my profile | search | faq | forum home
  next oldest topic   next newest topic
» Wizards.Com Boards   » Wheel of Time   » New Embacing the Source rules

   
Author Topic: New Embacing the Source rules
MT
Member
Member # 88155


posted May 19, 2003 12:45 PM      Profile for MT      Edit/Delete Post
I'm re-reading the books again, and the rule that embracing the source is a full round action (6 secs) seems unrealistic. I know there are two feats to increase the time, but I think these feats should be given for free. I've made an adaptive rule that keeps it full round for beginning channelers, and decreases it to a free action once they reach Aes Sedai equivelant levels:

RULE: The time it takes to embrace the source is (6 secs - chn lvl). This breaks down to:
1-2 level: Full round action.
2-3 level: Move Equivalent.
4-5 level: Composure check DC 20 - succeed it's a free action, fail it's a move equivalent.
6+ level: Free action.
Note: Wilders must make their block checks before this.

I can understand game mechanics arguments that you want to limit the power of channelers (give fighters a round to hit them), but it just doesn't fly with the realities of the books.

When Nyv, Egwene, and Elayne were taken to the Seanchen to be captured, Nyv (an Apprentice for a few months by then) can break her block, embrace the source, and channel hurricane winds in the span of two seconds. When Egwene becomes an accepted, she is able to embrace the source without even thinking about it. Plus, every Aes Sedai we've met can also embrace instantly and have a weave prepared in 6 seconds or less.

Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged
Steve Russell
Member
Member # 130579



posted May 19, 2003 02:44 PM      Profile for Steve Russell   Email Steve Russell    Edit/Delete Post
There is also the counter argument to this which is rand who cannot embrace the source even when he wants to or make it doe what he wants

I did not like the feat idea either though remember a full round action is only six seconds. Rand killed a warder fataly wounded another all in the time it took aes sedi to embrace the source and wrap him up with air.

My rules for embracing the source were all composure checks that anyone could use a move equivelent action DC 20 and a Free action DC 30.

I have submitted them to the next Netbook.

--------------------
I have a reading lesson with the Lady Riselle. She lets me rest my head on her bosom while she reads to me.
-Olver

Please visit and review my Epic Level Homebrew Setting: A Brave New Worldat the Commonplace Book.

From: dayton ohio usa | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged
MT
Member
Member # 88155


posted May 19, 2003 03:14 PM      Profile for MT      Edit/Delete Post
Making it a Composure check sounds like a good idea. It differentiates between caster levels (a Wilder/15 will have higher composure), and allows pluses and minuses to be added to the DC more easily.

Six seconds is a long time though. Imagine an Aes Sedai looking at a lone man 30ft. from her in an empty hall. In the current rules, he could whip out a dagger, run 30ft. to her, and attack her before she could embrace the source. That just doesn't happen in the books.

In addition, if it took 6 seconds to embrace the source, they would just get up, walk to the table, pick up the cup of tea, and sit back down, because it would take less time than embracing the source and channeling it to her.

As for Rand, he's a wilder that we don't know what his block is/was. Anytime he was in serious danger the One Power came to him almost unbidden. It was a struggle between not embracing it when he didn't want to and embracing it when he wanted to.

Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged
WizO_Autumn

Member # 49814



posted May 19, 2003 06:15 PM      Profile for WizO_Autumn   Email WizO_Autumn    Edit/Delete Post
I like this idea-- it does seem off the books.

Maybe to reinstate some balance (which I personally feel isn't needed in this game but that's a totally different topic) have it harder for males? Male channelers do get more than female, and yes, yes, madness but as you pointed out, Rand does embrace, on average, slower... Hm....

--------------------
It is a mistake to think you can solve any major problems just with potatoes.
------------Douglas Adams


Registered: Nov 2001  |  IP: Logged
Sophiathegreen
Member
Member # 136464


posted May 20, 2003 08:43 PM      Profile for Sophiathegreen   Email Sophiathegreen    Edit/Delete Post
I think than initiate can embace the source as than free action while for than wilder it than move equ action unless than composure chech is pass. I once read all the step you have to go thought to load and fire than gunpower musket compare to modern firearm we use today.
From: El Pase Texas | Registered: Apr 2003  |  IP: Logged
Sharn_Penndroen
Member
Member # 82230



posted May 21, 2003 05:35 AM      Profile for Sharn_Penndroen   Email Sharn_Penndroen    Edit/Delete Post
We've been using the method that Steve has laid out. It has worked very well. Added to that I require a Composure check of 10 to embrace as a full round action. I feel that this is representative of when a channeler's mind is unable to function very well they are unable to embrace. Examples: forkroot, the AS the Shaido nearly killed in Caemlyn, she struggled to embrace the source, but couldn't.

So basically this is the mechanic of "Degrees of success" as laid out in the Skills section of the book.

--------------------
A man who will not die to save a woman is no man. - Shienaran Saying

The Light shine on you, and the Creator shelter you. The last embrace of the mother welcome you home. - Shienaran Funeral Ceremony

From: Brookhaven, MS | Registered: May 2002  |  IP: Logged
MT
Member
Member # 88155


posted May 21, 2003 10:25 AM      Profile for MT      Edit/Delete Post
I agree that there should be times when it's hard to channel. Forkroot, if that's the drug the Kin had, should stop you from channeling, but other things make it hard as well, like injury. Eqwene got cracked in the head once, and when she came to, she tried to embrace the source and she stopped because it turned the pain in her head into a power forged jackhammer.
Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged


All times are Pacific Time  
   Close Topic    Move Topic    Delete Topic    next oldest topic   next newest topic
Printer-friendly view of this topic
Hop To:

Contact Us | http://www.wizards.com/ | Privacy Statement



Powered by Infopop Corporation
Ultimate Bulletin BoardTM 6.2.0

Shop Games Books Magazines Stores Events Company Worldwide Community