[RPM] True Names

Anders · 11-08-2013, 01:08 PM

I'm trying to setting down rules for True Names in a setting that uses Ritual Path Magic. Thaumatology has some guidelines for what is proper on p.245 - the bonuses run from +0 to +4 depending on how true the name is. I'll use only the extremes - +0 for a public name and +4 for a True Name.

My first idea was to apply a +4 bonus to the checks made to gather energy, but I think that's too powerful. Then we'd almost have to make knowing a True Name a perk-level Unusual Background to keep things under control. But I'm not too familiar with the system - is it too powerful?

My second thought was to apply a +4 to the check to overcome resistance. That seems to be more balanced, and would also limit certain abuses by players (i.e., everyone says their True Names to the mage-healer and gets much better healing).

My third thought, and this one I think I'll definitely go with, is to count as a Connection with the target. You don't need to have a blood sample or know where they're living, the True Name lets the spell find you anywhere. This is useful mostly for non-adepts, eliminating a -5 penalty.

And with that I ran out of thoughts. So I decided to come here instead.

Varyon · 11-08-2013, 01:18 PM

Knowing a target's True Name sounds like Traditional Trappings to me. You note things go from +0 (public name) to +4 (True Name). I'd say go ahead and keep the progression, with each +1 corresponding to a 5% discount on energy (so knowing a target's True Name decreases energy cost by 20%). A worthwhile and nifty effect that shouldn't be game-breaking (a 3d healing spell - 45 energy as a Greater Restore Body effect - ends up costing 36 energy instead, or the mage still pumps 45 energy into it to boost it to 4d-1).

Anders · 11-08-2013, 01:21 PM

Interesting. I will meditate on this.

Incidentally, I've lost track of where resistance rolls are discussed in the book. Can anyone help me?

Christopher R. Rice · 11-08-2013, 01:33 PM

Varyon has the right of it. Though the energy reduction should probably depend on how common knowing True Names is. If it's rare and requires another advantage to use, I'd say it's probably worth -20%, because you need to figure out the target's True Name first, which probably requires a Greater Sense Magic (to sense the name) and Greater Sense Mind spell to begin with. I'd probably require a skill roll as well, maybe Thaumatology or a special required specialty of Linguistics which could also allow bonuses for sacred languages. I'd also be wary about players invoking True Names willy-nilly. True Names are as much dramatic plot device as they are gameable effects. If it's common it's probably worth -10% worth at most.

GodBeastX · 11-08-2013, 01:59 PM

From research I've done on the subject of true names and magic, I think the true name would end up being how you devise it to mean.

The way I've come across it worded (In relation to sympathy) is any targeting spell would need things like some sort of sympathic bond with the individual to fill in the fact you don't know their true name. Seeing them, hearing them, having their blood, etc etc.

True Name ends up the culmination of things and allows one to bypass many parts that would be required for a ritual.

I've also read that people can obscure, trap, or ward their true names so that any mage tampering with them can end up jacked up in the process.

A lot of fun can be had from true names.

Varyon · 11-08-2013, 02:16 PM

Here is an idea of why you shouldn't overuse True Names. Use that as inspiration for Botches and Quirks and you should make use rare enough to justify the 20% discount.

As for "name wards," those would impose penalties on any spell using the target's True Name for the discount, possibly even increasing the chance of a Critical Failure. A Conditional Spell that hit anyone trying to use your True Name against you with Greater Destroy Chance (Altered Traits: Unluckiness) could be nasty.

11-08-2013, 01:08 PM	#1
Anders Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden	[RPM] True Names I'm trying to setting down rules for True Names in a setting that uses Ritual Path Magic. Thaumatology has some guidelines for what is proper on p.245 - the bonuses run from +0 to +4 depending on how true the name is. I'll use only the extremes - +0 for a public name and +4 for a True Name. My first idea was to apply a +4 bonus to the checks made to gather energy, but I think that's too powerful. Then we'd almost have to make knowing a True Name a perk-level Unusual Background to keep things under control. But I'm not too familiar with the system - is it too powerful? My second thought was to apply a +4 to the check to overcome resistance. That seems to be more balanced, and would also limit certain abuses by players (i.e., everyone says their True Names to the mage-healer and gets much better healing). My third thought, and this one I think I'll definitely go with, is to count as a Connection with the target. You don't need to have a blood sample or know where they're living, the True Name lets the spell find you anywhere. This is useful mostly for non-adepts, eliminating a -5 penalty. And with that I ran out of thoughts. So I decided to come here instead. __________________ “When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...” Marcus Aurelius Author of Winged Folk. The GURPS Discord. Drop by and say hi!

11-08-2013, 01:18 PM	#2
Varyon Join Date: Jun 2013	Re: [RPM] True Names Knowing a target's True Name sounds like Traditional Trappings to me. You note things go from +0 (public name) to +4 (True Name). I'd say go ahead and keep the progression, with each +1 corresponding to a 5% discount on energy (so knowing a target's True Name decreases energy cost by 20%). A worthwhile and nifty effect that shouldn't be game-breaking (a 3d healing spell - 45 energy as a Greater Restore Body effect - ends up costing 36 energy instead, or the mage still pumps 45 energy into it to boost it to 4d-1).

11-08-2013, 01:21 PM	#3
Anders Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden	Re: [RPM] True Names Interesting. I will meditate on this. Incidentally, I've lost track of where resistance rolls are discussed in the book. Can anyone help me? __________________ “When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...” Marcus Aurelius Author of Winged Folk. The GURPS Discord. Drop by and say hi!

11-08-2013, 01:33 PM	#4
Christopher R. Rice Raven and a Writing Desk Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Portsmouth, VA, USA	Re: [RPM] True Names Varyon has the right of it. Though the energy reduction should probably depend on how common knowing True Names is. If it's rare and requires another advantage to use, I'd say it's probably worth -20%, because you need to figure out the target's True Name first, which probably requires a Greater Sense Magic (to sense the name) and Greater Sense Mind spell to begin with. I'd probably require a skill roll as well, maybe Thaumatology or a special required specialty of Linguistics which could also allow bonuses for sacred languages. I'd also be wary about players invoking True Names willy-nilly. True Names are as much dramatic plot device as they are gameable effects. If it's common it's probably worth -10% worth at most. __________________ My w23 Stuff My Blog GURPS Discord My Discord Latest GURPS Book: Meta-Tech Latest TFT: Vile Vines Become a Patron!

11-08-2013, 01:59 PM	#5
GodBeastX Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Behind You	Re: [RPM] True Names From research I've done on the subject of true names and magic, I think the true name would end up being how you devise it to mean. The way I've come across it worded (In relation to sympathy) is any targeting spell would need things like some sort of sympathic bond with the individual to fill in the fact you don't know their true name. Seeing them, hearing them, having their blood, etc etc. True Name ends up the culmination of things and allows one to bypass many parts that would be required for a ritual. I've also read that people can obscure, trap, or ward their true names so that any mage tampering with them can end up jacked up in the process. A lot of fun can be had from true names.

11-08-2013, 02:16 PM	#6
Varyon Join Date: Jun 2013	Re: [RPM] True Names Here is an idea of why you shouldn't overuse True Names. Use that as inspiration for Botches and Quirks and you should make use rare enough to justify the 20% discount. As for "name wards," those would impose penalties on any spell using the target's True Name for the discount, possibly even increasing the chance of a Critical Failure. A Conditional Spell that hit anyone trying to use your True Name against you with Greater Destroy Chance (Altered Traits: Unluckiness) could be nasty.