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Old 01-25-2023, 03:31 PM   #1
Shostak
 
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Default Talent/Spell of the Week: Telekinesis

This IQ 13 Thrown spell allows a wizard to manipulate objects within their sight and those out of sight but on their person as though they had an invisible body with which to do so. Wielding weapons telekinetically is difficult (-4DX). Telekinesis must be maintained each turn, at the relatively high cost of 2. The spell description implies that a wizard can only cast Telekinesis on their self, and the discussion of an invisible body manipulating objects gives us a useful guide to how quickly an object might be transported--perhaps the wizard's normal MA. My reading is that the wizard could telekinetically act on an object the same turn that they cast the spell.

Telekinesis offers such enormous potential that one could find great entertainment in playing a wizard with only this or perhaps another couple of spells. It is an ideal spell for a thief, spy, or typical tomb-robber who worries about booby-traps; with Telekinesis, one can open a door or pick up a gem or idol from a respectable distance, and a Pickpocket might use the spell to purloin purses remotely. Perhaps Alchemists and Chemists could make their labwork less potentially injurious to themselves by mixing ingredients from the safety of a nearby room with telekinesis. The spell's range is as far as the wizard can see, so combining it with Far Vision offers an obvious exploit.

Some examples of other obvious applications of Telekinesis include pulling someone's cloak or hat down over their eyes, snuffing out a candle, transporting a lantern to reveal a dark area, opening or closing a door to create a distraction, and surprising a horse by slapping it's rump. Although tactical applications such as grappling or tripping an enemy are not discussed in the brief spell description, it might be reasonable for a GM to apply the same -4DX to any combat use of Telekinesis.

Conversation Starters
  • What talents, other than those for weapons, might be exploited with Telekinesis?
  • How often does Telekinesis see use in your games?
  • Can a wizard use Telekinesis while doing something else, like casting another spell?
  • How would you handle a wizard wanting to trip or tackle someone telekinetically?
  • If you are not using the RAW version, how have you tweaked the spell?
  • How has Telekinesis been imaginatively used in your games?
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