QUOTE (RelentlessImp @ Jul 19 2013, 06:41 PM)
On the developers for not outlining what can and cannot be done; for not thinking of a different name for Step 7 than 'Karma', or making it look in any way different from post-chargen-earned karma. It's the same thing, especially given that you can carry over up to 7 points of it post-chargen.
'The Developers' is not a valid choice.
The valid choice is that the burden of proof resides on allowing initiation, or not allowing initiation.
'The Developers' are a party responsible for providing proof, not one of the two disputed interpretation.
QUOTE (Cochise @ Jul 19 2013, 06:43 PM)
Yes ... p. 15, Shadowrun Companion (3rd Ed)
Resources:
[..]
In addition to the standard uses for Spell Points during character generation, gamemasters may allow player characters to use Spell Points in place of Karma Points in order to begin the game as an initiate, to summon and maintain ally spirits and so on.
[..]
Technically with that rule one could create a grade 4 initiate, when used in conjunction with buying additional spell points up to a combined total of 50 coming from bought ones (25k back then) and the ones you automatically got depending on magician type.
The only magician type that could seriously use that however, was the conjurer aspected magician, preferably with a shamanistic tradition ... but then with "Force": Centering, Invoking, Channeling and Masking from start.
Good catch. So, it sounds like it may be allowed at GM discretion with an optional rule set.
-Wired_SR_AEGIS