DESIGN YOUR SPELL · GROW SOURCE · BUILD LIVING AUTOMATION
Ars Nouveau lets you assemble spells instead of only selecting predefined ones. Its personal mana powers your casting; Source supports magical machines and automation. Keep those resources distinct while learning the system. Browse the core glyph catalogue.
First spell
Obtain the starter spellbook using the recipe available in JEI. Open its spell editor, select a method, add an effect and save the spell in a slot. Learn more glyphs with the Scribe's Table and the ingredients shown in the installed guide. Higher book tiers unlock more advanced spellcraft. Author casting guide.
Begin with one effect you can understand. Test it on a safe target before adding complexity, especially for block-changing or area spells.
Understand the chain
| Part | Job | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Determines how the spell reaches its target | Touch, Projectile, Self or Underfoot |
| Effect | Performs the operation | Break, Harm, Heal, Light or Launch |
| Augment | Modifies a compatible effect | Amplify, AOE, Pierce or Extend Time |
Augments modify the appropriate preceding effect; they are not independent attacks. A glyph's tier, compatibility and cost influence which chains you can build. The glyph catalogue shows the compatible augments explicitly found in the referenced source, with author links for inherited behaviour. Author glyph introduction.
Useful experiments
These are simple core-glyph combinations to try once their glyphs are unlocked. They are learning examples rather than the strongest build or a guaranteed starting-book unlock.
| Spell idea | Chain to test | What to observe |
|---|---|---|
| Mining tool | Touch → Break | Harvest level, tool restrictions and mana cost |
| Ranged attack | Projectile → Harm | Travel time, aim and line of sight |
| Personal recovery | Self → Heal | Healing gained compared with mana consumed |
| Local lighting | Touch → Light | Target surface and placement |
| Movement | Self → Launch | Height, landing safety and surroundings |
Add Amplify to an effect that supports it, then compare the result and cost. Add area or duration only after the basic spell behaves as expected. Avoid building a long chain whose effects compete with one another. Author spellcraft guide.
Mana and Source
Personal mana limits how often you cast. Source is collected by Sourcelinks and held in Source Jars, then moved through Source Relays to nearby consumers. Build a small generator, a jar and one consumer before making a large network. Check range, relay targeting and storage before assuming a machine is broken. Author Source guide.
Machines & magical helpers
| System | Role | First thing to check |
|---|---|---|
| Imbuement Chamber | Magical material preparation | Correct ingredients and Source conditions |
| Enchanting Apparatus | Higher magical crafting | Pedestal setup and the installed recipe |
| Starbuncle | Item transport | Assigned routes and valid inventory access |
| Whirlisprig | Plant-related automation | Its supported environment and instructions |
| Drygmy | Creature-related resource gathering | Required nearby creatures and Source |
| Wixie | Crafting/brewing automation | Recipe instructions and available supplies |
| Bookwyrm / Storage Lectern | Magical storage access | Linked storage and interaction setup |
| Spell Turret | Repeated spell operation | Valid spell, targeting and Source supply |
Start each helper as a small standalone system. Add buffers between collection and processing, then connect it to Create or digital storage. The installed book is the authority for exact ranges and setup details. Author automation guide.
The alpha's Ars addons
Ars Creo and Create: Ars Nouveau Compat link Ars and Create systems. Ars Sable documents improved Starbuncle pathing, Source interactions across sublevels/world boundaries and sublevel warp/render support. Its presence does not guarantee every contraption has been tested. Ars Sable author project.
Ars 'n Spells connects Ars and Iron's magic through configurable integration. Verify the active mode before treating both mana pools, regeneration or equipment bonuses as interchangeable. Integration reference.
Reliquified Ars Nouveau adds relic-based progression around Ars mechanics; see Artifacts & Relics. KubeJS Ars Nouveau enables scripted integrations. The wider Ars guide includes many optional addons: this wiki only treats projects in the alpha list as selected.
T&K workshop connection
The existing campaign guide connects Ars to chapter 4 Arcane Industry, with the Enchanting Apparatus, Arcane Mechanism and Arcane Machine route. Native Source collection and authored factory recipes are separate concerns. Follow the actual recipe workshop for T&K ingredients rather than copying an upstream crafting recipe.
Troubleshooting
- Spell will not save: check glyph tier, chain structure and augment compatibility.
- Spell casts but does little: check targeting, harvest level or affected entity/block conditions.
- Machine stops: check Source, relay connections and output capacity.
- Helper is idle: inspect its task assignment, environment and reachable inventory.