Magic, meet system. System, magic.

[Aus_Snow]

I was just wondering how many people here had become familiar with the magic in a book, film, or whatever (but particularly book), and then found its perfect representation in a roleplaying game system somewhere. Or vice versa, in fact.

How often does this happen? And is there any type of magic, from anywhere (but especially literature), that isn't represented in a RPG system, currently? Anyone done up some cool house rules (for any system) so as to stay true to such a source?

 

[Geoff Watson]

Not often.

The problem with using magic from books/etc is that often magic is just a plot device, with little consistency (whatever the plot needs), or that insufficient information is given to work out the details.

Geoff.

 

[Shadeydm]

I wish someone would come up with a good system to emulate the magic in the Earthsea Trilogy. Unfortunately, I have not heard much in the way of positive commentary regarding the Truenamer from the Tome of Magic. The most consistant adjective I keep hearing is "weak".

 

[RFisher]

In Decipher's Lord of the Rings RPG, every spell is based on something described in the book. Mechanically, the magic system is far different from how JRRT thought of magic in Middle Earth.

But if you consider the point of view of the book's narrator, the mechanics of magic don't really show through, only the effects of magic are observed. If you consider the point of view of a non-magic-using character in the game, likewise. So, I consider it a good & reasonable compromise.

 

[Umbran]

What happens in The Matrix pretty exactly fits the awakening and progression of a Virtual Adept in White Wolf's Mage: The Ascension.

 

[maddman75]

The Buffy RPG emulates magic from the TV show very, very well.

 

[Aus_Snow]

Seconded, with regards to Buffy (the RPG).

Any others?

It does seem to be a bit on the rare side, as I suspected.

Geoff - agreed. That's often the problem (well, either of those).

 

[Jhaelen]

What happens in The Matrix pretty exactly fits the awakening and progression of a Virtual Adept in White Wolf's Mage: The Ascension.

Yup, that's exactly what I thought!
It's probably the main reason I was so excited about the first Matrix film - and so disappointed about the two sequels.

 

[maddman75]

Yup, that's exactly what I thought!
It's probably the main reason I was so excited about the first Matrix film - and so disappointed about the two sequels.

A pretty good take on the Matrix is a free game called There is no spoon. As I recall, one of the rules is that there was only one Matrix movie, and if any player suggests the existence of any sequels, the GM may slap them.