Re: [HOE] More Syker Powers: Brain Blade

[Robert Holland <robert@macauley.com>]

>> Brain Blade
>> Type: Sykokinetic
>> TN: 5
>> Strain: 1
>> Speed: 1
>> Duration: 1/round
>> Range: Melee
>
>This all seems fine and pretty standard. FYI - when looking at this I'm
>comparing it to the Doomsayer power Glow Stick.

Makes sense. I was comparing it with brain blast, actually--conceiving it as
sort of a short-range version of that power. Compared to brain blast, it has:

Disadvantages:
melee range only
uses nimbleness instead of knowledge, which is lower for most sykers
can be blocked in melee (i.e. gets DB and fightin' penalties)

Advantages:
can be used multiple times in a round for 1 strain
only requires one roll to activate
can be doubled (with two blades)
is AP
adds Strength to damage
can block in melee (has DB)

So maybe it is a bit overpowered--more advantages than diadvantages--especially
since melee only isn't really a hindrance for a power that was intended for
melee combat. Lessee, multiple-use, only-one-roll and can-be-doubled are pretty
important to the concept. I really like the AP effect, so that stays. The +2 DB
is due to the length, it's about the same size as a sword. Two possibilities: if
it's really analagous to a brain blast, it should be immaterial (pure energy, no
force), and so get no DB and no Strength bonus. Alternately, keep the DB and
Strength but give it a constant damage--say, 3d8 or 3d6, more than a normal
sword but less than glow stick. Against armored opponents the AP balances out
anyway. I think I like that second option.

It probably should require a Fightin': Brain Blade aptitude (it looks like a
sword, but doesn't really handle like one). I think Brawlin' would do in a
pinch, as punching someone with your fist and punching someone with a massless
energy field attached to your fist aren't all that different. You would only get
the defense bonus with the actual skill, though. Sound good?

--Robert Holland