Magic in Star Wars-Discussion

[+SpaceJesus+]

What is Magic?


Hello everyone! This is an open discussion about the implications of magic within this role plays universe. This does not refer to the mislabeled Sith "magics," often talked about, but rather the supernatural abilities that are practiced by shamans, witches, sorcerers and other exotic force users that manipulate the energies of life in a way that is notably different than both traditional Jedi and Sith teachings. These abilities draw their power from ritual, incantation, enchantment and knowledge of spiritual forces rather than ones own willpower and strength. Excellent examples include the Nightsisters of Dathomir, who draw upon energies notably different in appearance and function when compared to the mainstream usage of the force. However, they are not the only ones in history to have been recorded tapping into abilities of this caliber, and it is resonable to believe that other groups in this time period may have discovered or utilized them as well. Therefore, for the purpose of this RP, it is important that we develope a set of guidelines regarded the nature and application of exotic magics.

@Green Ranger @RedneckLoves @Beta12 ​

 

[Jessica Cloud]

Therefore, for the purpose of this RP, it is important that we develop a set of guidelines regarded the nature and application of exotic magics.

2 cents. I don't care. "Dah Force" is fine.

 

[RedneckLoves]

Unless otherwise ruled on, I will be using mostly normal applications of the Force but with a very different way of writing it. For example, to move something, Whiskey might offer a prayer to Life Mother and that would make it move. Sometimes when she does a specific ritual the Force might act or appear very different or exotic, but in essence won't do anything very different from what most force users can do.

 

[Iain 89]

The night sisters of dathomir still use the same Force as everybody else, they just act out their channeling of the Force in a different way.
IMO, with no offense intended, if someone wants to write about magic, there's probably another rp site for that.

 

[+SpaceJesus+]

My main concern about it was that there were abilities demonstrated by the nightsisters in their story arc (which was downright awesome by the way) that are definitely not just a variation of traditional force powers. Creating voodoo dolls, turning a regular zabrak into a force sensitive through chanting, turning dead bodies into zombie soldiers, they can't all be put down as a slight variation of force push for example. Even without regard to individual usage, it is important to acknowledge considering we may have a significant battle on Dathomir, and those powers may factor into its defense.

The night sisters of dathomir still use the same Force as everybody else, they just act out their channeling of the Force in a different way.
IMO, with no offense intended, if someone wants to write about magic, there's probably another rp site for that.

True. We should probably try not to go to far down the rabbit hole with this. But then again, this is a very rich area of potential for cultural background stories that could make things a lot more interesting.

 

[Andrewza]

It still the force and not magic

 

[RedneckLoves]

@SoB @Iain 89 Obviously it's still the force and not magic. If you're not interested in this subject don't bother posting here. The point is to discuss the potential for using the force in a different way which makes people see it more like magic since it's not being used in the same traditional way jedi and sith use it. Nobody is saying we're using magic, just because that word it used. Seriously.

 

[Andrewza]

That's not the point

My main concern about it was that there were abilities demonstrated by the nightsisters in their story arc (which was downright awesome by the way) that are definitely not just a variation of traditional force powers. Creating voodoo dolls, turning a regular zabrak into a force sensitive through chanting, turning dead bodies into zombie soldiers, they can't all be put down as a slight variation of force push for example. .

This is. The force is used by the Jedi like it is because of there training. So if you want a wizard that uses the force go ahead. There is a way to create force powers but most abilities considered magic would just be a variant of a force power.

 

[Iain 89]

" If you're not interested in this subject don't bother posting here."
No need to be like that, RedneckLoves. I was just giving my opinion.

"Nobody is saying we're using magic, just because that word is used. "
That is probably where my confusion began. My apologies :)

People can view Force powers any way they want to, in character or out of character.
Are we, then, really talking about expanding the list of Force Powers, or just the way their usage is described? ie ''she chanted cumbaya 5 times, waved her hands around and her friend was healed" rather than "she used Force Heal"?

 

[RedneckLoves]

I just meant that SpaceJesus was trying to actually have a conversation about this subject and everyone posting is just saying that the force is the force so whatevs. That wasn't the point of this thread.

In any case, my answer is yes, at least that was how I thought of it. Any powers used would be a variation of regular force powers everyone's used to but might manifest differently and will be brought about differently. Now, because the use of force powers for this timeline has been changed to more of a writing aspect instead of specific powers and stats like in games, using the force differently would end up mostly being just written differently. Your example is a really good one. Another one might be, if you're doing evil things, someone could sacrifice another person or a creature, spill the blood on an enemy, chant something or other, and their life force is absorbed by the sacrificer. There's a force power that corresponds with that, but by adding sacrifice and chants it makes it different and therefore "magic-like". I mean think about how a person watching that would feel. It's one thing to see a sith start sucking the life out of someone, you sort of expect that. But sacrifice and stuff? That's not all that common.

I have no knowledge of these nightsisters that keep being referenced and therefore no opinion on anything they may have done or how that would work here. I would say raising zombies might be a stretch, but hey that's not my call.

 

[Caligula]

So, this is an interesting subject and I'd like to see something productive come from it because it opens a lot of doors for characters. For example, I'm trying to make an Energy Vampire character and I was wondering if she could have a background involving learning "magic" or "Exotic force powers" (or whatever y'all want to call it)

The force is used by the Jedi like it is because of there training. So if you want a wizard that uses the force go ahead. There is a way to create force powers but most abilities considered magic would just be a variant of a force power.

