Re: (TFT) Have we done this one yet?

[Thorn <edt@dopey.ne.mediaone.net>]

srydzews@ix.netcom.com wrote:
> 
> A new(?) spell:
> 
> Weapon Call - 1 ST, IQ 10, thrown spell
> This spell instantly transfers whatever was
> last in the caster's primary hand back to
> his hand.  If the item is at a distance normal
> range penalties apply.

<snip>

What's the goal?  If it's to have a hidden weapon, you might prefer as
GM to allow a hideaway sheath to count as 'already hidden' with regard
to satisfying the letter of the Conceal spell.  I've ruled that a thing
that moves from hidden place to hidden place keeps its Conceals, since
there's no clear decay time indicated.  So a blade (or a packet of
secret documents, or whatever) might be given three or four Conceals,
making it very hard to spot while hidden.  I would rule that a weapon
would be most definitely _not_ Concealed to anyone actually attacked
with it.  Held hidden along the wielder's arm, it should be very hard to
spot until swung.  It would then be obvious to all in sight.  If the
wielder gets away, and hides the weapon again, I think I would let the
Conceals return to effect.  But anyone who had seen the blade since the
application of the Conceals would see it at normal chances.

Of course, such a weapon would be highly feared by those in power, and
under all sorts of legal penalties for possession or creation, goverment
contractors of course being exempted.

If the goal is to ready a weapon quickly, there's no percentage to
needing to cast a spell to do so.

If the goal is theft, or to travel light, I'd look for precedent to the
'Teleport' effect.  Teleport is local to the caster, and costs 1 per MH
moved.  The 'fetch' variant might be either of:

Special, range limited to mega-megahex of caster, simple DX roll with no
range mods, only fetches an object the caster has a clear mental image
of.  Long-term personal possessions may be assumed to be known,
'stranger' objects must have been deliberately, carefully handled by the
caster within IQ minutes previous to casting the fetch spell, and no
other spell may have been cast since handling the object.  ST cost
should be fixed, maybe 2?  Another Special version would have no range
limit, cost 1 ST per MH, and of course be a higher IQ.

Thrown, -1 DX per hex to the object, objects not in sight must be known
as above.  ST cost is one per MH or fraction.  Higher IQ versions might
have reduced DX penalties.

While writing these up, it occurs to me that every sage and librarian
needs to know this spell.  "Let's see, where was that volume..." 
<Bamf!>
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