Physical Mask, What is seen from the astral? Options

[JesterX]

If a player cast physical mask to look like an elf, can this be detected by astral perception?

Will an astral perception tell that a mask spell is active?

Will an astral perception show the true metatype?

[stevebugge]

My understanding is that a successful perception test would allow you to correctly recognize the Aura assensed, including active spell and foci. More net successes allow greater detail to be obtained.

So a single net success may gain little more than Metahuma with sustained spell, but 4 might get you Joe the Ork Shaman sustaining a physical mask spell to make him appear as a lamp post.

[Wounded Ronin]

I always had it so that astral perception would automatically blast apart any kind of disguise magic because it would be very obvious to the astral viewer that a spell was dancing around the subject.

I would always refer to using astral perception on a disguised or invisible character as "looking up your astral skirts".

[JonathanC]

I have a player who gets around this problem by maintaining a Mana Barrier while he's using Physical mask. Since mana barriers appear opaque on the astral plane, it (in theory) prevents proper viewing of your aura. Of course, then you just have to explain why you're walking around with magical shielding on you.

[hyzmarca]

[JonathanC]

Personally, I've never made an issue of it. He's casting it at like force 3, which is within legal limits, I believe. I was just pointing out something that could be suspicious if you're a more exacting GM, or if they're going to be among people who are highly suspicious of magicians.