Magic Strep Klub is an enchanting and extraordinary place where the wonders of magic come to life. It is a club where magicians gather to share their tricks and illusions, and where aspiring magicians can learn the art of magic. First established in the early 20th century, Magic Strep Klub has a rich history and is renowned for its contribution to the world of magic. It has become a hub for magicians from all over the globe, attracting both amateur and professional performers. The club provides a supportive and collaborative environment for magicians to showcase their talents and learn from one another. Regular meetings and events are held where members can perform and receive feedback from their peers.
Feats Craft Wondrous Item, scrying (plus any additional spells put into item); Cost 21,000 gp (standard), 25,000 (with see invisibility), 25,500 gp (with detect thoughts), 35,000 gp (with telepathy), 40,000 gp (with true seeing)
You can choose to roll some dice behind a screen and simply tell your players the result or you can choose to use the moment to create dramatic tension and the feeling that the players characters are integral to the fortune-telling. One of the first things PCs are likely to wonder before or after having their fates revealed is whether or not their fortune-teller s words are true.
Regular meetings and events are held where members can perform and receive feedback from their peers. These gatherings also serve as an opportunity for magicians to exchange knowledge, share new tricks, and discuss the latest trends in the world of magic. Magic Strep Klub also offers workshops and classes for those who are interested in learning magic.
Crystal Ball
Aura moderate divination; CL 10th; Slot —; Price varies; Weight 7 lbs.
This is the most common form of scrying device, a crystal sphere about 6 inches in diameter. So well-known are these items that many so-called oracles or fortune-tellers use similar appearing (but completely non-magical) replicas of these items to ply their trades. a character can use a magical crystal ball to see over virtually any distance or into other planes of existence, as with the spell scrying (Will DC 16 negates). a crystal ball can be used multiple times per day, but the DC to resist its power decreases by 1 for each additional use.
Certain crystal balls have additional powers that can be used through the crystal ball on the target viewed.
* The viewer is able to send and receive silent mental messages with the person appearing in the crystal ball. Once per day, the character may attempt to implant a suggestion (as the spell, Will DC 14 negates) as well.
Feats Craft Wondrous Item, scrying (plus any additional spells put into item); Cost 21,000 gp (standard), 25,000 (with see invisibility), 25,500 gp (with detect thoughts), 35,000 gp (with telepathy), 40,000 gp (with true seeing)
Fortune-telling conjures images of hazy tents, mysterious women shrouded in shawls, and portents wafting through the air like incense.
So how do you, in your modern game room that is probably noticeably lacking in crystal balls and mysterious tents, use the illusion of fortune-telling to give your players the same excited trepidation, as well as both hope and fear for their characters’ destinies? No matter how the fortune-telling enters your campaign, you as the Gamemaster have options. You can choose to roll some dice behind a screen and simply tell your players the result—or you can choose to use the moment to create dramatic tension and the feeling that the players’ characters are integral to the fortune-telling. While the second option is likely a lot more fun for all involved, it does require some work on your part.
Basic Fortune-Telling Methods
Many fortune-telling methods exist, and each has its pros and cons in terms of use in a roleplaying game. What follow are some of the more easily integrated fortunetelling methods and their strengths and weaknesses for a Gamemaster.
Cold Readings: A cold reading is when you decide to plunge into a fortune-telling situation without much—if any—preparation. This might occur because the players suddenly seek out a fortune-teller or because it suddenly seems right in your campaign.
For a cold reading, you can either revert to reading the palms of your players’ characters, throwing stones, using cards or dice, or other mystical-feeling methods. The critical thing with a cold reading is not to commit too anything too concrete or detailed in the fortuneteller’s answers. You haven’t prepared and committing to a possible game changer or other critical game element on the fly can come back to haunt you.
With such readings, attempt to give vague answers or ones filled with symbolism that the players can interpret (“I see a red hawk at your shoulder. Its left foot is crippled, a black ribbon tangled in its claws.”). While such prophecies might have little meaning initially, you can work manifestations of such revelations into future adventures—or not, depending on the legitimacy of your fortune-telling NPC.
