Why and Can

[The Werewolf]

why is modular abilities -2 + how ever many refresh you in, but you can't use two points?

[luminos]

Because it lets you choose supernatural powers on the fly, and then change those powers out for something else when you are in a different form.  That is a very powerful ability, and makes shapeshifting rather cheap if you can shift into multiple forms.

[Archmage_Cowl]

because it's more versitile than basic powers thus your paying the -2 for the added versitility. At least thats what i took from it.

[iago]

why is modular abilities -2 + how ever many refresh you in, but you can't use two points?

Seriously?

Compare spending 6 refresh to be able to use every reasonable 4-refresh ability set in the book (which would you like today? Supernatural Strength, Speed, Toughness, or Recovery? Maybe two Inhumans instead? Or maybe Claws today, Inhuman Strength, and Wings?) to spending that 6 refresh on a fixed set you can't change.

The benefit of that flexibility is pretty freaking obvious. The ability to *adapt* is huuuuuuge.

[Barodahn]

Quick question on modular abilities... YS does not say that you HAVE to have other shape-shifting abilities...

Can modular abilities be taken on it's own? (Just wanted to confirm that I was reading it right)

[luminos]

I really doubt you can use the modular abilities if you don't have the ability to shift into an appropriate form.

[Deadmanwalking]

Why not? It seems an appropriate representation of someone using magcal energy to "jack themselves up" Shadowrun Adept style, and can probably be used for other, similar, things as well.

[Barodahn]

I really doubt you can use the modular abilities if you don't have the ability to shift into an appropriate form.

I kinda agree, kinda don't.  Depends how you think of it.  Some things (wings perhaps, claws?) yes, but if it is the ability to adjust you physical form, what about adjusting you muscles to be stronger one time, or faster another, make your skin tougher? Etc... I can see something like that being possible without changing your entire form, hence my asking of the question.  Just trying to clarify exactly what was intended by the ability.

And if you can't take it without any other shape shifting abilities, perhaps that that should be more explicitly stated?

[void]

I think this is going to be one of those "You need to talk with your group and GM in particular" issues. There are some ways of justifying modular abilities without full shapeshifting, but that's going to put some limits on what you can do, and everyone needs to have a pretty good idea of what you're after, to avoid mid-session "Wait, you're WHAT?" record scratches.

[iago]

I can see someone coming up with a character concept that explained modular abilities (and other such powers) via a "I willingly get possessed by a creature that confers me X" without that actually resulting in a shapechange of the body.

[Barodahn]

There are some ways of justifying modular abilities without full shapeshifting, but that's going to put some limits on what you can do, and everyone needs to have a pretty good idea of what you're after, to avoid mid-session "Wait, you're WHAT?" record scratches.

I like the idea of instead of it being any, you make a list of the abilities ahead of time, so it is clear you can only select among such and such powers.

and thanks for the official word Iago, much appreciated.  ( i am taking your statement to mean, "yes, can be solo, but you better have a concept that explains it"!! )

[iago]

( i am taking your statement to mean, "yes, can be solo, but you better have a concept that explains it"!! )

That's really true for everything. Yes, you can have almost any power you can afford -- but you've gotta establish the template (along with the attached high concept) & have it pass the sniff test at the table.

[rickayelm]

If you use modular abilities to take toughness do you always use the same catch or can you change it?

[Deadmanwalking]

If you use modular abilities to take toughness do you always use the same catch or can you change it?

Depends on how you justify it. If it's a physical weak point? Sure. If it's something more mystical like Cold Iron for a shapeshifting Fae? Not so much. Either way, it's the adjusted costs after the Catch you need to pay for out of the Modular Ability pool (see the Fetches in OW if you don't believe me).

[iago]

IMO -- at my table -- if the Catch isn't always the same, then it's not worth any points. If there's no way people can research it, and you can shift it to be something else each time someone stumbles into what it is, then that's a no rebate thang.