Talent/Spell of the Week: Insubstantiality

[Drakenbow]

1)

Originally Posted by Shostak

Insubstantiality is a fairly taxing spell, costing 4 ST to cast and 2 more each turn it is renewed. This, combined with the slow movement, constrains the spell’s utility.

2)

Originally Posted by Shostak

Consider: using Insubstantiality to get from one side of a thick wall to the other will cost at least 10 ST—6 to cast, 2 to renew on the turn the figure moves into the wall hex, and another 2 ST to maintain the spell long enough to move to a free hex.

For the first, I think I wouldn't use it for the character unless my caster had a very charged Staff and Powerstone. Better would be as a self-powered magic item.

For the second, using a Speed MA magic item adds 4 MA, which in this case would be better than the spell - again better as a self-powered magic item.

But what Thrown or Creation spells could do damage? OK, use sleep, freeze, or stop could cause sever problems for the Insubstantial character. Sleep could be very bad if the terreign is bad. A Staff spell's Occult should work - HCOBB notes why. Creations are all physical or energy on a physical plane level IMO - fire, a Myrmidon's sword, etc. IMO wouldn't work. There is nothing 'material' for Open Tunnel to destroy.

Does an Insubstantial person still need light to see? Dazzle would affect (but not damage) the person.

Shock Shield might be considered damaging with its Occult, but that is if the caster goes into the same hex.

Sounds like maybe some development work on special spell development for use in Insubstantial form.