Post by Laylei on Sept 10, 2010 17:13:32 GMT -5
(Thank you for your help Squiver!)
What Is Magic ?
Magic, by it's definition, is the manipulation of the phyiscal, to one's will. Generally, it is through the profound mental connection to the energies, both atmospheric and within ourselves, that enable this manipulation.
How does one learn magic ?
Technically, anyone capable of the patience and brainpower required to use magic, can learn magic. According to the lore of The Secret World, our ability to control the energies of magic is awakened through our contact with Anima, the lifeblood of the Earth itself. In story terms, for the most part, magic users are either born with the powers, or they find artifacts that imbue them with the magic. There is however, no limit to how you acquire your powers, just as long as it's plausible, and reasonable.
Good Example; Henry's father was a skilled telepath, passing this trait along to Henry, teaching and guiding his son in the mystical art.
Bad Example; Leon is half vampire/half were-wolf, so he's super strong, can fly, and can transform into a huge were-bat.
(In our RP, you're a HUMAN. Maybe a genetically engineered/altered human, or a human with magical gifts, but you're still a HUMAN. - No Vampires, Were-wolves, Zombies, Half Demons, Half Vampires, etc etc.)
How does one wield magic in ‘The Secret World’ ?
Generally, the application of tools, symbols, incantations, etc., are the most practical way to learn to effectively wield magic, as it is the easiest way for the human mind to comprehend the incomprehensible and abstract energies of magic; these talismans and methods act as both mental, and energetic tools for the user according to their preferred method. For instance, one may find that, through the structured channeling of "energy" through a "staff", an individual might have more an advantage in the telekinetic movement of physical objects, than if they were without any tool.
Of course this does not mean you’re limited to tools to wield your powers - it’s simply just an idea to help enrich your character. By all means, if you want your character to have fire just ignite from their palms, go ahead, but you could always claim that his/her power relies on their trusty lighter to create the ignition.
Are their specific guide-lines to magic wielded by the character ?
Magic works along the guidelines listed above in The Secret World. If a character is adept at any sort of magic or power, it is expected that said character spent a great deal of time in their life practicing that ability; hence, not as much time, or overall effort and energy, could have been given to training other abilities.
Good Example; Heather is a rather powerful user in the field of Techomagic, using her powers to dominate technology and wield it effectively. Though, Heather is rather frail and is certainly not a fighter, and knows as much about guns as a normal person - Which is to aim and shoot frantically.
Bad Example; Tim is a powerful sorcerer, with the ability to achieve any possible effect through magic so long as he has his cow skull hat. Aside from that, Tim is a master martial-artist and a MMA fighter. He also is known as a rather good shot, as his father taught him when he was younger.
Often times, a character will have invested their time into the acquisition of one or two magical "specialties", or "powers". For example, a character develops the ability to channel his magic energy into his tattoos, allowing him to manipulate them as if they were real, or, a character uses stones covered in runes to create a specific magical effect. Likely, this is the only practical way to obtain any level of skill in one area effective enough to live up to par with the sword-wielders and gun-toters that are the character's peers. Therefore, a "Jack-of-all-trades" cannot be expected to be sufficient in any one area of skill.
Also bear in mind, that magic is a process that requires an immense amount of mental concentration and restraint; do not succumb to the illusion that magic requires any less energy to wield than does a sword. All spells and magical processes will eventually take a tax on the character wielding the spells, and they, like all players, will, after some time of fighting, become exhausted.
What types of magic are present in ‘The Secret World’ ?
Every type of magic present in mythology, modern culture, and even an ecclectic magical technique of your own creation, is permitted in The Secret World. Remember, this is a world where all legends are real; these legends include the "legends" of metaphysical practices; Technomagic, Voodoo, Primal Magic, Fire Magic, control of plants, animals, etc etc etc. Just make it realistic, interesting, and not overly god-like. Remember, it’s not fun to play a super badass character, when he’s surrounded by gifted ‘average joes’.
Small list;
Techo-Magic
Voodoo
Invisibility
Plant Control
Ice Manipulation
Pyrotechnic
Telekinesis
Magickal herbalism
Etc.
