[DL] Metaphysics (Goff)

["Casey McGirt" <cmcgirt@hotmail.com>]

Okay, it's been a long time since I've actually made a post to the list.  
But, I'm going to be brave and question the Goff's position on the 
miscellaneous arcane backgrounds.

Basically, by putting Martial Artists/Tempests/etc into the same category as 
Hucksters (and other dabblers in the dark arts), you change the tone of the 
game.  In effect, you say that if it's not provided by a higher power, it's 
just like dealing with a darker power.  I would actually prefer having 
category C.

Of course, I may be confusing the effect with the concepts behind the 
effect.  It's encouraging to me to see that man has developed ways to tap 
the Hunting Grounds without any help from saints or devils (to use a 
Blessed's terms).  Now, if the message is simply that anything not 
sanctioned by a deity is corruptable, that doesn't sound so bad.  My point 
is that a huckster should suffer more than a martial artist or tempest, 
because he chose the road he's going down.  Our category C folks are 
generally unaware that they're getting their mojo from the same source.

So, here's how I would divide things:

Category A:  Folks that are assisted by higher powers.  Their powers should 
generally be reliable (don't get me started on Lay on Hands), and cannot be 
duplicated by the forces of evil.

Category B:  Folks that are assisted (willingly or unwillingly) by manitous. 
  They're juggling dynamite, and occasionally get burned.

Category C:  Folks that directly tap into the Hunting Grounds, without 
outside assistance.  If Category B is juggling dynamite, Category C is 
playing with matches.  They don't have the protection given to Category A, 
but haven't opened themselves up like Category B.  Categories B and C can be 
lumped together for many Deadlands effects, but not all.  For example, 
Tempests should not be affected by a Harrowed's Bad Mojo, or a Blessed's 
Censure.  Based on the description under each power, the Tempest's method of 
accessing the Hunting Grounds isn't something that can be targeted (even 
though they use the Huckster game mechanics).

Well, those are my thoughts on the matter.  Let's see what the Goff 
things...

-Casey

P.S.  The Agency book was very nice...thanks!
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