4.6 EQUILIBRIUM AND BALANCE
The majority of abilities use either balance or equilibrium, which represent physical balance and mental equilibrium. BALANCE ------- By physical balance, we mean that after doing certain physical things, like swinging a sword, you must recover your balance before doing something like that again. For example, if you throw a punch at someone, you must recover your balance before throwing another punch, or before kicking, or swinging a sword. Some abilities use other forms of balance as well, such as balance for each specific limb, or balance related to sipping vials, apply salves, or even using your voice! EQUILIBRIUM ----------- Equilibrium applies mostly to mental activities, but is otherwise quite similar to balance. If you were to cast a fireball, or use a mental ability, your mind will temporarily reel from the strain. You must wait to recover before conducting another such act again. In most cases, not having balance prevents you from using an ability that requires equilibrium, and vice versa. There are many exceptions to this rule which you must discover for yourself. The time it takes to recover is generally from 2 to 5 seconds, depending on the ability, and taking into account some racial variations and certain powerful artefacts. Some very powerful abilities take longer. In order to know when you have balance and equilibrium, many players find the command CONFIG PROMPT STATS very helpful. HELP PROMPT will tell you more about this. Sometimes, you might lose equilibrium for longer than you should. In this instance, you should CONCENTRATE to regain your equilibrium. HELP CONCENTRATE will tell you more about this.