Since appropriateness determines what is the central ability, it is often that even if you have active magic, it is used as an augment, which makes it sort of a weird distinction in the end.
I'm not 100% sure how to get around that, of course.
I also dislike that all magic systems get active magic at the first level of "serious magician" (the 25-30% commitment level) except Theists, who still only have augment only magic (albeit with an option to improvise active).
That common magic becomes active when concentrated is another whole strangeness.
So while I do think "common magic most people learn is helper magic and not magic to be used on its own" is Gloranthan, I'm not sure the augment only vs active ability split is really the best way to reflect that.
On 9/14/07, Jeff <jakyer_at_...> wrote:
>
> --- In HeroQuest-RPG_at_yahoogroups.com <HeroQuest-RPG%40yahoogroups.com>,
> "Ian Cooper"
> <ian_hammond_cooper_at_...> wrote:
> >
> > --- In HeroQuest-RPG_at_yahoogroups.com <HeroQuest-RPG%40yahoogroups.com>,
> Jane Williams
> >
> > > Greg and I discussed this, on and off list when I raised a
> similar
> > point. We reviewed some of his writing and Greg showed me that this
> is
> > a Gloranthan distinction. People with weaker magic use it to assist
> > with tasks, only stronger magicians use it directly. In game terms
> > these are the devotees etc.
> >
> > So this is Gloranthan.
>
> That was my impression as well. Folks use whatever magic they can
> get - which means they aren't pure
> essence/soul/spirt/guacamole/whatever - and don't risk not having
> that essential magic unavailable when they need it. If the Black Pox
> spirit needs some sacrifice, there is likely not be a specialist on
> hand (assuming one could get one or afford it). I am happy with the
> trade off, personally.
>
> > This did cue a question from Robin as to whether HQ player
> characters
> > should all be the exceptional people who could use magic directly,
> but
> > that's another debate, that we have already had.
>
> One we've had several times, unfortunately.
>
> Jeff
>
>
>
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