[DF19/RPM] Using life force to power magic?

[Pseudonym]

Could be
Energy reserve(gizmo, special recharge)?

[Flyndaran]

Originally Posted by Nereidalbel

That runs into the "no using magic to be better at magic" rule, unless some class of spells can only be cast using this stolen life force.

I don't see how. It's just processing raw fuel into something for better storage.
Like turning barely usable crude petroleum reserves into gasoline to power all the machinery including that used to process it all. That is not some perpetual motion machine which is how I always interpreted that "no magic to power magic" rule.

[Flyndaran]

Originally Posted by Pseudonym

Could be
Energy reserve(gizmo, special recharge)?

This line of thinking makes it sound like smiths should pay points based not on skill use but by what they can make and are limited in how many items they can have in service at one time.

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by Flyndaran

Now I'm wondering about using magic to drain life force but store it as some material that can be used to power magic later.
I think that secondary point was in another thread, but can't remember the thread title.

It could make for a somewhat dark steampunk tech feel if it takes the form of creepy glowing fluid.

Incantors don't have much use for FP but probably should be able to use paut the same as every other caster for the uses they do have.

[Flyndaran]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

Incantors don't have much use for FP but probably should be able to use paut the same as every other caster for the uses they do have.

FP can be used as a sacrifice, but the R.A.W. ratio of fatigue to energy is abysmal. But requiring magical draining of life force in the creation of a paut like substance sounds in the ballpark.
At least it wouldn't automatically cause more problems than any other possible source of magically generated valuables or income.

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by Flyndaran

FP can be used as a sacrifice, but the R.A.W. ratio of fatigue to energy is abysmal.

That's why I said "not much use" and not "no use".

But requiring magical draining of life force in the creation of a paut like substance sounds in the ballpark.

I'm not sure that an Infusion that replicates paut is really a violation of the "no magic to help magic" rule, since it doesn't create any obvious recursive bonus explosions. If it is possible, then you can certainly combine it with sacrifice.

The other possibility is just have a form of raw magic extractable from living things in the setting.