The Dresden Files > DFRPG Resource Collection
Custom Powers Master List (Work In Progress)
UmbraLux:
--- Quote from: Sanctaphrax on July 21, 2012, 02:59:14 AM --- Not sure why it especially fits into multi-city campaigns, though.This stuff is supposed to have been absorbed into Inexplicable Knowledge. If that doesn't seem workable, please tell me.
--- End quote ---
Ah, hadn't realized you were combining / replacing. As for regional vs local campaigns, I suspect intellectus is better as long as you're local. It's one small part of sponsored magic so probably not more than 1 refresh. IK probably needs a bit of a boost in comparison.
--- Quote ---I wouldn't charge for reflavouring either, but using different skills goes beyond reflavouring.
--- End quote ---
I think this is where our differing approaches make a big difference. I generally look at description first and try to fit mechanics to it. I think you give mechanics a higher priority. Suffice it to say, "roll skill X to cause X+dice damage" is the same as "roll skill Y to cause Y+dice damage" as far as I'm concerned. The differences are in the narrative.
--- Quote ---This ties into the fleshwarping discussion, actually; a Power that can be used with different skills is stronger than one that can't.
--- End quote ---
See above. ;)
--- Quote ---I admit, the balance is pretty much a guess. If you have any suggestions, I'm listening.
--- End quote ---
Well, compare it to evocation / channeling which also uses the mental stress mechanic - Martial Tech is much weaker. It adds one or two shifts/stress while costing multiple mental stress. Evocation adds a skill trait's worth of effect and only costs one mental stress.
Personally I don't like adding a skill trait in damage - I think magic is too easily abused. So I'd probably reduce the costs - something like 'costs one mental stress when the roll result is three or less'. That's an off the cuff possibility though...would have to give it more thought or some testing.
Also, as a thematics and consistency issue - I'd call anything adding stress a bonus to weapon value. That's what it is functionally. Stress, at least when counted as boxes, is really a meta-game concept.
Sanctaphrax:
--- Quote from: UmbraLux on July 21, 2012, 04:00:57 AM ---Ah, hadn't realized you were combining / replacing. As for regional vs local campaigns, I suspect intellectus is better as long as you're local. It's one small part of sponsored magic so probably not more than 1 refresh. IK probably needs a bit of a boost in comparison.
--- End quote ---
The intellectus from Place Of Power magic is limited to a small region, smaller than a city. I don't see it outdoing IK.
--- Quote from: UmbraLux on July 21, 2012, 04:00:57 AM ---I think this is where our differing approaches make a big difference. I generally look at description first and try to fit mechanics to it. I think you give mechanics a higher priority.
--- End quote ---
For what it's worth, I don't see it as an issue of prioritization. I don't (consciously) prioritize mechanics vs narrative.
My approach is the way it is because I believe it gives better narrative and better mechanics.
--- Quote from: UmbraLux on July 21, 2012, 04:00:57 AM ---Suffice it to say, "roll skill X to cause X+dice damage" is the same as "roll skill Y to cause Y+dice damage" as far as I'm concerned. The differences are in the narrative.
--- End quote ---
What?
That doesn't even make sense...
Obviously there's a mechanical difference between using Rapport and using Resources. This is obvious, as obvious as two and two making four. In one case you use one number, in the other you use another number.
Am I missing something here?
--- Quote from: UmbraLux on July 21, 2012, 04:00:57 AM ---See above. ;)
--- End quote ---
Not really a matter of opinion. Flexibility is a form of power.
You ever play Magic?
Decks would be much stronger if people could play cards in whatever colours they wanted.
Being able to use any Power with any skills helps characters expand their roles, and it helps people use the Power combinations they want.
Both of these contribute to character power.
For example, if it were possible to Evoke with Athletics and Endurance and Alertness, Evokers could focus much more heavily on physical combat than they can now. The pure combat Evoker concept would gain a power boost.
--- Quote from: UmbraLux on July 21, 2012, 04:00:57 AM ---Well, compare it to evocation / channeling which also uses the mental stress mechanic - Martial Tech is much weaker. It adds one or two shifts/stress while costing multiple mental stress. Evocation adds a skill trait's worth of effect and only costs one mental stress.
Personally I don't like adding a skill trait in damage - I think magic is too easily abused. So I'd probably reduce the costs - something like 'costs one mental stress when the roll result is three or less'. That's an off the cuff possibility though...would have to give it more thought or some testing.
--- End quote ---
Evocation adds a skill to damage, but Evocation starts at 0. This starts at (weapon rating). And while this is a bunch of stunt-like boosts, Evocation is basically a new combat skill with all kinds of baggage. Plus Evocation costs way more.
I just don't see spellcasting as a good comparison. Combat stunts seem more similar, to me.
Ideally, this Power would be better than a combat stunt but not so much better that nobody would take a combat stunt.
Speaking of which, I've been thinking that maybe +2 defence stunts are too good. They're clearly RAW, but they're really very strong.
--- Quote from: UmbraLux on July 21, 2012, 04:00:57 AM ---Also, as a thematics and consistency issue - I'd call anything adding stress a bonus to weapon value. That's what it is functionally. Stress, at least when counted as boxes, is really a meta-game concept.
--- End quote ---
Huh?
Sorry, could you explain further?
If you mean what I think you might mean...do you also have a problem with Inhuman Strength's writeup?
Silverblaze:
--- Quote from: Sanctaphrax on July 21, 2012, 03:13:12 AM ---Given how many custom Powers have been rewritten, the list should probably come with a disclaimer explaining which ones.
So I'm trying to make one. Please tell me if anything is missing from this list:
Incite Emotion
Holy Touch
Bless This House
The Catch
Human Form
Feeding Dependency
Living Dead
Breath Weapon
Claws
Spirit Form
Pack Instincts
Physical Immunity
--- End quote ---
Yes I agree with this list. If somethign is missing I do not see it.
Sanctaphrax:
Thanks, Silverblaze. I'd been wondering about that.
Any opinion on the Powers?
Silverblaze:
--- Quote from: Sanctaphrax on July 23, 2012, 03:45:16 AM ---Thanks, Silverblaze. I'd been wondering about that.
Any opinion on the Powers?
--- End quote ---
Your natural weapons power is great in my opinion and should simply replace breath weapon and claws.
The rest I need to think about and run through a few scenarios in my head.
Physical Immunity we are getting to the end of and it'll likely be finished soon and ready for the list.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version