[Torg] Conclusion and Acknowledgements (Magic Axiom, 9 of 9)

[Jones Jasyn]

Though the presented chart is somewhat skeletal, omitting much detail in the interest of clarity, and many forms of magic are completely absent (including magical creatures, magical materials, and others), it still reflects the innovative and comprehensive nature of this new approach.

Under this chart, magic is no longer one kind of magic, it's many different kinds of magic. This is good for each cosm individually and for the game as a whole.

The axiom is now distinct- each axiom level is present, each level is different from the one before and the one after, each has its own flavor (or offers its own unique tools for mages to use).

This axiom is coherent- there is a consistent theory behind magic and how it develops. Each level leads logically to the next, and the whole forms an understandable progression.

Last, and most importantly, it is ecumenical. It reflects a greater variety of magical concepts, but is based on the one implicit concept common to all, or nearly all, systems of magic.

This axiom chart allows the Torg magic system to replicate many settings, from the real world to A Song of Ice and Fire to Ars Magica, which enables gamemasters to more easily translate other settings into Torg cosms. It also allows extant Torg cosms to be more distinctive, more colorful (see “Aysle as a Magic 16 Reality” for an example).

I've always believed that this is what Torg could be, if done correctly, that it's what Torg should be. After nearly a decade of research and development, I am very happy to have reached the point where the Magic axiom finally lives up to my vision. I can only hope that, when complete, the other axiom charts will as well.

Acknowledgements

In addition to the many sources I used for research, recognition is due to the following individuals:

Ks. Jim Ogle
David Oakes
Phil Dack
Eric Gibson
Dominick Riesland
Jordan Zabel
Winston-in-a-Box

Thank you, one and all, for comments, challenges, and inspiration.

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/