[Fenix]

Hey guys, had a couple of questions about how to address magical security that I haven't been able to find. I've started reading Fire & Frost (great book so far by the way, I'm only about halfway through it) and there are a few times that Elijah (the main character, who is a mage) mentions astral overwatch, and that he couldn't cast certain spells in public areas or they'd be all over him.

This got me thinking, how is magic enforced outside of KE showing up to find an active spellslinger? Are there watchers/spirits/astrally perceiving mages watching at all times?

Let's say I'm a mage and I decide go to the mall. Will the security guards be watching the astral for active spells? What could they do if I cast Control Thoughts on a store clerk to convince them to give me a discount? If caught, what's an appropriate response to that? If detained, what's to stop the mage from casting/projecting/summoning once they're behind bars?

I have a few magic users in my party and the astral tends to be fairly unmonitored most of the time. I'd like to change that and give them more of a challenge than just Control Thoughts everyone to get their way (that one's a mage favorite), but I'm not sure what the standard security is in Shadowrun, outside of having watchers and hell-hounds for the more secure facilities.

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[Michael Chandra]

Decent neighbourhoods will probably have Watcher patrols, while there may be a single Mage astrally patrolling the Mall or bigger buildings of Middle+. There may also be magic-detecting materials used in higher-end Malls.

As for behind bars, that's what we got the Mage Cuffs and such for. Trust me, being Awakened in jail isn't pretty. If you're unlucky, they may just make sure you burn out instead.

[8-bit]

Decent neighbourhoods will probably have Watcher patrols, while there may be a single Mage astrally patrolling the Mall or bigger buildings of Middle+. There may also be magic-detecting materials used in higher-end Malls.

As for behind bars, that's what we got the Mage Cuffs and such for. Trust me, being Awakened in jail isn't pretty. If you're unlucky, they may just make sure you burn out instead.

What about forcing them to project/perceive in Outer Space with deepweed then burning them out? True, it's an enormous expense, but probably horrifically painful.

Actually, you can get pretty inventive in a lot of ways. Like build a prison on an Astral void and let them sit there for a couple of months. That will feel pretty bad. Or force them to project while sending Strain 3 FAB at them.

[Michael Chandra]

That'd be needless torture. So not really something even Lone Star would do. Needed torture, sure. Cheaper to put in cheap cyberware.

[Imveros]

Street Grimiore P27

MAGIC INCARCERATED
Awakened individuals make law enforcement nervous, as
it’s difficult to confine someone who can shape change or make
something/someone catch fire with a mere thought. Lone Star’s
Department of Paranormal Investigations, acting in conjunction
with Star’s Penal Department first developed magecuffs and
magemasks (p. 215) to keep magicians dazed and confused
while being detained or incarcerated for a short time. The
effects of these are limited, particularly when it comes to
unbalanced mages. This fact led to the creation of Blackstone
Prison (p. 35) and mystic cuffs/masks/jackets (p. 214) by the
Star’s Penal Department. There is, of course, one more drastic
step that may be taken: forced burnout of a magician through a
combination of drugs and surgery. The death penalty might be
more humane.

[Fenix]

Street Grimiore P27

MAGIC INCARCERATED
Awakened individuals make law enforcement nervous, as
it’s difficult to confine someone who can shape change or make
something/someone catch fire with a mere thought. Lone Star’s
Department of Paranormal Investigations, acting in conjunction
with Star’s Penal Department first developed magecuffs and
magemasks (p. 215) to keep magicians dazed and confused
while being detained or incarcerated for a short time. The
effects of these are limited, particularly when it comes to
unbalanced mages. This fact led to the creation of Blackstone
Prison (p. 35) and mystic cuffs/masks/jackets (p. 214) by the
Star’s Penal Department. There is, of course, one more drastic
step that may be taken: forced burnout of a magician through a
combination of drugs and surgery. The death penalty might be
more humane.

Ahhh, I must have skimmed right over that one. Thanks!

Decent neighbourhoods will probably have Watcher patrols, while there may be a single Mage astrally patrolling the Mall or bigger buildings of Middle+. There may also be magic-detecting materials used in higher-end Malls.

As for behind bars, that's what we got the Mage Cuffs and such for. Trust me, being Awakened in jail isn't pretty. If you're unlucky, they may just make sure you burn out instead.

Do we have 5th edition rules yet for any magic detecting materials, or are there any from 4th that can be converted? I'm not aware of any.

[Michael Chandra]

Street Magic had Awakened Ivy, which had an active astral form blocking the path. FAB2 could also be put in walls as astral barrier, while GloMoss would shine bright if it detected magic with the Magic Sense adept power. Guardian Vines is like Awakened Ivy but they actually were capable of astral combat as well as physical combat.

[cantrip]

I believe there is magical security response in Corporate Security and Lone Star. But, it has been awhile since I dug them out, so I may be off-base; runs in my mind that they even have fines and legal info in one of them; might be another book though.

Mage mask ==> not fun

[PiXeL01]

Yeah a mage mask is hell. It
Blinds and gags you in addition to blast your ears with noise at a level higher than an airport.