From:	"Mark Steedman" <M.J.Steedman@***.rgu.ac.uk>
Subject:	Re: Astral images
Date:	Fri, 3 May 1996 13:38:18 GMT

Matti Aistrich writes

> On Sun, 28 Apr 1996, A Halliwell wrote:
>
> > (The one with the mage and his apprentice. The mage is an old man
> > physically, but astrally he looks strong, powerfull, muscular, etc....)
> >
> I remember that fiction part, but I always thought it was a
> representation of his magical power, not an image chosen by him to the
> extent that one would create a burning man or something of that kind.
>
> What is other people's take on this? Can a mage form his astral image to
> almost the same degree as a decker can form his presentation in the Matrix?
>
Well FASA leave it very open.

[this assumes no masking]

I tend to say your face and race must be recognisable as you, people
can be identified by aura, as can true race. A magicians image is
stylised, eg you would be without scars, wrinkly skin, spots etc,
assuming thats what you want. The base from seems to be naked though
you can from cloathes, lookalike weapons etc (obviously not
foci/don't affect game mechanics [ie no reach munchkins!] but
it looks good) as you see fit. I would say if you want to look like a
cross between yourself, say Arnie and have on medieval plate fine,
just your face will be recognisable, as will race, size won't change
and no helmets covering your face.

[with masking]

I let folks masking match aura appearance to physical form. This
won't affect projection though a projected initiate masking mundane
and a ghost (see SR2 critters) of the same racial type will be
difficult to tell apart unless you know one of them. Ie two projected
human mundanes, someone claimed ones a ghost, is it Johnson or Smith
ummmmm.

You cannot as far as i know change the size or shape of your true
aura, i finally had a player realise the easiest way to stop a
capyured mage going walkabout astrally was to cut some vines and wrap
them around him. [ok limited duration till they die off but good
enough]

Mark