| From: | Fade <runefo@***.UIO.NO> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: Invisibility spells revisited (was Re: [SR3] Area Spells) |
| Date: | Fri, 1 Aug 1997 02:32:32 +0000 |
>
> > Actually, I think the reason Thermographic works is because it's not looking
> > for reflected light (which the invisibility spell bends) but emitted light,
> > as in body heat.....
>
> However, that is speculation (as, admittedly, is my reasoning for why UV
> vision wouldn't be affected by invisibility spells) since SR doesn't
> mention the actual "real"-world mechanics behind the spell. Does it bend
> light, as is suggested in many places, or does it make people take no
> notice of the target?
>
> Both have their pros and cons.
>
> Bends Light Theory (BLT)
> Pro: provides a good reason for why others are able to see "through" the
> spell's subject from all angles. For the physical version of the spell, it
> also explains why cameras don't register the subject.
> Con: the subject wouldn't be able to see, since light is bent around
> him/her/it and so will not reach his/her/its eyes or other viewing
> devices. Also it doesn't explain why IR light (body heat) isn't bent
> around the target, except by using the explanation that only reflected
> light is affected, not light given off by the subject.
>
> Take No Notice Theory (TNNT)
> Pro: this allows the subject to see while under influence from the spell.
> Con: the Disregard spell (in Awakenings) specifically states this is how
> that spell works; it makes little sense if Invisibility does the same
> thing. It also doesn't explain why thermographic vision isn't affected,
> nor why cameras don't spot the subject of physical invisibility spells.
>
Transparent Theory (TT)
Pro: The character can see while under influence from the spell, and
also explains why IR can see the character, since he is only
transparent to normal light. (Spell description).
Con: How is (s)he seen by the perception test? Neither does it
explain well why (s)he is visible to cameras but not people.
Actually, the # of successes would regulate how well the transparency
works.. a few means (s)he's somewhat opaque (But blends in with the
background), while a lot menas (s)he's well nigh totally invisible.
(Giving the TN's to spot the character.. if the char's nearly totally
invisible (say 6 successes) the character is *VERY* hard to spot...
which seems reasonable to me.).
(Actually, since it's a mana spell, it only works in regard to
people. Selective transparency is a bit hard to swallow unless you
consider that magic isn't science, it's.. magic. It works under
strict laws but those laws aren't those of physical science. (You can
tell I prefer Hermetic mages, right? :)
--
Fade
And the Prince of Lies said:
"To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell:
Better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven."
-John Milton, Paradise Lost
