"Silver Bayonet'averse" Topic

I recently came across a BBC Alternative History/Fantasy series called "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell."

It is set during the Napoleonic Wars and posits a UK where religion is considered the basis for some quaint traditions. Magic, however, is onsidered real, though it has fallen almost completely out of use.

Mr. Norrell is a prickly devotee of "English" magic, which he does practice, quite impressively. He is a dour and self important fellow who is encouraged to practice his magic openly before London's elites. It goes poorly, and to rescue his reputation he is induced to perform a bit of necromancy, which involves the assistance of a dark spirit which assists him, only to ensnare him.

This triggers a surge in English magic and the introduction of more magic sensitives. Foremost of these is Jonathan Strange, a well meaning, but impulsive, fellow who quickly surpasses Norrell and becomes Wellington's Staff Magician.

It is worth noting that "wizard" is never mentioned.

Given the setting for "Silver Bayonet" players wanting scenario inspiration might want to give a look. The kinds of role specialties that populate SB are not included in the series. There are virtually no creatures included either.

Make of this what you will.

I never actually watched the TV series. But the original book is brilliant.

I'm not sure what is the significance of the word "wizard" not being mentioned – is that important in Silver Bayonet? – but the term "magician" is frequent in the book.

The absence of "wizard" seemed odd, as I thought it stood with "sorcerer" or "warlock" as a magic user, while "magician" struck me more as a "pulling a rabbit out of a hat" sort of thing.

The author of the stories, Susanna Clarke, intended to continue the series, but ill health has prevented it.

The video series and book are certainly pretty well known amongst Silver Bayonet players. In the Facebook group for the game, whenever someone asks for inspirational viewing or reading, it gets recommended right away. (also The Brothers Grimm movie)

Magic/magician have always been used for occult practioners, the terms are not limited to street corner, fair, or stage entertainers. Nothing unusual about the word choice in the book. Stage performance and related elaborate skills as we know them now didn't really start taking off until the mid-1800s.

I was a bit ensnared by a tall tale that Jean Lafitte had rescued Napoleon from Elba and brought him to New Orleans.

The scenario involves Napoleon being very ill. No one in New Orleans knows how to treat what is recognized as arsenic poisoning. In desperation he is spirited across the river to Algiers, the occult epicenter of North America. There he is treated and nursed back to health while Silver Bayonet squads from all of Europe search for him, aided and opposed by squads from the US, Texas, Native Americans, Cajuns, Haitians, pirates and the like.

Just watched the first episode (free on youtube), I enjoyed it. Thanks!

I started watching some time ago, but it didn't catch my fancy for reasons I can't explain.

Actually, given the number of things I have recently found far better than the first viewing suggested, it must be time to give it another go.

Take my thanks as well!

Doug