> I think there could be a strong link between character progression, and the
> 'manifestation' of the mystic powers. The game mechanic that best relates to
> these two things is the Hero Point. Following this line of thought, the use
> of mystic abilities should be some sort of ability at manipulating Hero
> Points.
YES !! As well as any other game stat.
> The idea then, is that during a contest the mystic ability* is tested against
> something** before an exchange, success giving the character a Bump Up, as if
> he had spent a Hero Point. The character would also gain a 'Negative Hero
> Point' , being in debt,entangled in the world of temptation.
YES !! That looks like a very good starting point for 'manifest' Mysticism.
But : This is a deep point of Mysticism : that it must be the opposite of the Manifest, and in game terms as well. The Mystic should ideally be someone who sees past the Illusion of other characters' (or other entities') 'hero-stuff', and who can increasingly interact (until he finally understands the Ultimate) with those that have Manifest super-powers AS IF those powers were (as they are) illusory, non-existent, and unreal.
So, a Mystic should probably generate Negative Action Points versus Entanglements in the Manifest.
(BTW I *don't* believe the p.223 guff about Refutation being usable not offensively, but only defensively : hardly one of the most enlightened rules in the HW book IMO)
Mystics should be able to force Bump-Downs, and perhaps multiple Bump-Downs, IMO, but with a mechanic that should be diametrically opposed to the normal HW rules ; and a true Mystic should not have Masteries in any Manifest Abilities, beyond his immanent ability to see through the illusion of the Manifest. Unless he's a 'manifest' Mystic, or a failed Mystic of course ...
Ideally, the Mystic walks through the World as a Dreamer through his Dream (at least in orthodox Vithelan varieties). He does not engage in 'Contests', and if anyone should attempt to engage him in such, their 'powers' should 'appear' as those of pipe-dream butterflies in Diamond Skies.
Then, there is 'manifest' Mysticism : Lightning Claws : & Pig's Trotters ...
The brand most likely to appeal to players (or so everyone keeps saying : but *why* is there virtually *no* discussion of 'manifest' mysticism, compared to the endless 'scroll-down' of the on-going 'orthodox' mysticism discussion, I wonder ...? ) ; but unfortunately the 'manifest' forms are the most difficult ones to Manifest in a satisfactory rules-set.
(sorry : no clunky game examples ... )
no biscuit, probably ... :-(
cheers,
Julian Lord
Hmmm : the rules for Mystics and for the Vile Devotees of the antigods need to be symmetrical/relative in any case, IMO ...
Powered by hypermail