#arcanists

Oh, Arcanists. What high hopes I had for you.

Arcanists is a game where all players are spellcasters. Think of it like a classic fantasy party of a wizard, a sorcerer, a warlock, and a druid. They travel around using their magic to help communities deal with problems that could range from getting cats out of trees to slaying monsters and diverting natural disasters.

The mechanics go deep on the magic with lots of ways to shape different spells and multiple ways for the spells to do unexpected things. Reflecting on it now, I think the level of negotiation between GM and Arcanists and between players and the rules is pretty high. It worked out OK in my playtesting, but I would understand it being intimidating.

There is a lot I still really love about this game, enough that I might finish it at some point, even if it’s a relatively small release. I think the character creation (which isn’t in the Preview) is really strong. Characters can fit into archetypes while still feeling unique. I think the system for different approaches favoring different outcomes really works. Depending on what approach you prefer, your magic could end up being consistent but rarely surprising or really powerful but chaotic.

I also think the spell system is really cool and goes further into spell creation while still having pretty clear mechanics tied to it than I think I’ve seen in other places. Despite how much time might go into negotiating spell effects, I think it opens a lot of doors for creative problem solving, roleplaying with magic, and playing into disastrous and miraculous consequences of magic gone awry.

I also put a lot of work into the look of this game. I drew lots of runes, drew a decent amount of other art, and worked a lot on graphic design elements. There’s plenty I would probably do differently today, but it was a clear jump forward in my thinking about what a professional product should look like. I think some of that work is good enough that I probably won’t change it when I eventually return to this game.

This game has never gained very much attention, and that’s just how it goes sometimes, but if you check it out you’ll find it comes packaged with pre-generated characters, the rules for using magic, and an adventure. I hope you enjoy!

here’s Victor Ramos, mechanical genius who also does a line of steampunk prosthetics. hes also got a weird obsession about spiders

Harold Tull (guild)- love a bi-con with a cute pet cat can't wait for Shockwaves and movement BS out the ass with him

Tiri (explorers/neverborn) - tree lady lesbian with quirky upgrade shenanigans that'll make her a fun second master into McCabe

The Clampetts (Bayou)- this is either a brother/sister or a married couple and you won't know which even if you read the fluff. Also push/place BS based around fishing puns

Lynh Ly (Ten thunders) - Another pretty introvert to ship with Misaki, also will have so much deck/ha d fuckery she'd make Zoraida players cry

Kastore (ressers) - Obligatory vampire faction. Is either gonna be an absolute gremlin, or a posh British asshole. Either way will be a big hit with the Seamus crowd

Normal Clairvoyants are people capable of basic telekinetic manipulation. Most people who are only Clairvoyants have no ranking on the letter scale. They are quite nearly normal. These people make up the majority of the clairvoyant community, as strong psionic traits are hard to develop and maintain let alone live with. Clairvoyants can occasionally possess strong enough traits to be given a ranking. But they do not exhibit abilities outside of Telekinesis. 

The most common classification outside of the average Clairvoyant are called Arcanists. Arcane is the study of time and space, more specifically the manipulation of it. It is also what others would call magic outside of the Clairvoyant community. 

Arcanists are strong Telekinetic users yes, but they also often exhibit strong telepathic traits as well. Able to share thoughts though touch or if a higher ranking-from a vast distance. Some can even show pictures and memories. Though this particular trait is very rare. 

Those with high levels of concentration can also transport items or even themselves across space. Though it takes a lot out of the Arcanist and can be very dangerous if done without practice. Teleportation is thus seen as a last resort for those capable of doing it. 

While Arcanists are the most common classification beyond basic Clairvoyant’s. They should not be underestimated. Higher ranked Arcanists are dangerous as it is, even low ranked ones can often outclass their opponent in pure mental tenacity. 

Their psionic ‘energy’ is generally very high. Leaving plenty of room for improvement of their skills with patience, unlike many of the other classes found within our society.