POW vs. POW for Magic Spells

[Narl]

This question pertains specifically to Gold Book BRP's Magic system (not Sorcery, not RQ2/3).

In the "Overcoming POW" section it says "Any time a magic spell affects a living target the caster must overcome the target's POW or power points in a resistance roll." When I read the spell descriptions, some specifically say a POW roll is required (e.g. Diminish, Change) while others do not (e.g. Blast, Fire, Frost).

Do spells like Blast, Fire, Frost, and Lightning still require a POW vs. POW roll?

[NickMiddleton]

This question pertains specifically to Gold Book BRP's Magic system (not Sorcery, not RQ2/3).

In the "Overcoming POW" section it says "Any time a magic spell affects a living target the caster must overcome the target's POW or power points in a resistance roll." When I read the spell descriptions, some specifically say a POW roll is required (e.g. Diminish, Change) while others do not (e.g. Blast, Fire, Frost).

The basic rule is that where it's a direct contest of wills / personal magical force it requires a POW vs. POW (or power point vs. power point) contest, but where the spell creates a physical effect that then damages an opponent, there is no POW vs. POW.

Do spells like Blast, Fire, Frost, and Lightning still require a POW vs. POW roll?

No, because the physical effect is what does the damage, and all those effects can (to varying degrees) be affected by other physical effects (Blast for example can be Dodged, or or even parried with a Shield...).

Cheers,

Nick

[Narl]

Thanks Nick, makes perfect sense.

Narl