equal to 14 minus their current age. At 14 years of age, the characters are assumed to have their "adult" ability scores. Of course, characters could also start as adults; it doesn't take fifteen years to reach 6th level in most D&D campaigns.

Spellcasting Characters#

Hermetic magi are not the only spellcasters in the setting. The Ars Magica rulebooks detail a host of other traditions. As a simple rule-of-thumb, non-Gifted magic-using characters should take levels in the spellcaster sidekick class or the arcane companion class and Gifted characters and Mythic Companions should take levels in the normal D&D character classes (artificer through wizard).

For a non-Gifted character, the spells known should be in keeping with the magical powers of the source tradition. For example, a spellcaster that is based on the elementalist hedge magic tradition should choose elemental spells. Spellcasters without The Gift cannot select Hermetic spells.

For a Gifted character, choose a D&D spellcasting class that most adheres to the spirit of the source tradition. To extend the example, a Gifted elementalist may be a druid, sorcerer, or wizard.

Magic-users of the other Realms (Divine, Faerie, and Infernal) will convert to D&D in the same manner. Gifted practitioners of Divine traditions will most likely be clerics but need not be if another class simulates the tradition better (such as bard for the cantores in Realms of Power: Divine, page 93). Many Gifted infernalists would be warlocks but other spellcasting classes are good fits as well (sorcerer and wizard). Gifted Faerie spellcasters could take levels in just about any spellcasting class.

Non-Player Character Magi#

The rate of advancement for apprentices can be used to estimate the D&D level of older magi. For example, Darius, who is 62 years past Gauntlet, would have a total of 77 years as a Hermetic apprentice and magus. He would be 12th level. In one more year, he would attain 13th level. By contrast, Bartholomew (of Devil's Lane) has a listed age of 193. Assuming he began Hermetic training at age 10, he would be a 19th level Hermetic magus. To quickly find a maga's level, use the Advancement Table substituting the maga's years as a Hermetic character and consulting the row in the Art "To Buy" column that is equal to their "Hermetic age." The Score to the left on that same row, plus one, will tell you the D&D Hermetic level (see D&D Level below). The default character class is sorcerer, unless another class fits better.

Using Published Characters#

The following rules are guidelines for figuring out how to translate the quickly-sketched Ars Magica characters from the rule books into D&D characters.

D&D Level#

The only clue given to establish the D&D level of a character from Ars Magica source material is the character’s age. Use the following table to derive a D&D level from the age. Magi are assumed to start advancing at age ten (the beginning of a standard apprenticeship). All other characters begin at age fifteen. This table is for normal human characters.

D&D Class#

The default class and archetype for Hermetic magi is sorcerer with the Hermetic Training origin. Of course, the DM is free to designate any class and archetype for the Hermetic magus characters found in the Ars Magica sourcebooks. If the description of a Hermetic magus includes spells, then the magus knows all of those spells.

Mundane characters default to the sidekick classes of expert and warrior unless a companion class is a better fit (such as skilled companion for a Redcap).

Un-Gifted magic-users would default to the spellcaster sidekick class or the arcane companion class (as previously mentioned in this document).

Grogs would take sidekick classes. Companions would take companion classes and/or sidekick classes.

Mythic Companions can have levels in any of the D&D classes (their special origin being a substitution for The Gift). Gifted characters who are not Hermetic magi can also take levels in any of the D&D classes (but have no access to Hermetic spells). Of course, both Mythic Companions and Gifted characters can take sidekick and companion classes if desired.

And finally, the DM can always use a monster block to describe any character from a sourcebook for quick translation.

Ability Scores#

Use the standard Characteristics to ability scores conversion if the Characteristics are listed from the Ability Scores section. Otherwise, use the standard array for simplicity keeping in mind the character’s D&D class and the description of the character in the Ars Magica sourcebook.

Other Character Traits#

The DM may choose backgrounds, equipment, feats, and other traits as appropriate for the Mythic Europe NPC.

Backgrounds#

In addition to what is listed below, each character should take two personality traits, one ideal, one bond, and one flaw found in the Player’s Handbook, Chapter 4, Personality and Background.

Branded Criminal#

Lifestyle: Poor but you may choose Squalid.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Stealth.

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set (perhaps dice or chess, playing cards don’t exist yet) and one other tool proficiency.

Equipment: A set of thieves’ tools, a set of dark common clothes including a hood, a belt pouch containing 15 silver thalers.

Feature: Criminal Contact (see Criminal in the Player’s Handbook, page 129).

Clerk#

Lifestyle: Modest but you may choose Poor or Comfortable.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: History, Religion.

Tool Proficiencies: Calligrapher’s supplies and one additional tool proficiency.

Languages: Latin.

Equipment: A bottle of black ink, a quill, a small knife, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 silver thalers.

Feature: Academic Hospitality (like Rustic Hospitality, but for academic folk; see Folk Hero in the Player’s Handbook, page 131).

Covenfolk#

Lifestyle: Modest.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Choose any two.

Tool Proficiencies: Choose any two.

Equipment: A set of common clothes and a belt pouch containing 10 silver thalers.

Feature: Covenant Membership (like Guild Membership but pertains to a Hermetic Covenant; see Guild Artisan’s feature in the Player’s Handbook, page 133).

The Dungeons & Dragons alignment system can be used in the campaign if the Dungeon Master desires. If a player does not wish to choose an alignment for their character, consider the character to be neutral.

Craftsman#

Lifestyle: Modest but you may choose Poor or Comfortable.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Persuasion.

Tool Proficiencies: Choose one artisan’s tool proficiency.

Language Proficiency: One of your choice.

Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a belt pouch containing 15 silver thalers.

Feature: Guild Membership (Player’s Handbook, page 133).

Custos#

Lifestyle: Modest.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Choose any three.

Tool Proficiencies: May take tool proficiencies in lieu of skills on a one-to-one basis.

Languages: Latin.

Equipment: A gaming set, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 silver thalers.

Feature: Covenant Membership (like Guild Membership but pertains to a Hermetic Covenant; see Guild Artisan’s feature in the Player’s Handbook, page 133).

Failed Apprentice#

Lifestyle: Modest but you may choose Poor or Comfortable.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Investigation.

Tool Proficiencies: Alchemist’s supplies, calligrapher’s supplies.

Languages: Latin.

Equipment: A set of common clothes and a belt pouch containing 15 silver thalers.

Feature: Magical Contact (like Criminal Contact but is a contact that is in some way related to the magical world, perhaps your former master; see Player’s Handbook, page 129).

Gentleman/woman#

Lifestyle: Modest but you may choose Poor or Comfortable.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion.

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set.

Languages: One of your choice.

Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a signet ring, and a purse containing 25 silver thalers.

Feature: Position of Privilege (as the Noble, see Player’s Handbook, page 135).

Hermetic Magus#

Lifestyle: Comfortable.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Investigation.

Tool Proficiency: Alchemist’s and calligrapher’s supplies.

Languages: Latin.

Equipment: A set of clothes (your choice on exact details), alchemist’s supplies, and a belt pouch containing 15 silver thalers.

Feature: The Gift. Your character has The Gift feat.

Hermetic House Feature: Every Hermetic Magus must be a member of a House. Choose or randomly determine your House and gain the feature associated with it.

*Found in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. Skill Expert: Increases one ability score by one point, gain proficiency in one skill, and gain expertise (double proficiency bonus) for the skill shown.

Knight#

Lifestyle: Comfortable but you may choose Modest or Wealthy.

Gender: Male only.

Skill Proficiencies: Intimidation, Persuasion.

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set.

Languages: One of your choice.

Equipment: A tabard in the heraldic colors of your livery, a set of fine clothes and a purse containing 25 silver thalers.

Feature: Choose either Position of Privilege or Retainers (see the Noble background, Player’s Handbook, page 133).

Landed Noble#

Lifestyle: Wealthy but you may choose Comfortable or Aristocratic.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion.

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set.

Languages: One of your choice.

Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a signet ring, and a purse containing 25 silver thalers.

Feature: Position of Privilege (as the Noble, see Player’s Handbook, page 135).

Special: You have sworn an oath of loyalty and support to someone and sometimes they call on you to uphold your vow.

Magister in Artibus#

Lifestyle: Comfortable but you may choose Modest or Wealthy.

Gender: Male only.

Skill Proficiencies: Any two Intelligence skills.

Tool Proficiencies: None.

Languages: One of your choice and Latin.

