Re: [Crawl-ref-discuss] Paralysis and stab

[David P. <pl...@mi...>]

Thanks for all the input. As far as I see it, there are the following 
approaches:

a) Monster cannot move but is awake and aware (it can fight, shoot,
    cast). In particular, is not stabbable.

b) Monster is awake (so not stabbing again) but must struggle to get
    rid of the effect.

c) Monster is paralysed (not awake) but does awake by any motion in
    its vicinity.

d) Monster is paralysed but gets damage reduction.

e) Monster is paralysed but also impenetrable to attack.

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a) is a Beholding effect, related to what the Mermaids do. (By the way, 
Lemuel, of course the mermaids have to lure the adventurer to themselves. 
Blame Homer!)

b) is basically the Net effect so we should ask what is the difference. 
(Also, nets are a very limited resource whereas spells are always 
unlimited.) Well, the difference is that the spell would take MR into 
account whereas the nets do not. I am still not convinced by this -- 
adding this spell would sure make nets feel (even more) lackluster.

c), d), and e) try to keep the Paralyse spell but to remove the shabby 
Stabbing abuse from it. All of them would have the spell be still useful 
but for defense purposes rather. c) would expect you to flee in the other 
direction, for d) and e) you could just walk past the monster. Also, c) 
would really on tactics in order to single out monsters (so they don't 
wake each other).

There might be several new spells around here even :)

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Regardless of the choice, I would rename the Paralysis spell to something 
different. The paralysis wand should keep both name and function (and 
stabbability!). It is much more finite and would be a nice tool for a 
Stabber who goes with Evocations.

David