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From: hollombe@ttidcc.UUCP (The Polymath)
Newsgroups: net.games.frp
Subject: Re: Using a light spell as a laser
Message-ID: <34@ttidcc.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 25-Nov-85 15:06:33 EST
Article-I.D.: ttidcc.34
Posted: Mon Nov 25 15:06:33 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 29-Nov-85 00:22:07 EST
References: <6700005@uiucdcsp> <938@udenva.UUCP> <> <880@nmtvax.UUCP>
Reply-To: hollombe@ttidcc.UUCP (The Polymath)
Organization: The Cat Factory
Lines: 43

In article <880@nmtvax.UUCP> wildstar@nmtvax.UUCP (Andrew Fine) writes:
>
>     This is a device I thought about for a possible campaign. Take some rough
>crystal ( ruby, sapphire, emerald, but it has to be carmorundum , glass simply
>will not do), and cut it into a cylindrical rod. Polish one end perperdicularly
>and silver it. Polish the other end at about a five degree angle, and 
>partially silver it. Result: LASER CRYSTAL!
>
>     To use, cast a light spell ( normally level 1 ) to originate from inside
>the crystal. The crystal will concentrate the light into a cutting beam,
>suitable for slicing prison bars, drilling holes into adamantine, or slicing
>live dragon into dragon steaks.
>
>Could anyone give me some suggestions for play restrictions on the use of
>this device?

The obvious restriction is the extreme precision required to properly shape
and  polish  the crystal (especially if you're going to use a perpendicular
end.  Parabolic is easier).  This would require a lens grinding  capability
far  beyond  the  technology of the usual quasi-medieval D&D setting.  That
means this has to be a magically created  item,  probably  of  fairly  high
level (perhaps an artifact of the gods?).

In terms of using the item, all  the  usual  cautions  about  lasers  would
apply.  Watch out for mirrors, polished shields, etc.  Glass would probably
be unaffected but might distort the beam.  Fire-resistance  would  mitigate
heat  damage,  but blindness might still result (two saving throws? one for
fire, one for blinding if hit in the face).

Also, the item  would  probably  be  pretty  fragile.  Crystal  lasers  are
finicky  things.  Even  a  small scratch on either reflecting surface would
probably put it out of action.  It would  have  a  pretty  good  chance  of
shattering if dropped, struck, or hit with sudden temperature change.

That's what comes to mind immediately.  Interesting idea.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
The Polymath (aka: Jerry Hollombe)
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