From:	Mark Steedman <RSMS@******.EEE.RGU.AC.UK>
Subject:	Re: rewards
Date:	Tue, 13 Jun 1995 08:58:17 GMT

> From: Gary Carroll <gary@****.COM>

> >>Where it is noted as equivalent to lifeforce.
>
> >Ok... then what's Essence? Are the two related? (in a metaphysical
> sense)
> >(I konw what Essence is in game terms)
>
> I would relate karma to - skill, experience and luck.
>
Essence. Well its used sort of as how human you are, but really seems
to be FASA's game mechanic to limit cyberware. It works but as some
folks have said in other threads a link to reality is a bit tenuous.

> >>Karma transfer other than to free spirits is a questionable matter.
>
> To bind a free spirit you are giving up a portion of your lifes
> experiences
> in exchange for their help - remember that spirits are made of from the
> fabric of the world, so they are a small part of everyone already.
>
That implies you could say do it via the astral contact you get for
joining a magical group? Now how do you make that mundane attuned to
the astral ? um ah ugh, suggestions? (any part of this)

> >Maybe then with nasty blood magic rituals or something you could
> transfer
> >lifeforce (Karma) from the vic-- er, donor, to something... I
> dunno. Maybe
> >someone could use that for a game plot...
> >
> >*shrug*
>
> Interesting - maybe a brain sucker of a ritual that performed some
> forces
> the allowed you to drain someones experiences. Some spells already like
> this (steal skill - is one) just make it permanent or modify it to
> convert the skill
> back to pure karma. *P.S. this would make you very powerful
Understatement if anything.

> not to mention
> nearly kill you every time you tried to cast it. It would also
> draw the attention
> of some VERY powerful creatures like dragons, great spirits and the
> like.*
> *cute idea though*
>
Which i would hope would be enough of a drawback to put people off an
idea that is rather game unbalancing, from willing (truely willing)
targets is one thing. Note that some characters would be plain
outright unprepared to steal someones very life energy anyway, though
there are no doubt plenty who would.

> >-E
>
> Thanks Gary C.
>
Mark