Table Of ContentWritten by PHIL MASTERS
Additional Material by C. J. CARELLA, KENNETH HITE,
STEVE KENSON, ROBIN D. LAWS, SEAN PUNCH, S. JOHN ROSS,
WILLIAM H. STODDARD, MICHAEL SUILEABHAIN-WILSON, JO WALTON,
KEN WALTON, and JONATHAN WOODWARD
Edited by SEAN PUNCH
Illustrated by IGOR KIERYLUK, AARON PANAGOS, BOBSTEVLIC and CHRIS WOOD
ISBN 978-1-55634-758-0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
STEVE JACKSON GAMES
C
ONTENTS Ceremonial Castings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Known and Unknown Techniques. . . . . . . . . 74
Alternative Core Skills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Divine Ritual Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Wildcard Colleges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Combining Ritual and Spell Magic. . . . . . . . 76
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Shapeshifters’ Choices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 THRESHOLD-LIMITEDMAGIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
About This Book. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Minor System Tweaks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 The Power Tally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Publication History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Conditional Negation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Thresholds and Calamities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
About GURPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Minor System Additions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Adjusting the Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
About the Author. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Trading Energy for Speed and Skill. . . . . . . . . 39 New Advantages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
CAPPINGSPELLSKILLLEVELS. . . . . . . . . . . 40 New Magery Limitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
1. WHATISMAGIC? . . . . . . . . . . 6 Skill-Based Limits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Magic Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
THEIDEAOFMAGIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Skills to Salvage Critical Failures. . . . . . . . . . . 40 Thresholds and “Energy Spells”. . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Magery-Based Limits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Options and Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Magic Seen as Real. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Magic in Fiction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 CHANGINGTHECOLLEGES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Use With Standard Spellcasting. . . . . . . . . . . 81
Words for Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Example: Tree Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Clerics and Threshold-Based Magic. . . . . . . . 81
CONCEPTIONSOFMAGIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 TAhltee rOngahtiavme EAllepmhaebnetts. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4472 MANUDseA TWOitRhY RAitNuDal Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Magic as a Cookbook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Academic Terminology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Elements and Medicine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 SIGNIFICANTMODIFIERS. . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Magic as Engineering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 ETHICSANDSPELLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Using the Concept. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Magic as Art. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Suggested Spells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Ceremonial-Only Casting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Magic as Negotiation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 ENERGYSOURCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Astrological Modifiers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Magical Invention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Extra Fatigue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Example: The Cabal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Magic as Divine Favor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Familiars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Chinese Symbolism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Magic as Reality-Shaping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Energy Other Than Fatigue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Magical Laws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
SOURCESOFMAGIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Powerstones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Casting Interdimensionally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
The Laws of Nature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Mass Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Universes Where “Distance” Is Meaningless. . . 86
Places of Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Alternative Power Stores. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Other Potential Modifiers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Gods and Spirits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Static Power Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Modifiers and Magic Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Ethical Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Meditation, Holiness, or Study. . . . . . . . . . . . 53 The Voodoo Doll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Colors of Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Ley Spells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Example: A Modified Casting. . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Subjective Reality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sacrifices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 ASSISTINGSPIRITS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
LAWSOFMAGIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sacrifice Values and Character Points. . . . . . . 55 The Concept. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Spell Slots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 The Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
MAGIC-WORKERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 MANA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 The Casting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Natural Ability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Mana Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 The Price of Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Dumb Luck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Non-Mages Casting in Lower-Mana Areas. . . 58 Starting With Spirit-Assisted Magic. . . . . . . . . 94
Secret Supernatural Favor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mana-Related Traits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Supernatural Inspiration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Technology Disrupts Magic?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 4. MATERIALMAGIC. . . . . . . . . 95
Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Eliminating Mana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 INHERENTMAGIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Physical Initiation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
MAGICRESISTANCEANDTHEMAGE. . . . . . 62 Materials for Wizards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
2. MINORSPELLVARIANTS. . . . 19 Magic Addiction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Celtic Tree Talismans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Natural Medicines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
LIMITEDANDMODIFIEDMAGERY. . . . . . . . 20 3. MAJORVARIATIONS. . . . . . . . 64 Magic-Rich Minerals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Wizardly Weaknesses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Clerics and Magery 0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Mana Organs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Special Limitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Varieties of Magery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Gemstones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
