TAoM Combat Mechanics

[★LunaLight★]

What Is This?
This guide explains a unique magic PvP combat system. If anyone wishes to use this system, I don't care for credit, but link me to your OOC so that I may watch how it preforms in different settings. If you have any comments, just drop me a message. I <3 feedback.

Lets Get Started!
The guide is definitely not a quick read, even after all my efforts to condense information. Unless you are in TAoM, you aren't likely to have any motivation to take your time learning a combat system you aren't required to be a part of. Most of the people who would enjoy this don't like complexity, and I feel bad that I might be scaring away my target audience. So before you click away, please consider:

1. The Guide Is Efficient
Although there is a lot to know, you don't have to know everything at once. All the information you need to know how to fight is contained in the second post. I have condensed this information to be as direct, informative, and organized as I can so that I don't waste anyone's time. Everything but the second post is an aid to help you do/understand something. Don't try to memorize everything, just use the aids as you need them.

2. The Combat System Simulates Realism
Instead of alternating, players post at the same time. Nobody can adjust how their character would react because they don't know what their opponent did until it is already done. All participants have no way of knowing what will happen next, but they are able predict and adapt to the situation. Additionally, metagaming is only possible by blatantly violating game rules to obtain information because players only have access to roughly as much knowledge as their character. Because players choose through a list of possible actions with specific effects, realism does not have to be established through description; therefore, players of various writing and combat skill can participate on equal ground.

3. There Is No Prepping
I've replaced prepping with a new set of limitations to cover all the issues prepping was created to fix. More happens in fewer posts as a result. Also, it is much more friendly with round systems and Rps which use more precise progression of time, than traditional combat. Most importantly, this relieves the guilt of not taking damage and the frustration with not inflicting damage from/with powerful attacks because powerful attacks are considerably easier to cast and compare.

4. Power Levels Do Not Determine Fights
Although magic power differences create clear advantages, those advantages are appropriate. It takes a huge difference in power to predetermine a match due to the highly volatile nature of combat. Using good tactics and just plain luck can instantly flip a battle in someone's favor. Sure less powerful mages have to expend more effort to achieve the same effect as powerful mages, but that is a perfectly realistic downside to fighting with someone more powerful. Make up the difference with cleverness, and feel the sense of accomplishment if you win.

5. The System Is Highly Flexible To Player Innovation
While the system places clear limits on what options are available, it allows for players to create unique added effects for their spells and characters, placing responsibility for keeping them balanced on the GM instead of the rules. In fact, the rules state that the added effects of spells take priority over all other rules. The system allows for so many extensions of the rules, spells can behave in ways that would be completely unfair in traditional combat. It is trademark of this system that spells are balanced more by risk and limited opportunity, than by weaknesses and limited choices.

Changes
The finalized version of TAoM was finished on 1/14/13. For the next few days, only minor edits and help text will be added/changed.

Table of Contents
1. Core Rules
2. Live Battle Example
3. Special Rules And Potentially Confusing Concepts Explained
4. Character Help
5. Helpful Extras
6. People That Were Kinda Awesome

[★LunaLight★]

Overview
TAoM combat involves a fight between player controlled mages in which the goal of combat is to reduce the opponent's ward to 0% by the means of casting spells. The players control their mages by utilizing action slots with various commands available. Neither player knows how the other will act, as all posts are sent to a neutral third party called the arbitrator, who is responsible for updating the IC with information about the battle. This section will cover the core rules which apply to every TAoM match, and walk through the process of combat.

Combat Sheet
In order for a character to fight, it must have a combat sheet. The combat sheet functions like a stat sheet which gets updated as the fight progresses. It contains only information which is critical to combat.

Name
Ward % remaining: X/25 (health)
Mana % remaining: X/100 (magic available for use)
Available Keywords: X (explanation of added effects the character uses)
Special: X (unique factors that can affect the fight, commonly added by rule extensions)

---

Core Extensions
Some rule extensions are used to define how to play the game, or function as a critical balancing mechanism. The Core Extensions apply in every TAoM fight unless stated otherwise.

You are allowed to cast one spell per turn. When you cast a spell you must declare the amount of mana(whole numbers only) you placed into its power and effects in parentheses if applicable. (% power, keyword). At this point the spell is now casting. Spells resolve damage to the target equal to the current % power of the spell in terms of the opponent. This is called resolving. Under normal circumstances, the action will take a full round and a half to resolve after it was cast. Damage is only applied during coping, but having the spell apply its effects sooner can sometimes work toward your advantage. On a final note, in the case the order of resolution matters for spells that would otherwise resolve at the same time, use a random determinant to decide which resolves first.

1st React	1st Respond	1st Intermediate	2nd React	2nd Respond	2nd Intermediate	3rd React
	Casting	Active	Opponent Reacts	Active	Opponent Copes	Resolving
Casting	Active	Active	Opponent Reacts	Active	Resolving AND Opponent Copes

Keywords define specific effects that can be added onto spells to extend/overwrite rules about how they function. Players may place X unique keywords in their combat sheet where X is decided by the GM(a buffed version of a keyword is not unique). If no number is specified, X=4.

Canceling is the act of treating an action as though it never happened, or had no effect. Many things cause canceling, and the way it is handled is variant on the situation so it is explained by the event which causes it. If you are ever confused about canceling, it is covered in detail in the potentially confusing concepts.

At the end of each round, all the actions that were cast subtract their % from the % mana remaining field, inform the opponent of negative effects they will be taking next round, and edit in the previous round's anticipation. Also, if a character coped, ward % remaining is updated.

Using magic presents a toll on a mage's body. Because of this:
While the mana % remaining is 60% or lower, players have their physical attributes nerfed.
At 40% or lower, the character has their physical abilities nerfed again, and cannot use actions which require aim or balance.
At 30% or lower, your character becomes dizzy, requiring close range to hit the target.
At 25% or lower, your character will faint if they are not the target of an active spell cast by the opponent.

If two spells are active at the same time, they subtract their % power from each other. If a spell would reach 0% power this way, cancel it. A spell cast for 0% always loses clashes.

