Magic

This page is about paranormal magic. For stage magic, see Magic (Theatrical).

Basic Information

In gaming, Magic serves three purposes:

• Differentiation Between Characters: That is to say, every Player Character needs a niche. Many players find their enjoyment of a game is enhanced if there's something special their character can do that others can't. Magic (and especially different Magical Traditions or Varieties of Magical Effect) is one way to allow for this. Likewise, magic might help keep NPC villains from becoming stale or predictable.
• Causality and Justification: Magic can serve as a plot device, ala Mind Control or Enchantment. It can be a Deus Ex Machina used to tie up straggling plot threads. It can unleash the Monster of the Week. It can be the Hand Wave that explains why a MacGuffin is highly sought after, or why a Magic Weapon does so much damage. In this way, invoking magic (pun intended) can empower Willing Suspension of Disbelief.
• Problem Solving: RPG scenarios present puzzles, dilemmas, conflicts and challenges to the players and their characters. Magic can be used as a tool or provide methods for overcoming obstacles. One particular aspect of the problem-solving power of magic shows up during combat, and deserves special attention. It's practically a fourth purpose:
  • Blowing Stuff Up: Some would say this is the most important thing magic does. Who doesn't love wasting a whole pack of mooks with one well placed fireball? Laying the supernatural smack down on the Big Bad is a great purpose for magic. [2]

See Also

• Alchemy
• Charles Dexter Ward Principle
• Curse
• Fetish
• Functional Magic
• Humbug
• Laws of Magic
• Magic Item
• Magic of Bollywood
• Magical Tradition
• -mancy
• Poppet Magic
• Potion
• Ritual Tool
• Schools of Magic
• Varieties of Magical Effect
• Witch
• Wizard

and several other pages we haven't quite gotten around to making yet.

For tropes related to Magic, see Magic and Powers, Paranormal Tropes, and Psychic Powers.

Sources

Bibliography

1. Wikipedia

2. Years of gaming experience.

As of this writing, we've got over 1500 pages here on Arcana Wiki, but strangely, we're still just getting started on magic. So, if you're looking to design your own magic system, add more verisimilitude to an existing system, or just do some research for your character, I recommend:

• Wikipedia article on magic
• Wikipedia's list of magical terms and traditions
• Wikipedia's list of methods of divination
• Wikipedia article on magic in D&D
• RPG Sourcebook: Authentic Thaumaturgy by Isaac Bonewits, published by Steve Jackson Games
• RPG Sourcebook: A Magical Medley published by Grey Ghost Games (numerous authors)
• RPG Sourcebook: Occult Lore published by Atlas Games (numerous authors)

Game and Story Use

• See "In Gaming Magic Serves Three Purposes", above.