From:	Justin Pinnow <vanyel@*******.NET>
Subject:	Re: Psychometry (Aura Reading)
Date:	Thu, 31 Jul 1997 16:00:39 -0400

> From: George Metz <W0lfstar@***.COM>
> Date: Thursday, July 31, 1997 3:39 PM

> In a message dated 97-07-31 09:26:11 EDT, you write:

> > The Psychometry skill (a.k.a. Aura Reading) is not immediately derived
from
> > Intelligence or mundane Perception. Thus, if a character viewing the
> > Astral Plane does not have the Psychometry skill, they must default
from
> > one of the following skills/attributes: Intelligence, Magical Theory,
or
> > Perception. Treat Intelligence as if it were located in the same
position
> > as Willpower on the Skill Web for calculating the default modifier.
Also,
> > treat Perception as if it were one dot closer than Willpower on the
skill
> > web for the same purpose.

> A wee bit harsh, but that's beside the point. Or my point, anyways.

I would like to hear more about what you feel is more appropriate, if this
is too harsh. :)

> Psychometry is the ability to determine Aural imprints or impressions
made on
> mundane objects, not for Aura Reading. The two are separate and distinct
> abilities, and while a large number of people can see auras, very few can
> practice psychometry. I would recommend adding something in that takes
into
> account the actual definition of psychometry if you plan on using it to
let
> people read auras unless it would effectively unbalance your game.

Well, that definition is more reality based in our world, rather than in
Shadowrun. In Shadowrun, it's basically used instead of Intelligence for
Astral Perception tests. That's it. It's not used specifically for
objects. I took it a step further to state that since Astral Perception is
based upon different senses that standard Perception, that not having the
Psychometry skill would be limiting to you (your physical senses just
aren't enough when it comes to understanding what you perceive on the
astral plane).

For more information on the Psychometry skill as explained in SR, read
Awakenings Pgs. 96-97.

> Wolfstar

Justin :)