WotR Magic - New Epic Abilities for Spell Caster Upgrades [Part 6/7]

Anyone who has played with an Evil Spellcaster has probably come across the Epic Ability Epic Ruination when using Saruman, The Necromancer, Sauron, or Kardush the Firecaller. This ability is used in conjunction with the Spells of Ruin to improve the potency of those spells for an Epic Hero (or Legendary Formation that is of Epic Stature). Here is how the Ability reads for the Spells of Ruin:

So, the logical question to follow after reviewing this Epic Ability is: Why do the Spells of Ruin have an Epic Upgraded Ability, but none of the other Magic Disciplines get the same love?

Well - the time has come to reveal those new Epic Abilities and finally fill that gap.

SPELLS OF DISMAY

SPELLS OF COMMAND

SPELLS OF WILDERNESS

SPELLS OF DARKNESS

The means by which we determine if a Hero can have an upgrade and how much it will cost is pretty straight forward. The general rule is that if the Hero is an Epic Hero (or Legendary Formation) that has access to a Magic Discipline and is of substantial visibility within the Film or Books then they should qualify for the Upgrade Option to allow the new Epic Abilities. Following the formula for Epic Abilities, they cost 10 Points per Ability for the Epic Hero - so, we've set the price as such.

Furthermore, in order to not impact the set of rules that we have already taken so much time to balance and provide baseline points for - we make them an Upgrade Option, which means that they are not a standard included Epic Action, but must be purchased in order to be used. If you look at the Post for Mordor, you will see that there are the profiles for the Witch-King and the Necromancer that include the Upgrade Options.

Here are some of the candidates for the new Epic Abilities that may be included in upcoming updates:

EPIC DISTRESS

• The Necromancer
• Ringwraiths
• The Witch-King
• Gandalf
• Saruman
• Sauron

EPIC DIRECTION

• Radagast
• Gandalf
• Galadriel
• Elrond
• Saruman

EPIC NATURALIZATION

• Radagast
• Elrond
• Thranduil
• Arwen

EPIC SHADOW

• The Necromancer
• Ringwraiths
• The Witch-King
• Sauron

LINKS TO OTHER MAGIC RULES UPDATE POSTS

1. Updates to the Rules for the Spells of Dismay [Part 1/7]
2. Updates to the Rules for the Spells of Command [Part 2/7]
3. Updates to the Rules for the Spells of Wilderness [Part 3/7]
4. Updates to the Rules for the Spells of Ruin [Part 4/7]
5. Updates to the Rules for the Spells of Darkness [Part 5/7]
6. New Epic Abilities for Spell Caster Upgrades [Part 6/7]
7. How to combine spells effectively [Part 7/7]