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In [[Fifth Edition]], '''Major Magical Focus''' and '''Minor Magical Focus''' are (Major and Minor) [[Hermetic Virtue|Hermetic Virtues]]. A character may only have one Magical Focus.
In [[Fifth Edition]], '''Major Magical Focus''' and '''Minor Magical Focus''' are (Major and Minor) [[Hermetic Virtue|Hermetic Virtues]]. A character may only have one Magical Focus.


== 929#929|Atlas forum]], ==
A bone of contention is the Minor Magical Focus in Certamen granted as a free Virtue to [[House Tremere]]. It has been criticized as being too broad for a Minor Focus, however [[Timothy Ferguson]] has defended it on the [http://www.atlas-games.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=929#929|Atlas forum]:
[begin:block|.quote]
 
<blockquote>
Certamen's not "too broad". It does cover all forms and techniques, but only on occassions of magical dueling between consenting parties. I mean, its contextually so narrow that it is almost worthless. It is worthwhile if:  
Certamen's not "too broad". It does cover all forms and techniques, but only on occassions of magical dueling between consenting parties. I mean, its contextually so narrow that it is almost worthless. It is worthwhile if:  


the other guy doesn't have it.  
the other guy doesn't have it.  
the Tribunal won't just over-rule the whole thing  
the Tribunal won't just over-rule the whole thing  
the loser isn't willing to go to Wizrd's War  
the loser isn't willing to go to Wizard's War  
both sides can't just hire someone with it.  
both sides can't just hire someone with it.  


So, it's a very, very narrow focus...and the opportunity cost is huge. Sure, you are a good duelist in very limited circumstances, for which you gave up what? Healing? Flames? Commanding mortal armies?
So, it's a very, very narrow focus...and the opportunity cost is huge. Sure, you are a good duelist in very limited circumstances, for which you gave up what? Healing? Flames? Commanding mortal armies?
[end:block|.quote]
</blockquote>
The House Virtue is also often criticized for the opportunity cost Timothy mentions, and it is a common [[House Rule]] to allow a second Focus or another Virtue in its stead.
The House Virtue is also often criticized for the opportunity cost Timothy mentions, and it is a common [[House Rule]] to allow a second Focus or another Virtue in its stead.


Another controversial focus is the Minor Magical Focus in Swords, granted by the [[Confraternity]] of  of Roland in [[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]. Arguably, the increased power is acceptable as it is a Mystery, rather than a usual Magical Fo
Another controversial focus is the Minor Magical Focus in Swords, granted by the [[Confraternity]] of  of Roland in [[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]. Arguably, the increased power is acceptable as it is a Mystery, rather than a usual Magical Focus.
===  Legacy Page  ===
===  Legacy Page  ===
The history of this page before August 6, 2010 is archived at [[Legacy:magical_focus]]
The history of this page before August 6, 2010 is archived at [[Legacy:magical_focus]]

Latest revision as of 05:21, 19 June 2014

In Fifth Edition, Major Magical Focus and Minor Magical Focus are (Major and Minor) Hermetic Virtues. A character may only have one Magical Focus.

A bone of contention is the Minor Magical Focus in Certamen granted as a free Virtue to House Tremere. It has been criticized as being too broad for a Minor Focus, however Timothy Ferguson has defended it on the forum:

Certamen's not "too broad". It does cover all forms and techniques, but only on occassions of magical dueling between consenting parties. I mean, its contextually so narrow that it is almost worthless. It is worthwhile if:

the other guy doesn't have it. the Tribunal won't just over-rule the whole thing the loser isn't willing to go to Wizard's War both sides can't just hire someone with it.

So, it's a very, very narrow focus...and the opportunity cost is huge. Sure, you are a good duelist in very limited circumstances, for which you gave up what? Healing? Flames? Commanding mortal armies?

The House Virtue is also often criticized for the opportunity cost Timothy mentions, and it is a common House Rule to allow a second Focus or another Virtue in its stead.

Another controversial focus is the Minor Magical Focus in Swords, granted by the Confraternity of of Roland in Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults. Arguably, the increased power is acceptable as it is a Mystery, rather than a usual Magical Focus.

Legacy Page

The history of this page before August 6, 2010 is archived at Legacy:magical_focus