From:	Mark Steedman <RSMS@******.EEE.RGU.AC.UK>
Subject:	Barrier spells - especially big ones
Date:	Wed, 27 Sep 1995 11:15:41 GMT

Sebastian Vilstrup writes
>
> I made a similar barrier spell, only it was force 6 + 2(exp.fet) +2(excl)
> for a total of 10. This would cripple unless it's quickened or locked,
> which it is. Now it takes a weapon with base 30 power to break the barrier
> in one shot. Not likely to happen in a rustle with the local street gang.
>
And one wonders why i don't like barrier spells. Ok as it doubles vs
firearms thats barrier 20!!

The solution has been found, explosive ammo, !!!! , i was leafing
carelessly through the combat chapter of the main rulebook last
night,
with regular ammo double barrier rating for bullets effect on
barrier, but barrier only takes its base rating off when firing
through.
APDS , same as regular but half barrier rating firing through.

explosive , half [thats correct] barrier rating to determine bullet
effect on barrier, but doulbe rating vs firing through.

Now take that 3 round burst franchi spass22 IPEX ammo = 12 explosive.

barrier 10 halves to 5!!
bullet 1, power 12 is > 1/2, full, *1.5 and *2 does 4 points damage.

10 - 4 = 6 new rating!

bullet 2 power 12 vs 6/2 = 3, thats quad, thats 8 points of damage,
oops no barrier spell!!!

bullet 3, oh no barrier, target gets 12S!!!

burst 2, oh dear........ [in this case you get lucky as the franchie
spass has double recoil so won't hit (+6 recoil no compensation
left) but had that been the mossberg shotgun bust 2 would have been a
healthy 14D wound]

> So remember, all you mages out there, always lock, quicken,
> elemental sustain, your exclusive spells!
>
just one addition to list : ritual sorcery, a pain but it can work if
you are very good.

finally MASK THE SPELL LOCKS. Masking is possibly the best ability
about, oh no essence cost, cannot be seen from the astral plain, oh
nice boost! Leave spare locks unmasked and well, i don't need to tell
you the results.

> Madman (Mages Rule!!)
>
A mixture of abilities work best, remember silenced pistols don't
cause drain!

Mark