Equipment: A bottle of black ink, a quill, a small knife, a letter from a colleague (living or dead) posing a question you have not yet been able to answer, a set of common clothes, a set of clerical robes, and a belt pouch containing 10 silver thalers.

Feature: Researcher (see the Sage background in the Player’s Handbook, page 137).

Mendicant Friar#

Lifestyle: Poor.

Gender: Male only.

Skill Proficiencies: Medicine, Religion.

Tool Proficiencies: One of your choice.

Languages: One of your choice and Latin.

Equipment: A scroll case stuffed full of notes from your studies or prayers, a winter blanket, a set of friar’s clothes, a Bible, and 5 silver thalers.

Feature: Discovery (see the Hermit background, Player’s Handbook, page 134).

Special: You have taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to a religious superior. This covers the vows taken by mendicant friars, as well as those taken by monks and nuns strictly speaking.

Mercenary#

Lifestyle: Modest but you may choose Poor or Comfortable.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation.

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set.

Languages: One of your choice.

Equipment: A uniform, a trophy taken from a fallen enemy, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 silver thalers.

Feature: Military Rank (see the Soldier background, Player’s Handbook, page 140).

Merchant#

Lifestyle: Modest but you may choose Poor or Comfortable.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Persuasion.

Tool Proficiencies: None.

Languages: Two of your choice.

Equipment: A mule and a cart, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a belt pouch containing 15 silver thalers.

Feature: Guild Membership (see Player’s Handbook, page 133).

Outcast#

Lifestyle: Poor but you may choose Squalid.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Survival.

Tool Proficiencies: One of your choice.

Languages: One of your choice.

Equipment: A small knife, a token to remember your previous life in normal society, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 5 silver thalers.

Feature: Outcast Contact (as Criminal Contact in the Player Handbook, page 129, but for another outcast or group of outcasts).

Outlaw#

Lifestyle: Poor but you may choose Squalid or Modest.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Intimidation, Survival.

Tool Proficiencies: Any two of your choice.

Equipment: A set of traveler’s clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 silver thalers.

Feature: Criminal Contact (as described in Player’s Handbook, page 129).

Outsider#

Lifestyle: Modest but you may choose Poor or Comfortable.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Choose any two.

Tool Proficiencies: None.

Languages: Any two of your choice.

Equipment: An article that ties you to your culture, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 silver thalers.

Feature: Cultural Hospitality (as Rustic Hospitality in the Player’s Handbook, page 131, but for other members of your culture).

Peasant#

Lifestyle: Poor but you may choose Squalid or Modest.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Athletics, Survival.

Tool Proficiencies: One of your choice.

Equipment: A set of common clothes and a belt pouch containing 5 silver thalers.

Feature: Rustic Hospitality (as described in the Player’s Handbook, page 131).

Priest#

Lifestyle: Comfortable but you may choose Modest or Wealthy.

Gender: Male only.

Skill Proficiencies: History, Religion.

Tool Proficiencies: None.

Languages: One other of your choice and Latin.

Equipment: A crucifix, a Bible, clerical vestments, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 15 silver thalers.

Feature: Shelter of the Faithful (as described in the Player’s Handbook, page 127).

Special: You have sworn a vow of celibacy and breaking your vow is a serious matter. If you fail to uphold your vow, you must perform some kind of atonement, whether it be religious penance or coming to terms with your failure in some other way. Furthermore, you may not gain Inspiration until you atone. Most people respect your dedication, giving you a good reputation among those people (+1 to Charisma-based ability checks).

Redcap#

Lifestyle: Modest.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, Survival.

Tool Proficiencies: One of your choice.

Languages: One of your choice and Latin.

Equipment: A set of traveler’s clothes, a set of Redcap clothes, an enchanted device that aids you in your duties, and a belt pouch containing 15 silver thalers. Your enchanted device can be chosen from Magic Item Table A, Table B, or Table C in the Dungeon Master’s Guide, pages 144 and 145 or from the list of minor common magic items on pages 140 and 141 in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything.

Feature: Wanderer (as described in the Outlander background in the Player’s Handbook, page 136).

Special: Redcaps cannot have The Gift. If they did, they would’ve been trained as a Hermetic magus.

Wanderer#

Lifestyle: Modest but you may choose Poor or Comfortable.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Survival.

Tool Proficiencies: None.

Languages: Two of your choice.

Equipment: A staff, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 silver thalers.

Feature: Wanderer (as described in the Player’s Handbook, page 136).

Wise One#

Lifestyle: Modest but you may choose Poor or Comfortable.

Gender: Male and Female.

Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Medicine.

Tool Proficiencies: One of your choice.

Languages: One of your choice.

Equipment: An article or token that pertains to your “magic”, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 silver thalers.

Feature: Discovery (as described in the Player’s Handbook, page 134).

Equipment#

Currency#

The Mythic Europe campaign setting uses the Mythic Penny as the default currency, 240 of which equal a Mythic Pound. The conversion rate is five D&D gold pieces (thalers) equals 24 Mythic Pence. To convert the currency while keeping the D&D abbreviations, use the following coin descriptions. The standard name for the currency is given along with a mnemonic name to aid in remembering what the equivalent coin is in D&D. Most coins are a little larger than a U.S. dollar coin. Half-thalers are a little smaller than a U.S. nickel.

Gold Crown#

Pretty Penny (pp)

This is a gold coin weighing 1/50th of a pound. These are rare, worth four Mythic Shillings. Five of these make a Mythic Pound.

Silver Thaler#

Great Penny (gp)

This is a silver coin weighing 1/50th of a pound. Each thaler almost equals five Mythic Pence, two-fifths of a shilling, and 50 thalers make a Mythic Pound.

Silver Half-Thaler#

Elf Penny (ep)

This is a small silver coin weighing 1/100th of a pound. These are rare, worth a little less than two-and-a-half Mythic Pence each. One hundred half-thalers make a Mythic Pound.

Bronze Dime#

Small Penny, Simple Penny, or Sheaf Penny (sp)

This is a bronze coin weighing 1/50th of a pound. This is essentially a thaler made of bronze and it is traditionally stamped with the image of crossed wheat sheaves. It is worth a little less than one-half a Mythic Penny (0.48) and five hundred of these equals a Mythic Pound. You can buy a five-pound bag of wheat flour with this coin.

Copper Cent#

Copper or Chicken Penny (cp)

This is a copper coin weighing 1/50th of a pound. Coins vary by location and may be locally minted. Roughly 20 copper cents equal one Mythic Penny, 250 cents equal a Mythic Shilling, and 5,000 equal a Mythic Pound. A copper cent can buy you a chicken in most places.

Conversions#

One Mythic Librum (Pound)

= 20 Mythic Solidi (Shillings)

= 240 Mythic Denarii (Pence)

= 5 Gold Crowns (pp)

= 50 Silver Thalers (gp)

= 100 Silver Half-Thalers (ep)

= 500 Bronze Dimes (sp)

= 5,000 Copper Cents (cp)

It is important to note that these coins have no basis in history. The DM can use these coins to have equivalents to D&D currency and not have to re-work the prices in the equipment tables while keeping silver as the base metal for currency for Mythic Europe.

Economy#

The Dungeon Master must decide on whether to use the normal D&D economy or that of Mythic Europe. If the standard D&D economy is used, then equipment, treasure, and the costs to create magic items (see Crafting Magic Items) follow D&D norms. Note that this will result in exorbitant prices from a Mythic Europe standpoint but it will be easier to use all D&D source material (i.e., the DM won’t have to change the rules for treasure hoards, cost of living, etc.).

If the Mythic Europe economy is used, then the Dungeon Master should consult Ars Magica material to determine the costs of various things in the setting.

Lifestyles by Social Status#

Lifestyle Expenses#

Mythic Europe Armor and Weapons#

See the tables below for allowable armor and the weapons for Mythic Europe. Prices are in silver thalers or Mythic Pence.

Armor#

Weapons#

Customization Options#

Multiclassing#

The Multiclass Magus#

If multiclass rules are in use, a magus will gain magus archetype features after reaching a total number of magus levels, regardless of their individual class levels with the magus archetype. The character must take the magus class archetype for each class for these levels to stack. For example, a character that has taken six levels of druid, six levels of warlock, and six levels of wizard and also chose the magus class archetype for each one would be considered an 18th level magus. If they decided to take another class archetype in one class, such as a druid circle that is not magus, then they would be a 12th level magus.