Knockback is a keyword common among most spells and available to everyone(to save time, a spell has knockback 1 unless stated otherwise). If this spell resolves damage, the opponent gains the status knockback 1 in the step the spell resolved. A player with this status is moved by the impact of the spell and any spells in the process of casting are canceled[they still pay the cost]. The larger the number, the greated the impact(this is only relevant in extensions with distance).

Action Slots
Once combat sheets are up, the fight can begin. The fight is carried out using action slots. These slots represent the actions available to your character. They also serve to organize the casting and revolving of spells. While these don't refer to a specific period in time, they do state the order in which actions occurred. Because anticipating doesn't happen in a constant order with the other slots, the time slot organized by the anticipate slot is referred to as the intermediate step to avoid confusion. I highly recommend using these charts as a reference during TAoM battles.

Each round you receive 3 action slots, each containing a unique list of actions: react, respond, and anticipate. These actions must be included in each post.

The react is a primarily defensive slot which focuses on taking action against the opponent's last turn or taking advantage of the situation. You are permitted to do one of the following:

Option	Explanation
Evade/Cast Defense	Use a technique designed to quickly suppress incoming magic for (0-8% clashing, defense) or evade physical objects. Due to its keywords, a defensive spell never resolves. It does not count towards your one cast limit.
Counter	If you chose to Prepare To Counter last turn, cast an offensive spell for 0-8%.
Dispel AND Take Another Option	Pay 1.5 times the mana cost of the spell your opponent casts during this react step to make it cancel instantly(if they do not cast anything, pay 0%), then, if applicable, take another anticipated option. You will not be able to dispel again for X rounds where X is a predetermined number unique to the character/thread. If there is no specified cooldown, X = 3 rounds.
Wait/Prepare	Take no action against your opponent's last response. You may also add an extra keyword to your response. Cancel this action if you are hit by a spell before your response resolves.
Spite/Brace	If you chose to Prepare For Trouble last round, buff yourself in a way described during the last round before taking an anticipated hit. If you chose to Brace, take another reaction.
Abandon Anticipation	Cancel your last anticipation.

This slot is primarily offensive, containing actions which present threats to the opponent or overpower lingering active spells. If an option doesn't meet its casting conditions, it is canceled. Aside from only being able to 'cast' once, you are permitted to do all of the following:

Option	Explanation
Cast Defense	If you chose to Fortify last turn, use an anticipated technique designed to quickly suppress incoming magic for (0-8% clashing, defense). Due to its keywords, a defensive spell never resolves. It does not count towards your one cast limit.
Null Cast	You may cast a spell for 0%. It loses all clashes, and only causes knockback.
Cast Weak Spell	You may cast a spell for less than 5%. It can inflict damage alongside causing knockback. In addition, it may have one positive added effect in exchange for a negative added effect.
Cast Strong Spell	You may cast a spell for 5-8%. It can inflict damage alongside causing knockback. It may have one positive added effect.
Move	Change position, but it is too late to dodge. If you were already in motion, move faster or change direction.
Flee	Attempt to leave combat through various means.
Talk	You can talk whenever you want, but it is always treated as a response.

This slot allows your character to gain an offensive or defensive advantage. These advantages vary from gaining special options to getting buffs. All anticipate actions are considered to happen in the intermediate step. You may choose one of the following:
Offensive Abilities
Offensive abilities affect the respond step.

Option	Explanation
Fortify	Commit to a specific defensive action.
Follow Up	Commit to taking a specific offensive action. If your last response hit the opponent, this spell gains auto-hit.
Dominate	Ignore all stat nerfs during the next response. This doesn't include status conditions. You may also Overpower.
Penetrate	Your spell only clashes with spells with clashing and other spells with penetrate.
Breakthrough	Predict the need to dispel the opponent's response and take offensive action. If the opponent does not use % to respond, dispel for 0%(it still cools down).
Overpower	Win all clashing ties. The result of a tie is a 0% spell which only causes knockback. If you also chose to Dominate, the spell(s) cast during the respond is(are) canceled if it doesn't clash.

Defensive Abilities
Defensive abilities affect the react step.

Option	Explanation
Counter	Commit to taking an offensive action.
Trust Instinct	Commit to taking defensive action. It ignores auto-hit status.
Recover Quickly	Predict the need to overcome status afflictions before your response. Status conditions (except knockback) are nerfed next turn. If you also chose to Prepare For Trouble, cancel anticipation if you do not cope next turn.
React Quickly	Predict the need for your next reaction to gain a speed advantage. Your spells gain a response priority in the next react.
Guard Against Multiple Spells	Predict the need to dispel and take further defensive action. You may also Prepare For Trouble AND Make It Double.
Prepare For Trouble	Commit to Bracing(nerfs knockback) OR commit to Spiting with a specific buff. You may also Prepare To Recover Quickly.
Make It Double	Shameless Pokemon reference.

General Abilities
General abilities are able to be used without using up your anticipation.

Option	Explanation
Special Preparations	State exactly the way an opponent will react, respond, and/or anticipate(this may target the events occurring next round or the current round). You must state which option is picked, the % cost, added effects, and who is targeted. If all statements are correct, cancel that/those action(s). If all statements about any action are wrong, you must cancel anticipation. Otherwise nothing happens. You may take another anticipate.
Adapt	Instantly cancel an active defense that resolved in a previous round. You may take another anticipate.
Cope	Deal with the negative effects of a spell that made contact. You must cope if you are hit, but you may Dispel instead of coping(it is treated as having happened when the spell resolved). Coping cannot be canceled. If a spell resolves damage after coping, even if ward % remaining falls to 0, fatality does not occur until the spell resolves.
Dispel	You may only use this on spells cast the previous turn, or a spell you would have coped. Pay 1.5 times the mana cost of an active spell to make it cancel instantly. You will not be able to dispel again for X rounds where X is a predetermined number unique to the character/thread. If there is no specified cooldown, X = 3 rounds.
Think	You may think any number of times at any time, however it is always treated as anticipation.

---

Congratulations
You now know everything you need to know to play a TAoM fight. If you want to create your own rules, please read the hider below.

The function of the Core Rules is to create a base on which to build. Unlike any other combat system, it actually encourages you to create and modify rules to better fit it to your roleplay(the game is really boring with just Rules). However, it is the responsibility of the creator, of a rule, to know how it applies in any circumstance.

