| From: | Doctor Doom <JCH8169@*****.TAMU.EDU> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Metaphysical Maelstrom (rather lengthy...) |
| Date: | Sat, 17 Apr 1993 23:52:58 -0500 |
Well...despite being attacked on all fronts, this topic is a refreshing change
from copyrights and chain letters, nicht wahr?
On my Proposition for the Manipulation of Metaphysical Energies, several points
(this shall take a while, so stop now if not interested)
1) I stated quite clearly that what instigated this idea was a friend's desire
incorporate the Magic Attribute into spell casting such that it possessed a
far more integral role.
Now, many of you like this idea. Others vehemently objected, citing powers
of Initiation, the lower Karma cost of Sorcery skill, protesting the
decrease in Force's influence, et cetera, ad nauseam.
What is being missed is that the ENTIRE PURPOSE of this proposal was to
bestow upon the Magic Rating a far more involved role in wielding magic.
She said to me, "I feel that Initiation should have a far more DIRECT
effect upon spell casting." What you see is the result. The entire
motivational belief is that Initiates are more powerful magic users, and
this power has a far greater bearing upon magic wielding.
Hence, the various arguments put forth that this is system is unnecessary
due to the ability to accentuate spell casting with already existing
Initiatory powers ARE BESIDE THE POINT.
Moreover, I never expressed any contempt for Initiatory powers. Rest
assured that I am quite conscious of their mechanics and existence, and any
suggestions to the contrary are quite baseless.
Now, those of you who feel that Initiates should be more potent accepted my
reasoning. Those of you who do not agree objected, and attempted to attack
my arguments. Both sides may rationalize and interpret the rules to their
desire in an effort to support their conclusions. Therefore, the majority
of the interpretive objections are subjective, as well as any interpretive
defense I offer. Due to each person's various interpretations and
assumptions, it may appear as though I possess ne'er a foot upon which to
stand. Contrariwise, from my viewpoint, the same holds true for those who
disagree.
And as I stated before, if you are fond of the present system, FINE.
However, should one desire to alter the system such that Initiation plays a
more vital role, here is an alternative.
2) The nature of Initiation...
Herr Murray has conjectured that:
> Magic Attribute is not an attunuation of the body to the Astral.
>It is a measure of how much magic you can handle. If the book says
>otherwise I would like to know the page number for reference.
GRIMOIRE II, p. 38
INITIATION
"Through initiation a magician, be he hermetic or shamanic, is awakened
to the greater powers of the higher worlds. Initiation sharpens his
sensitivity to magical energy and purifies his system, allowing him to
handle more power. It gives him the capacity to wield greater magical
ability: metamagic, thus providing him access to the metaplanes of
reality. Magicians who tie their religion and their magic together say it
brings them closer to their god or gods. Are they right? Who can say for
sure?"
Now, if you are going to endeavor to convince me that Initiation involves
something as simple as "more power" plus MetaMagic, I shall accordingly
accuse your definition of being sorrowfully short-sighted.
I feel it not rash to assume that Initiation is a far more profound
experience than you would have us believe. I cannot enumerate upon all the
instances where I have heard Initiation as "bringing one closer to my
totem" or other metaphorically similar statements from the viewpoints of
Hermetics. If anything, the ability to wield greater magics is a side
effect of this process; a process which increases one's affinity with the
Astral, and a heightening of the relationship one has with one's totem or
greater insight into Magic's nature and dynamics (dependent upon tradition
followed.)
3) The semantics of Experience...
> WHOOAA!!! Hang on. Magic Attribute does not equate into
>experience. Experience comes in the way of karma. This is expressed in
>the character with a higher Sorcery skill or Initiation. Magic Attribute
>is a measure of the body's ability to handle magical energies. The body
>can be conditioned to handle more magical energy through Initiation. The
>Magic Attribute is not a measure of experience, but experience can be used
>to allow the body to accept more magical energy: Initiation.
(Ach, Gott, I am actually about to argue semantics...)
