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Message no. 1
From: "O'Mordha, Michael" <michael.omordha@*****.COM>
Subject: Reproduction after inhabitation
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1998 13:39:19 -0800
Again, probably covered before, but I missed it.
With a 'natural animal' (non-awakened) such as the horse mentioned
elsewhere, if it is inhabited by a free spirit or ally, what modifications,
if any, would there be to the offspring of that creature?
Would that answer be modified if the spirit were to continue with inhabiting
the host, and providing some kind of enhanced 'parenting'?
Similarly, what if a spirit is manifested, and attempts reproduction with a
corporeal partner? Would there be success? Under what circumstances?
We have a pinkskin-type shaman who is attempting to increase the quality of
a herd of wild horses to enable them to better defend themselves. I wanted
to get more input before giving the character my decision.
Thanks,
O'Mordha
Message no. 2
From: Fade <runefo@***.UIO.NO>
Subject: Re: Reproduction after inhabitation
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1998 00:48:21 +0000
> With a 'natural animal' (non-awakened) such as the horse mentioned
> elsewhere, if it is inhabited by a free spirit or ally, what modifications,
> if any, would there be to the offspring of that creature?

Genetically speaking, there shouldn't be any difference at all.
Inhabiting should not alter genetics more than, say, getting cyber
should.

> Would that answer be modified if the spirit were to continue with inhabiting
> the host, and providing some kind of enhanced 'parenting'?
Not really.

> Similarly, what if a spirit is manifested, and attempts reproduction with a
> corporeal partner? Would there be success?

Success meaning a resulting offspring as opposed to more short -
term gains?

There is not much evidence that spirits are sexual creatures (nor
evidence against that, though) nor do they have DNA. Even if they
had DNA and all the appropriate accessories, they would still be a
different species, and thus not compatible. So such a coupling would
not result in offspring.

So much for the technical/rational side of things. It is said that
much of the magic in shadowrun reflects belief (or vice versa). In
legend there is myriad accounts of supernatural creatures mating with
humans and producing offspring, so it might work. Most of these,
however, are not beneficial. In mythology it was often used to
explain deformities, handicaps, or uncommon sexual practices.

In that view, it would be possible... but it is questionable wether
it would be desireable.

> Under what circumstances?
GM's discretion only. SR doesn't deal much with the subject, IIRC.
(Haven't read too many of the novels, though.).

> We have a pinkskin-type shaman who is attempting to increase the quality of
> a herd of wild horses to enable them to better defend themselves.

Pinkskin? What does that mean?

So, he wants to breed horses with spirits to improve the horses.

Usually, I'd say, interesting idea but it won't work IMO.

But..

He wants to play god, and uses magic to do it. In most such cases,
wether they use magic or technology, it's supposed to backfire...
badly. (re: Jurassic Park, Aliens: Resurrection and lots of other
movies.).

So I'd say, let him try. Just don't warn him of the result. ;)

> I wanted to get more input before giving the character my decision.
--
Fade

And the Prince of Lies said:
"To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell:
Better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven."
-John Milton, Paradise Lost

Further Reading

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