If there are any questions about why and how the system works, read the Live Battle and System Notes.

[★LunaLight★]

*breakdowns will be added tomorrow*
Remember, this is merely a demonstration, and does not reflect the amount of time and effort that can go into combat posts. The components are exaggerated to be easy to follow, and there isn't much fluff so it is a faster read. Also, while this covered and commented on many of the topics concerning magical combat, it by no means covered everything. If you want me to explain a specific situation, PM me and I'll break it down. I will post more examples of actual battles as they are completed.

All the IC posts are made at the same time, without knowledge of what the other posted that round. I've underlined the respond to illustrate the difference between it and the react. Anticipation is marked in italics. It is held until the next round ends by the arbitrator/GM to prevent the opponent reacting to it. Comments are just me talking about the round in detail, and also has breakdowns of what options from the components were chosen. The markings, breakdowns, and comments are all to make the material easier to understand; they will not be included in real matches. Also if it isn't clear, I'm playing both characters.

*Luna and Mabuu's CSs are submitted*
*it is agreed that Luna's mana pool is 25% larger than Mabuu's*
*Luna and Mabuu are using the following additional extensions: Limit Breaker, Item, Handicap, and Modifier*
Handicap for Luna = 1.25
By inverse property that means Mabuu's is 20% smaller
Handicap for Mabuu = .8

Abitrator: I need your combat sheets to start this.
Mabuu: Here is my sheet
Mabuu
Ward % remaining: 25/25
Mana % remaining: 100/100
Handicap: .8
Keywords: Shattering, Unstoppable, Breaker, Balance Snaring
Special: Magic Mushroom

Shattering- When a spell with shattering enters a clash, it bursts into pieces, causing 1/4 damage(rounded up) to both players.
Unstoppable- The spell takes 3 times its cost to dispel instead of 1.5.
Breaker- This spell is treated as double strength against defensive magic. This spell cannot become stronger by clashing.
Balance Snaring X- A spun/tripped foe has their respond canceled. This spell transfers tripping depending on X where X is a number 1-3. 1 causes tripping during damage resolution, 2 causes tripping during clashing, and 3 is unavoidable.

Luna: And this is mine
Luna
Ward % remaining: 25/25
Mana % remaining: 100/100
Handicap: 1.25
Keywords: Dizzy X, Combo, Piercing, Speed Mod
Special: Inventory: Dream Charm

Dizzy X- This spell transfers dizzy X during damage resolution. For X rounds, player requires close range to hit with a spell and cannot use the option 'Move'.
Combo- This spell may only be used if you chose to follow up. You may cast an offensive spell during the respond. Treat the spell as a follow up. Cancel your response if this spell does not resolve damage.
Piercing- A spell with piercing ignores physical objects and does not clash.
Speed Mod- Modifier spell. For every 2% expended toward speed, push the spells resolution up a step. If there is a remainder, it gains a resolution advantage in the round.

Mabuu: Lets start this then!

---

Round 1

Luna: Prepares to give her response dizzy 1. Uses Blade Bolt(8%, Piercing, Dizzy 1) firing off a giant round of voltage. Readies herself to follow up with Blitz Wave(3%, X% Speed).
Mabuu: Prepares to gain Balance Snaring 1. Uses Quake Statue(5%, Balance Snaring 2). Readies an additional defense, Key Golem(8% Clashing, Instant).

The first round is interesting because neither player has to worry about any incoming spells. This presents a golden opportunity to 'prepare'.

Luna is a stronger player, so it makes sense that she would go on the offensive. After all, nothing Mabuu does will change the fact he can't overpower Luna's attacks.

One of the upsides to modifier spells is that even when you have to specify which spell you are using, you still have some control over the cost.

Status conditions can stack.

Mabuu
Ward % remaining: 25/25
Mana % remaining: 95/100
Handicap: .8
Keywords: Shattering, Unstoppable, Breaker, Balance Snaring
Special: Magic Mushroom

Luna
Ward % remaining: 25/25
Mana % remaining: 92/100
Handicap: 1.25
Keywords: Dizzy X, Combo, Piercing, Speed Mod
Special: Inventory: Dream Charm

---

Round 2

Luna: Uses Arc Switch(4% Clashing, Instant) to move out of the way of the Quake Statue's shockwave. Follows up with blitz wave(3%, 0% Speed). I'll go right through his defenses. I was tripped by Mabuu's quake statue.
Mabuu: Eats the magic mushroom to increase the size of his mana pool. Casts Key Golem(8% Clashing, Instant) to intercept incoming fire. I can't afford to lose my cool. Luna's Blade Bolt makes contact.

Because Luna was tripped by the quake statue, she had her react canceled. However, because she knew it would cancel, she set the modifier to 0.

Mabuu changed the handicap by eating his Magic Mushroom item as his react for the turn. This is an example of how extensions can give new options.

Players can adapt the way they are playing as the situation changes.

The spell Arc Switch clashes with the Quake Statue to reduce the damage to zero. Although Mabuu cast the spell for 5%, after applying handicap(5*.8) it only has 4% power in terms of Luna's power.

Mabuu
Ward % remaining: 18/25
Mana % remaining: 87/100
Handicap: 1
Keywords: Shattering, Unstoppable, Breaker, Balance Snaring
Special: N/A

Luna
Ward % remaining: 25/25
Mana % remaining: 85/100
Handicap: 1
Keywords: Dizzy X, Combo, Piercing, Speed Mod
Special: Inventory: Dream Charm

---

Round 3

Luna: Prepares to give her response dizzy 1. Casts Blaster(5%, Dizzy 1) I notice his Key Golem(8% Clashing, Instant).
Mabuu: Prepares Herculean Strength(3%) to give his response breaker. "I'm turning this around." Casts Titan Punch(8%, Balance Snaring 1, Breaker). Readies himself to follow up with Boulder Toss(6%, Shattering)

Preparing more powerful modifiers is offset by having an additional cost.

You can take advantage of your opponent if they aren't always presenting a threat.

Using 'Adapt', mistimed defenses can be removed from the field without using up mana.

One of Luna's Limit Breakers has their conditions met, so Luna cannot use an anticipation slot.

