This spell is a means for arcane casters to join together in a ritual that gives greater power to each and every participant. A group of spellcasters bound in a ritual gestalt can cast only a single spell each round, but they gain several benefits not available to an individual caster.

The first mage to cast the ritual gestalt becomes the focus mage of the gestalt. Other arcane spellcasters can then use ritual gestalt to join him and add to his power. The maximum number of people that can join the focus mage in a gestalt is equal to half the focus mage's level. For example, an 11th level mage could be joined by a maximum of 5 people. For every five levels joining the gestalt (not counting the focus mage) the focus mage casts his spells as if he was one effective level higher. This increase effects all level-dependent variables in the spell's power. For example, a 10th level focus mage is joined by three other mages of 5th, 6th and 6th level in the gestalt. The total levels of support are 17 (5+6+6). The focus mage thus casts each spell as if he were a 13th level spellcaster.

The focus mage can reshape the area of effect of any spells cast, provided that the new area does not exceed the normal area of effect. For example, he could change a fireball into a fire-cone. Areas of effect can only be reshaped into reasonably regular shapes (cones, circles, squares, etc.). Any personal spells cast by the focus mage affect all those joined in the gestalt. For example, protection from evil cast by the focus mage would protect all members of the gestalt. This effect ends once the gestalt unravels.

Any member of the gestalt can attempt to counterspell spells aimed at any other members of the gestalt. Damage dealt to any gestalt members is distributed evenly between all members. All members of the gestalt use the same saves against spells and spell-like effects. This is equal to the save of the focus mage, with a +1 bonus for every 5 levels of contributing mages (as above).

As well as all of the advantages listed above, there are also some disadvantages to the gestalt. Only the focus mage can cast spells (but as noted above, all are able to attempt a counterspell). The other members must stand in a joined circle about the mage. If the circle is broken, the gestalt unravels. This means that no new members can join the circle once the ritual has started (i.e. after the focus mage has finished casting the first spell). Each time damage is dealt to the gestalt, the focus mage must make a Concentration check (DC 5 + damage dealt). Failure to maintain concentration results in the unravelling of the gestalt spell.

Once the gestalt is established, only the focus mage can cast spells, and only from the repertoire he has currently memorized. Once those are depleted, the focus mage can attempt to transfer the focus to another (willing) member of the gestalt. For a transfer to be successful, the new focus mage must make a Concentration check (DC equals the total levels of all participating mages). If this check fails, the gestalt unravels immediately.

The material component is a circle of silver sprinkled about the mages. A focus is required for each participating mage. This is an object with that mage's personal arcane mark cast on it, which is given to the focus mage for the duration of the gestalt.