> That's a pity, because the Berserk rules are totally (an Orlanthi
> totally...) different to the rest of the system, and offer another
> idea for using the magic system. Aren't Passion Spirits much the same
> as Berserk (I'm at work & don't have the rules)? I'd like a few MORE
> such examples, not less...
Yes, indeed. Without the Berserker rule (and Passion Spirits) it would be easy to reach the conclusion that the only thing magical abilities do is give straight enhancements. Now we have at least one example of a sort of magical ability that can have a slightly different, although related, effect.
The downside is that it seems that this has been taken as the _only_ effect berserker magic can have, some people arguing that it is useless in simple contests.
I would say we need more, creative, game mechanics to use for magical abilities so that they do not always end up as Yet Another Enhancement or just yet another way to drain action points.
Possible examples:
Giving Handicaps to an Opponent (can we say Dullblade? Good!). Simple contest against the opponents ability added to the difficulty from the Enhancement Chart, do not forget to factor in Range.
Trading Ability Bonus for Edge (and vice versa). Great Blow perhaps? Ability test, gives an edge corresponding to the penalty, i.e. edge 2 for -1 ability. A complete victory could give either double the edge, or no penalty.
Immediate Effects.
The feat does not take an unrelated action to perform, but only gives any
enhancements for this action. If failed, action is lost. Perhaps the duration
should be until it is the heros turn to act again?
For example: Aski the Uroxi uses Great Blow to get a +4 edge and a -2 Close
Combat ability this round. A success with his Combat Affinity gives the desired
effect for this action, a failed roll would mean he just used his action for
nothing.
Using Berserker magic for non-combat contests. I have this vision of a Eurmal the Trickster (the Lier?) feat, as yet unnamed, which uses the mechanics for Berserker magic in discussions. Spin Wild Story, perhaps?
Does anyone else have ideas for mechanics?
-- Henrix
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