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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!seismo!uwvax!dave
From: dave@uwvax.ARPA
Newsgroups: net.games.frp
Subject: Re: How do you DM an illusionist?
Message-ID: <1156@uwvax.ARPA>
Date: Tue, 22-Nov-83 11:20:35 EST
Article-I.D.: uwvax.1156
Posted: Tue Nov 22 11:20:35 1983
Date-Received: Fri, 25-Nov-83 03:36:19 EST
References: <421@ihuxe.UUCP>
Organization: U of Wisconsin CS Dept
Lines: 46


	#1: How does a DM decide when an NPC should beleive/disbelive
	    an Illusion? I suspect it should be based on intelligence,
	    but how? The DMG gives no hint.....

I generally make a saving throw for the victim (we're talking about an NPC
here, not a mere, stupid monster).  If the victim make it, a flaw in the
spell was noticed -- that person will be unharmed.  I've never been a GM when
an illusionist cast an illusion against a really stupid beast, but I think
I would just roll a twenty-sided die and see if intelligence or less was
rolled.  I also take into account the caster -- how believable is the spell
the person is casting (would *you* believe the appearance of a unicorn in
a deep dungeon which you had to crawl to get into)?

	#2: Once you figure out #1, HOW do you factor in the differences
	    between "spectral force" versus "phantasmal force"?

I think this one is pretty well explained in the spell list.  The higher
level spell does more.  If I remember correctly (I'm at work, not looking
at my tome, mind you), phantasmal force is a 1st level spell and pretty
wimpy.

	#3: How do you regulate the player character as to what he can
	    or cannot create? (For example: "I want to cast a spectral
	    force of 1000 Umber hulks or how ever many can fit in the
	    area of effect)

Look at the description of the spell -- take into account the area that
can be affected, the spell's level and the level of the spell caster.
A higher level spell caster should be able to create more intricate
spectral forces than a lower level caster.  Part of this higher ability
is taken up by the fact that there are many *similar* illusionist spells,
but the higher level spells can do more.

	#4: Can a player character be killed by an illusion?

Definitely.  How?  I think it would be sort of like scaring them to death.
For example, if you thought your heart was being ripped out, I think you
could very well have a heart-attack and die.  I apply this equally to
monsters, NPC's and PC's.

			Dave Cohrs (aka M'Larek Arakellian, Illusionist)
			Univerity of Wisconsin Comp. Sci. Lab
			...!seismo!uwvax!dave
			dave@wisc-rsch.ARPA