From:	Mark Steedman <RSMS@******.EEE.RGU.AC.UK>
Subject:	Re: initiation
Date:	Wed, 26 Apr 1995 12:16:18 GMT

Jani Fikouras writes

>
> Would you mind telling me what test are that ? Because I cant see any
> really good reason to initiate beyond grade 0. I mean sure a higher initiation
> grade would let you mask foci/locks whatever - but my group doesnt use such
> stuff anyway - they are too expensive and too dangerous. Shielding is nice
> but raising your sorcery gives you dice too and dispelling well lets just say
> I dont think that is *that* eartshatering an advantage.
>
> I agree a higher magic/initiation grade lets you do some nifty stuff
> - speed in the astral, higher force spells, easier banishing - but I really
> dont think that this stuff is worth all that karma. Especially when you can
> get the same results buy boosting conventional skills and attributes or
> learning spells. Something wich allows the magician to be even more
> versatile and is probably cheaper.
>
The benefits really tell in the modifier to centering vs target
numbers penalties and in masking spell locks. Yes unmasked they are
very dangerous, i watched a PC party of mine go from fine to four on
D stun and two on serious after a mage decided to drop and area
affect power spell through an unmasked power focus, in suprise, now
folks roll initative and guess who goes first! (could it be that
astral mage?? never!)

the two new dice pools are handy but yes the increase rate is low
compared to cost.

dispelling, certainly not worth much though it could be useful on
very rare occasions.

for those wondering about power it also makes a handy Karma sink as
lots of new spells and locks are very cheap and a very easy way to
wreck the system very fast if not stamped on very hard.

> --
> "Believe in Angels." -- The Crow
>
Mark