Sufficiently advanced magic is a concept often explored in fantasy literature. It refers to a level of magical ability or understanding that is so advanced that it appears to be indistinguishable from technology or science. In other words, it is a level of magic that is so advanced that it mimics the effects of modern technology. In many fantasy worlds, magic is often portrayed as a mystical force that is harnessed by individuals with innate magical abilities or through the use of magical artifacts. However, in the context of sufficiently advanced magic, magic is portrayed as a highly developed and systematic field of study comparable to any scientific discipline. This level of magical sophistication allows practitioners to create complex magical systems and devices that resemble modern technology.
The main character has a few interesting quirks but unfortunately nothing truly flawed in a way that makes achieving things a problem. He’s overly smart, overly proficient, and overly lucky when it came to academics. Even the things he was supposed to be bad at often turned into admirable accomplishments. I personally found him irritatingly pedantic. Like ::pushes glasses up nose:: “Ummm, yeah how do I know you are who you really say you are? You could’ve listened in at any time to get that info. But I guess asking for reassurance is pointless because if you weren’t you, you’d just tell me what I want to hear anyway. But how am I supposed to trust you? Jump through some hoops for me even though you’re a teacher and my arbitrary worries shouldn’t even technically count for sh$t.” And many other similarly pointless sequences. It speaks of a character who’s desperate to prove how smart he is. Which is an interesting construct but it wasn’t presented as if it were deliberate. And that’s not the only thing I think was slightly over-done.
But after a while even those amazing ideas and great execution start to feel like cheap entertainment when there s not an overall plot of substance driving the story. But after a while even those amazing ideas and great execution start to feel like cheap entertainment when there s not an overall plot of substance driving the story.
This level of magical sophistication allows practitioners to create complex magical systems and devices that resemble modern technology. For example, spells can be cast using intricate verbal and somatic components that are similar to programming code or engineering blueprints. Magical devices can be created that function as communication devices, transportation methods, or even weapons.
Sufficiently Advanced
Sorcerously Advanced is a speculative fiction game of cutting edge magic, set in the distant aftermath of a mystical singularity called The Gift: a day when every living person and all their descendants received incredible magical power.
As envoys, guards, and archaeologists for the Archive, your characters will seek out magical relics and irreplaceable records from ages long past to circulate across the world. They will navigate disputed territories, uncover ancient clues, and travel to strange, distant realms. This is only part of the danger in a world where overwhelming power is freely distributed… and not everyone is on board with the Archive's goals.
Sorcerously Advanced is about the effects of life-changing power on people and their societies. It’s about beliefs and decisions, and the impacts they have. It’s about the endless nature of knowledge. Most of all, it’s about what it really means to become everything you ever wanted.
Play in a flat world a million miles wide where literally everyone can be an immortal wizard and most people are. Play a transgressive demon-summoner from the Soverigns of Hell, a rune-tattooed explorer from the Geometer's Guild, a freedom fighter from the Unroyal who travel in thoughts and dreams, and more. Join societies like the Peacewalkers, who magically disconnect from violence itself, or the Soulpact, who rescue souls damned to the wrong afterlife.
Sorcerously Advanced uses the same diceless system found in Sufficiently Advanced Second Edition. In-character power is balanced against a player's ability to twist the plot, so you can play the character you want from the start of the game. Magic isn't just a set of spells, it's integrated into your character's abilities at every level. Not that we don't also have a list of spells, of course.
You can find Sorcerously Advanced at DriveThruRPG. It's pay-what-you-want, and includes PDF, epub, and mobi files.
The concept of sufficiently advanced magic also explores the idea that magic can be understood and studied scientifically. This means that practitioners can experiment, research, and develop new magical techniques and spells based on empirical evidence and logical reasoning. It also implies that magic can be taught and learned, similar to any other academic discipline. In many fantasy stories that feature sufficiently advanced magic, there is often a dichotomy between those who possess advanced magical abilities and those who do not. This can create tensions and power imbalances within societies, leading to conflicts and power struggles. Overall, sufficiently advanced magic is an intriguing concept that blends the fantastical elements of magic with the logic and reasoning of science and technology. It allows for the creation of intricate magical systems and devices, and raises questions about the nature of power, knowledge, and the limits of human understanding..
Reviews for "The Art of Spellcraft: Advancing Your Magical Abilities"
1. Jessica - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Sufficiently Advanced Magic" based on all the hype it received, but I was sorely disappointed. The book seemed to drag on and on, with little action or excitement to keep me engaged. The main character's constant inner monologue became tedious, and I found myself skimming through large portions of the book just to get to something interesting. Overall, I felt like the story lacked substance and failed to live up to the high expectations I had.
2. Mark - 1 star - I honestly don't understand what all the fuss is about regarding "Sufficiently Advanced Magic." The writing style was dry and lacked any sort of depth or emotion. The characters felt one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The magic system, which I was initially excited about, was overly complicated and confusing. The plot dragged along at a snail's pace and I found myself checking how many pages were left every few chapters. In the end, I was left unsatisfied and wondering why I wasted my time on this book.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - Although "Sufficiently Advanced Magic" had an intriguing premise, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was off, with long stretches of exposition and world-building that overshadowed any moments of action or excitement. The world itself felt underdeveloped and the lore was not as engaging as I had hoped. Additionally, the main character's actions and decisions often felt contrived and illogical, which made it difficult to root for him. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointment and I struggled to stay engaged throughout.