Mystic Realms FAQ - The five questions posted most recently:

What are the effects of using a Security or Restraining Devices?

Mon, 15 May 2006 05:39:00 GMT

Security devices placed on the hands prevent use of the hands for any activity that involves use of lore or movement of the arms. Security devices placed on the legs prevent all locomotion using the legs. Characters may still crawl.

Are bucklers really shields?

Mon, 15 May 2006 05:39:00 GMT

Yes, but they have some difference in function. The word shield generally refers to both shields and bucklers.

For example the rule forbidding the "shield bash" also applies to a "buckler bash." Likewise the line stating that shields cannot block vials, spores or heavy weapons also means that bucklers cannot block those either.

Additionally, and most commonly misunderstood is the rule that states,"the hand holding a shield cannot be used to grip another weapon when using a shield." Bucklers are included in this statement. If a character holds a weapon in the same hand as a shield or buckler, then that character is considered to be fighting illegally and cannot block with the shield or buckler and cannot attack or block with that weapon.

However, a single buckler (not a shield) that is strapped to the arm in such a manner as to end at the wrist and leave the hand completely free, may be used to block attacks when a weapon is held in the hand.

Can I throw a Deadly Vermin and use dodge or phase to avoid it?

Mon, 15 May 2006 05:34:00 GMT

No, mishandling (i.e. trying to use against another in an offensive manner) always causes a bite. Parry will not protect against the deadly bite, nor will armor, as the bite is assumed to hit an unprotected area, however, dodge and phase will avoid an accidental bite.

When do I have to respond to Darksight?

Mon, 15 May 2006 05:33:00 GMT

If characters could be seen in daylight conditions, they must respond. Darksense does not give the ability to see in the dark, nor to see beings which are totally concealed, for example, behind solid cover such as a wall.

However, it will identify characters partially obscured, for example in brush or grass, if those characters could have been seen in daylight. Darksense only reveals location and cannot tell anything more.

Do I take damage when someone hits a body that I am carrying?

Mon, 15 May 2006 05:28:00 GMT

A character will only take damage if he actively attempts to use the body as a shield or to hide behind the body as he is carrying it. This rule is derived from the rules language that states �a character cannot attempt to perform an activity during play which requires an in-game skill without possessing the skill.�

Therefore, if a character blocks an in-game weapon attack that he could not have blocked, he must take the damage from the strike.