Okay, if there is a way to create force powers and "magic" is just a variant way of manipulating the Force, how about making guidelines based around that? A set system of rules about how new abilities can be made and used. Maybe treat it like the Technology/Planet/Species threads? Each submission would require certain necessary requirements and also need to be approved by an Admin (or whoever's in charge of this stuff.) Or even just submitting alternate methods for performing the same skill?

People can view Force powers any way they want to, in character or out of character.
Are we, then, really talking about expanding the list of Force Powers, or just the way their usage is described? ie ''she chanted cumbaya 5 times, waved her hands around and her friend was healed" rather than "she used Force Heal"?

Something like what Iain described is a good example. The outcome is the same, they just do it differently for whatever reason.

Hopefully this doesn't shoot me in the foot or cause any more arguments/confusion. Just, tossing out an idea

 

[+SpaceJesus+]

I think it's perfectly acceptable to use force powers that already exist, of course with some variation in how it is exercised (lol kumbaya?) what I'm saying is that there are other things that in-canon that force-magic does that I don't think anyone has acknowledged yet. We need to understand what would be acceptable if we did begin to acknowledge the usage of non traditional force abilities.

 

[RedneckLoves]

Okay, if there is a way to create force powers and "magic" is just a variant way of manipulating the Force, how about making guidelines based around that? A set system of rules about how new abilities can be made and used. Maybe treat it like the Technology/Planet/Species threads? Each submission would require certain necessary requirements and also need to be approved by an Admin (or whoever's in charge of this stuff.)

That would actually be very interesting. That would allow us to actually come up with totally different powers and wouldn't be restricted to the same known powers just with different ways of doing it.

My indie character, Whiskey, grew up in a remote village on Dantooine who had their own religion. She was the religious leader's daughter and therefore her replacement when she got older. As such, she was trained as a girl all the rituals and "magics" of her religion.

This sounds like much the same kind of thing you're going after. So yes, you could easily have a character trained to use the force through very different means than how the jedi and sith traditionally use it.

 

[Iain 89]

"(lol kumbaya?)"
Sorry, my way of speaking is a tad flippant at times.
I was just trying to create a simplified example. Hope I caused no offense to anyone..
*leaves conversation before trouble starts*

 

[RedneckLoves]

I think it's perfectly acceptable to use force powers that already exist, of course with some variation in how it is exercised (lol kumbaya?) what I'm saying is that there are other things that in-canon that force-magic does that I don't think anyone has acknowledged yet. We need to understand what would be acceptable if we did begin to acknowledge the usage of non traditional force abilities.

I think this relates somewhat to what Caligula was saying about having an approval board for these types of things. I'm not sure how likely it is that the already bogged down admins would put one in place, but I can see how it might become a problem with people like us wanted to expand how the force is used. Even though something is shown in canon, it's not yet a widely accepted use of the force, so if we use something like it in rp will we be told it's unacceptable? I don't know. I do think it would be interesting to see what other more senior members thought.

 

[Andrewza]

There are many sects of study beyond the traditional Jedi and Sith orders, each with their own unique interpretation of the Force and of the powers granted, from dedicated monastic orders through to spiritual shamans and primitive covens of witches. While the interpretations of these groups may differ from the traditional views of the Force, they too are in one form or another, bound by the same rules the Force imposes upon all Force users. Some studies of the Force may not require a specific sensitivity to it, and so only the most gifted and dedicated of students may learn to harness its power - for these individuals, however, the power of the Force must come from an external source, and the effects on the practitioner remain consistent with the above descriptions. Such sects may use seemingly wild or exotic powers, but they are inevitably merely variants on the fields described above, and as such are bound by the same rules that govern the Force. Though philosophies may differ, the governing laws that rule all those who dabble in the power of the Force remain consistent.
Staff Notes
While we want to encourage creative use of the Force using the guidelines above, there are certain limitations on Powers that should be factored in to your considerations. For one, excessive use of the Force may result in fatigue or exhaustion, and the use of multiple effects simultaneously is strongly discouraged. Using sensory powers to metagame information, or especially to obtain information without consent, is strictly prohibited, and certain applications of the Force - for example instantly killing an individual, severing their connection to the Force, reading the mind of another individual, or gaining knowledge of either future events or events that the individual was not present for, require consent from all parties concerned.

Finally, regarding combat vs non-Force users: Please note that while there are no strict bans on specific powers against non-Force users, this is done with an expectation of fair play. As with any other combat scenario, the opponent must have a reasonable opportunity to try to avoid, negate, or disrupt the power used by a Force user. This does not mean that there will always be a way to avoid an attack, but, as always, a simple rule should be followed: no auto-hitting.

The staff of The Star Wars RP reserve the right to intervene on, and rule on, breaches of these guidelines. However, we also understand that not all effects of the Force that you may be interested in are listed here, and that this is a significant learning process for all members involved. If you have any questions, feedback, feel like we have missed something in this list, or are looking for advice on acceptable use of the Force, please do not hesitate to

http://www.thestarwarsrp.com/forum/index.php?threads/guide-to-force-powers.64253/

 

[Caligula]

I'll be damned; Alrighty then, good game everyone

 

[Jessica Cloud]

I'll be damned; Alrighty then, good game everyone

...Exactly. :)

 

[Oreus]

Anyone caught using magic will be accused of heresy and burned at the stake.

 

[RedneckLoves]

Pff, says you. ;)