Mabuu
Ward % remaining: 18/25
Mana % remaining: 76/100
Handicap: 1
Keywords: Shattering, Unstoppable, Breaker, Balance Snaring
Special: N/A

Luna
Ward % remaining: 25/25
Mana % remaining: 80/100
Handicap: 1
Keywords: Dizzy X, Combo, Piercing, Speed Mod
Special: Inventory: Dream Charm

---

Round 4

Luna: I cast Wind Style: Express Buster(16%, Exhausting, Piercing, Combo+)Elegantly lifting from the ground, I grow a pair of massive white angel wings. The wind around my arms begins to whirl around my arm in a cone shape, emitting an ear piercing whine. Then I launch forward like a bullet. When my limit breaker resolves, I follow up with Final Kiss(8%, Unclashing). Titan Punch makes contact.
Mabuu: Dispels the spell Luna will use during the React(X%). Follows up with Boulder Toss(6%, Shattering). No matter what happens to me, this next spell has to work.

Limit Breakers are much stronger than ordinary spells. However they are still balanced through the use of casting conditions and negative keywords.

Buffed versions of keywords are denoted with a +. In this case Combo+ allows Luna to use a follow up for 8% without added effects(including knockback) and unclashing in addition to the normal effects of combo.

Piercing is not always helpful. This is one such situation.

Both characters are beginning to experience mana exhaustion.

Mabuu
Ward % remaining: 18/25
Mana % remaining: 46/100
Handicap: 1
Keywords: Shattering, Unstoppable, Breaker, Balance Snaring
Special: N/A

Luna
Ward % remaining: 22/25
Mana % remaining: 56/100
Handicap: 1
Keywords: Dizzy X, Combo, Piercing, Speed Mod
Special: Inventory: Dream Charm

---

Round 5

Luna: Casts Wall of Wind(8% Clashing, Instant). [U]Casts Blaster(5%). Prepares to follow up with Blade Bolt(8%, Piercing). Boulder Toss makes contact.
Mabuu: Casts Earth Wall(5% Clashing, Instant).Mabuu casts Earth Style: Atlas Breaker(33%, Stall 1, Unstoppable+, Breaker) . Suddenly the earth begins to quake at a low foreboding rumble. "I'm gonna destroy you!" Mabuu stamps against the ground causing a white cloud to appear above Luna. N/A

Mabuu's Atlas Breaker has some very hard casting conditions, so it takes it a long time to use. In addition, it has a highly negative effect. Limit breakers like this tend to be game winners. The unstoppable+ prevents dispeling, and Breaker doubles the spells strength against defensive spells. Luna's fate has already been sealed, as she doesn't have enough mana to prevent lethal damage. The fight continues however, Luna could kill Mabuu before his spell resolves.

Mabuu
Ward % remaining: 18/25
Mana % remaining: 8/100
Handicap: 1
Keywords: Shattering, Unstoppable, Breaker, Balance Snaring
Special: N/A

Luna
Ward % remaining: 16/25
Mana % remaining: 40/100
Handicap: 1
Keywords: Dizzy X, Combo, Piercing, Speed Mod
Special: Inventory: Dream Charm

---

Round 6

Luna: Casts Swift Smash(8%, Combo, Exhausting+). Follows up with Blade Bolt(8%, Piercing). Prepares to counter.
Mabuu: Casts Earth Wall(7% Clashing, Instant). "Here it comes!" A giant foot comes crashing down.

At this point the battle is a race to death. Luna is being forced to use methods to bypass Mabuu's defenses. However Mabuu is running low on mana.

Mabuu
Ward % remaining: 18/25
Mana % remaining: 1/100
Handicap: 1
Keywords: Shattering, Unstoppable, Breaker, Balance Snaring
Special: N/A

Luna
Ward % remaining: 16/25
Mana % remaining: 24/100
Handicap: 1
Keywords: Dizzy X, Combo, Piercing, Speed Mod
Special: Inventory: Dream Charm

---

Round 7

Luna: Dream Charm activates. Casts Blade Bolt(5%, Piercing). Earth-Style: Atlas Breaker makes contact.
Mabuu: Swift Smash and Blade Bolt make contact.

Luna's Dream Charm warded off the effects of exhaustion from the turn before.

Mabuu was unable to act due to a lack of mana, and the effects of mana exhaustion crippling him physically.

Although Luna will die first, lethal damage is heading towards Mabuu, and he has no way of stopping it. Unless someone can swoop in and save him at the last second, it is safe to say the result is both dying.

TAoM battles are usually very short and compact. The final result is a basically identical to this post without the hiders.

Mabuu
Ward % remaining: 2/25
Mana % remaining: 1/100
Handicap: 1
Keywords: Shattering, Unstoppable, Breaker, Balance Snaring
Special: N/A

Luna
Ward % remaining: 0/25
Mana % remaining: 19/100
Handicap: 1
Keywords: Dizzy X, Combo, Piercing, Speed Mod
Special: Inventory: Dream Charm

[★LunaLight★]

Rule Extensions
Just to show examples of the practical applications of rule extensions, I'm displaying rule extensions used in my roleplay.

Dueling Rules
The sport of dueling has additional rules for the purpose of ensuring safety and fairness.

1. Duelists may not use any form of attack that would breach the ward. This includes but is not limited to: illusions, physical attacks, or inflicting self harm. This rule may be omitted with the consent of all duelists participating.
2. Duelists must fight using the overloaded ward(creatable only by ward mages). It is a special skin-tight ward that displays its blocking capacity to both you and the opponent. After reaching 20% damage received, it instantly supercharges to block 200%(wards that block more than 25% also block your own spells), and flashes red(this is losing the match).
3. Duelists must play within a confined space. Stepping, or being knocked out of bounds makes you forfeit the match.
4. Duelists must have at least one certified judge present, who must be at full capacity in case of ward failure.
5. Duelists may not obtain unauthorized outside help. Any and all things brought in must be approved before the match.(in other words, no hidden tricks)

BOSS Mode
Sometimes you want to have an opponent that is just insanely powerful, and requires the whole group coming together to defeat; however, normal mechanics treat numbers as an important factor. Even if every spell they cast kills a party member, the group is likely to win simply based on the idea that they have a much greater amount of opportunity. To counteract this, the BOSS gains many unique opportunities to level the playing field. BOSS mode allows a person to act almost like a Legend of Zelda style boss. It is currently experimental, but it is about to undergo its first test.