VSpiseilbl lSe iMgnaagtiucraels G. i. f.t s. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2255 CLERICALSPELL-MAGIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 ALCHEMY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Other Appropriate Limitations. . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Clerical Spells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Concepts of Alchemy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Unusable Prerequisites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Alchemy and Special Modifiers. . . . . . . . . . . 101
Buying Off Limitations on Magery. . . . . . . . 27 Power Investiture (Shamanic). . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Schools of Alchemy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Magery With Enhancements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Ceremonial Castings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Laboratory Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
The Unarmored Wizard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Sanctity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Alchemical Inventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
MAGICBASEDONOTHERATTRIBUTES. . . 29 PCrriietisctalyl FSapielullr eLsi sotns .C .l e. r.i c. a. l. M. . a. g.i c. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6699 AHlecrhbe mLoicreal .G . a. d. .g .e t. e. e.r .i n. g. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 110034
Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Example: The Temple of Hephaestus . . . . . . 70 Herb Uses and Rarities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Critical Successes With Spells . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Priest-Wizards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Consuming Multiple Elixirs. . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Critical Magical Failures and Luck. . . . . . . . . 30 Alchemy and Medicine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
CHANGINGTHESPELLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 RITUThAeL PMrerAeGqIuCis.i t. e. .C .o .u . n. t. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7722 ENCHANTINGITEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Banning Spells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Strange Paths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 The Standard System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Secret and Lost Spells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Extending the Rule of 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Elixir Delivery Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Changing Specific Spells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 No Defaults to Core Skill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Lend Skill in Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Fearsome Magic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
GURPSSystem Design ❚STEVE JACKSON Managing Editor❚PHIL REED Prepress Checkers❚MONICA STEPHENS
GURPSLine Editor❚SEAN PUNCH Art Director❚WILL SCHOONOVER and WILL SCHOONOVER
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2 C
ONTENTS
Enchantment Through Age. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 SYMBOLMAGIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Shamanism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Activating Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Selecting a Symbolic Lexicon. . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Chi Control Powers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Enchantment Through Deeds. . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Symbol Magery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Soothsaying. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Devotional Enchantment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Example Lexicons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Freeform Folkloric Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
MAGICITEMSASADVANTAGES. . . . . . . . . . . 113 The Futhark Runes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 MORTALSWITH
Advantages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Working the Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 SUPERNATURALSERVANTS. . . . . . . . . 209
Enhancements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 How Symbol Drawing Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . 173 Summoning and Binding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Limitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Recognizing Intent and Capability. . . . . . . . . 174 Supernatural Allies and Patrons. . . . . . . . . . 210
Disadvantages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Energy Cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 “The Lord Gave, and the Lord
Interactions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Symbol-Based Enchantment. . . . . . . . . . . . 175 Hath Taken Away”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Example: Improvisational SPIRITVESSELS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Power Talents and Gadget Items. . . . . . . . . . 115 Symbol-Castings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Template Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
ITEMDRAWBACKS SYMBOLMAGIC: VARIATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Templates and Personal Abilities. . . . . . . . . 212
ANDPERSONALITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Ideogram Symbols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Limiting the Advantage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Restricted Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Whole-Language Symbol Magic. . . . . . . . . . 177 Sample Spirit Vessel Packages. . . . . . . . . . . 214
Willful and Sapient Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Knot-Symbol Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Becoming the God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
New Disadvantages for Items. . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Words of Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Weapon-Form Modifiers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 SYNTACTICMAGIC: OVERVIEW. . . . . . . . . . . 179 8. GAMESOFHIGH
Example: The Silver Harp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Dividing Up the Universe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 ENCHANTMENT. . . . . . . . . 215
Syntactic Workings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
5. PATHSANDBOOKS. . . . . . . 121 Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 MAGICALCAMPAIGNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
ESSENTIALPRINCIPLES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 CDaissttriancgt iToinm. e. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 118834 MReasgeiacraclh A Gdavmenetsur. e. s. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 221166
Effect Shaping Theory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Paths vs. Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 SYNTACTICMAGIC: MMaaggiicc oinf MSoacsise Dtye.s .t r. u. c. t.i o. n. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 221178
Books, Hidden in Plain Sight. . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 VERBSANDNOUNS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Magical Imagery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Path/Book Ritual Terminology. . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Capping Syntactic Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 “SUBTLE, ANDQUICKTOANGER”. . . . . . . 219
PATH/BOOKADVANTAGES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Suggested Verbs and Nouns. . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Identification and
Other Appropriate Traits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Recruitment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
“Mystic Symbol” Advantages. . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Study vs. Field Experience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
PATH/BOOKMAGICINOPERATION. . . . . . . 125 Magical Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Learning Path/Book Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 INTERACTIONSBETWEEN
