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nonscience magic discussion

Page history last edited by PBworks 17 years, 4 months ago

Original article that lead to this discussion:

http://www.darkshire.net/~jhkim/rpg/magic/antiscience.html

Fixed spell vs. freeform

fixed = more easily calculated and controlled by a computer managed system.

freeform could make GM intervention necessary at frequent intervals.

Is there a way to allow magic to break out of purely mechanistic use?

Through the use of a Fudge by the GM, ie writing a new story direction that fits with a proposed use of magic not explicitly covered by the mechanics.

Mysterious or not

The Shashnimyn are scientific in nature and have studied the forces of magic. It may have a degree of randomness, but it isn't a completely unknown variable. Still it is capable of completely unpredictable results once in a while. I do not see the point in concealing the rules and effects upon magic from the characters; it could cause more frustration than intrigue.

So, for some examples of variables affecting magic:

-potential magic energy in that location; environmental factors

-player attributes, issues, etc

-other

Magic as separate from nature

Magic is integral to the natural workings of the Shashnimyn world. Many organisms require it to perform standard bodily functions. For example, the armour of a trillipede cannot be dispelled because the magic particles are deeply embedded within the armour tissue. An external manifestation of the magic, like a force field, could be dispelled.

The consideration of magical abilities in the same mechanical system along with other skills seems to parallel the article. (see their example about 'speak with animals'). The article does make me wonder whether there is a necessity to classify a skill as magically-related or not. Since magic is inherent in all beings in the Magicka most skills are augmented in some way by magic, if not exclusively. However, it was proposed that there should be a magical resistance attribute and knowing when this applied would be important.

If magic is prevalent nearly everywhere, is it necessary to distinguish from the mundane?

Magic as spells from deliberate users

It is not limited as such in the Shashnimyn world. Magical events happen wherever there is magic. Locations of high magical concentration could have spontaneous events, spells, effects occur just because of the interaction of the magic. Magic can also take on forms of its own see spirit. Areas can have spell-like effects apply to them as well, e.g. a forebodding forest confers a weakness to players, a pleasing area confers a bonus to regeneration, etc.

Magic obeys conservation of energy restraints

As part of the natural world, this seems logical. Also helps to keep balance visible and controllable.

Magic works regardless of morality, ethics, or other intangibles

If it is a belief-based power, those should have some effect upon the magic potential. However, in a mechanistic system, how does this become functional?

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