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{{about|a list of frequently-asked questions|a list of articles that address frequently-asked questions| | {{about|a list of frequently-asked questions|a list of articles that address frequently-asked questions|:Category:FAQ}} | ||
If you would like a beginner's introduction to Ars Magica, please see | If you would like a beginner's introduction to [[Ars Magica]], please see [[Learning to Play]]. | ||
These questions, and answers, come from the Ars Magica [[Fan Community]]. The answers are unofficial but represent the best judgment of a large body of experienced players. | These questions, and answers, come from the Ars Magica [[Fan Community]]. The answers are unofficial but represent the best judgment of a large body of experienced players. | ||
== Basic Questions == | |||
* What is [[Ars Magica]]? | |||
* What is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabletop_role-playing_game tabletop roleplaying game]? | |||
== The Ars Magica Product Line == | == The Ars Magica Product Line == | ||
* When will there be an [[Ars Magica Sixth Edition]]? | |||
* Is Ars Magica [[Upcoming products#Dead|out of print]]? | |||
* [[Upcoming products|What are the future plans]] for Ars Magica products? | |||
* What [[Products]] are available? | * What [[Products]] are available? | ||
* Which Ars Magica book(s)[[Buying Guide | should I buy]]? | * Which Ars Magica book(s)[[Buying Guide | should I buy]]? | ||
* [[Upcoming products#Frequently-Asked_Questions|Can one of the authors or playtesters leak details of (upcoming product)]]? | * [[Upcoming products#Frequently-Asked_Questions|Can one of the authors or playtesters leak details of (upcoming product)]]? | ||
* Is there | * Is there an [[D20 Ars Magica | OGL / D20 conversion for Ars Magica]]? | ||
* Why do some of Ars Magica supplements have [[Hardcover | hard covers]] (and others have soft covers)? | * Why do some of Ars Magica supplements have [[Hardcover | hard covers]] (and others have soft covers)? | ||
* What is the [[History of Ars Magica | history]] of the Ars Magica game? | * What is the [[History of Ars Magica | history]] of the Ars Magica game? | ||
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* What is the [[Medieval Paradigm]]? | * What is the [[Medieval Paradigm]]? | ||
* How is Ars Magica related to the [[World of Darkness]] (also known as Storyteller) games? | * How is Ars Magica related to the [[World of Darkness]] (also known as Storyteller) games? | ||
** What is this about [[House_Tremere# | ** What is this about [[House_Tremere#House_Tremere_and_Vampires | Tremere and vampires]]? | ||
* How do I say (something) in [[Latin#HowToSay | Latin]]? | * How do I say (something) in [[Latin#HowToSay | Latin]]? | ||
* In Ars Magica, are the [[Pagan Gods | pagan gods]] Magical, Faerie, or what? | * In Ars Magica, are the [[Pagan Gods | pagan gods]] Magical, Faerie, or what? | ||
* Can you recommend some good [[Suggested Reading | reading material]] that can inform or inspire my Ars Magica game? | * Can you recommend some good [[Suggested Reading | reading material]] that can inform or inspire my Ars Magica game? | ||
== | == Fan Community == | ||
* Does Ars Magica have an active [[Fan Community]]? | * Does Ars Magica have an active [[Fan Community]]? | ||
* [[Fan_Community#Size_of_the_Fan_Community | How many people]] make up the Ars Magica community? | * [[Fan_Community#Size_of_the_Fan_Community | How many people]] make up the Ars Magica community? | ||
* How can I [[Fan_Community# | * How can I [[Fan_Community#Finding_Players | find a troupe]] to join? | ||
* Can one of the authors of (upcoming supplement) [[ | * Can one of the authors of (upcoming supplement) [[Upcoming products#Frequently-Asked_Questions | give us some inside details]]? | ||
* Can I [[Writing Supplements | write a supplement]] for Ars Magica? | * Can I [[Writing Supplements | write a supplement]] for Ars Magica? | ||
* [[Line Editor | Who is in charge]] of the Ars Magica product line? | * [[Line Editor | Who is in charge]] of the Ars Magica product line? | ||
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=== Rules Status === | === Rules Status === | ||
* [[Ars_Magica_Fifth_Edition#Errata|Are there Errata for Fifth Edition?]] | * [[Ars_Magica_Fifth_Edition#Errata|Are there Errata for Fifth Edition?]] | ||
* I need an [[Rules# | * I need an [[Rules#"Official"_Rules_Answers|official ruling]] on (X) | ||
* [[Ars_Magica_Fifth_Edition# | * [[Ars_Magica_Fifth_Edition#Frequently-Asked_Questions|Why has (rule X) been removed from Fifth Edition?]] | ||
* [[Ars_Magica_Fifth_Edition# | * [[Ars_Magica_Fifth_Edition#Frequently-Asked_Questions|Why was (X) changed in (new edition / new product)]]? | ||
* Are the [[Ars_Magica_Fifth_Edition#Continuity | older Tribunal books]] still useful? | * Are the [[Ars_Magica_Fifth_Edition#Continuity | older Tribunal books]] still useful? | ||