True Randomness: With this method of fortunetelling you let the sticks, dice, cards, or stones fall as they may. Then it is up to you to interpret the results in a way that is useful and potentially meaningful for your players. This method works best if you write down a few possible results for each player. You can do this by listing several positive and negative results (say, having the upper numbers on dice tell something positive and the lower numbers mean a negative future). Doing so allows you to create a few vague and optional fates that work with your campaign and your characters’ abilities, but still afford the excitement of leaving the results up to chance.
False Randomness: Many fortune-telling methods can be made to look random while allowing you to remain in total control of the outcome. This is easiest to do with a prop like a spirit board, but can also be done easily with cards. The advantage to false randomness is that it allows you to give players specific information you want to impart about their futures. By spelling out words on a spirit board or stacking a deck so certain cards are revealed, you can impart meanings specific to the needs of your game. The disadvantage of this technique is that, if you mess up, players know you rigged the results and don’t feel as excited or as invested in the results as they might otherwise.
Fortune-Telling Props
It is usually helpful to use props in the course of a fortune-telling. You can simply use a player’s palm as a prop, but players tend to get more excited when they feel that an element of randomness and fate are involved, which rolling dice or drawing cards provide. Of course, you also have to be prepared to deal with that randomness and come up with appropriate responses for the answers, which often require some preparation or research. Certain tools, like tarot cards, imply particular interpretations, and familiarizing yourself with these can help guide your fortune-telling by suggesting results.
There are far more fortune-telling methods in the world than can be addressed here, but the following often prove easiest to integrate into a fantasy roleplaying campaign. If you’re interested, the library and Internet have a wealth of information on other fortune-telling methods such as the I-Ching, pendulum reading, horacy, crystalmancy, chiromancy, and countless others.
Cards: These can be used either as single cards drawn from a deck or in more complicated fortune-telling spreads. You should have an idea of what each card means in fortune-telling or in your world before doing such a reading, as being able to interpret each card off the top of your head or with only a quick reference of your notes goes a long way to increasing the verisimilitude of the experience. The Harrow Deck offers cards designed specifically for use in the Pathfinder RPG, dealing with RPG-related themes, and can be useful in shortening your research time to convert real-world answers to your fantasy world.
Dice, Sticks, or Stones: Dice are something every Gamemaster has readily available. Many also have shiny stones of different colors and types. The GM reveals fortunes using thse props by interpreting either marks on their surfaces or how they fall in relation to one another. While such items typically prove vague enough that only the “fortune-teller” can decipher them, they offer little in the way of thematic suggestions, and thus prove difficult to ad-lib with unless the GM already has an idea of how he wants the prophecy to play out. They do, however, lend an air of action, mysticism, and randomness that simple palm reading or staring into a crystal ball does not.
Crystal Ball, Fire, Foci: When using a crystal ball, fire, or any other prop that offers no visible result, you need to use a more theatrical style. These readings tend to be more scripted (see Fortune-Telling as Theater), although you can still add player interaction into such encounters by asking the players questions, such as “What animal comes to mind as you stare into the fire?” You must then be ready to assign a meaning to the animal or whatever other factors you decide have relevance.
Fortune-Telling as Theater
With a bit of preparation, you can give a truly theatrical fortune-telling session using palm reading, a crystal ball, or any other interpretive method where you, as the fortune-teller, are telling the players what you “see” in their future. First off, try to set the mood. Dimming the lights and insisting that everyone stay in character can go far toward eliminating disruptions.
In addition, make sure you have a good message in mind, one using metaphor and/or allegory liberally. Sometimes it helps to actually write a brief script for yourself ahead of time. For example, let’s say the message is that the characters will wind up trapped in a magical labyrinth, and the only way out is to find the labyrinth’s guardian who has a golden key. Instead of saying this straight out in a reading, you might instead phrase it more mysteriously, such as, “I see you lost, trapped in an endless series of choices… Do not allow yourself to spiral out of control or all is lost. Darkness… confusion… grief and terror. All this I see, but there is a glimpse of golden hope, a spider spinning a golden web of safety. Find her or find oblivion.”
