Project: Redcap - User contributions [en]

Realms of Power: Magic

2016-11-11T15:59:59Z

Darkwing:

{{Product description
|productName = '''Realms of Power: Magic'''
|imageFile=Realms_of_Power_Magic_cover.jpg
|edition=[[:Category:ArM5|Fifth]]
|abbreviation=[[RoPM]]
|type=Sourcebook
|authors=[[Erik Dahl]], [[Timothy Ferguson]], [[Andrew Gronosky]], [[Richard Love]], [[John Post]], [[Mark Shirley]], [[Andrew Smith]] and [[Sheila Thomas]]
|publisher=Atlas Games
|productNumber=AG0288
|isbn=1-58978-102-3
|releaseDate=July 2008
|format=[[Hardcover]]
|pageCount=144
|productPage=http://www.atlas-games.com/product_tables/AG0288.php
|availability=Hardcover and [[PDF]] available
}}

'''Realms of Power: Magic''' is the [[ArM5|Fifth Edition]] sourcebook dealing with the Realm of Magic and those places, things and beings associated with it. It is the third in the [[Realms of Power]] series.

==Subject and contents==
The [http://www.atlas-games.com/pdf_storage/RoPMagicContents.pdf table of contents] for this book is available at the [[Atlas Games]] web site.

The third in the ''Realms of Power'' series, this is the first Ars Magica supplement to explicitly describe the [[Magic Realm]] and the many spirits who inhabit it.

=== The Realm of Magic ===
{{Main|Magic Realm}}
Unlike the [[Faerie Realm]], characters in Mythic Europe do not visit the Magic Realm routinely -- except, perhaps, in [[Wizard's Twilight]]. Therefore the Realm is poorly explored, and poorly understood compared to the Faerie, Divine, and Infernal Realms.

The Realm of Magic, as presented in [[Fifth Edition]], is a realm of the idealized [[essential nature]] of things. As a realm of spirit and ideas, the Magic Realm is both wondrous and mysterious. Every visitor to the Magic Realm has a different experience, so the Realm clearly includes myriad worlds within it. It consists of [[insula]]e, [[tempus|tempora]], and [[cosm]]s, each a different kind of world within the Realm.

Because there is no established way to enter the Magic Realm, getting there can be a quest in itself. Some ideas for how to enter the Magic Realm include crossing through a powerful magic [[regio]], being transported by a magical spirit of sufficient [[Might score]], or some unprecedented magical disaster.<ref>''[[Realms of Power: Magic]]'', pp. 20-21, "Into the Magic Realm"</ref>

=== Magical Auras and Vis ===
There are rules that describe magical [[aura]]s in more detail, explaining what the environment is like in a magic aura and how it can differ from the mundane world. The rules also describe how magic auras can arise and how they grow weaker or stronger. On page 14 is a list of [[Vim]] spells relating to auras, including a [[ritual]] that can help strength a Magic aura<ref>''[[Realms of Power: Magic]]'', p. 14, "New Spells and Guidelines for Auras" (inset)</ref>.

There are also rules for special kinds of [[vis]], including [[lesser enchantment vis]], [[spell-like vis]], and [[dedicated vis]].

=== Bestiary ===
''Realms of Power: Magic'' includes statistics for a wide variety of magical creatures, from the spirit of a [http://www.thefreedictionary.com/bullrush bullrush] and magical [[cat]]s to undead, elementals, and mighty [[dragon]]s. See the [http://www.atlas-games.com/pdf_storage/RoPMagicContents.pdf table of contents] or Project Redcap's [[Creature Index]] for a listing.

The bestiary is intended not only to provide "monsters" for characters to fight, but also allies, creatures to summon, [[familiar]]s, and even (using the rules for magical characters in this book) player characters.

=== Creature Rules ===
There are extensive rules for making magical creatures, determining their [[Might score]]s, and describing their powers. These are designed to be balanced and suitable for creating magical creatures as player-characters. Indeed, the rules explain how to make magical creatures as PCs equivalent to a [[grog]], [[companion]], or [[magus]].

Magical creatures do not age, and most of them do not need to eat or sleep. They also don't (usually) gain [[experience point]]s like mortal characters, unless their Might score is quite low.<ref>''[[Realms of Power: Magic]]'', p. 51, "Advancement"</ref> Instead, magical characters advance and deteriorate through [[transformation]] and [[acclimation]].

