Another question about defensive evocation

[Richard_Chilton]

I'm not sure if this applicable (since they are trying to map an item from the books to the game) but Harry’s Duster (page 303) is clearly the product of Thaumaturgy and provides armour - having "defensive spells" woven into the cloth.

Veils are also blocks (YS 276), ones that duplicate the effect of a spirit evocation block but allow for longer duration.   If Thaumaturgy can do that for spirit evocation block then I can't see a reason why it couldn't duplicate other evocation blocks - but there doesn't seem to be any place with the rules explicitly say that Thaumaturgy can do anything other than the "special kind of block called a veil".

Richard

[Sanctaphrax]

I'm alright with evocation-style blocks with Thaumaturgy as long as they have evocation-style durations.

Otherwise there is really no reason for a Warden with base ward complexity 5 not to have a 5 shift ward on himself at all times.

And it's not that hard to crank duration up to effectively permanent. Obvious problem is obvious.

If you don't like this, use the Enchanted Item rules.

[UmbraLux]

Mechanically, there's no reason thaumaturgy can't create long term blocks as long as it adheres to the two inherent limitations - casting time and symbols.  The symbol requirement probably does mean such blocks need to be tied to items. 

For game play purposes, I ask players to pay for any long term powers with refresh.  It can be justified by thaumaturgy, but they'll still need to spend refresh on that "Toughness" spell (or other result).

[The Mighty Buzzard]

Mechanically, there's no reason thaumaturgy can't create long term blocks as long as it adheres to the two inherent limitations - casting time and symbols.  The symbol requirement probably does mean such blocks need to be tied to items. 

For game play purposes, I ask players to pay for any long term powers with refresh.  It can be justified by thaumaturgy, but they'll still need to spend refresh on that "Toughness" spell (or other result).

I go for the simpler solution.  I'm just an arbitrary and uncompromising bastard about Thaumaturgy.

[PolaroidNinja]

I was under the assumption that if you used Thaumaturgy to create an item that will provide a block of some kind when worn/activated that was basically what enchanted items were.

In the one game we ran, the wizard-in-training "warded" one of the NPC's clothes against attacks using invisible inks and such. We had him do some Thaumaturgy to basically tack a lasting Aspect on her of "BULLETPROOF OUTFIT" that she could tag for a defensive bonus when/if she needed it.

We ruled this way because there is a rule specifically in place for creating "magical armor" like Harry's duster - enchanted items. And those rules talk about needing to constantly take care of the item as well as spending tons of time aligning the magic and such so just "whipping one up real quick" didn't seem plausible.

[Sanctaphrax]

Well said.

[InFerrumVeritas]

I find that blocks are great for self and group buffing.  They are one of the best ways to increase the effectiveness of an entire group.  Granted, they only work really well if you have enough other heavy hitting characters to mean that you're not wasting those precious starting actions.

Common opening tactic for my group:

Wizard lays down armor spell on entire group.
Illusionist cast spell to disorient (lay aspects) on group of enemies.
Olympian hero throws thunderbolt at greatest threat.
Veteran merc opens fire or throws grenade.
Pure mortal reporter runs and hides, usually.

[PolaroidNinja]

...
Wizard lays down armor spell on entire group.
...

This may be the best use of a block I've seen... I hadn't thought about a zone wide armor spell. And to be honest, this would probably be the best bang for your buck. An 7 or 8-shift block applied to a whole zone as armor would effectively be able to deflect most small gunfire as well as any Kevlar (Armor:2) for a few exchanges - or else it could be able to stop larger bullets (Armor:3) for the current exchange, ready to be re-upped next round. And both of those would only cost a few mental stress (maybe a consequence if you've got a low conviction).

This may well have sold me on evo blocks.

[devonapple]

This may be the best use of a block I've seen... I hadn't thought about a zone wide armor spell. And to be honest, this would probably be the best bang for your buck.

Until the enemy melee specialist enters the party's zone, possibly?

[sinker]

Until the enemy melee specialist enters the party's zone, possibly?

Actually the RAW prevents that from becoming an issue. It clearly states that two shifts of power allow you expand the block to all allies in the zone.

[devonapple]

Ah, yes:
"2 shifts of power allow the effect to cover multiple allies within the same zone (typically the same zone the wizard occupies). Covering multiple zones requires 2 additional shifts per zone"

[Sanctaphrax]

One small problem with zone armour spells: armour doesn't usually stack. So if you are already wearing armour 2, there's not much point to an armour evocation.

Unless I misremember, of course.

[PolaroidNinja]

One small problem with zone armour spells: armour doesn't usually stack. So if you are already wearing armour 2, there's not much point to an armour evocation.

Unless I misremember, of course.

I think you're right, but in a situation when you aren't expecting a fight and so most of the party isn't wearing their Kevlar and such this would be a great use of the evo block.

[The Mighty Buzzard]

I think you're right, but in a situation when you aren't expecting a fight and so most of the party isn't wearing their Kevlar and such this would be a great use of the evo block.

That and Armor 5-6 is generally considered better than Armor 2.

[Sanctaphrax]

True enough.