Re: [dq-rules] Magic. Same topic, Different thread

[Bruce Probst <bprobst@netspace.net.au>]

On Thu, 25 Jul 2002 19:03:58 -0000, "jcorey30" <jcorey30@yahoo.com> wrote:

>So, mages with invested items can use those items repeatedly.  At 
>this point, my mage almost never has to cast a spell the old 
>fashioned way.

Well, until the investments run out.

>How do you folks handle this in your campaigns

There's a couple of approaches to take.

The 2nd ed. rules made no restrictions on what could be used as an
"investable item".  Thus, a handful of pebbles could actually be a handful
of potent magic items.

The 3rd ed. rules introduced a severe restriction on what could be used, and
how much magic could be stored in it.

Having played extensively with the former rules, I've come to the conclusion
that it's Too Much Too Easy.  The 3rd ed. rules are a little too much the
other way; without access to a Shaper, you'll *never* have invested items.

I'm currently cogitating on something in-between; something that will
effectively limit how many investments someone can carry, without making it
Too Hard to get them in the first place.

My preliminary thoughts (and that's all they are at this point):

* A shaper can make an Investable Item out of anything that he could Prepare
(as per the numerous Shaper Preparation rituals).  A non-shaper can only use
a smaller subset of things ... precious metals?  Of a minimum size/weight?
Note that the 3rd ed. rules suggest wands, staves etc. without indicating
*why* such items are preferred.

* An Investable Item can only have a limited no. of "charges" invested
within it.  Pretty much how the 3rd edition rules have it.

* Aside from size/weight, perhaps there should be a limit on how many
Invested Items an individual can carry and use.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce Probst              bprobst@netspace.net.au    ICQ 6563830
Melbourne, Australia      MSTie #72759  SCA #80160
"A planet where apes evolved from men?"
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