=== Things of Virtue ===
{{Main|Thing of Virtue}}
This book also introduces [[Thing of Virtue|Things of Virtue]], inanimate equivalents to [[Beast of Virtue|Beasts of Virtue]]. Things of Virtue are magical plants and objects whose essential nature gives them special powers that a wizard can unlock and use through a process called [[refinement]]. For example, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackthorn Blackthorn] of Virtue (for which the [[Blackthorn|covenant]] is named) can be refined to inflict curses.

==Reviews and comments==

The section on the Magic Realm and travelling to it is useful if you are likely to play scenarios based there, such as "The City of Brass" from [[Tales of Power]] or in Dies Irae. There is also the adventure "The Stormbringer" in [[Sub Rosa]] issue 10 about a magical ship that travels into the magic realm.
The rules for magical creatures are designed to create balanced characters suitable for PC or NPC use and slowly scale with Might, so it is easier to estimate the power level of a character made with these rules than with the other Realms of Power books where the storyguide will have to use their judgement.
The bestiary of magical animals is helpful both for adventures and for creating familiars. Sadly they omit the bonnacon for some reason.
Seeing as elementalists from HMRE and Amazons from Rival Magic use magical elementals, Muspelli meet Valkyries in their Twilight variant, Soqotran magi all have magic companions at higher ages, and Sahir summon jinn, there are a great many non-Hermetic traditions that benefit massively from access to this book.
Overall this is probably the most essential book for storyguides who want anything other than a highly mundane Saga. --[[Tom Nowell]]

== Related Products ==

===Magic related===
* ''[[Hedge Magic Revised Edition]]''
* ''[[Rival Magic]]''

===Realms of Power series===
* ''[[Realms of Power: The Divine]]''
* ''[[Realms of Power: Faerie]]''
* ''[[Realms of Power: The Infernal]]''

== References ==
<references />

==External links==
* Official product page for [http://www.atlas-games.com/product_tables/AG0288.php Realms of Power: Magic]

[[Category:ArM5]]
[[Category:Magic Realm]]
[[Category:Products]]
[[Category:Products with official free supplements]]

Mythic Europe

2016-11-09T16:36:43Z

Darkwing: /* The Order of Hermes */

Mythic Europe is the official setting where [[Ars Magica]] [[Saga|sagas]] take place. It is a
world very similar to Medieval Europe: the same kings rule, and the same cities dot the landscape. The difference is that the legends are true: there are [[dragon]]s in the Pyrenees, and [[faerie]]s in the deepest forests, while [[demon]]s seek to corrupt the innocent. The power of the [[divine]] protects its own, but magi are generally outside its influence.

== Playing in Mythic Europe ==
However, Mythic Europe is awash with magic and the supernatural. The power of God is manifest, faeries bargain with mortals, demons hunger for souls, and wizards live in great towers. [[Ars Magica]] focuses on the tales of wizards, which by the nature of things tends to accentuate the Mythic elements of the setting.

Different [[troupe]]s place the emphasis on different aspects of the setting. For some, Ars Magica is a game of high fantasy totally removed from any historical veracity. For others, it is a chance to learn more and immerse themselves in the rich world of medieval Europe. Most groups try to strike some sort of balance, enjoying the fantasy while also taking the opportunity to learn something about what the past was like.

Above all, Mythic Europe is not fixed. While [[canon]] presents a certain vision of Mythic Europe, with a certain level of historical veracity and a certain level of myth, [[Storyguide|storyguides ]] and [[Troupe|troupes]] are encouraged to vary from canon and historical precedents when running their own [[Saga|sagas]].

== Historical Accuracy ==
Mythic Europe is based on [[real history]] but with a strong dose of fantasy added. In official Ars Magica supplements (at least in [[ArM4]] and [[ArM5]]), the history of ordinary people -- "[[mundane]]s" -- sticks closely to actual medieval history. Mythic Europe occupies the same geographical region, its inhabitants cling to the same medieval beliefs and values, it has the same social institutions such as the Catholic Church and even specific persons such as the Holy Roman Emperor [[Frederic II]] and [[Pope Gregory IX]].

There are a couple of reasons for the official setting to mirror [[real history]]. First, it's easier for the numerous [[author]]s to follow accepted historical fact than to create an alternate history and try to stay consistent on the differences. Actual medieval history is more than interesting enough as a game setting: in some cases, it is stranger than most fantasy fiction. Another reason Mythic Europe tracks history is that quite a few Ars Magica players, especially those with a few years' experience, grow enthusiastic about medieval history and enjoy weaving historical events into the background (or foreground!) of their [[saga]]s.

