Alternative Realm Magic

[dataweaver]

Originally Posted by Atan

Thanks! What about Realms + Threshold? Do you have any experience with that?



Would these formulae still work when used to determine a Threshold tally? If not, is there a general equivalence between FP/Energy Cost and Threshold tally? I'm trying to build a freeform magic system where magic is powerful but still somewhat dangerous to use, but I'm having difficulty finding a balance.

Yes, these formulae would still work when used to determine a Threshold tally. And AlexanderHowl does make a good point that implicitly incorporating some levels of Increased Threshold, Rapid Magical Recovery, or Safer Magical Excess into the Realm levels at no additional cost would certainly make them more cost-effective if you think they're currently overpriced.

[Atan]

Thank you both, you've been very helpful! FP + Threshold sounds interesting, so maybe I'll try that. Using AlexanderHowl's formula to make purchasing Realms worth it doesn't work for me though, since I'm basing my magic system on Malazan. This means that a Mage would only have one Realm available, though I'm thinking of incorporating dataweaver's Broad/Normal/Narrow distinction in order to partially make available other Realms, while purchasing a second Realm would require an Unusual Background. I think I'll stick to the Standardized Energy Costs, though if you have any other suggestions they're obviously welcome and appreciated.

[dataweaver]

Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl

Of course, you can change the systems to balance them, but they are not comparable by RAW, as a RPM Mage built with the same points will massively outperform a Realm Mage. Of course, standard magic can outperform Realm Magic, so it is not a surprise that RPM is capable of outperforming it. Realm Magic is just too ineffective for its cost.

Note that this is a thread about Alternative Realm Magic. As such, the correct response isn't “by the RAW, it's ineffective for its cost; so use something else instead”; but rather “by the RAW, it's ineffective for its cost; so here are some ways to fix that”.

Also note that some of the issues you bring up are already addressed in GURPS Thaumatology. The problems with energy costs, for instance, are addressed by an Option that dispenses with energy costs entirely.