Bulletproof Blues 3e EN:Powers
Powers are those abilities beyond what is possible for ordinary mortals. Flying through the air, reading others' thoughts, and firing blasts of energy from one's jewelry are impossible for the typical man or woman on the street, but these powers are all within reach for a posthuman. Each power costs one character point.
Some power names have a word in brackets, such as [Element] Immunity. This indicates that the power listed is a general version, and you will need to choose the specific power. For example, a character won't have the [Element] Immunity power. Instead, they will have Air Immunity, or Darkness Immunity, or resistance to some other element. This choice must be made when the power is purchased, and may not normally be changed thereafter.
Powers listed as "constant" are assumed to be active at all times. Powers listed as "free action" must be turned on by the character using a free action during their turn, but will remain on as long as the character is conscious. Powers listed as "standard action" require a standard action to use, while "reaction" powers can be used at any time, as often as the GM deems reasonable. See Actions for more information.
A character may well have a power not listed here, using the guidelines under New Powers and subject to GM approval. However, any new powers should be approximately as useful as these powers, in order to maintain a sense of fairness with other characters.
Villain Powers
Powers can sometimes work quite differently for villains than it does for heroes. For example, a character with Mind Control will rarely be able to maintain their control over a target for more than a few minutes, but a villain might have an NPC under their control for weeks or even years. Story-based powers can accomplish things that are simply beyond the capabilities of player characters. However, do not overuse this technique, or the players will grow tired of it.
Power Descriptions
Alternate Forms
- Free action
A character with the Alternate Forms power has multiple independent identities, each with its own powers and appearance, and potentially even a different personality for each (if the player wishes). The number of alternate forms the character has is equal to their Power Level. For example, a character with Power Level 3 who can consciously control their evolution might have a physically powerful but slow-witted hominid form, a physically weak but mentally potent hyper-evolved form, and an aquatic prehistoric form. All of the character's various forms are created using the same number of character points, and each form must have the Alternate Forms power.
The character can only use one alternate form at a time, and changing forms requires activating the power with a free action (although the character can only activate one form per round). If the character goes unconscious, the character remains in their current form.
The specific mechanism of the Alternate Forms can vary greatly from character to character, which may offer minor benefits and drawbacks to the character.
Dial R For Random: Normally, a character with Alternate Forms has a set of predefined forms and identities. However, an unusual character might gain a new, randomly determined set of powers and appearance (and personality, if the player wishes) each time the power is activated. With the GM's approval, even the character's skills and gifts might be changed.
Uncontrollable: Normally, the Alternate Forms power is activated consciously by the character. However, some characters are unable to control when they change forms, or which form is taken (if they have more than one). The Alternate Forms may be triggered by the emotional state of character (anger is a popular choice), or the character may change forms on an unknown or immutable schedule.
Ambient Awareness
- Constant
A character with Ambient Awareness can perceive equally well in every direction simultaneously. They might have very large eyes, many very small eyes, or simply a preternatural awareness of their surroundings.
Animal Control
- Standard action
Animal Control allows a character to communicate with and mentally control all non-sentient animals within short range (10 m). The action value (AV) of the Animal Control is equal to the attacker's Presence + Power Level. To successfully communicate with and mentally control all non-sentient animals within short range, the character must succeed at a Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll. The defense value (DV) of the animal or animals within range is equal to their highest Presence: as a rule of thumb, the Presence of domesticated animals are usually 2, and the Presence of wild animals are usually 6.
Controlled animals have the normal attributes, movement, and attack types that those kinds of animals would have, and they have the same actions as a normal character (free actions, movement action, standard action, reaction). However, controlled animals operate independently of the character controlling them, and they are resistant to further mental manipulation, having Presence equal to the character controlling them.
Giving a new mental command to the controlled animals requires a free action by the character controlling them.
Limited type of animal: A character's Animal Control might be limited to a specific type of animal, such as cats or sea creatures. If this is the case, the character gains a bonus die on their Animal Control rolls.
Astral Travel
- Free action
The character can detach their consciousness from their physical body and travel to alternate realities and divergent time streams, leaving their physical body behind. The character must succeed at a moderately difficult (DV 3) Piloting (Reason + Power Level) roll to navigate to a specific location in a desired reality or divergent time stream. While using Astral Travel, the consciousness of the traveler is typically invisible, but those who possess extraordinary spiritual or magical awareness may be able to see the traveler's "astral body". The "astral body" of the traveler does not require the Environmental Immunity power to survive in other realities or planes of existence, and is usually unable to interact with the strange vistas around them, although they may converse with anyone capable of perceiving them. While the "astral body" is separated from the character's physical body, their physical body appears to be in a comatose state, and the traveler is unaware of anything happening to or around their physical form. Astral Travel is a plot dependent power and may not always be available, at the GM's discretion.
[Attribute] Drain
- Standard action
[Attribute] Drain is a close range (1 m) attack which inflicts damage to one of the target's attributes. The specific attribute must be chosen when this power is purchased. The action value (AV) of [Attribute] Drain is equal to the attacker's Power Level, and the target's defense value (DV) is equal to the rank of their Brawn, or Brawn + Power Level if the target has Drain Resistance. Attacking with [Attribute] Drain requires a successful Close Combat (Power Level) roll against the defense value of the target. If the character succeeds at this roll, then the target's attribute is reduced by one (or more, if using the optional margin of success rules).
The damage from [Attribute] Drain is temporary. It all comes back after the fight is over, when the target has had a chance to rest and recuperate.
Follow through powers: Attribute Drain Ray, Attribute Theft
[Attribute] Drain Ray
- Standard action
[Attribute] Drain Ray is a medium range (50 m) attack which inflicts damage to one of the target's attributes. The specific attribute must be chosen when this power is purchased. The action value (AV) of [Attribute] Drain Ray is equal to the attacker's Power Level, and the target's defense value (DV) is equal to their Agility, or Agility + Power Level if the target has Drain Resistance. Attacking with [Attribute] Drain Ray requires a successful Ranged Combat (Power Level) roll against the defense value of the target. If the character succeeds at this roll, then the target's attribute is reduced by one (or more, if using the optional margin of success rules).
The damage from [Attribute] Drain Ray is temporary. It all comes back after the fight is over, when the target has had a chance to rest and recuperate.
Follow through powers: Attribute Theft Ray
[Attribute] Theft
- Standard action
- Prerequisites: [Attribute] Drain
[Attribute] Theft is a close range (1 m) attack which allows the character to temporarily steal one of the target's attributes. The specific attribute must be chosen when this power is purchased. The action value (AV) of [Attribute] Theft is equal to the attacker's Power Level, and the target's defense value (DV) is equal to their Brawn, or Brawn + Power Level if the target has Drain Resistance. Attacking with [Attribute] Theft requires a successful Close Combat (Power Level) roll against the defense value of the target. If the character succeeds at this roll, then one rank of the target's attribute (or more, if using the optional margin of success rules) is transferred from the target to the character.
The maximum amount of the target's attribute the character may steal with [Attribute] Theft is equal to their own Power Level.
The damage from [Attribute] Theft is temporary. It all comes back after the fight is over, when the target has had a chance to rest and recuperate. The character with the [Attribute] Theft may also return the stolen attribute voluntarily, of course.
Follow through powers: Attribute Theft Ray
[Attribute] Theft Ray
- Standard action
- Prerequisites: [Attribute] Drain Ray or [Attribute] Theft
[Attribute] Theft Ray is a medium range (50 m) attack which allows the character to temporarily steal one of the target's attributes. The specific attribute must be chosen when this power is purchased. The action value (AV) of [Attribute] Theft Ray is equal to the attacker's Power Level, and the target's defense value (DV) is equal to their Agility, or Agility + Power Level if the target has Drain Resistance. Attacking with [Attribute] Theft Ray requires a successful Close Combat (Power Level) roll against the defense value of the target. If the character succeeds at this roll, then one rank of the target's attribute (or more, if using the optional margin of success rules) is transferred from the target to the character.
The maximum amount of the target's attribute the character may steal with [Attribute] Theft and [Attribute] Theft Ray is equal to their own Power Level.
The damage from [Attribute] Theft Ray is temporary. It all comes back after the fight is over, when the target has had a chance to rest and recuperate. The character with the [Attribute] Theft Ray may also return the stolen attribute voluntarily, of course.
Barrier
- Standard action
Barrier is a medium range (50 m) attack which permits the character to create walls and simple geometric shapes. The specific type of force or substance of the barrier must be chosen when this power is purchased. Some typical examples are air, earth, fire, water, light, darkness, force fields, electricity, magnetism, gravity, cloth, and plants. The player can pick any force or substance, subject to the GM's approval. The action value (AV) of the Barrier is equal to the attacker's Agility + Power Level.
Creating a simple shape with Barrier (a wall, dome, cube, and so on) requires a moderately difficult (DV 3) Ranged Combat (Agility + Power Level) roll. Creating more complex shapes is more difficult, with the difficulty set by the GM based on the complexity of the desired shape. For example, an intricate labyrinth would require a remarkably difficult (DV 6) Ranged Combat (Agility + Power Level) roll.
The Brawn and Endurance of the Barrier are equal to the Power Level of the character creating it. The Brawn of the Barrier is used both for its defense value and to support weight as a bridge, support column, or other such structure. If the load on the Barrier exceeds the maximum mass it can support, or if the Barrier's Endurance is reduced to zero, it fades away.
Permanent: If a Barrier is not attacked or damaged, it will usually remain in place until the end of the scene, after which it fades away. The character may also turn off their Barrier voluntarily. However, some barriers are relatively permanent. They do not dissolve at the end of the scene, can't be turned off, and will remain in place until destroyed.
Blast
- Standard action
Blast is a medium range (50 m) attack which inflicts Endurance damage. The Blast could be radiation, fire, cold, arrows, or even darkness or light, and this must be chosen when the Blast power is purchased. The action value (AV) of the Blast is equal to the attacker's Agility + Power Level. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Agility + the rating of their armor, or their Agility + Power Level if they have Force Field, Invulnerability, or another power which provides protection against Endurance damage.
Follow through powers: Explosive Blast, Seeking Blast
Blast, Explosive
- Standard action
- Prerequisites: Blast
Explosive Blast is a medium range (50 m) attack which inflicts Endurance damage to everyone within short range (10 m) of the target. The Explosive Blast could be radiation, fire, cold, arrows, or even darkness or light, and this must be chosen when the Explosive Blast power is purchased. The action value (AV) of the Explosive Blast is equal to the attacker's Agility + Power Level. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Agility + the rating of their armor, or their Agility + Power Level if they have Force Field, Invulnerability, or another power which provides protection against Endurance damage.
The action value of the explosion diminishes with distance from the center. The action value is at its full value within half of the total radius, and one-half of its full value in the remainder of the explosion (round fractions down). For example, an Explosive Blast with action value 7 would have its full action value from the center of the explosion out to a radius of 5 meters, and an action value of 3 from 5 meters out to 10 meters. The attacker rolls once for the explosion. Normally, each target in the affected area rolls individually against the attack, but if the GM prefers, she may roll once for each group of similar targets.
Blast, Seeking
- Standard action
- Prerequisites: Blast
Seeking Blast is a medium range (50 m) Ranged Combat (Agility + Power Level) attack which inflicts Endurance damage. The Seeking Blast could be radiation, fire, cold, arrows, or even darkness or light, and this must be chosen when the Blast power is purchased. The action value (AV) of the Blast is equal to the attacker's Agility + Power Level. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Agility + the rating of their armor, or their Agility + Power Level if they have Force Field, Invulnerability, or another power which provides protection against Endurance damage.
Seeking Blast has limited independence from the attacker. If the attack misses the target, the attack will circle around and try again on the succeeding round. The attacker rolls the attack again, but no interaction or attention is required from the attacker for this second attack.
