Direct vs. Indrect Combat Spells, With the new SR4A changes Options

[Demerzel]

This quote comes from the changes thread, but that thread so long I’m not sure I want to add anything to it. So I’m spinning this off in a new topic.

Under the assumption that Direct Combat spells needed to be reduced in power I would have gone with a straightforward increase in drain values. Maybe +1 to all of them. Simple and the least possible amount of hassle for me. Allowing a defense and resistance roll would also have a balancing effect but it would reduce the differences between Direct Combat spells and firearms (and Indirect Combat). I find merit in having them operate distinctly because it contributes to the Rock, Paper, Scissors feel of Shadowrun that I consider one of its strengths.

As it turns out the italicized portion knasser mentions in that post is in fact a new change.

Note that objects targeted by Combat spells get to resist the damage as they would any ranged attack; use their Armor rating x 2 (or just Armor against spells with elemental effects) to resist the damage (Barriers, p. 166).

The prior version said, “targeted by Indirect Combat spells�.

So DD spells cast on objects get a damage resistance test that they did not get before.