The technique here is to not simply spoon feed your players the information they need. You want to give them clues they must unravel as they adventure forward. Also, be sure that whatever scenario your fortune-teller is describing is one you’re pretty sure the players will soon face. You can, of course, combine this theatrical reading style with one of the more random fortune-telling elements. The combination can be particularly powerful. And always remember that, even in the most directed of readings, you want to integrate the players into the process. This will provide them with the most powerful and enjoyable experience, and will also give them things to look forward to—or dread—in the coming adventure. That kind of emotional engagement and suspense can turn a run-of-the-mill adventure into a truly magical experience.
Mundane and Magical Fortune-Telling
One of the first things PCs are likely to wonder before or after having their fates revealed is whether or not their fortune-teller’s words are true. Some fortune-tellers are complete con artists, devoid of any kind of mystical power, using the same techniques as real-world mystics. If a fortune teller is scamming the PCs, you should roll a Bluff check to determine the effectiveness of her performance. Don’t call for a Sense Motive check from the characters unless they raise the question of their seer’s legitimacy. Part of the effectiveness of fortune-telling is the recipient’s belief in the medium’s miraculous insights. Only once a character doubts these powers does the illusion risk breaking down.
The Pathfinder RPG also presents many magical options for fortune-telling. The spells augury, contact other plane, and vision, along with a host of other divination spells, all prove useful in giving characters insights into the future, where classic magic items like crystal balls and medallions of thoughts allow seers to demonstrate their uncanny insights. A variety of illusion-based spells and magic items, such as a wand of major image or a deck of illusions, help bring flair to a fortune-teller’s readings, regardless of actual truthfulness. The harrower prestige class employs the aforementioned Harrow Deck and allows characters to play a kind of adventuring fortune-teller.
Fortune-telling conjures images of hazy tents, mysterious women shrouded in shawls, and portents wafting through the air like incense.
These sessions are conducted by experienced magicians who are passionate about passing on their skills and knowledge to the next generation. Here, aspiring magicians can learn the fundamentals of magic, practice their sleights of hand, and understand the psychology behind illusions. Moreover, Magic Strep Klub is not just limited to traditional magic tricks. It also embraces and explores other forms of magic such as mentalism, escapology, and stage illusions. Members are encouraged to experiment and push the boundaries of their magical abilities, creating unique and unforgettable performances. In addition, Magic Strep Klub has hosted many prestigious events and competitions, attracting magicians from all corners of the world. These events showcase the incredible talents and creativity of the participants while providing a platform for them to gain recognition within the magic community. Magic Strep Klub prides itself on preserving the art of magic and ensuring its continuation for future generations. It serves as a space where magicians can come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the wonders of magic. With its vibrant and supportive community, Magic Strep Klub continues to inspire and captivate audiences with the power of illusion and mystery..
Reviews for "Masters of Illusion: The Magicians of Magic Strep Klubs"
1. John - 1/5 - I was extremely disappointed with "Magic strep klub". The acting was subpar, and the storyline was confusing and disjointed. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and found myself losing interest halfway through the film. I expected a magical and exciting experience, but all I got was a headache.
2. Emily - 2/5 - "Magic strep klub" had potential, but it fell flat for me. The special effects were lackluster, and the plot lacked depth. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to engage with the story. I had high expectations for this film, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to them.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I can see why some people might enjoy "Magic strep klub", but it just wasn't my cup of tea. The pacing was off, and I found myself getting bored during certain scenes. The characters felt one-dimensional, and their motives were unclear. Overall, I found the film to be underwhelming and forgettable.
4. Michael - 1/5 - I regret wasting my time and money on "Magic strep klub". The acting was cringe-worthy, and the dialogue was cheesy and cliché. The storyline was predictable, and there were no surprises or twists. I was hoping for a magical and enchanting experience, but unfortunately, all I got was a poorly made film.
5. Lauren - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Magic strep klub", but it was a letdown. The plot was messy and confusing, and the characters felt underdeveloped. The film had potential, but it failed to deliver on its promises. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this one.