Blindness
- Standard action
Blindness is a medium range (50 m) attack which renders the target unable to see. The action value (AV) of Sensory Deprivation is equal to the attacker's Reason + Power Level. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Reason, or their Reason + Power Level if the target has Ambient Awareness.
The mechanism which causes the Blindness must be specified when this power is purchased. For example, the target might not be able to see because they have a layer of glue across their eyes, they might be forced to close their eyes due to a painful chemical spray, or they could literally be blinded by a bright light. Alternately, Blindness could affect a sense other than vision. For example, the target could be rendered deaf, or unable to smell. It is also possible to use Blindness against an unusual sense, such as Danger Sense, Clairvoyance, or Radio Communication. If so, this must be specified when this power is purchased.
To recover from Blindness, the target must make a successful Perception (Reason) roll against the action value of the attacker. If the character succeeds at this roll, they may use their remaining movement action.
If the target has not recovered from Blindness by the end of the scene, then they recover from it shortly thereafter.
Follow through powers: Mass Blindness
Blindness, Mass
- Standard action
- Prerequisites: Blindness
XXX
Mass Blindness is a medium range (50 m) attack which renders the target unable to see. The action value (AV) of Sensory Deprivation is equal to the attacker's Reason + Power Level. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Reason, or their Reason + Power Level if the target has Ambient Awareness.
The mechanism which causes the Mass Blindness must be specified when this power is purchased. For example, the target might not be able to see because they have a layer of glue across their eyes, they might be forced to close their eyes due to a painful chemical spray, or they could literally be blinded by a bright light. Alternately, Mass Blindness could affect a sense other than vision. For example, the target could be rendered deaf, or unable to smell. It is also possible to use Mass Blindness against an unusual sense, such as Danger Sense, Detect Magic, or Clairvoyance. If so, this must be specified when this power is purchased.
To recover from Mass Blindness , the target must make a successful Perception (Reason) roll against the action value of the attacker. If the character succeeds at this roll, they may use their remaining movement action.
If the targets have not recovered from Mass Blindness by the end of the scene, then they recover from it shortly thereafter.
Blindsight
- Constant
A character with Blindsight can sense shapes and textures as clearly as with ordinary vision, but without the ability to perceive color. This could be a form of sonar, radar, a sense of touch so acute that they can detect and locate vibrations, or some other form of alternate perception.
Clairvoyance
- Free action
With Clairvoyance, the character can attempt to perceive things at a distance. The action value (AV) of the Clairvoyance is equal to the attacker's Reason + Power Level. This is typically a moderately difficult (DV 3) Perception (Reason + Power Level) roll, but it may be higher or lower depending on the ambient "noise" and how obvious the thing being perceived is. If the thing being perceived is relatively obvious (to someone with the appropriate senses), no roll should be necessary. The range of Clairvoyance is essentially unlimited, but it is never completely reliable: it is primarily a roleplaying power under the control of the GM.
Clinging
- Free action
Clinging allows a character to move along walls, ceilings, and other surfaces as if they were level. For example, the character might sticky hands and feet, they might wear magnetic shoes, or they may be able to selectively control the force of gravity. The strength holding the character to the surface is equal to their Brawn. If the surface is slippery or unstable, the GM might require the character to attempt a moderately difficult (DV 3) Athletics (Agility) roll to keep from sliding or falling.
Combination
- Free action
Combination permits several characters to merge into a single larger and more powerful character. Every character wishing to combine must have the Combination power, and the maximum number of characters who may combine is equal to the lowest Power Level among them. Activating Combination takes a standard action, and requires the characters to all be touching each other. In addition to being more massive, the combined character has all of the powers of the combined characters. The Brawn, Power Level, and Endurance of the combined character are equal to the highest of any of the combined characters, plus one for every combined character after the first.
Example:
Moe, Larry, and Curly each have Combination. Moe has Brawn 2 and Power Level 4, Larry has Brawn 2 and Power Level 3, and Curly has Brawn 3 and Power Level 3. When Moe, Larry, and Curly combine, they form the mighty Stoopendigous, who has Brawn 5 (Curly's Brawn 3, plus 2 more for Moe and Larry), Power Level 6 (Moe's Power Level 4, plus 2 more for Larry and Curly) and all of the powers possessed by Moe, Larry, and Curly.
Damaging Aura
- Free action
Damaging Aura is a close range (1 m) power which inflicts Endurance damage to everyone who touches the character. The Damaging Aura could be radiation, fire, cold, quills, or even darkness or light, and this must be chosen when the Damaging Aura power is purchased. The action value (AV) of the Damaging Aura is equal to the attacker's Brawn + Power Level. The defense value (DV) of anyone who touches the character is equal to their Brawn + the rating of their armor, or their Brawn + Power Level if they have Force Field, Invulnerability, or another power which provides protection against Endurance damage. The character with Damaging Aura may also attempt to touch others and cause damage. Doing so requires a Close Combat (Brawn + Power Level) roll against the defense value of the intended target.
Follow through powers: Explosive Damaging Aura
Damaging Aura, Explosive
- Free action
- Prerequisites: Damaging Aura
Explosive Damaging Aura inflicts Endurance damage to everyone within short range (10 m) of the character. The Damaging Aura could be radiation, fire, cold, quills, or even darkness or light, and this must be chosen when the Damaging Aura power is purchased. The action value (AV) of the Damaging Aura is equal to the attacker's Brawn + Power Level. The defense value (DV) of anyone within range is equal to their Brawn + the rating of their armor, or their Brawn + Power Level if they have Force Field, Invulnerability, or another power which provides protection against Endurance damage.
When the character activates their Explosive Damaging Aura, they must use a free action to make a Close Combat (Brawn + Power Level) roll against the defense value of everyone within short range (10 m) of the character. If anyone enters the area of the Explosive Damaging Aura after it has been activated, the character with Explosive Damaging Aura must make an attack roll against them. Once the power is active, the character must make another attack roll against everyone within range at the beginning of each of their turns.
The action value of the explosion diminishes with distance from the character with the Explosive Damaging Aura. The action value is at its full value within half of the total radius, and one-half of its full value in the remainder of the explosion (round fractions down). For example, an Explosive Damaging Aura with action value 7 would have its full action value from the character out to a radius of 5 meters, and an action value of 3 from 5 meters out to 10 meters. Normally, each target in the affected area rolls individually against the attack, but if the GM prefers, she may roll once for each group of similar targets.
Danger Sense
- Reaction
Danger Sense permits the character to sense danger and avoid being surprised, even if there is no way for the character to see the attack coming. The action value (AV) of the Danger Sense is equal to the character's Reason + Power Level. To perceive a source of danger, the character must succeed at a moderately difficult (DV 3) Perception (Reason + Power Level) roll. Danger Sense is a reaction: a character with Danger Sense may attempt to predict as many attacks as they like, as often as they like.
Precognition: Some characters with Danger Sense can see into the future, or "read" the destiny of items and people by touching them. Seeing into the future is never completely reliable: this aspect of Danger Sense is primarily a roleplaying power under the control of the GM.
Darkness
- Standard action
Darkness is a medium range (50 m) power which makes an area within short range (10 m) of the target location opaque to all sight, including unusual forms of sight such as Night Vision and X-ray Vision.
The mechanism which causes the Darkness must be specified when this power is purchased. For example, vision might be obscured by smoke, or the area might be filled with a blinding light or black extradimensional energy. Alternately, Darkness could affect a sense other than vision. For example, the target area could be filled with electrical interference which is impenetrable to Radio Communication, or it could be filled with a powerful scent that masks all other smells. It is also possible to use Darkness against a specific unusual sense, such as Danger Sense, Detect, or Clairvoyance. If so, this must be specified when this power is purchased.
If the character wishes to dismiss the Darkness, they may do so with a free action. They may also use a standard action to move the center of the Darkness.
Follow through powers: Great Darkness
Darkness, Great
- Standard action
- Prerequisites: Darkness
Great Darkness is a long range (500 m) power which makes an area within medium range (50 m) of the target location opaque to all sight, including unusual forms of sight such as Night Vision and X-ray Vision.
The mechanism which causes the Great Darkness must be specified when this power is purchased. For example, vision might be obscured by smoke, or the area might be filled with a blinding light or black extradimensional energy. Alternately, Great Darkness could affect a sense other than vision. For example, the target area could be filled with electrical interference which is impenetrable to Radio Communication, or it could be filled with a powerful scent that masks all other smells. It is also possible to use Great Darkness against a specific unusual sense, such as Danger Sense, Detect, or Clairvoyance. If so, this must be specified when this power is purchased.
If the character wishes to dismiss the Great Darkness, they may do so with a free action. They may also use a standard action to move the center of the Great Darkness.
Follow through powers: Extreme Darkness
Darkness, Extreme
- Standard action
- Prerequisites: Great Darkness
Extreme Darkness is an extreme range (5 km) power which makes an area within long range (500 m) of the target location opaque to all sight, including unusual forms of sight such as Night Vision and X-ray Vision.
The mechanism which causes the Extreme Darkness must be specified when this power is purchased. For example, vision might be obscured by smoke, or the area might be filled with a blinding light or black extradimensional energy. Alternately, Extreme Darkness could affect a sense other than vision. For example, the target area could be filled with electrical interference which is impenetrable to Radio Communication, or it could be filled with a powerful scent that masks all other smells. It is also possible to use Extreme Darkness against a specific unusual sense, such as Danger Sense, Detect, or Clairvoyance. If so, this must be specified when this power is purchased.
If the character wishes to dismiss the Extreme Darkness, they may do so with a free action. They may also use a standard action to move the center of the Extreme Darkness.
Detect [Element]
- Standard action
With Detect [Element], the character can attempt to perceive, locate, and analyze a substance, material, or energy. The specific type of force or substance that to be detected must be chosen when this power is purchased: detect magic, detect metal, detect temporal anomalies, and so on. The action value (AV) of the Detect [Element] is equal to the attacker's Reason + Power Level. This is typically a moderately difficult (DV 3) Perception (Reason + Power Level) roll, but it may be higher or lower depending on the ambient "noise" and how obvious the thing being perceived is. If the thing being perceived is relatively obvious (to someone with the appropriate senses), no roll should be necessary.
XXX Sense [Element], Reaction
Dimensional Travel
- Free action
The character can traverse dimensional boundaries, visiting alternate realities and divergent time streams. Depending on the method used, the character may be able to take others with them. Survival in other realities or planes of existence may require Environmental Immunity, depending on the local environment. Dimensional Travel is a plot dependent power and may not always be available, at the GM's discretion.
Drain Resistance
- Constant
A character with Drain Resistance is resistant against any attack which would damage or drain any of their attributes or powers. The defense value (DV) of a character with Drain Resistance is equal to their relevant defense attribute (Brawn for close combat, Agility for ranged combat, Presence for mental combat) plus their Power Level. As always, this does not stack with other forms of defense -- only the highest defense value applies.
Duplication
- Standard action
Duplication permits a character to make identical copies of themselves. The number of duplicates is based on the Power Level of the character. These duplicates are independent characters, who each move and act separately each round. However, all of the duplicates share a single pool of Plot Points, and spend their Plot Points as a single character. Duplicates do not have any special means of communication, but if one duplicate has Mind Link, they all do.
As long as there is more than one identical character, any duplicate which takes Endurance damage ceases to exist. By default, there is no "original" character -- the last duplicate remaining is the "original". Once the Duplication is activated, any of the identical characters may deactivate the power. When the power is deactivated, which duplicate remains behind as the "original" is generally up the player.
