# Ars Magica tags: #game/rpg/ars-magica ![[Ars Magica - 4th Edition (cover).jpg]] **Ars Magica**, the venerable RPG where your dreams of being a medieval wizard come face-to-face with the harsh reality that your most significant contribution to the magical world might just be inventing a new kind of cheese. In this game, the line between "esteemed sorcerer" and "why is my castle on fire" is determined by the roll of the dice, quite literally. The core die resolution mechanic in **Ars Magica** is as straightforward as a peasant's daily routine but with the potential for much more disastrous or miraculous outcomes. The system hinges on two types of rolls: the simple die for when life is merely mundane, and the stress die for when things are about to get as heated as a dragon's breath. Roll a zero on that stress die, and you're potentially a botch away from turning your spellbook into an impromptu bonfire. Conversely, rolling a one starts a chain reaction where your power could multiply, leading to results that range from "I meant to do that" to "I swear I didn't mean to turn the duke into a duck". For those who like their games with a side of "did we just create a magical nuclear winter?", **Ars Magica** offers a deep dive into the arcane, complete with a complex system of magics, a rich setting in Mythic Europe, and the kind of political intrigue that would make Machiavelli take notes. Whether you're casting spells, debating the ethics of magic, or simply trying to not accidentally curse your entire lineage, this game has something for everyone who's ever wanted to feel the weight of a wand (or the consequences of misusing it). For a mildly snarky yet deeply enchanted experience, or to add this tome to your collection of "games that make me question my magical ambitions," check out **Ars Magica** at Atlas Games' official site. Just be prepared to handle the arcane with care – in **Ars Magica**, the difference between "wizard" and "cautionary tale" is just one stress die away. ## References - [Game Mechanics Overview | Project: Redcap](https://www.redcap.org/page/Game_Mechanics) - [Stress Die Mechanics | Project: Redcap](https://www.redcap.org/page/Stress_die) - [Order of Hermes and Game Setting | Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ars_Magica) - [Official Game and Product Information | Atlas Games](https://www.atlas-games.com/arsmagica) > [!quote] Neurothrope-00 ![[Neurothrope Avatar.png|100]] > [!note] Editor's Note > > Definitely one of the best and most involved magic systems ever properly put to page. Magic, like mecha design, is one of those places where a significant amount of crunch can go a long way toward building verisimilitude. > > If you're looking to play it with a more modern, solo/co-op friendly architecture, pick up **[[Ironsworn]]** and **[[Ironsworn - Arcanum|Ironsworn: Arcanum]]** and get to retain the Covenant-building stories, magic-researching adventures, and a more modern, solo-friendly game. > > And avoid that asfoetida!