Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Magic System

I'm thinking about a magic system or systems for my daVinci-punk setting. Just thinking, but using GURPS Thaumatology (PDF) to help ask the important questions, like where does magic come from and what powers it.

This book is invaluable, regardless of what RPG you are working with. The text references GURPS rules as examples, but the majority of the text is systemless. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who is wrestling with designing a magic system.


  1. I know this is totally unsolicited, but you used "daVinci" and "magic" in the same sentence, so I blame you.

    Since you led with daVinci, I'll throw out the concept of a magic system based on the character's ability to attract the attention of a "muse", a supernatural entity that reflects, amplifies, and magic-ifies the PCs talents and skills. You could have differing kinds of muses for the artist, the mechanist, the divinitist (not sure that's a word, but you can probably get the gist), or the diabolist... The more of a genius you are, the more powerful a "muse" you could attract. This might encourage players to make artists over merchants, and buying Talents over stats.


  2. Spirit magic of this type is a possibility.