| From: | Avenger <Avenger@*******.DEMON.CO.UK> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: SR3 and it's affects |
| Date: | Wed, 5 Aug 1998 03:08:46 +0100 |
<jaimie.nicholson@********.OTAGO.AC.NZ> writes
>>Essentially, certain things are going to be cut in power, magic being key
>>among them.
>
>D'OH!
Yeah, well, I'm sure that thousands of loyal fans of magic will find
ways around this little foible. :(
>>Magic will generally be depowered overall, much of this is in game
>>mechanics. One key element will be the elimination of Spell Locks. They
>>will no longer exist, and will be replaced by Spell Sustaining Foci.
>>Similar to Locks, but the spell must be recast each time after being turned
>>off.
>
>That's pretty damn annoying... how do we handle that, all of a sudden magic
>changes the way it works? Maybe some sort of background mana-level thing...
I don't think it's changing the way it works, but the way it's used.
There's a subtle difference in there. A fireball, mana bolt etc are
still going to be pretty much the same, with the same effects. Their
application in casting is what seems to be changing. Of course, that's
pure speculation on my part, and I dare say I'm /way/ off base. :)
>>possible, so he can at least have a copy (and I'm sure Paul, he'll fill you
>>in on all the changes until you can get a copy).
>
>Can someone send me a similar summary?
Hmm, how on earth do you summarise a book that changes ground rules?
<thinks>
Ooh me brain 'urts. :)
>And this may be heretical, but do we really have to shift into SR3 mode? I
>suppose we do, now that I come to think of it, but that won't stop me
>kicking and screaming as I'm dragged into the new world. Damn FASA.
Don't panic too much. Mike has been quite reassuring that the changes
are primarily cosmetic, the game will stay essentially the same but with
a "tidy up" of the way things are done, such as no more grounding,
losing locks for rechargeable foci, and that sort of thing. I dare say
that other rules are going to be changed or cleared up, but the game
will still be the same. And in all honesty, it's not like rules have
any true reflection for creative writing is it? I've seen rules
flaunted quite openly for the sake of creativity on this list, and have
done it myself on occasion. So, what's going to change?
People are people, and in general I like to think that most writers on
this list are portraying *people* (with the odd exception). So basic
rules changes aren't going to reflect that much in terms of this list.
Situation changes like BITB most certainly are, but a change from a
spell lock to foci? I don't see any fundamental roots changes for list
characters there. It does reduce the intrinsic power of a mage, which I
personally think is a good thing, I've seen far too much abuse of this
character to have much sympathy there. And it's not like the locks are
/gone/ they've just changed nature. So a mage will have to recharge
his earring foci rather than just calling on it willy nilly every few
moments. Big deal, about time they suffered the same fate that the
energiser bunny gets - eventually even he runs out of juice. :)
You may find that your screaming and kicking will be more subdued than
you think. :)
Have pity for those like Spike who eventually will have to make the
transition from 1st ed to 3rd. Now /that's/ going to hurt.
--
Avenger
http://www.shalako.demon.co.uk/index.htm
(Newbies Survival Guide to Stk & SR stuff)
http://freespace.virgin.net/p.siems/index.htm
(UK Survival Guide, SR Guide to the Oceans.)
