Table of Contents
How to Build a Spell Column
In Volaire, spell slots are arranged into columns, which represent your progression through a particular type of magic. These columns are built using a pyramid structure, meaning higher-level spells require a foundation of lower-level spells beneath them.
This guide explains how to construct a legal and optimized spell column.
🧱 Spell Column Rules
- Spell columns must be built in a pyramid format.
- You must have one more spell at the level below than the number of spells you want to purchase at the current level.
- Once you reach 4 slots at any level, that level is considered “full” and can support continued building above it without needing a larger base.
- You may have up to 10 slots at any level—this is the hard cap.
🔺 Column Construction Logic
To purchase spells above the first level, follow this structure:
To Purchase… | You Must First Have… |
---|---|
1 x Level 2 Spell | 2 x Level 1 Spells |
2 x Level 2 Spells | 3 x Level 1 Spells |
3 x Level 2 Spells | 4 x Level 1 Spells *(Full)* |
1 x Level 3 Spell | 2 x Level 2 Spells |
3 x Level 3 Spells | 4 x Level 2 Spells *(Full)* |
1 x Level 4 Spell | 2 x Level 3 Spells |
… | … |
You only need to maintain the structural minimums. If a level contains 4 or more spells, it is considered “full” and can support higher levels regardless of how many slots are above it.
🧪 Sample Legal Spell Column
Spell Level | Number of Slots |
---|---|
Level 9 | x |
Level 8 | x x |
Level 7 | x x x |
Level 6 | x x x x |
Level 5 | x x x x |
Level 4 | x x x x |
Level 3 | x x x x |
Level 2 | x x x x |
Level 1 | x x x x |
In this example:
- Levels 1–6 are “full” with 4 slots each.
- Level 7 has 3 slots, supported by the full level beneath it.
- Level 8 has 2 slots, supported by the 3 slots in Level 7.
- Level 9 has 1 slot, supported by the 2 in Level 8.
This column obeys all structural and cap rules.
⚠️ Additional Notes
- You may never have more than 10 slots in a level.
- Spell columns do not require symmetry—you can over-invest in lower levels if desired.
- You must purchase all slots using XP as shown in the XP & Skill Cost Tables.
- Specialized spell columns (e.g., Fire, Light, Darkness) may have additional access requirements.
Build wisely—your spell column is your magical backbone. The taller the tower, the stronger the storm.