RE: [DL] Mad Scientists are so weak!

["Matthew M. DeForrest" <mmdeforrest@worldnet.att.net>]

-----Original Message-----
I hope I got somebody's attention with that subject
heading, because I have a bone to pick with this
particular Arcane Background (AB).
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Well, it's certainly eye-catching.

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I don't really think the Mad Scientist is weak, so
much as I think the Mad Scientist is the least
powerful of the ABs. Granted, a Mad Scientist is
capable of creating a time machine (in 1 to 20 years)
provided he gets a royal flush when devising the
blueprint, but generally I think the Mad Scientist has
gotten the short end of the stick for one simple
reason: the Mad Scientist has no AB-specific edges.
--------------------------

OK, I snipped a lot to get to my suggestions.

If you're looking for bonuses, I'd offer the following:

Get a bunch of Science skills.  For example, the Weather Control machine
fanatic should be getting skills in Science: Physics, Science: Engineering,
and Science: Meteorology at a high enough level to grant him an extra card
(Skill Level 5 -- that's 3 extra cards if he has the skills I gave above)
and as high a Mad Science Aptitude as possible.

Next, make sure he has a laboratory to work in.  The portable lab (gives a
good reason to invest in a steam wagon) is a good choice at +3 to the
Blueprint roll.  Next, buy a handful of copies of New Science Magazine (+2
one time bonus, if you're lucky enough to get a copy that addresses the
topic at hand).

Of course, you'll want to pick up the Mechanically Inclined Edge (+2 to your
roll).  If you want to go all out, get a Mad Scientist Sidekick (an Igor
type) who can let you take advantage of the Assistants rules in Smith and
Robards.  If you want more, ask your Marshal about buying one of Dr.
Hellstromme's Blueprints as a Belongin' -- that's all I can tell you without
any spoilers.  I can tell you that it's of limited use (Although it pairs
well with an Enemy Hindrance....).

I agree that the Mad Scientists have fewer edges than other Arcane
Backgrounds.  They do, however, have more flexibility in terms of outside
help and skills than other AB's.

I hope this helps.

Matt

PS: Personally, I would have put the TN for water purification a little
lower than you describe -- an 11 or so. -- MMD