Magical Steps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Extended Rule of 20 – Again. . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 MAGICSYSTEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Ritual Space and Sanctity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 The Lab-Rat Problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Ritual Space and Mana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Transformations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Aspected Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Game Mechanics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Elements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Defining Castings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 THEMESANDVARIATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Ritual Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Ogham Verbs and Nouns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Announcing Curses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Decanic Modifiers and Rituals. . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Working the Effect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Otherworldly Entanglements. . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Combined Efforts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Example: Verb-Noun Working. . . . . . . . . . . 186 Asking for Higher Favors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Multiple Simultaneous Effects. . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Verb-Noun Enchantment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 The Stuff of Raw Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Effect Shaping in Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 SYNTACTICMAGIC: Insubstantial Beings Affecting
Path/Book Ritual Magic as Religious Ritual. . 133 REALMSANDPOWER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 the Material World. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
ENERGYACCUMULATING Defining the Realms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Magic Is Psi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
MAGIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 DReeafilnmins ga sE Pffoewctesrs. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 119900 FPoowure-rC Toelnord sW toiz aCrodrsru. p. t. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 223300
Energy Accumulating in Operation. . . . . . . 136
Learning Outside Your Tradition. . . . . . . . . . 136 Performing the Working. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 WORKEDEXAMPLES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Example: Realm-Based Working. . . . . . . . . 191 The People of the Ocean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
OPTIONSANDVARIATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Realm-Based Enchantment. . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Recreating Magic from Fiction. . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Conditional Rituals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 SYNTACTICMAGIC: SPECIAL The Wisdom of the Ancient Seers. . . . . . . . 235
Combined Ceremonies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Sensing Ritual Attacks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 CASESANDOPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Mystic Chinoiserie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
The Gem Injection Problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Path/Book-Related Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Practices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Changing Magic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Canceling and Dispelling Effects. . . . . . . . . 140 Techniques. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
BAlatcekrnlaasthiv: eIsn stota Rntit Kuaalr mMaag. i. c. .S .k .i l.l .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 114400 ErroRrse aalnitdy SBiidtee sE Bffaecckts. :. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 APPENDIXA:
PATHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Countermagic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 MAGICALMODIFIERS. . . . 242
Disregarding Energy Costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Magical Scope Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
The Path of Cunning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Linked Workings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Variant Durations:
The Path of Dreams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Collaboration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Conditional Termination. . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
The Path of the Elements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
GMing Syntactic Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Sympathy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
The Path of Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Traditional Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
The Path of Gadgets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
The Path of Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 7. MAGICISPOWER . . . . . . . . 196 Names. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
The Path of Knowledge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Unusual Background Contagion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
The Path of Luck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 (Supernatural Ancestry). . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 Sacrifice Bonuses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
“Routine Magic” Paths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 MAGICALADVANTAGES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 Significant Dates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
The Path of Nature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 Talents as Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Hermetic Astrology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
The Path of Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Magic and Modifiers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199 The Sephiroth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Path/Book Ritual Magic and Spirits. . . . . . . 159 New Enhancements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 The Hebrew Alphabet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
The Path of Spirit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 New Limitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Chinese Mystical Modifiers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Fetishes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Affliction: The Evil Eye. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
EXAMPLEBOOKS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 POWERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 APPENDIXB: ALTERNATIVE
The Book of the Names of the Dead. . . . . . 163 Supernatural Powers in Play . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 CRITICALFAILURE
Book Titles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Supernatural Creature Abilities. . . . . . . . . . . 203 TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Gentle Arts of the Floating World. . . . . . . . 164 Gods and Arch-Devils. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
The Deeper Principia, Annotated. . . . . . . . . 165 SAMPLEPOWERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 APPENDIXC: SPELL
Writing New Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 Bardic Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 PREREQUISITECOUNTS. . . 261
Elemental Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
6. FLEXIBLEMAGIC . . . . . . . . 166 Personal Holiness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Simple Flexible Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 High Craft Powers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Effect Class. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Plane-Walking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Reincarnation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 INDEX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
C 3
ONTENTS
I
NTRODUCTION
Magic ... Intuitive art or numerical science? Insanity or bear in mind that such tinkering will have consequences in
perfect control? Quest for divinity or demonic blasphemy? the game.
Take your pick. Maybe it’s everything at once. This doesn’t mean that Thaumatologyis only for GMs.