At 6th level magus, the character gains the Magic Shield magus archetype feature (if they have not already gained it).

At 10th level magus, the character gains the Spellmaster magus archetype feature (if they have not already gained it).

At 14th level magus, the character gains the Spell Penetration magus archetype feature (if they have not already gained it).

The Multiclass Companion and Grog#

Use the table below for multiclass companions and grogs. Spellcasting levels stack as usual.

The expert, spellcaster, and warrior get the 1st level Bonus Proficiencies class feature for their class.

Feats#

Certamen Expert#

Prerequisite: The ability to conduct certamen

In certamen, you may add your proficiency bonus to the lower of your Attack Bonus or Defense Bonus each round. You first assign your Attack Bonus and Defense Bonus, subject to the normal limit. You increase your lower bonus after this assignment.

Enigmatic Wisdom#

Prerequisite: Be a member of the Hermetic House of Criamon

You may apply your proficiency bonus to any ability check to understand any strange or baffling phenomena, to make sense of the strange or ludicrous, to interpret dreams and riddles, and to understand phantasms and arcane or mysterious situations. This application of your proficiency bonus can stack with a proficiency

bonus granted by a skill. Furthermore, you gain one magic tattoo of common rarity found in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything.

Faerie Magic#

Prerequisite: Be a member of the Hermetic House of Merinita

You may use the Faerie Magic Ranges, Durations, and Targets when crafting Hermetic spells. Faerie Auras are native for you, not foreign.

Gentle Gift#

Prerequisite: The Gift

You have The Gift but you do not suffer disadvantage on Charisma-based skill and ability checks because of it. You may have disadvantage on Charisma-based checks if another effect calls for it, but never from The Gift.

Heartbeast#

Prerequisite: Be a member of the Hermetic House of Bjornaer

Choose one naturally occurring beast that has a Challenge of 1 or less. By taking an action, you can assume the form of this animal. Your equipment does not transform with you. It also takes one action to revert to human form. You cannot speak or make appropriate gestures to cast spells having a verbal and/or somatic component in the animal form. Also, as a result of your initiation into House Bjornaer, you may never take a familiar (but you may cast find familiar).

Hermetic Adept#

Prerequisite: Hermetic Journeymage feat

You gain one spellcasting level. This spellcasting level stacks with all other spellcasting levels you have but cannot cause your spellcasting level to exceed your character level. Consult the table on page 165 of the Player’s Handbook to find your spell slots per spell level. In addition, you gain one Hermetic spell of Level 30 or lower.

Hermetic Apprentice#

Prerequisite: Hermetic Initiate feat

You gain one spellcasting level. This spellcasting level stacks with all other spellcasting levels you have but cannot cause your spellcasting level to exceed your character level. Consult the table on page 165 of the Player’s Handbook to find your spell slots per spell level. In addition, you gain one Hermetic spell of Level 20 or lower.

Hermetic Dabbler#

Prerequisite: Hermetic Magic feat

You gain one spellcasting level. This spellcasting level stacks with all other spellcasting levels you have but cannot cause your spellcasting level to exceed your character level. Consult the table on page 165 of the Player’s Handbook to find your spell slots per spell level. You gain two cantrips and may choose these from any D&D class list or from the Hermetic spell list. A Hermetic cantrip is defined as a Hermetic spell of Level 5 or lower. In addition, you gain two Level 10 or lower Hermetic spells. You know these spells in the manner of a sorcerer (i.e., you choose a spell that you know to cast and then use an appropriate spell slot). Your spellcasting ability is the highest of your Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma. You regain all spent spell slots after a long rest.

Hermetic Initiate#

Prerequisite: Hermetic Dabbler feat

You gain one spellcasting level. This spellcasting level stacks with all other spellcasting levels you have but cannot cause your spellcasting level to exceed your character level. Consult the table on page 165 of the Player’s Handbook to find your spell slots per spell level. In addition, you gain one Hermetic spell of Level 15 or lower.

Hermetic Journeymage#

Prerequisite: Hermetic Apprentice feat

You gain one spellcasting level. This spellcasting level stacks with all other spellcasting levels you have but cannot cause your spellcasting level to exceed your character level. Consult the table on page 165 of the Player’s Handbook to find your spell slots per spell level. In addition, you gain one Hermetic spell of Level 25 or lower.

Hermetic Magic#

Prerequisite: Hermetic Magus background

All Hermetic spells become class spells for all of the normal D&D player character classes you have taken levels in. The normal player character classes are the twelve found in the Player’s Handbook plus artificer (found in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything). Sidekick classes and the companion classes found in this document are not defined as normal player character classes. Use the specific rules for your class or classes found below.

• Classes that have a Spells Known column in the class description, such as bard, fighter (eldritch knight), ranger, rogue (arcane trickster), sorcerer, and warlock, have all Hermetic spells added to the spell list of their class. When a character of one or more of these classes chooses a spell, they may choose from the Hermetic spell list or their D&D class spell list.

• Classes that have a spell list from which they may choose spells to prepare, such as artificer, cleric, druid, and paladin, do not automatically have all Hermetic spells available for preparation. However, characters of these classes gain one Hermetic spell of a level they may cast when they gain this feat and one additional Hermetic spell of a level they can cast whenever they advance one level in one of these classes. Any Hermetic spells they have gained can be prepared in accordance with the rules for their class (just like their class spells).

• Classes that prepare their spells from a spellbook, such as wizard, have all Hermetic spells added to the spell list of their class. When a wizard character is eligible to add a spell to his or her spellbook, they may choose from the Hermetic spell list or from the wizard spell list.

• In addition, Hermetic magi of all normal player character classes may conduct spell research to add new Hermetic spells to their spells known, class list, or spellbook outside of level advancement (see Conducting Spell Research).

Characters with this feat may engage in Hermetic downtime activities, such as extracting vis, fixing arcane connections, and creating longevity rituals.

Furthermore, when this feat is taken, character gains two cantrips and may choose these from any D&D class list or from the Hermetic spell list. A Hermetic cantrip is defined as a Hermetic spell of Level 5 or lower.

Hermetic Magus#

Prerequisite: Hermetic Adept feat

You gain one spellcasting level. This spellcasting level stacks with all other spellcasting levels you have but cannot cause your spellcasting level to exceed your character level. Consult the table on page 165 of the Player’s Handbook to find your spell slots per spell level. In addition, you gain one Hermetic spell of Level 35 or lower.

Magic Shield#

Prerequisite: Character level 6+, Hermetic Magus background

You have advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects, and spell attacks have disadvantage against you. You are also not affected by the social penalties of The Gift in others. Others are still affected by your Gift, unless they also have Magic Shield.

Spell Penetration#

Prerequisite: Character level 14+, Hermetic Magus background

Targets have disadvantage on their saving throws against your spells and you have advantage on your spell attack rolls.

Spellmaster#

Prerequisite: Character level 10+, Hermetic Magus background

You gain all cantrips from every D&D class spell list and from the Hermetic spell list.

The Gift#

Prerequisite: None

Special: This feat is free, but unless the character is a Hermetic Magus, this feat is almost certainly nothing but a nuisance for the character.

You have the ability to work magic. In D&D terms, this means that your character can take levels in player character classes (artificer through wizard) that grant spell slots. The Gift has a drawback, however. A character with The Gift has disadvantage on all Charisma-based skill and ability checks (but not Charisma-based attack rolls, saving throws, or any other rolls). To eliminate this penalty, take the Gentle Gift feat.

Verditius Magic#

Prerequisite: Be a member of the Hermetic House of Verditius

When engaged in the Brewing a Potion, Crafting Magic Items, or Scribing a Spell Scroll downtime activities, lower the gold piece cost of creation by a number of magic item levels equal to your proficiency bonus. If you use raw vis to craft a magic item, lower the number of pawns of vis you need by your proficiency bonus (with a minimum of one pawn). Times remain the same in all cases.

However, due to your initiation into the Verditius tradition, you must use a focus to cast all of your spells, even if the spell does not have a material component. If you do not have your focus, you cannot cast spells (unless they are Hermetic spontaneous spells or Hermetic ritual spells).

Magus Characters and Hermetic Feats#

The table below shows the caster level for various classes that do not receive spell slots assuming the magus character takes only Hermetic feats as early as they are available to take. Characters can also multiclass to gain additional spellcasting levels over the progressions shown below. The full spellcasting classes cannot benefit from Hermetic feats unless a character loses the opportunity to gain a spell level due to multiclassing. Warlock Pact Magic interacts with Hermetic feats in the same way that this class feature interacts with multiclass spellcasting.

