Mage: Sorcerers Crusade (Mage the Sorcerers Crusade) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Sorcerers' Crusade is a good setting for Mage. A lot of the modern game focuses on how magic doesn't really work the way it's supposed to because people's belief in science is too firmly entrenched in the world's paradigm. In the SC setting, science is a bit less accepted, and magic works a little better. Paradox, which in the modern game is always bad, is called Scourge in this setting, and can occasionally help a Mage. The Technocracy is on more equal footing with the Tradition mages here, as both are struggling to put their paradigm forward as dominant.
There's quite a bit of history and world setting information in this book. Possibly too much, depending on your needs. Relatively little of the book is taken up with game system mechanics. What system rules there are cannot be found all in one place. The organization of the rules is somewhat loose. Like the modern game, the magic system is open-ended, with ability defined in areas of control rather than specific spells. But like most other Mage books, spells (rotes) can be found if one looks hard enough.
If you've played Mage: The Ascension, it will be easier to understand this book. If not, some of the game rules might be confusing. If you like the Mage magic system, but don't care for the dark-goth game world White Wolf sets the games in, this is probably the game for you.

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Scion of Cyador: The New Novel in the Saga of Recluce Review

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(More customer reviews)This follow up to Magi'i of Cyador is simply outstanding. The poetry and logic which coexist harmoniously throughout this book are a constant source of inspiration that offers the reader a chance for thoughtful meditation on larger issues which this story addresses. For me, this speaks to the superb quality of the author's skill and his intelligence that simply pours off the pages and into one's consciousness.
The stilted style of speaking by the characters is so necessary to the overall meaning of the cold, logical thinking by these descendents of the "rational stars" and the omnipresence of the magi'i who colonized this fictional world. Part of the chilling power of this tale is that which is exercised by the magi'i who control everyone through their occult chaos power and the threat of chaos screeing glasses that offer little if any freedom or privacy throughout Cyad and Candar. It gives a real clear picture of what a "big brother" looking over one's shoulder might be and it is scary.
The softer side of the hero Lorn is almost too good to be true, and yet, he is a cold blooded killer and defender of the land and its people. His trials and tribulations are immense and he is able to survive through his intellect and tactical cleverness as an officer of the Mirror Lancers. His consort Ryalth has a much more active presence in this book which is a welcome shift from the blood and gore battles although there are plenty of those too. The addition of an infant son adds a very nice human dimension that one can relate to even during the heat of the power struggles between the merchant factions, the Lancers on the make for promotion and the magi'i who seek even greater control as the chaos towers begin to fail one after another. After all he has been through as a Mirror Lancer, Lorn receives a well deserved reward, and I hope that Modesitt continues this series wherein he tells about Lorn's reign and the machinations of those who would challenge his power and I for one would like to see how he develops as a mage, man, husband, father and emperor. All in all for this reviewer it was a terrifically rewarding read.

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