Sandy's sorcery / using the Force

From: Simon Hibbs <s.hibbs_at_forestry.gov.uk>
Date: Fri, 28 Nov 1997 13:56:22 +0000 (GMT)

Tal Meta <talmeta_at_cybercomm.net> Says :  

>Assume both the caster and the target have POW 16, and the caster is
>attempting to cast Palsy 5. His chance of overcoming his taget is 50%,
>correct?
 

>Now he casts Palsy 5, Force 5, bringing his chance to 75%. Wouldn't he
>get the same result by Boosting the spell with 5 MP, which would let him
>cast it with a higher Intensity if he so desired? Force doesn't seem any
>faster/more powerful than Boosting, which doesn't require any skill?
 

Boosting a spell with more magic points increases it's chance of smashing through defensive spells. It has no effect on the caster's chance to overcome the target's MPs.  

Spells have to overcome two obstacles when cast on a target :  

1. Defensive spells. Boosting the spell with magic points helps here.
2. The caster has to overcome the target's MPs in an MP vs MP roll. This is where Force is usefull.

Simon

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