Re: Another animist question

From: Charles Corrigan <charles_at_...>
Date: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 11:36:57 -0000

>
> >I think that other problem with the
> >kolating shaman is how to overcome
> >the 10W3 barriers with the Other Side,
> >because he probably have few fellow
> >spirit worshippers, if any. The fetch
> >and the shamanic circle help, but I
> >think it's difficult.
>
> Look at the rituals rules. A PC shaman
> should have at least about 10W2 for
> crossing over to start with
> (appropriate ability, can't remember
> off the top of my head) plus his
> fetch. So he "only" needs another 20
> points for a 50-50 chance of getting
> over, 10 points puts you in sight of
> doing so. Coax a few other PCs into
> supporting the ceremony, remember to
> carry lots of shamanic stuff with you,
> and spend some time over the
> ceremonies, this isn't hard to
> achieve. Ten games in, and his target
> number will be into the 10W3 level
> anyway.

The Ritual rules will give

• up to +15 for the right place,
• up to +15 for the right time,
• some bonuses for ritual equipment,
• a bonus for the ritual itself (a good imagination that amuses the narrator works wonders in our game),
• community support.

With preparation, there is little reason not to get at least +25 and, for that once a year event, +60 possibly could be achieved. And, of course, there is the possibility of spending a hero point, which is worth +20 (and because you only spend it if you have to, it is actually worth more...).

Plus settled communities know of any local weak spots to the (various) Otherside which reduces the resistance - frex all of Prax is a 10w2 weak spot to the spirit world.

I don't have the books so some of the numbers above may be wrong but I did try to err on the side of conservatism.

However, I am not certain about the 10w2 that you (Graham) mention for a starting character. I would have thought that a starting shaman would have a 5w fetch, and tradition knowledge, shamanic circle and spirit world travel varying between 17 and 5w. To my understanding of the rules, this will add up to about a 12w skill to open the OtherSide, because you have to enhance skills, not add them.

regards,
Charles