Chaos Theory
An emotionally crippled med student, an orphaned girl marked by fire, a struggling priest-in-training, a disgruntled fry-cook, a solemn graveshoe, a stranded out-of-towner, and an aloof earthchild.
A story of seven strangers, bound together by tragedy, by coincidence, and possibly even by Fate.
They are about to enter a world they never imagined might exist.
GM:
Korenth
Chaos Theory Comments
Wow, sure don’t, Chris. :( Old brain here…
I was wondering if anyone remembered the details on the Court at Carnegie Mellon University?
Mostly the resonance of the Court and the contact’s name. I can collect info on his Rank at a later date using magic.
Lol, nice? The best I’d say is “potentially neutral in highly unlikely circumstances” XD snickers
Lol glad Noctys wrote something nice about Thrice, feel so love :3
The GotV have their issues with Father Holmes mainly because they know what Father Holmes knows…namely Rameses’s true name. Overman’s contacts don’t have that over him.
As far as the apostate group who kidnapped the Adams, its mainly because its obvious to them that Rameses has somewhat of a vested interest in them. Affecting one couple out of a crowd with magic draws more attention than affecting a whole group. If the apostates where to try and grab someone from Overman’s “healing sessions”, how would Overman know? And how much would he care? Where as Rameses actions drew attention to the Adams and made them a Target. If they had been wrong and it had been some random act of kindness, they would have been kidnapped, their house burned….and then when you all didn’t make contact…well…who knows at that point. Overman could have lost some people, possibly, and he might not ever know.
That help any?
Wow, Galena has some high views of Dio. What I’m confused about is: why is the fact that Rameses has connections to sleepers (only one being a true connection, the other just being a good neighbor) causing more issue that Overman’s connections to a LOT of sleepers? It just seems weird to me.
Well hell, over wrote my first cabal overview with my new one and no way to get it back. Damned HTML format bs :/
Can’t recall – is Fox’s wife’s name Esper or Ether?
Ehh np’s, I shoulda looked it up at the time too – eventually I’ll make an improved magic cheat sheet with more detailed infos. Besides, was first session were we cast magic, makes sense we would come out of it with a couple miss plays and misunderstandings.
Chris, I’m so sorry, I should have noticed it sooner. Curse of Predation isn’t a normal spell, but an effect to be built into Enchanted Items. I’ve read through that section of Tome of the Mysteries previously and completely skipped over the Curses section, or I might have put 2 and 2 together. That is why it uses the Advanced Prolongation tables, and why the casting time is listed as “Extended.”
Hey Kevin,
If you want to clean any of this up, found this out:
The GM of the campaign can delete comments by clicking the red X near the
title of the comment. I can’t remember at the moment if they’re editable,
but if so, it would be a small piece of paper with a pencil on it.
Seems only the GM can do it, pretty mehh but makes sense too I guess.
Blehh wish we could edit this stuff.
Humm well I’ll do some digging and post what I find below:
Some of these pertain only a litte, but are included to clear the waters on stuff:
Q: Can Mage Sight be used to identify the actual function of a spell? Can it be used the same way on other supernatural powers (i.e., looking at a vampire using Vigor and realizing he’s increased his strength)? The text is unclear on this – is Mage Sight intended to immediately tell you the location and function of whatever supernatural power set off your Unseen Senses as some passages seem to indicate?
A: No. The rules for scrutinizing resonance tell you how you can use Mage Sight to examine a spell. The current rules don’t include function, because I thought it’d be too easy to go around identifying spells that way, when mages need to be more like detectives, piecing together clues.
Q: Would Mage Sight allow you to spot someone hiding in darkness by virtue of seeing their aura? If so, would mages get bonuses for, say, tracking and fighting in the dark? This seems an ancillary benefit that goes well beyond Mage Sight’s intent, but, I’ve seen it argued, so I figure it’s worth addressing.
A: Auras and resonance don’t necessarily glow in the dark. Seeing them assumes you’ve got a light source. Mage Sight doesn’t allow you to see these things in the absence of light or without some magical means of seeing in the dark.
Q: So “Uber-nuke of death” cast by five cabal members during a 16 hour ritual using the hair of a solitary mage as the sympathetic connection obtaining over 100 successes… and the mage in question has less than three seconds to react to a window opening up? Do all mages walk around with Potency 5 wards on their persons as well as their homes?
