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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!sdcsvax!sdcrdcf!trwrb!trwspp!spp2!urban
From: urban@spp2.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.games.frp
Subject: Re: Some new AD&D spells for MUs ("Immolation")
Message-ID: <362@spp2.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 15-Jan-85 12:41:34 EST
Article-I.D.: spp2.362
Posted: Tue Jan 15 12:41:34 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 18-Jan-85 01:20:20 EST
References: <659@utcsrgv.UUCP>
Reply-To: urban@spp2.UUCP (Mike Urban)
Distribution: net
Organization: TRW, Redondo Beach  CA
Lines: 18
Summary: 

Please, will somebody look up the word "immolate" in a
dictionary?  It means "to sacrifice" or "to offer in
sacrifice", or secondarily "to destroy".  It does *not* mean
"surround with flames" nor does it have anything to do with
fire.  A mage who "self-immolates" will not be around to
teach anyone how to do the spell (except a` la Obi-wan Kenobi).

The misuse of this word seems to stem from the original
D&D Three Rulebooks, in which Balrogs are said to "immolate" or
burst into flame.  Gygax was probably thinking of the final
scene in Gotterdamerung when Brunhilda throws herself on
the funeral pyre; this is often referred to as the "immolation
scene."  The original rule books were full of fractured English.
The "lightening" spell was a bolt of electricity, but was not
notable for making things lighter.

	Mike "too long since I've played this stuff" Urban
	trwrb!trwspp!spp2!urban