(Azure Way flavor? lol)
Eonwind, do you have anything to say about the Azure users who roleplay that they can essentially mind-meld? Basically, they go into one person's mind, which can be whatever the meld-ee wishes it to be, and then the meld-er can interact with whatever he/she/it finds. It looks like a dream sequence. I've always assumed that if someone were to jump into another person's mind, it wouldn't be anything like a dream sequence, since I'm pretty sure people don't think like that. I always imagined it being much more subtle, like floating thoughts, impulses, or flashing images and concepts. (Unless they were really dreaming or on hallucinogens, which would be the only time it makes sense.)
I don't want to force my view on roleplayers, of course, and as always as long as the people involved agree on the subject it's fine, however my personal opinion is mind-melding or "mind-reading/interacting" can be possible and is compatible with the Azure Way [official] gameplay. I also played it this way myself more than once.
Of course do not expect we actually release such a spells officially
because "official" spell have to be somehow supported by game mechanics and this effect is pure roleplayed. I also agree interacting with someone else mind and memories is somewhat like trying to catch flashing images and sounds, deformed images (e.g. I may remember a person like if were a giant if I was scared by him), this kind of roleplay is especially interesting because while it doesn't negate the mage powers it allows the mage to receive a few hints about the plot without being a "Mary-sue" (hope you get the idea) and allow the "victim" to give out some hint from his/her own perspective. In my opinion if it's played that opens more roleplaying opportunities instead of ruining a plot.
Players are also doing this at low levels. I prefer it being left to masters, otherwise everyone can do it, and I honestly don't think anyone should think they can until they've had years of experience ICly. Actually, the entire concept bothers me. People throw psychology/biology out the window and turn it all into magical mumbo jumbo.
I roleplay that my character has the ability to influence animals, and some she would "meld" with (to control and listen to the animal), like her rivnak, but using AW on a person is something she considers dangerous and inappropriate, only to be used in dire circumstances. Even though she is over rank 100 in Azure, I do not consider that a high enough level to use that kind of magic, especially because it seems like something that would require the finesse and experience of a high master. My character has been using AW for years (or cycles), and yet there are many who have just started out and are already "capable" of doing advanced magic like I just described. It's like the entire concept of the thing is lost on them.
And at what rank would one have to be for mind-control? Is there going to be a spell? And what realm will it be?
The new spell will allow to control the mind of simple animals (rats, clackers, ...) starting from realm 2. The control over the animal will be almost absolute and the will of the mage will be sent, of course, with a mental link. More spells will come allowing to control more advanced life forms (but not humanoids) in the future. The realm is somewhat low for the first spell because we don't want only the master to be able to access one of the hallmark of the Azure Way, of course only the masters will be able to control more powerful beasts.
About humanoids the matter is totally different: even AW master will not be able to control them like a puppet albeit limited control over them can be attained; a good example is the Mind Paralysation spell, which is able to block (if the spell is not resisted) for a limited amount of time the mental faculties of every creatures, including humanoids. As you may already know it's something only masters can do. Harming someone else mind (by getting inside their mind to harm them) is a bit easier, and possible since realm 3 (example: Psychic Blow).
Of course you can roleplay other effects too, these are only rough guidelines.
About mind-reading well the closest example is the Nature Intuition spell (in realm 3) this can be a rough guideline of what a realm 3 spell can do about mind-reading. Of course realm 3 is master level but still if every single fet can be done only by masters there's no fun left for all the others
Logically Adepts and Masters are capable of making a finer use of the same spell or access more powerful spells. Another thing to consider is: while even lower level magician can be able to do a certain feat their spells can be more easily resisted by their victim, of course Master have an advantage over this too.
A rough example: while an apprentice could be able to catch the surface thought of a weak mind a master could be able to dig deeper and examine the deeper recesses and hidden emotions of a stronger mind.
