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Posted by: Tyron Jun 17 2004, 02:14 AM

Hey guys, was wondering if I could get a quick clarification on something.

I was trying to remember the radius of area effect spells that are cast, but I couldn't find where it said it in BBB or MiTS. I vaguely remember it being the casters Magic attribute in meters, but I don't know where I got that from. Can anyone clarify and/or give me some page numbers?

Thanks in advance!

Posted by: Jason Farlander Jun 17 2004, 02:18 AM

You are correct, sir. SR3 page 181: "The base radius for all area spells is the caster's Magic Attribute in meters."

Posted by: Mr.Platinum Jun 17 2004, 12:39 PM

is that circular radius or a square radius? No I'm serious, in my games it's a circular radius.

Posted by: TinkerGnome Jun 17 2004, 01:38 PM

What's a square radius?

Posted by: shadd4d Jun 17 2004, 01:39 PM

If you can pull it off, I'm sure there's a PhD in Math waiting for you from some University.

Don

Posted by: Nikoli Jun 17 2004, 01:39 PM

Kinda like circular, but not as "hip"

Posted by: TinkerGnome Jun 17 2004, 01:44 PM

Near as I can tell, regular polygons can be described in terms of the radius of an inscribed or circumscribed circle, but that's as close as my research is getting me. I never too much math beyond the 300 level (did have a little).

I'm taking a wild guess and saying that "radius" almost always means circular radius.

Posted by: Tyron Jun 17 2004, 04:01 PM

I think I'm just going to go with the circle too.

Posted by: Arethusa Jun 17 2004, 04:04 PM

Posted by: John Campbell Jun 17 2004, 05:42 PM

I've always treated it as a spherical radius, myself... though I suppose that would technically make them volume-effect spells.

Posted by: Eyeless Blond Jun 17 2004, 06:08 PM

well you could make them *surface*-area effect, although it would be kinda wierd to detonate a fireball on top of someone and have it not even touch them.

Posted by: Arethusa Jun 17 2004, 09:02 PM

Unless it's unreasonable to assume so, I'd say it tends to go without saying that the radius used to calculate area of effect is spherical, even if area is something of a misnomer.

Posted by: Luke Hardison Jun 17 2004, 11:20 PM

Posted by: John Campbell Jun 17 2004, 11:29 PM

Wait, we can redefine mathematical laws by majority opinion here?

Okay, I hereby move that we set pi to equal 4. That way circles will be squares, and there won't be any radius question.

Posted by: BitBasher Jun 17 2004, 11:33 PM

Motion denied. <gavel pounds> Are there any other motions on the floor?

Posted by: Mr.Platinum Jun 18 2004, 12:15 AM

Posted by: TinkerGnome Jun 18 2004, 12:25 AM

If you want to get technical, a sphere is just an infinite number of two dimensional circular planes, so the radius is the same

Posted by: paul_HArkonen Jun 18 2004, 12:38 AM

now we have a discusion, I do have to say, if we were to assume the Area of Effect was just a circle we wouldn't have such fun ideas as use a power ball to destroy the floor and the guards. ;) Also if it wasn't a volume then we have an sheet thinner than any paper, and that's just no fun now is. Yeah its definately a sphere, we need to change the title from Area of effect to volume of affect, just to confuse people.

Posted by: LaughingTiger Jun 18 2004, 03:46 AM

*fowards this page to his math teacher as another piece of proof that rpg's are "good" and "stimulate thought"*


http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0046/0046_01.asp never makes you think

Posted by: John Campbell Jun 18 2004, 04:24 AM

Jack Chick makes me think!

He makes me think, "Wow, what a nutbar! Do people really believe this drek?"