[gurps] Re: Regular vs Melee type spells question

[Eric Funk]

> B235 "Casting Spells" first paragraph: "...take the Concentrate
> maneuvers for the requisite number or turns....  At the end of the
> last second of concentration, make a success roll for the spell....
> Its effects take place immediately."
>
> From this I read that if I want to cast a Regular spell that takes 1
> second to cast, then my action for that combat round is to take the
> Concentrate maneuver.  I can not take a Concentrate maneuver *and* a
> Step and Attack maneuver in the same round can I?

a Concentrate maneuver is very limiting. See pp. B325, 366.

You mave take a single "Step" (1/10 Move) before or after the Concentrate 
maneuver see pp. B366, B368



>> A Melee or Missile spell is special in that its effect is created in
>> hand, possibly enlarged, and then released at an unspecified
>> subsequent turn.
>
> Exactly.  First one or more Concentrate maneuvers for the Melee or
> Missile spell.  Then, on the next or later rounds, you make a separate
> attack roll, and if successful, the spell energy hits its mark (and
> adds its damage to whatever damage the attack itself does).

right


> I think I see my confusion.  Neither Regular nor Melee type spells
> allow you to Concentrate and Step & Attack in the same round.  When I
> originally asked "can have have your spell go off *and* attack in the
> same round", I meant "attack" to mean an actual melee attack
> maneuver-- 
> not simply the attack-like nature of the spell going off.

ah, gotcha.
Not without preparation (see below).


> In my case, I have a druid with the Dehydrate spell.  It's a Regular
> spell, so I can't cast it and store it so that it's goes off during
> the next round when I strike somebody.  I.e. I can't get the damage
> for the Dehydrate spell and punch damage in the same round.

right. right*.

*unless you can convince the Gm to let you buy Compartmentalized Mind and 
can cast the spell without somatic components.


> But this brings me back to my first question.  If I want to touch
> someone as my Dehydrate spell goes off, and they don't want to be
> touched, how does that work?  Since my action that round was to
> Concentrate, do they automatically resist my attempt to touch them
> since I can't make a melee attack that same round?

Hmm, M188. Dehydrate: Regular; R-HT

Note that you inflict full body damage without touching the foe.


No, you can't touch in combat unless the victim is not able to Dodge. that 
could cripple specific body parts.

you may add a Delay or Link so that they tie correctly. Note the -1 for the 
linking spell On. (B130).

-
Eric Funk
"Knowledge Brings Fear" -- Motto of Mars University, Futurama