Re: [HoE] [HOPLER] Grundy Questions

[PEGHopler@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/16/99 3:19:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
darrin@neobright.net writes:

<< 1. Can Grundies take the Omega Man mutation?

Nope.
 
 2. I'm pretty sure Grundies can't take minor or major mutations as
 edges/hindrances. What if they get caught in a radstorm, or poke around
 some ruins too long... can they acquire mutations that way? If so, what
 if they wind up with one of the age-related mutations?
 
Correct, Grundies cannot take mutations as Edges or Hindrances. I'd have to 
say that Grundies are immune to mutations in general, even those of 
supernatural origin. Their hyper-accelerated metabolisms and immune systems 
simply squash any mutated cells before they can grow into full-blown 
mutations.

 3. Can Grundies become Initiates and learn Doomsayer powers? How about
 Hekants?

Nope, they just aren't able to grasp the concepts needed to tap the Glow.
 
 4. It seems obvious enough a Grundy wouldn't have enough time to become
 a normal Syker. Can they be Greenies?

Since a greenie's abilities usually manifest on their own, and require no 
study, Grundys can be greenies.
 
 5. I think its safe to say Grundies can become Companions, but how about
 Templars, provided the Grundy has the necessary skills or goes through
 the year or service as a squire?
 
They can become Companions, but not Templars. Grundies are far too 
emotionally immature to administer the Templars test of worth, and Simon 
would never make one a full-fledged Templar. A Grundie Templar would likely 
protect a band of cutthroats who treated him nicely and gave him candy and 
turn his back on a settlement that yelled at him for breaking something. 

 6. Next... what about Grundy Junkers? Don't seem to be any major
 requirements for Junking, other than Academia Occult and such.

Nope, as with Doomsayers, junker magic is too complex a subject for Grundies 
simple minds. The thing to remember with a Grundy is that you are dealing 
with someone who at best is the mental equal of a 6-year-old. 

That's the official ruling, but if your Marshal wants to allow a Grundy who's 
a prodigy, he can allow the character to take any arcane background he wants 
(of course this holds true for every other rule in the book). From a game 
balance stand point combining Grundy with most of the arcane backgrounds is 
simply too powerful. 

 7. And... of course... if the serum were available, could Grundies
 become Super Soldiers? >>

No, the syndrome has already cranked their body's performance up as high as 
it will go.


Sincerely,

John Hopler