From: seawasp@vm2.cis.pitt.edu (Sea Wasp)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: Re: how to imprison a psionicist ?
Date: 16 Dec 92 13:49:29 GMT
Organization: University of Pittsburgh
Originator: seawasp@unixd3.cis.pitt.edu

In article <1992Dec16.045751.8061@u.washington.edu> scythe@stein.u.washington.edu (The Grim Reaper) writes:
>In article <809@blue.cis.pitt.edu> seawasp@vm2.cis.pitt.edu (Sea Wasp) writes:
>Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't just combat trying to attack while
>running away backwards?

	You are dead wrong... dead applying to anyone who enters combat
thinking that that's all he has to do.  Have you ever fenced? Do you have
any idea how much concentration that takes? I don't think there is any
differnece in the amount of concentration required in fighting an equal
(or, Gods help you, a superior) opponent, and the amount of concentration
needed to cast a spell or use a psychic power.

  And the psi is trying to concentrate on
>levitating an object or whatever.  I'd say that takes a d**n lot
>more concentration than just throwing a ball.

	Again, you have obviously never tried to do a complex pass play.
I have. It's one reason I gained a great respect for quarterbacks. I couldn't
do the stuff they do.

>And (I could be wrong about this) aren't football helmets made
>of plastic, anyway?  That's quite a bit lighter than something made of iron.
>And in any case, since we're *trying* to distract the psi, wouldn't
>you agree that a large bolted-on helmet made of iron would distract a psi?

	At first, yes. But unless you had the bolts protruding in such
a way that they were HURTING him, he'd soon get used to it. 

>>often emphasize that it can sometimes take more concentration to NOT use
>>a power than to use it, especially in emergencies (see, for instance, 
>>*Firestarter* or *AKIRA*).

>Hmm.  I'd say literature is a pretty bad reference for AD&D psi.
>Most of the powers I've seen are not taken from literature, and those
>that are don't work the same.  So what's your point?

	Actually, if you read the complete Psi handbook carefully, you'll
quickly realize the main source of the new, improved, expanded powers IS
literature of a specific sort: comic books. TSR stole from their Marvel
game and translated the powers in a lot of the books into D&D terms.

	The point is that an inherent power is far easier to use than one
which is purely trained; as even AD&D points out, you're automatically 
proficient with your fists even if you use no other weapons. 

>>with a feather, or shouting, or talking, or even shoes, will distract
>>him too much. He'll never be able to use them.
>>
>Hmm.  It's tru that once a psi power is started, it can't be disrupted.
>But again, what's your point? The original topic here is *trying*
>to distract a psionicist.

	The point is that your method for distracting him is logically
untenable, or else carries with it ramifications which will change the
face of the game.


>>if his life depended on it. Pain and distractions fade into the background
>>when large hulking threats descend upon you.

>Perhaps.  Then again, maybe it's harder to concentrate in the heat of combat.
>I certainly don't know, and wouldn't care to find out.

	I've run on a sprained ankle in order to avoid being hit by a car.
Didn't notice the pain at the time. Adrenalin and the other assorted chemicals
released in a fight/flight reaction  raise the pain threshold quite a bit.

                                 Sea Wasp
                                   /^\
                                   ;;;