Eric H (aka Pyske)Oct 15, 2024

With Ars Magica launching their definitive edition on Backerkit tomorrow, I was reflecting that while I love the game, one of my major drivers to support Atlas Games has been how good John and Michelle Nephew have been to fans.

Example: when the publishers of the fanzine Mythic Perspectives literally ran out of money, John & Michelle stepped up and got the already written last issue printed and mailed to subscribers, at a loss. That's dedication to good service.

#ttrpg #ArsMagica @Johnnephew

Show threadTarren (They/Them)Oct 26, 2024
@Johnnephew @erich Wait… I seem to remember playing something called Ars Magica way back in 2002… is this an evolution of that, am I remembering the name of what I played wrong, or something else entirely?
Show threadEric H (aka Pyske)

@Tarrenvane
This is the 5th edition of that game; back in 2002 you were probably playing the 4th edition. After publishing 30+ supplements for 5e, they have circled back to incorporate some of the most important added rules back into the core book.

So yes, same general game, a bit cleaned up. If you have fond memories of it, then it might be worth checking out.

Oct 26, 2024 at 2:06pmWeb
Show threadTarren (They/Them)Oct 26, 2024
@erich WOW! I only got to play it once, at #Strategicon, I think, in L.A. It was during a dark time in my life, when my brother invited me to go to the con with him to take a break from the stress, and that was my first exposure to #TTRPGs other than #DND. I played a bunch of games-- #GURPS, a live #Paranoia session, and of course, #ArsMagica. This was back in the days when accessibility consisted of finding a sighted person to read my character sheet to me so I could take notes. Now that you've shown me that Ars Magica didn't die, I might have to look it up again.
Show threadEric H (aka Pyske)Oct 26, 2024

@Tarrenvane Here's a convenience link to the backerkit page, it case it helps. The digital version of the new consolidated edition runs $40 for 600 pages, and there's a bunch of add-on bundles for cheap (i.e. 12 books for $45).

https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/atlas-games/ars-magica-5th-edition-definitive#top

Ars Magica Definitive Edition

Ars Magica's deluxe edition with vastly expanded text, new art and graphic design, and luxurious upgrades.

BackerKit
Show thread🌈 🌈 WoefulHC 🌈 🌈Nov 4, 2024
@Tarrenvane @erich
In practice, how accessible to you find pdfs?
Show threadTarren (They/Them)Nov 5, 2024
@woefulhc @erich It seems to be somewhat hit or miss. Some PDFs are very accessible, some ore--usable by work-arounds and/or relying on context to put the right text in the right places, and some just plain aren't accessible. It depends some on the content and some on how well the creator of the PDF puts the thing together.
Show thread🌈 🌈 WoefulHC 🌈 🌈Nov 6, 2024
@Tarrenvane @erich
That was what I was expecting. I have found large differences in how well authors or publishers use built in features and capabilities of pdf.