In the realm of music, there are some songs that have a certain magical quality to them. They transport us to a different world, evoking emotions and memories. One such song is "Magic," originally recorded by Olivia Newton-John in 1980. This enchanting track has stood the test of time and continues to captivate listeners with its ethereal melodies and captivating lyrics. "Magic" is a perfect representation of the magical world that music can create. From the moment the first note hits, you can feel the power of the song seeping into your soul.
The Strength of Thousands Adventure Path begins! A magic school like no other! The oldest and most prestigious magic academy in the world is the Magaambya, an ancient institution founded by the greatest wizard the world has ever known. This wizard vanished long ago, but his sinister enemies plot against his school and those who attend it. Over their long academic career, the heroes rise from humble students to become teachers, and they ultimately hold the fate of the school in their hands. Graduates of the Magaambya are among the greatest wardens of the world, but if the heroes can't marshal the strength of thousands who have come before them, the venerable Magaambya might fall! The Strength of Thousands Adventure Path is a six-part, monthly series of connected adventures that comprise a complete Pathfinder campaign.
The material contained in those subsections alone is enough to run a separate sandbox style campaign where players advance their students at a more leisurely place and where the emphasis remains on the school life aspects. The Magaambya is either unable or unwilling to produce a Remove Disease spell, potion, scroll or wand and the book doesn t mention any options to cure said disease either.
From the moment the first note hits, you can feel the power of the song seeping into your soul. Newton-John's vocals are angelic, with a touch of whimsicality that adds to the overall enchantment of the track. The lyrics of "Magic" further contribute to its mesmerizing allure.
School’s in for Summer! Pathfinder – Kindled Magic Reviewed
In Kindled Magic, players take on the role of new students at the Magaambya, the greatest magic school in all Golarion. As new initiates, they must complete a period of public service for the school before progressing in their training. Trouble soon stirs, however, as unusually active insects portend a far greater threat than a few bugs.
By its sheer genre conventions, Kindled Magic is not a typical Pathfinder adventure. While there is combat, players will find far greater opportunities for character advancement in solving mysteries, befriending fellow students, earning the trust of teachers, and finding clever solutions to thorny threats. The Magaambya emphasizes imagination, camaraderie, adaptability, valor, and knowledge and this value system permeates the design of the entire adventure. The cast of NPCs is vibrant and diverse — so much so that authors Alexandria Bustion and Eleanor Ferron actually advocate having players take on NPC roles in addition to their characters. The ability to learn, explore, and forge relationships are the core elements of this adventure and their skillful handling makes this a delight. The details here truly sell the setting, from the student’s room filled with “wooden practice weapons, old scrolls, impressive but magically inert knickknacks and a stuffed lizard” to spellskeins who “are nevertheless protective of the students” but still might “[steal] the occasional unattended kerchief.”
The Magaambya feels vibrant and alive. The supplemental sections on “Life in the Academy” and “Students of the Magaambya” help flesh the location and its inhabitants out and provide strong hooks for players and GMs alike. The material contained in those subsections alone is enough to run a separate sandbox style campaign where players advance their students at a more leisurely place and where the emphasis remains on the school life aspects.
There’s a sense of palpable delight in Kindred Magic, an invitation for players to step in and savor the wonder of discovery and the joy of goodhearted mischief. When the challenge is to find, purchase and safely transport delicate chicks from the market back to the school or to peacefully remove an infestation of gremlins, there is a potential for real delight in the storytelling and roleplaying aspects and in interacting with the world itself. All the same, Bustion and Ferron still manage to drop hints that something strange is afoot for those observant enough to notice or curious enough to go seeking.
The art is, as always with Pathfinder, beautifully rendered and, in this case in particular, thoughtfully conceived. There’s a clear African influence to the page borders as well as to the full page spread detailing Old Mage Jatembe, but it feels like a respectful homage rather than a crass imitation.
While combat does feature in the adventure, its emphasis on relationship building, problem solving, and student life means that Kindled Magic is a solid entry point for players curious about the hobby, but who would prefer a more character-driven plot. Likewise, it’s a natural fit for those who already appreciate the hallmarks of the magic school genre or players looking for a distinctly non-eurocentric approach. Conversely, for players interested in meaty, strategic combat, this adventure might be one to bypass. GMs interested in constructing a school-based experience, regardless of system or setting, would do well to read through and note which elements help to really drive home the experience and how to port them back into their own games.
While bigger things are most definitely on the horizon, Kindled Magic is an adventure packed with delight and discovery, allowing players to fully immerse themselves as students in a wondrous and fantastical setting. The campaign and its supplemental materials are rich enough to spin off into their own longform schooling series or to inspire GMS in creating their own. The adventure’s explicit direction to reward creative problem solving encourages players to approach in-game challenges and obstacles with curiosity rather than simple brute force and helps integrate the Magaambya’s five core virtues —imagination, camaraderie, adaptability, valor, and knowledge—into the fabric of the gaming experience itself, making this a strong contender for fans of the genre.
They tell a tale of romance and the mystical connection between two souls. The words paint a vivid picture of love's transformative power, making us believe in the extraordinary. Lines like "You have to believe we are magic, nothing can stand in our way" inspire hope and encourage us to embrace our own potential for wonder. The melody of the song is equally enchanting. The piano and synthesizers create a dreamlike atmosphere, transporting us to a realm where anything is possible. The catchy chorus lingers in our minds, as if casting a spell that we cannot resist. Throughout the years, "Magic" has been covered by numerous artists who have added their own magical touch to the song. Each rendition brings its own unique interpretation, showcasing the timeless appeal of the track. However, no matter how many versions are created, Olivia Newton-John's original recording will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans. "Magic" is a true testament to the transformative power of music. It takes us on a journey, making us believe in the extraordinary and reminding us of the enchantment that lies within the world of songs. So, the next time you listen to this magical track, let yourself be swept away by its spell and embrace the wonders it has to offer..
Reviews for "Songs of Sorcery: Olivia Newton John's Magical Version Strikes a Chord"
1. John - 2 stars
While I'm usually a fan of magical versions of songs, I couldn't get on board with this one by Olivia Newton John. It felt like the magic was trying too hard to overshadow the original song, and it ended up sounding forced and unnatural. I appreciate artists putting their unique spin on classics, but in this case, it missed the mark for me.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I have to say I was really disappointed with this magical version of Olivia Newton John's song. The addition of magical elements felt completely unnecessary and detracted from the beauty and simplicity of the original. The vocals were also heavily autotuned, which made the whole experience feel artificial and lacking emotion. I would much rather listen to the original, as it holds so much more charm and authenticity.
3. Mark - 2 stars
As someone who grew up listening to Olivia Newton John, I was excited to hear a magical version of one of her songs. However, this rendition left me underwhelmed. The magical elements felt forced and didn't enhance the song in any way. The original had a certain nostalgia and warmth that was completely lost in this version. I prefer sticking to the classic recording rather than this failed attempt at adding magic.
4. Jennifer - 3 stars
I can appreciate the effort put into creating a magical version of Olivia Newton John's song, but it just didn't do it for me. The magical elements were overpowering and took away from the simplicity of the original. While I enjoy experimentation and creativity in music, in this case, it felt like too much was going on. I wished they had focused more on preserving the essence of the original song while adding subtle magical accents.
5. Alex - 2 stars
This magical version of Olivia Newton John's song did not resonate with me. The added magical elements felt gimmicky and took away from the beauty of the original. The vocals seemed strained and altered, which further detracted from the overall enjoyment. I appreciate the attempt to bring a fresh twist to a beloved song, but I found it fell short of my expectations. I'll be sticking to the original version for now.