Re: [BNW] New power package: Broadcaster

[Mark Kilfoil <kilfoilm@nbnet.nb.ca>]

MadPr0phet@aol.com wrote:
> 
> The Broadcaster.

Since no one else had commented, I decided to put my 2 bits in...

> Broadcasting:
> This power allows the hero to project radio waves and use them to 
> transmit information.  

<mechanics snipped>

Cool and reasonable.  But why limit the powers at just "radio"
transmission?  I don't think it would be *too* much more power to
include a limited variety of video signal as well..   They could make
images in their heads come out on TVs...

Of course, the images would be limited by their creative expression
and/or memory capability...

> Receiving:

<SNIP>

Same comment for this as above.  Imagine the character and his buddies
sitting around home and suddenly he stares off into the distance,
and looses all emotion on his face.  He says in a voice far away:  
"Turn on channel 7!  NOW!"

(Great way to get the group involved in things:  the Broadcaster
hears it, and the group gets involved..  They can also hear about
thier own exploits through him...)

> Quirks:
> heroes with this power also have the oblivious quirk due to all the 
> noise in their head.

Heh...  Nice limitation & makes good sense..  But a level and a 
description is needed...  I'd suggest around -3, and the penalty
applies to all Perception, Scrutinize and Persuasion tests.  In other 
words, the character isn't likely to notice when he or she is being 
duped, and would have a hard time convincing anyone else when they
can't concentrate.

They might also be overwhelmed by the signal at the Guide's whim...

> Tricks
> Pre sets:
> this trick allows a hero to return to any station he has tuned in 
> before with at least to raises.

'Natch..

> Jamming:
> This trick allows a hero to stop all radio communication within 4 
> inches per die of smarts he has.  This requires a contested roll 
> against the highest signal strength in the area.

Cool...

> Split concentration:
> this trick removes the heroes oblivious quirk and gives him a +2 on 
> any rolls to avoid being distracted.

Interesting...

Might I also suggest:

Passive Reception (i.e. "Scanning"):
 The player may make a Smarts + Perception roll vs. Challenging (10)
 to set their character's mind to "passive reception", in which they are
 automatically alerted when a particular word (or immediate synonyms of 
 that word) are uttered over the airwaves for two hours.  For each extra
 success, the player may choose additional words or have the effect last 
 for an additional two hours, the player's choice.

Rewind:
 The mind has amazing powers of recall, especially for short term
 memory, if you act fast.  The Broadcaster can make a Spirit +
Perception
 roll vs Challenging (10) (or get additional successes on a normal 
 Receiving Roll) to remember back 5 minutes on the signal they are 
 listening to, in effect "rewinding" the tape in their mind.

Speak Through Me:
 Broadcasters are living antennae, reception devices for radio waves.
 On a successful Spirit + Mimic roll vs. Challenging (10), a Broadcaster
 can relate exactly (as precisely as the human vocal chords can) what is
 being received.

> 
> well what do you folks think

I have only one more question:  do you have any preference for a
website archive?  ;)  I'd be willing, if you want, to put it on my
site...  (It'll likely be updated before the DeltaTimes.com site is,
to be realistic...)

;)
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