From:	"Richard Pieri/Stainless Steel Rat"
Subject:	Centering Skills (was Re: Owl Totem)
Date:	Thu, 18 Jun 92 15:08:43 EDT

>>>>> On Thu, 18 Jun 92 13:57:00 CDT,
>>>>> DS01813%SWTEXAS.bitnet@******.CUNY.EDU said:

D|> What I suggest for Armed and Unarmed combat skills as
D|> centering skills is that it can be done but that the skill can not
D|> be used to attack with as it would cause to many distractions.
D|> Practicing a form or kata for purposes of concentration is quite a
D|> bit different than actual combat.

I've actually seen a reasonable example for using Archery as a Centering
Skill. What makes it reasonable is the use of arrows as expendable spell
foci, with the effect of delivering the spell to the target. The arrows
themselves don't do any damage, since they're used by the spells.

In the long run, though, combat skills are *bad* centering skills,
especially with noncombat spells (especially healing!). The fewer
restrictions on when you can use a Centering Skill, the better it is.

Some possible Centering Skills: Mathematics (do integrals in your
head!), Poetry (prose or verse, great for rockers), Singing or Dancing
(the staple of the shaman, but don't let that be a stereotype),
Harmonica (the pocket harp, take it wherever you go), Oratory (it worked
for Hitler, didn't it? :-). Have fun with centering skills!

--Rat