(Core Mechanics of Ritualist Class)

• Living Enchantment: Ritualists don't cast spells—they become them by etching mana-conductive ink circuits directly into their skin. - Mana Ink Composition: A suspension of powdered mana stone in a specialized carrier ink, charged to align particles for precise mana flow.

1. Dormant State: Circuits remain inert until the Ritualist channels mana into them. 2. Temporary Effects: Active circuits drain mana continuously; effects fade when mana stops or the circuit destabilizes. 3. Physical Limits: - Surface Area: More skin = more simultaneous circuits. Beginners have isolated marks; veterans wear interlocking geometric networks. - Damage Penalty: Wounds/scars over ink disrupt or destroy circuits until reapplied.

• Complexity = Strength: A single line reinforces a muscle; intricate webs transform limbs beyond natural limits. - Integration: Masters chain circuits into self-optimizing systems (e.g., activating one triggers cascading enhancements).

• Mana Hunger: Running multiple circuits burns reserves rapidly. Low-MNA Ritualists risk "powering down" mid-fight. - Resonance (RSN): Critical for stability. Poor RSN causes circuits to misfire—potentially harming the user. - Mind Circuits: Advanced and dangerous. Failed mental enhancements cause cognitive distortion, not physical injury.

External Application (Limited Support Role)

• Weaker Output: Circuits on allies operate at ~1/3 potency. - Split Attention: Sustaining external circuits reduces the Ritualist’s own combat capacity.

Flavor Lines (For Prose Integration)

• "A Mage shapes mana into the world. A Ritualist shapes mana into themselves." - "Old ink doesn’t stop working—it stops being predictable. That’s worse."