Did not find anything with the search function so here is my question:
Does sustaining a spell like Increase Attribute modify its Drain-Pool the moment it is cast/sustained - or at all?
CRB p.132
Whenever a spellcaster is sustaining a spell, they take a –2 dice pool penalty to any action test for each spell they sustain.
The exact wording "action test" occurs no where else in the CRB so we have to interpret. Does it mean
minor & major actions?
Resisting drain ist
part of the major action Cast Spell.
Let's have a quick example:
A Shaman casts Increase Attribute (Strength) on the Streetsam.
After succesfully rolling Spellcasting+Magic (-1) with 3 net hits granting the Sammy a +3 Bonus to Strength.
Whats the order now?
1) He tries to resist the drain with a CH+WIL (5) test.
2) He now (of course) decides that he will sustain the spell so its effect can take place.
Or is it the other way around?
1) He now decides that he will sustain the spell.
2) He tries to resist the drain with a CH+WIL (5) test
[with a dice pool reduced by 2(?)].
He also wants to cast Increase Attribute (Agility) on him.
He Rolls Spellcasting+Magic (-1), reducing his dicepool by 2 because he is still sustaining the first spell. Again he tries to resist the drain.
Is his CH+WIL dicepool also reduced by the penalty from sustaining the first spell?
I would say yes although it seems kind of rough to outlive, if you wanted to sustain numerous spells on a few of your runner friends.
What are your thoughts?