What Is Magic ?
Magic, by it's definition, is the manipulation of the phyiscal, to one's will. Generally, it is through the profound mental connection to the energies, both atmospheric and within ourselves, that enable this manipulation.
How does one learn magic ?
Technically, anyone capable of the patience and brainpower required to use magic, can learn magic. According to the lore of The Secret World, our ability to control the energies of magic is awakened through our contact with Anima, the lifeblood of the Earth itself. In story terms, for the most part, magic users are either born with the powers, or they find artifacts that imbue them with the magic. There is however, no limit to how you acquire your powers, just as long as it's plausible, and reasonable.
Good Example; Henry's father was a skilled telepath, passing this trait along to Henry, teaching and guiding his son in the mystical art.
Bad Example; Leon is half vampire/half were-wolf, so he's super strong, can fly, and can transform into a huge were-bat.
(In our RP, you're a HUMAN. Maybe a genetically engineered/altered human, or a human with magical gifts, but you're still a HUMAN. - No Vampires, Were-wolves, Zombies, Half Demons, Half Vampires, etc etc.)
How does one wield magic in ‘The Secret World’ ?
Generally, the application of tools, symbols, incantations, etc., are the most practical way to learn to effectively wield magic, as it is the easiest way for the human mind to comprehend the incomprehensible and abstract energies of magic; these talismans and methods act as both mental, and energetic tools for the user according to their preferred method. For instance, one may find that, through the structured channeling of "energy" through a "staff", an individual might have more an advantage in the telekinetic movement of physical objects, than if they were without any tool.
Of course this does not mean you’re limited to tools to wield your powers - it’s simply just an idea to help enrich your character. By all means, if you want your character to have fire just ignite from their palms, go ahead, but you could always claim that his/her power relies on their trusty lighter to create the ignition.
Are their specific guide-lines to magic wielded by the character ?
Magic works along the guidelines listed above in The Secret World. If a character is adept at any sort of magic or power, it is expected that said character spent a great deal of time in their life practicing that ability; hence, not as much time, or overall effort and energy, could have been given to training other abilities.
Good Example; Heather is a rather powerful user in the field of Techomagic, using her powers to dominate technology and wield it effectively. Though, Heather is rather frail and is certainly not a fighter, and knows as much about guns as a normal person - Which is to aim and shoot frantically.
Bad Example; Tim is a powerful sorcerer, with the ability to achieve any possible effect through magic so long as he has his cow skull hat. Aside from that, Tim is a master martial-artist and a MMA fighter. He also is known as a rather good shot, as his father taught him when he was younger.
Often times, a character will have invested their time into the acquisition of one or two magical "specialties", or "powers". For example, a character develops the ability to channel his magic energy into his tattoos, allowing him to manipulate them as if they were real, or, a character uses stones covered in runes to create a specific magical effect. Likely, this is the only practical way to obtain any level of skill in one area effective enough to live up to par with the sword-wielders and gun-toters that are the character's peers. Therefore, a "Jack-of-all-trades" cannot be expected to be sufficient in any one area of skill.
Also bear in mind, that magic is a process that requires an immense amount of mental concentration and restraint; do not succumb to the illusion that magic requires any less energy to wield than does a sword. All spells and magical processes will eventually take a tax on the character wielding the spells, and they, like all players, will, after some time of fighting, become exhausted.
What types of magic are present in ‘The Secret World’ ?
Every type of magic present in mythology, modern culture, and even an ecclectic magical technique of your own creation, is permitted in The Secret World. Remember, this is a world where all legends are real; these legends include the "legends" of metaphysical practices; Technomagic, Voodoo, Primal Magic, Fire Magic, control of plants, animals, etc etc etc. Just make it realistic, interesting, and not overly god-like. Remember, it’s not fun to play a super badass character, when he’s surrounded by gifted ‘average joes’.
Small list;
Techo-Magic
Voodoo
Invisibility
Plant Control
Ice Manipulation
Pyrotechnic
Telekinesis
Magickal herbalism
Etc.