The "circuit breaker" metaphor for abilities, a question

Started by Hans, April 21, 2008, 10:29:17 AM

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Hans

The rules say that if my character orders his demon to do something, and the demon doesn't want to do it, I can engage in a Will vs. Will contest with the GM to decide the issue.

The rules also say that the demon is the ultimate arbiter of whether an ability can be used.  The picture is of the demon standing at the circuit breaker; the demon can always flip the switch.

The hopefully very quick question: is the circuit breaker one of the things a demon can be ordered to do, or is it solely under the demon (and hence the GM's) authority? 

By example:  My character orders his demon to attack a policeman with his special damage ability.  The attack part of the order I know is resolvable by Will vs. Will, if the GM describes the demon as baulking.  Is the special damage ability use ALSO resolvably by a Will vs. Will roll, or is that simply something the GM has authority over?

For some reason I just can't figure this, and I've checked many older threads and can't find something that helps me resolve it in my mind.  I'm pretty sure I'm either missing something in the rule book, or just over or under thinking it somehow. 
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Ron Edwards

Hi Hans,

The sorcerer can command the demon to keep the ability available. Or more usually, the sorcerer tries to use the ability, it doesn't work because the demon has switched it off "in the basement," and so the sorcerer orders it to turn it back on so he can use it.

In other words, the demon has physical control over the ability's availability relative to the sorcerer making use of that ability, but that control is subject to social/personal negotiation just like everything else in the relationship.

Best, Ron

Hans

Thanks, Ron.  Exactly what I needed.  I was over thinking.
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