You misunderstand.
Magic Attribute can be an *indicator* of Experience. I am well aware of
the fact that Karma is utilized for the elevation of Sorcery skill as well
as in Initiation. I merely strove to differentiate between adroitness or
ability to cast spells and long-term improvement in their relationship with
Magic, as exemplified in the graduation to the higher levels by Initiation.
Perhaps I should have worded it more satisfactorily: Magic Attribute,
which indicates experience in such cases where it (via the accumulation of
Karma) has been elevated due to successful Initiation.
Which brings us to the next topic, namely:
4) What about the magic user that through their experiences has *lost* magic
attribute?
Bluntly? It hurts. As is true under the present system, they garner
disadvantages. True, under my proposal, this tends to generate a more
substantial impact; however, it is merely an example of how something can
be a double-edged sword. It has the potential for more benefits, but
should one lose powers, the adverse effects are more extreme.
5) It should be pointed out that...
This was designed for a campaign with ShadowRun I drain codes. The Game
Master in question is still using First Edition rules, and is quite unfond
of ShadowRun II (ask not why, as I am unable to fathom it myself). She
desired an alternative to the Grimoire I system, but was dissatisfied with
the Grimoire II system, the result being that Nightstalker's suggestion,
although possessive of merit, is NOT a viable option.
Under this system in ShadowRun I, most magicians, in all likelihood, shall
not be utilizing all of their Magic Attribute dice for the spellcasting
test, as they shall still require assistance with the old Deadly-4 drains
codes.
6) A great number of you are reacting as I had anticipated, in that you are
proceeding, or appear as though you are proceeding, from the assumption
that I mean to replace the present system with my proposal. As I
emphasize before, this was a theoretical problem. Actually, upon
completing it and presenting it to the Game Master who requested it (who
was well pleased with my efforts), I had thought to file it away. Then,
another group member urged me to post it.
7) As to the case of Vampires, why should they be more powerful? Why should
this virus affect them thusly?
Why? I know not. Put your inquiries to the writers of folktales and those
who formulated vampiric mythos... Vampires have a reputation of being very
powerful magic users. Now, 'tis true that this could merely be the result
of being extremely experienced and having Initiated several times over;
however, some have gone so far as to imply that beyond the opportunities
several lifetimes afford them, they are *inherently* powerful due to their
vampiric state. My efforts merely have the side-effect of reflect this
reputed potency.
Also, this is NOT to make Player Character Vampires more powerful. They do
not require such things; I am certain all shall agree.
However, even were this instigated by a desire to give more power to
Vampires, due to the supposed innate nature of this power, Herr Murray's
suggestion of simply presenting them with higher Sorcery skills would be an
unsatisfactory solution.
8) Murray, as well as others, have astutely observed that Force has less of
an impact.
Correct. It is only natural that when one proposes to alter a closed
system, or incorporate a new aspect or element into a confined apparatus,
another element shall suffer. This is the natural order of things.
Something must "give", so to speak. I have endeavored to perform this such
that no one aspect is completely eliminated. This is true of Force in my
system. Yes, it has been relegated to something only slightly better than
Weapon Force in ranged combat. However, I feel this is an equitable
solution.
I DO admit that in the case of unresisted spells (Detection, Illusion, and
Health) it could be raised to the heights of lunacy. Possibly an addendum
to the earlier mechanics can be formulated for such cases. I shall have to
think on't. In line with that, for any who wish to add their own thoughts,
WITHIN the qualifiers stated, to these possible flaws/problems/loopholes, I
would very much value such input. It is my wish that this should operate
as free of errors as feasible.
Colonel Count von Hohenzollern und von Doom, DMSc, DSc, PhD.
Thaumaturgical Advisor:
Darkwatch, Doctor of Metaphysics
Doom Technologies & Weapon Systems -- Dark Thought Publications
>>> Working on solutions best left in the dark.
<<<
[ Doctor Doom : jch8169@********.tamu.edu ]
