From the article archive
Writing Practice, Dec. 16th 2001
Introduction
Right now I'm getting back into taking my medication on a daily basis. Finally got to read the literature on Paxil, and learned just how important taking it regularly is. So I'm having to deal with certain (hopefully temporary) side-effects. Namely, the urge to sleep a lot. Fortunately a rare side effect, most people who take Paxil don't have it. In a few weeks it should pass and be back to "normal".
Side Effects etc.
So I present this question: Do the treatments, healing/curing magicks, magickal devices etc. in your games have side effects? Do things happen to people who use them, or are the recipients of the item's/spell's assistance?
For instance, a wizard who uses Fireball at least 4 times a week could become more susceptible to cold. Taking extra damage from white dragon breath or in cold weather. The recipient of a Cure X Wounds could gain an increased appetite, the degree of increase depending on the exact Cure used, and how often it is used. What about somebody drifting over to the chaotic end of alignment thanks to persistent use of a Wand of Wonder?
How would you handle this sort of thing? How would you handle a diviner who uses divination magick over an extended period time. What about a conjurer? The owner of a Ring of Flight? Would he start to grow feathers? Take on avian behavior?
That's pretty much it. Something to think about, 'tis all. Post in the fora, or if you think your musings are worthy of publication, submit it as an article. I look forward to your thoughts on the subject.
In Closing
We'll be getting back to the regular column starting tomorrow. Coming up in the next few days: Alexander the Great, Atlantis, and Sumeria Reborn. Plus the Turks. In addition, starting next Sunday (Dec. 23 2001) I'll be starting a (free) column describing and detailing the development of Walking with Dragons as a book. See you later.
Alan
Right now I'm getting back into taking my medication on a daily basis. Finally got to read the literature on Paxil, and learned just how important taking it regularly is. So I'm having to deal with certain (hopefully temporary) side-effects. Namely, the urge to sleep a lot. Fortunately a rare side effect, most people who take Paxil don't have it. In a few weeks it should pass and be back to "normal".
Side Effects etc.
So I present this question: Do the treatments, healing/curing magicks, magickal devices etc. in your games have side effects? Do things happen to people who use them, or are the recipients of the item's/spell's assistance?
For instance, a wizard who uses Fireball at least 4 times a week could become more susceptible to cold. Taking extra damage from white dragon breath or in cold weather. The recipient of a Cure X Wounds could gain an increased appetite, the degree of increase depending on the exact Cure used, and how often it is used. What about somebody drifting over to the chaotic end of alignment thanks to persistent use of a Wand of Wonder?
How would you handle this sort of thing? How would you handle a diviner who uses divination magick over an extended period time. What about a conjurer? The owner of a Ring of Flight? Would he start to grow feathers? Take on avian behavior?
That's pretty much it. Something to think about, 'tis all. Post in the fora, or if you think your musings are worthy of publication, submit it as an article. I look forward to your thoughts on the subject.
In Closing
We'll be getting back to the regular column starting tomorrow. Coming up in the next few days: Alexander the Great, Atlantis, and Sumeria Reborn. Plus the Turks. In addition, starting next Sunday (Dec. 23 2001) I'll be starting a (free) column describing and detailing the development of Walking with Dragons as a book. See you later.
Alan
Recovered from the Gaming Outpost database backup. Original wording is preserved; damaged punctuation and presentation markup have been repaired. Historical links without a local match point to the Internet Archive.