Divine magic
- See also: Domain
Divine magic is one of three types, or four traditions, of magic, along with arcane, occult/psychic magic and primal magic,1 that manifests in the form of spells and spell-like effects.2 Divine spells are drawn from divine forces3 and are considered generally less dramatic and destructive than arcane spells, with a greater focus on healing and protection and significant variance based on the domains of the deity granting them.43
Nature of divine magic
The power of the divine is steeped in faith, the unseen, and belief in a power source from beyond the Material Plane.5
Little is known about the source of divine magic, how deities gain the ability to grant spells to their followers, or how deities can influence far-flung planes and creatures.6
On Golarion
Divine magic is one of the two most common magical traditions on Golarion, but is seen as more special or important compared to arcane. Even commoners understand that divine magic is a gift from the gods and those who wield it have the potential to make the impossible happen. However, this means that most priests, who are only capable of minor spellcasting, if any, are often expected to perform miracles of healing and are blamed when they fail to do so.7
Practitioners
Main First Edition articles: Cleric, Druid, Inquisitor, Oracle, Paladin, and Ranger
Main Second Edition articles: Cleric, Champion, Sorcerer, Oracle, Summoner, and Witch
Many people gain the ability to cast divine spells through devotion to a deity, including clerics and champions.8 Oracles are often chosen by divine forces to be vessels of their power;910 witches draw their powers from a patron;11 sorcerers can be born with ability to conduct divine magic;12 and summoners may gain a connection to the divine through their eidolon.13
Clerics and champions14 are especially tied to their patron deities. Their alignment and actions must closely reflect their deity's faith to avoid drawing their patron's wrath or losing their powers. Clerics can also channel their deity's energy through their bodies and into others'.1516 Every cleric on Golarion must have a patron deity.1718
Spells
Most divine spellcasters gain their spells from their divine patron, often preparing them through prayer and meditation.1610312 Summoners and sorcerers cast their divine spells spontaneously, through the link to their eidolon (for summoners) or their natural ability to channel divine magic (for sorcerers).1311
False divine magic
A few deceptive entities use non-divine magic to appear to grant divine magic to their followers. This false divine magic only appears to be granted by a god, but is in fact entirely secular or illusory.19
References
For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.
- ↑ Psychic magic is used for Pathfinder First Edition (Psychic uses Occult magic in Second Edition).
- ↑ Jason Bulmahn et al. (2009). Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook (1E), p. 206. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-150-3
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Jason Bulmahn et al. (2009). Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook (1E), p. 220. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-150-3
- ↑ Jason Bulmahn et al. (2009). Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook (1E), p. 218. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-150-3
- ↑ Logan Bonner et al. (2019). Pathfinder Core Rulebook, p. 299. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-168-9
- ↑ Sean K Reynolds et al. (2014). "Introduction". Inner Sea Gods, p. 6. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-60125-597-6
- ↑ Rigby Bendele et al. (2022). "Magic". Travel Guide, p. 74. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-465-9
- ↑ Paladins, inquisitors, druids, and rangers also use divine magic in Pathfinder First Edition. In Second Edition, druids use Primal spells; paladin is now a subclass of champion; and rangers and inquisitors are not spellcasters.
- ↑ Jason Bulmahn, et al. (2011). Ultimate Magic, p. 53. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-299-9
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Jason Bulmahn. (2010). Advanced Player's Guide, p. 42. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-246-3 (1E)
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Jason Bulmahn. (2010). Advanced Player's Guide, Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-246-3 (2E)
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Logan Bonner et al. (2019). Pathfinder Core Rulebook, Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-168-9
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Logan Bonner, Mark Seifter, et al. (2021). Secrets of Magic, p. 51. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-345-4
- ↑ Plus inquisitors in Pathfinder First Edition.
- ↑ Jason Bulmahn. (2010). Advanced Player's Guide, p. 38. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-246-3
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Jason Bulmahn et al. (2009). Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook (1E), p. 39. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-150-3
- ↑ James Jacobs. (August 23, 2011). Comment on "Can there be a cleric with no god in Golarion?", Paizo Messageboards.
- ↑ James Jacobs. (August 23, 2011). "THE REASON THIS IS THE WAY IT IS IN GOLARION" on Comment on "Can there be a cleric with no god in Golarion?", Paizo Messageboards.
- ↑ Jesse Benner, Jason Nelson, Sean K. Reynolds, Owen K.C. Stephens, and Russ Taylor. (2011). Inner Sea Magic, p. 10. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-360-6