From:	Ahrain Drigar Ahrain_Drigar@*******.com
Subject:	Magical SOTA?
Date:	Tue, 3 Oct 2000 12:05:45 -0400

----- Original Message -----
From: Gurth <gurth@******.nl>
Subject: Re: Magical SOTA?


> They say that the magic level is rising, but actually hardly anything has
> really changed since first edition (the game mechanics are different, but
> magic hasn't become more powerful IMO).

Well, in first Ed. You had Power Dart, Power Missile, Power Bolt, Heal M
wound, Heal L wound, etc.

In 2 ed. you have Heal. just that Heal. but still Dart, Missile and Bolt
and Mind Probe much less effective, etc.

In 3 rd. You have a variable damage power bolt, heal is the same, mind probe
is MUCH more powerful, etc.

Now, IMHO, I take that as an increase in the flow of mana, allowing spells
to do more. More than just rules changes. (Yes, I know this has been
discussed before.)

Now one way of looking at SOTA could be a mage behind on SOTA could still
have spells like in first Ed.

example
John, an old hermetic, quit the shadows in 2050. He hasn't really kept
up with the times as he should and in 2060 starts working with a rookie,
showing him a few "tricks of the trade". He shows him the usefulness of
Magical Healing in a running party.
Rookie, "Geex, old timer, you NEED a sling for the mojo you're slinging.
That kinda healin' more out a' date than reruns of Gilligans Island."
Hence, SOTA.

<SNIP>

> If there is one thing that should be subject to SOTA rules, it's Knowledge
> skills and libraries (of any kind, not just magical ones). Some would
> degrade faster than others -- for instance, today a library of computer
> books will be out of date much faster than one on cooking -- but in any
> field for which new things are developed should be subject to SOTA for its
> related knowledge skills. It would require a re-write of the SOTA rules,
> though.

I definately agree. This could be done by modifying the SOTA chart or by
the GM determaning the technology curve and what progresses faster in his
game world, therefore what SOTA is called for.

That wouldn't be that bad an idea. : )
You up for it? : P

Ahrain