[Torg] Sidebars (Magic Axiom, 8 of 9)

[Jones Jasyn]

Sidebar: Translating Game Mechanics

Though the axiom chart includes enough variety to translate nearly any fictional setting into Torg terms, translating a roleplaying setting presents additional difficulties. As the Mage: the Ascension example shows, even if the concepts behind the magic of the setting are neatly compatible, the game mechanics will not be.

The game mechanics of magical systems—such as those in Shadowrun, Earthdawn, Deadlands, or Dungeons & Dragons—are predicated on the mechanics of their parent system: D&D’s Class-Levels, Shadowrun’s dice pools, Earthdawn’s Disciplines, the poker deck and chips of Deadlands. This makes it impossible to exactly recreate them using Torg mechanics. 

Fortunately, this was not a design goal of the new Magic axiom. Instead, the axiom includes those common concepts that underlie most settings, allowing the settings (if not the mechanics) to be translated into Torg terms. Gamemasters who wish to translate the mechanics of other settings must look elsewhere for advice.

Sidebar: Other Magics

As stated in the Introduction, magic does include more than just casting spells. Other legends and folklore are included, such as terra incognita, dragons, and orichalcum.

However, spellcasting (encapsulated by the Fundamental Principle of Magic) is the most common, most iconic form of magic, and the one most likely to be used by players.

The other forms of magic have their place on the new axiom chart, but for the sake of clarity they are not discussed here. At some point in the future, these other elements will be expanded upon.

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/