Every myth, fantasy story, and anthropological study On the contrary, any player whose character uses a magic
has its own ideas on the subject, which makes life compli- system or mechanism from this book will need access to it
cated for anyone who wants to incorporate evocative ideas to see how things work and what’s possible. But if the GM
about magic into RPGs. The problem is how to handle such decides that a section or even a chapterdoesn’t apply, then
visions in game terms – how to make them work as imag- that’s final.
ined but also in a consistent and playable way. The purpose Player or GM, you should consider reading the entire
of GURPS Thaumatologyis to offer solutions. book before making any decisions. A given magic system
Often, RPGs are accused of tying up magic in strict might draw most heavily on one chapter, but many ideas
rules, losing its truly fantastical, magical essence. transfer easily between chapters. You’ll also want to com-
Thaumatologycertainly presents rules – but by offering a pare several possible mechanisms before settling on those
wide range of options, it aims to restore a sense of freedom that best represent your game’s (or character’s) version of
to game magic and to enable the GM to make it an integral magic. Finally, the appendices (pp.242-267) apply to many
part of a setting, not just a handy box of tricks. Still, the options.
specifics are there for those who value them.
P H
UBLICATION ISTORY
A T B
BOUT HIS OOK
Thaumatologyfeatures something old, something new,
All GURPSbooks are tool kits – you use the parts you and quite a lot borrowed. One of the design goals was to
like and change or ignore the rest. This is especiallytrue of integrate the many magic rules published over the course
Thaumatology. Its many rules and systems are designed of two decades of GURPS and bring them into line with
to enable the GM to set up games where magic works GURPS Fourth Edition, polishing and enhancing them in
exactly as envisioned, providing the perfect atmosphere the process. This means the book owes debts to more
and balance of probabilities. It also includes worked people than we can list here – but a few names and titles
examples and ready-to-use implementations, but even really must be mentioned.
these can be modified. The spell-based system described in the current GURPS
As with any toolbox, you shouldn’t try to use everything Basic Setdates to the earliest days of GURPS. It has been
simultaneously – and by “you,” we mean whoever is adapted for specific purposes many times over the years.
responsible for designing and maintaining the campaign, Treatments of fictional and mythical sources added and
usually the GM. Pick and choose only what suits your pur- removed spells, reorganized the college structure, and
poses. Not every concept belongs in every game; if you try imposed special requirements on spellcasters. For example,
to use it all, you’ll probably go crazy and, worse, your cam- Ken and Jo Walton’s GURPS Celtic Mythadded powerful
paign will collapse! All ofThaumatologyis one big sugges- “High Celtic” imagery, while GURPS Religion, by Janet
tion. For example, the point costs for abilities reflect the Naylor and Caroline Julian, refitted the system for clerics
author’s views of effectiveness and balance – but as the GM, and adopted rules for shamanic spells from Kirk Wilson
you’re free to disagree and change the numbers, perhaps to Tate’s GURPS Ice Age.
encourage or discourage particular player choices. Just
4 I
NTRODUCTION
Spell-based magic has also been subject to more radical
modifications. In particular, S. John Ross’s “Unlimited
About GURPS
Mana” rules – first printed in Pyramid #9, subsequently
reprinted in GURPS Best of Pyramid Volume 2, and Steve Jackson Games is committed to full sup-
adapted on pp.76-82 – showed what could be done with a port of GURPS players. Our address is SJ Games,
simple-but-fundamental change to the core system. Later, P.O. Box 18957, Austin, TX 78760. Please include a
Ken Hite’s GURPS Cabaldemonstrated what adding mod- self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) any time
ifiers from real-world occultism could achieve. you write us! We can also be reached by e-mail:
Some GURPS supplements offered completely new [email protected]. Resources include:
models of magic. Notably, C.J. Carella’s GURPS Voodoo
Pyramid (www.sjgames.com/pyramid). Our
provided a potent, subtle system of ritual magic (called
online magazine includes new GURPS rules and
“Path/Book” magic in Thaumatology; see pp. 121-165),
articles. It also covers the d20system, Ars Magica,
which Stephen Kenson subsequently revised and expanded
BESM, Call of Cthulhu,and many more top games
in GURPS Spirits. Other books developed flexible improv-
– and other Steve Jackson Games releases like
isational systems or rules for powers that, while not explic-
Illuminati, Car Wars, Transhuman Space, and
itly magical, were ideal for representing particular views of
more. Pyramidsubscribers also get opportunities to
magic. Numerous Pyramid articles offered further varia-
playtest new GURPSbooks!
tions and combinations.
