Re: Question on affinities

From: Benedict Adamson <yahoo_at_...>
Date: Sat, 04 Jan 2003 13:51:32 +0000

flynnkd_at_... wrote:
...

> What I am stuggling with is whether [magic is always] simply an augment

> or whether/how much of a real effect it has.

...

The same magic ability can be used as an augment or directly as an ability, depending on what the narrator decides is best. I guess that seems like a non-answer, but the focus in HW should be description first, rules second. That is, use the rules as a means for modelling what the character is trying to do, rather than using the rules to determine what the character can do.

For example

1. If the player says 'I continue hacking at him with my sword, but I try and increase his vulnerability by weakening his shield using my Shield Destroyer feat', that sounds like using Shield Destroyer as an augment, since the primary action is still Close Combat (Sword).
2. If the player says 'I smash through the phalanx by blasting it with my Shield Destroyer feat', that sounds like using Shield Destroyer as a direct attack.

When a contestant uses an unusual ability as a direct attack, don't forget to impose improvisational modifiers on defensive abilities that are not directly applicable.

For example, Close Combat (Sword & Shield) is unsuitable for defending against an attack with Shield Destroyer, since Close Combat (X & Shield) is about trying to get your shield in the way of the attack, rather than trying to get it out of the way of the attack. Dodge Attack is better. Reflect Magic is good. Unbreakable Shield is best.