From: | Jeremiah Stevens <jeremiah@********.EDU> |
---|---|
Subject: | Re: New Physad Metamagic Power |
Date: | Tue, 2 Dec 1997 22:13:27 -0500 |
be unique for the role played by physads and this is what I have come up
with:
SPECIAL WEAPON ENCHANTMENT
With this metamagic ability, one melee weapon of the physad's choice is
'initiated' so to speak, enchanting it in a way similar to a weapon focus.
The weapon functions like a normal weapon focus with a few exceptions.
First, the weapon need not be bonded- the cost is included in the
initiation.
Second, the weapon may not be bonded to another character.
Its magical powers work only for the character with whom it initiated.
Third, the weapon may not be grounded through. In this respect, it
functions like a quickened spell. It has an astral presence and may be
attacked astrally, but not grounded through.
Fourth, the weapon is inherently masked.
Fifth, the weapon may be a thrown weapon like a knife
or ax, or even a projectile weapon like a bow, slingshot, or blowgun.
Mechanical weapons like guns cannot be enchanted in this manner.
Sixth, the physad can sense the presence of the weapon within one
kilometer per level of enchantment.
Seventh, the physad may call the weapon into his hand. This power works
requires LOS, and is effective for 10 meters per
level of enchantment. The weapon has a strength of (Physad Str.)+
(Enchantment level) for breaking bonds, grips, etc. when the physad
calls it. When called, the weapon will land safely and gently in the
physad's hand, although it moves at 10x(level)meters per second. Calling
the weapon is a simple action.
For each grade the initiate gains, the weapon gains an enchantment level,
or the physad may enchant an additional weapon. Thus, a grade 3 initiate
may have one level 3 weapon, 3 level one weapons or a level 2 and level 1
weapon.
Weapon focuses may be enchanted in this fashion, but the character must
intitate to a grade higher than the weapon focus. A physad initiating from
grade 3 to 4 enchant a level 3 weapon focus, but not a level 4 focus. If a
weapon focus is enchanted in this manner, it still functions as a weapon
focus, and may be grounded through and is not inherently masked, although
the extra level of enchantment is so masked.
The creation of a weapon of this sort is not an easy task. While the
powers are gained through intitation, the weapon must first be prepared.
Weapons to be enchanted in this manner are usually hand made or specially
commissioned to master weaponsmiths. The weapon requires at least one unit
of orichalcum.
Next, the weapon must be named. Naming a weapon is no easy task, as the
true name of the weapon is the key to its power. An exception, then, to
the second quality listed above, any character who knows the true name of
the weapon may use it. However, the character to whom the weapon was
initially linked will automatically know when another is using the weapon.
Once the weapon has been named, the physad must transfer a point of
essence to the weapon, permanently tying the weapon to his aura. The naimg
and transfer of essence happen almost simutaneusly, usually after long
periods of meditation, fasting and other rituals. Metaplane quests, if
available, are also used to name a weapon. Shamanic physads are almost
always visited by their totem when naming the weapon.
The physad must be an initiate to name a weapon.
Once the weapon has been named, it may be enchanted when the physad next
initiates.
Over time, the weapon begins to reflect the personality of the physad. A
particularly vicious and bloodthirsty physad will have a weapon that kills
indiscriminantly, while a physad that uses violence only in self-defense
will have a weapon that gears itself more towards defensive maneuvers and
will only kill when absolutely necessary. A physad who avoids killing at
all costs will have a weapon which inherently avoids inflicting lethal
damage. While the physad may not notice the weapon acting in this fashion,
anyone else who learns its name and is able to activate it will find their
actions directed by the weapon.