Friday, October 14, 2022

Magic Finger(print)s

In some editions of Shadowrun -- maybe all; I haven't played since the third edition -- you can trace a magical effect back to the spellcaster that created it. This idea is inspired by that, because I've been looking at Shadowrun again of late, for... reasons.

In addition to the usual effects of Detect Magic, the caster also sees the mystical "fingerprint" of the entity that created whatever is being examined. How this manifests is up to you, but I favour a sort of multi-coloured ribbon of light. Spellcasters somehow -- probably because they are weird -- remember this pattern and can recognise it if they see it again.

Easy Mode: By concentrating, a spellcaster can see the auras of other magicians, including their "fingerprint".

Not-So-Easy Mode: Casting Detect Magic on a magician reveals their "fingerprint".

I would probably rule that hiding behind an illusion would also hide a magician's "fingerprint", at least up until the illusion itself is recognised, at which point the "fingerprint" becomes obvious. I don't think shapechanging conceals the "fingerprint", unless an illusion effect is also applied. Why? Magic!

I also like the idea of spells leaving a sort of residue behind, even if they are instant effects like Fireball. In these cases, the residue contains the spellcaster's "fingerprint" so a clever wizard can find out who Magic Missiled the chief of the city guards.

All of this does make Detect Magic do a lot of heavy lifitng, and I would consider making it a cantrip or innate ability, but perhaps that is making things too easy.

As ever, if you try this out, let me know!

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