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From: holt@convexs.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.games.frp
Subject: Re: Illusionists (long)
Message-ID: <15300006@convexs>
Date: Mon, 25-Nov-85 12:32:00 EST
Article-I.D.: convexs.15300006
Posted: Mon Nov 25 12:32:00 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 28-Nov-85 03:15:23 EST
References: <9060@ritcv.UUCP>
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Nf-ID: #R:ritcv.UUCP:9060:convexs:15300006:000:1216
Nf-From: convexs.UUCP!holt    Nov 25 11:32:00 1985


I agree with some of what Mike says, especially the part about disbelieving
the bridge while falling into the chasm.  However, fireballs make a lot of
noise (at least in our campaigns), and they are very hot.  The 1st level
illusionist spell, phantasmal force, doesn't have thermal or auditory
components.  It doesn't make a very believable fireball (significant saving
throw bonus).  Improved phantasmal force does include some auditory
components so there would be less bonus there.  Spectral Force includes
excellent auditory, and thermal effects thus resulting in a "standard"
saving throw vs. magic.  All of these would NOT result in typical fireball
damage if the victim failed their save.
The 5th level illusionist spell, Shadow Magic, is the closest an illusionist
can get to a real fireball in effect.  Read the spell, and realize that it's
a FIFTH level spell, and still doesn't equal a fireball all of the time!
Illusionists are not meant to be damage inflicting characters.  They are 
meant to be used creatively.  Run a mage if you want to cast fireballs.

so saeth Lothwin,
a disgruntled fellow illusionist

aka			Dave Holt
			Convex Computer Corp.
			{allegra,ihnp4,uiucdcs,ctvax}!convex!convexs!holt