Can I have some help understanding ritual path spell effects?

[Boyboy180]

Originally Posted by Christopher R. Rice

For the most part in RPM you get what you pay for. Your first example would require a spell effect and altered traits to lower ST. Damage dealt with a spell always requires the Damage modifier - even if it seems like it shouldn't. For example, conjuring an anvil over someone's head still requires damage even though you rolled to create it.

Sorry, I only partially understood your reply so I need to ask more specifically.

The first example DOES need altered trait? I thought in that example it wouldn't because because it was part of the "Assumed effect."
Or do you mean that if you wanted to do a "Destroy body" lowering of ST it would need altered traits but a buff wouldn't?
I thought that you weren't meant to use altered traits if it was already part of the base description of the effect?

I understand the damage thing easily enough though, thank you.