[Torg] Aysle as a Magic 16 Reality (Magic Axiom, 6 of 9)

[Jones Jasyn]

Aysle as a Magic 16 Reality

The primary difference between canon Aysle and the suggested Aysle is the presence of spell formulae. A spell formula is much like a spell, but instead of having a single set Effect Value, Range and so forth, the values for the Spell Formula are chosen each time a mage casts it.

Formulae are highly magical and very flexible. In comparison, spell magic is rigid and limiting. To raise the Effect Value of a fireball spell, the mage has to design the whole spell again, from the very beginning. To raise the Effect Value of a fireball formula, the mage just chooses a higher Effect Value as they are casting it, and each time they can choose a different value.

If Aysle has access to spell formulae, while other cosms do not, this gives Ayslish mages a distinct advantage. Ayslish magic would be clearly superior to all other magics, even those from otherwise magically powerful cosms (like Tharkold). This makes the "Reality of Magic" the most magical reality.

Integrating spell formulae is very easy, as they change nothing about the feel or setting of the cosm. Mages still have grimoires (but grimoires full of formulae instead of spells), they still cast magical effects using symbols, they still use the four magics and arcane knowledges. The setting remains the same, only now it's more distinctive, different from all the other cosms.

Another Option

For gamemasters who wish to use a 16, but dislike suddenly adding spell formulae, another option is available. If we assume that Aysle only recently became 16, then spell formulae and “on-the-fly” castings are recent innovations, innovations which not all mages have access to.

One can learn to cast “on-the-fly” easily, and most mages have, but devising and using spell formulae takes special instruction, instructions not available outside the High Lord’s coterie of magicians. In this case, Aysle mages would still have books of spells (as in the current material), but they would be aware of the rumors of spell formulae, and would be desperately seeking to learn about them.

If the High Lord’s mages posses the secrets of spell formulae and mages of the Armies of the Light don't, this explains why Dark mages dominate, even over more skilled and learned mages of the Light. The effort to steal the secrets of formulae could be a source of adventure ideas. This would allow the players to intervene and change the course of Aysle’s civil war, by doing something useful to alter the balance of power. That's a victory worth Glory.

An Ayslish PC with formulae will be equally footed with Dark mages, and superior to technodemons and Cyberpapal witches. He'd also be a celebrity among his magical colleagues in Aysle.

Using spell formula doesn’t alter Aysle, but does make it unique. This is a strong reason for gamemasters to consider utilizing them.

Jasyn Jones
jasynj (at) gmail (dot) com

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

Check out my Torg webpage, Storm Knights:

darleyconsulting.com/games/stormknights/