Ars Magica is a fantasy role playing game. It is set in Mythic Europe; a version of medieval Europe in which magic works, and faeries, elves, angels, and demons all exist. Mythic Europe is 12th and 13th century Europe the way the people of the time thought it was; wizards really can cast spells, fantastic beasts such as dragons really do exist, faeries inhabit the deep woods, imps bring people troubles, angels intervene in people's lives, and demons actively tempt people to loose their souls. Players take on the part of magi (wizards), their companions, guards, and servants, and undertake high adventures, or simple everyday life, whichever may be more dangerous.

Personally, I consider Ars Magica to be the best and most interesting role playing game yet made. Its setting, in a modified medieval Europe, appeals to my interest in history and historical games, and allows the players to include or exclude as much of real history as they want. Its magic system is relatively simple and logical, and doesn't have any of the silly non-intuitive limitations of many other role playing games (ex. wizards having to relearn their spells each night as in AD&D). The game's basic rules are easy enough for a beginner to learn quickly, but extensive enough to allow experienced players many options. Ars Magica also has a very large set of supplemental books and scenarios, which provide additional historical and game information.

Ars Magica is published by Atlas Games and is currently in its 5th Edition of the main rules. Information about the numerous on-line resources for Ars Magica has been collected in Project Redcap.

Ars Magica, Mythic Europe, and Covenants are trademarks of Trident, Inc. Order of Hermes, Doissetep, Grimgroth, and Tremere, are trademarks of White Wolf, Inc.. The use of these trademarks here is without permission, and does not constitute a challenge to the ownership of those properties. The Ars Magica graphic at the top of each page is used with permission from Atlas Games.

Updated 22 August 2005.