Mask vs Detect Enemies, multi-sense illusions and detection Options

[Dragnar]

I still want to know if it works vs. fingerprint scanners (as I understand how they work, that would actually be sight-based, not touch), retinal scanners (sight), and voiceprint biometrics (sound). The spell specifically mentions that your sound, smell, etc. all change. I want to know how fine a degree of control you have over that change.

While it plausibly should be able to fool scanners, that would invalidate the quite expensive adept powers and tech gadgets with the same effect, so I think I wouldn't allow it to work against scanners, although I'm not too happy with that reasoning myself...
Still, physical mask is powerful enough as is.

[Spike]

I can say that, with with all the authority that I have (not that much, but still) that physical Mask does affect tech based scanners, including fingerprints with some provisios.

Duplication of a specific set of fingerprints should either not be possible, or should require specific actions (assensing the target model, or similar) which would provide the degree of accuracy in game terms to be beat.

Second: While the actual fingerprints of the target of the mask are altered for purposes of immedeate scanning (and recording...) his actual fingerprints are not physicially altered. Thus, while he is actively handling an object, for all intents and purposes his fingerprints ARE those of the Mask spell (random if the illusion doesn't specify), once he as released the object and/or the spell has ceased to be sustained, the actual fingerprints left behind are his own.

Note that recordings made during the Illusion will reflect the illusion even after the spell has lapsed, as usual.

This applies in other ways as well: If you have the Physical Mask of a troll, your thermographic signature is that of a Troll, even if you are a dwarf. It is possible that, for example, feeling a bed you've been lying in that you would leave a troll sized warm spot, at least for a short while, the MOMENT the spell ends, the warm spot is that of a dwarf. A recording of the thermal pattern made during the cusp period would have an obvious break moment.

Regarding the lingering effect: While this must be a GM adjucated affair I feel it is probably best to assign a residual area/duration, presumably based on teh Magic of the caster or the force the spell was cast at (or, if you really want to ratchet it down, the hits), though the actual units of distance/time are debatable, there are precedents (meters radius for example). Note that this 'residual' only applies (again) while the spell is actually being sustained.

Note that if the spell lapses (assuming a long term sustainment, for example anchored or sustainment foci held) for any reason, and is subsequently recast, the lingering remanents (fingerprints, dna evidence if you want to get really nitty gritty) would not be 'reprotected', even if technically the same spell is repumped (supressed spells?).

I could see this being very interesting if someone uses a long term physcial mask to hide and someone opens a cold case file after they've had an "incident". Also, unless the mage is deliberately mimicking someone or spending effort designing the DNA/Fingerprint (or other, more esoteric signatures: Lip prints, etc...) as part of the process, even a recast of the same physical illusion can be problematic as such unique factors will radomize within the parameters of the spell... meaning a Physcial Mask used to generate a complete false identity must, by necessity, be much more labor intensive or be disposable the first time something disrupts the spell.

[Cabral]

How the spell behaves is described in the section on Illusion spells. Any exception to the default rules for Illusions should (and would) be listed in the specific spell's description, as it is by definition, an exception.

I see no leeway here. There are no provisions in the rules for spells that affect more-than-one-but-less-than-all senses. There are multi-sense spells, which are listed as affecting all senses, and there are single-sense spells, which only affect one sense.

The leeway is 1: the spell description describes alteration of appearance; 2: multi-sense spells affect all OR multiple senses per your quote from Street Magic.

There is leeway, rule it as you prefer.

[Fortune]

Shrug. If you say so. Since there can be only one correct interpretation of the actual canon stance on the matter though, I maintain my earlier stated opinion.

I have offered multiple quotes to back up my statements, while you have based your opinion on one word (or) which doesn't even appear in the quoted text as you use it. It is only your definition of the (multi/all) portion, but your definition is not the only valid one. That '/' can also be used as a defining or clarification tool.

[Tyro]

What if you don't want the mask to hide something specific? For example, let's say your GM's ruled that while Physical Mask changes your fingerprints, you don't have fine enough control to make them a specific person's fingerprints. If you're wearing cellular glove molds, can you cast physical mask to not override your physical hands without disrupting the rest of the spell?

[Fortune]

It is an Illusion spell that allows the caster to alter how he appears to others. The results are totally under the control of the caster. If he desires to change every facet of his appearance, or merely a small part of the whole is up to him.

[Tyro]

It is an Illusion spell that allows the caster to alter how he appears to others. The results are totally under the control of the caster. If he desires to change every facet of his appearance, or merely a small part of the whole is up to him.

Sweet (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Cabral]

It is an Illusion spell that allows the caster to alter how he appears to others. The results are totally under the control of the caster. If he desires to change every facet of his appearance, or merely a small part of the whole is up to him.

Well, the degree of control is not specified so talk to your GM beforehand. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Actually, it's generally a good idea to have healthy conversations with your GM about your mad schemes. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Fortune]

The Mask spell requires the caster to touch the subject. The subject assumes a different physical appearance (of the same basic size and shape) chosen by the caster. This alters the subject’s voice, scent, and other physical characteristics as well.

No lack of control is even implied. The caster chooses any and all aspects of the subject's assumed appearance.

Of course, your point about GM-Player communication is definitely good advice. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Cabral]

Well, I didn't mean roll for your hair color, I meant anything more along the lines of - can you pick the iris pattern to fingerprint patterns? Can I physical mask profanities into my fingerprints?

[Fortune]

Ah, fair enough then.

[Tyro]

Well, I didn't mean roll for your hair color, I meant anything more along the lines of - can you pick the iris pattern to fingerprint patterns? Can I physical mask profanities into my fingerprints?

That's essentially what I've been trying to ask. I like the way Cabral put it better, though (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)