The character is not required to activate or deactivate all of their duplicates simultaneously. For example, a character with Power Level 4 could create one duplicate this round, create four more duplicates the following round, deactivate two duplicates on the third round, and so on. Duplicates last until they are deactivated or until they take any Endurance damage. When a duplicate is deactivated, its memories and knowledge are absorbed into the remaining identical characters.
The specific mechanism of the Duplication can vary greatly from character to character, which may offer minor benefits and drawbacks to the character.
| Power Level | Duplicates |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2 |
| 2 | 4 |
| 3 | 8 |
| 4 | 16 |
| 5 | 32 |
| 6 | 50 |
| 7 | 200 |
| 8 | 500 |
| 9 | 1,500 |
| 10 | 5,000 |
[Element] Form
- Standard action
- Prerequisites: [Element] Immunity
[Element] Form permits the character to physically transform their body into a force or substance. The specific type of force or substance must be chosen when this power is purchased. Some typical examples are air, earth, fire, water, light, darkness, force fields, electricity, magnetism, gravity, cloth, and plants. The player can pick any force or substance, subject to the GM's approval. "Energy", for example, would be much too broad.
When transformed into their [Element] Form, the character possesses the traits of the form or substance and gains Invulnerability. If the force or substance is appropriate, [Element] Form may also grant the Strike power (punching with fists of stone, burning things with an electrical touch, and so on).
With the GM's approval, [Element] Form may grant other powers, as well. For example, Electrical Form might grant the ability to Teleport through conductive material, Water Form might grant Stretching, and so on.
[Element] Immunity
- Constant
[Element] Immunity provides complete immunity against the Endurance damage inflicted by a specific type of force or substance. The specific types of force or substance must be chosen when this power is purchased. Some typical examples are air, earth, fire, water, light, darkness, force fields, electricity, magnetism, gravity, cloth, and plants. The player can pick any force or substance, subject to the GM's approval. "Energy", for example, would be much too broad.
Follow through powers: Element Form
Element Mimicry
- Standard action
- Prerequisites: [Element] Form
Element Mimicry permits the character to physically transform their body into any force or substance they touch. For example, the character could touch concrete and turn into concrete, or touch water and turn into water. The character must be in physical contact with the material in order to mimic it. If the character uses a standard action to mimic a force or substance which would injure them, such as an attack, they transform into that attack type and the attack does no damage to them. For example, a character with Element Mimicry who is shot by a laser may choose to use a standard action to transform into laser light, taking no damage from that attack (nor from any other laser attacks, while in that form).
While transformed, the character possesses the traits of the force or substance and gains Invulnerability. If the force or substance is appropriate, Element Mimicry may also grant the Strike power (punching with fists of stone, burning things with an electrical touch, and so on).
With the GM's approval, Element Mimicry may grant other powers, as well. For example, mimicking fire might grant the ability to fly, while mimicking air might grant Intangibility, and so on.
Environmental Control
- Standard action
XXX
XXX Great, Extreme, Variable
Environmental Immunity
- Constant
Environmental Immunity permits the character to survive in environments and conditions that would impair or even kill normal people. This includes unusual or even poisonous atmospheres, such as underwater or in methane. It also includes environments of extreme cold, extreme heat, and intense ionizing radiation. The character may sleep or eat if they want to, but they suffer no ill effect from lack of food or sleep. Furthermore, the character is unaffected by infectious viruses, bacteria, chemical and biological poisons, toxins, and so on.
The benefit provided by Environmental Immunity is ambient and highly plot dependent: it does not normally protect the character from attacks or from direct forms of damage. Being able to withstand extreme heat and exposure to the blazing desert sun does not mean that a character is immune to a fire blast. A good rule of thumb is that if someone else is using it as an attack, the character is not immune to it.
Limited: Some characters have a more limited form of Environmental Immunity, granting them the ability to survive only in a very specific environment. Some specific immunities a player may choose are extreme cold, extreme heat, poisons, pressure, radiation, sleep deprivation, starvation, suffocation, and vacuum. If the player wishes, their character's immunity may be restricted even further. For example, a character with Environmental Immunity can normally survive without needing to breathe at all. However, if it makes more sense for the character to be able to breath in just one unusual environment, such as underwater or in methane, they may choose that option instead.
For more details on the effects of the environment on a character, see Environment.
Etheric Travel
- Standard action
The character can detach their consciousness from their physical body and travel to anywhere on Earth, leaving their physical body behind. The character must succeed at a moderately difficult (DV 3) Piloting (Reason + Power Level) roll to navigate to a specific location. While using Etheric Travel, the consciousness of the traveler is typically invisible, but those who possess extraordinary spiritual or magical awareness may be able to see the traveler's "etheric body". The "etheric body" of the traveler does not require the Environmental Immunity power to survive in the upper atmosphere or under water, and is usually unable to interact with the world around them, although they may converse with anyone capable of perceiving them. While the "etheric body" is separated from the character's physical body, their physical body appears to be in a comatose state, and the traveler is unaware of anything happening to or around their physical form. Etheric Travel is a plot dependent power and may not always be available, at the GM's discretion.
Extra Actions
- Constant
A character with the Extra Actions power may take additional actions at the end of a round. The character may use these additional actions to perform additional tasks or make additional attacks. All of the character's additional actions are resolved after all other rolls are resolved that round.
During each game session, the number of additional actions the character may use is equal to their Power Level. The character may only use half of their total additional actions in any one round, and once an additional action has been used, it may not be used again in that game session. The player may wait until the end of the round before deciding whether their character will use any of their additional actions.
Flight
- Movement action
- Prerequisites: Super-running or Super-swimming
Flight allows a character to fly through the air or through a vacuum. For example, the character might have wings, they might wear a jetpack, or they may just be able to fly through sheer force of will. The character's Power Level is added to their Agility for the purpose of determining their base move, double move, and all-out move while flying.
| Agility + Power Level | Fly | Double Move | All-out Move | kph |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 m | 4 m | 12 m | 7 kph |
| 2 | 4 m | 8 m | 24 m | 14 kph |
| 3 | 7 m | 14 m | 42 m | 25 kph |
| 4 | 13 m | 26 m | 78 m | 47 kph |
| 5 | 40 m | 80 m | 240 m | 140 kph |
| 6 | 130 m | 260 m | 780 m | 470 kph |
| 7 | 400 m | 800 m | 2,400 m | 1,400 kph |
| 8 | 1,300 m | 2,600 m | 7,800 m | 4,700 kph |
| 9 | 4 km | 8 km | 24 km | 14,000 kph |
| 10 | 13 km | 26 km | 78 km | 47,000 kph |
| 11 | 40 km | 80 km | 240 km | 140,000 kph |
| 12 | 130 km | 260 km | 780 km | 470,000 kph |
| 13 | 400 km | 800 km | 2,400 km | 1,400,000 kph |
| 14 | 1,300 km | 2,600 km | 7,800 km | 4,700,000 kph |
| 15 | 4,000 km | 8,000 km | 24,000 km | 14,000,000 kph |
| 16 | 13,000 km | 26,000 km | 78,000 km | 47,000,000 kph |
| 17 | 40,000 km | 80,000 km | 240,000 km | 140,000,000 kph |
| 18 | 130,000 km | 260,000 km | 780,000 km | 470,000,000 kph |
| 19 | 400,000 km | 800,000 km | 2,400,000 km | 0.99 c |
| 20 | 1,300,000 km | 2,600,000 km | 7,800,000 km | 0.9999 c |
Defying Gravity: Rather than flying, the character runs so fast that they can run along any surface without falling, even bodies of water or the underside of bridges. If they stop running, of course, gravity takes over.
Swinging: Some characters "fly" by using a grappling line, a spider web, invisible beams of magnetic force, or some other method of suspension. If the character relies on a form of suspension like this, and there is nothing above the character to attach this "swing line" to, the character is grounded. If the swing line is attached to something which weighs less than the character, the character can pull the object toward them or swing it around. If the object on the other end of the swing line is another character, this requires a Brawn roll against the Brawn of the other character.
Force Field
- Free action
Force Field provides protection against most forms of direct damage: anything which inflicts Endurance damage. The defense value (DV) of a character with Force Field is equal to their relevant defense attribute (Brawn for close combat, Agility for ranged combat) plus their Power Level.
A character with a Force Field may extend their force field to another person (or person-sized object) by touching them. The Force Field then protects both characters, but only as long as the character with the Force Field is touching the second character. As always, this does not stack with conventional armor, Invulnerability, or other forms of defense -- only the highest defense value applies.
Unlike Invulnerability, a Force Field must be activated: if the character goes unconscious, the power turns off. The character may also turn off their Force Field voluntarily, of course.
Growth
- Free action
Growth permits a character to become physically larger, making them stronger and more massive than normal. The effects of Growth are based on the Power Level of the character. At Power Level 5 and above, the character's hands are so large that they strike entire areas rather than individuals.
XXX Close Combat roll against each target in affected area, see Explosive Strike
A character with Growth does not have to use it at full power. A character who has Power Level 5, for example, could elect to be merely 4 meters tall rather than their full 64 meters.
| Power Level | Height | Reach | Mass | Brawn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 m | 2 m | 800 kg | +1 |
| 2 | 8 m | 4 m | 6 t | +1 |
| 3 | 16 m | 8 m | 50 t | +2 |
| 4 | 32 m | 16 m | 400 t | +2 |
| 5 | 64 m | 32 m | 3,000 t | +3 |
| 6 | 100 m | 50 m | 10,000 t | +3 |
| 7 | 400 m | 200 m | 800,000 t | +4 |
| 8 | 1000 m | 500 m | 10,000,000 t | +4 |
| 9 | 3 km | 1,500 m | 300,000,000 t | +5 |
| 10 | 10 km | 5 km | 10,000,000,000 t | +5 |
Haste
- Standard action
Haste allows the character to perform everyday tasks at a rate much faster than usual. The character's Power Level is added to their Agility for the purpose of determining the time it takes to complete a task. For example, a character with Haste and a combined Power Level and Agility of 6 could accomplish a 15 minute task in 2 rounds (2 rounds is six steps from 15 minutes in the Haste table).
Haste is only applicable to everyday tasks: tasks which are routine or which have no significant penalty for failure. Haste does not enhance the character's combat abilities, nor does it grant any other speed-related powers, such as Regeneration or Super-running.
XXX haste table
Healing
- Standard action
Healing is a close range (1 m) attack which restores lost Endurance. The character with Healing may use a standard action to attempt a moderately difficult (DV 3) Medicine (Power Level) roll to heal the victim's injuries. If the character succeeds at this roll, then one Endurance is restored to the victim (or more, if using the optional margin of success rules).
Healing can remove diseases, pathogens, and poisons from the target. The character with Healing may attempt a moderately difficult (DV 3) Medicine (Power Level) roll to cure a single disease or purge a single toxin from the victim's system.
Hold
- Standard action
Hold is a medium range (50 m) attack which prevents the target from moving, thinking, or taking any actions other than trying to break out of it. The mechanism which causes the Hold must be specified when this power is purchased. For example, the target might be entangled in webs, encased in ice, bound by rings of magical force, or they could be paralyzed by some form of toxic gas. The action value (AV) of Hold is equal to the attacker's Agility + Power Level. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Agility.
The Brawn and Agility of a character under the effects of Hold are zero for the purpose of defense rolls.
To break free of Hold, the target must make a successful Brawn roll against the action value of the attacker, or a Brawn + Power Level if the held character has Strike. If the character succeeds at this roll, they may use their remaining movement action. Other characters can help the target break out of Hold, using an appropriate power.
If the character has not broken out of Hold by the end of the scene, then they break out of it shortly thereafter.
