Magic theory: Difference between revisions

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'''Magic Theory''', sometimes called Hermetic theory, refers to the set of universal magical principles developed by [[Bonisagus the Founder|Bonisagus]] and the other [[Founder]]s.<ref name="Foundation">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 9, "The Foundation of the Order"</ref> Magic theory is a body of knowledge that describes how magic works, and transcends the scope of any single [[Art]].
'''Magic Theory''' refers to the theoretical principles that underlie [[Hermetic Magic]]. It is a general, unified theory that includes principles such as the [[Laws of Magic]], the [[Hermetic Limits]], and the use of [[Arcane Connection]]s. Magic theory transcends the scope of any single [[Art]].


== Background ==
There is an [[Arcane Ability]] called Magic Theory that represents knowledge of, and practical experience with, magic theory.<ref name="Ability">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 66, "Magic Theory"</ref>
[[Bonisagus the Founder]] developed Hermetic Magic Theory, which assimilates and extends the knowledge of earlier magical [[tradition]]s such as the Cults of [[Cult of Mercury|Mercury]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras Mithras], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris Osiris]<ref>''[[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]]'', p. 5</ref>. Bonisagus created it by carefully studying spells from several different magical traditions and identifying the commonalities among them. By extracting and formalizing these common principles, Bonisagus created a framework that made it easier to learn, teach, and record magical spells and enchantments.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fourth Edition]]'', p. 64, "Hermetic Magic"</ref>
 
== Importance of Magic Theory ==
Magic theory is Bonisagus's second great invention, after [[Parma Magica]].<ref name="Foundation" /> It is a single, universal theory that describes how all magic works, meaning that magic from almost any [[tradition]] can be explained in terms of Hermetic theory. (Note that [[Mystery|mysteries]] generally teach knowledge outside the conventional boundaries of magic theory.){{Citation needed}}
 
According to the the [[ArM5]] rule book,
 
<blockquote>
The most immediate advantage of Hermetic magic was that it allowed  wizards  of  diverse  magical  backgrounds  to  share  their  knowledge.  Before Bonisagus’ theory, the practice of magic had been highly individualized and therefore limited in scope. With the ability to share and accumulate knowledge, Hermetic magi gained an immense advantage over other wizards.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 75, first paragraph</ref>
</blockquote>
 
Thus, magic theory makes it possible for magi of the [[Order of Hermes]], even those of different [[Houses of Hermes|Houses]], to teach magic to one another and to write [[book]]s about the [[Art]]s.
 
== Characteristics of Magic Theory ==
While Bonisagus's theory is very useful for making magic understandable, that is not the same as making it entirely systematic or predictable. The [[ArM5]] rule book points out that every magus's magic is a little bit idiosyncratic<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 30, second paragraph</ref> and using magic is complex and not entirely predictable.<ref name="PhaseOfMoon" />
 
The Ars Magica rules don't describe the actual tenets of magic theory in much detail. [[Magus|Magi]] know a lot about magic theory, but players only need to know how the magic rules work. Magic theory incorporates various forms of occult knowledge including [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology astrology]<ref name="PhaseOfMoon">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 75, third paragraph</ref><ref name="Sympathetic">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 84, "Sympathetic Connections" (inset)</ref>, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy alchemy]<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 101, "Longevity Rituals"</ref>, and the magical properties of gemstones<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 110, "[[Shape and Material Bonus]]es" (table)</ref>.


Presumably, the other [[Founders]] helped to develop magic theory, but [[ArM5]] only discusses the other aspects of Hermetic magic, such as [[spontaneous magic]] or [[enchanted item]]s, that they contributed to the early Order.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 9, "The Foundation of the Order"</ref>
The [[Limits of Magic]] describe what magic ''can't'' do.


== Magic Theory Ability ==
The [[Laws of Magic]] are part of magic theory and the rules occasionally refer to them.
In Ars Magica, "Magic Theory" is an [[Arcane Ability]] possessed by virtually all [[Hermetic]] [[magi]]. The [[ArM5]] rule book describes Magic Theory as "knowledge of what magic is and how it works."<ref name="Ability">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 66, "Magic Theory"</ref> The Magic Theory Ability is primarily used in the [[laboratory]], where it one of the statistics used to calculate the [[Laboratory Total]].


