| From: | Luke Kendall <luke@********.CANON.OZ.AU> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Attitude to magic (Was: Re: Bands in SR) |
| Date: | Tue, 25 Oct 1994 15:44:27 +1100 |
>
Rat> It doesn't matter. If the crowd /thinks/ you're using mind altering spells
Rat> on them, you're in big trouble.
>
> Magister> The only spells that would be used would be illusion spells.
>
Rat> And how does a non-mage know the difference?
>
> Magister> Why use a trid screen to create pictures when you can use magic.
> Magister> For that matter, why use anything when you can use magic???
>
Rat> Lynchings tend to put severe cramps in most performers' lifestyles.
Gareth> Nah, I think Magister's right, illusion spells could create really
Gareth> impressive spectacles at concerts, special effects for stage plays,
Gareth> etc.
Magister:
> Just because it's in Shadowbeat does not mean that it can't be done.
> I interpreted it to mean magic that is harmful. You definitely would
> not want to cast mana spells or anything that would hurt someone. All
> I'm saying is simple, ethreal illusions. Ones that are made to
> enhance the music, not control anyone.
Rat:
> But, according to Shadowbeat, the last time illusions were used during a
> concert there were a number of deaths in the ensuing riot. What caused the
> riot? People thought that their minds were being controlled. They weren't,
> but they /thought/ they were. That's enough to cause a major problem.
>
> You wanna get lynched, that's fine by me. But don't cry when it happens.
In the standard FASA world (which Magister's apparently differs from -
which is his choice) - the general populace's attitude to the use of
magic is one of fear and distrust.
This is mentioned throughout a lot of FASA's source material. It also
explains why hospitals don't all have mages in-house ready to heal
people. The normal law of supply and demand would guarantee this was
the case, even if you chose to ignore the existence of humanitarian
mages who would contribute their services free (or at-cost).
The same is true in most areas of society. Magic is power - we're
all agreed on that. For many tasks, magic is faster and simpler,
and even better. Unless you have this general fear of magic, the
society that would exist in a magic-rich world like Shadowrun would
be _nothing_ like our world today, or even the world of Shadowrun.
And it's perfectly reasonable to take this attitude. Think about
the saying: Power corrupts. Think about how subtle magic (SR) can
be. Think about how many non-saintly mages there would be. So,
(a) there would be plenty of examples of the misuse of magic to
have earned it this general reputation.
(b) A mage is, effectively, a superman. A superior human being that
can do things you cannot ever hope to match.
To me, it's obvious that the FASA `line' on the general public's
attitude to magic is spot-on. So: if you want a riot at a concert,
let someone convince them that a mage is present and casting spells
`for' the whole crowd.
So, while that marvellous `holographic' image up there is dazzling
you, what are those strange half-thoughts, that you can only half-
sense, being broadcast into your head? Or is he just marking you,
for an astral visit the next night? Or ...
I think this issue is an important one. In a well-run campaign, the
general attitude to magic will influence _everything_.
Of course, enlightened runners know better. Hell, most even have a
mage or two in their group. And they're no better or worse than the
average person.
Well, until they become _really_ powerful. Then, you know, it does
seem that they become just that bit more ... arrogant, you know?
luke
PS
I think FASA don't reinforce this enough. For the stuff I'm working
on, I've fleshed this out with mentions of `famous' recent events of
really horrifying abuses of magical power.
The destruction of an entire nation by one person through the exercise
of that being's magical abilities doesn't seem to count. After all,
Iran were the bad guys.
Weren't they?