Hyperacuity
- Constant
Hyperacuity allows a character to make a moderately difficult (DV 3) Perception (Reason + Power Level) roll to sense details far too small or faint for ordinary human senses to detect. The action value (AV) of the Hyperacuity is equal to the character's Reason + Power Level. On a successful roll, they can taste the number of salt grains on a pretzel, read text on a computer display by touching it, see fingerprints on surfaces, identify a person by the sound of their heartbeat, track someone through a city by their scent, and so on.
Illusion
- Standard action
The Illusion power permits the character to create realistic three-dimensional phantasms anywhere within short range (10 m), complete with all associated sensory accompaniment. An illusory lion will roar, illusory snow will feel cold and wet, and so on. The action value (AV) of the Illusion is equal to the creator's Presence + Power Level.
Creating a simple, immobile illusion (a wall, a bridge, and so on) requires a moderately difficult (DV 3) Deception (Presence + Power Level) roll. Creating more complex shapes requires a more difficult roll, with the difficulty set by the GM based on the complexity of the desired illusion. For example, a windmill, a lion, or other moving shape would require a remarkably difficult (DV 6) Deception (Presence + Power Level) roll, while a city square with moving cars, bicycles, and dozens of people would require an extremely difficult (DV 9) Deception (Presence + Power Level) roll.
While the illusions created by this power are completely convincing, they don't actually exist. The bite of an illusory dog will not break the skin, the touch of illusory liquid nitrogen will not cause frostbite, and an illusory bridge will not support the weight of anyone. The tactile aspect of an illusion will only be convincing if the contact is fleeting or feather-light: any significant physical interaction with an illusion provides an observer with a good reason to suspect that the apparition is not the genuine article.
Anyone who observes an Illusion and who has a good reason to suspect its true nature may attempt a Perception (Reason) roll against the creator's action value. If the Perception (Reason) roll succeeds, the observer sees the Illusion for what it is, and may respond appropriately.
It's All In Your Mind: Normally, the sights and sounds created by the Illusion power can be recorded, seen on cameras, and so on. However, some characters' illusions only affect sentient creatures: cameras and robots do not perceive the illusions, nor do the illusions appear in mirrors.
Immortality
- Constant
The Immortality power grants the character immunity to the ravages of time. An immortal character will never grow old or die from "natural causes". Additionally, the character is never truly "dead". If the cause of the character's demise is reversed (the stake is pulled from their heart, the poison wears off and loses its toxicity, their dismembered body parts are re-assembled, and so on), the character will begin to recover from their mortal injuries. How long this recovery takes is up to the GM.
Additionally, the player must select two means of permanently killing the character. One of these means must be relatively obvious, such as burning the character or dissolving them in acid. The second means may be obvious, but it may also be obscure and specific to that character, such as destroying a specific portrait of the character that they keep in a vault or stabbing them with a weapon made from the bone of a blood relative.
Death Is Preferable: Normally, an immortal character stops aging when they reach physical maturity, or shortly thereafter. However, some immortal characters continue to age (albeit at a slower rate), becoming gnarled and withered as the years pass. Such a character looks and feels ancient, although they may still be physically powerful.
Offsite Backup: Normally, when an immortal character recovers from "death", they retain all of the memories from events up to and including their demise. If the character's resurrection is facilitated by an external backup, such as a stored clone or a periodic neural upload to an orbiting satellite, there will be a gap between the time of the last "backup" and the character's demise.
Serial Immortality: Normally, when an immortal character recovers from "death", they remain essentially unchanged. However, some immortal characters change their appearance and personality to that of a completely new person when they "die", although the knowledge and memories of the character are preserved. For example, the character might be a parasitic organism that possesses a new host when the previous one expires, or the character might have a form of cellular regeneration with unpredictable results. With the GM's approval, even the character's gifts and powers might be changed.
Increased Density
- Free action
Increased Density permits a character to become more massive, making them stronger and tougher than normal, but also slower. The effects of Increased Density are based on the Power Level of the character. At Power Level 6, the character is denser than any naturally occurring substance on Earth.
A character with Increased Density does not have to use it at full power. A character with Power Level 5, for example, could elect to be merely 400 kilograms rather than their full 5 tonnes. Note that a character with their Increased Density activated in the water will sink like a stone unless they are using Super-swimming.
| Power Level | Mass | Brawn | Agility 1 | Invulnerability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 200 kg | +1 | -1 | 1 |
| 2 | 400 kg | +1 | -1 | 2 |
| 3 | 800 kg | +2 | -2 | 3 |
| 4 | 1,600 kg | +2 | -2 | 4 |
| 5 | 5 t | +3 | -3 | 5 |
| 6 | 10 t | +3 | -3 | 6 |
| 7 | 40 t | +4 | -4 | 7 |
| 8 | 100 t | +4 | -4 | 8 |
| 9 | 400 t | +5 | -5 | 9 |
| 10 | 1,000 t | +5 | -5 | 10 |
- Down to one Agility, minimum
Intangibility
- Free action
Intangibility allows a character to move through solid matter as though through water, leaving no trace of their passage. For example, Intangibility could represent a character who is able to control their molecular density, a character who vibrates at a different frequency, or even a character whose body can turn into radiant energy. A character using Intangibility cannot pass through a force field, nor through any area affected by Power Suppression; other than this, physical objects generally have no effect on a character using Intangibility, or vice versa.
An intangible character is immune to most attacks, regardless of the source. However, an intangible character is affected normally by mental powers, and they may use mental powers against others.
A character with Intangibility may make another person (or person-sized object) intangible by touching the other person and then activating the Intangibility power. The Intangibility then affects both characters, but only as long as the character with the Intangibility is touching the second character.
Permanent: Intangibility usually must be activated: if the character goes unconscious, the power turns off. The character may also turn off their Intangibility voluntarily. However, some characters are unable to turn off their Intangibility; they remain intangible even if rendered unconscious.
Loophole: The character has a power which affects the world normally while they are intangible. However, the character must also define an attack type which affects them normally while they are intangible.
Invisibility
- Free action
Invisibility allows the character to become difficult to perceive. For example, the character might become transparent, they might bend light around them, or they may blend into their surroundings by modulating chromatophores in their skin. However the effect is achieved, the character is hidden from normal senses unless someone is actively looking for them or there is some environmental circumstance that might reveal the character's location. The action value (AV) of the Invisibility is equal to the character's Presence + Power Level.
If someone is actively looking for the character, perhaps by isolating their heat signature or tracking them by scent, the person trying to locate the invisible character must make a successful Perception (Reason) roll against the action value of the invisible character. A character with Clairvoyance or Hyperacuity may add their Power Level to their Reason when attempting to notice a character using Cloak. If an environmental circumstance might reveal the character's location, the person trying to locate the invisible character gains a bonus die on their Perception (Reason) roll. For example, fog might reveal an invisible character's outline, or fresh snow might reveal their footprints.
The character may make another person (or person-sized object) invisible by touching the other person, but only as long as the character with the Invisibility is touching the second character or object.
Permanent: Invisibility usually must be activated: if the character goes unconscious, the power turns off. The character may also turn off their Invisibility voluntarily. However, some characters are unable to turn off their Invisibility; they remain invisible even if rendered unconscious.
Invulnerability
- Constant
A character with Invulnerability has chitin, scales, thick fur, or just exceptionally tough skin which provides protection against most forms of direct damage: anything which inflicts Endurance damage. The defense value (DV) of a character with Invulnerability is equal to their relevant defense attribute (Brawn for close combat, Agility for ranged combat) plus their Power Level. As always, this does not stack with conventional armor, Force Field, or other forms of defense -- only the highest defense value applies.
Life Drain
- Standard action
Life Drain is a close range (1 m) attack which inflicts Endurance damage. The action value (AV) of Life Drain is equal to the attacker's Power Level, and the target's defense value (DV) is equal to their Brawn, or Brawn + Power Level if the target has Drain Resistance. Attacking with Life Drain requires a successful Close Combat (Power Level) roll against the defense value of the target. If the character succeeds at this roll, then one Endurance is lost by the victim (or more, if using the optional margin of success rules). Life Drain ignores all normal forms of protection such as armor and force fields. However, Life Drain is completely ineffective against non-living objects, even if they are sentient.
Mind Blast
- Standard action
Mind Blast is a short range (10 m) mental Ranged Combat (Presence + Power Level) attack which inflicts "stunning" Endurance damage. The Mind Blast is typically some form of psychic attack, but it could also be sound, electricity, cold, or even bacteria, and this must be chosen when the Mind Blast power is purchased. The action value (AV) of Mind Blast is equal to the attacker's Presence + Power Level, and the target's defense value (DV) is equal to their Presence. Mind Blast ignores all normal forms of protection such as armor and Force Field. However, Mind Blast is completely ineffective against non-living objects, even if they are sentient.
Damage from Mind Blast is temporary. Record it separately; it all comes back after the fight is over, when the character has had a chance to rest and recuperate.
Mind Hold
- Standard action
Mind Hold is a short range (10 m) attack which prevents the target from moving, thinking, or taking any actions other than trying to break out of it. The mechanism which causes the Mind Hold must be specified when this power is purchased. For example, the target might be frozen in time, commanded to "Sleep!", or they could be knocked out by some form of toxic gas. The action value (AV) of Mind Hold is equal to the attacker's Presence + Power Level. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Presence.
While affected by Mind Hold, only a moment seems to pass for the target, but after they break out of it, they are aware that something unusual has happened, and that they have "lost time". The Brawn and Agility of a character under the effects of Mind Hold are zero for the purpose of defense rolls.
To break free of Mind Hold, the target must make a successful defense value roll against the action value of the attacker. If the character succeeds at this roll, they may use their remaining movement action. Other characters can help the target break out of Hold, using an appropriate power.
If the character has not broken out of Mind Hold by the end of the scene, then they break out of it shortly thereafter.
Mind Hold only affects sentient creatures: robots, machinery, and animated objects are unaffected by Mind Hold.
Mind Link
- Free action
Two or more characters who all have the Mind Link power can communicate telepathically over any distance. Optionally, if the character has the Minions gift, they may communicate telepathically with their minions.
Night Vision
- Constant
Night Vision allows a character to see in pitch darkness as clearly as in daylight. This capacity could be the result of infrared vision, ultraviolet vision, or simply exceptional low-light vision.
Personal Immunity
- Constant
The character is immune to any undesirable effects of their own powers.
Power Drain
- Standard action
Power Drain is a close range (1 m) attack which inflicts damage to the target's Power Level attribute. The action value (AV) of Power Drain is equal to the attacker's Power Level, and the target's defense value (DV) is equal to their Brawn, or Brawn + Power Level if the target has Drain Resistance. Attacking with Power Drain requires a successful Close Combat (Power Level) roll against the defense value of the target. If the character succeeds at this roll, then the target's Power Level is reduced by one (or more, if using the optional margin of success rules).
The damage from Power Drain is temporary. It all comes back after the fight is over, when the target has had a chance to rest and recuperate.
Limited type of powers: A character's Power Drain might be limited to targets with a specific type of powers, such as characters with fire powers or technological powers. If this is the case, the character gains a bonus die on their Power Drain rolls.
Follow through powers: Power Drain Ray, Power Theft
Power Drain Ray
- Standard action
Power Drain Ray is a medium range (50 m) attack which inflicts damage to the target's Power Level attribute. The action value (AV) of Power Drain Ray is equal to the attacker's Power Level, and the target's defense value (DV) is equal to their Agility, or Agility + Power Level if the target has Drain Resistance. Attacking with Power Drain Ray requires a successful Ranged Combat (Power Level) roll against the defense value of the target. If the character succeeds at this roll, then the target's Power Level is reduced by one (or more, if using the optional margin of success rules).
The damage from Power Drain Ray is temporary. It all comes back after the fight is over, when the target has had a chance to rest and recuperate.
