Let me ask you, what is the best thing about magic in a game.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/idea.gif" alt="" /> Magic is a shortcut in the natural path from cause to effect. That's why it's so appealing to the people (as opposed to science, which insists in walking the full path between cause and effect).
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/idea.gif" alt="" /> Any technology will be undistinguishable from magic if advanced enough to the people that see/suffer it.
The first is from Umberto Eco. The second from Robert Silverberg, if I'm not mistaken. They summarize quite well my thoughts in the matter <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Magic lets you twist reality... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" /> 'nuff said!
