easy one (I think) - illusion disguise and magical items

[Vlad]

forgive the basic level of this question, but I didn't see it addressed in a cursory check of the FAQ/threads:

is a magical item essentially hidden from a mage if it is covered by an illusion? If a cloth is insufficient to conceal a magical item, is the illusion of a cloth sufficient?

[Nosforontu]

Using the Sense rules from Gurps Campaigns and noting that spotting items deliberately hidden is treated as a contest of skills, I would probably treat it as a simple contest of skill between Disguise self (or other illusion in question) and the Wizards Mage sight.

[Ze'Manel Cunha]

Originally Posted by Vlad

is a magical item essentially hidden from a mage if it is covered by an illusion?

Sure, why not, though if the mage disbelieves the illusion he'll see through it.

Originally Posted by Vlad

If a cloth is insufficient to conceal a magical item, is the illusion of a cloth sufficient?

The illusion of a cloth would only cover the magical item to the same extent as a normal cloth.

[Vlad]

Thanks, it just seems to be a weird issue that magical items require real, significant (i.e. thick) physical shielding to conceal, but that something apparently ethereal like an illusion can achieve the same effect.

[Ze'Manel Cunha]

Originally Posted by Vlad

Thanks, it just seems to be a weird issue that magical items require real, significant (i.e. thick) physical shielding to conceal, but that something apparently ethereal like an illusion can achieve the same effect.

Where are you reading of the need for a significant physical shielding for concealment?

[Not another shrubbery]

Originally Posted by Ze'Manel Cunha

Where are you reading of the need for a significant physical shielding for concealment?

He might be taking it from the text of the Mage Sight spell, which is described as "essentially a more reliable version of the magical sense that comes with Magery 0". I have not taken that to mean that mages can use their innate detect through light cover, though, since it is Sight/Touch-based.

[Anaraxes]

The illusion spell would be itself detectable, though, as there's nothing covering it, while it covers the magic of the item. You could perhaps make the Uber-sword of All Time look like an ordinary sword, covered by an illusion for some reason, which is going to attract attention. Or, more cleverly, make it look like Ye Olde +1 Sword of Apprentice Enchanter Practice, to explain a magic aura (if your mages aren't the analytical type). Or you could start layering things. It's an illusion of a rock to hide the magic sword that's really the Uberblade that's actually an illusion covering the demon that wants to be carried out of the dungeon.