What is Magic and How Does it Affect Me?
Hello again Allstars! Let’s talk about Magic! What is Magic? Also known as Arcana, Mana, Magicka, or Devine Power, Magic is a mysterious force that allows the most gifted and most disciplined users to manipulate reality. Magic is a mythical source of power that has been apart of human history for thousands of years, and it’s no surprise that it would become a major part of the Dungeons & Dragons Franchise. Throughout history some of the most powerful rulers, and leaders have been believed to have some sort of Magical abilities. In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, these abilities can be manifested in awesome and wonderous ways. Whether you are a Player who has just rolled their first wizard, playing a Fighter who has just encountered his first Vampire, or a Dungeon Master looking for new and creative ways to challenge your party, Magic can play a huge roll in each session that you play.
For many players, the idea of using magic to solve problems, and end conflicts is an attractive part of D&D. Magic is often times used as a tool by classes known as spellcasters to achieve certain goals. There are may types of spellcasters, some gain their power through careful study and years of practice. Other Casters are born with natural abilities to manipulate reality. Still other Casters are gifted their powers by powerful Gods, or ancient primordial beings. Where ever you draw your power from, you can be sure that the possibilities will be limitless. Of course, you can use your magic to hurl a firebolt at a goblin raider, or to splash corrosive acid on a brutish highwayman, but damage dealing spells are only the tip of the iceberg. Magic can also be used to manipulate the thoughts and decisions of weaker minded NPC’s. Some spells can be used to create water in a desert wasteland, or walk straight up a cliff face as if it were nothing more than a bumpy road. Still other spells can be used to slow down assailants, or even completely immobilize a fleeing target. The most powerful Spellcasters even have abilities that allow them to summon powerful allies to their side, or even grant wishes!
While playing as a Spellcaster is most definitely a blast, they can prove to be deadly foes in combat. Servings as hired thugs, advisors to lords and ladies, or even commanding henchmen of their own, Spellcasters can be as deadly and efficient as any Barbarian, Ranger or Rogue. As a Player, if you encounter a Spellcasting adversary it is important to give them the proper respect on the battlefield, or else you may find yourself separated from your team, trapped behind a wall of ice, battling with an ancient demon.
As a Dungeon Master it is important to address some very important details when introducing magic into your world. When you build your campaign, you should consider some of the following questions. How often is magic encountered in this world? Is it a rare occurrence, only witnessed by the most experienced adventurers? Or is magic so commonplace that even peasants can use certain low-level spells? After deciding how common or rare magic is, you should also consider how it is harnessed. Is there a source of all Magic or is it simply another part of the natural world, as factual and permanent as gravity? Using Magic as a DM can be fun and often times convenient. It is important to remember that magic is a very powerful tool and if not used correctly it can totally decimate a party of adventurers. The same goes for using magic to benefit your players. Giving your players Magical items too early or too often can make the game so easy that it is no longer fun. It is important to maintain balance when using magic. Instead of giving the players a bag of holding when they discover the monster’s treasure horde, let them come up with their own creative solution to transport the treasure.
As always, Thanks for Reading!
D&D Allstars.
