Instead of using Power Points, characters with Arcane Backgrounds simply choose the power they want to activate and make an arcane skill roll. The penalty to the roll is the power’s total cost in Power Points (base cost plus all Modifiers), divided by 2. Round up.

Casting protection (1 point) with Additional Recipients (+1) and the Hurry modifier (+1), for example, has a cost of 3 Power Points. Half rounded up is 2.

Success means the power activates as usual. A raise grants any additional bonuses stated in its description.

Failure means all current powers are canceled and the caster is Shaken. Critical Failure results in Backlash.

Characters can maintain those powers that allow it as long as desired, but each one maintained inflicts a −1 to all further arcane skill rolls.

A caster may prepare powers by concentrating for an entire round (no movement or other actions and must not be Shaken or Stunned). If successful, he ignores 2 points of penalties on all powers cast on his next turn. If he does not enact any powers on his next turn, the preparation is lost.

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