BOSS mode functions by making the BOSS function under a different set of rules:
1. The person playing the BOSS is also the arbitrator.
2. The BOSS posts after the party instead of simultaneously.
3. The BOSS has a set of listed special BOSS abilities which further augment the power of an otherwise balanced character. The more powerful the BOSS abilities, the harder it will be to defeat the BOSS. There are no limits on these abilities, so a boss can match any level of difficulty.
4. The BOSS may cloak BOSS abilities, in part or whole by placing the letter x in place of the characters. To use a cloaked BOSS ability, you must reveal all relevant words in the ability.

Luna (yes I stole this from the Live Battle Example)
Age: 16
Combat Style: *something well thought out*

Dizzy X- For X rounds, affected player requires close range to hit with a spell and cannot use the option 'Move'.
Speed Modifier- Allows the user to push a spell's resolution up a turn for 2%; any remainder creates a speed advantage for the step it resolves.
Piercing- A spell with piercing ignores physical objects and does not clash.
Combo- This spell may only be used if you chose to follow up. You may cast an offensive spell during the react. Treat the spell as a follow up. Cancel your response if this spell does not resolve damage.

*normally characters have limit conditions. Luna isn't a real character, since she was just an example fighter*
Wind Style: Express Buster(16%, Exhausting, Piercing, Combo)- The user grows angel wings to rocket towards the opponent after executing a follow up while producing razor sharp wind to cut through any material in the way.

Wind Style: Lightning Buster(15-20% defense, Unmoving)- The user defends by placing a ball of condensed plasma in the way of the attack. If the opponent would make contact with this spell either through direct contact or conduction, this spell loses clashing.

Luna's total mana pool is multiplied by the number of combatants.
Any spell Luna casts is treated as a strong spell.
xx xxxx xxxxx xx xxx, xxxx x xx xxxxx xxx. xx xxx xxxxxx xx xxxxx xxxx x, xxxxxxx xxx xxxxx. xx xx xx xxxxx xxxx xx xxx xxxxx xx xxxxxxxx. xx xx xx xxxxx xxxx xx xxx xxxxx xx xxxxxxxx. xx xx xx xxxxx xxxx xx xx xxxx xx xxxxxx, xxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx. xx xxx xxxx x xx, xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxx. (If Luna would be hit, roll a 20 sided die. If the result is lower than 5, reflect the spell. If it is lower than 10 the spell is canceled. If it is lower than 15 it does no damage, but added effects apply. If you roll a 20, Luna loses this ability.)
xxxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx. (Luna may dodge weak spells automaticly.)

You will notice that aside from the BOSS abilities, the character sheet is exactly the same, and without the BOSS abilities it would be equal to a single normal opponent. The point of BOSS characters is to gain unpredictable effects and challenge the party to try new things. Plus, I find it awesome that any character can be treated as a BOSS simply by adding a single component to the character sheet. Also, if you don't like any of the BOSS rules, you can change them using a BOSS ability since spell rules > game rules. So yeah...

Magical Warfare
There aren't going to be any punches pulled like in dueling. Because of the lack of rules associated with magical warfare, there are several options that become available.

Entering Combat: Usually mages don't wait for their opponent to be ready for them, and will enter combat by attacking. Should this happen, whoever took the initiative gets to enter the game normally, but the other doesn't get a turn. The great thing about entering combat, is for that first round not many will know you are a factor. This is why sensory mages are important in times of war. They help avoid nasty surprises.

Cloaking: Your characters might not want to show what items they have available. By hiding an item somewhere your opponent can't detect it, you can avoid placing it on your combat sheet Specials. To reveal any cloaked item, during your respond or react step, have your character remove it from its hiding place, then add it to the Specials. Remember, you must always treat the object as being on your person, causing it to be susceptible to breaking, slowing you down, or being accidentally revealed while it is hidden.

Physical Weapons: There is no reason you can't use non-magical weapons. Because the ward protects only against harmful magic, sometimes the easiest way to kill a mage is with regular weapons. This is however a double edged sword, because magic can stop physical attacks effortlessly (0%), so it requires you to catch your opponent off guard. Landing physical attacks on a mage is challenging, but if you are ever outmatched or outnumbered, this is a good way to win fights you don't deserve to.

Never Clear The Combat Sheet: In the battlefield, you do not full heal after defeating an opponent. Until you make it to a safe zone, you cannot change your combat sheet. Ambushing opponents after a fight is a good way to defeat mages you normally would have never stood a chance against.

Handicap
At the beginning of combat, find a conversion factor between each players %. Whenever comparing mana, each spell must be expressed in terms of the same player. Confused? See the potentially confusing concepts.

Fighting With Multiple Combatants
One of the biggest feats of the system has got to be the ability to host a massive number of player characters fighting at the same time with relative ease. Unlike traditional systems, it is completely plausible to have a 20 man free for all between 20 Rpers. The only major issues are character balancing, keeping track of clashing, keeping track of whereabouts, and a larger number of calculations. There are some rather simple rules associated with fighting with 3 or more players.

1. You must include a target(s) when casting a spell. EX. Fireball(8%, Assimilating, Steve)
2. You must decide if teammates are allowed to coordinate with each other. (variable rule)
3. You must provide a grid for helping players understand where everyone is if requested. It isn't anything fancy, but it would look like this.

Zone	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
A						Q
B										Andre
C
D
E					You
F		Jack							Steve
G
H
I
J

4. These rules are subject to change due to add on effects like any other rule.
5. All posts are sent to the arbitrator/GM, and that is who will post and format all of the information. (The person making the post should never need to post in the IC during the course of the fight)

Limit Breakers
Limit Breakers are pretty much like unique ultimate attacks which are unique to your character.

This extension adds the option 'Cast Limit Breaker' to the respond commands. It has the following rule text: If you have a limit breaker spell which has its casting conditions met, cast it. You may only use this option once per game.

This extension adds the section 'Limit Breakers' to the CS. This section describes a number of spells which have special conditions for casting. While these conditions are met, you can not anticipate.

