| From: | Tim Cooper <z-i-m@****.COM> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: [SR3] Magical Magic |
| Date: | Mon, 7 Jul 1997 13:54:06 EDT |
<wma6617@****.TAMU.EDU> writes:
>The Great Steve wrote:
>
>OK, I'm getting some good feedback. Here's Survey Question #3...
>
>One comment I've heard a lot of is "magic in Shadowrun should have more
>of a mystical/magical feel to it than it does now."
>******
>
>I am inclined to agree with the more "scientific" viewpoint. Most
people
>would approach magic using the only framewoek they have, which is a
>scientific/mathematical backgound. The shamans while using dancing,
>chanting etc etc would still view the big picture in a scientific way.
>
>i.e. "Well mana is this it obeys these 'rules' ... I access and control
>the mana via my totem, the ritual ..."
Nope, nope, nope.
Any shaman like that would probably be a closet hermetic who's only
fooling *himself*.
To hermetics, magic is a science with clearly defined laws, theories and
procedures.
To a shaman, magic is more of a living art or a debate with the natural
forces. You don't do things because of this and such law of metaphysics
and mana-flow dynamics, but rather cause it's what would make the spell
this time - as it may be different later.... Oh, I don't know, I'm more
of a scientific kinda guy to begin with, but I *know* that shamans don't
view it that way.
Just look at the two styles of spell/focus/ally/whatever designs.
Hermetics use complex mathematical formula, while shamans use a
sandpainting, or a sculpture or a song or something else.
~Tim