New supplements and adventures. GURPScontin-
All of these ideas were reviewed, updated, and integrat-
ues to grow, and we’ll be happy to let you know
ed to produce Thaumatology. This book simply wouldn’t
what’s new. For a current catalog, send us a legal-
have been possible without those predecessors. It attempts
sized SASE, or just visit www.warehouse23.com.
to bring the richness and range of options developed for the e23. Our e-publishing division offers GURPS
first three editions of GURPSinto GURPS Fourth Edition, adventures, play aids, and support not available any-
putting all the material in one place for convenience. where else! Just head over to e23.sjgames.com.
Errata.Everyone makes mistakes, including us –
Current Cross-References but we do our best to fix our errors. Up-to-date erra-
ta sheets for all GURPS releases, including this
As much as possible, GURPSsupplements are designed
book, are available on our website – see below.
to stand alone. They never need books other than the Basic
Internet. Visit us on the World Wide Web
Set to be useful. Because Thaumatology is a tool kit,
at www.sjgames.com for errata, updates,
though, it involves more cross-referencing than usual.
Q&A, and much more. To discuss GURPS
Much of Thaumatology – notably Chapters 2 and 3 –
with SJ Games staff and fellow gamers, come
modifies the standard spell-magic rules. This system is cov-
to our forums at forums.sjgames.com. The
ered in adequate detail on pp.B234-253, but GURPS Magic
GURPS Thaumatology web page can be found at
offers a lot of additional material, especially spells! Thus,
www.sjgames.com/gurps/books/thaumatology.
Magic is recommended for anyone planning to use magic,
Bibliographies.Many of our books have extensive
in particular anything based on the spell system, in a
bibliographies, and we’re putting them online –
GURPScampaign.
with links to let you buy the books that interest you!
Thaumatologyis also designed to complement GURPS
Go to the book’s web page and look for the
Powers. Either volume stands perfectly well on its own and
“Bibliography” link.
can help you set up magic of various kinds for a wide range
of campaigns, but the two books work well together. Rules and statistics in this book are specifically
Chapter 7 specifically examines “magic as powers,” summa- for the GURPS Basic Set, Fourth Edition. Page
rizing the essential rules while offering specific applications, references that begin with B refer to that book, not
but Powers provides many more advantages, enhance- this one.
ments, limitations, and systems.
Finally, GURPS Fantasy is likely to be of interest. It pro-
vides extensive guidelines for setting up fantasy games,
including treatments of magic. Its Magical Arts chapter Sourcebook and Roleplaying Game, GURPS Banestorm,
offers many good ideas, some of which Thaumatology has andGURPS Powers, to name just a few items.
borrowed and expanded. Phil has also worked on lines and products such as
Mage: the Sorcerers’ Crusadefor White Wolf, Ars Magica
A A for Atlas Games, Dying Earth Roleplaying for Pelgrane
BOUT THE UTHOR
Press, and Dreaming Cities for Guardians of Order, all of
British games writer and notorious Professor-William- which involved thinking about magic systems. That said, he
Headley-look-alike Phil Masters tweaked the basic spell sys- has worked onTranshuman Spacematerial for SJ Games
tem when he wrote GURPS Arabian Nightsin 1993, and and Championsfor Hero Games, among other things, and
has barely looked back since. His other GURPS credits had articles in more magazines than he can count. His web-
include work on The Discworld Roleplaying Game, site is www.philm.demon.co.uk.
GURPS Castle Falkenstein, GURPS Atlantis, The Hellboy
I 5
NTRODUCTION
C O
HAPTER NE
W
HAT IS
M ?
AGIC
“Consider . . . a simple fire spell, perhaps.” The centaur The challenge came from the back of the room, where a
snapped his fingers and a flame danced above his hand for a burly, well-dressed lowlander was slouching across two
moment. “Magical, is it not? But I see that two occupants of benches. The centaur raised an eyebrow.
the front row are puzzled, which is good, because it suggests “I’m talking about important distinctions. But if you
that they not only possess a useful sensitivity but that they are think that I’m wasting your time, feel free to leave.”
willing to use it. So consider tool use.” He extended the same The lowlander scowled a moment and then shrugged. He
hand and placed a small, glittering object on the lectern in gathered up his slate, rose to his feet, and stalked out of the
front of him. “This comes, I’m told, from another reality. It nearest door. A fraction of a second later, he reentered the
produces flame at the touch of a finger, so long as it is kept room by the door on the opposite side, and then stopped in
supplied with a fuel, for which my friends in the alchemists’ utter confusion while laughter rippled through the room.
quarter charge rather a lot. And yet neither the object nor the
The basic concept of “magic” is ancient, but there are
fuel responds to any tests for enchantment that I or anyone
countless different ideas about what it involves and how it’s
I’ve met has been able to develop.”
supposed to work. Consequently, you need to decide what
“So you’re wasting our time with mundane toys and
your magic actually is before attempting to represent it
trickery!”
with rules.
