From:	Wafflemeisters <evamarie@**********.NET>
Subject:	Re: New use for Masking
Date:	Sun, 17 May 1998 02:31:00 -0500

>
> Re: New use for Masking (Ereskanti , Sat 21:36)

> > > Then perhaps a question of you then. Ever consider applying some of the
> > > Utility Options with spells ? It is somewhat hard to translate across,
> > but it
> > > can be done with some really good common sense.
> > >
> > > Mike
> >
> > Thats almost as strange as aplying vehicle Quality Factors to
> > spirits.
> > :)
> >-X

> Not entirely. Sticking to the Design Options for Spells for now, let's think
> of applying say a "Stealth" option to a particular spell design. It makes
the
> design time longer, may or may not, depending on the leniency of the GM in
> question, make the drain harder. But for every "point" of stealth into the
> design, the target number for assensing or noticing the magic (as per the
> Totem Masking concept) is increased accordingly.
>
> For lack of better terms, a more well designed spell or concept often
> (granted, not always) works better and has a greater degree of understanding
> by the user.
>
> -K

That example actually makes some good sense, and I seem to remembr some
others from a previous thread on this exact same topic that worked OK,
without getting ultra-wacky. IMO, all the effects would be better
covered by metamagic varients, though- the above would be a masking
varient, for example. Anchoring with links gets very close to making
FRAMES, already. ETC. If nothing else, the DESIGN and LEARNING of
those spells might require "metamagic", with option rating being limited
by initiate grade.
The "Quality Factor" thing wasn't completely sacrcasm; although they
don't translate sensably, I could see adjusting the conjuring / drain
TN's for factors OTHER than the spirits force. As thier are few types
of conjuring metamagic, this would make an excelent metamagic technique
to expand conjuration. Total "edge/flaw points" allowed could be
restricted to the conjurers intiate grade.
Now all you nedd are some edges/flaws for spitits and a rule for how
that affects conjuring TN's and drain.


-X