Low Magic
Low magic is a subgenre descriptor applied to another genre, usually fantasy, that indicates that magic is rare, subtle, or very costly. It's sometimes called "low fantasy" and concurrent with darker themes and a grittier tone, but not always. Low magic fiction might be set in our own world before magic was lost, or where magic struggles to survive in secret. It might be set in the far future after a technological collapse where "magic" is just fragments of still-functional technology. Or it might be a fantasy world where magic is dying, highly secretive and esoteric, or simply very difficult to perform. Low magic tabletop roleplaying games limit players' access to world-shaking, game-changing magical spells, or make such things the subject of entire adventures to achieve. This allows a fantastical world somewhat grounded in reality that makes magic feel rare and special. When magic does appear, it's a big deal! A low magic game makes healing difficult, so violence is costly, and players must solve problems with their wits and prowess rather than magic spells. For this reason, low magic games are often seen as more challenging to players.
Popular Low Magic RPGs
Forbidden Lands
Forbidden Lands is a new take on classic fantasy roleplaying. In this sandbox survival roleplaying game, you’re not heroes sent on missions dictated by others – instead, you are raiders and rogues bent on making your own mark on a cursed world. You will discover lost tombs, fight terrible monsters, wander the wild lands, and if you live long enough, build your own stronghold to defend.
Mörk Borg
MÖRK BORG is a pitch-black apocalyptic fantasy RPG about lost souls and fools seeking redemption, forgiveness or the last remaining riches in a bleak and dying world. Who are you? The tomb-robber with silver glittering between cracked fingernails? The mystic who would bend the world’s heart away from it’s inevitable end? Confront power-draining necromancers, skulking skeletal warriors and backstabbing wickheads. Wander the Valley of the Unfortunate Undead, the catacombs beneath the Bergen Chrypt or the bedevilled Sarkash forest. But leave hope behind – the world’s cruel fate is sealed, and all your vain heroic efforts are destined to end in death and dismay. Or are they?
Dune: Adventures in the Imperium
The Dune: Adventures in the Imperium roleplaying game takes you into a far future beyond anything you have imagined, where fear is the mind killer so be sure to keep your wits about you. The Imperium is a place of deadly duels, feudal politics, and mysterious abilities, noble Houses politic constantly for power, influence, and vengeance in a universe where a blade can change the fortunes of millions. Build your House, carve your place in the universe or rebuild an ancient lineage and fight for the Imperial throne. Take your characters on a journey through the storied worlds of Frank Herbert's sci-fi masterpiece, inhabit elite agents working for noble Houses where Mentats, Swordmasters, Spies, Bene Gesserit Sisters, Devious Advisors, or even desert Fremen join together to follow your banner. Whoever you choose to be, remember that those that control the spice control the universe.
Pirate Borg
A scurvy-ridden, rules light, art heavy tabletop RPG. Inspired by history, fantasy, horror and rum. Your cutlass & flintlock won’t save you from the hordes of skeletons, the Kraken, or even your own crew. Find a ship. Recruit some crew. Raid, pillage, plunder, and otherwise pilfer your weasley black guts out. Get a bigger ship. Kill some things. Upgrade your ship. Sneak into a fort. Raid a port. Acquire treasure. Bury said treasure. Become infamous. Search for someone else’s treasure. Flee in terror from unfathomable creatures from the deep. Drink all of the rum. Die on the high seas. Roll a new character and do it all again.
Vaesen
In dark forests, beyond the mountains, by black lakes in hidden groves. At your doorstep. In the shadows, something stirs. Strange beings. Twisted creatures, lurking at the edge of vision. Watching. Waiting. Unseen by most, but not by you. You see them for what they really are. Vaesen. Welcome to the Mythic North – northern Europe of the nineteenth century, but not as we know it today. A land where the myths are real. A cold reach covered by vast forests, its few cities lonely beacons of industry and enlightenment – a new civilization dawning. But in the countryside, the old ways still hold sway. There, people know what lurks in the dark. They know to fear it.
Frequently asked questions about Low Magic
Blog links about Low Magic
Low Magic Reviews and Actual Plays
MÖRK BORG with Mystery Quest
Join the cast of Mystery Quest as they attempt to survive the lethal world of Mörk Borg.
The One Ring: Moria
The Glass Cannon network explores Moria in Middle Earth at Gen Con 2024.
Forbidden Stream: Forbidden Lands
Third Floor Wars explores the Forbidden Lands after the Blood Mist lifts from the world, allowing them to explore the wilderness.