== The Order of Hermes ==
{{Main|Order of Hermes}}
The [[Order of Hermes]] is an organization encompassing nearly every wizard of power in Mythic Europe. Its members, the [[Magus|magi]], take an [[Hermetic Oath|Oath]] that binds them to the Order and its laws. The Order is divided into thirteen [[Regional Tribunal|regional Tribunals]], roughly along geopolitical lines. Within each Tribunal the magi live in [[Covenant|covenants]], and participate in a diverse [[Hermetic Society]].

Magi are not allowed to bow in fealty to the nobles of Mythic Europe, which makes integration with the feudal medieval society difficult. Shunning both fealty and the [[Dominion]], many covenants periodically find themselves pressed by [[Mudane Encroachment|mundane encroachment]], making shady deals with mundanes, or dodging the Church's efforts at proseletyzing.

Yet magi are not removed from [[Mundane|mundane]] society. They rely on mundane artisanship and toil to provide them with food and products, they often take an interest in mundane scholarship and art, and many are religious or hold other ties to the mundanes. Ars Magica allows you to put great emphasis on mundane society, with supplements such as [[City & Guild]] and [[Art and Academe]] intertwining the two worlds.

== Realms of Power ==
{{Main|Realms of Power}}
There are four [[Realms of Power]] influencing Mythic Europe: the [[Divine Realm]], the [[Magic Realm]], the [[Infernal Realm]], and the [[Faerie Realm]]. Affiliated with the Magic Realm, magi usually live in magical places and spend much of their time improving their magical [[Hermetic Arts|Arts]] and power. They treasure and collect [[vis|Raw Vis]], items of power such as dew collected from the mountaintop of a magical mountain or the tooth of a magical wolf.

There are many [[Faerie|faeries]] in Mythic Europe, and their machinations often entail wizards as well as [[Mundane|mundanes]]. Some magi seek out these engimatic beings, while others abhor their or try to render them into raw vis. Regardless, it is a rare magus who does not find himself at a faerie forest sooner or later.

Most magi do their best to avoid the [[Infernal Realm|Infernal]]. [[Demon|Demons]] in Ars Magica are dangerous, deceptive, and corrupting. The Order was shaken by the [[Corruption of House Tytalus|Corruption of an entire House]], and the [[Code of Hermes]] forbids any dealings with demons. Yet the Order is not at war with the Infernal and does not wish to be; magi are often advised to take a wide breadth away from Infernal machinations, rather than bring the attention of the demons on them and their [[Sodales|peers]].

Perhaps the most powerful of the Realms is the [[Divine Realm|Divine]]. Much of Mythic Europe is under the [[Dominion]], under the influence of this supernatural power. In Mythic Europe God does not limit his grace to a single faith, and Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all enjoy the blessings of the Dominion - as do many heresies and other religions. [[Angel|Angels]] constantly battle demons for the souls of humanity, and holy men wield great powers in the name of God. The Dominion makes the practice of [[Hermetic Magic]] difficult and dangerous, and magi often avoid the Dominion and the [[Catholic Church]], or at least strive to keep it at bay. Although most magi worship God, they seperate Divine worship from the places of Magic that God has chosen to place on this Earth. Some even oppose the rise of the Dominion, or cling to pagan deities.

== Related Links ==
* [[Mythic Europe Book | Mythic Europe]], the [[Third Edition]] sourcebook
* [[Real History]]
* [http://www.atlas-games.com/pdf_storage/europemap.pdf Map of Mythic Europe] (176 KB PDF, from the [[Atlas Games]] Web site)
* [[Mythic Judaism]]
* [[Mythic Christianity]]
* [[Mythic Islam]]

== Useful Resources ==

These resources may be helpful to [[Ars Magica]] players.

