In a world as rife with magic as Eä, it is only natural (or Unnatural!) that many of its warriors are able to manipulate the world by tapping into the primordial forces around them. Be it through elemental affinity or belief itself, their sorcerous powers enhance allies and blast away enemies.

Both Priest and Wizard have been replaced with the new Spellcaster X Special Rule. As was the case before, the greater the Spellcaster’s level, the more capable the Spellcaster is. 

During each Command Phase (more on that later…), each Spellcaster in your Warband will Roll for their Attunement; a process that awards the Spellcaster Essence which is used to cast powerful Spells. Each Spellcaster tracks their own Essence Pool in First Blood. Many Spellcasters in First Blood are able to generate Essence in other ways that are specific and thematic for the Character, such as the Theist Priest’s Martyrdom Unique Special Rule:

Martyrdom: Whenever a Friendly Theist Warrior is slain within Command Range, this Character gains an Essence.

Now that your Spellcaster has generated their Essence, they can manifest their primordial powers upon the battlefield. There are 3 types of Spells in First Blood; Command Abilities, Unique Actions, and Incantations.

Command Ability- Performed during the Command Phase, requiring both Essence and the Spellcaster’s presence of mind, these Spells are sorcerous versions of regular Command Abilities that last the entire Round. The Volva can evoke the need for glory within the Nords through her Spell ‘Til Valhalla.

‘Til Valhalla: (Command Ability) 2 Essence- Friendly Warriors within Command Range gain the Lethal Demise +1 Special Rule.

Unique Action- Performed during a Spellcaster’s Activation, a Spellcaster may spend Essence to gain access to an alternate and sorcerous version of an Action; ranging from the simple Elemental Bolt of a Chapter Mage to the reality bending ability of the Kitsune Onmyoji’s Spirit Bond.

Elemental Bolt: (Unique Volley Action) 1 Essence- The Chapter Mage performs a Volley Action with the Barrage 2 (12″) and Rapid Volley Special Rules.

Spirit Bond: (Unique Action) 2 Essence- Immediately remove and reallocate any Wound Markers from Friendly Warriors within Command Range. A Warrior cannot be allocated more Wound Markers than their Wounds Characteristic.

Incantation- The most flexible type of Spell, Incantations may be performed whenever the criteria of the Spell is met (often not during the Spellcaster’s own Activation!), the Spellcaster spends the indicated Essence cost, and the effect takes place immediately. Such an example is the Herald of Stone’s defensive Gift of Stone Incantation.

Gift of Stone: (Incantation) 1 Essence- Before a Friendly Infantry Warrior Rolls to Block, they gain +1 Defense.

We hope that you found this glimpse into First Blood appropriately esoteric and enchanting. You are bound to have a magical time with the new edition! Check back soon for more articles as we further approach the release of FIRST BLOOD!