Secret Spells learned in Game

[Christopher R. Rice]

If a character were to learn a spell considered "secret" in the campaign would they still need to pick up the Secret Spell perk? Or do they get a pass?

Also if a character creates a spell known only to them do they need a theoretical "Unique Spell" perk?

This just came up in game and I wanted some opinions while we had a break.

Thanks everyone who answers.

Ghostdancer

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by Ghostdancer

This just came up in game and I wanted some opinions while we had a break.

What difference does it make? Does the character have an Ally or something that will also get points? Otherwise 1 "free" CP pre-spent on a perk that doesn't actually do anything seems completely pointless (heh) to me.

[roguebfl]

Handle it the same way you handle gain an Allie or Contact in game.

[Barghaest]

Originally Posted by Ghostdancer

If a character were to learn a spell considered "secret" in the campaign would they still need to pick up the Secret Spell perk? Or do they get a pass?

I consider that a GM call and highly situational. If a player happened to acquire the spell (or a means to learn/study it through books/teachers) during the course of the game I'd say either don't worry about the perk or give it to him for free (especially if you feel he earned it).

If a player expresses a desire to pick up such a spell and keeps trying to steer the game towards that end... he'd need the perk (again granted free if you feel he earned it through gameplay or make him pay for it with earn CPs if you feel his personal quest inconvenienced the other players).

[Christopher R. Rice]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

What difference does it make? Does the character have an Ally or something that will also get points? Otherwise 1 "free" CP pre-spent on a perk that doesn't actually do anything seems completely pointless (heh) to me.

Bingo! ^_^ we have a winner. Thats pretty much what I was curious about. After the game begins, to me its GURPS Who's Line is it Anyway, a game you play to have fun where the points don't matter.

Originally Posted by roguebfl

Handle it the same way you handle gain an Allie or Contact in game.

I usually just give those free if earned (for Allies really earned), Contacts are a sometime reward I give instead of bonus CP for completed missions/goals.

Originally Posted by Barghaest

I consider that a GM call and highly situational. If a player happened to acquire the spell (or a means to learn/study it through books/teachers) during the course of the game I'd say either don't worry about the perk or give it to him for free (especially if you feel he earned it).

If a player expresses a desire to pick up such a spell and keeps trying to steer the game towards that end... he'd need the perk (again granted free if you feel he earned it through game-play or make him pay for it with earn CPs if you feel his personal quest inconvenienced the other players).

I will probably go with this. Anyone else dealt with something like this? Like a similar situation where a mundane got access to something that would need a UB at the beginning of play.

Ghostdancer

[Ze'Manel Cunha]

Originally Posted by Ghostdancer

I will probably go with this. Anyone else dealt with something like this? Like a similar situation where a mundane got access to something that would need a UB at the beginning of play.

I've never had any issue with giving out appropriate Ads, once play starts the fact that a player picked up a $5k weapon from an enemy is way more valuable than that 1 point Perk, UB, Contact, etc., and I rarely worry about those much.

[Christopher R. Rice]

Originally Posted by Ze'Manel Cunha

I've never had any issue with giving out appropriate Ads, once play starts the fact that a player picked up a $5k weapon from an enemy is way more valuable than that 1 point Perk, UB, Contact, etc., and I rarely worry about those much.

And I agree, if its something you got in game I either give it free or reduce the cost to get it (but not the actual cost). Like in my last session one of the PC's went out of her way to save a high value target who was marked for assassination. I offered either a favor for free, or buying him as a Patron for half the normal points. She choose the latter.

What I am trying to grok here is if I should notate Secret Spell [1] plus the Spell [1] on the character sheet. Or just say Spell [1] and be done with it. Since this particular setting has *multiple* characters and games and characters frequently "guest star" in other games...I was doing the former way before, and probably will now but I just want opinions on how folks do this in there games.

Ghostdancer

Note: Also, for no reason whatsoever. I have Low-Tech now. Mwhahahahahaha!!!!

[roguebfl]

Originally Posted by Ghostdancer

What I am trying to grok here is if I should notate Secret Spell [1] plus the Spell [1] on the character sheet. Or just say Spell [1] and be done with it. Since this particular setting has *multiple* characters and games and characters frequently "guest star" in other games...I was doing the former way before, and probably will now but I just want opinions on how folks do this in there games.

I would note the "Secret Spell [1] plus the Spell [1]" Becuase they have gained the UB, and it helps them remember it's secret.

[Barghaest]

Ditto. For the purpose of point balance alone that's valid (point balance meaning comparing the power level of said character, not making sure all are equal point values - rather the reason you don't record disadvantages gained in play as 0 points on the sheet but instead lower the value).

[Ze'Manel Cunha]

Originally Posted by roguebfl

I would note the "Secret Spell [1] plus the Spell [1]" Becuase they have gained the UB, and it helps them remember it's secret.

Yep, keep the accounting consistent.