[net.games.frp] Response to Laser Crystal idea cont'd

gordon@alberta.UUCP (Gordon Atwood) (11/29/85)

My apologies, I sent the previous article prematurely.  I also apologize
for incorrect spelling and grammatical errors, I usually go back and try
to make corrections before I send out an article.


The point I am trying to make is that Fantasy Role-Playing is just that,
fantasy.  Global statements like "Anyone who would consider a laser crystal
has got to be incredibly stupid" or answers like "Suggestions?  Yes, here's
one, DON'T DO IT." are not really helpful.

Fine, if you don't think a Laser crystal has any place in FRP then why not
just say so?  Or explain that in your Fantasy Universe such a device is
simply not possible.  Or offer some suggestions about how the device MIGHT
work.  What the problems are, what the solutions might be.

Really, what is so different about a Laser Crystal, and an MU who says to
the DM, "I want to create a magical wand, which emits a focused flame to
a distance of 30 ft (Just like Burning Hands, but more controlled).  The
only difference is that the latter is purely magical, and therefore
possible, while the former is "physically" impossible and therefore not
magically possible.


Like everything else, this controversy will pass.  I would like to think,
however, that when someone asks for useful suggestions or comments, you
will take the time to think about the problem, without making a stunningly
intelligent response like:  "This is incredibly stupid.  I'm embarrassed
that you put such an article on the net."


If, after reading this, you consider this article to be useless drivel, my
apologies.  It is not my intent to waste your time.  I understand completely
what it is like to 
read an article which doesn't try to address some interesting issue.

G.H.A.

lucius@tardis.UUCP (lucius) (12/05/85)

> The point I am trying to make is that Fantasy Role-Playing is just that,
> fantasy.  Global statements like "Anyone who would consider a laser crystal
> has got to be incredibly stupid" or answers like "Suggestions?  Yes, here's
> one, DON'T DO IT." are not really helpful.
	. . .
> Really, what is so different about a Laser Crystal, and an MU who says to
> the DM, "I want to create a magical wand, which emits a focused flame to
> a distance of 30 ft (Just like Burning Hands, but more controlled).  The
> only difference is that the latter is purely magical, and therefore
> possible, while the former is "physically" impossible and therefore not
> magically possible.
> 
> Like everything else, this controversy will pass.  I would like to think,
> however, that when someone asks for useful suggestions or comments, you
> will take the time to think about the problem, without making a stunningly
> intelligent response like:  "This is incredibly stupid.  I'm embarrassed
> that you put such an article on the net."

	Normally I do not quote large portions of an article only to make a
small response.  In this case, however, I think that this one is important
enough to quote much of it and to say that I second the opinions expressed
therein.

-- 
	-- Lucius Chiaraviglio { seismo!tardis!lucius | lucius@tardis.UUCP }
	"Don't tug on that.  You never know what that might be attached to."