Re: UNITS & transport

[Benjamin Austin <jedi@ecn.purdue.edu>]

On Fri, 30 Oct 1998, Steve Ames wrote:

> 
> Actually what I described are spell units. Look at them from a new
> angle. Instead of being the number of charges in your batter look
> upon them as a measurement of how much magic you can _channel_
> before getting fatigued. A beginning mage may only have 1 SU. This
> means that he's new and magic tires him easily. But he recovers
> his full strength after just a period of rest. Someone of Elesina's
> stature can channel a dozen comets before being drained and needing
> to rest.
> 
> Through the study of magic (ie learning new spells) you are able
> to strengthen yourself and channel that much more magic.
> 
> I know... what about Teresium? Teresium is a form of rape. It pulls
> magical energy through you without your permission. It will keep pulling
> until you cannot handle anymore. Its not strong enough to force you
> to burn yourself out (ie stress PWR) but it contact with teresium will
> limit how much energy you can channel without resting.
> 
> Matrix Gems? Same theory. While holding a Matrix Gem you don't have
> 50% more units really. Thats a simplification to make the math easier.
> What actually happens is that the Matrix Gem reduces the amount of
> fatigue you get from spell casting. You take only 2/3 as much fatigue
> while holding a matrix gem. Mathematically this comes out to 50% more
> spell units and we represent it thus for playability reasons.
> 
> Given this theory of magic I'd say it was based on PWR and that PWR
> is a mental stat.
> 
> 						-Steve
> 

Ooooo, really like this idea.  Spew point to Steve.  Oh, and what started 
the discussion was the idea of whether or not EU/DU/Incants moved with a 
person's mind, soul, spirit, body, or life force (did I leave anything out?) when 
whatever part of the person is removed, stuck in a rock and then 
teleported across whatever and stuck into another body.

I'd still have to say that the Incants are limited to the baody which 
STRESSED the health to make them powerful.


Joel, if your last message is about the turbine, it depends on how much 
extropaltions allowed.  Windmills and waterwheels are all effectively 
turbines.  'Course, applications for rotational work are rather limiting 
when gears and their technology are removed.


Hope everyone enjoys the Live Action this weekend.


BJ