Magic

Marvel Heroic Roleplaying – Magic

Fundamental Concepts of Magic

Magic in the Marvel Universe is different from magic in other comic book universes. Magical power in the Marvel Universe is divided into three different types: personal energies, universal energies and dimensional energies. All magic power is built on common ground, that of reshaping existing power, found in either yourself, your universe, or summoned from other dimensions, to form that you desire. What is important to Marvel Magicians, is the reference to the ultimate power coming from the sun, which is our own star. This may explain why the forces of light, usually referred to as the forces of Order or good, can hold sway over the forces of Chaos or evil. It is what gives the Doctor Stranges and Shamans of this world their advantage.

Note that though Order is usually associated with good and Chaos with evil, these terms are not always equivalent. An entity devoted to order may commit oppressive acts that a human would perceive as evil to maintain Order, for example. Conversely, a Chaotic entity might work to overthrow an oppresive regime, which most humans would see as a good act.

There are a number of different schools of magic (discussed in Chapter 2) but there are only three types of magical energies in the Marvel Universe: Personal Energy, Universal Energy, and Dimensional Energy.

Personal Energies are those derived from the life force of the Sorcerer.  Continual use of such energy would rapidly deplete a normal being, consuming his life energy and thus leaving him dead. Sorcerers learn, through meditation techniques and trained willpower, how to activate these latent human abilities and use them for their own needs without seriously depleting their life forces. Personal Energies can only be used to power abilities developed through mental studies and are thus mainly limited (and represented by) to Mental Powers (Chaotic mages often use them for physical alterations as well). Examples include (but are not limited to) Hypnotism, Mind Control, Astral Projection, and Telepathy. All Personal abilities must be Mystic-Linked to differentiate them from actual powers. Personal Energy Spells can be increased in power through meditation and constant use (i.e. XP expenditure).

Sorcerors can tap into the Universal Energies of their home dimension and draw forth magical energy for their spells — this is the Sorcery Power in game terms. This can be a tiring task (represented by Sorcery’s effect on the SPIRIT of the mage). The soul of the sorcerer is represented by his Mystical Attributes, and it is these that focus his Sorcery. Universal energies are typically used for teleportation, conjurations, dimensional traveling, illusion-casting, energy projection, energy shields and so forth. Basically, any spell cast that requires no verbal entreaty and is not Personal in nature is a Sorcery spell (examples: Mystic Blast, Mystic Senses, Mystic Shield, etc.).

Universal Spells usually require gestures and words to be activated. Some Universal Energies can be used by Astral Forms if they possess a dimensional anchor in the form of an artifact or familiar. For example, Doctor Strange has the Amulet of Agamotto as his dimensional anchor and is able to use it to affect others within the Earth Dimension even when he himself is traveling astrally. In a similar way, a familiar can be used as a living dimensional anchor, but the mage can only affect things on the plane where his familiar currently exists. Universal Energy Spells cannot be easily increased in power (the character uses Plot Points to increase the Sorcery Power).

Dimensional Energies are those bestowed upon a sorcerer from an other-dimensional Entity. These Entities must be entreated by the sorcerer using ritual spells and possibly sacrifices or promises. Once entreated, an Entity then bestows the power to work the spell upon the sorcerer and the spell is completed. In essence, any spell in which an Entity is called upon to cast it, is a Dimensional Ritual, whether it is a Power, use of Sorcery, or a Ritual. Also, any Power mimicked with the addition of Limitations and Bonuses modifying the Power require it to be Dimensional in nature. For more details on entities and the benefits they provide, see Chapter 4.