A: Well, as I said in a previous post, the number of rolls for an extended casting is usually limited by the caster’s dice pool, just like any mundane extended action. This mean’s the group ritual’s leader, not all the dice pools of all the cabal. It’s doubtful they’d rack up that kind of mega-spell.
However, I suppose that if the target is allowed a resisted defense (i.e. one of his traits is subtracted from the casting rolls), then he might get an inkling that he’s being magically targeted, via his Unseen Sense. It’s up to him to try to figure out what going on then. A Mage Sight scrutiny would probably reveal a spell-in-process that uses a sympathetic connection to target him. If he doesn’t have Space, there’s not much he can do about it until the conduit open, although he could start prepping his own extended action casting for when it does open.
What this tells me is that a spell cast directly on your person would trigger you to know something is going on, successful or no as per FAQ #3 (mage knew he was cast on before the spell was cast or affected him). Further, even with Prime Sight it seems the function of a spell can not be read, as per pg278 of the Core:
Scrutinizing Spells
A mage’s magic carries traces of caster’s resonance. By examining the resonance of a mage’s spells, one can learn the caster’s identity, power (Gnosis) and degree of Arcanum mastery.
Not function – as the curse has no immediate effect there was no way for anyone to know its effects or that it was detrimental.
Finally, the spell is actually cast on an object in the owners possession so it would have actually effected everyone (I burned a ton of Willpower and we rolled it as opposed) and it lasts a month for those I spent mana on (Dio being one of those as well as Nocyts and Galena – they being chosen because of lower Gnosis and the roll being called opposed). In other words now that we reviewed it, some of you are still cursed for another week or so and the saving cats episode should have worked out very differently (unless Dio wore different shoes).
In reflection, better not to rely on that cheat sheet for first time use of spells.
Humm well I’ll do some digging and post what I find below:
Some of these pertain only a litte, but are included to clear the waters on stuff:
Q: Can Mage Sight be used to identify the actual function of a spell? Can it be used the same way on other supernatural powers (i.e., looking at a vampire using Vigor and realizing he’s increased his strength)? The text is unclear on this – is Mage Sight intended to immediately tell you the location and function of whatever supernatural power set off your Unseen Senses as some passages seem to indicate?
A: No. The rules for scrutinizing resonance tell you how you can use Mage Sight to examine a spell. The current rules don’t include function, because I thought it’d be too easy to go around identifying spells that way, when mages need to be more like detectives, piecing together clues.
Q: Would Mage Sight allow you to spot someone hiding in darkness by virtue of seeing their aura? If so, would mages get bonuses for, say, tracking and fighting in the dark? This seems an ancillary benefit that goes well beyond Mage Sight’s intent, but, I’ve seen it argued, so I figure it’s worth addressing.
A: Auras and resonance don’t necessarily glow in the dark. Seeing them assumes you’ve got a light source. Mage Sight doesn’t allow you to see these things in the absence of light or without some magical means of seeing in the dark.
Q: So “Uber-nuke of death” cast by five cabal members during a 16 hour ritual using the hair of a solitary mage as the sympathetic connection obtaining over 100 successes… and the mage in question has less than three seconds to react to a window opening up? Do all mages walk around with Potency 5 wards on their persons as well as their homes?
A: Well, as I said in a previous post, the number of rolls for an extended casting is usually limited by the caster’s dice pool, just like any mundane extended action. This mean’s the group ritual’s leader, not all the dice pools of all the cabal. It’s doubtful they’d rack up that kind of mega-spell.
However, I suppose that if the target is allowed a resisted defense (i.e. one of his traits is subtracted from the casting rolls), then he might get an inkling that he’s being magically targeted, via his Unseen Sense. It’s up to him to try to figure out what going on then. A Mage Sight scrutiny would probably reveal a spell-in-process that uses a sympathetic connection to target him. If he doesn’t have Space, there’s not much he can do about it until the conduit open, although he could start prepping his own extended action casting for when it does open.
What this tells me is that a spell cast directly on your person would trigger you to know something is going on, successful or no as per FAQ #3 (mage knew he was cast on before the spell was cast or affected him). Further, even with Prime Sight it seems the function of a spell can not be read, as per pg278 of the Core:
Scrutinizing Spells
A mage’s magic carries traces of caster’s resonance. By
examining the resonance of a mage’s spells, one can learn the
caster’s identity, power (Gnosis) and degree of Arcanum
mastery.
Not function – as the curse has not immediate effect there was no way for anyone to know its effects or that it was detrimental.
