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Messages - Bruce Coulson

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1
DFRPG / Re: Magic-eating Termites?
« on: March 23, 2012, 09:14:11 PM »
Forget termites.

Monstrous, mechanical, metal-munching moon mice are much better for ruining a wizard's day.  (Or a cool story seed; or both.)

2
"We had everything under control until the flaming wizard came in and shut down our containment grid."

Murphy:  "Is this true?"

Venckman:  "Yes; this guy is flaming."  As Harry takes a swing at him, "Well, that's what I've heard!"

3
DFRPG / Re: Where do they hide the bodies?
« on: July 26, 2011, 11:18:58 PM »
Monsters in DFRPG follow their instincts.  They don't have instincts to hide their kills.  It literally never occurs to them that it could be a problem.  (Just as humans don't worry about all the stray hair, etc. that could be used for shapechanging, spells, etc.)

Now, warlocks can think of such things.  Except I doubt the normal inhabitants of the Never-Never really appreciate being used as a dumping site for bodies (or anything else).  Imagine the scene where a warlock is trying to convince the police that he has no idea about all those missing people, and a group of fae show up with body parts; "Excuse me, but I think these belong to you..."

Make a contract with the local ghoul population; it's easier.

4
DFRPG / Re: Amazing session and Scrying (Through pants)
« on: July 22, 2011, 03:31:33 PM »
It would be thaumaturgy; I think the book gives an example of Harry's spell for finding people (about 9 shifts; more if the target is shielded).

I'd certainly give pants a +2 for connection for the ritual...  There's tons of skin flakes, etc. that would be in pants.  (There's also the question of how good the Bad's hygiene is...)

5
DFRPG / Re: Fae Politics
« on: July 15, 2011, 09:24:02 PM »
The Fomori held the island, and fought against the Tuatha de Danann, defeating them once and losing (big time) on the re-match (The first and second battles of Mag Tuiredh; and don't ask me how that's pronounced...)  On the second fight, Lugh threw a sling bullet through Balor, knocking Balor's Eye (the original 'evil eye') out of Balor's head, killing him and pretty much deciding the war at that moment.

The Fomori were (mostly) hideous to behold giants, although one of them (blanking on the name) was fair to behold (and made king as a sop to the Tuatha after the first battle; sadly, he was good looking but not very bright).

6
DFRPG / Re: Fae Politics
« on: July 15, 2011, 06:38:50 PM »
Fomori were the original rulers/gods of the Emerald Isle (and possibly the Isle of the Mighty), so I'm sure they would be insulted by comparing them with their eventual conquerors...

It also leaves open where the Tuatha de Danann fit into all of this...

7
DFRPG / Re: Character Creation Help.
« on: June 28, 2011, 10:13:54 PM »
There also needs to be a Baron von Strucker-type; an cunning, intelligent adversary who is also admirable in some ways.

8
DFRPG / Re: Congratulations!!!
« on: June 28, 2011, 05:40:28 PM »
Proud to say that I helped!

9
DFRPG / Re: Discount for True Shapeshifting
« on: June 15, 2011, 03:15:35 PM »
I have a player who took a similar limitation; only real-world animals (which does include people).  I gave that a +1 rebate.  It's an excuse for the players to spend a LOT of time at the Zoo, (which is ANG in our game, so they'd be there anyway...)

10
DFRPG / Re: Is anyone else annoyed by Physical Immunity?
« on: June 14, 2011, 03:43:53 PM »
Yes, I think it does make sense.

In mythology, there are creatures and beings who simply could not be hurt by a given type of attack.  Fantasy literature has drawn on and expanded that concept.

Physical Immunity is a game-mechanic way of representing that absolute immunity.  If used carefully and rarely, and generally only against specific types of attacks (e.g. Ogres), it's not being unfair to the players, who (generally) are familiar with the tropes of myth and fantasy.

That -8 Refresh also means eight less refresh for attack powers, flexible powers.  When using the rules for scaling the opposition, game guides have to keep in mind what abilities would make for an interesting, challenging encounter.  An unstoppable, unkillable opponent who can force concessions in one hit isn't very interesting.  An opponent who is tough, can fly, breathe fire, (something else you could get with that 8 Refresh) could make for a tense, exciting battle.

