[MH1] Ritual Path Magic - Bringing a statue to life

Urkathos · 04-19-2011, 11:27 PM

I’m preparing to run a Monster Hunters game and have been trying to wrap my head around the Ritual Path Magic System and have run into a snag. In MH1 there is a partially worked example of a spell to turn a statue of a lion into a flesh and blood lion. I have come up with two different ways to work this spell and would like to get your opinion on which seems the more “correct” way to go about it. For both of these examples let’s assume that either produces a lion built on 70 character points.

Greater Transform Matter (8) + Greater Transform Body (8) + Lesser Create Mind (6) + Duration: 1 hour (3) + Subject Weight: 1000lbs (4) * 5 for two Greater Effects = 145 energy.

Greater Transform Matter (8) + Greater Transform Body (8) + Lesser Create Mind (6) + Altered Traits: Lion Template (70) + Duration: 1 hour (3) + Subject Weight: 1000lbs (4) * 5 for two Greater Effects = 495 energy

As you can see the first spell simply takes the partially worked example for MH1 and modifies it for Duration and Subject weight. It’s an expensive spell but doesn’t seem to be outside the realm of possibility. The second however takes into account the 70 point lion template but at 495 energy, seems impossible.

I am inclined to use the first as it is a cinematic game, but I’m curious to hear some other people’s opinions.

Sunrunners_Fire · 04-20-2011, 12:33 AM

I wouldn't use the Altered Traits modifier for this, I would use the Traditional Trappings (Lion Statue, -10%) modifier instead for a final cost of 130 energy.

zoncxs · 04-20-2011, 01:29 AM

agreed with the above, if a PC wants to do this. if they want the lion to shoot laser out of its eyes then I would add the altered traits.

Celjabba · 04-20-2011, 01:34 AM

Just adding a lion template to a statue would not work, you also need to remove all the disadvantage. (especially iq 0, dx 0, sessile, ...).

But I don't think that the way to go, and i would use the first too.

celjabba

PK · 04-20-2011, 01:59 AM

What they said -- the basic Transform effects are enough to cover "lion statue => actual lion". Assume that everything that normally comes standard on a lion is present on your new pet. The Altered Traits costs are intended for adding completely new advantages, disadvantages, etc., not for covering the cost of templates. (But the GM can use it to balance the spell; e.g., if you wanted the lion to retain its statue DR as a real lion, he could insist that you pay for that DR as an Altered Trait.)

Urkathos · 04-20-2011, 02:03 AM

Thank you. You have all been extremely helpful.

04-19-2011, 11:27 PM	#1
Urkathos Join Date: Jul 2009	[MH1] Ritual Path Magic - Bringing a statue to life I’m preparing to run a Monster Hunters game and have been trying to wrap my head around the Ritual Path Magic System and have run into a snag. In MH1 there is a partially worked example of a spell to turn a statue of a lion into a flesh and blood lion. I have come up with two different ways to work this spell and would like to get your opinion on which seems the more “correct” way to go about it. For both of these examples let’s assume that either produces a lion built on 70 character points. Greater Transform Matter (8) + Greater Transform Body (8) + Lesser Create Mind (6) + Duration: 1 hour (3) + Subject Weight: 1000lbs (4) * 5 for two Greater Effects = 145 energy. Greater Transform Matter (8) + Greater Transform Body (8) + Lesser Create Mind (6) + Altered Traits: Lion Template (70) + Duration: 1 hour (3) + Subject Weight: 1000lbs (4) * 5 for two Greater Effects = 495 energy As you can see the first spell simply takes the partially worked example for MH1 and modifies it for Duration and Subject weight. It’s an expensive spell but doesn’t seem to be outside the realm of possibility. The second however takes into account the 70 point lion template but at 495 energy, seems impossible. I am inclined to use the first as it is a cinematic game, but I’m curious to hear some other people’s opinions.

04-20-2011, 12:33 AM	#2
Sunrunners_Fire Join Date: Mar 2010	Re: [MH1] Ritual Path Magic - Bringing a statue to life I wouldn't use the Altered Traits modifier for this, I would use the Traditional Trappings (Lion Statue, -10%) modifier instead for a final cost of 130 energy.

04-20-2011, 01:29 AM	#3
zoncxs Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: earth....I think.	Re: [MH1] Ritual Path Magic - Bringing a statue to life agreed with the above, if a PC wants to do this. if they want the lion to shoot laser out of its eyes then I would add the altered traits.

04-20-2011, 01:34 AM	#4
Celjabba Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Luxembourg	Re: [MH1] Ritual Path Magic - Bringing a statue to life Just adding a lion template to a statue would not work, you also need to remove all the disadvantage. (especially iq 0, dx 0, sessile, ...). But I don't think that the way to go, and i would use the first too. celjabba

04-20-2011, 01:59 AM	#5
PK Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dobbstown Sane Asylum	Re: [MH1] Ritual Path Magic - Bringing a statue to life What they said -- the basic Transform effects are enough to cover "lion statue => actual lion". Assume that everything that normally comes standard on a lion is present on your new pet. The Altered Traits costs are intended for adding completely new advantages, disadvantages, etc., not for covering the cost of templates. (But the GM can use it to balance the spell; e.g., if you wanted the lion to retain its statue DR as a real lion, he could insist that you pay for that DR as an Altered Trait.) __________________ Reverend Pee Kitty of the Order Malkavian-Dobbsian (Twitter) (LJ) MyGURPS: My house rules and *GURPS* resources. #SJGamesLive: I answered questions about *GURPS After the End* and more! {Watch Video} - {Read Transcript}

04-20-2011, 02:03 AM	#6
Urkathos Join Date: Jul 2009	Re: [MH1] Ritual Path Magic - Bringing a statue to life Thank you. You have all been extremely helpful.