Magic: What's New
A Minor Mulling on Matters Magical
Magic in the Endless Frontier follows some unique rules that differ from the standard Golarion setting of Pathfinder. For starters, there is little magic above 6th level. Such spells are rare and powerful, and those who know them have only mastered one or two.
Magic is sourced directly from Goddesses, entities typically placed in massive towers, called Ars Tonelica (singular Ar Tonelico) that broadcast across half a planet. Some are carried in god-machines: Steel Troopers outfitted with a Goddess Engine. Although such Goddesses do not have near the range, they can be transported through the Gates of the Frontier to hostile worlds where Tonelica have yet to be constructed, allowing nearby casters to still draw on magical powers.
In order to cast a spell or spell-like ability, a caster must be in the area of an Ar Tonelico or of a Goddess Engine. As an exception, spells and spell-like abilities granted by race (such as kitsune magic or a demon's fireball) can be cast at any time, as those races draw magic from directly within themselves. Supernatural abilities also draw on the user's power, and thusly work outside the range of a Goddess Engine or Ar Tonelico.
All spells are cast by singing an incantation in the Celestial tongue. Some spells additionally have somatic or material components. In general, use the spell as it exists normally. However, if it is listed as having no verbal component, you must add one to it. Spell-like abilities do not require components, as they are cast by innately magical creatures capable of generating their own power. The Silent Spell metamagic does not exist.
Each of the Ars Tonelica contains replica of each of the original nine Goddesses created long ago. Each Goddess represents an alignment and portfolio, ranging from Lawful Good to Chaotic Evil. It is important for the Ars Tonelica to represent all alignments - an imbalance could be catastrophic, as occurred in the Tonelicant Embolism Event (see The Archives for more information). Goddess Engines in STs contain only one Goddess - however, the limited range and amplification inherent in the smaller frame prevents the engine from causing such disasters.
It is worth noting that when traveling between Tonelico effect areas (such as through a Gate of the Frontier), there may be minor quirks in magic. These are entirely up to GM discretion, and represent slight shifts in personality between the different replicant Goddesses.
Currently, there are five Tonelica in the Frontier, each invoked by a different command line. See the Ars Tonelica page for their location and suggested regional quirks.