(Custom): Magical Conundrum

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Sep 3, 2020 9:29 pm
Edit: Recruiting new players! Check my latest post in this thread for more information!
Heya! :)
This is a very experimental idea that I wanted to try myself, but figured will be more fun with other people.
As a warning, it involves partially randomised character generation (for magical powers) and homebrew system.
The core idea is that player characters possess magical powers which they were't aware of until the beginning of the game. They don't know what their powers are, how to use and control them, and they have to figure it out on the go by trying various methods they can think of. They have absolutely no idea if simply waving a hand can have unforseen consequences, or if a random dream they had is result of their awakening clairvoyance.

Players don't know what their character can do either, at least in the beginning. When their character activates a spell by their actions, information for said spell gets revealed and then they can use it without describing the actions again. For understandable reasons, there will be no spells activated by specific words or runes, and most of them (depending on type of magic) are activated by simple gestures, strong emotions, thoughts, touch or specific actions thematically connected to the magic type. The spells themselves are partially pre-determined, partially improvised.

Magic types
are mostly specialized and focused on one specific aspect. There are standard elemental types, but then there are electrokinesis, chronomancy, manipulations of clouds, ability to draw portals, etc. They will be randomized by character creation rolls, and only revealed when the character actually manages to activate them. There are also three magic stats that define how magic behaves for each character, also randomised.

Magic, of course, is not the only weapon. The setting of the world is vaguely steampunk-ish, so there is a variety of weapons and vehicles to use, and characters can theoretically ignore their powers altogether - or use them in creative ways to supplement their main skills. The goal is, essentially, to learn how to control the powers; whether to use them or not is another problem.
Main characters are a group of people who were detected to have powers and were consequently abducted by a secret initiative that hides existence of magic for its own purposes. However, during the transportation of this specific group, the convoy was attacked, most of its escort destroyed, and the captives are now freed. They don't know where exactly they are, but if they want to keep their freedom and return to their previous lives, they need to flee before the organization that captured them sends in reinforcements.
The system I will use for it is my own custom one that I used for another game on this site. It's not very crunchy, and primarily uses d3 rolls - the higher is the attribute, the more d3s you can roll, plus flat modifiers for skills and traits. It's not a very strategic one and is more of a vehicle for narrative. Players can choose their attributes, previous professions, any additional traits or skill as they please. The only random part are the magic powers.

I simply wanted to test out this premise, so it probably will be only an one-shot about the group evading initial reinforcements and reaching a way to escape the area. It can go beyond if the players would want to, of course.
Do tell me if you are interested! Or maybe want to observe? I'll probably play this myself if I don't find anyone else. (The element of surprise will be gone, but maybe it'll still work.)

Thanks for reading!
Last edited March 30, 2021 5:09 pm
Sep 3, 2020 9:33 pm
This sounds really interesting. I would join but I don't have the time right now to get involved with another game unfortunately. I would be interested in observing, though, if that's alright with you.
Sep 3, 2020 9:39 pm
I like the idea and am interested in playing.
Sep 3, 2020 9:43 pm
Wow. This is such a cool idea. I was actually working on a Homebrew setting for Savage Worlds with a very similar idea in mind. :) Guess you beat me to it. ;)

I'm interested in playing.
Sep 3, 2020 9:54 pm
That sounds very interesting in concept ! Would be down to try it out too.
Last edited September 3, 2020 9:59 pm
Sep 3, 2020 10:28 pm
This is already more response than I was expecting, and certainly is enough for a party! I'll set up the forum in a few days then and invite you all in. Thanks you all, I'm very excited to play with you! :D

@bowlofspinach, of course, you're welcome to observe!

@Savage.Wanderer.82, were you planning on playing your homebrew setting on this site? I would be very interested to try it if you will start a game here! I'm not too familiar with Savage Worlds, but I do want to learn it more. :)
Sep 4, 2020 12:38 am
FlyingSucculent says:
This is already more response than I was expecting, and certainly is enough for a party! I'll set up the forum in a few days then and invite you all in. Thanks you all, I'm very excited to play with you! :D

@bowlofspinach, of course, you're welcome to observe!

@Savage.Wanderer.82, were you planning on playing your homebrew setting on this site? I would be very interested to try it if you will start a game here! I'm not too familiar with Savage Worlds, but I do want to learn it more. :)
Sure. I might run it one of these days. I was thinking of running a Savage Worlds game here just to try it out and bring anyone to the system that would like to try it. A very "newby" friendly SW game. I'll have it posted soon. But, yeah. I'd like to run that homebrew idea sometime.
Sep 4, 2020 2:34 am
I would need a little assistance with a d3 system but I am down to play if you'll have me!
Sep 4, 2020 4:16 am
That sounds like an awesome game concept. I would like to join your game.
And I am curious about your d3 system
Sep 4, 2020 7:34 pm
I invited everyone to the game! Here is the link to its page. :)
Last edited September 4, 2020 7:34 pm
Mar 30, 2021 5:08 pm
Heya, guess what? This game is recruiting new players! :D

It has been running for a decent while, and we currently have two active players - I'm looking to invite a few more! The group is at the point where it will be more or less easy to introduce new characters, so if you want to join our odd journey in running away from a nefarious magical organization via fighting giant armadillos, do let me know. If you have any questions, same deal.
Last edited March 30, 2021 5:09 pm
Mar 30, 2021 5:18 pm
This intrigues me and I have had a couple of games end. I am in, if you'll have me
Mar 30, 2021 5:46 pm
Nice, I sent you an invite! Here's the game page. :D
Apr 1, 2021 2:13 pm
If you still need people I'm up for a PC having a midlife crisis and possible mental break... cus of magic not life... *sits in a cradling ball and rocks slowly crying*
Apr 1, 2021 11:41 pm
At least it will be a crisis in good company? :D Sent the invite!

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