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The Dresden Files => DFRPG => Topic started by: blackstaff67 on July 24, 2013, 01:01:43 PM

Title: Thaumaturgic question
Post by: blackstaff67 on July 24, 2013, 01:01:43 PM
I want to set up a spell that 1) is only activated when a biped moves with Inhuman Speed or better and 2) attacks only those such creatures.  Does this require one trigger or two?
Title: Re: Thaumaturgic question
Post by: UmbraLux on July 24, 2013, 01:10:19 PM
One if speed is your only criteria.  However I'd ask the caster to either have a symbolic link for the speed he's targeting or to set a movement threshold.  Without a link I don't think a spell construct could tell the difference between a legendary Athletics result from a speed power and one from a good roll or aspect invocation.  On the other hand, a movement threshold gives a concrete answer to triggering.
Title: Re: Thaumaturgic question
Post by: Cadd on July 24, 2013, 01:22:26 PM
I think I'd say it is two "triggers" if by that you mean "conditions for selective effect".

Selection 1: Only bipeds
Selection 2: Only moving superhumanly fast

I'd make it a ward with those selections, and an attached evocation "landmine". Nothing whatsoever happens to anyone that doesn't fulfill both criteria.

Finding the symbolic links to represent "only bipeds" and "only moving superhumanly fast" will be very interesting though!

Edit: Oh, as UmbraLux mentions above, "superhumanly fast" might not be a specific enough trigger - what's fastest: an olympic sprinter with Superb Athletics and a stunt, or a newbie WCV with Average Athletics and Inhuman Speed? You might have to set a "speed limit" (probably X shifts on a Sprint action).
Title: Re: Thaumaturgic question
Post by: UmbraLux on July 24, 2013, 01:28:35 PM
Good point on two triggers...I somehow overlooked the "biped" criteria   :-[
Title: Re: Thaumaturgic question
Post by: blackstaff67 on July 24, 2013, 04:29:15 PM
The fastest human runs about 8-9 mph, I think anything moving faster than that qualifies as "legit target."
Title: Re: Thaumaturgic question
Post by: UmbraLux on July 24, 2013, 04:45:02 PM
Err, Usain Bolt hit 27.79 mph.

But the real issue is transferring it to game terms - that's why I suggested an Athletics threshold.
Title: Re: Thaumaturgic question
Post by: blackstaff67 on July 25, 2013, 03:24:29 AM
Ok ok, point taken.  Given there won't be many Olympic sprinters at the party I'm going to, though...thanks for the input.