bibliophile20
Jul 10 2007, 05:48 AM
Inspired by the awesomeness that is
Howard Taylor, I bring a spell inspired by
one of his stories.
Transmute Metal into Wood (Manipulation)
Type: P Range: LOS Duration: S DV: (F/2)+3
Physical Spell +1
LOS +0
Sustained +0
Major Change +2
This spell transmutes metal into wood. Popular with druids and other nature-worshiping traditions (for obvious reasons), it is a really good way to drive eco-raping corps absolutely nuts. When targeted on gear or weapons, the spellcaster must beat the object's resistance threshold; when targeting cyberware, the spellcaster must win an Opposed Test against the target's Body (+Counterspelling) + the object's resistance threshold level (being a minimum of 4, with +1 for each grade of 'ware).
Not that the "wood" will still heavy and dense (close to its old mass), much like old growth oak, except that the "growth rings" will probably be circuit patterns.
Crusher Bob
Jul 10 2007, 06:22 AM
If i remember correctly, selective targeting is not part of SR magic. So you can't turn someones ware into wood, you could only try to turn the whole guy into wood. Also, since it only effects metal you probably qualify for the selective target drain modifier.
bibliophile20
Jul 10 2007, 06:32 AM
Point; I'll edit that in.
bibliophile20
Jul 10 2007, 06:34 AM
Transmute Metal into Wood (Manipulation)
Type: P Range: LOS Duration: S DV: (F/2)+2
Physical Spell +1
LOS +0
Sustained +0
Major Change +2
Restricted Target -1
This spell transmutes metal into wood. Popular with druids and other nature-worshiping traditions (for obvious reasons), it is a really good way to drive eco-raping corps absolutely nuts. When targeted on gear or weapons, the spellcaster must beat the object's resistance threshold; it cannot target cyberware.
Not that the "wood" will still heavy and dense (close to its old mass), much like old growth oak, except that the "growth rings" will probably be circuit patterns.
Eryk the Red
Jul 10 2007, 07:53 PM
I actually don't see any problem with it affecting cyberware. It targets the whole person, not just his 'ware, but its effect is inapplicable to all but his cyberware, by the nature of being a "metal to wood" effect. If the spell was simply "Turn to wood", then it would have to affect the whole person.
You would also want to note whether the effect alters the target's Armor and Structure.
Jaid
Jul 10 2007, 08:14 PM
so ummm... how does this have negative impacts? if the material has the same physical properties, only it's now wood... doesn't that basically fall into the same category of doing stuff to stop the corporations as, say, spraypanting "corporations R dum" on their logging vehicles?
mfb
Jul 10 2007, 08:15 PM
not to mention Turn to Goo, which affects flesh but not 'ware.
raphabonelli
Jul 10 2007, 08:29 PM
| QUOTE (Jaid) |
| so ummm... how does this have negative impacts? if the material has the same physical properties, only it's now wood... doesn't that basically fall into the same category of doing stuff to stop the corporations as, say, spraypanting "corporations R dum" on their logging vehicles? |
I guess that wood don't conduce eletricity... wood bullets don't spark, so they can't be fired from the gun. Wooden circuits are useless. And so on.
bibliophile20
Jul 10 2007, 08:43 PM
| QUOTE (Jaid) |
| so ummm... how does this have negative impacts? if the material has the same physical properties, only it's now wood... doesn't that basically fall into the same category of doing stuff to stop the corporations as, say, spraypanting "corporations R dum" on their logging vehicles? |
Except now it's wood, meaning that it's flammable, able to be chopped, sliced and cut, and, oh yeah, try shooting a Ares Predator IV--much less a Panther Assault Cannon--that's partly or mostly wood, and shoots wooden bullets. Or how does changing that monofilament sword into something that would be at home in a kendo match sound? And wood doesn't have the same structural or material properties as metal--it splinters, not dents, for one, as it's much more brittle--so targeting a structural piece of a vehicle or building will rapidly cause damage there. And, just for giggles, imagine the rigger's reaction when his toys--the parts that aren't composite, which will still be a significant percentage--suddenly turn into firewood?
Not being able to think of negative impacts or uses just shows a lack of imagination; the next time you're up against a steel blast door and all you have is the mage with this spell and ignite... you'll be thankful.
And as for the cyberware targeting issue... honestly, I'm torn, personally, but I think I'll leave it at "non-targeting" because that would make it even more overpowering and doesn't quite fit in terms of the original concept. Does anyone have any more points on that, for or against?
Kyoto Kid
Jul 10 2007, 08:47 PM
...street shaman goes out, casts the spell on a derelict 2062 Buick in an alleyway and the squatters have fuel for another bonfire to keep themselves warm. Nice spell.
bibliophile20
Jul 10 2007, 09:19 PM
| QUOTE (Kyoto Kid @ Jul 10 2007, 04:47 PM) |
| ...street shaman goes out, casts the spell on a derelict 2062 Buick in an alleyway and the squatters have fuel for another bonfire to keep themselves warm. Nice spell. |
NPC concept!
EDIT
Here's what I came up with:
Keisha: Female Human, 17 years old
B 2
A 2
R 3
S 2
C 4
I 4
L 2
W 4
M 4
ESS 6
EDG 3
Skills:
Spellcasting 3 (Manipulation spells +2)
Summoning 2 (Fire spirits +2)
Survival 3 (Urban +2)
Infiltration 1
Perception 3
Assensing 2
Counterspelling 2
Banishing 2
Etiquette 2 (Street +2)
Qualities:
Magician (Shaman)
Mentor Spirit (Fire-Bringer)
Spells:
Stunbolt
Heal
Metal Into Wood
Ignite
Clean Air
Clean Water
(I'll get to the background later; opinions please?)
Eryk the Red
Jul 10 2007, 09:25 PM
If the target object becomes less structurally sound as a result of being wood, then you need to specify in the spell how it alters Armor and Structure. I'm not really sure how I'd do it. I assumed from what you said earlier about maintaining mass/hardness that it would not change how structurally sound the target is.
bibliophile20
Jul 10 2007, 09:44 PM
Point taken. Maybe have it decrease the armor and structure by the number of net hits?
Jaid
Jul 10 2007, 10:00 PM
(note: this post pre-edited due to time delay between choosing to respond and responding)
splintering instead of bending isn't really a particularly noteworthy difference, imo.
as written, i would say this is still just a nuisance... it will temporarily shut down electronics (mostly because it would change the power source) and the wireless capabilities (because it would change the antenna) but otherwise, no big deal. heck, most things are probably made from plastic or variants thereof rather than metal anyways...
Particle_Beam
Jul 10 2007, 10:59 PM
What happens to the splinter and the parts taken of the transmuted metal item, when the spell isn't sustained anymore. Or basically, is the part that is chopped away still under the influence of the spell or not? It is after all a sustained spell that we're talking about.
bibliophile20
Jul 10 2007, 11:32 PM
I think it would be treated much like the Turn to Goo and Petrify spells; once the spell is no longer sustained, it reverts. Of course, making a permanent version is also possible.
Eleazar
Jul 11 2007, 11:40 AM
You could just have the armor and structure become that of wood as listed in the tables.
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