* Will Atlas make available free downloads with [[Ars_Magica_Fifth_Edition#Free_Conversion | conversion stats]] for older supplements to Fifth Edition? | * Will Atlas make available free downloads with [[Ars_Magica_Fifth_Edition#Free_Conversion | conversion stats]] for older supplements to Fifth Edition? | ||
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* Are the [[Minor Story Flaw|Minor Story Flaws]], like Blackmail and Animal Companion, really Flaws? | * Are the [[Minor Story Flaw|Minor Story Flaws]], like Blackmail and Animal Companion, really Flaws? | ||
* Do Virtues that affect the way a character gains experience points - Wealthy, Secondary Insight, Elementalist, and so on - affect [[Experience Points#Starting|starting experience points]]? | * Do Virtues that affect the way a character gains experience points - Wealthy, Secondary Insight, Elementalist, and so on - affect [[Experience Points#Starting|starting experience points]]? | ||
* Does the [[Puissant Ability]] Virtue affect what the character can teach and write? Does Puissant [[Magic Theory]] let a character use more vis in the lab? | * Does the [[Puissant Ability]] Virtue affect what the character can teach and write? Does Puissant [[Magic Theory (Ability)|Magic Theory]] let a character use more vis in the lab? | ||
* How exactly does the [[Fast Caster]] Virtue work? | * How exactly does the [[Fast Caster]] Virtue work? | ||
* What are the [[Shapeshifter Statistics|statistics for a shapeshifter]] (such as a [[House_Bjornaer|Bjornaer]] magus or a character with the [[Shapeshifter]] Virtue) in beast form? | * What are the [[Shapeshifter Statistics|statistics for a shapeshifter]] (such as a [[House_Bjornaer|Bjornaer]] magus or a character with the [[Shapeshifter]] Virtue) in beast form? | ||
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* Shouldn't there be a die roll for non-fatiguing [[Spontaneous Spell|spontaneous magic]]? | * Shouldn't there be a die roll for non-fatiguing [[Spontaneous Spell|spontaneous magic]]? | ||
* What is the [[Fast Cast Spontaneous Spell#Initiative|fast-casting speed roll]] (p. 83) for? | * What is the [[Fast Cast Spontaneous Spell#Initiative|fast-casting speed roll]] (p. 83) for? | ||
* Can a magus [[Casting From Text | cast spells directly from a text]]? | * Can a magus [[Casting From Text | cast spells directly from a text]]? | ||
* How does [[Multiple Casting]] work? | * How does [[Multiple Casting]] work? | ||
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=== Combat === | === Combat === | ||
* Do Wound and Fatigue Penalty penalties apply to [[Soak | * Do Wound and Fatigue Penalty penalties apply to [[Soak]] totals? | ||
* Do Wound Penalties apply to [[ | * Do Wound Penalties apply to [[wound recovery]] rolls? | ||
* Where are the rules for [[Crossbow | crossbows]]? | * Where are the rules for [[Crossbow | crossbows]]? | ||
* The rules in [[Covenants (Fifth Edition)|Fifth Edition Covenants]] say it takes a very long time to [[Crossbow#Reload | reload a crossbow]]. Are those times realistic? | * The rules in [[Covenants (Fifth Edition)|Fifth Edition Covenants]] say it takes a very long time to [[Crossbow#Reload | reload a crossbow]]. Are those times realistic? | ||
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== Legacy Page == | == Legacy Page == | ||
The history of this page before July 21, 2012 is located at | The history of this page before July 21, 2012 is located at [[Legacy:Faq]] | ||
[[Category:FAQ]] | [[Category:FAQ]] |
Latest revision as of 19:43, 4 November 2016
This article is about a list of frequently-asked questions. For a list of articles that address frequently-asked questions, see Category:FAQ.
If you would like a beginner's introduction to Ars Magica, please see Learning to Play.
These questions, and answers, come from the Ars Magica Fan Community. The answers are unofficial but represent the best judgment of a large body of experienced players.
Basic Questions
- What is Ars Magica?
- What is a tabletop roleplaying game?
The Ars Magica Product Line
- When will there be an Ars Magica Sixth Edition?
- Is Ars Magica out of print?
- What are the future plans for Ars Magica products?
- What Products are available?
- Which Ars Magica book(s) should I buy?
- Can one of the authors or playtesters leak details of (upcoming product)?
- Is there an OGL / D20 conversion for Ars Magica?
- Why do some of Ars Magica supplements have hard covers (and others have soft covers)?
- What is the history of the Ars Magica game?
Mythic Europe
- What is the Medieval Paradigm?
- How is Ars Magica related to the World of Darkness (also known as Storyteller) games?
- What is this about Tremere and vampires?
- How do I say (something) in Latin?
- In Ars Magica, are the pagan gods Magical, Faerie, or what?
- Can you recommend some good reading material that can inform or inspire my Ars Magica game?
