From:	"Flash, Fixer & Shaman" <STEFFENR@*******.BITNET>
Subject:	All this stuff about AIs and Magic
Date:	Wed, 21 Oct 92 13:42:00 CST

I for one, don't believe that an AI could be able to cast magic. Ever. However,
having a computer/expert system design a spell formula to some given
specifications is a different story.

Here's my reasoning: First, a computer could only design a hermetic formula,
because of how hermetic magic works. It's all a big set of rules and
interdependancies. In other words, the perfect domain for an expert system.

Now then, whenever a character wishes to have his expert system write a spell
for him, they would have to write out on paper exactly what is wanted. Exactly.
Remember: Computers are single minded and will follow instructions to the
letter.

Example: Player wishes to have his machine crank out a new spell. He writes:
I would like a spell that does D damage for L drain.

Now, during the heat of combat, the player uses that same spell:
Player: I cast my new MegaBlast spell at force 6.
Me: Okay, roll for it.
Player: *rolls a load of dice*
Me: Wow! 8 successes. Now, roll your Body to resist the damage.
Player: What?
Me: You never specified _who_ was supposed to take the damage.
*evil laughter*

In other words, I'd hadle it a lot like I used to handle Wishes from D&D. You
know, like: "I wish for a million Gold Pieces."
"Okay, you get them all. They drop from the sky directly over you --
You take 80 hit-points of damage. HAHAHA! "

--Flash
<< Hey Mongoose, guess what. My name is Inigo Mantoyo. You killed my father.
Prepare to die. *grin* >>