Spell Matrix

A matrix consists of one or more spells you can safely cast (up to threshold 6), which are then placed into an area and set to take effect under specific pre-defined circumstances. You determine all of the parameters of the spells in advance, as well as the conditions that trigger them.

To create a matrix, you must spend 10 minutes preparing an area no larger than a 10-foot cube per caster level (though you may make the matrix smaller, such as within a box or chest, or the surface of a door) by carefully drawing a magical circle onto the surface to contain the ritual effects. All writing implements and materials used to scribe a circle must be fresh and unused.

The cost for these supplies is 50sp × the level of the spell × the spell’s caster level for each spell placed in the matrix. In addition, the caster pays the normal experience point cost of 1/25 of the price of the matrix. Thus, a matrix for a single spell of threshold 3 at 5HD costs 750 sh and 30 XP.

If the spells have expensive material components or an XP cost, you must pay those costs at the time the matrix is created. You cast the spells as rituals while scribing the circle, and so makel casting checks as normal (usually once per minute) until all the spells have been successfully cast. During this time, you must also describe the conditions needed to bring the spells simultaneously into effect. The conditions must be clear.

Whenever the prescribed circumstances occur, the matrix immediately triggers the spells stored within it, but if complicated or convoluted conditions are prescribed, it may fail when called on.

You pay any costs incurred for casting the spells when the circle is completed. If you roll a spectacular failure at any time during the scribing of the matrix, the scribing attempt fails for all spells, and any materials and experience point cost are wasted.

Two matrices cannot occupy the same area, and matrices cannot overlap. A matrix lasts indefinitely or until triggered, at which time it is spent.
Scribing a matrix requires one day for each 1,000 sh value of its base price.

Item Creation Feat Required: Scribe Matrix.

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