Delving into the Extraordinary: A Study of Ilona Andrews' Magic Series

Ilona Andrews is a pen name used by the writing team of Ilona and Andrew Gordon. They are known for their series of books centered around magic. The series is set in alternate versions of our world, where magic and supernatural elements are very much present. One of their most popular series is the Kate Daniels series. It follows the adventures of the main character, Kate Daniels, a strong-willed and skilled swordswoman. In this series, magic comes in waves, alternating with technology.

4th Edition has a magic system. It's not D&D like, however. THe costs are fairly high and you're not going to have a mage running around casting fire balls or anything like that.

The rules are based on the KAP 4th edition, requiring sleep and so on but the application to the game is what is novel as well as the clarification of the types of magician, etc. Yea Way too many If there are any enterprising authors, or wanna-be authors reading this drop me a line take the Greg Stafford Writing Test if you pass, I will give you a crack at helping to finish one of my books.

In this series, magic comes in waves, alternating with technology. When magic is up, technology fails, and vice versa. With this unique concept, the authors create a rich and captivating world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and powerful characters.

Spell of the nocturnal enchantress

In page 29, in the Bard's description, there is the following line:

"Magic: Lampoon, Cry, Laugh, Sleep"

As a new player (KAP 5.1), I'm unfamiliar with Pendragon's Magic. I own all 5e Books, but found no reference to magic spells; I heard that in 4th Edition there is a Magic system, but I have no access to the book yet.

Is this "Magic" line just a guideline? Or maybe there is an upcoming Book of Magic?

When it comes to magic in KAP, I think it's best NOT to think at spells in the sense of D&D or other classic RPGs. It is more a strange happening, not clearly explainable by normal means. And it should be seldom.
I believe, the best approach to a bards magic would be to assume a very strong emotional influence, which bards have over their audience while performing. Just describe the effects. And in this case, it would be hard for normal people to distinguish, whether they encounter just a VERY good musician. It is not obvious to tell. The less you tell clearly to them and the more you be nebulous upon the easier would a mystic appearance of the magical achievable.

4th Edition has a magic system. It's not D&D like, however. THe costs are fairly high and you're not going to have a mage running around casting fire balls or anything like that.

I think you can get a pdf from DriveThru Rpg..I think or RPGNow.. I forget which.

I agree Lothaire.

I would add, that I think that magic could (should?) engage with Traits and Passions. "Cry" could mean a test for Merciful, "Laugh" for Indulgent (?) and "Sleep" for Lazy when a PK is under that "magic" effect; a success in each case would mean that the PK is affected.

I would add, that I think that magic could (should?) engage with Traits and Passions.
.
a success in each case would mean that the PK is affected.
Nice idea. I would it do reverse way: assume, that a PK will be affected. But I'd allow some resist roll, powered by a trait contrary to the effect. A succes would mean, the PK isn't affected to do something relevant at least.

Yes, use magic to go after traits and passions.

But just how usable is KAP4 Magic in KAP 5.1?

Basically, everything in every edition of KAP is compatible.

I DO have a Book of Magic that is very, very nice
by David Zeeman
Not much for player character, but very, very nice for that second son.
I plan to get it out in this year, some time
depending on the overall releases, that is.

Yes, use magic to go after traits and passions.

But just how usable is KAP4 Magic in KAP 5.1?

Basically, everything in every edition of KAP is compatible.

I DO have a Book of Magic that is very, very nice
by David Zeeman
Not much for player character, but very, very nice for that second son.
I plan to get it out in this year, some time
depending on the overall releases, that is.

I look forward to seeing that! I've never used the magic rules from 4th ed. but would be interested in seeing how ideas have moved since then.

Yes, use magic to go after traits and passions.

But just how usable is KAP4 Magic in KAP 5.1?

Basically, everything in every edition of KAP is compatible.
I DO have a Book of Magic that is very, very nice
by David Zeeman
Not much for player character, but very, very nice for that second son.
I plan to get it out in this year, some time
depending on the overall releases, that is.

I look forward to seeing that! I've never used the magic rules from 4th ed. but would be interested in seeing how ideas have moved since then.

The rules are based on the KAP 4th edition, requiring sleep and so on
but the application to the game is what is novel
as well as the clarification of the types of magician, etc.

There certainly are some interesting books waiting in the wings for KAP

Yea
Way too many
If there are any enterprising authors, or wanna-be authors reading this:
drop me a line
take the Greg Stafford Writing Test
if you pass, I will give you a crack at helping to finish one of my books

hey guys and girls ok I use magic rules from 4th and was disappointed that the magic system was striped out of KAP 5 but am glad too know their is a new magic book waiting in the wings!

here is a specified hybrid i came up with for fifth based off of 4th edition for bards as i play allot of bards for the one i used in KAP 5 book look on pg 36 you will find a pregenerated character called the coutiear use this has a bases for your bard but do the following tweaks to him

1) Reroll all his traits i feel their all a bit low on all the pregenerated characters found their.

2) Next train up the bards skills these should be
Compose +8, Courtesy +6, Dancing +6, Faerie Lore +7 (for Pagan Bards), 0r Bible Folk Lore +7 (for Christian Bards) Orate +3, Singing +11, Play Instruments Harp or flute or lute +11, Religion +7 (Pagan or Christian) Love (diety) 5d6, These come from his early child hood, continued Training and Graduation Package. his Magical Tallent is emotion control +15 if he is successful in his casting check this is the saving throw the people need to make to wake up from their enchanted sleep ie the oppssed role.