Limited type of powers: A character's Power Drain Ray might be limited to targets with a specific type of powers, such as characters with fire powers or technological powers. If this is the case, the character gains a bonus die on their Power Drain Ray rolls.
Follow through powers: Power Theft Ray
Power Theft
- Standard action
- Prerequisites: Power Drain
Power Theft is a close range (1 m) attack which allows the character to temporarily steal another character's Power Level. The action value (AV) of Power Theft is equal to the attacker's Power Level, and the target's defense value (DV) is equal to their Brawn, or Brawn + Power Level if the target has Drain Resistance. Attacking with Power Theft requires a successful Close Combat (Power Level) roll against the defense value of the target. If the character succeeds at this roll, then one rank of the target's Power Level (or more, if using the optional margin of success rules) is transferred from the target to the character.
The maximum amount of Power Level the character may steal with Power Theft is equal to their own Power Level. A character with Power Theft can potentially increase their own Power Level up to double its normal value. Additionally, for each rank of Power Level stolen, the character with the Power Theft also gains one of the target's powers. If the character with the Power Theft knows what powers the target has, they may choose which powers they steal. Otherwise, the target of the Power Theft may choose the order in which their powers are stolen.
The damage from Power Theft is temporary. It all comes back after the fight is over, when the target has had a chance to rest and recuperate. The character with the Power Theft may also return the stolen Power Level and powers voluntarily, of course.
Limited type of powers: A character's Power Theft might be limited to targets with a specific type of powers, such as characters with fire powers or technological powers. If this is the case, the character gains a bonus die on their Power Theft rolls.
Follow through powers: Power Theft Ray
Power Theft Ray
- Standard action
- Prerequisites: Power Drain Ray or Power Theft
Power Theft Ray is a medium range (50 m) attack which allows the character to temporarily steal another character's Power Level. The action value (AV) of Power Theft Ray is equal to the attacker's Power Level, and the target's defense value (DV) is equal to their Agility, or Agility + Power Level if the target has Drain Resistance. Attacking with Power Theft Ray requires a successful Close Combat (Power Level) roll against the defense value of the target. If the character succeeds at this roll, then one rank of the target's Power Level (or more, if using the optional margin of success rules) is transferred from the target to the character.
The maximum amount of Power Level the character may steal with Power Theft and Power Theft Ray is equal to their own Power Level. A character with Power Theft Ray can potentially increase their own Power Level up to double its normal value. Additionally, for each rank of Power Level stolen, the character with the Power Theft Ray also gains one of the target's powers. If the character with the Power Theft Ray knows what powers the target has, they may choose which powers they steal. Otherwise, the target of the Power Theft Ray may choose the order in which their powers are stolen.
The damage from Power Theft Ray is temporary. It all comes back after the fight is over, when the target has had a chance to rest and recuperate. The character with the Power Theft Ray may also return the stolen Power Level and powers voluntarily, of course.
Limited type of powers: A character's Power Theft Ray might be limited to targets with a specific type of powers, such as characters with fire powers or technological powers. If this is the case, the character gains a bonus die on their Power Theft Ray rolls.
Probability Control
- Free action or reaction
Probability Control is a medium range (50 m) power which can influence the odds, playing fast and loose with the laws of chance. Probability Control does not allow the character to break the laws of physics or make impossible things happen, but a character with Probability Control can make unlikely events likely and likely events unlikely.
Using Probability Control requires the player to describe a favorable or unfavorable circumstance and how that circumstance might have come about. If the GM agrees that the circumstance is possible (however unlikely it might be), then the GM will decide how this unlikely event impacts the character. The simplest way to translate this favorable or unfavorable circumstance into game terms is to grant a bonus die if the circumstance is favorable for the character attempting the task or to impose a penalty die if the circumstance is unfavorable for the character attempting the task. The use of Probability Control could also influence events in a less straightforward manner, and the GM should encourage players to be creative with the power. Each use of Probability Control should be roughly as useful as a bonus die or a penalty die: significant, but not game-breaking.
Probability Control can be used as a free action or as a reaction: a character with Probability Control may attempt to influence the odds whenever they like. During each game session, the number of times the character can influence probability is equal to the character's Power Level. Probability Control may be used to influence a roll either before or immediately after the roll has been made.
Conservation Of Probability: Normally, there is no karmic debt incurred by a character with Probability Control. However, some characters must maintain parity between events so that the ledgers of karma remain balanced. If such a character uses their power to grant a bonus die, for example, they must balance this out with a compensating penalty die on another roll before the end of the scene. If they don't, the balance will re-assert itself in the following scene in a way that is inconvenient for the character with Probability Control, and the character will be unable to use their power to prevent it.
Radio Communication
- Free action
Radio Communication permits the character to send and receive signals over any standard radio frequency. If the character wishes, the communication is difficult to notice for those not involved in the conversation. Anyone not party to the conversation must make a remarkably difficult (DV 6) Perception (Reason) roll just to notice the conversation, and an extremely difficult (DV 9) Perception (Reason) roll to understand what is being said.
Reflection
- Reaction
During their turn, or as a forced action, a character with Reflection may reflect a successful single-target Ranged Combat attack back at the attacker. To successfully reflect an attack back at the original attacker, the character must make a Ranged Combat (Agility + Power Level) roll against the action value of the original attack. If the roll fails, the reflecting character is struck by the attack, as usual. A character who is using their action to reflect attacks may continue to attempt to reflect attacks until they take their next turn.
Regeneration
- Constant
Regeneration accelerates the healing process and allows the character to recover from injury more quickly. Normally, an injured character may recover half of their lost Endurance (rounded down) by resting for about half an hour. After that, a character may only recover additional Endurance by getting a good night's sleep (or its equivalent, for characters who don't sleep). Barring some gruesome disfigurement, a character's Endurance will be completely replenished after a solid night's rest.
The Regeneration power drastically reduces this recovery time: the character recovers half of the Endurance they have lost (rounded down) after they have had a chance to rest and recuperate for one full minute. After that, the character will regain the rest of their lost Endurance by resting for about half an hour. Most characters with Regeneration can even regrow lost limbs or damaged organs.
Additionally, the maximum Endurance of a character with Regeneration can't be reduced to zero by an environmental hazard such as dehydration, poison, or pressure. The character's maximum Endurance will always be at least one, regardless of the hostile environmental conditions.
Shapeshifting
- Free action
A character with the Shapeshifting power can change their shape and appearance, but may not increase their mass or size. The character may re-assign their physical traits (Brawn and Agility) to suit their new shape, as long as the total of Brawn + Agility remains the same or lower. The action value (AV) of the shapeshifter is equal to the character's Presence + Power Level.
Assuming the shape of a specific person, creature, or object is more difficult than changing into a generic example of a particular shape. If someone is actively looking at the character, or has any reason to suspect that the character is not the genuine article, the person observing the shapeshifted character may attempt a Perception (Reason) roll against the shapeshifted character's action value. If the Perception (Reason) roll is successful, the observer can tell that the shapeshifted character is not who or what they appear to be.
Obvious: Normally, there is no obvious visual indication that a character is using Shapeshifting. However, some shapeshifters have a "tell", such as glowing eyes, a distinctive color, or the character's normal face, which makes it visually apparent that the character is not in their natural form.
Shrinking
- Free action
Shrinking permits a character to become smaller and more difficult to hit than normal. The effects of Shrinking are based on the Power Level of the character.
| Power Level | Height | Mass | Agility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100 cm | 13 kg | +1 |
| 2 | 50 cm | 2 kg | +1 |
| 3 | 25 cm | 200 g | +2 |
| 4 | 13 cm | 20 g | +2 |
| 5 | 6 cm | 3 g | +3 |
| 6 | 3 cm | 400 mg | +3 |
| 7 | 2 cm | 50 mg | +4 |
| 8 | 1 cm | 6 mg | +4 |
| 9 | 4 mm | 1 mg | +5 |
| 10 | 2 mm | 0.1 mg | +5 |
A character with Shrinking does not have to use it at full power. A character who has Power Level 5, for example, could elect to be merely 50 centimeters tall rather than their full 6 centimeters.
Space Travel
- Standard action
The character can travel into space, visiting distant worlds and returning in a reasonably prompt fashion. Depending on the method used, the character may be able to take others with them. Survival in outer space requires a spaceworthy vehicle or Environmental Immunity. Space Travel is a plot dependent power and may not always be available, at the GM's discretion.
Speak With Objects
- Standard action
Speak With Objects is a close range (1 m) power which permits the character to communicate with inanimate objects in ways that people normally can't. For example, a character with Speak With Objects may communicate with buildings and other artificial structures, non-sentient machines, non-sentient plants and animals, paths and roads, and rocks and stones. The action value (AV) of the Speak With Objects is equal to the character's Presence + Power Level. To communicate with an inanimate object, the character must succeed at a moderately difficult (DV 3) Diplomacy (Presence + Power Level) roll.
Inanimate objects, not truly being sentient, do not generally lie or withhold information. However, being able to speak to something does not grant it any additional powers, such as movement. A building might be able to tell you where the vault is, but it can't unlock the vault for you.
The character can see into the past, viewing or "reading" the history of items and objects by touching them. Seeing into the past is never completely reliable: this use of Speak With Objects is primarily a roleplaying power under the control of the GM.
Specific: Some characters may only communicate with a specific type or types of object. For example, a character attuned to the spirit of cities might only be able to communicate with roads and buildings, while a cyborg might be able to connect to and communicate with computers, at speeds much faster than would otherwise be possible.
Stretching
- Constant
A character with Stretching can deform their body and attenuate their extremities. A character with Stretching might have telescoping robotic tentacles, or the character's body may be gelatinous or just incredibly malleable. This increases the character's effective reach, and it permits them to perform tasks and make close combat attacks at greater distances, based on the character's Power Level. Some characters with Stretching can squeeze under doors and through keyholes. Close Combat rolls made by a Stretching character are based on Brawn, as usual.
| Power Level | Reach |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 m |
| 2 | 2 m |
| 3 | 5 m |
| 4 | 11 m |
| 5 | 35 m |
| 6 | 110 m |
| 7 | 350 m |
| 8 | 1,100 m |
| 9 | 3,500 m |
| 10 | 11 km |
Strike
- Standard action
Strike is a close range (1 m) attack which inflicts Endurance damage. The Strike could be claws, radiation, cold, a sword, or even darkness or light, and this must be chosen when the Strike power is purchased. The action value (AV) of the Strike is equal to the attacker's Brawn + Power Level. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Brawn + the rating of their armor, or their Brawn + Power Level if they have Force Field, Invulnerability, or another power which provides protection against Endurance damage. Attacking with Strike requires a successful Close Combat (Brawn + Power Level) roll against the defense value of the target.
Follow through powers: Explosive Strike
Strike, Explosive
- Standard action
- Prerequisites: Strike
Explosive Strike is a close range (1 m) attack which inflicts Endurance damage to everyone within short range (10 m) of the attacker. The Explosive Strike could be claws, radiation, cold, a sword, or even darkness or light, and this must be chosen when the Explosive Strike power is purchased. The action value (AV) of the Explosive Strike is equal to the attacker's Brawn + Power Level. The defense value (DV) of the each target is equal to their Brawn + the rating of their armor, or their Brawn + Power Level if they have Force Field, Invulnerability, or another power which provides protection against Endurance damage. Attacking with Explosive Strike requires a successful Close Combat (Brawn + Power Level) roll against the defense value of each target in range. Normally, each target in the affected area rolls individually against the attack, but if the GM prefers, she may roll once for a group of similar targets.
Super-agility
- Constant
Super-agility allows the character to attempt Agility tasks of extraordinary difficulty. The character's Power Level is added to their Agility for the purpose of making skill rolls.
