In the Norse section of the magical traditions, Manipulation is under Beasts. But in the write up proper, there is no mention of Beast spirits but there is a mention of Earth spirits(all other corresponding spirits are mentioned). Which then is the correct spirit for Manipulation?

As far as I know, the tradition is supposed to use Nidavellir for their Manipulation spells. That would logically be an Earth Spirit (or a Task Spirit if you wanted to go that direction instead). The tradition being described is actually the Ásatru. The Bear Sarks are followers of a possession tradition that features Beast Spirits and was cut from the book.

I have no idea what kind of coalation error got Beast Spirits into the Norse Tradition that made the cut, but it is an error and Errata will be out for it... whenever that happens.

-Frank

I don't recall where it mentions in SR4 (if it does) but rule of thumb is that detail text trumps tables and side note things. So if the text says earth spirit, it's earth spirit.

i didn't think shadowrun had such a general rule.

as far as i can tell, the general rule is "whichever one we tell you is right when we make an errata, is right. until then, use your best judgement"

you sure you aren't thinking of d20 with it's primary source vs secondary, or table vs text rules of thumb?

[edit] also, generally speaking, it seems as if most if not all of the freelancers at least spend some time on the DS boards. more or less time depending on whether or not they are currently contracted i suppose =P

point being, why would we rely on such nonsense as a general rule of thumb, when we can just ask and usually even have a pretty good chance of hearing from the person who wrote it within a day or two (or if not them, from someone who is actually in a position to know). why rely on the assumption that the error will always be in the same place (text vs. table, primary vs. secondary) when you can just go straight to the source and ask? [/edit]

Because this board has several other people that will respond to such a question, drowning out the voices of reason, and if you ask for them specifically, they'll eventually get new SINS so we can't track them down and drill them for corrections.

But hey, either works, yes? Judgement, pick one, ask the important guy/gal/spirit!

Yeah, but this guy has been round the block enough times to know who speaks cos he wrote the book and who's speaking outta his behind.

*bends over and does a imitation of the ace ventura talking ass move*

"Spank you very much, my good monkey. Spank you, spank you."