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From: oleg@birtch.UUCP (Oleg Kiselev)
Newsgroups: net.games.frp
Subject: Re: Using a light spell as a laser
Message-ID: <141@birtch.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 2-Dec-85 20:02:35 EST
Article-I.D.: birtch.141
Posted: Mon Dec  2 20:02:35 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 7-Dec-85 14:47:04 EST
References: <6700005@uiucdcsp> <938@udenva.UUCP> <> <880@nmtvax.UUCP>
Reply-To: oleg@birtch.UUCP (Oleg Kiselev)
Organization: The Real Estate Conspiracy
Lines: 51

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
>.....
>     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?

Yes, as a matter of fact!

1)	The power you ascribe to this device is improportionate and unfounded.
	If only in the interests of Game Balance, I as a GM would severely trim
	the device's applications and power level.

2)	HOW will your CHARACTER know about a coherent light source? If I were to
	even contemplate the use of such device in a game, I'd make the 
	character spend MANY years researching. Meanwhile other characters in 
	the group will have achieved a better fire power through the normal game
	means.

3) 	Assuming you DO make the device, I'd restrict all attacks with it to 
	be made on the MU table REGARDLESS of the user's class. Or, I would 
	use DEX modifier and STR modifier to arrive at the LEVEL to use 
	regardless of the user's level. Ofcourse, the saving through vs. spell
	AND vs. death magic apply. May be breath weapon too. To be hit by the
	full effect of the weapon object has to fail ALL saving throughs..

4)	As for slicing dragons, I'd set the damage to the same value as damage 
	done to vampires and such by a regular LIGHT spell, without the AC 
	reduction and without the TO HIT penalties. That would make it 1d4
	per Light Spell..... Don't you think for most applications MAGIC MISSILE
	will do as good or even better job?
	In fact I'd be tempted to make it 0 points damage, with possible 
	temporary blindness IFF you do a placed hit attack on the eyes of the
	opponent. This also goes for the  CONTINUAL LIGHT.

So, what you MIGHT be allowed in my Universe would be a type of a wand that
fires kind of a magic missile that does not guarranty an automatic hit.

If you whant a laser weapon - harness the PRISMATIC SPRAY!
-- 
Disclamer: My employers go to church every Sunday, listen to Country music,
and donate money to GOP. I am just a deviant.
+-------------------------------+ Don't bother, I'll find the door!
| "VIOLATORS WILL BE TOAD!"	|                       Oleg Kiselev. 
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