Knot Another Magic System!

[L. Marcus]

Well, it was a while ago, so time to actually do something that actually relates to Hero . . .

I'm assembling a little magic system for my sort-of Sword & Sorcery/Low Fantasy campaign, an interresting little thing, if I may say so . . . I'd just like to know what you people think.

The system's called Knot Magic, and basically the caster ties a certain knot and hey presto! Magic results. It is not a very highly regarded way of working magic, but it works, and Knot Magic practicioners are respected by the common folk.

The Knotters, as they are known, can be found in just about every village; maybe a stable hand knows just the right knot to make the horses trust him, or a goodwife knows how to tie you good healing . . .

The effects of the spells in Knot Magic are not large, and not very spectacular, so they are bought with a maximum of 20 Active Points, and no flashy stuff like fireballs and such are allowed. Each spell must take IIF Fragile (knotting material of opportunity; -1/2), Extra Time (full phase; -1/2), Concentration (-1/2 DCV; -1/4), Gestures (both hands; -1/2), and Requires a Knot Magic Roll (-1/2), for a grand total of -2 1/4.

Fading: This knot is a great aid in times of trouble; it helps you hide, either yourself or someone or something else. When the subject of the spell moves, the spell is broken, and it has to be recast if the caster wants to hide something again.

+3 Skill Levels to Concealment, Usable By Others (+1/4), Uncontrolled (spell ends when subject moves; +1/2); 16 APts; Common Limitations (-2 1/4); 5 RPts.

Knot Of Recuperation: A very useful knot, known and practiced in all Undermount. It helps the body's own healing work, and can relieve tiredness and fatigue. The subject can only benefit from the spell when lying down; if he stands, the enchantment is broken.

+4 REC, Usable By Others (+1/4), Uncontrolled (spell ends when subject stands; +1/2); 14 APts; Common Limitations (-2 1/4); 4 RPts.

Knot Of The North Star: The North Star, in Imperial tradition, is the source of all luck, and that is a fare of which you cannot have too much! This knot makes you lucky!

2d6 Luck, Usable By Others (+1/4), Uncontrolled (spell ends when at least one six is rolled; +1/2); 17 APts; Common Limitations (-2 1/4), Nonpersistent (-1/4); 5 RPts.

Actually, I'm not perfectly happy about these spells. I don't like that the breaking condition (the Uncontrolled) - that's basically a limitation on the spell - ended up on the plus side, but I don't know how else to model that "when you do this, the spell breaks." Does anyone know where I go wrong?

Well, that's about the gist of it. This system is mainly there for the flavour; a bit of hedge magic, that might come in handy. I doubt any of my players will want to play a Knotter, but one or two tricks up the sleeve has never harmed anyone. Except perhaps the focus of the tricks, maybe.

[badger3k]

I like the idea. It can add some character and color, and offer some RP possibilities. When I looked at the title, I thought of the quipa of the Inca - they used knotted strings to record information. You never know - somebody may use it (I keep putting little things like this in HD for my game, but most don't use them. Someday...)

[UltraRob]

Very cool idea. I like it! It's the subtle uses of magic that people tend to forget. I once had a villian take out one of my characters through using magic to cause food poisoning...

Rob

[L. Marcus]

Very cool idea. I like it! It's the subtle uses of magic that people tend to forget. I once had a villian take out one of my characters through using magic to cause food poisoning...

Ouch . . . That must've hurt - your pride, if nothing else!

I like the idea. It can add some character and color, and offer some RP possibilities. When I looked at the title, I thought of the quipa of the Inca - they used knotted strings to record information. You never know - somebody may use it (I keep putting little things like this in HD for my game, but most don't use them. Someday...)

Yeah, I like these little flavour things in the background.

And btw, the quipa knottings is probably where this system comes from. That and the Celtic knot decorations.

[Blue Jogger]

[QUOTE=L. Marcus]
Actually, I'm not perfectly happy about these spells. I don't like that the breaking condition (the Uncontrolled) - that's basically a limitation on the spell - ended up on the plus side, but I don't know how else to model that "when you do this, the spell breaks." Does anyone know where I go wrong?
[QUOTE]

Well, in Hero, there are many ways to achieve the same effect. I would have gone with Continuous Charges and then a limitation based on how likely difficult/annoying avoiding the ending condition turns out to be.

[L. Marcus]

Well, in Hero, there are many ways to achieve the same effect. I would have gone with Continuous Charges and then a limitation based on how likely difficult/annoying avoiding the ending condition turns out to be.

I thought about this, and didn't use it because with Charges you can only cast the spell so many times a day.

But if the Charge was Recoverable . . . Hmmm . . . !

[joen00b]

Very unique idea, I dig it!

[L. Marcus]

Very unique idea, I dig it!

