The Power Level of an effect determines its base difficulty.
A Trivial spell can produce purely cosmetic effects and really minor and specialized effects. No foe should ever be defeated by a trivial spell... at best, it will grant you a minor advantage (+1) in a narrow circumstance. Most trivial effects could easily be duplicated with the right non-magical equipment. Difficulty 10.
A Minor spell produces a useful effect, but still not one that could easily defeat a foe. Specialized non-magical equipment could still duplicate the effect, but it would probably require special preparation and a lot of effort. Difficulty 15.
A Major spell produces a very strong and potent effect. It's not quite to the level of instantly defeating a foe, but repeatedly applications certainly could. Difficulty 20.
A Dramatic spell can instantly defeat a foe or otherwise transform the situation in a dramatic manner. Difficulty 25.
A Legendary spell produces effects that outdo even Dramatic spells. Where a Dramatic spell might burn a foe to death, a Legendary one could turn them to stone or disintegrate them entirely.
Posted by Kiz at January 30, 2005 11:52 AMCommentsPost a comment