Originally, an Enhanced Martix was a normal [Spell Matrix] that could hold a thread before casting started.
Given threads can now be weaved ahead of [Spellcasting], this does not work well.

Ideas for how they should work include:

* [Rank] is both size of [Spell], and max number of [Thread]s. (as opposed to rank being the sum of the two).

* The matrix unskews at one rate better then normal. (1 pt/sec normally, margin of threadweaving when concentrating).

* The matrix skews at one level less then a normal [Spell Matrix] given the background level.

* The matrix skews based on the size of the spell, or the number of threads, or the greater of the two.

These all seem a bit too powerful, but I can not think of any smaller enhancements. -jss

An enhanced matrix might be more resistant to damaging effecits, i.e. an enduring matrix--fast reatuning it just skews it badly, instant reatuning has a chance of collapsing only it, the spell getting "hit" only deals half that damage taken in skew (don't know if that's relevant for nonillusionists). --zebediah

Alternate idea, somewhat like a "multimatrix"--you can load multiple spells into this matrix, with threads attached to (all of them, so when you cast any individual one in the matrix, it has the effects of all the threads) xor (any of them, and you can cast all the spells in the matrix at once (reuired multiple rolls, but allows for some special spell linkage...like a missle that's a lightning and a fire bolt, or dropping an ephemeral bolt into each half while highlighting your foe with faerie-fire).  In either case, the matrix would still be taking full skew, so you wouldn't be able to do it with high frequency very often. --zebediah

(note that the latter would probably require some quiet or no-action threads, or you'll need to do the verbal/somatic requirements for all the spells when you cast) --zebediah

Perhaps an ENhanced Matrix can maintain on it's own...either it reduces skew penalties, or it can maintain a spell and you can recast it from the matrix (still suffering from skew).  I'm not sure if you can do the second with normal matricies, but I don't think so--so, basically, one could cast a cast 6 illusion, then, using the same matrix, the cost 6 illusion with a penalty for the skew in the matrix, etc, and have the matrix maintaining multiple spells.  Perhaps with one perminant point of skew for each spell being maintianed? --zebediah

The higher level spell matrixes are the armoured matrix and the share matrix(extra resistant to effects, and able to hold multiple spells respectivly) -jss

Oh.  Well, that's what I get for not knowing the higher-level mechanics.  Nevermind. -zebediah

Well, one alternative is to change the plain matrices to *not* hold Threads between castings.  I suspect the magicians would revolt. --bts

Another possiblity is to make it possible to weave non-lasting threads that don't add to skew...
Casting a 15 pt spell at a horror would take 500 years to unskew naturally, or 2 hours of continious concentration. Then, being able to hold a temp thread is useful(as is the wizard talent of hold thread) -jss

Ah ha!  Here's the solution:  an Enhanced Matrix has a separate little slot on the side where you can put in a Spell Thread *before* you attune it to a spell (or after, if you really want).  That thread affects *all* threads cast through that matrix until the matrix collapses.  It still causes skew and it skill goes away when the matrix collapses, but it does mean you can try a bunch until you get a success by ten on an "Extra Penetration" thread.  --bts 

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An alternate notion, with some shuffling in the higher circle powers:

Threads was the old ED was of limiting spellcasting speed.  We use Skew, something the old ED didn't have.  Thus it is very much in keeping with the spirit to make Enhanced Matricies endure skew (and possibly damage) better.  The next step up could be a matrix you could load multiple spells into (much more relevant at lower circles now that the spell cost isn't equal to it's circle).  But at the top, there would be a new kind of matrix, perhaps called a Modular Matrix.  Two modular matricies of ranks m and n can be combined to act as a single normal matrix of rank m + n, making it possible for ED mages to do ritual magics without slupring up taint and making it possible to cast spells like Dispel Curse that have casting costs larger than 15.

Another thing that should perhaps be done to limit the massive damage possible for some spells, to prevent the 15-die fireball (or even 30 die fireball) spell, would be to say the cost added to a spell in threads cannot exceed your threadweaving tallent rank.  Alternately, it could be limited by your skill in the spell, but that starts at IQ-1 and gets +Circle, so it can reach ludicrous levels.

--zebediah

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