| From: | shadowrn@*********.com (shadowrn@*********.com) |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Astral Signatures |
| Date: | Tue Jan 16 16:12:02 2001 |
writes
>I don't realize the potential usefulness in finding Astral Signatures (or
>clearing yourselves) besides finding some clues of who the author behind
>that Magical Activity is. IIRC, in MITS it is stated that Astral Signatures
>aren't accept as factual evidence.
Actually, they are accepted:
"However, reading astral signatures has achieved the same status as
fingerprinting or DNA testing in forensic evidence." (MitS, p. 11)
Forensic magicians can and do testify as to a perpetrator's astral signature
in court. ("Thank you, Dr. Moore, and do you sense that astral signature here
in court today? Would you point out that person for us?") While astral
signature can be changed, it's as difficult as changing your fingerprints (in
fact, in 2061, it's a bit more difficult than changing your fingerprints,
since that just requires a visit to your local street doc).
Astral signatures are the individual's "magical fingerprint," that's all. T
hey're useful in the same way actual fingerprints are: mainly identifying
criminals (e.g., shadowrunners). Just like they should wear gloves and be
careful about leaving other forensic evidence behind, Awakened shadowrunners
should be careful about leaving their astral signature all over the place.
Astral signatures were never intended to make magicians vulnerable to magical
reprisals or anything else like that. You can use them that way, if you want;
it'll make spell-slingers a LOT more cautious!
Have fun,
Steve Kenson
Talon Studio
http://members.aol.com/talonmail
