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Message no. 1
From: Justin Pinnow <vanyel@*******.NET>
Subject: Psychometry (Aura Reading)
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 03:21:05 -0400
I have developed some house rules regarding Psychometry (Aura Reading).
IMO, Astral Perception and physical Perception are two entirely different
things. Thus, I don't allow someone to use their Perception skill on the
astral, without some heavy defaulting penalties. Here are the house rules
I have developed. I would greatly appreciate any
comments/suggestions/opinions you all have on them.

The Psychometry skill (a.k.a. Aura Reading) is not immediately derived from
Intelligence or mundane Perception. Thus, if a character viewing the
Astral Plane does not have the Psychometry skill, they must default from
one of the following skills/attributes: Intelligence, Magical Theory, or
Perception. Treat Intelligence as if it were located in the same position
as Willpower on the Skill Web for calculating the default modifier. Also,
treat Perception as if it were one dot closer than Willpower on the skill
web for the same purpose.

Thanks for your critiques!

Justin :)
Message no. 2
From: George Metz <W0lfstar@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Psychometry (Aura Reading)
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 15:39:40 -0400
In a message dated 97-07-31 09:26:11 EDT, you write:

> The Psychometry skill (a.k.a. Aura Reading) is not immediately derived from
> Intelligence or mundane Perception. Thus, if a character viewing the
> Astral Plane does not have the Psychometry skill, they must default from
> one of the following skills/attributes: Intelligence, Magical Theory, or
> Perception. Treat Intelligence as if it were located in the same position
> as Willpower on the Skill Web for calculating the default modifier. Also,
> treat Perception as if it were one dot closer than Willpower on the skill
> web for the same purpose.

A wee bit harsh, but that's beside the point. Or my point, anyways.
Psychometry is the ability to determine Aural imprints or impressions made on
mundane objects, not for Aura Reading. The two are separate and distinct
abilities, and while a large number of people can see auras, very few can
practice psychometry. I would recommend adding something in that takes into
account the actual definition of psychometry if you plan on using it to let
people read auras unless it would effectively unbalance your game.

Wolfstar
Message no. 3
From: Justin Pinnow <vanyel@*******.NET>
Subject: Re: Psychometry (Aura Reading)
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 16:00:39 -0400
> From: George Metz <W0lfstar@***.COM>
> Date: Thursday, July 31, 1997 3:39 PM

> In a message dated 97-07-31 09:26:11 EDT, you write:

> > The Psychometry skill (a.k.a. Aura Reading) is not immediately derived
from
> > Intelligence or mundane Perception. Thus, if a character viewing the
> > Astral Plane does not have the Psychometry skill, they must default
from
> > one of the following skills/attributes: Intelligence, Magical Theory,
or
> > Perception. Treat Intelligence as if it were located in the same
position
> > as Willpower on the Skill Web for calculating the default modifier.
Also,
> > treat Perception as if it were one dot closer than Willpower on the
skill
> > web for the same purpose.

> A wee bit harsh, but that's beside the point. Or my point, anyways.

I would like to hear more about what you feel is more appropriate, if this
is too harsh. :)

> Psychometry is the ability to determine Aural imprints or impressions
made on
> mundane objects, not for Aura Reading. The two are separate and distinct
> abilities, and while a large number of people can see auras, very few can
> practice psychometry. I would recommend adding something in that takes
into
> account the actual definition of psychometry if you plan on using it to
let
> people read auras unless it would effectively unbalance your game.

Well, that definition is more reality based in our world, rather than in
Shadowrun. In Shadowrun, it's basically used instead of Intelligence for
Astral Perception tests. That's it. It's not used specifically for
objects. I took it a step further to state that since Astral Perception is
based upon different senses that standard Perception, that not having the
Psychometry skill would be limiting to you (your physical senses just
aren't enough when it comes to understanding what you perceive on the
astral plane).

For more information on the Psychometry skill as explained in SR, read
Awakenings Pgs. 96-97.

> Wolfstar

Justin :)
Message no. 4
From: George Metz <W0lfstar@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Psychometry (Aura Reading)
Date: Fri, 1 Aug 1997 06:04:01 -0400
In a message dated 97-07-31 22:44:26 EDT, you write:

> Well, that definition is more reality based in our world, rather than in
> Shadowrun. In Shadowrun, it's basically used instead of Intelligence for
> Astral Perception tests. That's it. It's not used specifically for
> objects. I took it a step further to state that since Astral Perception
is
> based upon different senses that standard Perception, that not having the
> Psychometry skill would be limiting to you (your physical senses just
> aren't enough when it comes to understanding what you perceive on the
> astral plane).

Sorry, I'm one of those whackos out there that insists on reality in a magic
system - side effect of being pagan I suppose. =) Anywho, IMO, just being
magically active should enable your brain to interpret things you see in the
astral; after all, that's what part of being a magician is all about. I
could, however, see a skill use for astrally perceptive Adepts - ie, PhysAds
with the Astral Perception power, Conjurers, Sorcerors, and Enchanters who
purchase the astral sight edge(I haven't seen any without it since SRComp
came out either), etc.
As for being harsh, well, I goofed. Gotta stop reading the list at 5 am.
Anyways, What I THOUGHT you said was replace willpower with intelligence,
since the skill itself defaults to willpower. It's a significantly longer
trip down the web. AFA Use of the skill, that's something I would change.
Either change the skill to what the word means, or change the name of the
skill. I really don't see a need for anyone who can astrally project to have
a special skill so they can percieve efficiently, that's all.

Wolfstar
PS: It's 6 am now, so if it doesn't make sense, let me know and I'll try
again when I'm coherent. =)

Further Reading

If you enjoyed reading about Psychometry (Aura Reading), you may also be interested in:

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Thwap!