Fan Community
- Does Ars Magica have an active Fan Community?
- How many people make up the Ars Magica community?
- How can I find a troupe to join?
- Can one of the authors of (upcoming supplement) give us some inside details?
- Can I write a supplement for Ars Magica?
- Who is in charge of the Ars Magica product line?
- Can I write an entry for this FAQ?
Fifth Edition
Newcomers may also find the introduction to Game Mechanics informative.
- What are the differences between Fourth Edition and Fifth Edition?
Rules Status
- Are there Errata for Fifth Edition?
- I need an official ruling on (X)
- Why has (rule X) been removed from Fifth Edition?
- Why was (X) changed in (new edition / new product)?
- Are the older Tribunal books still useful?
- Will Atlas make available free downloads with conversion stats for older supplements to Fifth Edition?
Characters, Abilities, and Virtues and Flaws
- Why are something called "Body Levels" listed on the character sheet? What are they?
- How does the Faerie Magic Ability (on the Merinita template, ArM5 page 27) work?
- Are the Minor Story Flaws, like Blackmail and Animal Companion, really Flaws?
- Do Virtues that affect the way a character gains experience points - Wealthy, Secondary Insight, Elementalist, and so on - affect starting experience points?
- Does the Puissant Ability Virtue affect what the character can teach and write? Does Puissant Magic Theory let a character use more vis in the lab?
- How exactly does the Fast Caster Virtue work?
- What are the statistics for a shapeshifter (such as a Bjornaer magus or a character with the Shapeshifter Virtue) in beast form?
- Has the social effect of the Gift changed in Fifth Edition?
Spells
Forms & Techniques
- What Form is electricity?
Spell Effects
- Is there any way for a magus to create permanent magical effects in Fifth Edition?
- Is temporary, magically-created food nourishing?
- Can the damage from a Momentary Perdo effect be healed?
- Can a Momentary Perdo spell permanently remove a natural property of something, for example, make an object permanently weightless?
- How do General spells work?
Casting Spells
- Shouldn't there be a die roll for non-fatiguing spontaneous magic?
- What is the fast-casting speed roll (p. 83) for?
- Can a magus cast spells directly from a text?
- How does Multiple Casting work?
- How does one cast a General spell?
Questions on Specific Spells
- Is Incantation of Summoning the Dead really supposed to be a ritual?
Magic Resistance, Penetration, and Parma Magica
Most of the following questions are addressed in detail in the (lengthy) article on Magic Resistance.
Magic Resistance Mechanics
- Please explain in simple terms how Magic Resistance works.
- Does Magic Resistance protect against the Divine?
- Does Magic Resistance keep out helpful spells like healing spells?
- Does Magic Resistance protect against the claws or teeth of a magical creature?
- How would magic resistance affect a sword that's enhanced by a spell?
- Does magic resistance keep out enchanted devices?
- Since magic resistance keeps out magical things, doesn't it keep out illusions?
- What is the " Pink Dot Loophole?" Is there a way to close it?
Penetration Mechanics
- Do wards have to penetrate in order to keep out a creature with Magic Resistance?
- Does Aegis of the Hearth have to penetrate in order to keep out a creature with Magic Resistance?
Design of Magic Resistance
- Why doesn't Magic Resistance just dispel magical effects?
- Why can't non-Hermetic magicians (hedge wizards) have Magic Resistance similar to Parma Magica?
Laboratory
- Do lab helpers increase the amount of vis a magus can use in a season?
- Where are the rules for learning spells from a text?
- How are Verditius Runes supposed to work?
Books, Study, and Experience
- What is meant on p. 165 by " Summae: Source - Quality and Level?"
Combat
- Do Wound and Fatigue Penalty penalties apply to Soak totals?
- Do Wound Penalties apply to wound recovery rolls?
- Where are the rules for crossbows?
- The rules in Fifth Edition Covenants say it takes a very long time to reload a crossbow. Are those times realistic?
- Why would anyone want to use a crossbow, when longbows are so much better?
- Where can I find house rules for crossbows and/or longbows?
- How does one calculate Attack and Defense for missile weapons?
- What are the rules for movement in combat?
- Where are the rules for making an all-out attack or defense?
- Where are the rules for combat fatigue?
- What are the rules for charging?
- What happens to a character's Initiative Total if he changes weapons?
- How does Initiative work for spellcasting?
- Where can I find house rules for more combat options, variant weapon stats, and so on?
Miscellaneous Rules Questions
- How far is a pace?
Fourth Edition (and earlier editions) Questions
- How does the Parma Magica work in Fourth Edition?
- Is Perdo Imaginem too easy?
- "How do I use Range, Duration, and Target?"
- Can my wizard create ritual spell to lift an entire mountain five hundred feet into the air permanently? If so, what level would it be?
- Can a magus create a golem and switch minds with it and thus escape old age?
- Is ice part of Aquam, or what?
- "Is combat busted?"
- A sample combat
Legacy Page
The history of this page before July 21, 2012 is located at Legacy:Faq