Re: [HoE] Question #3 of the Day

[Steve Crow <crow_steve@hotmail.com>]

>At 12:06 PM 6/7/1999 PDT, you wrote:
> >Syker Question:
> >
> >Arson - Does this have a burst radius?
> >
> >The description says that it is a "fiery burst with a DIAMETER equal to 
>the
> >Syker's Spirit die type in yards..." (our emphasis).  Bursts are usually
> >rated in terms of Radius, not Diameter.  But otherwise this sounds a lot
> >like our old friend the burst rules, albeit one with a radius equal to 
>half
> >the Syker's spirit die type.
>
>Nothing official, unless you count the official definition of diameter
>being all the way across the circle, and a radius being half way....
>
>But as for if it's a "burst" (damn CCGs) effect, or just a way to describe
>the power... try and figure the intent of the author.  Does arson create an
>explosion (Boom) or just an area effect sheet of flame (flamethrower)?
>
>Again, without the book, is sounds like Arson fills an area with fire, and
>doesn't create a boom.

Well, sort of.  It's not really a comprehensive definition (none of them 
are).  You seem to merely cause fire to spout simultaneously from a central 
point.  There is no "fly through the air to point-of-impact" and ignite 
described (although normal line-of-sight applies).

Since it (apparently) springs out from a central point, rather than become a 
big ball of flame that flies through the air to point-of-impact, I'd tend to 
think of it as an explosion.  It also describes the damage in terms of 
massive damage, but that applies to explosions and flames equally.  No help 
there.

The picture (on page 54) is not of much help, since it looks like it has two 
creatures getting ready to be hit by an expanding fireball.  The caster has 
apparently just thrown it, two trogs (??) are outside of the ball's area but 
they're looking _awfully_ worried.  PLus, why would a Syker miss?  I don't 
believe a TN roll to hit is required.  Whether it's expanding/bursting, or 
just expanding/out to normal "burst" diameter is hard to tell.

The real question is, if they simply wanted it to have an area effect 
(radius or diameter), why refer to it as a "burst" diameter?  That suggests 
to me the intent was to...well, use the burst rules.  But who knows?


---

Steve Crow

"Worm Can Opener Extraordinare"

Check out my website at:  http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Stargate/4991/


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