Strength multipliers
Strength multipliers are cumulative in most cases. That is, the effects of a Strength
spell can be enhanced by Frenzy and a drug/herb and a weapon
multiplier. Extraordinary character strength is also cumulative
with these effects (see specifics below). The only strength
inducers that are not cumulative are drug/herb with adrenal strength,
as the drug/herb is assumed to work in the body using the same or very
similar mechanisms which are triggered by adrenal skill.
So assume an extraordinary ST 105+ character with the damage multiplier pick (x2) (see exceptional stats house rules) operating under a Strength IV
spell, under the effects of a strength herb (x2) and in Frenzy wielding
a x2 damage magic longsword. His total multiplier for the
longsword damage would be:
Begin with ST stat multiplier, x2
add three increments for Strength IV, to x5 now,
add one increment for x2 strength herb, to x6 now,
add one increment for x2 frenzy, to x7 now,
add one final increment for the x2 concussion longsword, x8 total.
This is an extreme case, but it shows the philosophy of accumulating
multipliers where each added concussion multiple is "mutliplier minus
one". Which is to say, a x2 gives an additional one damage
multiple, a x3 give two additional damage multiples, etc. And
notice that it doesn't matter in what order the effects are
counted. If one started with x4 for Strength IV, then the x2 from
ST stat would add one increment to x5, etc., and still result in x8
overall.
As a side note, beware awarding too-high an OB adder for Strength-spell-like effects. Recall that Strength II effect is +10, III is +15, Strength IV
is +20. But the herb effect (and the similar adrenal effect) are
listed as +10. Adding the herb or adrenal to the spell should
only be an additional +5 OB increment instead of ten, consistent with
the house rule that the added x2 only gives you one additional
increment (both in concussion multiple and OB).
Similarly, beware the odd potent magic item with strength
effects. If the strength-magic of the item is substantially
derived from the essence spells, then it should go without saying that
the item's strength-magic would not be cumulative with an active Strength spell (the higher of the two Strength effects would hold sway).
back to House Rules