---

Potentially Confusing Concepts Explained
Some of the situations you run across utilize more complex concepts. This is especially true as you use add-on effects to change the rules. This section is dedicated to explaining things in detail for those situations you don't know how to handle. If you see a topic you want to know more about, dive right on in. If you want something else explained, PM me, and it will be added here in the most reader friendly way I can conceive.

Canceling

Canceling is hard to understand because there are a number of ways in which it can occur, and it doesn't always cancel having to pay for the spell. It is easily the most complicated and necessary rule in the system. Hopefully this explanation will make it easy though.

What is canceling?
Canceling is the act of treating an action as though it never happened, or had no effect.

When does it happen?
Canceling is the result of being unable to do an action you said you did in your post. Most commonly it happens because:
1. A spell fails to met certain conditions when it comes time to resolve.

I attempt to cast negate buff(5%), however my opponent loses their buff before it resolves.

2. An opponent's spell prevents you from preforming an action when it tries to resolve.

I respond by casting Splash(5%), but my opponent added dizziness to their last spell during their react. Because Splash requires me to jump, which I can't do while I'm dizzy, it cancels doing nothing.(magikarp would be proud)

3. The spell was dispeled by an opponent paying 1.5 times its mana cost.
4. The spell itself has a negative added effect which can potentially cancel it.

How do I treat a spell that was canceled?
There are two different kinds of canceling, failing and nullifying. If a spell is failing, you still lose the mana for having cast it. If it is nullifying, you never cast it to begin with. Figuring out which one comes down to the situation. If a spell was in the process of being cast or resolved, it fails. If the spell was unable to be casted, it is nullified.

I respond by casting Rage Quit(8%), but I am hit by my opponent's Effective Trolling(0%,8%Speed), causing me to be unable to go through with RageQuit due to the knockback. Since the conditions of casting the spell were still met, I still paid its cost.

I react by throwing up a wall, then respond by knocking it over. However the wall is destroyed before my response. Because there is no wall to knock down, my spell cannot cast, and is therefore nullified.

The Speed Modifier

What is a speed modifier?
A speed modifier is a modifier spell that modifies speed. Simple concept really, but people seem to be confused about what effect speed has on spells.

What effect does speed have?
Speed causes spells to resolve sooner. Every 2% put into the modifier makes the spell resolve a step earlier. If an odd amount is put in, the last 1% simply makes it resolve before others that resolve in the same step. Can't visualize this?

'X' = resolves without advantage, '+' = resolves with advantage.

% Speed Modifier	1st React	1st Respond	1st Intermediate	2nd React	2nd Respond	2nd Intermediate	3rd React
0		Spell is cast		Opponent Reacts			X
1		Spell is cast		Opponent Reacts			+
2		Spell is cast		Opponent Reacts		X
3		Spell is cast		Opponent Reacts		+
4		Spell is cast		Opponent Reacts	X
5		Spell is cast		Opponent Reacts	+
6		Spell is cast		Opponent Reacts At Same Time
7		Spell is cast		Opponent Reacts With Disadvantage
8		Spell is cast	X	Opponent Cannot React
9		Spell is cast	+	Opponent Cannot React
10		Spell Resolves Instantly		Opponent Cannot React
11		+		Opponent Cannot React
12	Spell Resolves Instantly			Opponent Cannot React

Why does the table stop at 12%?
Due to the laws of physics, a spell cannot resolve before it is cast, the fastest it gets is resolving at the same time as being cast. The earliest you can cast a spell is during the react step as a counter; so the speed modifier can only push things back up to that point.

How is this useful?
A spell with a speed modifier resolves before a different spell cast at the same time. Also, by making a spell resolve earlier, you give it a chance to inflict canceling on your opponent. Getting hit while in the process of casting a spell is the most common reason spells cancel because it is the least predictable. Sometimes just the threat of being canceled is effective. When opponents have to deal with spells sooner, they miss out on the chance to take other actions. If they take those other actions, they will just be canceled, so you have limited their opportunity. When speed gets really crazy, it is too fast for the opponent to do much of anything in response, practically auto-hitting. Speed is a great tactical modifier, and is highly useful in a number of circumstances. Speed modifier spells highly benefit from spell buffs.

How is this fair?
Newcomers to the system typically aren't used to seeing spells that can auto-hit and nullify the opponent's attacks, so it makes sense that it doesn't sound fair. Consider this though, not only does the speed modifier count as one of your available positive add on effects, but it also counts towards the 8% limit. Sure you can spend 8% to hit your opponent before they can react, but that leaves 0% for the power under normal conditions. Plus, no matter how fast a spell is, the dispel can cancel it. A dispel costs 1.5 x Spell power, but the speed modifier doesn't add to the spell's power. Since limit breaks can't be used as counters or follow-ups, the best they can be under normal circumstances is (23%,10%Speed) which has a dispel cost of 34.5%(only 1.5 greater than the cost of the limit break), and can't kill an equal opponent in one shot. Plus, the problem with having the spell resolve the same turn it is cast is a lack of knowledge of what the opponent is doing. Speed modifier spells clash just like any other spell, so it will clash with any other active spell currently trying to resolve that it can clash with. Speed spells are highly tactical spells, and using them to their full potential is quite the task. However, risk = reward.

Multi-clashing

Normally clashing is a simple subtraction problem, but what happens when more than two opposing spells clash at the same time? But first, a review of the basics.

What is Clashing?
Clashing is the process through which active spells attempt to overpower each other by subtracting their % power from each other. The % must be expressed in the same terms at this time.

What are Terms?
TAoM utilizes relative comparison, as opposed to absolute or ambiguous comparison, to describe magical attributes. You start with 100% of your mana pool and a ward able to block 25% of your mana pool, so everything is in terms of your mana pool. When you cast spells, you cast them in terms of you. When Steve casts a spell, he casts it in terms of Steve.

How to Match Terms?
The purpose of the handicap is to give a conversion factor between your terms and Steve's terms so that you can compare their power. In the combat sheet, you have to make a handicap for every opponent, so simply locate the handicap between you and Steve and multiply your % by that number. The result is now in terms of Steve, matching Steve's terms. Don't apply handicap to Steve's spell as well or he will now be in terms of you!