I thank you, kind sir! Keep it coming!

Seriously, the Continuing Charges thing has got me thinking . . . And how much would a Limitation like Spell Breaks If Subject Moves be worth? I figure -1/4, since Concealment supposes that you're stationary, anyway . . .

[Lord Liaden]

There's actually a precedent for this sort of thing in Norse magical tradition, sometimes called "rope magic" or "cord magic". Some spells were written up quite similar to yours for the 4E "Campaign Classic" supplement, Vikings, from ICE.

I hope that news is encouraging; if it's disappointing, I'm sorry. I'm certain you came up with it on your own, though.

[L. Marcus]

There's actually a precedent for this sort of thing in Norse magical tradition, sometimes called "rope magic" or "cord magic". Some spells were written up quite similar to yours for the 4E "Campaign Classic" supplement, Vikings, from ICE.

Aha? Never heard of it . . . I think. But it was a long time ago that I read the sagas and the Edda . . . But I agree that it would fit the flavour of Norse mythology.

I hope that news is encouraging; if it's disappointing, I'm sorry. I'm certain you came up with it on your own, though.

Ah, no big deal. Great minds, and that . . .

[L. Marcus]

I do know, however, that people carved runes well into the beginning of the 20th century.

[PhilFleischmann]

Great idea! I really like magic that is more subtle and creative than the deendee fireballs etc. I do stuff like this all the time in my FH campaign (though not with knots, yet - I'll probably borrow this idea soon).

And don't forget the Law of Double Nodulation:
Tie the exact mirror image of a knot to Suppress/Dispel the original knot.

Can anyone identify where I got that idea from?

[L. Marcus]

Great idea! I really like magic that is more subtle and creative than the deendee fireballs etc. I do stuff like this all the time in my FH campaign (though not with knots, yet - I'll probably borrow this idea soon).

Why, by all means! Go right ahead!

Do you have any suggestions on improvements? I think I'll do the Continuing Charges thing in the final version, but do you have any other way?

And don't forget the Law of Double Nodulation:
Tie the exact mirror image of a knot to Suppress/Dispel the original knot.

Hmmm . . .

Can anyone identify where I got that idea from?

Dunno, but it sounds like math . . .

[PhilFleischmann]

I don't think you need the Uncontrolled at all. Concealment, REC, and Luck don't require END to use and are in a sense, already constant. Just a limitation -1/4 or -1/2 "Spell ends when you do X" or "Spell lasts only as long as you do X." As written, I might rule that the Luck one should only work once, since you didn't buy continuous. You might also take a look at the Lingering Advantage from FH. Perhaps these magical knots have a tendency to unravel after a minute or so...

A few ideas that occur to me (but you'll have to work out the mechanics yourself):

Knot of Freshness: Tie this knot in a piece of string around some food, and it will never spoil.

Knots of Communication: Two strings must first be attuned to each other. You tie a knot in one, and the same knot appears in the other, miles away. This signals to your buddy that you need him. Different knots could signal different kinds of messages. (Mind Link, limited types of messages available).

Knot of Contemplation: Tie this knot and display it to your enemy. He will stare at it trying to figure out how to untie it, giving you a chance to run away. (Mind Control, one command "stare intently at the knot", spell ends if you attack the target or directly endanger him.)

Knot of Bolstering: This knot will temporarily strengthen inanimate objects that might otherwise break under strain of use. The rickety rope bridge won't hold your party's weight, but if you tie this knot, it can "borrow" the strength of the knot for as long as it holds. When the pursuing orcs reach the bridge, untie the knot. (Aid/Succor to BODY, objects only [perhaps only on objects made of rope, string, or similar materials])

[L. Marcus]

I don't think you need the Uncontrolled at all. Concealment, REC, and Luck don't require END to use and are in a sense, already constant. Just a limitation -1/4 or -1/2 "Spell ends when you do X" or "Spell lasts only as long as you do X." As written, I might rule that the Luck one should only work once, since you didn't buy continuous. You might also take a look at the Lingering Advantage from FH. Perhaps these magical knots have a tendency to unravel after a minute or so...

Agreed on the Uncontrolled . . . I'll work on this during my vacation. And the Ending Limitations should be about that large, but I can't trust myself to pick the right amount . . . Ah, well. I'll know how wrong they are ater a few castings . . . GM's Fiat allows for backpaddling, right?

And I think Luck is Persistent, so therefore 'automatically' Constant. I like that it will guaranteedly work at least once, and that the knot won't be a waste of thread.

A few ideas that occur to me (but you'll have to work out the mechanics yourself): [snippety]

I like these . . .They'll come in handy, I suspect. Knot of Freshness would be a Transform, perhaps? 1d6 Functional Transform, 'food to food that won't spoil' (standard effect).