| Cantrip: Cantrap \Can"trap\, Cantrip
\Can"trip\, n. [Cf. Icel. gandar, ODan. & OSw. gan, witchcraft,
and E. trap a snare, tramp.] A charm; an incantation; a shell;
a trick; adroit mischief. |
What is a cantrip? For the purposes of this document, it's a small spell
or gimmick that is produced via emote, rather than through a coded effect.
For example:
- An errant breeze ruffling a Whiran's hair when the air is still.
- Sparks leaping from an Elkrosian's fingertips.
- A Krathi igniting a torch by breathing on it.
- A tremor moving through the ground, making bar bottles clink together, as a Rukkian gets angry.
Cantrips and similar magicky
special effects can be employed to add significantly
to the atmosphere of the game. In employing these devices, remember to
use them to enhance
the story, not to advance your character. Make the cantrips reflect
your character's skill: someone new to their element would not be
able to control it as easily or skillfully as someone who has been
manipulating it for years.
Along the same lines, cantrips are usually related to the character's element. It would
make no sense, for example, for a Vivaduan to emote something flame
related. Be aware that emoted effects may have IC consequences. An Allanak templar, for example, might react to such an effect, if emoted
in a way that makes it clear it is the result of deliberate effort, in
much the same way as she or he might react to an actual "coded" cast.
It is possible to go over the top with cantrips, and sometimes the
line is hard to tell. If you have doubts about whether something is okay
to emote, feel free to check with the staff by emailing the mud account. Using common
sense is also urged. Avoid imposing too much on the people around you
unless you know they will play along. Major special effects, such as
setting someone on fire, summoning winds to tear down a tent, etc, are
going too far and should be handled through regular spellcasting or
wishes.
Compiled by Sanvean
© 2003 Armageddon MUD. All rights reserved.
|