If a character with a magus archetype gains a Hermetic feat that they already have (due to level advancement), the Dungeon Master may allow the player to choose another appropriate Hermetic feat in its place (if the character meets the prerequisites).

Hermetic Feat Spellcaster Level Progression#

Characters that take the Hermetic Dabbler through Hermetic Magus feats will have a number of cantrips and spell slots of the levels shown below (assuming no other spellcasting levels are involved).

Remember that Hermetic magus characters can research spells to add to their spell list. Also, they get two cantrips with the Hermetic Magic prerequisite and another two when they take the Hermetic Dabbler feat.

Ability Scores#

Ability Conversions#

If an Ars Magica Characteristic is called for, use the following D&D abilities. Ability conversions for spells in the Ars Magica Core Rulebook have already been included in this document.

Saving Throws#

Use these guidelines from the Dungeon Master’s Guide to determine the appropriate saving throw for resisting Hermetic spells. The spell descriptions in this document do not detail the exact saving throw for each spell. The DM should use good judgment. Any spell that causes damage, that does not require a spell attack roll, should allow a saving throw for half damage.

Difficulty Class Conversions#

The table below shows the Ars Magica to Dungeons & Dragons conversion for Ease Factors to Difficulty Classes.

Concentration#

The Difficulty Classes for the various conditions under which a magus must concentrate are shown below. A Concentration roll is a Constitution ability check with the character’s proficiency bonus applied. It is assumed that magi are “proficient” with Concentration, having learned it during their fifteen-year apprenticeships.

Confidence#

If the Dungeon Master wishes to have an equivalent to Confidence (from Ars Magica), use the rules for Hero Points (Dungeon Master’s Guide, page 264). This, used in conjunction with the Inspiration rules, should simulate Confidence very well.

Reputation and Personality Traits#

To represent Ars Magica Reputation and Personality Traits in D&D, use a character’s personality traits, ideal, bond, and flaw. Also, the rules for Renown could be used to supplement these traits to give official status within organizations (see Dungeon Master’s Guide, page 22).

Skills and Abilities#

If needed, the D&D skill and Ars Magica ability equivalencies are listed below. This list is useful if a Characteristic roll is called for in Ars Magica and the DM needs to know the appropriate Dungeons & Dragons skill. See Difficulty Class Conversions above to convert Ease Factors to D&D DC.

Skills shown in italics are Supernatural Abilities in Ars Magica. Skills with asterisks cannot be used if the character has no score.

Reaction Checks#

Whenever a group containing one or more magi attempts to interact with creatures that would be affected by The Gift, the Dungeon Master should have the party make a “reaction check” (like in the old days). The group should choose a spokesman for the party. This is a Charisma ability check using the appropriate skill (such as Persuasion). Assuming the spokesman does not have The Gift, this Charisma ability check is without disadvantage; the tables below account for the effects of The Gift. For first impressions, choose the worst variation of The Gift from among the magi in the party and consult the tables below. These tables could be used a number of times until the party establishes a positive relationship with the NPCs.

First Impressions – Gentle Gift#

First Impressions – The Gift#

First Impressions – Blatant Gift#

Established Relationship – Gentle Gift#

Established Relationship – The Gift#

Established Relationship – Blatant Gift#

There are no rules for characters having The Blatant Gift in this document. The tables for Blatant Gift are included in case they are needed (perhaps for a Twilight flaw).

Adventuring#

Covenants#

Treat the covenant as a property that is run like a business (see Dungeon Master's Guide, Recurring Expenses and Downtime Activities). The covenant is assumed to have everything the characters need to continue their advancement as Hermetic magi (unless the campaign demands otherwise). The starting Hermetic spell level of the covenant's Aegis of the Hearth will be equal to the maximum Hermetic spell level of the most powerful resident magus. After play begins, higher level Aegis of the Hearth spells must be researched. The Autocrat (or equivalent) of the covenant will spend the full thirty days managing the covenant's affairs under normal circumstances. This grants a +30 bonus to the roll on the Running a Business table (page 129). Instead of multiplying by 5 gp, the profit die roll is multiplied by the daily maintenance cost of the property (Maintenance Costs, page 127). All other details of the covenant are strictly narrative, requiring no hard rules.

Auras and Realms#

If the Dungeon Master wishes to simulate the effects of Auras, then use the following rules.

• The chance for a botch increases by a number of percentiles equal to the Aura Rating (1 to 10) of a foreign aura. For example, a wizard casting a spell near a church altar (Divine Aura 5) would botch on a percentile roll of 01 to 06 (which is the normal 1% chance plus 5%).

• A character or creature in an aligned Realm has:

• +2 bonus to spell attack rolls

• +2 bonus to power and spell save DCs

• +2 bonus to AC against spell attack rolls

• +2 bonus to saves against powers and spells

• A character or creature in a hostile Realm has:

• –2 penalty on spell attack rolls

• –2 penalty to power and spell save DCs

• –2 penalty to AC against spell attack rolls

• –2 penalty to saves against powers and spells

The table below shows which auras are aligned and hostile for each Realm. Each Realm also has three foreign Realms (i.e., any other Realm). A Realm can be both aligned and foreign, such as the Magic and Faerie Realms. Divine powers and spells are not affected by the other Realms, so these Realms are neither aligned nor hostile but they are foreign.

Realm Alignment Table

Also, an aligned Realm shows a positive modifier on the Realm Interaction table while a hostile Realm shows a negative modifier. (Table below is for reference only.)

Realm Interaction Table

Remember to use the Aura Rating (1 to 10) to find the increased chance of botch for a foreign aura.

Standard Realms for Non-Hermetic Classes

The table above shows the default Realms for spellcasters of each class and also for each warlock patron. Sorcerers are almost always aligned to the Magic Realm, except for those with the divine soul origin.

Some examples of this system may be in order.

Consider a magus and a devil fighting within a Magic Aura. The magus is within an aligned aura and the devil is within a hostile aura. The spell attack rolls, spell save DCs, AC against spell attack rolls, and saves against powers and spells targeting the magus are all at +2. The devil suffers a –2 penalty to all of these.

Next, consider an angel and a devil fighting within a Faerie Aura. The Faerie Aura is neither aligned nor hostile for the angel but is hostile for the devil. The angel gets no bonuses and the devil suffers a –2 penalty on spell attack rolls, spell save DCs, AC against spell attack rolls, and saves against powers and spells.

Lastly, consider two magi fighting within a Divine Aura. The Divine Aura is hostile for both. Each suffers a –2 penalty on spell attack rolls, spell save DCs, AC against spell attack rolls, and saves against powers and spells. If they only cast spells at each other, these modifiers effectively cancel out.

Realms for Creatures#

The suggested Realm of Power for each creature type is listed below.

Divine Realm#

In Dungeons & Dragons, these creatures will most often be Divine:

• Angels

• Celestials, in general

• some Empyreans

• Unicorns

Infernal Realm#

These creatures will most often be Infernal:

• Demons

• Devils

• some Empyreans

• Fiends, in general

• Nightmares

• Orcs

• Rakshasas

• Undead, in general

• Yugoloths, in general

Faerie Realm#

These creatures will most often be of the Faerie Realm:

• Dryads

• Fey, in general

• Genies

• Humanoids, in general

• Hags

• Lycanthropes

• Pixies

• Satyrs

• Sprites

• and any other creature that is filling the role of a creature from another Realm

Magic Realm#

In Dungeons & Dragons, these creatures will most often be of the Magic Realm:

• Aberrations, in general

• Animated Objects

• Constructs, in general

• Dragons, in general

• Faerie Dragons

• Elementals, in general

• Gargoyles

• Giants

• Golems

• Griffons

• Helmed Horrors

• Hippogriffs

• Mephits

• Modrons

• Monstrosities, in general

• Ogres

• Oozes, in general

• Pegasi

• Plants, in general

• Pseudodragon

• Rocs

• Salamanders

• Slaadi

• Treants

• Trolls

• Wyverns

• Xorns

Twilight#

Use these simple rules if you wish to include Twilight in the campaign.

