The Dresden Files > DFRPG
Magic and Technology
Abstruse:
I've always seen it more like that magical fields screw up technology, no matter the level of understanding. In SF, Harry talks about how a revolver isn't 100% reliable around him, and that's a very simple machine that I'm sure he understands completely. Understanding has little to do with it IMO. I think Butters is closer with the EMP field, though it's not strictly EMP as it can affect non-electronic machines as well. It's just the stronger the magic + the stronger the magician = the more interference produced, and the level of interference needed depends on the complexity of the machine in question. I think maybe you guys are overthinking this whole thing...
The Abstruse One
Darryl Mott Jr.
Samldanach:
And, no offense, but I think you're underthinking it. Your argument is very circular. Why does magic screw with technology? Because magic creates a field that creates interference with technology. That's not really an answer. And, more importantly, it does absolutely nothing to help the GM who is struggling with a smart-ass player trying to manipulate the rules.
Suppose the player wants to play someone like Ramirez(?), the younger wizard who can actually use a gun. Why can he use a gun? Is it because he's younger, and more used to guns? Is it because he's weaker, and produces less interference? Is it because he's learned to rein in his interference? If so, how hard/common is that?
Suppose the player wants to deliberately use his interference to jam a gun that's being held to his temple. Harry can do it to a degree, in that he can deliberately short out cameras. How hard is it to focus your interference field? How hard is it to jam the gun?
Suppose the player wants to create the magical equivalent of a computer. Is it possible, or will the inherent chaos of magic prevent even magical "technology" from working?
The answer of "just because" works well in novels, where the author controls not only what happens, but what questions get asked. You need something a little more developed for an RPG, where the players are sure to focus with unerring precision on whatever question you don't want them to ask.
Abstruse:
That's a problem for the game designers and the holder of the original intellectual property to figure out, not for us. Jim hasn't said other than giving Butters' theory as to why magic screws up tech. So anything we have to say on the matter is simply speculation.
However, my theory has a big more genre backing in it. For one thing, the idea was more or less directly lifted for the Returner series or whatever it's called...some semi-readable urban fantasy put out by Harlequin's new imprint for supernatural and fantasy stories. Think back to Highlander. What caused all the sparks from everything? Was it an effect of the two immortals fighting? Their inherent powers clashing?
How can the kid use a gun and Harry not? Either he's not as strong or he has more fine control over his raw power and is able to rein it in. Remember, even Harry himself says that he has a lot of power but not a lot of fine control.
And honestly, why would the other theory even work? Harry's not trying to use the camera or high tech lights on the set of the TV show. Why would he need to "understand" it? It goes haywire just because he's nearby. He can short out stuff he doesn't even know is there. The residual magical energy field or strong aura theory seems a lot more sound IMO.
The Abstruse One
Darryl Mott Jr.
waywardclam:
If your problem is that you're trying to block a rules lawyer with a rule, you're approaching it wrong.
Keep killing his character until he smartens up. Problem solved. ;D
The Last Bean:
Or even better. Just say "no, that's unbalancing, and it's against the spirit of the rules." If he's the kind of player than can't handle that kind of answer, then perhaps he should find a more black-and-white universe to play in. Keep in mind that the FATE handbook says, perhaps hundreds of times, that it is the job of the DM to control the game to an extent, keep it functional, and most of all, keep it fun. If that means using a stick instead of a carrot sometimes, then so be it.
Remember, DMs, Just say "no" to powergamers.
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