Hey guys,
Quick rule clarification question - for summoned spirits to use powers such as "Accident", it is my understanding that they must actually be materialized if their target is a physical being (read: pretty much anyone who isn't astrally perceiving). Is this true? If not, where in the rules does it explain what may be done in the physical world when NOT materialized? (My understanding is pretty much no interaction other than speaking when manifesting, but nothing more unless materialized).

Thanks,
--Xel

A Spirit can use his Powers on the summoner without leaving the Astral.

For the most part, a being on one plane can't affect beings on another. For example, a spirit could only attack characters on the physical plane if

1. it materialized/inhabited/possesed

2. a character is astraly active (astarl sight, projecting, dual natured)

I believe that Physical Powers (Guard, Accident, etc) require the spirit to be on the Physical Plane to activate them. Once active, the spirit could then revert back to Astral and sustain them.

It talks about that in Street Magic in the section about Services (~ pg 92 or so).

Things like Drain soaking, Aid Study, etc can all be done through the summoner - spirit link since they don't require physical plane presence.

page 176, SR4:

"While in astral form, spirits can only perform services that affect the astral plane or that directly affect their summoner through the magical link between them."

You da man!

You're very welcome.