Block Spellcasting YS252

[Tush Hog]

Not sure if I would label this as a typo or not, but on p. 252 the example block Harry controls the the 5 shift block with a fantastic roll - isn't there a missing shift from his roll there? At least it doesn't mention it, though I suppose it could be put toward persistence.

[iago]

Not sure if I would label this as a typo or not, but on p. 252 the example block Harry controls the the 5 shift block with a fantastic roll - isn't there a missing shift from his roll there? At least it doesn't mention it, though I suppose it could be put toward persistence.

Interesting. I'll look into it.

[iago]

Ah. No, the example's correct. You can't turn extra shifts from your control roll into persistence. Persistence is only provided via the power put into the spell in the first place. If Harry had thought he could hit a 6, he could have made it a 6-power spell, 5 for the block, 1 for persistence. But he didn't.

[Tush Hog]

So Attacks are the only action where your roll can give you extra shifts of power with spells, is that correct? Blocks, Maneuvers and Counterspells do not - or am I missing something?

Because the control roll isn't just a control roll but also an attack roll?

[Deadmanwalking]

So Attacks are the only action where your roll can give you extra shifts of power with spells, is that correct? Blocks, Maneuvers and Counterspells do not - or am I missing something?

Because the control roll isn't just a control roll but also an attack roll?

Sorta. Attack rolls are the only ones where an excess of success on the Control roll actually helps, yes. But they still don't give extra shifts of power, if they did the Weapon rating would go up, which it doesn't.

Now, since attack rolls add to damage this is an academic distinction in practical terms, but in terms of the way spells actually work it's quite important.

[Tush Hog]

So on attacks, excess success can increase your damage but it can't let you attack a whole zone for instance?

[Deadmanwalking]

So on attacks, excess success can increase your damage but it can't let you attack a whole zone for instance?

Right. And the extra damage doesn't represent a better Evocation per se...it represents hitting them in a vulnerable spot or something like that, just like a good mundane attack roll does.

[Tush Hog]

Gotcha, thanks for clearing that up for me!

[Deadmanwalking]

Gotcha, thanks for clearing that up for me!

No problem, always happy to help.