Legacy:Magical focus
Version 1
Date: 2008-04-22 18:32:35 GMT Author: Yair Comment: Initial version
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. 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] 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 Wizrd'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? [end:block|.quote] 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 contrevertial focus is the Minor Magical Focus in Swords, granted by the Condraternity 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.
Version 2
Date: 2008-04-22 20:18:54 GMT Author: Yair Comment: spelling
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. 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] 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 Wizrd'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? [end:block|.quote] 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