Do Tell....

Psitticine · #1 January 27th, 2004, 07:08 PM

I've heard a lot about Ars Magicka around here and I have to say I'm getting very intrigued. Is it still available? Who published it, and does anybody know if there's a Version available in the US?

Kristoffer O · #2 January 27th, 2004, 08:07 PM

First and second print by Lion Rampant, I believe.

Lion Rampant => White Wolf

Third print: Wizards of the Coast

Fourth Print: Atlas Games

This is a pen and paper RPG. In case you didn't know.

Psitticine · #3 January 28th, 2004, 01:20 AM

I grew up on pen-and-paper RPGs. Serious fun, especially when combined with soda and pizza.

Thanks for the info!

Strages Sanctus · #4 January 28th, 2004, 01:34 AM

Any of you ever play chivalry and sorcery? That was in the vein of ars magicka but a little older.

You even generated the star charts for your birth day to see if your auspices were good. hehe

Arryn · #5 January 28th, 2004, 02:01 AM

I first got into C&S in 1985. C&S was and is a great game. (IIRC, it was around as recently as 2000 when I saw it at GenCon, and may still be available.) Personally, I prefer Harnmaster/Harnworld. Imminently more playable than C&S (C&S can be cumbersome, and is not friendly to players who only have AD&D as their background in FRPGs, which is the only FRPG most pen & paper RPGers have ever played).

[ January 29, 2004, 01:01: Message edited by: Arryn ]

Jasper · #6 January 28th, 2004, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Psitticine:
I've heard a lot about Ars Magicka around here and I have to say I'm getting very intrigued. Is it still available? Who published it, and does anybody know if there's a Version available in the US?

Ars Magica arguably has the best magic system in an RPG game, and is definitely one of my Favorites. The "troupe" style of play and strong background are great as well.

It's latest incarnation is published by Atlas Games, and IMHO this is in general the best edition. They let you download the rules for free here:

http://www.atlas-games.com/arsmagica/index.html

Coffeedragon · #7 January 28th, 2004, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cpbeller:
So, again, what are your favorite aspects of the game (so far, anyways)?

The awful lot of choices. Ability to tailor-suit things to your personal taste.

The more-is-better philosophy is correct. It even takes care of balance, because with so many diverse things included it becomes a question of simple probability that for every overpowering strategy someone will somewhere happen to find a counter.

I admire the ingeniously simple way of avoiding balancing issues by throwing so much stuff in that no one will ever be able to sort it out.