From:	"MARTIN E. GOTTHARD" <s457033@*******.GU.EDU.AU>
Subject:	Re: some new/old questions
Date:	Thu, 15 May 1997 00:29:31 +1000

> > 1) An astral projecting mage has the possibility to manifest (Nuke
> > City). Which of the next expressions are true ?
> > a) he looks very normal to other people, like any other
>
> Ceratinly not 100% true.
>
Possibly the astral image looks 'real' enough to distract targets for a
second or fool them for a short while if the lighting conditions are bad,
etc.

> > b) he looks like a ghost
>
> Well of himself, you cannot hide your identity, i would assume ilke
> the astral plane this is your idealised self, you can add cloathes
> weapons etc. to suit your desires but they have no game effect.
>
In Burning Bright the main character appears naked when he visibly
manifests... I'd say that your image reflects your psyche, and clothes
ain't part of your psyche. Making clothes appear would probably require
concious effort.

> > d) his vision is the same as in astral space
> >
> at least some GM's say this.
>
I'd say definitely yes; If it reverts back to physical type sight, the
mage can see things that he shouldn't be able to.

> > 3) Do insectspirits resist mana spells with their willpower which is
> > almost always 1 !
> Yes though there are some solutions.
>
Namely, link the spirits through the Queen to share their willpower, or
increase the background count obscenely.

> > 5) Casting a ward needs sorcery. May the sorcerer resist with the help
> > of the magic pool?
> no
> > Which foci do help to conjure/resist the ward/drain?
>
> none As far as i know

But that doesn't mean that you can't make one; If you can make a spirit
focus; an action that does not allow magic pool, a ward focus should be
allowable.

> > 6) What happens with a street samurai (essence 0.5) who looses am arm
> > an gets a cyberarm (1 essence) insted ?
> > (Does he die or get mad or what ?)
>
> Dies assuming the doctor doesn't stop. Delta grade cyberware (reduces
> cost to 0.5) would solve the problem reulting in essence 0.
> Cybermancy (cybertechnology) also offers solutions.
>
Or he gets something else ripped out an puts the arm in the 'hole' in the
essence that is left.

> > 7) Why are the modifyers for smoke and fog the same for infra red
> > optics ? (yes, I'm studdying physics)
>

Because the FASA guys _aren't_ studying physics. *grin* Basically it makes
the game faster and easier to remember. Make up a house rule if it
bothers you.

> > 9) Does the mask spell affect the clothing?
> > (I had to lough, when i read the example in awakenings, p29. A troll
> > diguised as an lady in latex ...) (I mean, does the sorcerer has to
> > wear the suiting clothes?)
> >
> Probably not actually, use fashion.
>
Mask is a strange spell; It doesn't define _what_ it affects, exactly.

Marty