I’m doing some homebrew with The Ultimate RPG Game Master’s World Building Guide by James D'Amato
. I highly recommend Jame’s podcast, One Shot. My first pass at making magic led me to create a framework for complex ritualistic science magic.
I think this magic, during it’s rare practice, focuses on divination but of course it can be manipulated refined and contorted to nefarious ends.
Making a Science Magic
Table of Contents
Science Magic summary
The Magic Quiz
This quiz will help determine how well known, respected or
accepted.
I used the questions below and dice to create a magic based in
since that most people are not aware of. It is separate
from everyday life and almost no one can use. It is a taboo
and must be kept hidden, it is not accepted, respected, taught,
regulated or controlled. It is kept secret in order to preserve
the balance of powers.
- Are people aware of this magic? No, 1d6 = 4
No, with a few exceptions people are not aware of this magic.
1. Yes, as fact
2. Yes, as stories or rumor
3. Yes, but only privileged groups
4. No, with few exceptions
5. No, it is lost
6. No, it is new
- How integrated into society is this magic? Separated, 1d5=5
This magic is separated from everyday life
1. It is a normal part of everyday life
2. It is normal for special holidays and ceremonies
3. It is reserved for certain milestones and special needs
4. It is normal only for certain people
5. It is separated from everyday life
- Who can use this magic? Almost no one 1d6=6
Almost no one can use this magic
1. Everyone
2. Almost everyone
3. Anyone who chooses
4. Privileged people (common)
5. Privileged people (rare)
6. Almost no one
- Is this magic considered acceptable? No, must be hidden, 1d6=5
No this magic must be hidden
1. Yes
2. Yes, in certain contexts
3. Yes, in certain places
4. No, with few exceptions
5. No, it must be hidden
6. Never
- Is this magic respected? No, 1d7=6
1. Yes, universally
2. Yes, mostly
3. Yes, in certain contexts
4. Yes, in certain places
5. No, with the exception of a few places
6. No, with the exception of a few people
7. No, universally
- Is this magic regulated, controlled, or taught? No, 1d5=2
1. No
2. No, with few exceptions
3. Yes, it is taught. By what entity? _
4. Yes, it is controlled. By what entity? _
5. Yes, it is regulated. By what entity? _
- Is this magic hidden or kept secret? Yes 1d4=4
1. No
2. Yes, to keep practitioners safe
3. Yes, to keep non practitioners safe
4. Yes, to control power
The Six Aspects
Paths of Mastery
- Mastery
- How is scientific magic usually learned? Can it be learned outside those systems?
- Is the idea of a master formal or informal? Can someone possess great power, knowledge, and skill without being respected as a “master”?
it is not taught, it is formal
- Who is more respected: innovators or educators?
Educators who warn would be wizards of science
- Can a person become a master through scholarship without practical experience?
No
- Is any aspect of this magic still theoretical?
Yes
- How is scientific magic usually learned? Can it be learned outside those systems?
- PILLARS OF MASTERY
Based on your answers, identify three pillars of mastery for
scientific magic in your world:
- Two questions
- Potency
- Complexity
The more elaborate the process the greater the potential output of
magic. the more complex the site ritual the more world
shaking. the more complex the relic (astrolabe vs pendant) the more
powerful potential.
- Precision
The more exact and meticulous the wielder of magic/relic is the
more potent the magic is
- Complexity
- Cost
- Precision
Proper use of magic at the site in its most powerful form is
managed through precise analysis of the celestial bodies.
- Time
All the magics must originate at their proper times. Relics must
be created at the proper times some must ’bake’ for centuries
until the skies are prepared for the next step in magic
- Precision
- Sources