Hypnotism in the Settings of Yliakum

[Sekto Rispiar]

I was just wondering... Would it be breaking settings for a character to employ some form of hypnotism, mesmerism, or operant conditioning that -doesn't- use Azure Way, sort of a more science-based physio-psychological approach? It seems like magic is used for everything in the game these days. 

Just wanted to get a the public's opinion on that. Thanks!

[Timil Deeps]

Hmm... I don't think there's anything in the settings that precludes or excludes it... But Azure way is just so much easier: A wave of light-blue magic, and *Poof!* You're hypnotized! 

[Primordial]

Well, assuming every sentient being in Yliakum has a subconscious capable of reacting to these stimuli, I don't see why not. Problem arises when nobody else understands the mechanics of what you're doing.
You may have to consider the potential differences of target choice: an Enki, for instance, would probably be far easier to affect with magnetism than, say, a Kran.

[Aramara Meibi]

an Enki, for instance, would probably be far easier to affect with magnetism than, say, a Kran.

O.o???

[Primordial]

an Enki, for instance, would probably be far easier to affect with magnetism than, say, a Kran.

O.o???

Compare how easy it is to focus a cat, with focusing a rock.

[Aramara Meibi]

kran are silicon based lifeforms, not rocks.

but why wold you claim enki are easily affected with magnetism? did I miss something? Do felines have hunks of iron in their heads?

[Rigwyn]

:-)  cats ARE indeed suckers for moving things and laser pens. I see your point.

In real life hypnotism does not always work. My understanding is that some folks are more suggestible than others, and intelligence is not a deciding factor. Hypnosis can be quite powerful, but as for whether or not it fits with the settings, I honestly don't know. I think its believable given that azure way opens this door .... the deciding point on this might lie more in the technique.

If you've read about hypnosis, then you know that its not about just swinging something shiny at someone.

[Phantomboy86]

kran are silicon based lifeforms, not rocks.

AKA: Rocks.

 Do felines have hunks of iron in their heads?

Yes

[Zalya]

I'm not sure if you know how real hypnotism works. Its not just swinging a pocket watch back and forth, and the subject turning into a thrall. The way it works is that the hypnotist puts the subject into a more relaxed state. If the subject doesn't want to relax, then it won't work. In real life hypnosis is used mostly for therapeutic purposes, allowing the subject to talk, and remember things without any other influnce besides the hypnotist. It's almost like meditation, but with a guide, and suggestions to help find specific things. Once again, no one can be hypnotized if they don't want it, and they don't become mindless thralls. 

[LigH]

Speculation vs. facts:

Story » Races » Kran

Resistances: Since magic was created to act on different principles, it seems to have little effect on them. They are resistant as the rock they were born from; which also counts for poison and diseases.[/b]

So Kran will be less influenced by Magic (a kind of natural "anti-magic" level), like Azure Way (PSWiki):

Basically a sneaky and insidious energy, the Azure Way can control the will, the perceptions and the intentions of any intelligent being. It's power comes from the deep knowledge of the mind and the way to influence it, but it relies also on the mind's potential to influence the surrounding areas and objects, particularly all that is related to the air element.

[Primordial]

kran are silicon based lifeforms, not rocks.

but why wold you claim enki are easily affected with magnetism? did I miss something? Do felines have hunks of iron in their heads?

Magnetism in the meta-psychological sense of the word - as in mesmerisation. Animal Magnetism.  Hypnotism falls under the general category.

I would expect silicon to be less attuned to picking up the same signals or respond to the same suggestions than another flesh based life form, though it would probably be a case of understanding Kran psychology and adapting.

(Yes, I  have a tendency to think far too much into things like this, but then I research this type of thing as a hobby...)

[Aramara Meibi]

you are a carbon based lifeform. kran are still made of flesh, they still have organs and they still go through all the life processes that you or I do. The only difference is that the base element in the organic compounds from which their bodies are constructed is silicon instead of carbon. They are no more a rock nor less an animal than you or I.

[Primordial]

you are a carbon based lifeform. kran are still made of flesh, they still have organs and they still go through all the life processes that you or I do. The only difference is that the base element in the organic compounds from which their bodies are constructed is silicon instead of carbon. They are no more a rock nor less an animal than you or I.

Yes, I'm well aware of being carbon based.
And yet, if you are taking them in the same manner as normal flesh, and the operating of that, as opposed to silicon, then there should naturally be no difference between Kran and anything else. So they shouldn't be able to stand underwater for ages, magic should be able to affect them in the same way, etc.

But it doesn't.
So they are different.

[Cairn]

To be honest, I think it should only depend on the people you play with, because as with any action, it cannot be "forced" upon them. Settings-wise I see no problem; it's just boiling down to semantics anymore. If you play with someone who has an issue, possibly agree to a dice /roll or somesuch.

Cheers.

[LigH]

Indeed. Some individuals may be harder to hypnotize than others. "No godmodding" – allow all participants their degree of freedom.