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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Randolpho" data-source="post: 115997" data-attributes="member: 3016">Personally, I think the exact definition of magic in general should be campaign specific, rather than "all encompasing". We saw with 2e the disaster that can come about (at least IMO) from attempting to cross-link campaign settings. I still have nightmares about the Kender/Minotaur duo that spell-jammed into our Birthright campaign. *shudder*In *MY* campaign, I try to explain magic a bit. Much like everyone else, I try to use pseudo-physics to explain it, mostly because I'm so literal-minded and doing this helps me to suspend my disbelief in the world. So, I try to be "scientific" in my description, but without going *too* overboard. I take a nod from the Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy, and a nod from Star Wars (Pre Ep1, no-mitochlorines thankyouverymuch). Here's my take:From Keeper Sanjeyn's On The Nature of Magic:At any given instance of time, at every moment, there are an infinite number of possibilities as to what will occur in the next moment. One moment a person could be walking in their garden and in the next moment be walking on the moon, because every conceivable possibility exists in every moment. For the most part, however, these possibilities play out according to the laws of the world as we understand them; what goes up comes down, ice melts when it is heated. (Note: End HHttG / quantum mechanics homage, begin SWep4 homage)This realm of possibility exists as a field, a "field of possibility", if you will. The potential exists for any outcome within the field, so long as the right stimuli are applied to the field. (End SW "Force" homage) Under normal circumstances, the actions of "everyday life" are the stimuli on this field that bring about the results of the next moment, and these all follow the basic laws of physics as we understand them today. There exists, however, the ability to manipulate the field of possibility by introducing artificial stimuli to create the desired affect. Zigging rather than zagging, a left turn rather than a right turn, remaining quiet rather than speaking; all of these are stimuli that can change the outcome of the next moment. This principle, when applied in specific ways, can be used to great effect -- seeming to break the laws of physics without actually doing so, simply by stacking the deck. This is defined, by the lay person, as magic. Where did this field of possibility come from? Unfortunately, we do not know. The only Gods who are forthcoming on the subject are admittedly former mortals; they invariably defer to the Eternal Three. The Eternal Three, however, refuse to answer our questions on the origin of the field. They acknowledge its existence, indeed according to the teachings of Phodolandr it was they who instructed the Ascended as to its divine uses; they are, however, either unwilling or unable to answer the question of its origin. ...There are three basic classes of magic in the world: Arcane, Divine, and Psionic. Arcane magic is the manipulation of the field of possibility through external or ritualistic means; practitioners of Arcane magic use chants, song, material focus, gesture or some combination thereof to achieve the desired effect. Wizards, Sorcerers and Bards practice the art of Arcane magic. Divine magic is the maniplation of the field of possiblity through the direct intervention of a diety; practitioners of Divine magic through prayer, meditation or ritual invoke their God, who grants or denies the supplication according to his or her divine whim. Clerics, Paladins, Rangers, and Druids practice the art of Divine magic. Psionic magic is the manipulation of the field of possibility through sheer willpower, by thought alone; practitioners need only concentration to create wonders. Psions, Psychic Warriors and Monks practice the art of Psionic magic. This looks a bit long, I'm gonna cut some of it out. I have more if anyone cares... <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f61b.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":p" title="Stick out tongue    :p"  data-smilie="7"data-shortname=":p" /></blockquote>

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