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Disrupt magic (Draw Steel)

Skills

Definition

Disrupt Magic is the counter-caster's craft: finding the flaw in a ward, smudging the sigil that anchors a binding, breaking the concentration of a ritual by disturbing its pattern. It is a Reason skill because it relies on knowing how magic is structured, not on raw power. It comes up at warded doors, cursed objects, ongoing enchantments on an NPC, and rituals the party interrupts mid-cast. It complements Magic Lore, which identifies an effect without acting on it.

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How it works

**Characteristic**: Reason. **Skill group**: Reason skills. **Test**: 2d10 + Reason; 11 or lower is tier 1, 12 to 16 tier 2, 17 or higher tier 3. Training grants a benefit and unlocks attempts untrained heroes cannot make. **How it is used**: Tier 3 ends or suppresses the effect cleanly. Tier 2 weakens it or buys limited time. Tier 1 leaves it intact, and a botched attempt can trigger the ward or backlash on the hero. **Edges and banes**: Knowing the caster's tradition, having the ritual's notes, or time to study grants an edge (+2). A powerful or alien source, or working under attack, imposes a bane (-2).

Tips

**Best for**: Elementalists, Nulls, and Talents who want a non-damage answer to hostile magic. **Character concepts**: Mage's Apprentice who cleaned up their master's mistakes, Censor trained against heresy, time raider familiar with strange enchantments. **Synergies**: Magic Lore to identify the effect first, Psionics when the source is mental rather than arcane, Alertness to notice the ward before touching it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I disrupt a spell being cast in combat?

Only when the Director presents the casting as an ongoing effect you can reach, such as a ritual circle. Instant abilities resolve too fast.

Do I need magic of my own to use this skill?

No. It is knowledge and technique. Casters have an easier time recognizing patterns, but any trained hero can attempt it.

Further Reading

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