You might be right that -8 is underpriced for the value; but overall, I feel that Physical Immunity is fair within the setting.

11
DFRPG / Re: Is anyone else annoyed by Physical Immunity?
« on: June 13, 2011, 10:06:44 PM »
The 'unstoppable' monster is a part of the general mythology that Dresden (and most fantasy) draws from.  At least. the monster who is unstoppable in terms of direct physical force; the hero generally has to find some weakness, or find another way to defeat the monster.  Which is represented by the concept of Physical Immunity and the Catch; find the Catch, and suddenly the monster folds like a cheap suitcase.  In the case of Ogres, a cold iron spear-head thrown with Air or Spirit propulsion will serious crimp their style.

I could see have immunity to Mental or Social stress in some cases; although it would probably be a one-off monster.

12
DFRPG / Re: Comparative power?
« on: June 13, 2011, 08:37:33 PM »
If the supernatural world was a united force, then Humanity indeed would be nothing but a food source.

Fortunately for humanity, that's not the case.  No supernatural group wants another to get exclusive rights to Humanity.  So, make too much trouble and someone will be forced to rat you out to humans...along with the method to stop you.  Not out of altruism, but self-preservation.  In #1 and #3, the White Court (as an example) certainly would spill the beans, if neccesary, just to save themselves.

In case #2, the rules of the Dresdenverse means there's someway to get around the immunity.  Again, pose too much of a threat, and someone will stop you.

The chief difference between mortal spellcasters and the other supernatural groups is that those groups won't care about minor incursions.  Mavra slaughters an entire campsite?  Annoying.  Mavra starts assembling an army to take over a country?  Uh, no, sorry, not happening. If mortals want to stop the first part, they'll have to do it themselves.

13
DFRPG / Re: Comparative power?
« on: June 13, 2011, 04:21:18 PM »
I think it's a question of options, rather than power.

A sufficiently powerful entity could probably over-awe and conquer a small nation with ease...but if they did so directly, they wouldn't survive human retaliation.  Given enough numbers and incentive, the default assumption in the Dresdenverse is humans win...against anything.  Oh yes, they would take a horrible beating and thousands of soldiers/civilians would die; but so would, say, Ferrovax.

Which is why the supernatural players work together to keep things secret.

Spell-casters are the sterotypical glass cannons in a direct conflict; 3-5 effects, and they're staggering, which means again, sufficient numbers can wear them down pretty quickly.  Thaumaturgy changes things, but takes time to prepare. 

Your basic caster, from the start, can throw battlefield-level damage evocations; the question is, how long can they keep doing that?  4-5 tanks, maybe.  And what about missiles and other objects moving too fast to be seen, and exploding too far away to be hexed?

Evocation and Thuamaturgy are force-multipliers, allowing for casters to apply force far beyond what similar refresh powers can accomplish...at least for short bursts.

So, it depends on the type of conflict.  In a direct, stand-up type of fight, direct powers (Inhuman/Superhuman/Mythic) levels of Strength/Speed/ Toughness count for a lot more.  In any contest where there's time to prepare, casters refresh is equivalent to 2x to 3x the equivalent refresh of any other powers...at least.

In last two examples, I think you're talking ludicrous levels of Refresh for a supernatural monster...or maybe 12-15 refresh for casters.

14
DFRPG / Re: Living in the nevernever
« on: June 10, 2011, 08:32:59 PM »
Only if they fail to make their payments in a timely fashion...

And the fine print does allow the holder of the lien (the Fae banker) or any agents they may empower, access to the property at all times...

Of course, if you start to fall behind, loan officers will be happy to arrange for convenient other services in lieu of money that can pay your mortgage...

15
DFRPG / Re: Living in the nevernever
« on: June 10, 2011, 08:10:33 PM »
Now I have an image of Fae realtors sending spam mail to wizards..."Easy terms; low money down!"  "All loans approved; no one is turned away!"  "Be living in YOUR dream sanctum TODAY!"

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