Wards: Expanded

Amulets Symbol

I was actually sorely disappointed by the explanation of wards in Mummy: The Resurrection but saw the potential for what I see as a great way to do things. In my opinion they simply forgot to explain that a ward doesn't need to be placed on an individual as an amulet. It can be placed on a doorway, a set of stones that form a perimeter, a room, etc. The only difference is the cost (you can affect a greater audience so the cost should be higher) and whether the ward has the standard upkeep or an activation cost.

Adding a bit of customizability never hurts either, it just reduces the strength of the ward.

Types of Wards

When creating a non-personal ward (see below), it is possible to allow a specific person/object or people/objects to be excluded from the effects of the ward or to include just a group.

Exceptions & Alterations

Each of the listed exceptions and alterations cost a success (this success doesn't count toward the other effects of the spell or ritual.

Wards: Piece by Piece

New Terms

I have defined these terms to reduce confusion about how a ward should operate and how sekhem is paid for its use.

Figuring Cost of Wards

Add Alterations & Exceptions (see above) before any multiples are figured in. If the ward is a temporary effect, divide the result by 10 and round normally (.5 or higher, round up; less than .5 round down) with a minimum of 1.

Example: Creating an Arcane Ward that is Positional (radiating) and temporary that is being inscribed with a piece of chalk on the wall of a staircase to surprise the people coming up the stairs (except for the mummies allies) by marbles they will not notice, but will probably slip on, would be figured out as such:

Arcane Ward (10 sekhem for a normal casting)
Exception: Allies (+1 sekhem = 11)
Positional (x2 sekhem = 22 sekhem)
Temporary ( 1/10th cost = 2.2 (rounded down since it is less than 2.5)
Final Cost is 2 sekhem. The ritual will take a round to activate and will last a number of rounds equal to the successes on the ritual.

Types of Wards

There are several different ways that wards can be setup. They all have different advantages, disadvantages and appropriate adjustments in cost. Temporary Wards introduce the concept of varying complexities of rituals to produce less permanent versions of wards.

Locality Wards

Locality Wards are placed on immovable objects or places. Statues, standing stones, doorframes, windows, walls of rooms, tomb or cave entrances, tree trunks and buildings are examples of where these wards may be created.

If the item is small enough to transport by being carried and is not "built-in" it qualifies as a Positional Ward.

Cost - Creation: x1.5
  Activated - Upkeep: none ; Activation: 1 Sekhem
  Constant - Upkeep: standard ; Activation: n/a

Range: As defined by the boundary formed by the items inscribed in the ritual (cannot exceed an area larger than Balance x10 feet square)

Common Examples: Standard Wards, Metal Wards

Personal Wards

These wards are generally considered to be inert unless being worn (not in a pocket) and are active at all times while worn unless the description of the spell or ritual says otherwise.

Cost: as printed on the spell/ritual description (a personal pinpoint ward can be Activated instead - see Pinpoint Wards)

Range: Personal (including reasonable things carried on that person)

Common Examples: Standard Ward, Scarab of Life, Veil of Amaunet and Buckle of Isis

Pinpoint Wards

These are wards that have an item at the center of the effect and have a range rather than affecting a person or a defined area outlined by objects. Wards of this type exist in the mummy books but are poorly defined as to how far their effects reach.

Cost - Creation: as printed on the spell/ritual description

Range (can be halved to gain an extra success except for personal wards):

Common Examples: Metal Ward, Wood Ward and Vessel of Ra

Positional Wards

Positional wards are wards that can be on an active, moveable item and “aimed” in a general direction or in a specific line.

Cost - Creation: x2; Activation: Special

Range:

Common Examples: This is a new concept to the rules and there are no wards in the Mummy books that normally function in this fashion.

Temporary Wards

This is a ward that is performed with an abbreviated version of the ritual using materials that are not as permanent as stone and wood. Chalk, scratching, pens, scratching flesh, etc. are all common possibilities for use as a temporary ward.

Casting Time (determines duration):

Cost:

Range: Same as it would be if the effect were not temporary.

Common Examples: This is a new concept to the rules and there are no wards in the Mummy books that normally function in this fashion.