3) Remember a bards power comes from his ability to control other peoples emotions and can effect their emotion to represent this effect make a perform check either by singing or playing musical instrument or both if playing a lute or harp and singing if he is doing both. I let him combine his total amount of his skills add play and singing together then roll and have everyone in the room make an opposed roll those that failed the opposed roll suffer from the bards music and then must make trait checks based off of the effect the Bard is trying to create. Like putting the knights to sleep make a lazy check to those that fail go to sleep those that make their checks stay a wake. Yes I also apply this to faerie's as well.

Notes: 1) I have already assumed this a younger son of a nobleman and a powerful magician (ie his father a noble Christian/Pagan knight who either married a powerful christian lady taught the healing arts at a local Nunery, or has married a powerful pagan enchantress.

2) the bardic emotion control can do the following Bless, Curse, Dispel Protect, Heal if pagan; or can Bless, Curse, Dispel, Divine Miracle (from god), and Heal;

How magic works quick and dirty, no matter what you are trying to do weather its Using bards emotion control talent, a Christian's Divine Miracle Tallent (ie Nun/Priest/etc and Healing powers; or the power of faerie for pagan's is how i characterize magic in KAP.

Critical Success: The spell works and receives a bonus of +15 to the effect desired with no aging or sleep needed as their was enough life force in the air to cast it.
(Also in my Game a 1 is always a critical success and a 20 is a critical failure in magic tests. sinse in KAP you roll under ytour number or your number for success in the game.)
Success: The spell works as desired roll 1d6 for sleep owed in days.
Failure: The spell does not work because of insuffiaciant life force in the air no age or sleep cost, however the caster does become tired, and may not try another spell today, he must sleep now.
Critical Failure: The spell does not work but the costs of age and sleep are as though it had worked however it effects the spell caster only and ages 1d6 and must sleep for 1d6 weeks the price he pays for trying to cast and control unearthly power not meant for mortal man.

I could if with Greg Stafford's Permission would let me give a Quick brief on powers listed above and their game effects for both Christian and pagan. But I hesitate to do so sense allot of the text came out of the 4th edition Pendragon magic rules for spells. much like the table above and I would like to take your writing test Greg would love to write for pendragon but I am not the best I writer or speller but I am willing to give it a try.

When it comes to magic in KAP, I think it's best NOT to think at spells in the sense of D&D or other classic RPGs. It is more a strange happening, not clearly explainable by normal means. And it should be seldom.
I believe, the best approach to a bards magic would be to assume a very strong emotional influence, which bards have over their audience while performing. Just describe the effects. And in this case, it would be hard for normal people to distinguish, whether they encounter just a VERY good musician. It is not obvious to tell. The less you tell clearly to them and the more you be nebulous upon the easier would a mystic appearance of the magical achievable.

Another notable series by Ilona Andrews is the Hidden Legacy series. Set in a world where powerful families possess magical abilities, this series focuses on Nevada Baylor and her efforts to protect her family's business and uncover the truth behind her father's death. The series combines urban fantasy, romance, and mystery elements to create a thrilling and engaging storyline. The Iron Covenant series is a spin-off of the Kate Daniels series, following the character of Hugh d'Ambray, a former warlord and antagonist in the original series. This series delves into Hugh's journey of self-discovery and redemption, as well as his complicated relationship with Elara Harper, a powerful magic user. Overall, Ilona Andrews has crafted a collection of series that explore the possibilities and consequences of living in a world where magic is real. Their books are filled with action, adventure, romance, and intricate world-building. The main theme that runs through these series is the power of magic and how it shapes the lives of the characters. Whether it's Kate Daniels fighting to protect her city, Nevada Baylor uncovering family secrets, or Hugh d'Ambray seeking redemption, these stories demonstrate that magic can be both a blessing and a curse..

Reviews for "Bringing Magic to Life: The Art of Ilona Andrews' Novels"

1. Jane - 2/5 - I found the series of books by Ilona Andrews centered around magic to be quite disappointing. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with too many subplots that never seemed to tie together. Additionally, the characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect or empathize with them. The writing style was decent, but it couldn't salvage the overall lackluster experience. Overall, I was left unsatisfied and uninterested in continuing with the series.

2. Mark - 1/5 - I cannot express enough how much I disliked the series of books by Ilona Andrews centered around magic. The world-building was incredibly weak, lacking sufficient explanations and leaving me with more questions than answers. The magic system seemed arbitrary and inconsistent, which further added to my frustration. The characters were unremarkable and their motivations were often unclear. The pacing of the story was slow and tedious, making it a struggle to get through each chapter. I was deeply disappointed with this series and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a well-crafted magical adventure.

3. Emily - 2/5 - I had high hopes for the series of books by Ilona Andrews centered around magic, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot was predictable and lacked originality, following the same tropes and clichés found in countless other fantasy novels. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making interactions between characters feel awkward and stilted. The world-building, while interesting in concept, was poorly executed, leaving me feeling detached from the story. On the positive side, the action scenes were well-written and provided brief moments of excitement. However, overall, I was left unimpressed and underwhelmed by this series.

Behind the Magic: An Interview with Ilona Andrews