Re: Glorantha, HeroQuest and metamagic

From: Roderick and Ellen Robertson <rjremr_at_fu7QdOHvsRX3MbeWi_itOfGFChplPudwMiiQ5StvoJ46v3Oj2mRmdSI8Vx3w89eD8vC8b>
Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 17:22:07 -0700

> I'm a bit foggy on how easy/hard it is to dispel or actively counter
> hostile magic cast at you in the HQ paradigm.
>
> Magic resistance, as such, is quite clearly explained as being based
> on the highest magical ability of the character. This is remeniscient
> of the POW stat in the RQ days.

No, its the best *applicable* ability, and it doesn't matter if its magical or not. (Personal Resistance page 99). If you have Weave Rug15w5, it won't help if I throw a lightning bolt at you (unless you've got a *really* good explanation!).

> But what if you wish to stop a spell/feat/spirit/talent aimed at your
> friend? Do you need a specialiced spell/feat/spirit/talent yourself,
> or can everybody do this? What about dispeling an existing magic
> effect. What does an Orlanthi or Ernalda devotee to attempt it?

I'd throw an "Improv modifier" at the ability. Maybe -5 or so for someone close by, but add on Distance mods for farther away. Of course, if you've got specific magic for "Protect others" (Vinga Spearwoman, Urangar Vorderos, etc), then no penalty needs to be applied - it's what the magic is supposed to do.

You could also make a case for "dispelling" a magical effect as it is cast (using the Dispelling rules on page 100). So an Orlanth Thunderous devotee has great ability to stop Weather-related magic. But that's not "Protecting" someone so much as attacking the incoming magic.

RR
He was born with the gift of laughter and the sense that the world was mad R. Sabatini, Scaramouche