So, not only do wizards have to deal with Patrons and corruption, but they ain't getting any either! Who wants to be a mage now? I feel very strongly about enforcing this little tidbit of color - we'll see how my players react."There is so strong a connection in legend (and indeed in history) between celibacy, or virginity, and power, that I have thought it reasonable to insist on Merlin's virginity."
Thoughts on Appendix N and Magic
Moderators: DJ LaBoss, finarvyn, michaelcurtis, Harley Stroh
Thoughts on Appendix N and Magic
I'm fairly new to Appendix N - even though I've played RPGs since the early 80s, I'm just now starting to go through those books. One of the first ones I went through were the first three books in Andre Norton's Witchworld series. Those that have read those know there is a link between being able to do magic and...umm...shall we say the lack of carnal knowledge. Most recently, I've started to reread Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy (Crystal Cave, Hollow Hills, Last Enchantment). While not strictly Appendix N, I did come across this little note at the end of The Crystal Cave:
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Re: Thoughts on Appendix N and Magic
It's an interesting observation and certainly I can see where it has a historical basis if you include some of the virgins who were found in early temples. Of course, that's more like cleric magic instead of wizard magic, but at least not unheard of. Also there is the virgin-unicorn connection.
It would also explain why Conan couldn't cast spells and was out to get any evil wizard he could find.
It would also explain why Conan couldn't cast spells and was out to get any evil wizard he could find.
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DCC Minister of Propaganda; Deputized 6/8/11 (over 11 years of SPAM bustin'!)
DCC RPG playtester 2011, DCC Lankhmar trivia contest winner 2015; OD&D player since 1975
"The worthy GM never purposely kills players' PCs, He presents opportunities for the rash and unthinking players to do that all on their own."
-- Gary Gygax
"Don't ask me what you need to hit. Just roll the die and I will let you know!"
-- Dave Arneson
"Misinterpreting the rules is a shared memory for many of us"
-- Joseph Goodman
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Re: Thoughts on Appendix N and Magic
And explains why so many wizards are evil...finarvyn wrote:It would also explain why Conan couldn't cast spells and was out to get any evil wizard he could find.
Dieter Zimmerman
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Re: Thoughts on Appendix N and Magic
mythfish wrote:And explains why so many wizards are evil...finarvyn wrote:It would also explain why Conan couldn't cast spells and was out to get any evil wizard he could find.
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Re: Thoughts on Appendix N and Magic
Conan employs a witch-symbol in part V of "Beyond the Black River". It's not a spell, but it's something.finarvyn wrote:Conan couldn't cast spells...
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Re: Thoughts on Appendix N and Magic
Maybe that was in his pre-wenching days?Geoffrey wrote:Conan employs a witch-symbol in part V of "Beyond the Black River". It's not a spell, but it's something.finarvyn wrote:Conan couldn't cast spells...
Marv / Finarvyn
DCC Minister of Propaganda; Deputized 6/8/11 (over 11 years of SPAM bustin'!)
DCC RPG playtester 2011, DCC Lankhmar trivia contest winner 2015; OD&D player since 1975
"The worthy GM never purposely kills players' PCs, He presents opportunities for the rash and unthinking players to do that all on their own."
-- Gary Gygax
"Don't ask me what you need to hit. Just roll the die and I will let you know!"
-- Dave Arneson
"Misinterpreting the rules is a shared memory for many of us"
-- Joseph Goodman
DCC Minister of Propaganda; Deputized 6/8/11 (over 11 years of SPAM bustin'!)
DCC RPG playtester 2011, DCC Lankhmar trivia contest winner 2015; OD&D player since 1975
"The worthy GM never purposely kills players' PCs, He presents opportunities for the rash and unthinking players to do that all on their own."
-- Gary Gygax
"Don't ask me what you need to hit. Just roll the die and I will let you know!"
-- Dave Arneson
"Misinterpreting the rules is a shared memory for many of us"
-- Joseph Goodman
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Re: Thoughts on Appendix N and Magic
As long as your group does not consist of LARPers.... you should be fine.sbwilson wrote: So, not only do wizards have to deal with Patrons and corruption, but they ain't getting any either! Who wants to be a mage now? I feel very strongly about enforcing this little tidbit of color - we'll see how my players react.
Andy
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