Super-brawn
- Constant
Super-brawn allows the character to attempt Brawn tasks of extraordinary difficulty. The character's Power Level is added to their Brawn for the purpose of making skill rolls.
Super-jumping
- Movement action
Super-jumping allows the character to leap impossibly far and fast. For example, the character might have legs like a grasshopper, they might wear rocket-propelled shoes, or they may just have massive and powerful thighs. The character's Power Level is added to their Brawn for the purpose of determining the height and distance of the character's long jump.
Follow through powers: Flight
| Brawn + Power Level | Super-lifting | Super-jumping | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lift | Throw (25 kg) | ||
| 0 | 25 kg | 1 m | 0 m |
| 1 | 55 kg | 1 m | 1 m |
| 2 | 120 kg | 2 m | 1 m |
| 3 | 260 kg | 5 m | 2 m |
| 4 | 550 kg | 11 m | 5 m |
| 5 | 1,700 kg | 35 m | 11 m |
| 6 | 5,500 kg | 110 m | 35 m |
| 7 | 17 t | 350 m | 110 m |
| 8 | 55 t | 1,100 m | 350 m |
| 9 | 170 t | 3,500 m | 1,100 m |
| 10 | 550 t | 11 km | 3,500 m |
| 11 | 1,700 t | 35 km | 11 km |
| 12 | 5,500 t | 110 km | 35 km |
| 13 | 17,000 t | 350 km | 110 km |
| 14 | 55,000 t | 1,100 km | 350 km |
| 15 | 170,000 t | 3,500 km | 1,100 km |
| 16 | 550,000 t | 11,000 km | 3,500 km |
| 17 | 1,700,000 t | 35,000 km | 11,000 km |
| 18 | 5,500,000 t | 110,000 km | 35,000 km |
| 19 | 17,000,000 t | 350,000 km | 110,000 km |
| 20 | 55,000,000 t | 1,100,000 km | 350,000 km |
- Lift indicates the greatest weight that a character with Super-lifting can "deadlift" (pick up off the ground to the level of the hips). A character carrying or supporting such a weight can take at most one or two steps per round. A character can move normally while carrying a weight corresponding to one less than their Brawn + Power Level. For example, a character with Brawn + Power Level 8 could carry up to 17 tonnes and suffer no penalties to their movement while doing so.
- Throw (25 kg) indicates the farthest distance that a character with Super-lifting could throw a compact object weighing 25 kg. To see how far a character can throw heavier objects, subtract the Brawn + Power Level required to lift the object from the character's total Brawn + Power Level. Look up the difference in the "Brawn + Power Level" column: this indicates how far the character can throw the object. For example, a character with Brawn + Power Level 8 could throw an object weighing 65 kg (such as a cooperative slender human) up to 350 meters.
- Super-jumping indicates the character's standing long jump. With a running long jump, the character's ground movement is added to their long jump distance.
Super-lifting
- Constant
Super-lifting allows the character to lift and throw impossibly heavy objects. For example, the character might have control over the force of gravity, they might wear some kind of powered armor, or they may just have massive arm muscles. The character's Power Level is added to their Brawn for the purpose of determining what the character can lift and throw.
Super-presence
- Constant
Super-presence allows the character to attempt Presence tasks of extraordinary difficulty. The character's Power Level is added to their Presence for the purpose of making skill rolls.
Super-reason
- Constant
Super-reason allows the character to attempt Reason tasks of extraordinary difficulty. The character's Power Level is added to their Reason for the purpose of making skill rolls.
Super-running
- Movement action
Super-running allows the character to run impossibly fast. For example, the character might have wings on their feet, they might wear rocket-powered roller skates, or they may just move their feet really quickly. The character's Power Level is added to their Agility for the purpose of determining their base move, double move, and all-out move.
Follow through powers: Flight
| Agility + Power Level | Walk | Run | Sprint | kph |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 m | 4 m | 12 m | 7 kph |
| 2 | 4 m | 8 m | 24 m | 14 kph |
| 3 | 7 m | 14 m | 42 m | 25 kph |
| 4 | 13 m | 26 m | 78 m | 47 kph |
| 5 | 40 m | 80 m | 240 m | 140 kph |
| 6 | 130 m | 260 m | 780 m | 470 kph |
| 7 | 400 m | 800 m | 2,400 m | 1,400 kph |
| 8 | 1,300 m | 2,600 m | 7,800 m | 4,700 kph |
| 9 | 4 km | 8 km | 24 km | 14,000 kph |
| 10 | 13 km | 26 km | 78 km | 47,000 kph |
| 11 | 40 km | 80 km | 240 km | 140,000 kph |
| 12 | 130 km | 260 km | 780 km | 470,000 kph |
| 13 | 400 km | 800 km | 2,400 km | 1,400,000 kph |
| 14 | 1,300 km | 2,600 km | 7,800 km | 4,700,000 kph |
| 15 | 4,000 km | 8,000 km | 24,000 km | 14,000,000 kph |
| 16 | 13,000 km | 26,000 km | 78,000 km | 47,000,000 kph |
| 17 | 40,000 km | 80,000 km | 240,000 km | 140,000,000 kph |
| 18 | 130,000 km | 260,000 km | 780,000 km | 470,000,000 kph |
| 19 | 400,000 km | 800,000 km | 2,400,000 km | 0.99 c |
| 20 | 1,300,000 km | 2,600,000 km | 7,800,000 km | 0.9999 c |
Super-swimming
- Movement action
Super-swimming allows the character to swim impossibly fast. For example, the character might have a powerful tail like a dolphin, they might wear turbo-jet boots, or they may just swim really fast. The character's Power Level is added to their Agility for the purpose of determining their base move, double move, and all-out move.
Follow through powers: Flight
XXX swimming table
Telekinesis
- Standard action
Telekinesis is a medium range (50 m) Ranged Combat (Agility + Power Level) attack which permits a character to grapple a character or object without touching it. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Agility plus the rating of any normal defenses such as armor, or defensive powers such as Force Field. Grabbing inanimate objects with Telekinesis is generally automatic, unless the GM wants to make it difficult for some reason.
If the attacker's Ranged Combat roll is equal to or greater than the defender's roll, the defender is restrained. A restrained character is not helpless, but they can't use normal movement until they break free of Telekinesis. Attacking a restrained character is easier, and a restrained character's attacks are easier to avoid: a restrained attacker incurs a penalty die on all attack rolls, defense rolls, and skill rolls while restrained by Telekinesis.
The maximum mass the character can lift with their Telekinesis is based on the character's Power Level.
XXX Telekinesis table with Lift and Throw
Telekinesis is not normally able to inflict damage directly (like a punch), but the attacker may attempt to squeeze or slam a held target by making another attack with their Telekinesis on one of their future turns.
Breaking Free Of Telekinesis
To break free of the Telekinesis, the restrained character must use a standard action to roll their Agility or Brawn (whichever is greater) against the attacker's Power Level. If the restrained character has Telekinesis, they may use their Agility + Power Level for this roll. If the restrained character's roll is equal to or greater than the grappling character's roll, the restrained character has broken free of the Telekinesis, and they may use their movement action for that turn. Alternately, the attacker may release the restrained character at any time, without using an action.
Hurting A Held Target
If the attacker wishes to exert telekinetic strength in an attempt to hurt the restrained character, they must use a standard action to make another Ranged Combat (Agility + Power Level) roll against the restrained character.
Moving A Held Target
A character with Telekinesis may move what they are holding with the power. If the attacker wishes to move or throw the held character, the distance an attacker may move the defender is based on the Power Level of the attacker and the mass of the restrained character. First, look up the mass of the defender or object to be moved in the "Lift" column (rounding to the nearest mass value), and find the corresponding Power Level for that mass. Subtract that from the Power Level of the attacker, and look up that resulting value in the "Throw" column. This is how far the attacker can move or throw the held character.
Telepathy
- Standard action
Telepathy is a short range (10 m) attack which permits a character to communicate directly with the mind of another person. The action value (AV) of the Telepathy is equal to the attacker's Presence + Power Level.
To communicate directly with the mind of an unwilling person, the character must succeed at a Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Presence, or their Presence + Power Level if the target also has Telepathy. With a successful attack roll, the attacker may mentally communicate with the target and may read their surface thoughts. If using the optional margin of success rules, the attacker may read the target's memories if the attacker achieves a margin of success of 3 or more (each memory viewed requires a separate roll). To break free of the Telepathy, an unwilling target must make a successful defense value roll against the action value of the attacker. If the target succeeds in breaking out of the Telepathy, they may not be attacked with Telepathy again during that scene.
To communicate directly with the mind of a willing person, no attack roll is needed. With a willing target, the telepath may mentally communicate with the target and may read their surface thoughts and (if the target consents) their memories. Telepathy is normally a short range (10 m) power. However, if the willing target of Telepathy also has Telepathy, the maximum distance between the two telepaths is effectively unlimited. A willing participant may end the telepathic contact at any time.
Teleportation
- Movement action
Teleportation permits a character to use a movement action to travel from one point to another without traversing the intervening space. The distance the character may travel before re-appearing is based on their combined Reason and Power Level. The character may double-move and all-out move using Teleportation. A character using Teleportation may carry with them whatever they can carry, based on their Brawn. This may include equipment or even other characters.
XXX teleportation table
A character using Teleportation cannot re-appear inside of a solid object, nor into any area affected by Power Suppression; other than this, objects in the physical world generally have no effect on a character using Teleportation. If a character using Teleportation unknowingly attempts to re-appear inside of a solid object, they lose half of their Endurance (rounded down) and are shunted to the nearest unoccupied space, or the teleportation attempt fails entirely, at the GM's discretion.
Requires A Medium: Some characters may only teleport through a specific medium. For example, a character with electrical powers might only be able to teleport through conductive material. Alternately, the character might only be able to teleport between specific locations. For example, a character attuned to the spirit of cities might only be able to teleport within and between cities, or a character with darkness powers might only be able to teleport within and between dark areas such as shadows. Such a character never needs to worry about appearing inside of a solid object: when they reach their destination, they simply step out of the medium.
Teleportation, Extreme
- Movement action
XXX
Teleportation, Mass
- Movement action
XXX The character can teleport with everyone within short range (10 m).
Teleportation, Mass Extreme
- Movement action
XXX
Time Travel
- Standard action
The character can traverse the time stream, stepping into the past or the future. Depending on the method used, the character may be able to take others with them. Whether the time traveler can change the past or simply creates a divergent time stream is a bone of contention among philosophers and temporal physicists (the Kalos Universe generally assumes the latter). Time Travel is a plot dependent power and may not always be available, at the GM's discretion.
Tunneling
- Free action
Tunneling enables the character to move through the earth almost as easily as other people do above it. However, the character is unable to pass through force fields and other energy barriers. The character's Power Level is added to their Brawn for the purpose of determining their base move, double move, and all-out move while tunneling.
XXX tunneling table
This assumes the character is not taking any time to shore up the tunnel behind her. If she is attempting to leave a hole through which others may follow, she moves at half normal speed.
X-ray Vision
- Standard action
X-ray Vision allows a character to make a moderately difficult (DV 3) Perception (Reason + Power Level) roll to see through objects. The action value (AV) of the X-ray Vision is equal to the character's Reason + Power Level. On a successful roll, they focus their vision at a specific distance, ignoring intervening physical barriers. The player must define a reasonably common substance, material, or energy that the character can't see through.
Ultra-power
- Varies
- Prerequisites: Five powers with the same unifying theme
Ultra-power permits the character to use any power, one at a time, as long as it belongs to a tightly unifying theme and which derives from the same power source. For example, a character with "Ultra-power: Electrical Mastery" might have an Explosive Blast, Force Field, Telekinesis (ferrous and magnetic materials only), or any other power the player and the GM think is appropriate for a character with mastery of electricity. Typical unifying themes for Ultra-power include trick arrows, sorcerous spells, gadgets, mastery of a fundamental force or element, and a cosmic amulet that lets the user create any solid-energy construct they can imagine. The specific unifying theme and power source must be chosen when this power is purchased. The player can pick any unifying theme and power source they like, subject to the GM's approval.
