Newbie having a hard time with RPM

[Christopher R. Rice]

Originally Posted by Juca

Hi guys, I've always used the "common" Magic presented in Gurps Magic, but after reading about Ritual Path Magic, I can say that I was caught in the trend...
After reading it some times, I've decided to try to design some spells, and, apparently, I'm doing something wrong... Let's see:

Hi! It is quite awesome isn't it? :D

I suggest checking this thread for some mini FAQ by PK.

Originally Posted by Juca

Lightning Bolt (the caster launches a burning streak of electricity for 3d damage) - The "inner" workings are the following: Create Energy (6 points), 3d damage (0 points as it is a directed attack), Greater Effect (x3) for a total of 18 points, right? But what are the traits of the attack? Range, accuracy, rof... What if I want to add "overhead", that is rated as a 30% enhancement, how it adds to the energy cost?

You use the same traits for a Innate Attack for stats that is: Range 10/100, Acc 3, RoF 1, Shots N/A, Rcl 1. Adding overhead would cost +8 additional energy (See the thread I posted above).

Originally Posted by Juca

Second, an invisibility spell (The subject is turned invisible for the duration, and cannot carry anything) - Transform Body (8 points), adds advantage (Invisibility (affects machines, only substantial) for 56 points) and, lets say, duration of 10 minutes for 1 energy point. It is a Greater Effect, so the total cost is (8+56+1) x 3, or... 195 energy points, right? How can someone makes it a lesser effect? Can be considered a lesser effect if it is cast where no one can see the target before the effect?

I wouldn't go about it that way (you can, it IS possible for multiple paths to the same effect as is most RPM spells). I would use Greater Destroy Energy (5) + Weight, 300 lbs (3) + Duration, 10 minutes (1) 27 energy (9x3). I would NEVER consider invisibility a lesser effect.

Originally Posted by Juca

Third: I'm having a hard time determining what is a lesser effect and what is a greater effect with some kinds of casting, mainly body-related. Is bestowing DR 1 to a character a greater effect? And what about DR 4? Augmentating the ST of another by 10 points, with no visible effects, is a greater effect? It is all very confusing...

This is hard, if your the GM use your judgement, for statistics and advantages use the "realistic" guidelines GURPS gives: so up to Basic Speed +2.00 would be a lesser effect, anything higher would be a greater one. Granting a human DR is going to almost always be a greater effect. The upcoming ritual path magic book will go into a LOT more depth on the subject.

Originally Posted by Juca

Sorry if it already was asked before.

Only silly question is the one unasked. :-)

Ghostdancer