In the realm of Volaire, magic is powerful, dangerous—and sometimes survivable. Luckily, there are several layers of magical defense that can protect you from the worst of it. These defenses activate in a specific order, and each has its own rules and limitations.

Let’s break it down.

Cloak

Despite the name, this isn’t a swishy cape. A Cloak is typically granted by an enchanted item—a ring, charm, or trinket—that protects you from a specific type of magic or effect.

• When struck by the appropriate effect, say “Cloak!”
• You negate the effect completely—no damage, no status
• That Cloak is now expended and cannot be used again until the reset time listed on the item card
• If you don’t want to automatically block the effect (maybe you want to get cursed), you’ll need to remove the enchanted item first

Example: You’re wearing a ring enchanted with Cloak vs Darkness, and someone hits you with “10 Darkness!” You respond: “Cloak!”—no damage taken, effect nullified.

Spell Shield

Next in line is your Spell Shield—typically granted by a spell or enchantment.

• When hit by a qualifying spell, say “Flash!” and announce the shield’s name

Example: “Flash, Adept’s Reprieve!”

• The spell is absorbed and the shield is expended

Spell Shields protect against a broad range of magical effects, but only one effect before they drop.

Magical Armor

This can come from:

• A spell like Armor of the Arcane
• An enchanted item providing a protective aura

Magical Armor soaks incoming damage just like regular armor, but only for a fixed amount. Once depleted, it’s gone until recast or refreshed.

Physical Armor

Next to go is your physical armor. This functions as a buffer before your Health Points start taking damage. When damage is called, subtract from your Armor Points first—until they’re gone.

Resist

Resist is unique—it’s the only defense that is optional.

If you have a racial resist (e.g., Faeries resisting Charm), you may choose to allow the effect to happen for roleplay reasons. You can then resist it later if desired — “I resist the charming magics!”—and snap out of it

However, if you have a skill-based resist, such as Resist Elemental, and are struck by the relevant effect, you must resist it immediately

Think of Resist as a flexible tool—unless it's tied to a specific, immediate-use skill.

Magical Health Points

Some effects, such as potions or buffs, may grant temporary or magical health. These hit points act as a final buffer before your actual Health Pool is affected.

Regular Health

Once every other protection is exhausted, damage is finally applied to your actual Health Points. Keep an accurate count and apply effects accordingly.

Order of Magical Defense

To summarize, magical protections are expended in this order:

Cloak → Spell Shield → Magical Armor → Physical Armor → Resist → Magical Health → Regular Health

Example Encounter

Scenario: A mage wearing a Ring with Cloak vs Fire, with an active Spell Shield (Adept’s Reprieve), and the Resist Elemental skill.

Aggressor: “I strike you with a flame bolt.” Victim: “Cloak!” (Cloak vs Fire is expended)

Aggressor: “I strike you with a flame bolt.” Victim: “Flash, Adept’s Reprieve!” (Spell Shield is expended)

Aggressor: “I strike you with a flame bolt.” Victim: “Resist!” (Resist Elemental expended)

Aggressor: “I strike you with a flame bolt.” Victim: “Ouch! Got it!” (Damage now applies to Magical or Regular Health)