Re: Re: magical vs. mundane skills

From: Roderick and Ellen Robertson <rjremr_at_...>
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2004 22:15:55 -0800


> I'll have to disagree with Roderick here. I see no reason that the
> resistance would be 14. The wind probably does not blow to the far
> away city (not continuously, winds aren't usually like that). A 14
> resistance applies only when you're doing just what the magic says,
> and travelling to a distant city is not in the description.

And after a while thinking about it, *I* disagree with Roderick, too.

"Run like the Wind" is a poetic phrase meaning "to run fast", but Gloranthan Magic is not necessarily poetic.

The wind does not necessarily blow very fast - small breezes or gusts of air might only clock a mile or three an hour. I have out-run leaves blown in the breeze, so I was runnning *faster* than the wind at that point (while I may not look like it now, I was a runner back in the day...). So "Run Like Wind" is pompous magic - how fast you run is dependent on your ability level in it, just like a mundane "Run Fast" skill.

So when does the Resistance 14 get used when you've got "Run like the Wind" as a magical ability?

The wind blows over and around things, so when running over creeks or gullies it might kick in, or allow some better than normal jumping ability to get over obstacles, or otherwise allow you to dodge around stuff. Or pick up a cloud of dust/leaves/papers and have it follow in your wake. Or push fog before you. Heck, I might even let someone talk me into running through a fence using the theory that "the wind can do it, so...".

But to cut *any* distance down to a mere 14 resistance? No. And before any one asks about "Run Far" Magics I'd probably apply a Distance penalty (page 100) to the base 14 if they wanted to do it quickly - want to run 5 miles in 15 minutes? How about a -40 penalty? (It would take a normal person about an hour to do it). Want to take 1/2 hour? Maybe -20.

RR
It is by my order and for the good of the state that the bearer of this has done what he has done.
- Richelieu

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