Power Category: Psionics
As I've mentioned about other power categories, like Physical Training,
Psionics just did not appeal to me. Again I fond myself wondering why. There
are a large variety of powers to draw from, but in the end I think I felt that
most of my psi characters (few though they were) were all basically the same.
Many of the concepts introduced in Rifts, like Minor psi's and psi's with
specifically tuned powers (Bursters) really added to the appeal of these
characters for me. Also, I have always liked the non-ISP powered handling of
psi with mutant animals.
One major gripe I had with psionics in HU is the division of Major (latent) and
Master(natural) psionics. Master psionics are more powerful in every way. There
is no game reason to choose the lesser power level. If latent psi's had more
ISP but more limited power choices or some redeemable distinction it would make
sense to me to choose this character type, but there is no distinction other
than being a less powerful character. Even in Rifts a Major Psi can choose to
be a character class other than a psionic, and thus makes for an interesting
character. Using the points system I have tried to have this make more sense.
I've tried to incorporate all the above ideas into the redesigned psi category.
Step One - The Basics:
Roll the eight(8) attributes as normal. This is standard HU fare.
Step Two - HP & SDC
Begin with 30 SDC and HP equal to PE + 1d6.
Step Three - Powers and Abilities:
In general a character begins with 10 power points with which to buy super
abilities. However, these may be adjusted as detailed below.
At the GMs discretion, the super hero may trade points for abilities from
another category. This can be "Points for Money" where one point can be traded
for starting money of $1.5 million. This is generally done for access to high
tech gear, cybernetics or robotics. Also popular is "Bankroll" to begin with
some exceptional starting funds. Magic/Special weapons should be fully open to
these characters as another power, and combination with the External Power
Category is detailed in that section. Additionally one might choose to add some
super abilities to a Psi or some psi to another power category.
Adjusting Power Points:
A Psionic character can adjust the number of power points available through
limitations. These limitations are the same as listed for self powered heroes.
Limitations:
Limitations come in many shapes and sizes. These can affect the physical or
mental condition or raw power of a character. These are limitations of various
severity on the use of powers, and effectiveness as a character. Other things,
like the optional Insanity rules may also be applied. GMs may, and probably
should, impose a limit to how many points are available to one character this
way.
Physical Disability:
Blind -
Deaf -
Mute -
Missing/useless arm -
Missing/useless arms -
Missing/useless leg -
Missing/useless legs -
Mental:
Power trigger -
Power Limits:
Transformation -
Power link -
Always on -
Time limit -
Usage limit -
Mutant Trait:
Subtle -
Minor -
Notable -
Major -
Selecting powers:
The powers of a Master Psionic are available as outlined in HU2 at the cost of
10 points. Unless some limitations are taken this should account for all of a
starting hero's points.
The powers of a Major Psionic are available as outlined in HU2 at the cost of 6
points. This usually allows for 4 points to be spent on other powers and/or
abilities.
The powers of a Minor Psionic are available (as outlined in Rifts) at the cost
of 2 points. This allows for a selection of 2 Psionic abilities from any
category other than Super Psionics, and ISP equal to ME +1D6 per level. At the
GM's discretion, a player may choose one Super Psionic power instead of the 2
other powers.
One selection from any category other than Super Psionics is available for 2
power points. In this case the power does NOT REQUIRE ISP! These powers operate
just like the psi powers of a mutant animal. Any power that uses additional ISP
to "boost" its effectiveness, like Telekenesis can only be used at the maximum
listed point value, which in the case of TK would be 20lbs. Also add the listed
Additional ISP value as the per level bonus. Just like animal
psionics, only one "psi" power may be used at a time in this way. The character
has no ISP, and does NOT save vs psi as a psionic character. Note that many
powers listed this way have equivalent super powers that may be more
appropriate to many heroes.
One selection from the category of Super Psionics is available for 4
power points. In this case the power does NOT REQUIRE ISP! These powers operate
just like the psi powers of a mutant animal. Any power that uses additional ISP
to "boost" its effectiveness, like Super Telekenesis can only be used at the
maximum listed point value, which in the case of STK would be 100lbs. Also add
the listed Additional ISP value as the per level bonus. Just like
animal psionics, only one "psi" power may be used at a time in this way. While
the character has no ISP, they do save vs psi as a psionic character. Note that
many powers listed this way have equivalent super powers that may be more
appropriate to many heroes.
Note#1: If there is any question about how effective a power is without using
ISP ask your GM.
Note#2: Hypnotic Suggestion should NOT be listed as a Super Psionic power, it
is only 5 BIOE in a mutant animal campaign.
Step Four - Education and Skills:
The Psionic hero can begin from any educational background.
Step Five - Equipment and Money
These are the same as any basic character, but may be augmented above.
