Magic for Commoners [was Re: [Torg] The Magic Axiom Chart (Magic Axiom, 4 of 9)]

[Jones Jasyn]

Splitting up the responses, to save space.

On Feb 1, 2010, at 8:11 AM, Phil Dack wrote:

> I do wonder if the magic axiom would benefit from a tabular form that offers real clarity. You'd have 1 column with the narrative description, and then 2 further columns; one describing the tools available (spells, rituals, hexes, whatever) and one describing the range of effects achievable (or possible degree of control).

There are more detailed writeups of each of the magical ages, including more specific information on what each axiom level entails and the tools available. It is a lot of information to amass at once, so I opted to try and present a streamlined axiom, one which covered the essentials.

However, when and if I post the more detailed articles I will definitely be including the information you suggest: theory behind each age, tools available, and mechanics for their use. I'm not sure what the exact layout will be, but it will be something like the articles extant on my site.

> This highlights something else I'm interested in, which is tool enhancement as well as tool creation. Does everyone at Axiom 14 use Spells,

In the Age of Mastery, everyone can use magic, but in different ways. Common people have access to cantrips, spells of small effect but great utility. Mages use spells and spell formulae. 

Spellcasting still requires facility with the 4 magics and AK's. This is not something just anyone can do, it is the province of specialists. Though, in this Age, the number of specialists does increase.

The higher levels of this Age also allow for the easier creation of permanent magical items, including magical items everyday people can use. At this point, magical devices can begin replacing (or augmenting) technological ones.

Also implied in the Age of Mastery is that at some point magic, much like computers today, can become a subject of common knowledge in a society. Even those who don't cast spells know they exist, and are vaguely aware of differences between divination, apportation, alteration, and conjuration.

> or are there still people using Rituals because they offer certain benefits 

As for rituals and superstitions, they are available all through the Magic axiom. In the Age of Arcana, most people are probably more comfortable approaching a hedge mage or witch to ask for a ritual, instead of bothering a wizard for a spell. More comfortable because rituals are heavily entwined in folklore, which peasants are conversant with, while spells are unknown (and potentially terrifying). Also more comfortable because hedge mages outnumber real magicians. Many people might not even know where to find a real magician.

Anyone can become a hedge mage, all it takes is a knowledge of superstitions and rituals (low-Tech herbology doesn't hurt, either). Magicians are specialists, with unique powers.

As noted above, during the Age of Mastery knowledge pertaining to spellcasting can become more common as do spellcasters. People might look at ritual magic the way we do acupuncture: some people believe in it and will use it, others depend on more reliable, more proven mainstream methods (i.e. spells). Magicians would be considered to be akin to doctors or scientists: professionals in their field, specialists in their area, with a general aura of respect.

Jasyn Jones
jasynj (at) gmail (dot) com

"To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
Ulysses, Alfred Lord Tennyson