Message no. 1

From:	Sebastian Wiers m0ng005e@*****.com
Subject:	nutrition spell and ghouls
Date:	Tue, 19 Oct 1999 16:50:39 -0500

> >We did have at one time something very twisted to get around this. A
> >combination of Nutrition Spell/Simsense Playback system. The spell
>> took care
> >of the actual "physical" needs, and the Playback took care of the
>> "need to
> >feed". One would be started first (the playback) and the other would> be
> >performed during its' operation.>

> Doesnt this method just shortcut the disadvantages of being a ghoul?
> Letting one of these "things" into a group is tantamount to saying
> "we're cool with cannabilism" after all. Casting spells and hooking
> the ghoul up to simsense seems like a shortcut and I for one would not
> allow it at all. Just my opinion.

I don't think it shortcuts things any more than using a "Heal" spell
shortcuts the disadvantage of being injured, or an "armor" spell negates the
problem of being shot, or rigging a vehicle negates not being able to run at
100 mph. What's the point of having magic and technology, if characters
can't use it to solve the problems they face?
Gaining access to the spell takes some doing (karma, time, spell points,
whatever), as does getting the simsense. Hell, unless the Ghoul made the
sim himself, somebody had to tape and edit the thing, meaning its likely
some NORMAL person had to "experience" the tape while editing it. Yucky.
Of course, the Ghouls need for flesh may be the result of a paranormal
"weakness" (it was origianaly listed as a paranormal weakness / dietary
requirement, I think); that might make the Nutrition spell insufficient in
the long run. I would say, if a dietary requirment is the result of a
paranaturl weakness, then the "nutrition" spell does not fulfill that
requirment- but it would sutain the beings other needs. I don't even think
a custom designed spell would cut it; ghouls probably need some "echo" of
the essence from the corpse, seeing as they are infected with a form of the
HMHVV. The 'nutrition" spell would certainly make keeping a pet Braghest,
Hellhound, or similar carnovore easier, though- but I'd suggest havint the
"fast" spell, as well.

Mongoose