[MUD-Dev] Magic as Metaphor

[J C Lawrence]

On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 16:07:50 PST8PDT 
J C Lawrence<claw> wrote:

> http://www.vuw.ac.nz/~jay/nephilim/metaphor.html

> Magic as Metaphor
> An Alternative Magic System
> by Jamie Norrish, 1995
...deletia...
> Sorcery is a general term which covers the processes by which
> Nephilim change reality as they wish, by drawing on the power of
> Ka. The individual procedures can also be generalised more
> descriptively by examining how Nephilim conceive of these changes to
> reality. Firstly, of course, the Nephilim must decide upon a change
> to effect. Then, as comes naturally to Nephilim, an appropriate
> analogy for the situation is thought of. This might either derive
> from their own experience, or from an external source, such as a
> grimoire (this is essentially the difference between inscribed and
> non-inscribed spells; see below, Inscribing Spells). Having created
> in its mind the analogy, the Nephilim then imagines the change it
> wants, and uses its abilities (and the energy of its simulacrum) to
> effect that change in reality.  Essentially, the Nephilim forces
> reality to conform to the analogy in its mind - magic is metaphor.

This does of course beg the question of whether the system could be
adtapted to no longer require an external GM/moderator/judge.  Lambert
I seem to recall is using a variation on a sympathetic magic system
which is not entirely alien to the above, ("the spell has the hardness
of the rock you have in your hand, and the heat of the fire you
beside...).  Comments?

--
J C Lawrence                               Internet: claw at null.net
(Contractor)                               Internet: coder at ibm.net
---------(*)                     Internet: claw at under.engr.sgi.com
...Honourary Member of Clan McFud -- Teamer's Avenging Monolith...