SIDEBAR: Use And Abuse Of Ultra-power
Ultra-power is open to abuse by players who care less about having fun than they do about "winning". It's important to stress that the powers in an Ultra-power should have a tightly unifying theme and should all derive from the same power source. If the character has a relatively low Power Level, then the GM may want to turn a blind eye if the player plays a bit fast and loose with the "tightly unifying theme". After all, there's not much harm in allowing the player some latitude when the character has a Power Level of only 1 or 2. For a character whose Power Level is more potent, enforcing the theme becomes more important. A character who can accomplish anything the player can think of can easily spoil a game and ruin everyone's fun.
Power Descriptions (OLD)
Absorption (OLD)
- Constant
- Roll: --
- Range: --
- Cost: 1 character point
XXX rewrite all of this
Absorption permits the character to absorb damage from a force or substance and use that energy in specific ways. The character can heal themselves, or they can temporarily gain the power that attacked them, or they can boost their own Power Level. The specific type of force or substance that can be absorbed must be chosen when this power is purchased. Some typical examples are air, earth, fire, water, light, darkness, force fields, electricity, magnetism, gravity, cloth, and plants. The player may pick any force or substance, subject to the GM's approval.
The maximum amount of energy which can be absorbed from a single attack is equal to the character's Power Level. The energy in the character's Absorption pool may be used in one of three ways, which may be chosen by the character on a case-by-case basis.
- Healing: The character restores an amount of lost Endurance (or damaged attribute) up to the amount of energy in the pool. Each restored point of Endurance requires the expenditure of one point of absorbed energy. Healing themselves in this fashion requires a free action.
- Power: The character gains the power that inflicted the damage. The power lasts for only one round. Gaining the power requires a free action, but using it requires a standard action (or whatever action that the power normally requires).
- Boost: The character may increase their Power Level attribute by one. This requires the expenditure of all of the absorbed energy, and the boost lasts for only one round. Boosting the chracter's Power Level requires a free action.
Absorption does not provide protection against an attack. If the damage of any attack (regardless of type) would knock the character unconscious or kill them, the character automatically uses their absorbed energy to heal themselves, up to either their full Endurance or the points of energy in their Absorption pool, whichever is less.
Domination (OLD)
Domination is a short range (10 m) attack which allows the character to influence a living creature's behaviour, forcing the target to obey the character's command. The action value (AV) of the Domination is equal to the attacker's Presence + Power Level. To successfully influence a living creature's behaviour, the character must succeed at a Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Presence. Domination is a medium range (50 m) power, but once the Domination is successful, it will remain so even if the target leaves this range.
Characters under the influence of Domination are not as effective as those whose wills are their own. Any roll attempted by a character under the influence of Domination (other than trying to break out of it) incurs a roll penalty (-3), and a character under the influence of Domination is not able to spend plot points on anything other than trying to break out of it.
To break free of the Domination, the target must make a successful defense value roll against the action value of the attacker. If the character succeeds at this roll, they may use their remaining movement action.
If a character under the influence of Domination completes the task that they were commanded to perform, the Domination ends, and the character affected by the Domination will go on their way none the wiser. Similarly, if the character has not broken free of the Domination by the end of the scene, then they break free of it shortly thereafter.
Emotion Control (OLD)
- Standard action
- Roll: Presence
- Range: Ranged
- Cost: 1 character point
Emotion Control is a short range (10 m) attack which allows a character to influence a target's behaviour by controlling the target's emotional state. The character can only instill one emotion at a time in the target, but may instill in the target any emotion the character desires. A character's Emotion Control might be limited to a specific emotion, such as fear or loyalty. If this is the case, the character gains a bonus die on their Emotion Control rolls.
Using Emotion Control requires a Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll against the Presence of the intended target.
To break out of the Emotion Control, the target must make a successful Presence roll against the action value of the Emotion Control. If the character succeeds at this roll, they may use their remaining movement action.
If the character has not broken out of the Emotion Control by the end of the scene, then they break out of it shortly thereafter.
XXX make a power
Mass Hysteria: The Emotion Control power affects everyone within 10 meters of the target. Because mass hysteria does not need to be aimed at a specific target, the difficulty of the roll is XXX. +1 character point
Instill Emotion (OLD)
Instill Emotion is a medium range (50 m) attack which allows a character to influence a target's behaviour by controlling their emotional state. The character can only instill one emotion at a time in the target, but may instill in the target any emotion the character desires. The action value (AV) of Instill Emotion is equal to the attacker's Presence + Power Level. To successfully instill an emotion in the target, the character must succeed at a Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Presence.
To break free of the Instill Emotion, the target must make a successful defense value roll against the action value of the attacker.
If the target has not broken free of the Instill Emotion by the end of the scene, then they break free of it shortly thereafter.
Machine Control (OLD)
- Standard action
- Roll: Power Level
- Range: Ranged
- Cost: 1 character point
Machine Control is a short range (10 m) power which allows a character to mentally control electronic and mechanical machines. To successfully mentally control a machine, the character must succeed at a moderately difficult (DV 3) Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll.
A controlled machine has the same actions as a normal character (free actions, movement action, standard action, reaction), and operates independently of the character that animated it. However, it will continue to perform the last instruction it was given even if that instruction no longer makes sense, as it has no will of its own. Giving a new mental command to a controlled machine requires a free action.
The Brawn and Endurance of the machine are based on its physical structure and durability, while the Agility and Presence of the machine are equal to the Power Level of the character controlling it. Controlled machines are not actually alive or aware, so they have no Reason or Power Level. The specific details of the how the machine moves and attacks vary depending on the machine itself: an animated soda machine can hop very slowly and shoot out cans of soda, a bulldozer can roll and demolish buildings, and so on.
Controlled machines can also be made to perform their ordinary purpose, such as making an automatic teller machine spit out money, or making a computer terminal display information from a database. If there is no significant security in place, no roll is necessary for this, but if the character is trying to circumvent security or break into a computer system, the character may attempt a Computing roll using either their Power Level or their Reason, whichever is greater.
Mind Control (OLD)
- Standard action
- Roll: Presence
- Range: Ranged
- Cost: 2 character points
Mind Control is a short range (10 m) attack which allows a character to control a target's behaviour, forcing the target to follow the character's commands.
Characters under the influence of Mind Control are not as effective as those whose wills are their own. Any roll attempted by a character under the influence of Mind Control incurs a penalty die, and a mind controlled character is not able to spend plot points.
Using Mind Control requires a Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll against the Presence of the intended target.
To break out of the Mind Control, the target must make a successful Presence roll against the action value of the Mind Control. If the character succeeds at this roll, they may use their remaining movement action.
If the character has not broken out of the Mind Control by the end of the scene, then they break out of it shortly thereafter.
Enhancements
Blackout: The target of Mind Control will not remember any actions they took while under the influence of the power. These memories may be able to be retrieved through the use of hypnosis, Telepathy, and so on. +1 character point
Mass Hypnosis: The Mind Control power affects everyone within 10 meters of the target. Because mass hypnosis does not need to be aimed at a specific target, the difficulty of the roll is XXX. +1 character point
Defects
Obvious (major defect): Normally, there is no obvious visual indication that a target is under the influence of Mind Control. With this defect, the Mind Control has a "tell", such as glowing eyes, which makes it visually apparent that something is wrong with the target.
Object Animation (OLD)
Object Animation is a short range (50 m) power which allows a character to animate and mentally control an inanimate, nonliving object. The action value (AV) of the Object Animation is equal to the character's Presence + Power Level. To successfully animate and mentally control an object, the character must succeed at a moderately difficult (DV 3) Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll.
An animated object has the same actions as a normal character (free actions, movement action, standard action, reaction), and operates independently of the character that animated it. However, it will continue to perform the last instruction it was given even if that instruction no longer makes sense, as it has no will of its own. Giving a new mental command to an animated object requires a standard action.
The Brawn of the object is based on its physical structure and durability: as a rule of thumb, the Brawn can be based on the Brawn it would take to lift the object. The Agility and Presence of the object are equal to the Power Level of the character animating it. Animated objects are not actually alive or aware, so they have no Reason or Power Level. The specific details of the how the object moves and attacks vary depending on the object itself: an animated chair can walk, a carpet can slither, and so on.
The most massive object the character can animate is based on the character's Power Level.
| Power Level | Maximum Mass |
|---|---|
| 1 | 45 kg |
| 2 | 65 kg |
| 3 | 90 kg |
| 4 | 125 kg |
| 5 | 180 kg |
| 6 | 250 kg |
| 7 | 350 kg |
| 8 | 500 kg |
| 9 | 700 kg |
| 10 | 1,000 kg |
Object Animation (OLD)
- Standard action
Object Animation is a medium range (10 m) power which allows a character to animate and mentally control an inanimate object. To successfully animate and mentally control an object, the character must succeed at a moderately difficult (DV 3) Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll.
An animated object has the same actions as a normal character (free actions, movement action, standard action, reaction), and operates independently of the character that animated it. However, it will continue to perform the last instruction it was given even if that instruction no longer makes sense, as it has no will of its own. Giving a new mental command to an animated object requires a free action.
The Brawn and Endurance of the object are based on its physical structure and durability, while the Agility and Presence of the object are equal to the Power Level of the character controlling it. Animated objects are not actually alive or aware, so they have no Reason or Power Level. The specific details of the how the object moves and attacks vary depending on the object itself: an animated chair can walk, a carpet can slither, and so on.
Plant Control (OLD)
Plant Control is a medium range (50 m) power which allows a character to animate and mentally control a non-sentient plant. The action value (AV) of the Plant Control is equal to the character's Presence + Power Level. To successfully animate and mentally control a plant, the character must succeed at a moderately difficult (DV 3) Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll. To successfully animate and mentally control all plants within medium range (50 m), the character must succeed at a remarkably difficult (DV 6) Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll.
An animated plant has the same actions as a normal character (free actions, movement action, standard action, reaction), and operates independently of the character that animated it. However, it will continue to perform the last instruction it was given even if that instruction no longer makes sense, as it has no will of its own. Giving a new mental command to an animated plant requires a standard action.
The Brawn of the plant is based on its size and physical structure: as a rule of thumb, the Brawn can be based on the Brawn it would take to lift the plant. The Agility and Presence of the plant are equal to the Power Level of the character animating it. Animated plants are not actually sentient, so they have no Reason or Power Level. The specific details of the how the plant moves and attacks vary depending on the plant itself: an animated tree can walk, a mass of vines can slither, and so on.
Plant Control (OLD)
- Standard action
Plant Control is a medium range (50 m) power which allows a character to animate and mentally control plants. To successfully communicate with and control all plants within range of the power, the character must succeed at a moderately difficult (DV 3) Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll.
Animated plants have the same actions as a normal character (free actions, movement action, standard action, reaction), and operate independently of the character that animated them. However, they will continue to perform the last instruction they were given even if that instruction no longer makes sense, as they have a very rudimentary form of intelligence. Giving a new mental command to the controlled plants requires a free action.
The Brawn and Agility of the plants is equal to the Power Level of the character controlling them. Animated plants have a very limited form of intelligence, with Reason and Presence of 1. Animated plants can bend, twist, and reach in order to attack, but they generally can't move from where they are planted.
Animated plants can use a movement action to uproot themselves. Once uprooted, the animated plants can hop or slither around at normal human walking speed (3 to 5 meters per round).
