From: bell@cs.unc.edu ((bell@cs.unc.edu))
Date: Sat 29 Jun 1991 - 09:56:33 EEST
In RQ Discussions 17, Martin Crim wrote:
> INFINITY is not, in Glorantha, the ability to create something out
>of nothing. Only chaos has shown any ability to approach that, and it only
>really pulls something into Glorantha from the chaos void around it.
This is true in the case of permanent creation. However, the illusion-
type spells, both divine and sorcerous, are able to create temporary
substance, as is the Enhance Size sorcery spell.
Illusion in fantasy games has really been given dual usage. First there
is the "physical" illusion, where the magic creates an image that sends out
real light that the viewer sees. Such illusions don't depend on beguiling
the viewer, nor can force of will resist such effects. On the other hand,
such illusions should be harmless unless they disguise something dangerous --
a phantom floor over a pit and the like.
The other type of illusion is the mental one, where the mage gets the
spell recipients to believe they percieve (or do not percieve) something.
Since it is a form of mental control, the wielder of such an illusion
Force of will or evidence that their senses are being fooled should be
useful in countering such illusions.
Gloranthan illusion spells fall into both categories. The phantom (sense)
spells and the illusory (sense) spells are both extensions of the former,
where little pieces of reality are temporarily created by the caster.
Meanwhile, the invisibility (now called Chameleon) spell is an example
of the latter type, as can be seen from its description.
Illusion really needs two aspects: one for simulation of reality, and
one for mental trickery. The Truth rune is most appropriately opposed to
the latter, although it is not entirely inappropriate in opposition to the
former.
Finally, many of the "creation"-type spells are really modifying or even
dominating spells, rather than true creation spells. Create Basilisk and
Create Vampire, for example, don't actually create anything. Likewise,
the Create Familiar (characteristic) spells are generally transferral of
attributes, and the spell description specifically mentions gathering
material for adding size to a creature -- smoke as the body of a wraith.
For such modifications, the mobility rune (also often described as the
change rune) is probably more appropriate.
-Andrew
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