Fantasy Trip Illusions

[RobW]

Two interpretations of illusions.

Interpretation 1. Illusions exist solely in the minds of those experiencing them. An illusion in this sense is like a shared hallucination.

Because the illusion exists only in subjective experience, not objective reality, its physical effects are limited. For example, since the illusion controls the mind, and the mind controls the body, an illusion could damage the body. But an illusory bridge could not support weight. It seems consistent to say that an illusion allows the mind to rationalise events post-hoc. For example, when I step onto an illusory bridge, in reality I fall through straight away, but what I experience is something that maintains the illusion of the bridge's existence AND my falling, eg a gust of wind pushing me off.

Interpretation 2. The illusion is psychic energy converted to matter, a true physical object for the duration of its existence, with all that entails. Observers can therefore walk on illusory bridges and float on illusory rafts, as long as no one disrupts the psychic force. Illusory cats leave a nasty litter box after they're gone, and illusory barrel lids, as long as they last, can protect from torches.

For decades I assumed (1), but now I think (2) is more the intention. It's also a lot simpler concept, and so easier to work out as a GM and player what should happen.