Possession (OLD)
- Standard action
- Roll: Presence
- Range: Ranged
- Cost: 2 character points
Possession is a short range (10 m) attack which power allows a character to seize control of a target, overriding the target's control and effectively making the target a passenger in their own body. While the character is using Possession on another person, their own body collapses into a trance-like state.
A possessed character is not able to spend plot points, but the possessing character can spend their own plot points while controlling a target.
Using Possession requires a Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll against the Presence of the intended target.
To break out of the Possession, the target must make a successful Presence roll against the action value of the Possession. If the character succeeds at this roll, they may use their remaining movement action.
Enhancements
Blackout: The target of Possession will not remember any actions they took while under the influence of the power. These memories may be able to be retrieved through the use of hypnosis, Telepathy, and so on. +1 character point
Inhabit: With the Inhabit power enhancement, the range of the power is reduced to Touch, but the body of the possessing character actually merges with that of the target for the duration of the possession. +1 character point
Defects
Obvious (major defect): Normally, there is no obvious visual indication that a target is possessed. With this defect, the Possession has a "tell", such as glowing eyes, which makes it visually apparent that something is wrong with the target.
Possession (OLD)
Possession is a short range (10 m) attack which allows a character to seize control of a target, suppressing their volition and effectively making them a passenger in their own body. The action value (AV) of Possession is equal to the attacker's Presence + Power Level. To successfully seize control of a target, the character must succeed at a Manipulation (Presence + Power Level) roll. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Presence. Possession is a short range (10 m) power, but once the target is possessed, they will remain possessed even if they leave this range.
While the character is using Possession on another person, their own body collapses into a trance-like state. A possessed character is not able to spend plot points, but the possessing character can spend their own plot points while controlling a target.
To break free of the Possession, the target must make a successful defense value roll against the action value of the attacker. If the possessed character succeeds at this roll, they may use their remaining movement action.
Power Mimicry (OLD)
- Standard action
- Roll: Brawn
- Range: Touch
- Cost: 2 character points
Power Mimicry allows the character to copy another character's power and use it themselves. The character can choose which power they mimic, if they are aware that the target has the power; otherwise, the character mimics a random power (attributes of 5 or higher are considered powers for this purpose). If used against Ultra-power, Power Mimicry copies all of the effects made possible by those powers. For example, if a target has an Ultra-power defined as Powered Armor, and was using this Powered Armor to generate a Force Field, Flight, Blast, and other powers, then a Power Mimicry attack would copy all of these powers simultaneously, in addition to the Ultra-power itself.
Using Power Mimicry requires a Close Combat (Power Level) roll against the Power Level of the intended target. The character with Power Mimicry will retain the power until they mimic a different power, or until the end of the scene, whichever comes first.
If the character goes unconscious, the Power Mimicry turns off and any mimicked powers are lost. The character may also turn off their Power Mimicry voluntarily, of course.
Enhancements
Versatile: Normally, Power Mimicry only allows the character to copy one power at a time. The Versatile power enhancement allows the character to mimic two powers simultaneously (although copying each power is a separate standard action). This enhancement may be taken multiple times: each additional Versatile power enhancement allows the character to simultaneously mimic one additional power. +1 character point
Power Suppression (OLD)
- Standard action
- Roll: Power Level
- Range: Ranged
- Cost: 1 character point
Power Suppression is a short range (10 m) attack which prevents a target from using a specific power for so long as the Power Suppression is active. The character can choose which power they suppress, if they are aware that the target has the power; otherwise, the character suppresses a random power (attributes of 5 or higher are considered powers for this purpose). If used against Ultra-power, Power Suppression affects all of the effects made possible by those powers. For example, if a target has an Ultra-power defined as Powered Armor, then Power Suppression would affect all of the armor's powers simultaneously. The mechanism which causes the Power Suppression must be specified when this power is purchased. For example, the target might be injected with nanomachines, subjected to an alien energy field, bound by rings of magical force, or they could be shackled with some type of "inhibitor" device.
Using Power Suppression requires a Ranged Combat (Power Level) roll against the Power Level of the target.
To break out of the Power Suppression, the target must make a successful Power Level roll against the action value of the Power Suppression. If the character succeeds at this roll, they may use their remaining movement action. If the target has Drain Resistance, their Power is doubled for purposes of defending against Power Suppression.
If the character has not broken out of the Power Suppression by the end of the scene, then they break out of it shortly thereafter.
Enhancements
XXX Move to Mass Power Suppression
Blanket: The Power Suppression affects everyone within short range (10 m) of the target. Using a power such as Teleportation to enter an area where that power has been suppressed requires a successful Power Level roll against the action value of the Power Suppression. If the Power Level roll fails, they are unable to use the power to enter the area. +1 character point
XXX Move to Multiple v Suppression
Spectrum: The Spectrum power enhancement allows the character to suppress all of the target's powers simultaneously. If the target breaks out of the Power Suppression, all of their powers are no longer suppressed. +1 character point
Sensory Deprivation (OLD)
Sensory Deprivation is a medium range (50 m) attack which renders the target unable to see or hear. The action value (AV) of Sensory Deprivation is equal to the attacker's Reason + Power Level. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Reason, or their Reason + Power Level if the target has Ambient Awareness. A successful Sensory Deprivation attack renders the target unable to see and unable to hear. If an attacker can't see the defender, the attacker incurs a penalty die. Conversely, if a defender can't see the attacker, the defender incurs a penalty die.
To recover from Sensory Deprivation, the target must use a standard action to make a moderately difficult (DV 3) Perception (Reason) roll.
If the character has not recovered from Sensory Deprivation by the end of the scene, then they recover their senses shortly thereafter.
Suggestion (OLD)
Suggestion is a short range (10 m) attack which power allows a character to influence a living creature's behaviour, forcing the target to obey the character's command. The action value (AV) of the Suggestion is equal to the attacker's Presence + Power Level. The defense value (DV) of the target is equal to their Presence. Suggestion is a short range (10 m) power, but once the Suggestion is successful, it will remain so even if the target leaves this range.
Characters under the influence of a Suggestion are not as effective as those whose wills are their own. Any roll attempted by a character under the influence of Suggestion (other than trying to break out of it) incurs a roll penalty (-3), and a character under the influence of Suggestion is not able to spend plot points on anything other than trying to break out of it.
To break free of the Suggestion, the target must make a successful defense value roll against the action value of the attacker. If the character succeeds at this roll, they may use their remaining movement action.
If a character under the influence of Suggestion completes the task that was Suggested to them, the Suggestion ends, and the character affected by the Suggestion will go on their way none the wiser. Similarly, if the character has not broken free of the Suggestion by the end of the scene, then they break free of it shortly thereafter.
Time Control (OLD)
- Standard action
- Roll: Power Level
- Range: Ranged
- Cost: 2 character points
A character with Time Control can influence the ebb and flow of time, skipping forward and back through the time stream. Time Control does not allow the character to time travel per se, but a character with Time Control can "rewind" time to make different choices. During each game session, the number of times the character can rewind time is equal to their Power Level.
How much time may be re-wound is subject to GM approval and is largely plot-dependent. During combat, for example, the player may declare that they are rewinding time at the end of a round in order to play that round over. Out of combat, the player may declare that they are rewinding a 20 minute conversation, or they may wish to rewind time by a half-hour and take a different route through the city. If the GM approves of this use of Time Control, the elapsed time is erased from history, and the status of every character and the world at large is restored to the condition at the beginning of the rewound time period. Normally, the only person aware of this temporal reversal is the character with Time Control, but characters who have some way to detect temporal anomalies would be aware of what has happened. To everyone else, time proceeds as if they had never lived through the rewound time before (although particularly perceptive individuals may get a sense of deja vu).
[Transformation] Ray (OLD)
- Standard action
[Transformation] Ray is a is a short range (10 m) attack which allows the character to use a personal power as an attack. The power being used as an attack is under the control of the character with the [Transformation] Ray power; the target of the ray has no control over the power. The specific personal power to be used as an attack must be chosen when this power is purchased. Available personal powers which may be used as attacks with [Transformation] Ray are:
- [Element] Form
- Growth
- Increased Density
- Intangibility
- Invisibility
- Shapeshifting
- Shrinking
To break out of the [Transformation] Ray, the target must make a successful Presence roll against the action value of the [Transformation] Ray. If the character succeeds at this roll, they may use their remaining movement action.
If the character has not broken out of the [Transformation] Ray by the end of the scene, then they break out of it shortly thereafter.
Power Modifiers
Power Enhancements
XXX Make power enhancements a way to make a new power, with the base power as a prerequisite? Or just leave them out?
Power enhancements increase the cost of the power by one character point.
| Power Enhancement | Cost |
|---|---|
| Explosive Damage | 1 |
| Increased Range | 1-3 |
| Radius Effect | 1 |
Explosive Damage
A power with the Explosive Damage power enhancement causes its damage to everyone within short range (10 m) of the target The radius of the explosion can be increased one range band for each additional character point spent on this power enhancement. For example, a Blast with three levels of the Explosive Damage power enhancement would cost 4 points and a radius of long range (500 meters). Explosive powers may not normally have a radius greater than long (500 meters).
The action value of the explosion diminishes with distance from the center. The action value is at its full value within half of the total radius, and one-half of its full value in the remainder of the explosion. For example, a Blast with three levels of the Explosive Damage power enhancement and action value 7 would have its full action value from the center out to a radius of 250 meters (half its total radius), and an action value of 3 from 250 meters out to the limit of its radius of 500 meters (round fractions down).
If the power already affects an area, this power enhancement increases the power's area to the next range band: from short to medium, or from medium to long. In this case, the action value of the power does not diminish with range.
If the original power is a Close Combat power, the explosive power is a Ranged Combat power, instead. Otherwise, Explosive Damage does not modify the action value of the attack, nor the defense value to resist it. The attacker rolls once for the explosion. Normally, each target in the affected area rolls individually against the attack, but if the GM prefers, she may roll once for each group of similar targets.
Increased Range
A power with the Increased Range power enhancement can affect more distant targets. The range of the attack is increased one range band for each character point spent on this power enhancement: from close to short, from short to medium, or from medium to long. For example, Blast is normally a medium range (50 m) attack. Adding the Increased Range power enhancement would make the power cost 2 points and would make it a long range (500 m) attack. Powers may not normally have a range greater than long (500 m).
If the original power is a Close Combat power, the ranged power is a Ranged Combat power, instead. Otherwise, Increased Range does not modify the action value of the attack, nor the defense value to resist it.
New Powers
You might not have found the power you want in this chapter. After all, the page count of this book is limited, while your imagination is not. If the power you want is very similar to one already listed, the easiest thing to do is just change the name and description slightly, and get on with the game. Talk to the GM and the other players about it, and see if they agree. If they do, your problem is solved. If that doesn't work, see if adding a power enhancement will give you the result you want. In most cases, it will.
On the other hand, not everything that works in a comicbook works in a game. It's entirely possible to create an invisible power that can attack anyone, anywhere, at no risk to the character -- but where's the fun in that? If the power you have imagined is significantly more powerful than anything in this chapter, then maybe you should go back to the drawing board.
"Roleplay" Powers
Sometimes a character has a power that is important for characterization and roleplaying, but doesn't really have an impact on the game. For example, consider a character who is centuries old, and never ages, but who can die from injury or accident just like anyone else. This is definitely a power, but what does it really do? It doesn't give the character a measurable benefit either in or out of combat. It's important to the character, and there is a remote chance that it will be useful in combat if the characters encounter a villain with the power to rapidly age her enemies, but for most games its usefulness will be limited to roleplaying. Powers like this are "roleplay" powers. There is no cost for "roleplay" powers.
Don't go too crazy with "roleplay" powers. Unless there is a plausible circumstance where the power might be genuinely useful, just consider it part of the character's background and description.