Each time a Hermetic maga casts a spell (of any level) while in combat or other stressful situation, the DM rolls percentile dice. If the result is ‘01’ then a spellcasting botch has occurred. The intended spell fizzles and the maga gains two Warping Points. The maga must make a saving throw (her spellcasting ability) to avoid entering Twilight.

Saving Throw to Avoid Twilight:

Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma Saving Throw

DC = 10 + Warping Score + Enigmatic Wisdom

If the saving throw is successful, the maga avoids entering Twilight and takes a moment to get her magic under control (but still loses the spell). If the saving throw fails, the maga must make an Intelligence ability check to comprehend the Twilight.

Ability Check to Comprehend Twilight:

Intelligence (Enigmatic Wisdom)

DC = 10 + Caster’s Warping Score

If the ability check to comprehend Twilight fails, the maga spends the base time in Twilight (see table below) and suffers a bad effect from the experience.

If the ability check to comprehend Twilight succeeds, the maga spends time in Twilight on the row corresponding to her Warping Score, moving up by a number of rows equal to how much the saving throw succeeded by (with a minimum time of Momentary).

For example, a maga with Warping Score of 5 succeeds on the comprehension ability check by three points. This maga would spend two hours in Twilight during the episode.

If the maga comprehends the Twilight, roll percentile dice and consult the Minor Beneficial Properties table in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (page 219). The character gains the property that is rolled for the Base Time shown for the character’s Warping Score.

If the maga did not comprehend the Twilight (i.e., failed the Twilight comprehension ability check), roll percentile dice and consult the Minor Detrimental Properties table in the DMG (page 220). The character gains the property that is rolled for a period of time equal to the Base Time above for the character’s Warping Points.

In both cases, ignore the “while attuned to the artifact” portion of the property. Minor detrimental properties can be removed with the spells greater restoration, wish, or equivalent magic.

Warping#

A character’s Warping Score is determined by his or her Warping Point total. See the table below.

Hermetic magi can gain Warping Points by botching spellcasting rolls. All characters gain one Warping Point when the subject of a Hermetic spell of Level 30 or higher or a D&D spell using a 3rd level or higher spell slot (unless they cast the spell or the effect was made specifically for them). Also, characters under a constant mystical effect (like a longevity ritual) gain one Warping Point per year. Characters living in a strong Aura also accumulate Warping Points (see Ars Magica Core Rulebook, page 167).

Note, if you use Warping Points in your campaign, spells like The Enigma’s Gift do not do force damage, they just inflict Warping Points.

Vis#

The rules state that there is a gold piece expenditure that must be met to create a magical item and it is generally left to the Dungeon Master to determine what a character is actually spending money on when enchanting an item. Another possibility for characters creating magical items is to use raw vis in lieu of a gold piece expenditure. This is in keeping with the Ars Magica source material and rules regarding the use of raw vis are easily implemented. Raw vis can take many forms: glowing crystals, magical mushrooms, enchanted pool water, feathers of a magical creature, etc. For the purposes of the game, raw vis can be used to create magical items (and act as a substitute for a simple gold piece expenditure).

Units of vis are measured in "pawns" and each pawn, for convenience, can be used to enchant one level of a magical item. In other words, enchanting a magical item requires a number of pawns of vis equal to the level of the magical item (see Crafting Magic Items). For potions and scrolls, only one pawn of vis is required, regardless of the potion or scroll magic item level (as these are single-use items). Under this set of rules, raw vis can also be used as a substitute for the research cost of inventing a new spell (see Conducting Spell Research). The number of pawns of raw vis required is equal to the magnitude of the Hermetic spell (i.e., the Hermetic spell level divided by five) or twice the D&D level of the spell being researched.

In this guide, the actual Arts to which pawns of vis are attuned are not important. In the Mythic Europe setting every pawn of vis is attuned to one of the fifteen Hermetic Arts and the attuned Art of each pawn of vis must match the magical act that the vis is being used for (e.g., a magus would need Ignem vis to enchant a wand of fireballs). The Dungeon Master may differentiate between the fifteen different types of vis in his or her campaign if desired, but these rules assume that all vis is "colorless" and can be used for any magical purpose.

The table below may be used to determine how many pawns of vis appear in a treasure hoard, either in addition to or in lieu of magic items. Simply find the table that you’re instructed to roll on for magic items and the number of times. The result gives you the number of pawns of vis found in the treasure hoard. Values in parenthesis indicate that these table and roll combinations are not present in the Dungeon Master’s Guide.

If it is not obvious (e.g., a vial of glowing water), pawns of vis can be identified with the detect magic spell. Note that warlocks can gain use of this spell, at will, by taking the Eldritch Sight invocation.

Some creatures also possess a number of pawns of vis equal to one-half their Challenge, rounded up, if they have magic resistance; if they have resistance to nonmagical weapons; are of the celestial, dragon, elemental, fey, fiend, or undead type; or if the Dungeon Master otherwise determines that pawns of vis can be harvested from the creature. Gathering a dead creature's vis and storing it in a vessel can be accomplished with the Gather the Essence of the Beast spell. If the DM needs help in determining the actual physical form that pawns of vis take, the following table may be useful.

Downtime Activities#

Some notes on the downtime activities follow.

Brewing a Potion#

Spellcasters can brew elixirs, oils, philters, and potions as long as they have the correct formula (see Researching Magical Item Formulas). Use the potion level as the magic item level when researching a formula. Spellcasters do not need to be able to cast any spells that the potions they create may mimic.

Potion Level#

A potion’s magic item level is equal to that of a typical magic item as detailed in the Crafting Magic Items section. However, potions with a variable rarity such as potions of giant strength and potions of healing have a base magic item level equal to that of the lowest powered potion of that type, plus two additional levels for each step in potency. For example, a potion of cloud giant strength would be an 8th level magic item and a potion of supreme healing would be a 7th level magic item.

Time to Brew a Potion#

It takes a number of weeks to brew a potion equal to half of its magic item level, rounded up.

Cost to Brew a Potion#

The cost to brew a potion is one pawn of vis or:

Potion Level × (Potion Level + 2) × 62.5 gp

This cost is half of that for other magical items.

Buying a Magic Item#

Source: Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, 126

Magical items are typically sold at a price equal to at least double the cost to make the item. Use the costs in this document. Research costs are typically not included in the sale price.

Crafting an Item#

Source: Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, 128

Use the system in this document for the creation of magic items.

Crafting Magic Items#

All spellcasters can create magical items. Any spellcaster wishing to create magical items must have a sanctum (see Research Libraries and Laboratories).

Spellcasters can create magical items suitable to their class, traits, and features. The DM should determine if a given type of magical item can be constructed by a given type of spellcaster. Constructing a magical item can be as simple as outlining the required gold piece expenditure and the amount of time for creation. The DM can always add additional rules, such as the need to have a laboratory text or formula for the magical item, requiring special ingredients for the construction process, percentage chances of success, sacrifices that must be made, etc.

This section is used for the construction of armor, rings, shields, weapons, wondrous items, rods, staves, and wands. For potions, see the section Brewing Potions. For scrolls and spellwrought tattoos, consult Scribing Scrolls. Scrolls of protection, however, use these rules.

Magic Item Level#

The table below allows the Dungeon Master to calculate the “level” for each magic item based on the item’s qualities (rarity, power, and attunement). A magic item level is equal to:

Item Level = Power × Rarity + Attunement

The lowest-level magic items currently in D&D are 1st-level magic items which are minor, common, non-attuned items (such as those found in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything). The highest-level magic items are 18th-level which are major, legendary, with attunement required, an example of which is the staff of the magi.

Researching Magical Item Formulas#

Researching a magical item formula could be handled under the rules for researching a spell, treating the “spell level” as one-half the magic item level plus ½ for constructing the magical item in question (retain the fraction). Upon successful completion of the research, the character has the knowledge needed to make the magic item. The character need not have any appropriate spells for the enchantment of the item; the formula allows for fully enchanting the item. The resulting formula for making a magic item is treated like a spell with a spell level equal to one-half the magic item level, rounded up (maximum of 9th level).

For example, a wizard of 10th level wishes to make a wand of fireballs. This wizard does not need to have fireball in his spellbook to create the wand. The wand of fireballs is a major, rare magic item that requires attunement, so its magic item level is 10th. This wizard can make the item, being a 10th level spellcaster. The wizard would need a magical research library and associated facilities to be able to research the formula and successfully craft the wand. Once the formula is successfully researched, the wizard would have a 5th level evocation spell enchant wand of fire in his spellbook.

