Henry
Autoexreginated
mmadsen said:
Exactly, and exactly why it was ported from OD&D/1st edition/2nd edition. It really hasn't changed much despite balance issues, because it has remained that way since the mid 1970's.
As far as explanatons go, it doesn't have to be elaborate, because as Dr. Rictus says, magical laws don't have to obey physical ones. It can follow laws of consumption, as well.
Why is a reconditioned car part less expensive than a new one? Why are pennies no longer pure copper, any more? Why do some companies build items "just strong enough" rather than "as strong as they can possibly make it?" Answer: due to materials substitution in the creation process, and using cheaper brand names/manufacture processes/what have you, the end product is cheaper. When you don't need "the biggest and the best", then it can save money by using substandard, but "good enough" parts.
By installing the "attack clause" in the "magickal defintion" of the spell, you get by with a spell that is not nearly as complex, does not tap as much energy, and lasts longer. Whether by spirits or by ley lines, it makes no difference; it costs less in terms of magical energy and proficiency to make a spell that is less effective. Hence, it goes poof the minute violence is directly inflicted upon someone. Violence itself (not newtonian action-reaction stuff, but inflicting harm) perhaps carries a metaphysical energy all its own, and all glamers must counteract that. If you don't install the necessary "code" to handle violence upon the illusion, then it can't handle it, and it "breaks" A 2nd level spell's "error handler" is not as efficient as a 4th level one.
Now, what would be the level of a spell that turned you invisible for 10 minutes per level, AND withstood attacking someone? possibly 8th or 9th level. Want an unbeatable combination? how about a wizard that casts both mind blank AND an 8th level spell that acts as improved invisibility, except for 24 hours? Talk about tuning out, turning off, and dropping out! No one could find you - possibly EVER!
I wouldn't want to take away all low-level invisibility; invisibility is a staple of the genre.
Exactly, and exactly why it was ported from OD&D/1st edition/2nd edition. It really hasn't changed much despite balance issues, because it has remained that way since the mid 1970's.
As far as explanatons go, it doesn't have to be elaborate, because as Dr. Rictus says, magical laws don't have to obey physical ones. It can follow laws of consumption, as well.
Why is a reconditioned car part less expensive than a new one? Why are pennies no longer pure copper, any more? Why do some companies build items "just strong enough" rather than "as strong as they can possibly make it?" Answer: due to materials substitution in the creation process, and using cheaper brand names/manufacture processes/what have you, the end product is cheaper. When you don't need "the biggest and the best", then it can save money by using substandard, but "good enough" parts.
By installing the "attack clause" in the "magickal defintion" of the spell, you get by with a spell that is not nearly as complex, does not tap as much energy, and lasts longer. Whether by spirits or by ley lines, it makes no difference; it costs less in terms of magical energy and proficiency to make a spell that is less effective. Hence, it goes poof the minute violence is directly inflicted upon someone. Violence itself (not newtonian action-reaction stuff, but inflicting harm) perhaps carries a metaphysical energy all its own, and all glamers must counteract that. If you don't install the necessary "code" to handle violence upon the illusion, then it can't handle it, and it "breaks" A 2nd level spell's "error handler" is not as efficient as a 4th level one.

Now, what would be the level of a spell that turned you invisible for 10 minutes per level, AND withstood attacking someone? possibly 8th or 9th level. Want an unbeatable combination? how about a wizard that casts both mind blank AND an 8th level spell that acts as improved invisibility, except for 24 hours? Talk about tuning out, turning off, and dropping out! No one could find you - possibly EVER!