From:	"Jason Carter, Nightstalker" <CARTER@***.EDU>
Subject:	Re: spell questions
Date:	Mon, 9 Aug 1993 13:24:00 -0700

Some questions for the masses,

>>1) Whatever happened to the SRI spells Turn to Goo, Turn to Tree,
>>Petrify, etc.? I assume they are illegal now, but I can't find any
>>actual evidence. (actually an old question I just can't find the
>>answer in my archives.)

They were skillfully omitted for SRII, probably because they were a combonation
of too abusive and hard to use. Of course you could rewrite them in a vein
similar to the Transform spell in GrimII, but I wouldn't.

>>2) Would the effect of an Illusionary Blindness spell be the same
>>modifier as Total Darkness? Could target randomness be used also
>>to simulate the fact that you really don't know were you are shooting,
>>fighting, etc.?

Total darkness would be a good modifier. Also, don't let them aim at anyone
in particular if there isn't a good reason for them to know where that person
is. If he has a good reason, use the blindfire modifier.

>>3) How does everyone handle the situation were a person is using
>>another as a shield with a gun to their head? I use this:
>> If the person would actually pull the trigger at a persons
>>head, then I use the effect as T# 2 for the shot, and Damage Level
>>starting at D. The person gets no armor unless wearing a helmet to
>>resist. And no Combat Pool to dodge with.

If the person pulls the trigger and the target has no helmet, I would generally
just consider them dead. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

>> Anyone shooting at the person using another as a shield,
>>could call the shot and have only a slight (Stray shot optional rule)
>>chance of hitting the shield on a miss. If the shot is not called,
>>then the shield is hit if the attacker does not hit the target. But
>>the T# is increased by +4 to the attacker because of the cover provided
>>to the target by the shield. Same overall T# for both, but sometimes
>>number of Free actions can influence the choice.

Give them the partial cover modifier of +4. If they miss, but by less than the
+4 modifier, they hit the shield. Makes you think twice doesn't it.

>> Persons using a shield have access to only as much of their
>>combat pool as the shield has Quickness.

Why is that?

See Ya in Shadows,
Jason J Carter
The Nightstalker