Primal Magic is the original magic from which the other three forms (Arcane, Divine and Psionic) originated. Unlike regular magic, it does not take the shape of spells, but rather it takes the form of ritual. Moreover, rather than being power acting upon the world, it fundamentally alters reality itself.

Learning

Primal Magic is represented as a Gestalt Points skill, which means Gestalt points need to be spent to gain ranks. Like all skills, the maximum number of ranks in Primal Magic is equal to your Hit Dice. It is not a class skill except where explicitly noted.

Beyond the cost of Gestalt points, each rank gained in Primal Magic requires a teacher who must have more ranks in Primal Magic as the student. Since the study of Primal Magic is especially difficult and is an individual process of learning, a teacher can only teach one rank of Primal Magic (regardless of their own mastery of the skill).

Besides having a teacher, there is a second method by which Primal Magic may be learned: encounters with primal forces in which the student interacts with manifested power directly, generally by trying and succeeding in controlling such power, even if for a limited duration. It is always up to the DMs discretion whether an interaction qualifies as significant enough to allow learning another rank in Primal Magic.

Sources, be they teachers or direct encounters, need not be directly translated into ranks, but can be saved up and used when Gestalt Points are available or after a level-up, but regardless of the number of learning opportunities, the regular limits on the maximum number of ranks remains in effect.

Using

To use Primal Magic, make a skill check based on your Primal Magic ranks. The ability score used depends on the effect you are trying to achieve.