Quick Mechanic Questions

[shatner]

Which of the following apply to the caster's chance of success during a magic duel:

1) Astral boosting items (crystal coin, starshine skullcap, etc.)?

2) Astral boosting spells (Light of the Northern Star, Power of the Spheres, etc.)?

3) Path boosts from being a communion master? (Additionally, does anything bad happen to the slaves if the master loses the duel?)

4) Penetration bonuses from items (rune smasher, spell focus, etc.)?