====== 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.

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===== 🧱 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.

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===== 🔺 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.

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===== 🧪 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.

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===== ⚠️ 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 [[operations:public:interactive_rulebook:core:xp_costs|XP & Skill Cost Tables]].
  * Specialized spell columns (e.g., Fire, Light, Darkness) may have additional access requirements.

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**Build wisely—your spell column is your magical backbone. The taller the tower, the stronger the storm.**