[RPM] "Path of Energy ends where others begin". Huh?

[malloyd]

Originally Posted by vicky_molokh

Greetings, all!

I'm confused about the definition of what falls into the domain of Path of Energy. Specifically, the phrases

This phrasing is intended to prevent you from claiming you can do *anything at all* by manipulating energy. A Path of Matter (or Chance, or Changes, or quite a few other words you can claim cover everything that exists, or can happen) would need a similar one. All it means is that if it fits better in another path, you can't do it with the Path of Energy just because there is energy involved.

[PK]

Originally Posted by malloyd

This phrasing is intended to prevent you from claiming you can do *anything at all* by manipulating energy.

Bingo. This, and nothing more, is the reason behind the stated limits on all Paths when it comes to entering another Path's domain.

"Energy" is such a broad term that this needed to be addressed explicitly. Otherwise, you'd get people casting mind control spells with Control Energy ("I'm controlling the neurons in his brain!"), gate spells with Transform Energy ("I'm altering tachyons so we can travel through time!"), speed-buffing spells with Strengthen Energy ("I'm enhancing how quickly his motor impulses travel!"), and so on.

Where exactly is that line drawn? That's up to the GM. But this warning/limit gives him ammunition to shut down rules lawyers who complain if he says spells like those above won't work.