Putting restrictions/limits on magic?

[Geckopirateship]

I was wondering, are there ways to make a character whose magic is restricted/focused? So, say, they could only use forces to control fire, or they couldn't do magic at all without a Yantra. Has anyone homebrewed any systems like that?

[Charlaquin]

Proximi could work for what you're thinking of. They can only cast spells they have learned (meaning no creative casting) and can only learn a limited number of spells.

[Geckopirateship]

Ah. I was thinking of full Mages, though. Doing something like Hunter X Hunter, where Nen users can put restrictions on their powers to make them stronger. For example, one character makes an incredibly strong technique that would normally be impossible because he can only use it on a small group of people, and stuff like that.

[wyrdhamster]

I made Condition for those of Awakened that are still in denial of being the wizard.

Instrumentalist ( Persistent, Awakened only )
You character, even if technically mage, does not see that her miracles are coming from her. Whatever if she is die hard scientists, seeing her magic as advanced technology, or dedicated priest, believing they are granted by her patrons – she cannot 'cast' any spell without utilizing appropriate Yantras. She cannot force herself to acknowledge that Supernal power comes from her and by this, is slave to tools and ceremonies. When character tries to cast without at least one Yantra in accordance with its worldview, spell is automatic Dramatic Failure – resolve it’s effects on character and environment in accordance.
It’s very popular affliction in Nameless mages or some parts of Free Council. What’s even more disturbing, large parts of Banishers are under it.

Possible Sources: Specific background. Wisdom loss.

Resolution: Confrontation with reality of being mage. Dramatic Failure on spellcasting roll ( choose player and ST combined )

Beat: Character gives a 'tribute' for higher force or analyze the 'scientific basis' of his miracles (Arcane). Character undermines the Truth about the origins of magic in other sorcerers.

[Geckopirateship]

That's interesting, but I don't really see it as a denial sort of thing. I guess I just liked the more personal magic from Ascension more.

[AForgeForThoughts]

Wyrdhamster, that is one of your best contributions, and I loved your Yellow King write up.

Geckopirateship, I would give that person a condition like Wyrdhamster had, just change the text to fit your liking.The following is one interpretation. I am not a good writer.


Savant ( Persistent, Awakened only )
Your character has become obsessed with a particular fallen world phenomena. They have lost access to a single Arcana related to that phenomena and instead has Influence over that phenomena at one rank higher than the inaccessible arcana. Example: A Moros has lost wisdom pursuing a the mystery of vampires. Instead of having access to the Death arcana (3), the Moros now has access to Influence: Vitae 4.

Possible Sources: Specific background. Wisdom loss, can be self inflicted.

Resolution: Abstaining from using the influence, regaining wisdom, resolving the obsession.

Beat: Character uses the Influence to pursue the obsession that caused it.

[Geckopirateship]

So, how hard would it be to play Dr. Crocodilicus, King of the Swamp, bio-Thyrsus mad scientist super villain whose magic is exclusively crocodile-themed?

I'm thinking of, instead of remaking Mage, making a fairly expansive hack with a highly customizable system of restrictions.

[Charlaquin]

So, how hard would it be to play Dr. Crocodilicus, King of the Swamp, bio-Thyrsus mad scientist super villain whose magic is exclusively crocodile-themed?

I'm thinking of, instead of remaking Mage, making a fairly expansive hack with a highly customizable system of restrictions.

Pretty easy. Dr. Crocodilicus, King of the Swamp could be your Shadow Name, which would give you a Yantra bonus on crocodile-related spells if you take the Merit. Then it's just a matter of using said crocodile magic to do villanous things.

I suppose Quiessence might make it kind of difficult to develop any real notoriety, unless you make a point of casting your spells in such a way as to make them not obviously magical.

[AForgeForThoughts]

So, how hard would it be to play Dr. Crocodilicus, King of the Swamp, bio-Thyrsus mad scientist super villain whose magic is exclusively crocodile-themed?

I'm thinking of, instead of remaking Mage, making a fairly expansive hack with a highly customizable system of restrictions.

If you wanted more punch maybe we should look at a Legacy.

It gives a lot of flexibility, and I think that would be better than trying to home brew a point buy system.

[Geckopirateship]

Pretty easy. Dr. Crocodilicus, King of the Swamp could be your Shadow Name, which would give you a Yantra bonus on crocodile-related spells if you take the Merit. Then it's just a matter of using said crocodile magic to do villanous things.

I suppose Quiessence might make it kind of difficult to develop any real notoriety, unless you make a point of casting your spells in such a way as to make them not obviously magical.

Nah, no notoriety is good. I'm trying to bring in what I liked from Genius, and "no matter how much shit you start you'll never change the world" was a big thing there. Plus, it's like how no one in the Venture Bros who isn't part of the hero/villain community knows who The Monarch is.

I'm actually thinking of making a houserule that Mages take Bans and Banes when they gain Gnosis and lose Wisdom.