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Message no. 1
From: Kelson kelson13@***********.com
Subject: Grounding (was: Re: Newbie Meta-Magic:)
Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 07:41:05 -0800
On Fri, 16 Apr 1999 10:59:22 MC23 wrote:

> The ultimate truth to that would be that it awaits rules and
>explanations that don't release a floodgate of problems. The concept
>wasn't bad or hated just the problems that spin off from it. Since those
>problems with grounding outweighed its usefullness it basically became a
>shelved rule. If and when that dilemma is solved we might see it again in
>some form. The wise and powerful Kenson has had MitS waiting for some
>time so he's had time to go over alot of his original thoughts. Judging
>by what he started with it will be one hell of a book regardless.

I dunno. Seems like a wimp-out to me. The issues with grounding weren't really that big
of a deal. It just got blown way out of proportion on the list (as have some other
things). A couple of very brief and simple house rules took care of all of the grounding
"problems" (read: inconsistencies) and that was that. (Some may use different
house rules than others on this, but it was still simple to fix.) I like the idea of
grouding because it helps balance powerful magic items. Now it's going to be back to the
ol' "take it away or never let them have it" crap that many GMs have been using
for years now in other gaming universes. Too bad.

>-MC23, who is not unhappy from what he's seen in SRC revised-

Justin


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Message no. 2
From: Lehlan Decker DeckerL@******.com
Subject: Grounding (was: Re: Newbie Meta-Magic:)
Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 12:16:06 -0400
<SNIP>
>Now it's going to be back to the ol' "take it away or never let them have
>it" crap that many GMs have been using for years now in other gaming
>universes. Too bad.

I hate to perpetuate this thread, but oh well.
First, I'd reserve comment until MITS appears. Kenson may have fixed the
power issue by altering other things. He was well aware of the
discussions the list has had and the many house rules we all used.
Second if worse comes to worse, from the preview it sounds like
Grounding may be a perfect metamagical power for you to add to your
world. So far FASA is doing better. I still grip about their web page, and
their horrid scheduling, but the material has been consistent and solid
lately. Let us wait until MITS arrives. Debate will be fierce enough then.
Message no. 3
From: Mongoose m0ng005e@*********.com
Subject: Grounding (was: Re: Newbie Meta-Magic:)
Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 15:52:20 -0500
:I dunno. Seems like a wimp-out to me. The issues with grounding weren't
really that big of a deal. It just got blown way out of proportion on the
list (as have some other things). A couple of very brief and simple house
rules took care of all of the grounding "problems" (read: inconsistencies)
and that was that. (Some may use different house rules than others on this,
but it was still simple to fix.) I like the idea of grouding because it
helps balance powerful magic items. Now it's going to be back to the ol'
"take it away or never let them have it" crap that many GMs have been using
for years now in other gaming universes. Too bad.


The issues with grounding are that it affects the entire structure of
magic and astral / physical interaction. Its to much to deal with as a side
note, IMO.
The only way grounding balanced powerful magic items was by making their
use a risk to nearby mundanes (and their users, who at least have spell
defense). That always seemed a pretty lame balance to me. Besides, the
main use of grounding was in making astrally present creatures into astral /
physical gateways for offensive magic, which made many forms of paranormal
security more of a liability than an asset. Now your astral security
measures can be dual natured and not be a big liability.
Besides, its not suddenly a matter of "I'll take it away", because
grounding always DID destroy any focus that was grounded through. Foci can
still be destroyed (although they are tougher, threats to them, in the shape
of wards, are more common). I think it adds new subtlety- a mage can walk
around astrally perceiving, which gives him a better chance of noticing
threats to his Foci, but makes him vulnerable to astral attack, or he can
just hope for the best.
<shrug> grounding was a pin in the ass, IMO, and I always felt like a
total cheezeball when we used it offensively, and a catamyte when it was
used against me as a player. I don't miss it. <shrug>

Mongoose
Message no. 4
From: Stainless Steel Rat ratinox@******.gweep.net
Subject: Grounding (was: Re: Newbie Meta-Magic:)
Date: 16 Apr 1999 19:37:14 -0400
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* "Mongoose" <m0ng005e@*********.com> on Fri, 16 Apr 1999
| The issues with grounding are that it affects the entire structure of
| magic and astral / physical interaction. Its to much to deal with as a side
| note, IMO.

Which is why it was such a hotly debated topic here. I should know, I
espouse the least popular but IMO most self-consistent interpretation. :)

The 3rd edition makes radical changes to the physics of magic. I do not
yet understand the changes sufficiently to hold an opinion either way.

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