ArcaneStaff
Wondrous Item (varies), requires attunement by a spellcaster
This mass‑produced magical focus channels energy through a crystalline core. Every staff is forged with three defining traits: its School Core (color/type), its Intensity (the power of its bonus), and its Resonance (a quirk of the crafting process).
Spellcasting Focus:
While attuned, the staff can be used as a spellcasting focus.
You gain a bonus to casting rolls for spells of the staff’s chosen school (see Intensity).
School Core (Choose One)
Each core glows with a distinct hue tied to a school of magic. The school determines the staff’s base cost.
| School | Core Color | Base Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Illusion | Indigo/Grey | 300gp |
| Divination | Clear/Blue | 400gp |
| Abjuration | White | 600gp |
| Enchantment | Obsidian/Black | 700gp |
| Conjuration | Amber/Green | 900gp |
| Transmutation | Gold/Bronze | 1,000gp |
| Necromancy | Violet | 1.200gp |
| Evocation | Crimson/Red | 1,500gp |
Intensity (Choose One)
The staff’s power multiplier. Add this to the base cost.
| Intensity | Rtc Bonus | Cost Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| +1 to 1st - 4th level spells | +1 | x1 |
| +1 to all spells | +1 | x2 |
| +2 to 1st-4th level spells | +2 | x2.5 |
| +2 to all spells | +2 | x4 |
| +3 to all spells | +3 | x8 |
Resonance (Roll 1d8)
Each staff carries a unique resonance. Adjust cost as noted.
| Die | Resonance | Effect | Price Mod. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surge Reservoir | Once per long rest, reroll a failed spellcasting roll of this school. | +30% |
| 2 | Echo Pulse | Harmless energy flare or whispers appear when casting | +0% |
| 3 | Spell-Steady | Advantage on concentration checks for this school's spells. | +20% |
| 4 | Overchannel | Add +1 damage or healing per spell level, take 1 damage yourself. | -15% |
| 5 | Aether Flow | Once per short rest, regain a 1st level spell after failed roll to cast. | +30% |
| 6 | Deflection | Gain +1 AC vs spells of this school while wielding the staff. | +20% |
| 7 | Harmonic Spark | Once per long rest, cast a cantrip of this school as a free action. | +10% |
| 8 | Unstable Core | On a natural 1, the spell fizzles and you take 1d6 force damage. | -20% |
Player’s Guide: How to Create a Staff
Choose a Core (School) → This sets your base cost.
Example: Evocation (Red) = 1,500 gp.
Choose Intensity (Bonus) → Multiply cost by intensity factor.
Example: +2 to all spells = ×4.
New subtotal: 1,500 × 4 = 6,000 gp.
Roll/Choose Resonance → Adjust cost based on effect.
Example: Overchannel (–15%).
Final price: 6,000 – 900 = 5,100 gp.
Example Builds
Staff of Illusion (+1 low‑tier, Spell‑Steady)
Base 300 ×1 = 300 gp. Resonance +20% → 360 gp.
Staff of Necromancy (+3 all spells, Surge Reservoir)
Base 1,200 ×8 = 9,600 gp. Resonance +30% → 12,500 gp.
Staff of Evocation (+2 all spells, Overchannel)
Base 1,500 ×4 = 6,000 gp. Resonance –15% → 5,100 gp.
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