=== Uses of Magic Theory ===
[[Arcane connection]]s are important in magic theory, allowing a magus to affect a distant person, creature, or object through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sympathetic_magic sympathetic magic].
The Magic Theory Ability is very important to a magus because the character's score in Magic Theory is added to his or her [[Lab Total]].  Therefore it is important for all [[Laboratory]] activities, including learning spells, inventing new spells, enchanting devices, and creating a [[Longevity Ritual]].


A magus's Magic Theory score determines the amount of [[Vis]] he or she can use in the laboratory.  This limit can be found on page 94 of ArM5. Magic Theory further limits the number of components one can incorporate into an [[Enchanted device|invested item]] (see [[ArM5]] page 97), is required to set up an Hermetic laboratory, to copy books on magic effectively, and so on. Magic Theory further limits the number of components one can incorporate into an invested item (see [[ArM5]] page 97), is required to set up an Hermetic laboratory, to copy books on magic effectively, and so on.
== The Magic Theory Ability ==
The [[Arcane Ability]], Magic Theory<ref name="Ability" />, represents an Ars Magica character's proficiency in understanding and correctly applying magic theory. Magi use it extensively used in their [[laboratory]] activities, such as inventing spells and creating enchanted devices.


=== Learning Magic Theory ===
=== Learning Magic Theory ===
Anyone can learn [[Magic Theory]]. However, in [[ArM5]], with a few rare exceptions (e.g. Failed Apprentices and [[Familiar|Familiars]]), only characters with [[The Gift]] can assist a magus in the lab.
All magi need a certain minimum score<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 32, "Magus Only -- Apprenticeship"</ref> in Magic Theory to comply with [[ArM5]] rules. It's advisable to create a magus character with a higher score than that bare minimum.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 32, "Hermetic Magi Recommended Minimum Abilities"</ref>
 
Non-magi can learn the Magic Theory Ability (note that access to all [[Arcane Ability|Arcane Abilities at character creation is restricted), but it primarily useful only to characters who work in an Hermetic [[laboratory]]: [[magi]], [[apprentice]]s, and [[familiar]]s. One of the few uses non-magi have for Magic Theory is in copying books: scribes who copy books on the [[Art]]s need a certain score in Magic Theory or else they will produce corrupted copies.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 166, "Corrupted Copies"</ref>
 
==== Uses of the Magic Theory Ability ====
The Magic Theory Ability is very important to a magus because it affects practically all of a magus's [[laboratory]] activities. Specifically:


== Alternatives to Magic Theory ==
* It is used to calculate the magus's [[Lab Total]].<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 94, "Basic Laboratory Activities"</ref> It also determines the bonus to Lab Total a magus can get using [[experimentation]].<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 108, "Inventing a Spell by Experimentation"</ref>
* At [[character generation]], a magus's Magic Theory score partly determines the maximum [[Level]] of the [[forumulaic spell]]s he can know.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 29, "Detailed Character Creation Summary" (inset)</ref>
* It determines the amount of [[raw vis]] a magus may use in a season of lab work.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 94, "Vis"</ref>
* It determines how many different pieces a magus can combine into a single enchanted item to obtain different [[Shape and material bonus]]ses.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 97, "Preparation for Enchantment"</ref>
* A magus needs a certain minimum score in Magic Theory to set up his own laboratory<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 94, "Creating a Laboratory"</ref>
* When creating an advanced magus character (one who has been out of apprenticeship for several years before starting play), the character's Magic Theory score determines how many enchanted items he may have<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 32, "Magus Only -- After Apprenticeship"</ref>
* A score in Magic Theory is required to serve a magus as a laboratory assistant.<ref name="Help">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 103, "Help in the Laboratory"</ref> [[The Gift]] is normally required as well<ref name="Help" />, but failed apprentices<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 42, "Failed Apprentice"</ref> are an exception.
* Magic Theory is used in certain [[Mystery|Mysteries]], such as [[Potent Magic]]<ref>''[[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]'', p. 6, "Potent Magic and Potent Spells"</ref> and [[Bind Curse]].<ref>''[[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]'', p. 131 "Bind Curse (Major House Mystery)"</ref>
 