Finally, the spell is actually cast on an object in the owners possession so it would have actually affected everyone directly (I burned a ton of Willpower and we rolled it as opposed) and it lasts a month for those I spent mana on (Dio being one of those as well as Nocyts and Galena – they being chosen because of lower Gnosis and the roll being called opposed). In other words now that we reviewed it, some of you are still cursed for another week or so and the saving cats episode should have worked out very differently (unless Dio wore different shoes).
In reflection, better not to rely on that cheat sheet for first time use of spells.
For clarification on why I thought that people might not have seen the spell cast:
It is my understanding that only spells that are cast and sucessful at least in part would be seen. I wish I had written this down better, but it. Is my remembering that overman tried to cast on each person individually but only got successes on dio. If so, that would result in several fizzled spells that no one would see, and one cast at Dio. The question then becomes how exactly does the ‘energy’ of the spell get to the target. Reading through most of the fluff it is described that magic is pulled from its parent watchtower, to your watchtower, over the abyss by your sympethic connection to your tower, and then is given shape and form by your imago as you cast the spell. It is not described how non physical spells get to the target, but have always pictured energy flowing from caster to target. If its not, though, then I agree it would be hard to read a signature without something to compare it to without some careful study. I’ll look into it some more and if it is imporant to have figured out exactly, we can tackle that Sunday.
I did appreciate the compliment, though!
Actually, Chris, those sentences were switched around. It is supposed to be him talking about his desire to throw-down, followed by his recognition that it would have been wrong. I’ll correct that, along with a few other pages, later. However, don’t be discouraged; that entry is a physical document (as opposed to his purely mental introspections), so he may have written it that way on purpose.
Also, the commentary on what could be perceived of the magic is interesting. Kevin might be right about not knowing it targeted everyone; aren’t covert spells visible to Mage Sight? If yes, he would see that Overman kept casting long after everyone else. If not, then he would only have noticed the magic hit Dio, the focus of his attention at the time. Would Overman have admitted to his targets afterwards? Depending on the answer, I might need to make a few edits before I post the rest of my entries.
In either case, Rameses would have eventually (within a few turns) been able to match the caster resonance of the spell on Dio to Overman’s use of Honing the Form (a Vulgar spell lasting for the scene). Hmm. That actually might have made for a better story, investigating Resonance, tracking down the culprit.
Humm well I spent roughly 40 seconds casting spells and we felt the tingles. I suppose its true that he could not for sure know I cast that one exact spell on everyone. By the same token – his sight would not let him know it was me who put the life spell on Dio. With enough time getting to know my magic he might identify my “call sign”, but not at first meeting. It could have been Raven trying to frame me or even Dio herself for that matter. I was honest and explained the logic of my actions – nothing more or less.
Ill point out that there probably no positive way for Ramses to know everyone was targeted since only dio was affected. /gm dumping fuel on the fire ;)
Damn, that is one scathing piece of text your wrote up Michael! Rameses may be even more conflicting and deluded than Overman and Noctys.
- "I’m not proud of how I handled that situation. Well, not the confrontational part, though I defused it well enough. What I really wanted was to come back at him with “In that case, I’m not throwing this fire at you, I’m simply increasing the likelihood of it igniting the air in front of your face!” (Not proud of himself but wished he had done something he would be even less proud of, false regret)
- “…because Dio was the worst person he could have targeted…” (He targeted everyone, there were no favorites being played – by Overman at least ;) Delusion)
Was a good read – keep it up!
Thanks, Chris. I suggest everyone come up with their character’s own charter proposal based on those concepts and post them on the wiki. I’ll start working on mine now.
Also, on another subject, I just realized… Noctys is basically me + magic without my meds. XD Cus when I’m off my Effexor, I’ve noticed I get really edgy and pissed at the world easily. o_o; Well, more easily than otherwise, anyway xD
Ok just being lazy here, this is where I’m putting the stuff to keep in mind for making the Cabal next week. Just look over it and get an opinion on some things.
Step 1 (What do you do for the Cabal)
Titles of Duty
Farseeker: “Scrounger.” Called the Hand of the Cabal, the Farseeker is the one responsible for overseeing acquisition of the resources the cabal needs. This may range from something as simple as being the one who goes for take-out to organizing the expedition to gather tass and unique magical materials.
Doorwarden: “Bouncer.” Called the Fist of the Cabal, the Doorwarden is responsible for the safety of the cabal and the protection of the Sanctum. It is he who oversees the testing and reinforcement of its defenses, and who stands at the first line of defense.
