Project M.A.G.I.: A Campaign Frame for Mortal Coil
30 seconds to drop zone¸" the pilot said over the intercom¸ piercing the background hum of the Hercules' four engines. The soldiers stood up from their benches¸ beginning the final preparations for drop; checking parachutes¸ loading and re-loading guns and checking ammunition.
"15 seconds to drop zone."
The Captain walked down the length of the cabin¸ making eye contact with each of his men. As he reached the far end¸ he turned¸ back to the open ramp. He drew a combat knife from his hip and¸ in a motion that he had done a dozen times before¸ drew it across the palm of his hand¸ letting it drip to the floor.
"10 seconds."
Seeing the start of the ritual¸ the soldiers lining the cabin began to do the same¸ mouthing unspoken words of power as they did so. A palpable energy could be felt in the air as blood began to pool on the floor¸ and hitherto unseen runes and sigils began to glow on equipment and uniform as the blood ritual was completed.
"5 seconds."
"Ready?" Asked the Captain¸ stowing his knife and grabbing his gun before turning to the opening¸ not waiting for an answer.
"Aye Captain." Came the reply from his men.
"Drop."
Sorcerer-Captain Franklin smiled as he hurled himself from the back of the aircraft¸ feeling the air rush by as he plummeted towards the ground. Far below¸ in the jungles of Indonesia¸ he could see the faint outline of tracer fire. And there¸ visible for only a moment¸ a burst of eldritch fire. This was the place alright¸ he could feel it in his blood.
Project M.A.G.I. is a campaign frame for Mortal Coil written by Andrew Kenrick¸ author of the indie RPG Dead of Night. Set in modern times¸ players take the role of elite magical special forces¸ sent in to deal with occult and supernatural threats that normal soldiers can't handle.
Project M.A.G.I. is a fully sketched out setting in the form of a detailed theme document¸ with all of the world set-up choices written out in detail. The frame is customizable by your game group. You choose a tone¸ and pick the magic level that is appropriate for your game.
Campaign frames are great ways to do a quick setup for Mortal Coil¸ and are ideal for playing a pick-up game or convention game. If your players really like the setting¸ the frame can be used for a longer term game as well. A campaign frame is also useful as a how-to on setting up a unique theme document of your own.