From:	Robert Watkins <bob@**.NTU.EDU.AU>
Subject:	Re: About Shadowtech
Date:	Wed, 22 Feb 1995 14:43:57 +0930

> In reply, I would like to note that my magician has a base magic rating
> of 6 (modified to 13).

Modified how? Foci? Those foci would die very quickly in an astral assault.

> Between cyberware and quickenings, there's not a
> single stat under 7.

See above for those quickenings.

> Add magic attribute to that for shielding and he has
> stats that are pretty well invulnerable. The cyberware that others
> consider and bad choice will allow him to dance around those level 5
> initiates in astral space before they realize what's going on, not to
> mention a trauma damper to help with the drain on spells.

> As for force 10
> insect spirits. Been there, done it, cleaved it in two. His weapon foci
> with damaging manipulations anchored to them give him the edge on
spirits,

What weapon foci with damaging manipulations? (See above.)

> not to mention certain spirit affecting spells. Never discount the edge
> that cyber/bioware can give your mage. It can be one of the best
survival
> messures you can add, if done in moderation (and at beta or cultured
levels
> to boot).

Ah... beta cyberware is the mark of the TRUE munchkin mage. Sorry,
Reaver... :)

Also, don't discount sensible tactics. Okay, say you piss off a hive
(sticking with the insect spirit example). They look at you, and see you're
pretty tough. So they don't send one, they send, oh, eight. Astrally.
Taking out your foci first. With watchers around you to notice when you are
asleep (wait... I bet you sleep inside a ward, too), or at least not
astrally perceiving. Still feel cocky? (Remeber in Melee combat, you get a
-1 to TN for every guy on your side and a +1 for every guy on their side?
Feel like fighting with a base TN of 12, while even when Seriously wounded
the bugs only need twos? Not to mention the god awful stats of Force 10
spirits.

Heck, a non-initiate hermetic with a Charisma of 6 and nuyen to burn (36000
nuyen, to be precise) could probably take you out. Especially if he's
hanging back a bit using those extra services to heal them. Certainly a
group of mages could burn you.

--
Robert Watkins bob@**.ntu.edu.au
Real Programmers never work 9 to 5. If any real programmers
are around at 9 am, it's because they were up all night.