BRP "Magic" system

[Greymagius]

I suspect I might be able to find this if I dig deep enough, but am basically wanting to avoid several hours of digging. I've seen where those with Edition-zero are saying that the "Magic" system (as opposed to "Sorcery") is close to the old "Magic World" system. I assume this means each spell is it's own skill.

I'm curious if they've added the RQ 'Sorcery' skills for increasing range,duration, etc. I never played with the RQ Sorcery but from what I could see it looked like like it might well slow things down with book keeping. It also looked like beginning "Magic" user would be very weak, due to having to split a starting skill points rather widely. Also, each additional roll of the dice increases the odds of something going wrong.

Can someone explain (in small words please ) whether "Magic" is closer to "Magic World" or "RQ Sorcery"?

Thanks,
Grey

[peterb]

Originally Posted by Greymagius

Can someone explain (in small words please ) whether "Magic" is closer to "Magic World" or "RQ Sorcery"?

AFAIK it's the magic system from Magic World.

[Jason Durall]

Originally Posted by Greymagius

Can someone explain (in small words please ) whether "Magic" is closer to "Magic World" or "RQ Sorcery"?

It is the Magic World system.

RQ3 was not consulted (or harmed) in the writing of that chapter.

[Greymagius]

Excellent... now, next question.. is there a system to permit you to extend durations, expand area of effect, and other "Meta-Magic" options?

Also, I found the "Magic World" system very functional, but found the spells a bit too broad in scope in many cases. A slighter larger selection of spells than in the original "Magic World" set would be welcomed too. Specifically Demon summoning and Undead creation. If not already created, the system is so intuitive it should be easy to create and add.

My thanks again,
Grey

[NickMiddleton]

Originally Posted by Greymagius

Excellent... now, next question.. is there a system to permit you to extend durations, expand area of effect, and other "Meta-Magic" options?

Yes - basically you can add more levels to a spell and for spells where it makes sense, those additional levels can be applied to different aspects of the spell. So a level 6 change spell could last 15 minutes and affect one SIZ 18 individual, OR affect TWO SIZ 9 individuals (six levels of it's basic effect, split between two targets) OR one SIZ 9 target but for a duration of one hour (3 levels of basic effect last 15 minutes, and three levels of additional duration).

Also, I found the "Magic World" system very functional, but found the spells a bit too broad in scope in many cases. A slighter larger selection of spells than in the original "Magic World" set would be welcomed too. Specifically Demon summoning and Undead creation. If not already created, the system is so intuitive it should be easy to create and add.

The spell list is virtually unchanged from Magic World, but there is a Conjure Elemental spell, and as you say, it would be very easy to improvise additional spells.

I'm also hopeful that an early supplement for BRP will be some sort of "magic system anthology" based on the RQIII Magic Book but also including material from the Bronze Grimoire, Nephilim, Liber Ka, Land of Ninja and some new ones...

Cheers,

Nick

[Jason Durall]

Originally Posted by Greymagius

Excellent... now, next question.. is there a system to permit you to extend durations, expand area of effect, and other "Meta-Magic" options?

No. It's the system from MW, cleaned up and altered slightly, revised for balance.

Originally Posted by Greymagius

Also, I found the "Magic World" system very functional, but found the spells a bit too broad in scope in many cases.

That was actually the reason that system was picked - the broadness and ease of use.

Originally Posted by Greymagius

A slighter larger selection of spells than in the original "Magic World" set would be welcomed too. Specifically Demon summoning and Undead creation.

Those are easily added on, based on Sorcery spells or created from whole cloth.

Originally Posted by Greymagius

If not already created, the system is so intuitive it should be easy to create and add.

I hope that players and GMs do plenty of such creation.

[Jason Durall]

Originally Posted by NickMiddleton

I'm also hopeful that an early supplement for BRP will be some sort of "magic system anthology" based on the RQIII Magic Book but also including material from the Bronze Grimoire, Nephilim, Liber Ka, Land of Ninja and some new ones...

Indeed!

I keep begging someone to propose it to Chaosium and write it!

"The Big Book of Magic" would be an essential sourcebook for BRP occult and fantasy games.

[RosenMcStern]

Hmmm, I am writing something similar at present. It will become available for comments next week after the EU people are back from Tentacles.

The problem is that it is all about Glorantha. And the big G is officially off limits for BRP. So I see no chance of proposing it to Chaosium.

[AikiGhost]

Originally Posted by RosenMcStern

Hmmm, I am writing something similar at present. It will become available for comments next week after the EU people are back from Tentacles.

The problem is that it is all about Glorantha. And the big G is officially off limits for BRP. So I see no chance of proposing it to Chaosium.

So strip out the Glorantha stuff. Never played RQ there much anyway

[Trifletraxor]

Originally Posted by RosenMcStern

Hmmm, I am writing something similar at present. It will become available for comments next week after the EU people are back from Tentacles.

The problem is that it is all about Glorantha. And the big G is officially off limits for BRP. So I see no chance of proposing it to Chaosium.

But will it need conversion to be used for BRP in Glorantha, or can it be used as is?

SGL.