Wait, but I get different numbers depending on who applied the handicap!
Yes, you should be getting different numbers. The handicap you use decides which terms you want to conform to. Although they are different numbers, remember that wards express their ability to guard in terms of the owner, so any damage resolved must also be in terms of the owner. It all ends up being the same number regardless of which terms you used to clash. Which brings me to my last point.

Multi-clashing works pretty much the same...
Just like any other type of clash, everything has to be in the same terms. The only real difference is that your spell's power has been divided over many targets, so divide the spell power by the number of spells it is clashing with, then subtract all other spells by that number. Don't mistake clashing multiple spells with multi-clashing. If spells are trying to overpower the same spell but not each other, they are not clashing with each other.

Being An Arbitrator

What is an Arbitrator?
The arbitrator is the third party which receives player input regarding action slots, combat sheets, and rule extensions. Their job is to follow the established rules for making posts.

Why can't players do this?
Unlike players, Arbitrators have no freedom to alter their actions based on information. They only format and distribute information for the players to use based on established rules. Because Arbitrators are handling all information a character does not know, players have roughly the same amount of insight as their characters.

What rules do Arbitrators follow?
1. At the beginning of each round, request for each player to send their actions for the round. After receiving all information from every player involved, post each player's react and respond. Keep the anticipation somewhere it can be retrieved later.
2. At the end of each round, subtract the total cost of spells cast from the respective player's total mana pool.
3. At the end of each round except the first, edit the previous round's anticipation into that round.
4. Follow all rules related to updating information. These rules hold priority over the above rules.

What is expected of an Arbitrator?
An Arbitrator must know or be able to find the exact wording of every rule used. It is their job to process information by following the established rules. This information can be found in the Core Rules. Only players with a strong understanding of how to follow the rules should Arbitrate.

[★LunaLight★]

Character Attributes
Rule extensions may ask to provide additional about the character. While many of the components in this guide may be unused, I've included many commonly used elements.

Mana Nature/Element

Mana nature refers to the form in which your magic takes. It is typically expressed as a noun. I cannot stress this enough, mana nature only determines the form your magic takes, nothing else! The mana nature is a reflection on your character's inner self, so even people with the same nature can have magic that behaves differently.

Keywords Available/Spell Set

Deciding which spells are available to your character isn't required in the CS because the rules are designed to be unrestricting so players can add restrictions if needed. Instead, decide what positive added effects your spells use. As stated before, magic is a reflection of the character. Because of this, the effects available follow a general trend. In the example fight, Luna had a spell set that involved fast combination attacks, while Mabuu used powerful attacks that resisted opponent interference. The idea is that your character will not have a spell for every occasion just because their spells are only able to act in a specific way. Spells gain more powerful added effects as their cost goes up and as their weaknesses become more potent. Spells do not get more added effects as the mage become more skilled, added effects are granted purely on the basis of % mana expended. The system has already accounted for differences in power via handicap.

Limit Breakers

If you look at the example fight, both Luna and Mabuu used some ultimate attacks called limit breaking spells. These are the same as any other spell, but they deserve their own section because they work a little differently. These are the ultimate reflection of your character's particular strategy. They will gain super-powered versions of your character's theme/keywords. These moves are also accompanied by weaknesses. All limit breaking spells require you to skip your anticipate while you are able use them. Furthermore, any buffs you would receive is canceled. As a guideline, a limit breaker has two positive effects, and one negative.

Powered Abilities

Some races/families have special magical abilities which use up magic. These are referred to as powered abilities. They are treated just like any other spell, but may have added effects completely unrelated to the character's personality and other spells. Although these do not usually generate tiers, they do give character a unique opportunity at no cost. Because of this, it is up to the GM if a powered ability is allowed or not.

Passive Abilities

Passive abilities are representative of traits which your character has active at all times like being extra strong or fast or explodes if they touch water. The best way I can explain these is they are like keywords that apply to your character instead of spells. These generate tiers, so make sure you balance them between characters, or just leave them out entirely.

Class Abilities

Mages often learn special techniques associated with particular occupations such as healers, combat specialists, sensory mages, and others. These are cool because they cause specialization rather than generating tiers. Class abilities are created by the GM, and behave according to the rules established by how the class operates. Characters may have up to one class.(they might not have one)

Rule of Relativity

The combat system works as a spectrum, so characters have to develop strengths and weaknesses by comparison rather than explicit fact. The intensity of each character's added on effects(but not passive abilities) should be roughly equal regardless of skill level. When creating a character, you should compare it to others involved in the same RP. An easy way to do this is to compare the number of attributes available to a character.

---

Spell Types
Spells often have certain 'special effects' that go along with them. I have decided to list a few keywords here so you can get an idea of what is expected. If you have ideas of your own, ask the GM for permission, but it takes an effort to make a cool add on that is game breaking. If you would like an idea added to the list, PM me.

These keywords give special conditions when the spell resolves damage. Often Statuses include an X to determine the effectiveness or duration. These effects stack.

Ward Pricking X- Wards are amazing, as they can protect you from illusions for no cost to its % remaining. However to get around this, illusionists often have spells that create temporary, very tiny holes in the ward(too small to expose someone to offensive magic). X represents the range at which the ward can be pricked. Although the ward will regenerate, it is too late once you are snared in an illusion.

Balance Snaring X- Taking advantage of knock back, some spells cause peculiar knock backs intended to spin or trip the foe. A spun/tripped foe has their respond canceled. X is a number 1-3 where one causes tripping during damage resolution, 2 causes tripping during clashing, and 3 is unavoidable.

Sensory Impairment X- By causing the targets surroundings to become unclear due to magic around them interfering(smoke, mist, trick mirrors) you can cause foes to be unable to see your posts entirely, or correctly. [you submit the actual reaction to the GM, putting a placeholder/distorted post in for the round, only replacing it at the end of the next round for as long as the impairment lasts] X represents the duration of the impairment.

Dizzy X- For X rounds, player requires close range to hit with a spell and cannot use the option 'Move'.

These overwrite the game rules to cause the spell to behave differently than normal. There is not one rule you can't break with these.

Combo- This spell may only be used if you chose to follow up. You may cast an offensive spell during the respond. Treat the spell as a follow up. Cancel your response if this spell does not resolve damage.

