Shadow Magic

Diabolists, Techno-Wizards & Psionicists, Oh my! All things that are Magics and Psionics in all Palladium Games.

Moderators: Immortals, Supreme Beings, Old Ones

User avatar
darthauthor
Hero
Posts: 1420
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2020 8:55 pm

Shadow Magic

Unread post by darthauthor »

Can Shadow Magic be taken by a Mystic or intuitive spell caster?
User avatar
darthauthor
Hero
Posts: 1420
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2020 8:55 pm

Re: Shadow Magic

Unread post by darthauthor »

I found shadow magic in a couple of places:

Atlantean Source Book Secrets of Atlanteans

Palladium Fantasy Rpg I think it was the library of something.

Don't know the origins of the magic but It can be learned.
Also, I have not read that Shadow magic is forbiben to be taken by a Mystic; unlike Necromacer magic spells.
Curbludgeon
Hero
Posts: 1197
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2018 7:08 am
Comment: They/Them

Re: Shadow Magic

Unread post by Curbludgeon »

In addition to RIfts DB15 and PFRPG12:Library of Bletherad(with only a couple of spells not found in DB15), there's an "optional" article in Rifter 20. DB15 describes Shadow Magic as practically forgotten, and only taught to a few. Mysteries of Magic Book 1: The Heart of Magic details how Psi-Mystics can only intuit conventional invocations, with a singular example of one gaining access to Rune Magic. Other practitioners of magic can learn Shadow spells should they have the opportunity (as evinced by how Shadow Mages of DB15 can cast spells at half the PPE of other casters), which illustrates it's not as exclusive as the Warlocks' Elemental Magic. What's more some Shadow Magic spells have come to be considered conventional invocations (Shadow Meld, Summon Shadow Beast, arguably Cloak/Aura of Darkness) such that a Mystic can learn them.

There are pretty heavy setting indications that a Mystic wouldn't gain access to Shadow Magic. If a given game doesn't pay attention to those setting constraints, then I say the Mystic is hamstrung enough as is, so go nuts.
Grazzik
Adventurer
Posts: 559
Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2022 11:05 pm

Re: Shadow Magic

Unread post by Grazzik »

Hmm... what if a mystic in BTS knew shadow magic... with some modification given the low PPE environment... and a skill program appropriate for a wealthy young man-about-town... who happens to know what evil lurks-- ok that's as far as I'll go with that.
User avatar
Library Ogre
Palladium Books® Freelance Writer
Posts: 9835
Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2001 1:01 am
Comment: My comments do not necessarily represent the views of Palladium Books.
Location: Texas
Contact:

Re: Shadow Magic

Unread post by Library Ogre »

My general rule is that a mystic can take any type of spell magic, at a level which would be appropriate for a wizard (so, for example, they can get Call Lightning at 6th level like a wizard, not 3rd level like a Warlock).
-overproduced by Martin Hannett

When I see someone "fisking" these days my first inclination is to think "That person doesn't have much to say, and says it in volume." -John Scalzi
Happiness is a long block list.
If you don't want to be vilified, don't act like a villain.
The Megaverse runs on vibes.
All Palladium Articles
Mutant Dawn for Savage Worlds!
User avatar
darthauthor
Hero
Posts: 1420
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2020 8:55 pm

Re: Shadow Magic

Unread post by darthauthor »

In the book "Rifts: Lazlo"

Page 112
the O.C.C. the Shadowstrider

The O.C.C. is a Mystic who can learn Shadow Magic, Necromancy and invocations.

The is the only exception I have found, so far...

Grazzik .. ... .. Batman?


Found a note in "Book of Magic" page 184.
"Note: Techno-Wizards and Mystics NEVER learn Necro-Magic."
First contradiction I have found.

Hey, its Rifts Earth, every rule has it's exception.
Grazzik
Adventurer
Posts: 559
Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2022 11:05 pm

Re: Shadow Magic

Unread post by Grazzik »

darthauthor wrote: Tue Apr 23, 2024 7:14 pm Grazzik .. ... .. Batman?
You may need to brush up on your Old Time Radio... The Shadow...
Post Reply

Return to “Guild of Magic & Psionics”