 
=== Alternatives to the Magic Theory Ability ===
Magi of [[House Merinita]] can use their score in [[Faerie Magic]] in lieu of Magic Theory under certain circumstances.<ref>''[[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]'', p.  88, "New Abilities"</ref>
Magi of [[House Merinita]] can use their score in [[Faerie Magic]] in lieu of Magic Theory under certain circumstances.<ref>''[[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]'', p.  88, "New Abilities"</ref>


Some [[Hedge Magic|Hedge Wizards]] can perform limited [[Laboratory]] activities.{{Citation needed}}
The [[Mystery]] of [[Vulgar Alchemy]] uses [[Magic Lore]] in addition to Magic Theory.<ref>''[[The Mysteries Revised Edition]]'', p. 32, "Vulgar Alchemy -- Minor Hermetic Mystery Virtue"</ref>
 
 
== History of Magic Theory =
[[Bonisagus the Founder]] developed Hermetic Magic Theory, which assimilates and extends the knowledge of earlier magical [[tradition]]s such as the Cults of [[Cult of Mercury|Mercury]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras Mithras], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris Osiris]<ref>''[[Houses of Hermes: True Lineages]]'', p. 5</ref>. Bonisagus created it by carefully studying spells from several different magical traditions and identifying the commonalities among them. By extracting and formalizing these common principles, Bonisagus created a framework that made it easier to learn, teach, and record magical spells and enchantments.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fourth Edition]]'', p. 64, "Hermetic Magic"</ref>
 
Presumably, the other [[Founders]] helped to develop magic theory, but [[ArM5]] only discusses the other aspects of Hermetic magic, such as [[spontaneous magic]] or [[enchanted item]]s, that they contributed to the early Order.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 9, "The Foundation of the Order"</ref>
 


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 18:05, 25 April 2013

Magic Theory, sometimes called Hermetic theory, refers to the set of universal magical principles developed by Bonisagus and the other Founders.[1] Magic theory is a body of knowledge that describes how magic works, and transcends the scope of any single Art.

There is an Arcane Ability called Magic Theory that represents knowledge of, and practical experience with, magic theory.[2]

Importance of Magic Theory

Magic theory is Bonisagus's second great invention, after Parma Magica.[1] It is a single, universal theory that describes how all magic works, meaning that magic from almost any tradition can be explained in terms of Hermetic theory. (Note that mysteries generally teach knowledge outside the conventional boundaries of magic theory.)[citation needed]

According to the the ArM5 rule book,

The most immediate advantage of Hermetic magic was that it allowed wizards of diverse magical backgrounds to share their knowledge. Before Bonisagus’ theory, the practice of magic had been highly individualized and therefore limited in scope. With the ability to share and accumulate knowledge, Hermetic magi gained an immense advantage over other wizards.[3]

Thus, magic theory makes it possible for magi of the Order of Hermes, even those of different Houses, to teach magic to one another and to write books about the Arts.

Characteristics of Magic Theory

While Bonisagus's theory is very useful for making magic understandable, that is not the same as making it entirely systematic or predictable. The ArM5 rule book points out that every magus's magic is a little bit idiosyncratic[4] and using magic is complex and not entirely predictable.[5]

The Ars Magica rules don't describe the actual tenets of magic theory in much detail. Magi know a lot about magic theory, but players only need to know how the magic rules work. Magic theory incorporates various forms of occult knowledge including astrology[5][6], alchemy[7], and the magical properties of gemstones[8].

The Limits of Magic describe what magic can't do.

The Laws of Magic are part of magic theory and the rules occasionally refer to them.

Arcane connections are important in magic theory, allowing a magus to affect a distant person, creature, or object through sympathetic magic.

The Magic Theory Ability

The Arcane Ability, Magic Theory[2], represents an Ars Magica character's proficiency in understanding and correctly applying magic theory. Magi use it extensively used in their laboratory activities, such as inventing spells and creating enchanted devices.