A spell that is developed for enchanting a specific magical item can be used for the purposes of initially creating the type of item, recharging that specific type of item (time being prorated as a fraction of full construction), and possibly repairing that the type of item. These enchantment spells can be used for no other purpose and each magical item listed in any D&D source requires its own enchantment spell.

Creating the Magic Item#

Each magic item has a minimum spellcaster level required to make the item and this is simply the magic item’s level. In addition to meeting this minimum caster level, magical item creation requires time and money.

Time to Create A Magic Item#

A magic item takes a number of weeks to create equal to the magic item level. Each day, the enchantment spell is cast. This ritual takes a full eight-hour day.

Cost to Create a Magic Item#

A magic item requires an expenditure of:

Item Level × (Item Level + 2) × 125 gp

If vis is used in the campaign, it takes a number of pawns of vis equal to the magic item level to create the item (instead of the monetary expenditure).

Creating a Longevity Ritual#

If a Hermetic magus character performs a longevity ritual, the cost in materials is 10,000 gp (silver thalers) or one pawn of vis for every five years of age, rounded up. Since there are no aging rolls in D&D5e, simply assume that the character’s lifespan increases by three times the difference between a normal lifespan and their current age. Aging slows to one-third normal at that point. For example, a purely human character has a mean lifespan of 70 years. If a character undergoes a longevity ritual at age 35, his lifespan would increase by 105 years (three times the difference of 70 minus 35). This is added to the normal lifespan to give a rough lifespan of 140 years. The character would appear to age only one year for every three years thereafter.

However, if the aging system is used, then the bonus for Longevity Ritual should actually be calculated. Use the spellcaster’s level when they made the Longevity Ritual and calculate as:

LR Modifier = Spellcaster Level + 1

With more powerful Longevity Rituals, the magus is almost guaranteed to enter Final Twilight before dying.

Conducting Spell Research#

Spellcasters can use downtime to research new spells. Any spellcaster wishing to research new spells must have a sanctum. A spellcaster’s sanctum takes a form suitable to their own magical tradition. A sanctum could be a laboratory, a library, a shrine, a series of interconnected rooms with hidden passageways, a hidden grove, the possibilities are nearly endless. Hermetic magi have Hermetic laboratories for this type of research. For game purposes, the sanctum is a place where spellcasters can research spells and create magical items.

Arcane tricksters, bards, eldritch knights, rangers, sorcerers, and warlocks can conduct magical research to learn new spells. Artificers, clerics, druids, and paladins can research new spells to add to their personal spell list. Wizards can engage in spell research to add spells to their spellbooks. It is assumed that the character has an appropriately-equipped sanctum available when conducting spell research (see Research Libraries and Laboratories).

Time to Conduct Spell Research#

Spell research takes a number of weeks equal to double the D&D spell level. Hermetic spell research takes a number of weeks equal to the magnitude of the spell (i.e., the Hermetic spell level divided by five).

It may be useful to note that one season in Ars Magica is equal to 13 weeks.

Cost to Conduct Spell Research#

The total cost of spell research equals:

500 gp × Spell Level X (Spell Level + 1)

Hermetic spells are considered to have a D&D spell level equal to the Hermetic spell divided by ten, with the fraction retained.

If vis is used in the campaign, instead of monetary expenditure, research consumes a number of pawns of vis equal to the magnitude of a Hermetic spell or twice the spell level of a D&D spell.

Extracting Vis#

For each season that a Hermetic magus character spends extracting vis, they gain a number of pawns of vis equal to the highest level spell slot they have available (1st through 9th).

Fixing Arcane Connections#

A Hermetic magus who has an active Arcane Connection may make it permanent by spending a season of laboratory work and one pawn of vis. The connection must be active at the beginning of the season, but need not be such as to naturally last for the whole season.

Running a Business#

Source: Dungeon Master’s Guide, 129

Multiply the die roll results by the Total Cost per Day of the establishment (or closest) from the Maintenance Costs table in the Recurring Expenses section (instead of by 5 gp).

Scribing a Spell Scroll#

Spellcasters can scribe a spell scroll or create a spellwrought tattoo needle (Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, page 135) if the spell is on their spell list, they know spell, or the spell is in their spellbook.

Scroll or Needle Level#

Spell scrolls and spellwrought tattoo needles have a magic item level equal to the minimum caster level to cast the spells they contain.

Time to Scribe a Spell Scroll or Create a Needle#

It takes a number of weeks to scribe a spell scroll or create a spellwrought tattoo needle equal to the spell level of the required spell slot to cast the spell plus one.

Cost to Scribe a Spell Scroll or Create a Needle#

The cost to scribe a spell scroll or create a spellwrought tattoo needle is equal to one-tenth the cost to research a spell of that level. See Conducting Spell Research to find these costs. Alternatively, one pawn of vis can be used instead of the monetary expenditure, regardless of the spell level.

Selling Magic Items#

Source: Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, 133

Magical items are typically sold at a price equal to at least double the cost to make the item. Use the costs in this document. Research costs are typically not included in the sale price.

List of Downtime Activities from D&D #

Spell Research Costs and Times#

Sancta#

As stated in sections above, characters can use the rules in here to research new spells and to develop formulae for making magical items. The character conducting such research requires a sanctum, which typically includes both a library and a laboratory.

Although the terms “library” and “laboratory” are used in various sections of this document, any sort of body of knowledge coupled with an area for construction can be used by a spellcaster as appropriate for their particular field of magic and the norms of the campaign world. Temples, shrines, groves, workshops, factories, etc. are a few possible types of magical research facilities. These are collectively known as “sancta.”

The table below shows the D&D economy cost for a sanctum of a given level (there is no upkeep in this case). The next two columns show the initial construction costs (in Mythic Pounds or Mythic Pennies) along with the annual upkeep costs. The acquisition time is scaled for D&D pacing; for Ars Magica, assume one season per 600 Mythic Pence initial cost or 2½ Mythic Pounds. The next three columns show the maximum D&D spell level, Hermetic spell level, and magical item level that can be researched and constructed at the given sanctum level.

Also, if the acquisition time for D&D seems too short a period of time for the campaign setting, months or even years can be substituted in the table below.

The Magical Research Sanctum#

^† The sanctum’s Laboratory Upkeep Score (see Covenants) is equal to the sanctum level minus six.

Combat#

Certamen#

If you wish for Hermetic magi to conduct certamen, use the following substitutions and run the combat exactly as presented in the Ars Magica Core Rulebook.

In any given round, the sum of a combatant’s Attack Bonus and Defense Bonus must not exceed twice the combatant’s Hermetic spellcasting level. A combatant’s Attack or Defense Bonus can be as low as +0 or as high as their spellcasting level plus their proficiency bonus.

Each Round:

Sum of Attack Bonus and Defense Bonus:

2 × Hermetic spellcaster level

Attack or Defense Bonus minimum:

+0

Attack or Defense Bonus maximum:

Hermetic spellcaster level + proficiency bonus

Initiative Total

Dexterity Modifier + Proficiency Bonus + Stress Die

Attack Total

Charisma Modifier + Attack Bonus + Stress Die

Defense Total

Wisdom Modifier + Defense Bonus + Stress Die

Attack Advantage

Attack Total – Defense Total

(if Attack Total is higher)

Weakening Total

Intelligence Modifier + Attacker’s Proficiency Bonus + Attack Advantage

Resistance Total

Constitution Modifier + Defender’s Proficiency Bonus

Each combatant has six Fatigue Levels, as in Ars Magica.

Only characters with the Hermetic Magic feat may engage in certamen. Sidekick spellcasters and arcane companions do not have the necessary magical knowledge for this type of combat.

The table below shows the maximum certamen bonus (either Attack or Defense) and the corresponding lower bonus at each Hermetic spellcasting level. The lower bonus for a character with the Certamen Expert feat is also shown.

Fatigue Levels

Combatants lose fatigue levels (instead of suffering real damage) during certamen. See the Fatigue section for details.

Wounds#

When a character is reduced to zero hit points, longer lasting damage in the form of a wound is inflicted.

The wound severity levels are shown above (Light, Medium, and Heavy). When a character's hit point total falls to zero, a light wound is gained. If one death saving throw is failed, this wound becomes a medium wound. If a second death saving throw is failed, the wound becomes a heavy wound. Of course, if the third death saving throw is failed, the character dies.

