Re: [Adonthell-general] Races and their Items

[Kai Sterker]

Am Sonntag, 18.01.04 um 00:57 Uhr schrieb Andrew Michael Phillips:

> I have a conundrum which I'm not sure how to unravel: I am wondering 
> how
> Half-Elves make or acquire items of power which are also in keeping 
> with
> their way of life. I know that the Elves can magick items, that the
> Dwarves also can in their own round-about way, but I wonder about
> Half-Elves. Their ability to empower themselves and others is basically
> temporary. This seem to put them at a disadvantage
[...]

Well, it is a matter of balancing. I imagine that a temporary effect 
cost much less than a permanent achievement, so while Elves and Dwarves 
would have to use their powers with care, Half-Elves might be able use 
theirs without much thinking.

It also would fit their philosophy. Being close to nature, they would 
certainly prefer permanent change over a once-forever enhancement.


> If they can all do the same things in different ways, they are far
> more alike than different.

That's true. The different races should play out different, so I think 
it is in order when their powers differ. Used properly, Half-Elves 
could even gain an advantage as they can use the temporary enhancement 
that fits best in the given situation, while Elves for instance are 
stuck with the improvement they made to their armour or weapon.

Of course, that also means that such improvements shouldn't be too 
powerful, like "double damage against all enemies". Put some 
restrictions in ("when wielded under light of moon or star") and things 
are suddenly not *that* powerful.

Kai