| From: | Ereskanti <Ereskanti@***.COM> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: An Opposing View (Re: SR3 Magic Terms) |
| Date: | Tue, 30 Dec 1997 23:12:37 EST |
> > I think I have figured something out (and yes, I have thought through
this
> > many times Mr. Breton ;) ...my use of the words "concealment" and
> > "invisibility" are still using Shadowrun's definitions of the words
under
> > Spiritual Powers and Illusion spells.
>
> Read grammatically, Keith, you've just figured that you're using the
> words
> concealment and invisibility in the same manner as SR2.
>
> I hope this isn't your intention. Oh, by the way.. you're *not* using
> them in the same manner as SR2. Neither Concealment nor Invisibility
> works by changing the aura; both work on the physical (non-Astral)
> presence; neither affect what the aura looks like or is.
I was referring to the terms as a comparison. Meaning the "Aura Masking"
trick alters the target numbers for perception tests. In SR, the only thing
that is absolute isn't Invisibility it's the confusion...
> And if mages were spirits (of any sort) I might be tempted to agree with
> you. (Actually, I see any possible mechanics working by rather
> different means.) However, this relies on extending the Perception
> tests able to be altered by Concealment to the Astral, which is rather
> house-rulish.
No, it's game rulish...same thing as "masking foci" actually. And if you see
such possible alternatives, please, let us all hear/read them. Seriously, I
would like to know...
> What you're describing above are the rules for Masking (Grimoire, page
> sumfink-er-udder). Note that the description of Masking therein does
> not allow you to actively change what your aura looks like, just whether
> it's magically active or no. It's sort of like seeing something made
> out of clay -- it's not important, in this instance, whether it looks
> like a sculpture, or if its glazed; whatever you do with it, it's going
> to remain obvious that it's made of clay. (A weak analogy, admittedly.
> No, you can't paint your astral clay. This is obvious by a majority of
> sources. Your house rules are welcome to vary.)
Actually, your analogy isn't weak. It's very good, just "aimed" incorrectly.
The "clay" is what is left to interpretation. And by making things appear
"mundane or not" is altering their appearance.
> This is already handled in Awakenings. (See "Alarm Wards" for an
> example of a "CCSS" ward.)
I have, and they aren't quite there even....and the rules for establishing
such "wards" aren't even included....
> > How about with those additional explanations....????
> Still a nifty idea, still doesn't work.
It doesn't work aren't the right words....how about..."I don't agree with
them." They work, trust me, they work, they've been tested, with good and bad
results. Why don't you try them in a "mock game session"...something that
doesn't necessarily have any impact on your own "normal games". I won't even
"sugar coat" the effect, I'll leave it open to your experiences and those of
your (fellow) players. Sure, they are going to think "oh wow, that's cool" or
"no way, too much..." or even "how did you do that? what made you think of
that...."
> There's still no difference between assensing something (in detail) and
> studying spiritual and elemental energies of an object (in detail). If
> it's gonna fool you, it's gonna fool you.
Not correct either...a "detailed assensing" for example does NOT have the same
weight in Ritual Sorcery that having the objects "True Name" does (in this
case referring to the rules for Free Spirits of course).
> As far as a modifier for routine actions, that's left to the individual
> GM; I don't see how that applies here, especially as masking (or
> learning how to mask because you've seen a spirit do so) is going to be
> easier, rather than harder.
No? Not even if you are in a "preferred environment", similar to the rules
for "Domain Geasa" in the SR rules? What about if the magician in question is
operating inside a "very familiar" territory, such as a Corp mage who is
"patrolling" the grounds he's worked within for weeks, or longer? Maybe the
mage wants to make sure he is going to get the "drop" on anyone else in the
area.
Another related question...just what does a "Quest of Masking" allow for in
the SR rules?
> Sounds like you've shifted from the position that masking is going to
> allow you to cast illusions about yourself, however, so I'll leave off
> here.
> -Mb
No, I never said that. I was using "illusions" as a comparison. And you are
welcome to leave off "leave off here" if you choose.
-K
