[RPM] Some questions about Path of Magic ?

[(E)]

Originally Posted by calmquist

According to p. 25, it should resist the demon "that tries to harm the subject in any way or tries to cross (or attack across)" the ward. As written, it should stop the fireball because it was a demon that threw it.

Personally, I might allow a demon to throw mundane rocks or shoot mundane guns across a ward. I might even allow it to use a magic item powered by non-demon magic. I would rule that no part of the demon's body or any supernatural effect created from the demon's power could cross the ward unhindered (unless it already broke through of course). I would probably rule that any demon powered effect used by a non-demon would also be resisted.

PK and other GMs are free to disagree of course.

That might be an aspect covered in a demonic power modifier?

Also for full consideration reasons how do the various GURPS magic "rain of" spells interact? Are they cast above a ward?

Edit
Also the various "explosive" missile spells, I would presume they fizzle or detonate on contact with the ward.

[calmquist]

Originally Posted by (E)

That might be an aspect covered in a demonic power modifier?

Also for full consideration reasons how do the various GURPS magic "rain of" spells interact? Are they cast above a ward?

Edit
Also the various "explosive" missile spells, I would presume they fizzle or detonate on contact with the ward.

I would consider susceptibility to demon wards a drawback of a demonic power modifier.

I think that ward's ability to protect against "rain of" spells and magic effects with the overhead enhancement would depend on the nature of the ward. If the ward is defined as a wall, overhead effects could avoid the ward entirely. If the ward is defined as a dome or a sphere, it should still block overhead effects.

If the ward blocks missile spells, it could block explosions. The explosive effects are tricky. Assuming a ward can block missile spells but not mundane effects, I would expect it to block fire from an explosive fireball. I would not expect it to block mundane rocks, dirt or air. A careful ritual could create an explosion that is entirely mundane.

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by calmquist

Personally, I might allow a demon to throw mundane rocks or shoot mundane guns across a ward.

I think "resists any appropriate creature that tries to harm the subject in any way or that tries to cross (or attack across) the barrier of an area-effect ward" pretty clearly applies to any attack across the ward. Also if it didn't apply, then it would be nigh useless in the sort of urban fantasy RPM was made for because demons/vampires/angels/whatever would just carry firearms.

[calmquist]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

I think "resists any appropriate creature that tries to harm the subject in any way or that tries to cross (or attack across) the barrier of an area-effect ward" pretty clearly applies to any attack across the ward. Also if it didn't apply, then it would be nigh useless in the sort of urban fantasy RPM was made for because demons/vampires/angels/whatever would just carry firearms.

I agree that the wording is clear too, and I understand your point. It does seem strange that mundane things couldn't cross a ward. Perhaps the demon's touch temporarily corrupts them long enough to allow the ward to stop them.

The wards would still be useful against demon powers, mindless undead and other supernatural creatures that were incapable of using firearms for some reason. Wards could also be used to trap intelligent supernatural creatures or block certain paths, so they could be used effectively against vampires with guns.

[4rc4num]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

I think "resists any appropriate creature that tries to harm the subject in any way or that tries to cross (or attack across) the barrier of an area-effect ward" pretty clearly applies to any attack across the ward. Also if it didn't apply, then it would be nigh useless in the sort of urban fantasy RPM was made for because demons/vampires/angels/whatever would just carry firearms.

I dont like this interpretation.

To me, saying that a Lesser Control Spirit ward can block all conjured rituals by a demon is the same to say that a Lesser Control Body ward can block all magic conjured by a mage.

Path of Spirit clearly says that Spirit mimic Life and Mind effects against beings that mind and body are the same and no one use Life or Mind to ward against a fireball.

My vote goes to Spirit Ward cant block Rituals conjured by Spirits. But a Path of Spirit Ritual can cast a mind effect against the demon to make it stop casting spells.

At least, I need to agree that the text is clear about "harm the subject in any way", but I want to see PK answer about this point.