Sorcerys Toll

=== Sorcery\'s Toll === version 0. 85 December 29, 2008 by Picador ---- = Overview = This mod changes the way magic works: it makes magic more dangerous and unpredictable, and it allows even unskilled magicians to cast powerful effects if they\'re willing to deal with the consequences. Higher magical skill allows you to cast higher-level spells safely, and at a lower magicka cost, while high willpower reduces the severity of the toll exacted from you when you reach beyond the limits of your skill. The toll exacted from sorcerers takes the form of damage to attributes, as well as fatigue damage and occasionally health damage. This means that spell casters will either need to be cautious with their spell-casting, or they will need a way to replenish their attributes regularly: praying at a temple, using Restore Attribute spells, or making potions. This generally separates spellcasters into two types: the devout (using shrines and Restoration magic) and the arcane (using potions). It also makes Alchemy a logical adjunct to spellcasting, and it gives mages a reason to hang on to Restore Attribute potions instead of selling them. This mod addresses several shortcomings in the way Oblivion deals with magic: Magic is always characterized in the lore as dangerous, unpredictable, and experimental: just listen to the mages talk to each other at the University, or listen to Martin talk about Conjuration magic, or witness the wayward mages in Skingrad and Bravil getting cornered by out-of-control zombies or getting lost in dream realms. But in practice, magic is entirely predictable and benign in its effects on the user. No experimentation, no risk-taking is possible. This mod makes magical risk-taking possible, and powerful magic produces dire and unpredictable side effects. High fantasy settings like Tamriel often describe the way that magic twists the mind and body of its practitioners over time. But again, no such mechanism is present in Oblivion. This mod changes magic so that magicians -- especially those that practice Conjuration and Destruction magic -- find their vitality, their humanity, and their sanity stripped away by their arcane and unholy practices. The Damage Attribute effect is almost unused in the game, which means that the Restore Attribute effect is almost useless. This also makes a lot of potions useless except as sales inventory. This mod makes Alchemy a useful adjunct to spell-casting, and it gives mages a reason to hang on to those \"Restore Endurance\" potions. Willpower is underpowered. Intelligence is more useful than willpower for regenerating magicka, and willpower has almost no other effect. This mod uses willpower to determine how well a mage can withstand the overload of magical energy passing through him when he overextends himself. * The sign of the Apprentice connotes a foolish, incautious magician who conjures powers greater than he can control. High magicka should allow dangerous s