Scrying

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Anthanatos
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Scrying

Post by Anthanatos »

I have some players with variable powers, defined as broad magical powers.

A few sessions ago, they use a sensing power to locate a lost hero, which didn't imbalance the session or anything.

However, now they want to use it as a catch all magical locate spell, which I could see presenting problems in the future. How do you handle scying type powers in your game?

I could require a material component, the more relevant to the subject they are trying to locate, the better the chances.

And of course, scrying doesn't always work - if they're trying to locate the hulk, and he doesn't exist (Bruce Banner does), then it wouldn't work.
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squirrelly-sama
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Re: Scrying

Post by squirrelly-sama »

So, remote sensing doesn't actually allow the user to instantly locate something in their range. In effect what it does is allow the user to perceive and search an area without having to move from their current location. It uses the Searching Guidelines under the skills section for how long it takes, but in essence you could "Scry" about one square mile in 2 hours. Actually finding and knowing where the target is is a separate power, something like Senses (Accurate, Ranged, Detect/Tracking).
FuzzyBoots
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Re: Scrying

Post by FuzzyBoots »

Magic can be very tricky for Power Stunts and Variable because almost any effect can be slotted into it. For that reason, I generally don't allow generic "magic". You have a specific domain, or a specific tradition. Maybe you need material components. Maybe you need to strike bargains. And, as GM, you're always free to say their effect just isn;'t possible. It worked last time? Well, seems like Nurph, the God of Balance and Fairness made an adjustment to the world's rules. Or there's aetheric interference. Or that mystical connection is no longer in service and to please try again.
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catsi563
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Re: Scrying

Post by catsi563 »

Im actually the opposite of fuzzy in that i DO allow wive variable or wide aarrays when it comes to magic however like Fuzzy says the GM should always keep a tight watch and let the PCs know that magic is one of those things that can be game breaking if abused and in my case magic is like plucking the strings of the cosmic symphony and the bigger the spell or the mroe often you use it the louder the sounds it makes,

Eventually something is going to notice you making all that racket and come to find out whatts going on and when they do theyre reactions could be anything from unpleasant to out right violent

or worse

so make sure like Fuzzy and Squirrely said to keep balance in mind bad guys who know magic exists can and will take steps to defend against scrying, god may catch you peeping and shut it down since this is their annual bath time Supernatural menaces may catch the scrying spell and look back at you.

its your call as GM dont punish the PCs for a good idea but make sure that your inentions and expectations for magic are clear right from the start
Dr. Silverback has wryly observed that this is like trying to teach lolcats about Shakespeare

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squirrelly-sama
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Re: Scrying

Post by squirrelly-sama »

catsi563 wrote: Tue Jun 22, 2021 6:49 amso make sure like Fuzzy and Squirrely said to keep balance in mind bad guys who know magic exists can and will take steps to defend against scrying, god may catch you peeping and shut it down since this is their annual bath time Supernatural menaces may catch the scrying spell and look back at you.
There actually is an Insight Check to detect Remote Sensing that's supposed to occur.
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catsi563
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Re: Scrying

Post by catsi563 »

squirrelly-sama wrote: Tue Jun 22, 2021 7:54 am
catsi563 wrote: Tue Jun 22, 2021 6:49 amso make sure like Fuzzy and Squirrely said to keep balance in mind bad guys who know magic exists can and will take steps to defend against scrying, god may catch you peeping and shut it down since this is their annual bath time Supernatural menaces may catch the scrying spell and look back at you.
There actually is an Insight Check to detect Remote Sensing that's supposed to occur.
yep and magical awareness or other appropriate senses could detect a scry as well
Dr. Silverback has wryly observed that this is like trying to teach lolcats about Shakespeare

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