Piercing- A spell with piercing ignores physical objects and does not clash.

Shattering- When a spell with shattering enters a clash, it bursts into pieces, causing 1/4 damage(rounded up) to both players.

Assimilating- If any part of the spell makes contact, the full ward damage is still inflicted.

Rapid Fire X- You may cast the spell X times in one response as long as the total doesn't exceed the limit

Conductive X- This spell may be cast for X% over your limit.

Homing- This spell follows your opponent. It cannot be dodged, and cannot miss.

Breaker- This spell is treated as double strength against defensive magic.

Slayer X- This spell does X% more ward damage during damage resolution.

Unstoppable- The spell takes 3 times its cost to dispel instead of 1.5

Boomerang- If the spell does not hit a ward, it refunds half the mana.

Reckless- The spell will cast regardless of other factors. Ignore all statuses(including cool down), and your % mana remaining.

Thoughtless- You may cast this spell instead of anticipating if able.(this is treated as part of your intermediate step)

Focused- If this active spell has not yet resolved, you may give it Breaker or Unstoppable instead of responding.

Merciful- This spell will dissipate if it breaks a ward, sparing the life of the mage.

These are balancing devices to allow for more of the insane effects.

Slow- The spell can be avoided by dodging at mid-range

Super Slow- The spell is able to be dodged at close-range

Unmoving- The spell is fixed in place.

Reflectable- For the price of the spell, the opponent may reflect it back at you for their response.

Charging- The spell takes up a turn to charge, then fires on the same phase next turn.

Commitment- Until the spell resolves, you may not cast other spells.

Fickle X- The spell only works when you are in an X mood.

Risky X- If the spell cancels you lose X% mana.

Bouncy- The spell reflects if it clashes with an offensive spell.

Terrible- The spell is emotionally damaging to your character.

Unreliable- GM flips a coin, if it lands on tails the spell is canceled.

Wild- The spell is not under your control, everyone in combat flips a coin(GM preforms this). Everyone who gets tails is the target of this spell.

Exhausting- If you cast this spell, you lose your next round.

Delayed- Spell gains a disadvantage against spells cast in the same phase.

Prolonged- The spell may be coped one turn after resolving damage.

These keywords actually change the way the keyword functions.

Modifier- In addition to paying a % power cost, when casting you may pay X% to cause a certain boosted effect. Beware however, % going towards X is not applied in clashes, towards dispel cost, or damage to the ward unless the spell is modifying to that situation. Remember that you can't cast more than 8% total under normal circumstances. Also, each modifier counts as an added effect, so all rules concerning added effects apply to them.

Defensive Spells- Technically a modifier, but it doesn't affect the count. Defensive spells never resolve. Their purpose is simply to clash with oncoming spells. For this reason, they are marked with a clash modifier but no power. (X% clashing, instant) Unlike other modifier spells, the dispel cannot ignore a clash modifier.

[★LunaLight★]

Popular Misconceptions
1. All spells are defined Name(X%, Keywords)
2. Unless there is rule text that specifically allows you to take an action, you may not preform that action. This includes the creation of character sheets.
3. Every rule can be changed by using rule extensions. The only thing that is important is that all players follow, understand, and accept these rules.
4. TAoM posts do not have to be short. As long as you do not break a rule, your post can be as intricate and detailed as you like.

If you like fluff, there is nothing stopping you from making well thought out posts, but no amount of fluff will make your post any more effective.

Cast fireball(8%).

Directing my energies towards my hand I feel warmth flowing through my body, all swirling into a ball of brilliant orange light. Thrusting my arm forward the light launches off leaving a trail of embers, and a smile slides along my face.(8%)

---

5. Although you may extend the rules any way you see fit, getting people to play under those rules is a different story.
6. Keywords define effects, not describe them. Correct: Bloated-Makes the affected player unable to move every other turn. Incorrect: Bloated- Makes the character slower than normal.
7. Combat sheets are not the same thing as character sheets.
8. Negative keywords do not count towards your count unless you intentionally use them as part of your strategy. The whole point of them is to balance powerful keywords.

Mechanics Explained
This system has very specific reasons for behaving the way it does. I found myself wanting to express why it works and the neat ways it achieves balance in other sections, but I realized they are unneeded distractions. This section is purely for the curious and my own satisfaction. I might add answers to questions here if applicable.

p

[★LunaLight★]

This is just a section to thank people who helped me improve the guide, and explain what changes were brought about because of them.

Sand Snake helped with the beta test. After the battle with him, I realized that the anticipate step should behave in a more orderly way, and that people didn't fully understand what options were available to them. As a result, I organized the phases into tables which included every possible option characters have by default. Also, he inspired the Potentially Confusing Topics Explained Section, as I realized that the things I cut out to make the guide a faster read were important to some people. In those sections, I take my time to fully explain every detail associated with a concept. Lastly, this system originally allowed people to play without an arbitrator by placing their anticipation in a hider and trusting that people would not open the hider until the end of the next round. However the unavoidable problem is that if you skip the anticipation step, the lack of hider is a dead giveaway that you are able to limit break. Because of that, an arbitrator is now required.

Asuras was the first person to provide feedback about the way this guide presented the information. He said that the Live Battle would be easier to understand if I separated the rounds somehow, and colored the react and response steps differently. I ended up not coloring them, but simply underlining the response, leaving the react step unchanged (colors seems to bug a good number of people), and using [hr] tags to separate the rounds. I think it looks much better now. Also, he probably didn't mean to, but he made me put up the beta rules for BOSS mode. I was originally going to wait until testing was finished, and he made me realized there wasn't much point to doing so.

theskyrocketkid is the first person to play with the pre-finalized TAoM rules. He made me realize that I had left out passive abilities from my character creation guide, and that those can sometimes be really cool/important. The subsequent edits ended up spilling over into the rest of the sections, so the character guide is a bit more helpful.

Zata sama was a massive help to the final version of my guide. He inspired a complete revolution of how the Core Rules work. Many parts of the Core Rules were turned into rule extensions. The anticipate step was made to contain both offensive and defensive options. Many options were refined and simplified. The way spells are cast and coped was modified to feel more natural. The definition of defensive spells were changed. Basicly everything except the premise changed because of him.