*Books:
**Medieval Folklore: A Guide to Myths, Legends, Tales, Beliefs, and Customs edited by Carl Lindahl, John McNamara, John Lindow (2002)
**The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century by Ian Mortimer (2009)

*Films:
** [add films here]

*RPG Games:
**Dark Albion: The Rose War
**GURPS Middle Ages I
**HârnWorld
**King Arthur Pendragon
**Prince Valiant

=== Legacy Page ===
The history of this page before August 6, 2010 is archived at [[Legacy:mythic_europe]]
[[Category:Mythic Europe]]

Medieval History

2016-11-09T16:32:35Z

Darkwing: /* Overview of Medieval History */

The historical context for [[Ars Magica]] [[Saga|sagas]] is the 13th century; with the addition of the myths and folktales commonly believed by those at the time (see [[Mythic Europe]]).

== Introduction and Disclaimer ==
While an exhaustive retelling of Medieval History is not within the scope of this page, a brief overview and links to Resources and References are mentioned.

== Overview of Medieval History ==
An online starting point for a general overview of Medieval history is the Wikipedia article on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Ages Middle Ages]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Ages#References references] noted on the Wikipedia page provide many jumping off points for detailed accounts of Medieval history. If you wish to jump straight in to researching individual areas, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:13th_century_by_country 13th century by country] list will start directing you to relevant pages.

== Related Links ==
* [[Medieval Handbook | Medieval Handbook]], the [[Third Edition]] sourcebook
* [[Mythic Europe Book | Mythic Europe]], the [[Third Edition]] sourcebook
* [[Real History]]

== References ==
[placeholder]

== Resources ==
*Books
**Everyday Life in Medieval London: From the Anglo-Saxons to the Tudors by Toni Mount (2014)
**Handbook To Life In The Medieval World (3 volumes) by Madeline Pelner Cosman and Linda Gale Jones (2008)
**Life in a Medieval Castle by Frances Gies & Joseph Gies (2010)
**Life in a Medieval City by Frances Gies & Joseph Gies (2010)
**Life in a Medieval Village by Frances Gies & Joseph Gies (2010)
**Medieval Life: Manners, Customs & Dress During the Middle Ages by Paul Lacroix (2001)
**The Pimlico Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages by Norman F. Cantor (1999)
**The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century by Ian Mortimer (2009)

*Online
** [https://blogs.commons.georgetown.edu/labyrinth/ The Labyrinth] - Resources for Medieval Studies
** [http://www.medievalists.net Medievalists] - News and articles for Medieval Studies
** [http://www.netserf.org NetSERF] - The Internet Connection for Medieval Resources
** [http://www.bl.uk/the-middle-ages The British Library Middle Ages resources] - Learning resources for the Middle Ages (includes Illuminated manuscripts)

[[Category:History]]

Saga

2016-11-09T16:25:52Z

Darkwing:

A '''saga''' is a series of related [[Story|stories]] played by a group of [[Ars Magica]] players over several (or many) game sessions. A saga typically spans many in-game years, allowing for [[player character|character]] development and growth. Ars Magica sagas can last over a century (in-game), covering several generations of [[mundane|mundanes]] or even [[magi]].

In other roleplaying games, equivalent terms may be ''campaign'' or ''chronicle''.

Many game groups have Web sites where they document their Sagas. Collecting those links is a major part of the [[Project Redcap]] mission. Links to such websites can be found on the [[Internet site index]]. Each [[Tribunal|tribunal]] page lists sagas particularly set in that tribunal. The [[Regional Tribunal|Regional Tribunals]] page has a list of the links to each tribunal, as does the [[Main Page|main page]] which also has a link to alternate settings.

==Saga Considerations==
5th edition and its supplements were written on the assumption your saga would start in 1220. Earlier editions assumed a start of 1190. Your choice of start date will affect the history and current affairs of the mundane world around your covenant, and may affect the availability of goods and technologies.

Saga speed is also important, reflecting how quickly or slowly you want time to pass, or indeed if you want a pulsed saga where many years pass between events covered in detail. Chapter sixteen of the Ars Magica 5th edition rulebook covers this concept.

Other important areas include amount of research, troupe-style play and availability of vis.

==Non-traditional sagas==
Although there is no official saga type, generally sagas will revolve around a [[covenant]]. One possible alternative to this would be a saga focused on apprentices on a [[itinerarium]].

= Saga Pages by Language =
English:
{{Saga links}}

Sagas in other languages can be found on the following pages:

* [[Main_Page/ca]] (català)
* [[Sagas francophones‎]] (français)

==References==
A discussion topic about starting a saga is available on the Atlas Games forums by following this link: [http://forum.atlas-games.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=32220 My First Saga]

{{Legacy|page=saga}}

[[Category:Meta Topics]]