Sphere point progression

A mystic's power in a particular sphere is determined by the number of ranks he has in that sphere.

Buying sphere ranks

All mystic spheres start at zero ranks. Each level, a mystic has a certain number of building points to spend buying sphere ranks, and extra Reserve if desired. To increase a sphere's rank, add a number of points equal to the next sphere level. For example, raising a sphere from zero ranks to one rank costs one building point, whereas raising a sphere from three ranks to four ranks costs four building points. No sphere may have more ranks than the maximum allowed for that mystic class.

Increasing Reserve costs one building point per point of Reserve. There is no limit on Reserve ranks. Also, any number of points may be saved for later use, to be spent when the mystic achieves his next level.

Normal and Half progressions

When following the Normal sphere point progression, the mystic gains building points equal to double his new level plus his key ability modifier. For example, a mystic wizard with an Intelligence of 17 who achieves fifth level receives 2 * 5 + 3 = 13 additional building points to spend on sphere ranks and Reserve.

When following the Half sphere point progression, the mystic gains building points equal to his new level plus half his key ability modifier (rounded down). For example, a mystic bard with a Charisma of 21 who achieves ninth level receives 9 + (5 / 2) = 9 + 2 = 11 additional building points to spend on sphere ranks and Reserve. Mystic paladins and mystic rangers are treated as three levels lower for the purposes of their mystic magic abilities. For example, a 7th level mystic ranger is treated as a 4th level mystic (with Half sphere point progression).

In addition, mystic wizards receive two bonus Reserve points per level.

Sphere point calculator

For convenience, here is a calculator for computing the number of points a mystic receives at each level, as well as verifying the number of building points required for a given point allocation.