Once the final wound level is determined (after the character becomes stable), note the wound damage. This hit point total is separate from the character's normal hit point total and represents how badly the character's persistent injury is. If untreated by magic, the wound takes the healing time shown in the table to reach the next lesser severity.

For example, a character's medium wound would become a light wound after a month. After a further week, this light wound would be healed.

If the wound is treated by magic, the effect reduces the wound damage by an amount equal to the healing. If the wound damage falls at or below the threshold of a lesser severity wound, the wound becomes that severity.

For example, a character with a heavy wound receives a 1st level cure wounds spell. The cure wounds spell cures six points of damage, taking the wound damage from 20 to 14. The wound is now a medium wound.

The penalty column in the chart shows the lasting effect of the wound in the form of a modifier that is applied to all attack rolls and ability checks (but not saving throws) while the character suffers the wound. For simplicity, wounds do not get worse from continued adventuring activities.

Note that the wound damage has no effect on the character’s hit point total. Wound damage represents the numerical severity of the wound and how much magical healing must take place to cure the wound.

Fatigue#

In this ruleset, fatigue acts as a lighter form of exhaustion. In Ars Magica terms, D&D exhaustion would be like long-term fatigue levels. Short-term fatigue is detailed here. The main effect of fatigue is to penalize all attack rolls and ability checks. Saving throws are unaffected.

The Unconscious condition is removed after a short rest (and the character becomes Dazed). The Dazed condition is removed after another short rest (and the character becomes Tired). All remaining conditions are removed after an additional short rest. One long rest eliminates all fatigue levels.

Spellcasting#

Converting Hermetic Spells#

Each Hermetic spell can be converted for use with the Dungeons & Dragons game system. Use the guidelines here.

Name#

The name of the Hermetic spell will remain unchanged.

Spell Level#

Use the following table to determine the required caster level for the spell and the spell slot that must be used to memorize, prepare, cast, learn, or know the spell. In D&D5e, a level in bard, cleric, druid, sorcerer, warlock, and wizard counts as one full level. Artificer is a half-level spellcasting class. Paladin or ranger caster level is equal to zero at 1st level but one-half the character’s class level, rounded up, starting at 2nd level. For eldritch knights and arcane tricksters, caster level is zero at 1st and 2nd levels and then one-third the character’s class level, rounded up starting at 3rd level.

The character must have the minimum caster level to be able to cast the Hermetic spell, even if a spell slot of that level is available. For example, a 1st level Hermetic wizard would not be able to learn a Level 15 Hermetic spell even though he has 1st-level spell slots available. He could learn and cast the Level 15 Hermetic spell when he reaches 2nd level wizard, however.

School of Magic#

The schools of magic for Hermetic spells must be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Dungeon Master. To determine the school of magic the Hermetic spell falls under, use the following guidelines.

Abjuration spells are protective in nature, though some of them have aggressive uses. They create magical barriers (Creo and Rego), negate harmful effects (Creo), harm trespassers (Creo and Perdo), or banish creatures to other planes of existence (Perdo).

Conjuration spells involve the transportation of objects and creatures from one location to another (Rego). Some spells summon creatures or objects to the caster's side (Creo), whereas others allow the caster to teleport to another location (Rego). Some conjurations create objects or effects out of nothing (Creo).

Divination spells reveal information (Intellego), whether in the form of secrets long forgotten, glimpses of the future, the locations of hidden things, the truth behind illusions, or visions of distant people or places.

Enchantment spells affect the minds of others (Mentem), influencing or controlling their behavior (Mentem). Such spells can make enemies see the caster as a friend (Mentem), force creatures to take a course of action (Rego), or even control another creature like a puppet (Rego).

Evocation spells manipulate magical energy to produce a desired effect. Some call up blasts of fire or lightning (Creo) Others channel positive energy to heal wounds (Creo).

Illusion spells deceive the senses (Imaginem) or minds (Mentem) of others. They cause people to see things that are not there (Creo Imaginem), to miss things that are there (Perdo Imaginem), to hear phantom noises (Creo Imaginem), or to remember things that never happened (Muto Mentem). Some illusions create phantom images that any creature can see (Imaginem), but the most insidious illusions plant an image directly in the mind of a creature (Mentem).

Necromancy spells manipulate the energies of life (Creo) and death (Perdo). Such spells can grant an extra reserve of life force (Creo), drain the life energy from another creature (Perdo), create the undead (Rego Corpus), or even bring the dead back to life (Creo Corpus).

Transmutation spells change the properties of a creature, object, or environment (Muto). They might turn an enemy into a harmless creature (Muto), bolster the strength of an ally (Creo), make an object move at the caster's command (Rego), or enhance a creature's innate healing abilities to rapidly recover from injury (Creo).

Ritual Spells#

Ritual spells in Ars Magica become spells with the ritual tag in D&D5e. Raw vis is required for Hermetic ritual spells. Magi gain one level of exhaustion after casting a Hermetic ritual spell (Player’s Handbook, 291).

Casting Time#

When a spell is derived from a formulaic spell or is a spontaneous spell, the casting time is one action. If the spell is a ritual spell, no spell slot is used, but the ritual spell casting time is three minutes per level of the spell (or fifteen minutes per magnitude of the spell). Adding one magnitude to a formulaic spell reduces the casting time to one bonus action. Adding two magnitudes to a formulaic spell reduces the casting time to a reaction.

Range#

The range of the spell remains as it is in Ars Magica (Personal, Touch/Eye, Voice, Sight, and Arcane Connection).

Components#

Spells that come from formulaic spells have verbal and somatic components. Spells that come from ritual spells have all three components. To eliminate the verbal component, add two magnitudes to the spell. To eliminate the somatic component, add one magnitude to the spell. If raw vis is required, this cannot be eliminated.

Duration#

The duration of the spell remains as it is in Ars Magica (Momentary, Concentration/Diameter, Sun/Ring, Moon, Year). The diameter duration lasts for 20 six-second combat rounds in D&D. These spells also last for twenty combat rounds in Ars Magica, for reference.

Target#

This functions as the area of effect. The target of the spell remains as it is in Ars Magica (Individual/Circle, Part, Group/Room, Structure, Boundary or Taste, Touch, Smell, Hearing, and Sight for Intellego spells). If desired, the DM can translate the Group, Room, and Structure targets to more conventional areas of effect found in D&D5e (such as cones, spheres, cylinders, etc.).

Saving Throws#

All spells that could be resisted by magic resistance allow a saving throw in D&D5e. Determine the ability score of the saving throw by the guidelines given in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (below). The spell descriptions in this document do not detail the exact saving throw for each spell. The DM should use good judgment. Any spell that causes damage, that does not require a spell attack roll, should allow a saving throw for half damage (spell attack roll spells do full damage).

If a spell can be resisted with magic resistance, the spell has a saving throw. If the spell requires an Aiming or Finesse roll, then in D&D it requires a spell attack roll. Use the spell save DC and spell attack bonus calculations below:

Spell Save DC = 8 + caster’s proficiency bonus + caster’s spellcasting ability score modifier

Spell Attack Bonus = the caster’s proficiency bonus + caster’s spellcasting ability score modifier

To increase the spell save DC or spell attack bonus add one magnitude to the spell for each –1 saving throw penalty or +1 to spell save DC or spell attack bonus.

Hermetic Level of a D&D Spell#

The Hermetic level of a D&D spell is always considered to be ten times the D&D spell level or spell level slot used. D&D cantrips are always Hermetic Level 5.

Warping#

Hermetic spells of Level 30 and greater as well as D&D spells of 3rd-level or greater are Powerful Mystical Effects and cause Warping (see Ars Magica Core Rulebook, page 168 for details).

Effects#

Effects are varied and the DM will have to use good judgment when converting the spell’s details. The tables below should help.

The Characteristic to Ability Score conversion is given here.

Difficulty Classes are found by taking the Ars Magica Ease Factor, dividing this by three, and then multiplying by five. Round up the resulting DC to the nearest whole number.

Spell Conversion Guidelines#

Acquiring Hermetic Spells#

In D&D5e, each class has its own spell list. Hermetic spells are in their own spell list and become accessible to player characters through the Hermetic Magic feat. Thus, each class has its own “tricks of the trade” but Hermetic spells are available to all magi.

The spell slot required to cast a Hermetic spell is equal to the tens digit of the Hermetic spell level (i.e., Level 10 and Level 15 use 1st level spell slots, Level 20 and Level 25 use 2nd level spell slots, etc.). Hermetic spells of Level 1 to Level 5 are cantrips. Spellcasters can cast learn, memorize, or prepare Hermetic spells having a Hermetic spell magnitude equal to their caster level plus one.

