Page 21 - D&D - Player's Handbook

ness that energy inside an object until it is called forth WEAVE-AFFECTING MAGIC
by its user (who, of course, need not be a spellcaster). Certain spells allow casters to perceive or manipulate the
In some cases, the magic of an item must be tied to effects of the Weave in particular ways. The Weave itself
its wielder; representing an entwining of the threads also has irregularities that affect spells.
of the Weave between wielder and object known as Detect Magic. Detect magic reveals threads of the Weave
attunement. As with all matters related to magic, the woven together through spellcasting, or the "knots" of the
Weave in a magic item. A magic item appears enmeshed
number of items to which a single being can be attuned
in the silvery-blue threads of the Weave, and the way the
is limited, but the benefits of such a relationship can be
threads are arranged reveals what type of magic is used
considerable.
(necromancy, abjuration, and so on). Similarly, active
spells and areas imbued with magic are limned in a silvery
MYTH A LS network of threads, which might twist and reknit them-
Mythals are some of the most powerful magic in the selves depending on the magic involved.
world of Tori!, constructs that bind and shape the Dispel Magic. Dispel magic unwinds and prematurely
ends magic, unraveling whatever construct of the Weave
Weave in a particular location, sometimes so powerfully
was put in place.
that the rules of magic or even reality can be bent or
Antimagic. Anti magic effects can dispel existing spells
rewritten.
and unravel any magic woven from the Weave. Perma-
A mythal is a permanent field of overlapping magical nent effects, such as those from magic items, are usually
wards and effects tied to a specific location. In its origi- suppressed by anti magic: while the effect is within an
nal usage, this term applied to the works of High Magic area of anti magic, the construct of the Weave unravels,
that protected ancient elven cities. It has since been but the threads snap back into place once the magic is
expanded to cover all manner of similar protections, outside the area.
from the immense floating cities of fallen Netheril to Dead Magic. In rare areas of dead magic, the Weave
the wards of Silverymoon to the smaller- but no less is absent. Not only do spells and magic items cease to
effective- workings of magic that keep safe important function, but even the supernatural abilities of creatures
that are innately tied to the Weave might fail as the knot of
locations like Candlekeep. Even the many-layered wards the Weave they carry with them unravels.
and effects of Undermountain, beneath Waterdeep, are Wild Magic. In an area of wild magic, the Weave
considered a mythal by some. becomes "tangled," spontaneously forming its own
Most my thals are defensive in nature, designed to constructs and resulting magic. It also tends to twist the
restrict the kinds of magic that can be employed in the constructs of the Weave created by spellcasting, causing
area they govern, and the most common restrictions are unexpected results.
concerned with teleportation and conjuration magic. Ev-
ereska's mythal influences the weather of the area and RELIGION IN THE REALMS
wards its inhabitants against disease, while the mythal
of undersea Myth Nantar makes its waters breathable Though wizards work wonders with their Art, and
and more comfortable for creatures not suited to under- adventurers take their fates into their own hands, it is
water life. on the gods that most folk in the Forgotten Realms de-
In many ways, a mythal is less like a spell or a magic pend when they have need. The gods play a role in the
item than a living creation of magic, capable of grow- lives of nearly everyone, from the mightiest lord to the
ing stronger or weaker, absorbing damage, or dying. meanest urchin.
Mythals can also sometimes heai themselves, as did The various races of Tori! worship their pantheons,
the mythal of Silverymoon, blossoming out of the which remain largely the same from region to region,
Moonbridge following Mystra's most recent return. with different cultures and societies emphasizing some
Each active mythal has one or more beings attuned deities over others. Although exceptions exist- the gods
to its effects, who can ignore any restrictions on spell- of Mulhorand, for example- all the gods are revered
casting, can direct targetable effects of the mythal, and across all of FaerCm.
can teach others of appropriate skill how to access
FORMS OF WORSHIP
its secrets.
Except in cities such as Silverymoon and Evereska, The average person worships different gods in different
adventurers are most likely to encounter damaged or contexts. Most vocations have a patron deity: farmers
failing mythals in ruined locations where magic once make offerings to Chauntea for the prosperity of their
had great influence. Although an identify spell might crops, clerks sharpen their quills with a prayer to De-
reveal some of the simplest effects of a mythal, active neir, while pious merchants remember to set coins aside
restrictions on spellcasting can be discovered only by for Waukeen at the end of the day. Most people worship
trying (and failing) to cast a prohibited spell. A powerful a deity associated with their livelihood, family, or home,
spellcaster might learn how to access or repair a mythal while others feel called to a particular god for a variety
without assistance, but such feats are legendary, and of reasons. Individuals often carry or wear a small token
rarely attempted by even the most renowned of mages. of their favored deity: a pendant or a pin in the image of
Any elven city with Myth in its title (Myth Drannor, the god's holy symbol, or some other personal keepsake.
Myth Glaurach, Myth Nantar, and others) has, or had, a In addition, people regularly venerate gods based on
mythal protecting it. The ruins of such places are cer- their needs and circumstances: a farmer whose favored
tain to have unpredictable effects related to their dam- deity is Chauntea would pray to Amaunator for a few
aged or destroyed my thals. clear, sunny days, and a Waterdhavian noble who habit-