6 W M ?
HAT IS AGIC
T I M
HE DEA OF AGIC
“Magic” typically refers to a method by which sapient belief system. It might produce practical results, but these
beings can manipulate the supernatural to achieve useful are side effects – the real point is one’s spiritual develop-
results. This raises the question of what “supernatural” ment. Likewise, many conventional religions include
means, however: invisible forces, “spirits,” or something mystical strands whose followers try to gain deeper under-
incomprehensible by whatever the world calls “science” or standing through meditation and prayer, and mystics are
“rationality.” Moreover, not all magic is controlled and not sometimes credited with impressive supernatural powers.
all magical results are useful. To a priest, though, a mystic might seem to be abusing reli-
gion for personal advantage, while a secular wizard might
M S R see the mystic as importing religious mumbo-jumbo into
AGIC EEN AS EAL
practical magic.
Magic emerges out of humanity’s oldest legends, and
some of the most evocative ideas about it still come from
such sources. It represents a way to explain and perhaps
Strange: As to how I do
control a vast, confusing universe.
magic, there are many, many
Magic and Religion
procedures. As many, I dare say,
Magic is both related to and potentially in conflict with
as for making war.
religion. Originally, the two might have been one and the
same. Humans explained the world in terms of invisible – Susanna Clarke, Jonathan
powers, which shamans, wizards, and priests all claimed to
Strange & Mr. Norrell
understand.
Divisions arise from the question of whether the expert
controls otherworldly forces or simply speaks to them –
interceding, negotiating, and/or worshiping. A priest’s gods M F
AGIC IN ICTION
are superior beings; trying to tell them what to do is foolish
at best. Hence, if wizards (secular magicians) or shamans Folktales and fantasy stories are as likely to refer to
(spirit-workers) exist, they’re said to deal with lesser beings: ideas about “real” magic as they are to depict it as having
spirits.This might mean that they’re merely “spiritual tech- more straightforward effects – and these approaches
nicians,” but there’s often a suspicion that they’re collabo- aren’t exclusive. A storybook wizard can hurl lightning
rating with demons or other outcast entities, even if they bolts or turn into a wolf because that’s simply how his
think they’re working with non-sentient forces! As a rule, world works. Magic can serve as a symbol, a metaphor, or
priests form part of the social order, wizards work for a power fantasy.
themselves, and shamans address individual issues as they Early fantasy either borrows from myth or – like fairy-
arise. tales – uses magic as a plot device with little regard for con-
A wizard’s reply to all this might be that priests lack sistency, portraying it as something that justhappens, per-
courage or curiosity, and are mere lackeys to their gods, haps impelled by moral or malevolent forces, or by destiny.
claiming authority over humanity without trying to under- Its magicians are remote and incomprehensible, living in
stand how the universe works. A shaman might say that hidden towers or grottoes and driven by whim. They’re
priests have too simplistic a view; in shamanic myths, the often very powerful, but they aren’t omnipotent. If they
gods are often remote and unapproachable, and life enter mundane society to pursue personal goals, a hero
depends on knowing how to work with lower-ranking spir- may defeat them by shrewdness or a surprise attack (most
its. Shamans might see secular wizards as prideful and magic seems to be slower than the sword). Spells often
impolite to spirits, while wizards view shamans as being come with “escape clauses,” allowing a lucky or well-
limited to unreliable haggling when formal magic works informed hero to circumvent even the greatest effects.
more reliably.
In a fantasy campaign where more than one type of Imposing Rules
magic-worker exists, the balance of such disputes is crucial.
