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Hand Needed for Casting + Which Hand
http://forum.libraryofhiabuor.net/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=356
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Author:  Starkad [ Tue May 01, 2018 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Hand Needed for Casting + Which Hand

From the "FAQ" posted by Dave Morris a while ago:

Q: Exactly what kinds of physical gestures are required for a sorcerer to cast a spell? Does he need one or both hands free?
A: He needs his left hand free and the gestures are large enough to be noticeable to any observer. Think of a sorcerer’s hand gestures to be akin to sign language since in most cases that’s exactly what it is: a replacement for words in the Arcane tongue that cannot be spoken by the human voice box.

Presumably the same is true for Elementalists and Warlocks? They will need a hand free to cast spells? (Mystics, using the power of the mind, presumably do not.)

I note that for Warlocks: "the proper somatic gestures are the most important factor in warlock magic" (New DW rulebook, page 186). This suggests Warlocks should have both hands free... But I think that's a little impractical for a class which is supposed to combine martial skill and magic! I think the Warlocks could get away with just one hand - but they'd have to let go of their two-handed weapon with that hand, or put down their shield...

Sorcerers are left-handed. I see nowhere which suggests the same is true of the other spell-casting professions. Presumably they can cast magic with their dominant hand (whether right or left handed)?
(There might be an argument to say that Warlocks learn to cast magic with their "off" hand - leaving their dominant hand available to use weapons...)

Any thoughts?

Author:  WodenKrait [ Tue May 01, 2018 9:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hand Needed for Casting + Which Hand

Regarding warlocks, I assume the gestures and vocalisation have been adapted to take into account the fact the caster has less freedom of movement. So instead of precise finger movements that are impossible when holding a sword and shield while wearing gauntlets (or whatever), they may perhaps instead make entire arm (and even entire body) gestures. This reminds me of the spells being cast by the shaman in The Wailing.

Maybe this is one reason their magic is less efficient than a sorcerer's (which is one way to look at their lower MP allowance): It's a "high level programming language" optimised for simplicity and speed. That's also why some spells can be 'doubled up'. :geek:

Cheers,

-Kyle

Author:  Kharille [ Wed May 02, 2018 1:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hand Needed for Casting + Which Hand

Wonder what are the possibilities for spell disruption? Can't exactly recall such rules in other systems right now. It was in the way of the tiger series a lot but other systems?....

Author:  Acoma [ Wed May 02, 2018 6:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hand Needed for Casting + Which Hand

I think there's a thread for spell disruption somewhere.

Author:  Kharille [ Wed May 02, 2018 6:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hand Needed for Casting + Which Hand

I think Subotai managed it despite being burned by acids and ultimately using a prosthetic. Maybe its something they can overcome even if they lose an arm.

Author:  Starkad [ Wed May 02, 2018 11:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hand Needed for Casting + Which Hand

Quote:
Maybe this is one reason their magic is less efficient than a sorcerer's

Well... That, and the fact they don't use Arcane.

Author:  WodenKrait [ Wed May 02, 2018 1:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hand Needed for Casting + Which Hand

Starkad wrote:
Quote:
Maybe this is one reason their magic is less efficient than a sorcerer's

Well... That, and the fact they don't use Arcane.


Does it say somewhere what language they do use? I can't find it right now.


Cheers,

-Kyle

Author:  wimlach [ Wed May 02, 2018 1:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Hand Needed for Casting + Which Hand

WodenKrait wrote:
Starkad wrote:
Quote:
Maybe this is one reason their magic is less efficient than a sorcerer's

Well... That, and the fact they don't use Arcane.


Does it say somewhere what language they do use? I can't find it right now.


Cheers,

-Kyle

Page 186 of the Rulebook:

Special note: Mystics, Warlocks and Elementalists do not have their own professional equivalents of Arcane. Mystics cast spells by the direct action of their inner self upon the real world. Elementalists command the powers of nature through main force of will. Warlocks recite their spells using the language in which they were taught; some words of Arcane are incorporated, but the proper somatic gestures are the most important factor in Warlock magic.

Author:  Starkad [ Thu May 03, 2018 6:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Hand Needed for Casting + Which Hand

Hmm. Quote from the Player's Guide (page 79):
"The harshest punishment meted out to a Selentine Sorcerer or Warlock who commits a crime is the removal of the left hand... thereby preventing them from using their magic."

This doesn't mean the Warlock has to be left-handed, just that the gestures must be made with that hand?
(Although, as it says in the introduction of the Player's Guide: "all these rules are optional"...)

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