[Magic] Illusion spells

[benz72]

Given the understandable confusion about this issue and the general forumite desire for a 'clean up' edition of Magic for 4e, what SHOULD the Illusion rules be? Specifically, how would we like illusions to move?

[jeff_wilson]

Originally Posted by benz72

Given the understandable confusion about this issue and the general forumite desire for a 'clean up' edition of Magic for 4e, what SHOULD the Illusion rules be? Specifically, how would we like illusions to move?

There should be some options for faster moving external illusions at least, perhaps similar to the way more capable creations cost more.

[Nereidalbel]

Originally Posted by benz72

Given the understandable confusion about this issue and the general forumite desire for a 'clean up' edition of Magic for 4e, what SHOULD the Illusion rules be? Specifically, how would we like illusions to move?

IMO, an illusion should be able to move at whatever speed is reasonable for that specific illusion. An illusionary car moving at 50mph is believable, but attempting to move an illusionary human at 50mph should dispel it immediately, as nobody is going to believe such a thing.

[jeff_wilson]

Originally Posted by Nereidalbel

IMO, an illusion should be able to move at whatever speed is reasonable for that specific illusion. An illusionary car moving at 50mph is believable, but attempting to move an illusionary human at 50mph should dispel it immediately, as nobody is going to believe such a thing.

If you let any illusions travel at arbitrary speed, they become very cheap telecoms.

[Kromm]

I'd go with Move 5, as in the FAQ. That's the speed used by Light, Mage Light, Shape Darkness, Shape Fire, and other effects that move energy around in GURPS Magic. If that seems too slow for wizards who hope to create illusionary hawks and horses, a reasonable compromise would be to take a page from Displace Spell or Ball of Lightning, and add Magery or skill/5 to this Move.

[benz72]

Originally Posted by Kromm

I'd go with Move 5, as in the FAQ. That's the speed used by Light, Mage Light, Shape Darkness, Shape Fire, and other effects that move energy around in GURPS Magic. If that seems too slow for wizards who hope to create illusionary hawks and horses, a reasonable compromise would be to take a page from Displace Spell or Ball of Lightning, and add Magery or skill/5 to this Move.

Thanks,

I've been trying to come up with some kind of energy - effectivness conversion for 'extra effort' in spells as a generic template for perks. I think faster movement of a specifc spell might make a good perk.

[David Johnston2]

Originally Posted by Nereidalbel

IMO, an illusion should be able to move at whatever speed is reasonable for that specific illusion. An illusionary car moving at 50mph is believable, but attempting to move an illusionary human at 50mph should dispel it immediately, as nobody is going to believe such a thing.

Illusions are more like holograms than mental deceptions. Even if you don't believe them they don't go away.

[Not another shrubbery]

Originally Posted by benz72

Thanks,

I've been trying to come up with some kind of energy - effectivness conversion for 'extra effort' in spells as a generic template for perks. I think faster movement of a specifc spell might make a good perk.

That seems pretty reasonable to me. For just one spell, I'd expect the increase to be fairly large.

Kromm is "we"? He seems bigger in his picture.
heh

[benz72]

Originally Posted by Not another shrubbery

That seems pretty reasonable to me. For just one spell, I'd expect the increase to be fairly large.

What final rate would you suggest? Or would you level the perk so that you could have Move, 2Move, 3Move (or perghaps Move, Move^2, Move^3)?

[Not another shrubbery]

Originally Posted by benz72

What final rate would you suggest? Or would you level the perk so that you could have Move, 2Move, 3Move (or perghaps Move, Move^2, Move^3)?

I generally stay away from leveled Perks. I'd probably make this something like Move*5 for a single Illusion spell, which would be enough to increase the verisimilitude of certain illusions, or let you surprise foes at range somewhat easier, without greatly enhancing the effectiveness of the spell.