What is a Ward?

• Jamie
  

As we have discussed what magic and magical defenses apply to what magic, I have become increasingly uncomfortable with the definition of a ward. It seems that we are addressing two different things with the same word.

The first definition of ward might be A form of magic designed to prevent an action, such as entry into a protected area or handling of a protected object. Warding circles and the various "ward vs" (or warding rune) rituals fall into this category. The circles warn their victims with a breath of air against the face before they begin preventing entry, and can bar entry even if the subject is willing to take the damage. The warding runes require the subject to spend willpower to remain in contact even if he or she is willing to take the damage.

The second might be phrased A hanging magic that automatically activates when a certain trigger occurs. Morgan's Icon, Deflection of Wooden Doom, and level 3 Path of Wards (rune of power, which does damage when touched) all fall within this category. Most of Path of Wards does not qualify as a ward by either definition.

It could be argued that the first definition falls somewhat within the second: A warding circle is benign until someone activates it by trying to cross. However, a ritual does not need to be called a "ward" to be one. Deflection of Wooden Doom could be realistically called Ward Vs Stakes, while Ward vs Scrying is a continuous protection that does not need to be activated, and blocks magic, not entry.

While the first definition seems extremely accurate, it also seems that it might be overly limited. The second is probably too broad. Rune of power does not fall into the more narrow category: It does damage, but does not have any deterrent effect beyond common sense.

Some of our opponents used magic that didn't have that deterrent effect, but seem like wards: Kateb Zek used runes on the doors of his dream sanctum that would invoke addictions in those who violated that door. Ugo used protections that discourage handling his property even though they do not prevent such action in any way. Bruce's character Benesj used runes and phrases that promised (and delivered) misfortune, but again did not actually prevent entry. Are these things wards? When I created my "ward breaking" series, I had things like this in mind: Just because it is not thaumaturgy and does not use the word "ward" in its title, does not mean it isn't a ward. Other forms of magic are certainly capable of creating wards.

If Ward vs Scrying is ruled a ward, it seems that Scarecrow would also qualify. They both "ward out" unwanted magic. Scarecrow is more general, so is less effective overall.

-after a month of waiting...
C'mon, guys! If no one says anything, nothing gets resolved! What do you think???