What is the best system to use for a Modern Magic Campaign

RockViper · August 12, 2008, 03:56:44 PM

I have been thinking about a campaign set in the modern world that contains magic, more serious than the Harry Potter verse, and maybe not as bleak as the Hellblazer universe.

I could probably do something with GURPS, but I have not updated my GURPS magic books since second edition, is the 4e update worth looking into? I was not impressed by Ars Magica so its off the list, and I think Mage the Awakening may be too tied up in its own metaplot to be useful.

Any suggestions?

jswa · August 12, 2008, 04:07:44 PM

I'm curious as to the popular opinion on this, myself. Mage without the metaplot would work for me, personally, but that'd take a lot of tinkering.

GeekEclectic · August 12, 2008, 04:40:05 PM

Buffy Revised has a pretty cool magic system. The hard-to-find Magic Box supplement has expanded rules that cover enchantment and superscience gizmos. And Angel has rules for more ritual-type magic and some superpower type stuff in the demon creation section.

Silverlion · August 12, 2008, 04:46:19 PM

How close to Dr. Strange do you want? In general I think Buffy is solid suggestion. You might also look at the system used in Standard Unisystem, found in Witchcraft. I know this may seem odd--but you might also look at Ars Magica. It has one of the best magic systems. Translating it to modern times would give you something far more interesting than Harry Potter's magic. Plus if you use Ars Magica, the pursuit of vis for longer term spells may be rather interesting in a world more modern, seeking a Unicorn's Tail hair--well, might be a bit of a chore, so instant adventure..

Fritzs · August 12, 2008, 04:47:29 PM

FATE, because (forgive me, Koltar) it's basicaly GURPS done right... it's short, simple, universal, quick to learn and you don't need all these supplements... only problem is those funny dice, but you can easily convert nornal ones into fudge dice using some paint, or paper and glue...

Ian Absentia · August 12, 2008, 05:00:27 PM

Quote from: Silverlion;234939I know this may seem odd--but you might also look at Ars Magica. It has one of the best magic systems. Translating it to modern times would give you something far more interesting than Harry Potter's magic.

I'll second Ars Magica, in spite of the fact that it was dismissed in the original post. Its "noun-verb" magic system is pretty flexible and awfully nifty. And in this regard, I don't think that stripping OWoD Mage: the Ascension from its setting will really be too much of a chore. You want to rename Arete and such, but otherwise I think it's similarly as flexible.

Hey, have you ever had a look at For Faerie Queen and Country? It was for TSR's Amazing Engine, and it's really, really neat. The spell format is basically the structure of a sentence. There are lots of copies out there, and you can usually pick up a copy from an online auction for less than what it will cost to have it mailed to you (US$5.00 or less).

!i!

RockViper · August 12, 2008, 05:17:48 PM

Quote from: Silverlion;234939How close to Dr. Strange do you want?

Dr Strange is pretty close to what I want to do with modern magic. Magic exists, its not a secret just very hard to master, and will not immediately damn your soul or shred your mind, but it can if you allow it to master you.

So far that's
2 Votes for Buffy
2 Votes for Ars Magica
1 take a look at Faerie Queen and Country
1 Maybe for Mage stripped down
1 Vote for Fate

There is a used book store in FL that has a lot of RPG books and I think they had a copy of both Buffy and Mage. I guess I could give AM another chance and start scouring ebay for both AM and Faerie.

Silverlion · August 12, 2008, 07:08:32 PM

Sorry, I didn't see your dismissal of Ars Magica. (I still think its usable myself, but if its not what you want, then no worries.)

To better address things: What do you want magic to do? How do you want it to feel?

Another thought: Basic Marvel Superheroes had supplement published for it called Realms of Magic; You can find it along with the other books online--albeit I suggest you use it with the Advanced Set, it only takes a few tiny tweaks. It's magic is pulled from Doctor Strange stories, you can rename spells and replace campaign specifics easily enough,

I like the flowery language spellcasting though...

stu2000 · August 12, 2008, 07:12:54 PM

I like to use Mercenaries, Spies, and Private Eyes, with magical characters having access to Tunnels and Trolls spells.

BRP has several magic options, any of which work as well in modern day as anything.

flyingmice · August 12, 2008, 07:55:47 PM

You might want to take a look at Blood Games II - the feel would be right, but magic is hidden; though that's easy to fix.

-clash

David R · August 12, 2008, 08:59:48 PM

I think Faerie, Queen & Country is a good choice but Blood Games II is a good bet too. The latter has a concept called Nullity which may fit into the whole Dc.Strange vibe you're aiming for.

Regards,
David R

RockViper · August 12, 2008, 09:06:54 PM

Thanks I will check those out.

The Yann Waters · August 13, 2008, 07:28:08 AM

Quote from: RockViper;234955I guess I could give AM another chance and start scouring ebay for both AM and Faerie.

You know, the fourth edition of Ars Magica is still available as a free and legit download.

wulfgar · August 13, 2008, 09:35:51 AM

You could grab a copy of Heroes Unlimited from Palladium. I've got the old "revised" edition. Rules in there for magic spells, items, and people bestowed with magic powers.

RockViper · August 13, 2008, 02:46:33 PM

Quote from: GrimGent;235066You know, the fourth edition of Ars Magica is still available as a free and legit download.

I did not know that.

Thanks