All characters with Hermetic spellcasting ability can undertake Hermetic downtime activities. As such, all Hermetic spellcasting characters can conduct spell research to add Hermetic spells to their usable spell list (for clerics and the like), add Hermetic spells to their spellbook (for wizards), or learn the spell outright (in the manner of sorcerers).

Casting Hermetic Spells#

Spells derived from formulaic and ritual spells are cast as previously detailed in this document. The casting of spontaneous spells is described below.

Spontaneous Spells#

To cast a spontaneous spell, that is, a formulaic Hermetic spell that the character does not know, first the caster must expend a spell slot that has a level that is at least double the Hermetic level of the spell, divided by 10. For example, a 9th level caster wishes to cast Opening the Tome of the Animal’s Mind as a spontaneous spell. This caster’s maximum Hermetic spell level is 50 and the spell is an Intellego Animal spell of Level 25. The caster can attempt to cast this spell by using a 5th-level spell slot. Secondly, the player must spend Inspiration or gain a number of Fatigue Levels equal to the D&D spell level of the original spell. In the example above, the caster would gain two Fatigue Levels (as a Level 25 Hermetic spell is considered to be a 2nd-level D&D spell).

Note that the Spellmaster feat represents the ability for Hermetic magi to cast non-fatiguing spontaneous spells when they achieve high enough casting totals in Ars Magica.

Arcane Connections and Penetration#

Arcane Connections can be used by Hermetic magi (only) to raise the spell save DC of the caster’s spell. The “Bonus to Multiplier” numbers are used directly for the saving throw penalty or the bonus to spell save DC. For example, Mari Amwithig’s use of Agony of the Beast (page 84) would enjoy a +4 bonus for the fixed Arcane Connection and another +1 bonus for the daily horoscope for a total of +5 to her spell save DC. Arcane Connections can be used by Hermetic magi with all spells, both D&D and Hermetic.

Using Raw Vis#

It is possible to use raw vis to boost the spell save DC or spell attack bonus of the maga’s spells. A maga is limited to using her spellcaster level in pawns of vis. For every pawn of vis used to cast a spell, the maga may increase her spell save DC or spell attack bonus by the number of pawns used. Alternatively, for every two pawns of vis used to cast a D&D spell, increase the effective spell slot used by one (to a maximum of a 9th-level spell slot). For example, if a 10th level Flambeau maga casts fireball using a 3rd-level spell slot, she could use two pawns of vis to make the effective D&D spell level 4th (doing 9d6 points of fire damage) or use ten pawns of vis to make the effective spell level 8th (doing 13d6 points of fire damage).

Ritual spells, requiring raw vis, limit the amount of additional vis that a maga can use to boost a spell.

For every pawn of vis used in casting a ritual spell or boosting a spell, increase the maga’s botch percentiles by 1% per pawn. Rituals should not be attempted in combat or under stressful conditions.

Hermetic Spells#

All of the spells from the Ars Magica Core Rulebook are in this section.

The Art of Animal#

Creo Animal Spells#

Level 20#

Soothe Pains of the Beast#

True Rest of the Injured Brute#

Level 35#

Weaver’s Trap of Webs#

The Wizard’s Mount#

Level 50#

Curse of the Ravenous Swarm#

Intellego Animal Spells#

Level 5#

Image of the Beast#

Level 10#

Shiver of the Lycanthrope#

Level 25#

Opening the Tome of the Animal’s Mind#

Level 30#

Hunter’s Sense#

Muto Animal Spells#

Level 15#

Beast of Outlandish Size#

Doublet of Impenetrable Silk#

Growth of the Creeping Things#

Level 20#

Beast of Miniscule Proportions#

Level 25#

The Beast Remade#

Transformation of the Ravenous Beast to the Torpid Toad#

Level 35#

Steed of Vengeance#

Perdo Animal Spells#

Level 10#

Decay Fur and Hide#

Level 15#

Agony of the Beast#

Level 20#

Blunt the Viper’s Fangs#

Level 25#

The Falcon’s Hood#

Cripple the Howling Wolf#

Rego Animal Spells#

General#

Ward Against the Beasts of Legend#

Level 5#

Disguise of the Putrid Aroma#

Circle of Beast Warding#

Level 10#

Soothe the Ferocious Bear#

Level 15#

Panic of the Elephant’s Mouse#

Viper’s Gaze#

Level 25#

The Gentle Beast#

Mastering the Unruly Beast#

Level 30#

Commanding the Harnessed Beast#

The Art of Aquam#

Creo Aquam Spells#

Level 5#

Footsteps of Slippery Oil#

Level 15#

Creeping Oil#

Level 20#

Mighty Torrent of Water#

Level 40#

Deluge of Rushing and Dashing#

Intellego Aquam Spells#

Level 5#

Clear Sight of the Naiad#

Subtle Taste of Poison and Purity#

Touch of the Pearls#

Level 15#

Call of the Rushing Waters#

Level 25#

Voice of the Lake#

Level 30#

Enchantment of the Scrying Pool#

Muto Aquam Spells#

Level 15#

Incantation of Putrid Wine#

Level 20#

Lungs of the Fish#

Level 45#

Vile Water of Sterility#

Perdo Aquam Spells#

Level 5#

Comfort of the Drenched Traveler#

Level 20#

Parching Wind#

Level 25#

Closing the Earth’s Gate#

Curse of the Desert#

Level 50#

Calling the Odious Drought#

Rego Aquam Spells#

General#

Ward Against Faeries of the Waters#

Level 5#

Cloak of the Duck’s Feathers#

Level 10#

Break the Oncoming Wave#

Level 15#

Breath of Winter#

Push of the Gentle Wave#

Level 30#

Bridge of Frost#

Chaos of the Angry Waves#

Parting of the Waves#

Waves of Drowning and Smashing#

Level 35#

Ice of Drowning#

Pull of the Watery Grave#

Tower of Whirling Water#

Level 40#

Neptune’s Wrath#

The Art of Auram#

Creo Auram Spells#

Level 5#

Air’s Ghostly Form#

Chamber of Spring Breezes#

Level 10#

Jupiter’s Resounding Blow#

Stench of the Twenty Corpses#

Wreaths of Foul Smoke#

Level 15#

Broom of the Winds#

Charge of the Angry Winds#

Level 20#

Circling Winds of Protection#

Level 25#

Clouds of Rain and Thunder#

Clouds of Summer Snow#

Level 30#

Pull of the Skybound Winds#

Wings of the Soaring Wind#

Level 35#

The Incantation of Lightning#

Level 40#

Breath of the Open Sky#

Level 65#

Wrath of Whirling Winds and Water#

Intellego Auram Spells#

Level 15#

True Sight of the Air#

Whispering Winds#

Level 20#

Sailor’s Foretaste of the Morrow#

Level 25#

Eyes of the Bat#

Muto Auram Spells#

Level 20#

Rain of Stones#

Talons of the Winds#

Level 40#

Infernal Smoke of Death#

Level 45#

Fog of Confusion#

Level 50#

Rain of Oil#

Perdo Auram Spells#

Level 15#

Room of Stale Air#

Level 20#

Quiet the Raging Winds#

Level 45#

The Cloudless Sky Returned#

Rego Auram Spells#

General#

Ward Against Faeries of the Air#

Level 5#

Wind at the Back#

Level 10#

Ward Against Rain#

Level 30#

Clouds of Thunderous Might#

Level 40#

Gathering of the Stormy Might#

The Art of Corpus#

Creo Corpus Spells#

Level 10#

Bind Wound#

Charm Against Putrefaction#

Level 20#

Gentle Touch of the Purified Body#

Purification of the Festering Wounds#

The Chirurgeon’s Healing Touch#

Level 25#

Restoration of the Defiled Body#

The Severed Limb Made Whole#

Level 30#

Cheating the Reaper#

Level 40#

Incantation of the Body Made Whole#

Level 75#

The Shadow of Life Renewed#

Intellego Corpus Spells#

General#

Sight of the True Form#

Level 5#

Physician’s Eye#

Level 10#

Revealed Flaws of Mortal Flesh#

Level 15#

Whispers Through the Black Gate#

Level 20#

The Inexorable Search#

Level 30#

The Eye of the Sage#