Learning Magic Theory

All magi need a certain minimum score[9] in Magic Theory to comply with ArM5 rules. It's advisable to create a magus character with a higher score than that bare minimum.[10]

Non-magi can learn the Magic Theory Ability (note that access to all [[Arcane Ability|Arcane Abilities at character creation is restricted), but it primarily useful only to characters who work in an Hermetic laboratory: magi, apprentices, and familiars. One of the few uses non-magi have for Magic Theory is in copying books: scribes who copy books on the Arts need a certain score in Magic Theory or else they will produce corrupted copies.[11]

Uses of the Magic Theory Ability

The Magic Theory Ability is very important to a magus because it affects practically all of a magus's laboratory activities. Specifically:

  • It is used to calculate the magus's Lab Total.[12] It also determines the bonus to Lab Total a magus can get using experimentation.[13]
  • At character generation, a magus's Magic Theory score partly determines the maximum Level of the forumulaic spells he can know.[14]
  • It determines the amount of raw vis a magus may use in a season of lab work.[15]
  • It determines how many different pieces a magus can combine into a single enchanted item to obtain different Shape and material bonusses.[16]
  • A magus needs a certain minimum score in Magic Theory to set up his own laboratory[17]
  • When creating an advanced magus character (one who has been out of apprenticeship for several years before starting play), the character's Magic Theory score determines how many enchanted items he may have[18]
  • A score in Magic Theory is required to serve a magus as a laboratory assistant.[19] The Gift is normally required as well[19], but failed apprentices[20] are an exception.
  • Magic Theory is used in certain Mysteries, such as Potent Magic[21] and Bind Curse.[22]


Alternatives to the Magic Theory Ability

Magi of House Merinita can use their score in Faerie Magic in lieu of Magic Theory under certain circumstances.[23]

The Mystery of Vulgar Alchemy uses Magic Lore in addition to Magic Theory.[24]


= History of Magic Theory

Bonisagus the Founder developed Hermetic Magic Theory, which assimilates and extends the knowledge of earlier magical traditions such as the Cults of Mercury, Mithras, and Osiris[25]. Bonisagus created it by carefully studying spells from several different magical traditions and identifying the commonalities among them. By extracting and formalizing these common principles, Bonisagus created a framework that made it easier to learn, teach, and record magical spells and enchantments.[26]

Presumably, the other Founders helped to develop magic theory, but ArM5 only discusses the other aspects of Hermetic magic, such as spontaneous magic or enchanted items, that they contributed to the early Order.[27]


References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 9, "The Foundation of the Order"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 66, "Magic Theory"
  3. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 75, first paragraph
  4. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 30, second paragraph
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 75, third paragraph
  6. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 84, "Sympathetic Connections" (inset)
  7. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 101, "Longevity Rituals"
  8. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 110, "Shape and Material Bonuses" (table)
  9. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 32, "Magus Only -- Apprenticeship"
  10. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 32, "Hermetic Magi Recommended Minimum Abilities"
  11. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 166, "Corrupted Copies"
  12. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 94, "Basic Laboratory Activities"
  13. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 108, "Inventing a Spell by Experimentation"
  14. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 29, "Detailed Character Creation Summary" (inset)
  15. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 94, "Vis"
  16. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 97, "Preparation for Enchantment"
  17. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 94, "Creating a Laboratory"
  18. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 32, "Magus Only -- After Apprenticeship"
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 103, "Help in the Laboratory"
  20. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 42, "Failed Apprentice"
  21. ↑ Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults, p. 6, "Potent Magic and Potent Spells"
  22. ↑ Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults, p. 131 "Bind Curse (Major House Mystery)"
  23. ↑ Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults, p. 88, "New Abilities"
  24. ↑ The Mysteries Revised Edition, p. 32, "Vulgar Alchemy -- Minor Hermetic Mystery Virtue"
  25. ↑ Houses of Hermes: True Lineages, p. 5
  26. ↑ Ars Magica Fourth Edition, p. 64, "Hermetic Magic"
  27. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 9, "The Foundation of the Order"

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