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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!harpo!eagle!mhuxi!houxm!ihnp4!inuxc!pur-ee!CSvax:Pucc-H:Physics:hal
From: CSvax:Pucc-H:Physics:hal@pur-ee.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.games.frp
Subject: WISHES
Message-ID: <1057@pur-phy.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 12-Oct-83 11:52:46 EDT
Article-I.D.: pur-phy.1057
Posted: Wed Oct 12 11:52:46 1983
Date-Received: Fri, 14-Oct-83 02:17:05 EDT
Organization: Purdue University Physics Dept.
Lines: 35


    Regarding the use of wishes consider the following points:

o   The 9th level Magic User spell "Wish" is just that; A 9th level MU spell.
    It can only accomplish results consistent in power with other 9th level
    spells.

o   The "Wish" spell is neither intelligent nor perverse.  It can only produce
    effects based on wording.

o   A wish granted by a deity can only produce results consistent with the
    power of that deity.  A wish granted by a Greater God can accomplish more
    than a wish granted by a Djinn.

o   Since the deity is intelligent, it may grant the intent of the wisher.
    Exact wording may or may not be important.  A good aligned god will
    probably grant your intent if within its power and the wish was freely
    granted.  The Devil is notorious for fullfilling the exact wording to
    those that would bargain with him.

NOTE:  In the world in which I play, high level MUs are about the only
    sources of wishes.  In this case, besides paying him to cast the wish
    it is also necessary to supply him with a Potion of Longevity.
    Furthermore, since wording is critical and the MU is more experienced
    at this than our characters, we usually pay extra and discuss the wish
    with the MU and let him word it.

    My favorite story about wishes:
A player character obtained a magic ring (ring of one wish) and was
experimenting with it trying to figure out what it did.  Turn it, see if
you become invisible; try to walk on water, splash; try to fly, thud; etc.
Finally in desparation the character cried "I wish I knew what this ring did!"
(Voice from the sky: "IT'S A RING OF ONE WISH").

Oh, well...