More modern fantasy – perhaps influenced by science
It’s important to know whether any of the participants are
completely right or wrong, or if each has part of the truth. fiction – sometimes tries to depict magic as logical and
coherent. Writers may attempt to derive rules and princi-
If nothing else, such divisions permit some entertaining
ples from old legends, or define magic as the science of a
roleplaying, with priests, wizards, and shamans bickering
universe with different natural laws, or simply construct
and verbally sniping at each other (it’s less amusing if the
systems that make for good plots or metaphors. Others
disagreement turns violent, though!).
maintain the traditional focus on mystery, however; they
This three-way division might be too simplistic, however.
might suggest that magic follows consistent rules, but the
In “spiritual” or “mystical” ideas, “magic” and “religion” blur
rules aren’t at all obvious.
together; magic is regarded as a personal, quasi-religious
W M ? 7
HAT IS AGIC
Roleplaying games borrow ideas about magic from fic- can do and what his odds of success are ... although rules
tion, and to a lesser extent from myth and history, but must can incorporate elements of uncertainty and give the GM
be more specific about how it works. Games have rules, and room to fudge.
someone playing a wizard needs some idea about what he
Words for Magic
Humanity has used countless words for “magic.” “counterfeits.” Some people think this offers a useful
Some started out with clear, specific definitions, but distinction between stage trickery and the real super-
meanings invariably blur over time. In RPGs, such terms natural deal; others consider it pretentious. A magi-
are often associated with particular rules and game cian is anyone who works magic – typically secular
mechanics that have only a tenuous connection to the rather than priestly, but the distinction tends to blur.
words’ origins. In Thaumatology, the term often means a practi-
In English, most words ending in “-mancy” originally tioner of Path/Book-based magic (see Chapter 5).
described methods of divination (for instance, “necro- mysticism: Formerly a mysterious sort of religious
mancy” meant “questioning dead spirits”), but the sense activity, not necessarily open to rational comprehen-
has broadened to mean “magic” (so “necromancy” could sion. Still tends to mean something more religious or
be any sort of death-related magic). The suffix “-logy” or spiritual than magical, but some mystics are said to
“-ology” indicates the science or study of something; e.g., possess uncanny powers as a result of their studies.
“astrology” is the study of the stars, although today it
necromancy:Traditionally “divination by communica-
means using the stars for predictive purposes, while
tion with the dead.” The meaning has broadened
“astronomy” is the modern science.
over time to cover any kind of death-related magic –
Widespread terms include:
including the creation of undead and dealings with
conjure:Originally, this meant “to make a pact” – and demons (either because demons are powerful in the
later, “to call up or invoke.” Spells often invoked afterlife or just because both demons and undead are
magical names, so it could cover all sorts of magic. evil). Some people call all magicians “necro-
Today, “conjuring” typically means stage magic. mancers,” as an insult or an accusation. While necro-
enchantment: Imbuing an object or a person with mancy is often classed as evil, in some belief systems
magic, originally by chanting. This explains why the dead may provide willing help if approached cor-
GURPS uses the term to refer to the creation of rectly, making necromancy lawful or at least neutral
magic items. In other places, though, it’s used to (if frightening). Indeed, necromancy was sometimes
mean magically controlling people through their regarded as the last, best defense against truly evil
thoughts or emotions (and an enchantress is a magic.
woman who manipulates others’ minds). The paral- occult: “Hidden” or “secret.” The word is associated
lel meanings have become quite distinct – take care with magic because magic is a secret art. The term
to differentiate them! arcanehas a similar history.
glamour: A kind of enchantment or spell, and hence, parapsychology:A modern term for the study of men-
metaphorically, dazzling or distracting appearance. tal phenomena beyond the realm of ordinary psy-
As a result, the term has come to refer to a kind of chology (formerly known as “psychical research”).
magical illusion – or possibly mind control with an Often relates to psionics, but a parapsychologist
illusory/delusional element. It’s frequently used in might also investigate ghosts, magic, etc.
relation to the magic worked by fairies, which per- shamanism: Spirit-based religious practice. The
haps consists entirely of powerful illusions. shaman generally enters a trance or ecstatic state in
goetyor goetia(adj. goetic): Magic worked by calling which he communes with the supernatural world.
up evil spirits or the dead – or originally, the magic Most shamans (the correct plural) also act as healers
of illusions and deception. Contrast with theurgy. – perhaps by casting out disease spirits. The word
mage(pl. magi): An English variant of magus,descend- comes from Siberia but is widely applied to similar
ing very indirectly from the name of an ancient figures in other cultures.
Persian priestly caste, the members of which were sorcery: Derived from a word relating to fate or luck,
held to be expert astrologers. GURPSuses Magery to this term formerly referred to malicious magic but
mean personal magical aptitude (required to learn has mostly lost that connotation. In anthropology, it
magic in many settings), and refers to anyone who may imply magic learned through study rather than
possesses this trait as a mage. being inborn. Interestingly, in modern fantasy, it
magic: Another derivative of magus. The infamous sometimes suggests a less formal, more intuitive sort
Aleister Crowley coined a variant spelling, magick, of magic than “wizardry.”
to distinguish “the true science of the Magi” from
continued on next page . . .
