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Message no. 1
From: "Jason Carter, Nightstalker" <CARTER@***.EDU>
Subject: Manipulation spells: targets and resisting
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1993 11:43:06 -0700
I'm in a bind now. I can't figure out what the proper target numbers and
resisting attributes are for some Manipulation spells. Here's what the books
(SRII and Grimoire II) have to say about them.

SRII page 156

Manipulation spells that affect characters contrary to their wishes must be
resisted. Willpower is used, and the casting magician must generate an equal
or greater number of successes than the target for the spell to suceed.

From Spell descriptions in SRII and GrimII

It is obvious that the target number and resisting characteristic for Control
Manipulations is Willpower.

Grimoire II page 117

* If the spell is a mana spell, the base target number is the Willpower
Attribute Rating of the target.
* If the spell is a physical, the base target number is the Body Attribute
Rating of the target.
* If the spell is affecting an inanimate object, find the target number by
determining the composition of the object and consulting the Object Resistance
Table, p. 130, SRII.
<Extra stuff cut out>
* If the spell is a manipulation spell, use Target Number 4 unless that spell
involves the creation of a barrier, in which case use Target Number 6.
Additionally, if the spell requires fine manipulation the Target Number is 6.

Grimoire II page 121

_Resisted Manipulation Spells_: The target of a manipulation spell that forces
a change in shape, form, or behavior must resist the spell. If the manipulation
is of a mental nature, involving thoughts or emotions, the target resists using
Willpower. If the manipulation is of a physical nature, the target resist with
the Body Attribute. If the spellcaster generates the same number of successes
or more than the target, the spell succeeds. The effect of certain spells may
then be calculated form the net successes.

All of this leads me to the following conclusions:

The target and resisting characteristic for Control Manipulations is Willpower.
This is because it is done uniformly even though it is never stated in the
rules.

The target number for most other manipulation spells is 4, except for barriers
and fine manipulation which have target number of 6.

Shape changing manipulations spells must be resisted by Body. This holds true
even for ones requiring voluntary subjects.

Do these make sense?

See Ya in Shadows,
Jason J Carter
The Nightstalker

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