Magical Flavor

[Choinski, Burt]

Spamming the list, huh? :)

I have tried to put forth the following "flavors" for magic in my P&P
world, with the end result being an interesting mechanic.

Law Magics are a manipulation of the forces of nature into a state more
rigidly defined than normal.  Likewise, Chaos is almost like an
undercutting of the physical laws to get its effects.  The two opposing
ideas on magic are part of why they hate each other so.  Balance is just
what it's name indicates, a precarious balance of both methods that is
at the same time weaker than and stronger than either extreme.

Yea, so what you say. :)

Well, Sidhe and Elder forces hate the Law and Chaos (and to some part
Balance, though they do tolerate it as it tries to minimize side
effects) because of this unnatural wrenching if the universal fabric to
get their way.

Sidhe Magic is not a manipulation in the strictest sense, more of a
"persuasion" of living spirits and forces of nature to do your bidding,
either through bribery or a good convincing.  Kototh, a perverted form
of Sidhe is similar but gains its effects through the pain or threats of
punishment against those same forces.  This is the primary reason the
hatred between the two is so keen.

Elder (and shamanic elder) works more with inanimate spirits and
elemental forces than with the more capricious living spirits.

SPELL CASTING:
When a Sidhe magical casts a spell, roll 1d6 after the spell starts to
take effect.  On a roll of 1, the spirits are not very cooperative (EL-2
for that spell, minimum of EL0) and a roll of 2 indicates that they are
slightly unhelpful (EL-1).  A roll of 5 indicates enthusiasm (EL+1) and
a roll of 6 indicates great enthusiasm (EL+2).  While this may seem
great to get a +2, sometimes too much of something is just as bad (you
try being too close to an earthquake).  Kototh magicians (if you allow
them, the evil bastards) have similar problems.

Elder magicians and Shamans, dealing more with the "more stoic" forces
of the elements, get EL-1 on a roll of 1 only and EL+1 on a roll of 6
only.

Law, Balance and Chaos get only what they request, no more or less.

OPTIONAL:
If you feel like working it out, allow an effective EL of "-1" to have
1/2 effect and range and spells with an effective EL of "-2" to have 1/4
effect and range.

     -- Burton

---------------------------------------------------------
Burton Choinski, Peritus Software Services Inc.
bchoinski at peritus.com