Editing Nightcats:Sorcery (section)

== Practical Examples ==

A '''Blood Path''' sorcerer wants to strike down a guard by boiling the man’s blood. This is '''Harm''', which is Favored. The sorcerer may therefore gain '''+1''' to the roll or reduce the Secret Fire cost by '''1'''. Because the effect is direct, immediate, and aimed at one victim, it is usually '''First Magnitude''' at '''TN 9''', with a default effect of '''1d6 damage'''. If the sorcerer wants the blood to keep burning within the victim over several rounds, the GM may require concentration, add Costs, or raise the working to '''Second Magnitude'''.

A '''Blood Path''' sorcerer who wants to protect a child against grave-spirits through the night might cut his own palm, mark the child’s brow, and tie a thread around the door lintel. That is '''Ward''', also Favored. If it protects one room or one person for a night, it is likely '''First''' or '''Second Magnitude''' depending on how strong the threat is.

A '''Dream Path''' sorcerer wants a guard not to notice her passing. She burns resin, breathes the smoke, and lets his attention slide away from her. That is '''Conceal''' and likely '''First Magnitude'''. If instead she wants to know who entered a shrine the night before, she may sleep within its threshold and seek the answer through dream. That is '''Reveal'''.

An '''Idol Path''' sorcerer wants to trap a haunting thing inside a painted mask hung over a merchant’s gate. That is '''Bind'''. If the spirit is minor and the task limited, the working may be '''First Magnitude'''. If the haunting is dangerous or the vessel must endure, '''Second''' is more likely.

A '''Road Path''' sorcerer wants to lead companions through jungle that should take three days to cross. He reads the stars, anoints the path-stones, and asks the way-shrine to shorten the road. That is '''Travel'''. If the effect only hastens a small group through known territory, it may be '''First''' or '''Second Magnitude'''. If it opens a road between distant sacred places that should not touch, it belongs to '''Third'''.

A '''Curse Path''' sorcerer wants revenge on a tax collector. She buries the man’s name with a knotted cord and a clipping from his robe. Over the next days he becomes fearful, obedient, and ill-tempered, until even his own household begins to bend around the curse. That may be '''Harm''' or '''Control''' depending on the intent. Because the effect ripens over time, it is likely anchored rather than maintained by concentration.