Re: Magical ecology?

> Question: What's is the ecological effect of a continious release of pure
> magical energy (not formed into spells) in really large amounts?
> Is it going to be felt in orbit?
> Will it affect spelljamming shipping? Will it affect tech ships (I have
both
> IMC)?
I would handle it in a fashion that blends tow old systems you are probably
familiar with: Gamma World, and Shadowrun. I would take the approach that
the magical energy mutates the resident lifeforms by activating portions of
their DNA that have no function except in a mana rich environment. This was
the explanation used in Shadowrun for the return of  dwarves, trolls,
unicorns, etc. I would then create a set of tables for determining random
"mutations," which would occur when creatures are exposed to very high
levels of this energy.
I would suggest the new d20 Gamma World for this (and it may have a numeber
of things your SJ2020 campaign could make use of), but it is not really very
satisfying as far as the rules for Cellular Transformation go.
Whether it is felt in orbit is your call depending on how wide you want the
effect to be. If it does I would treat it as a wild surge (either
consistently with a roll every time increment, or only upon initial
exposure). In my campaign this would affect both tech and non tech based
ships, each differently. Magical ships would find the surge affects their
helms and any other magical equipment like portal locators. Tech ships would
find that the energy effects physical components of the ship (warp wood
anyone?).
Loki, DM
Warriors of the Balance: The Rise of Dukagsh Campaign
New Orleans, La