8 W M ?
HAT IS AGIC
Words for Magic (Continued)
spell:Originally a recital or a tale, but nowadays means persecuted innocent victims – perhaps secret rural
something magical – perhaps because words have pagans – have changed the meaning, and as witch
power and can control people! In GURPS, it’s a may derive from the Old English Wicca, the latter
magical procedure leading to a standardized result, term is used for more-or-less-traditional pagan reli-
especially one of the skills learned by wizards in the gion. Witchoften means a femalemagic-worker, but
standard magic system. this isn’t a firm rule. For historical reasons, witches
thaumaturgy: From a Greek word for wonders and are often assumed to be rural figures using “primi-
miracles, this could mean either “miracle-working” tive” or “intuitive” magic.
or “magic.” Thaumatology was originally the witch-doctor:A Western term for a magical healer or a
description and discussion of the miraculous, but benevolent magician – perhaps one who helps
some modern stories and games (including GURPS) against evil witchcraft – in a non-Western, non-
use the term for the theoretical study of magic. literate society. Modern anthropologists regard it as
theurgy: A type of magic worked by summoning good imprecise and impolite.
spirits such as angels – often the opposite ofgoety. wizard: Once simply meant “wise man” but came to
voodoo (also voudoun): Refers to a magical religion refer to a magic-worker. Sometimes specifically
evolved from African beliefs among slaves and their masculine, whence the occasional use of wizardess
descendents in the Americas. Sometimes seen as as a feminine equivalent. Thaumatology and other
sinister, but voodoo has a benevolent aspect. GURPS books use wizard to mean a competent
warlock:May derive from an Old English word mean- practitioner of magic – usually a secular one (in con-
ing “oath-breaker,” which was subsequently applied trast with shamans, miracle-working priests, etc.) –
to the Devil, then to any demon or monster, and who needn’t possess Magery.
hence to a demon-summoning or shape-changing
wizard. Alternatively, it may come from a Norse Academic Terminology
term meaning “spirit-singer” – a shamanic sort of Anthropologists and students of folklore use many of
wizard. Today, it typically means a man who uses these terms, sometimes with their own specific defini-
the same magic as a female witch.Notions such as tions. “Sorcery” is more likely to retain its old meaning of
warlocks having something to do with preventing malevolent magic, and “witchcraft” often means magic
wars, or being wizards who are immune to metal, seen as evil and persecuted by society. In some cases, the
are modern confusions. difference is said to be that “sorcerers” deliberately study
witchcraft:Another old term that came to be associat- magic, while “witches” are born with their power.
ed with secret factions of malicious spellcasters, Academics who distinguish between “magic” and “witch-
who were sometimes hunted down by religious craft” define the former as manipulating external pow-
witch-hunters. Those who feel that the hunters ers, the latter as based on innate abilities.
C M
ONCEPTIONS OF AGIC
Fiction often describes magic vaguely. The wizard does magic is an ancient, largely lost art; more useful spells were
something, which achieves a result, but how it all works is once known but have been forgotten, so “research” means
unclear. Still, there are several common conceptions. archaeological scavenging, and true innovation is beyond
anyone living. Or perhaps spells come from the gods, and
M C the human mind can’t encompass the complexities of mag-
AGIC AS A OOKBOOK
ical creativity – the only hope for novelty is to persuade
Magic might consist of a fixed list of well-defined spells. some deity to grant a new trick.
These may vary within limits – a fireball might do more or
less damage for more or less effort, a scrying spell can have Common Standard Magic Items
variable range – but the system is essentially rigid. This
A variation on this theme makes magic a matter of stan-
approach is popular in RPGs, as it’s simple to implement;
dardized, often commonplace items. Casting spells with
the standard GURPSsystem is but one example. It can be
your “bare hands” is impossible – or at least seriously lim-
a little short on flavor, although that depends on the details
ited. Items may be the irreproducible legacy of an ancient
of the spells.
Lost Age of Magic, or the product of a straightforward
It maybe possible for wizards to invent new spells, but
“industrial” system that faces practical constraints in com-
this is a lengthy, expensive, and unreliable process – fine for
ing up with anything new.
academics, but not much fun for adventurers. Or maybe
W M ? 9
HAT IS AGIC
