Folk Magic

D&D 3e (3.0/3.5) Rules

by Simon Lipscomb

All creatures of Krynn carry with them their own magical "field", sometimes going by the name of an "aura" or "life-force". Intelligent beings in general have a more powerful aura than animals. This aura can sometimes be unconsciously manipulated by persons with no magical knowledge, and such manipulations are called by the Mages of High Sorcery as "folk magic". The ability to perform these manipulations are innate and unpredictable.

First amongst the folk magic abilities is "sensitivity". This is an innate awareness of magic and magical creatures, usually manifesting as an "eerie feeling" or "hearing voices". Sensitive persons are more likely to see ghosts or have a heightened empathy to people, animals and natural surroundings. Seers, mediums and horse-whisperers are all sensitives.

"Fortification" is the name given to the ability to focus the will and is most often used by those with high sensitivity. It can be used to block out or focus more clearly the impressions gained by sensitivity. It also provides a little protection against "true" magic.

A person's aura can sometimes rub off onto inanimate objects, providing them with slight magical powers. This process is known as "imprinting". The longer an object remains with a person, the more likely imprinting is to occur. Simple imprinting merely allows a sensitive to learn who the owner of an object is. Complex imprinting occurs when particular properties are ascribed to an object, resulting in the creation of "lucky charms" or, as the Mages call them, "foci".

The powers ascribed to a focus seem to be linked to the beliefs of a person owning it. If a pickpocket stole a person's "lucky penny" without knowing it's significance, the coin would soon revert back to an ordinary coin with no magical properties. However, if the owner of the lucky penny gave it to a friend and told them of its luck-giving qualities, the new recipient could benefit from it.

Sequential ownership of a focus can also increase its imprinted powers. The swords and armor of Solamnic Knight families often have powerful imprinted magic since they are usually very old heirlooms.

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