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Old 03-11-2021, 12:31 PM   #8
Varyon
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Default Re: Making science magic feel like science, not magic

I'd expect science-magic to be largely in the form of superscience, making it generally tool-based. However, you can still have effects that aren't reliant on the use of tools, although some of these will have some overlap with chi and/or psi. A scientist with the appropriate knowledge may be able to heal someone with acupressure - or make use of the same to paralyze or kill someone (a la Xena). Similarly, close analysis of a thick wall might reveal a weak point the scientist can use to break down the wall with a simple tap. Something like the clap trick from Assassination Classroom could serve in place of a stunning/knockout spell (for reference, in that setting you can throw your enemy off guard by dropping your weapon(s) and doing a well-timed handclap or similar in front of their face, surprising them and opening them to a sneak attack; extremely skilled users can time it with their foe's mental cycle such that it renders them outright unconscious).
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