Hearthmaster: “Guide.” Called the Heart of the Cabal, the Hearthmaster acts as the nurturer of the cabal and its Sanctum. The Hearthmaster often acts as healer, confidant and caretaker of the Sanctum, but their most common role is that of mediator.
Lorekeeper: “Scribe.” Called the Head of the Cabal, the Lorekeeper is the historian and archivist for the cabal, keeping its Protocols and library well in order, and maintaining correspondence with other cabals.
Edgetender: “Hexer.” Called the Eye of the Cabal, the Edgetender cultivates the magical resources of the cabal, caring for the mystical aspects of the Sanctum as the Hearthmaster cares for its mundane. Edgetenders often care for the Hallow of a cabal.
+ Spiritwhisper (“Spook”)- my creation ergo detective
+ one could create one for dealing with sleeper neighbors or other things and we can hammer it out
Step 2
Defining the Cabal
Creed: This segment answers the questions of what, who and how: What are the mages’ goals? Who do the goals benefit? How will the cabal members achieve them?
Duties: members are expected to perform (done in step 1 for the most part). It usually involves an oath each member must take upon joining.
Directed Protocols: These are important pacts mages make among each other regarding their common behavior. The Directed Protocols are primarily broken into the Great Rights (ones common to all Atlantean cabals) and the Lesser Analogues (oaths tailored to the needs of the authoring cabal).
Interdicts: This portion deals with activities banned by the cabal.
Addendums: These cover anything added after the Protocols are set in place.
Step 3
Rites we offer other mages and demand of them in turn
Right of Crossing: The cabals permits other mages through their territory, provided they cast no offensive or intrusive spells, and do not remain longer than a day. This may be open access, or the establishment of a path through the territory. Those who refuse this Right must mark the borders of their territory, and provide a means of contact.
Right of Emeritus: The cabal acknowledges other mages in the Consilium that have earned the right to be honored for their experience, deeds, wisdom and power. Those who do not adhere to this Right do not have to acknowledge anyone’s superiority or obey another, but neither will they be granted such acknowledgement or the right to request obedience from others.
Right of Hospitality: The cabal agrees to grant other mages who request it Hospitality. They will provide for other mages for up to a given time, and protect them during such instances. In return, they have the right to request Hospitality of other cabals. Those who do not adhere to this right may not expect Hospitality of other cabals.
Right of Nemesis: The cabal agrees to not interfere in the challenges and battles between other magi, unless those conflicts affect them In return, they can expect to have their own conflicts respected. They are also expected to not take advantage of the cabal’s distraction in a time of strife. Those who do not adhere to this right are not required to leave others in peace during conflicts, but neither are others required to leave them in peace.
Right of Sanctuary: The cabal agrees that the Santums and other declared Holdings of other cabals and magi of the Consilium are sacrosanct, and agree to not interfere with, invade or otherwise have anything negative to do with those Holdings. In return, other mages give them the same forbearance. Those who do not adhere to this Right are not required to do so, but neither will their Holdings be safe from others.
Figured I would add the lore for the “Shadow” here – Kevin feel free to put it elsewhere if you wish:
Spiritwhisper (“Spook”)
Mages have ever been held at arms length by society, blamed for the actions of fate and nature, and feared by sleepers and even the supernatural. It is not enough for a cabal to simply exist – mages are awakened and must look out at the world with eyes open. The spook or shadow of the cabal is the one who ever keeps an eye on the horizon for the flickering flames of the mob – ever keeps an ear open to the whispers of the spirits for dangers unseen. The job of the shadow is a difficult one – time must be spent watching for trouble that rarely comes. The duties of the shadow are thankless till danger finally finds the cabal, as trouble ever finds mages. In the end, how many will survive to give thanks?
The spook must be able to see and hear enemies who believe they are alone or undetected. Guardians of the Veil often have the skills and experience to fulfill this duty. The task of finding threats unknown is a duty well suited to Thyrsus and Acanthus – listening to the silent voices beyond for trouble so that they can better direct their energies. The Shadow often has good communication and sometimes close friendships with the Fist and the Head. Other than that the spook is like a shadow, rarely seen or given much thought.
Heya people – I’ve been watching an anime series that I feel would serve as good material for some of our players [Thomas ;)]. The anime is basically about an Acanthus time mage of the Free Council – its a good watch for everyone though as its one of the highest rated anime ever.
Steins;Gate
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=11770
Woot! Looking forward to this ^^