All I was saying with that is you deafened people who can't hear. Was what I meant sorry.
Make a ranged attack roll to hit the target. Then make an opposed check of your Nullify rank and the effect’s rank or the target’s Will save, whichever is higher. If you are targeting the subject of an effect rather than the effect’s user, make an opposed power check (Will save is not a factor). If you win, the targeted effect turns off, although the user can re-activate it normally. If you lose the opposed check, you do not Nullify the effect and trying again against the same subject in the same encounter requires extra effort.
Ok, so given how Nullify works, it doesn't sound like it would be Nullify Sound Effects. Dazzle (Sound) is probably out since you weren't deafened. It could be an Illusion of silence, but that is usually considered an alternate Obscure effect under Illusion, so Obscure seems most likely. Obscure works by creating concealment for a particular sense, so how you would counter it (story-wise) would depend on what the in-game explanation was, but the mechanics of Countering the effect would be the same regardless.
HOW COUNTERING WORKS
To counter an effect, take a ready action. In doing so, you wait to complete your action until your opponent tries to use an effect. You may still move, since ready is a standard action. You must be able to use the countering effect as a standard, move, or free action to ready it. Effects usable as a reaction do not require a ready action; you can use them to counter at any time. Effects requiring a full action or longer cannot counter another effect in combat, although they may potentially counter ongoing effects (see the following section)COUNTERING ONGOING EFFECTS
You can also counter a maintained or lasting effect, or the lingering results of an instant effect (like flames ignited by fiery Damage). This requires a normal use of the countering effect and an opposed power check, as above. If you are successful, you negate the effect (although the opposing character can attempt to re-establish it normally).
There are two or three plausible methods for creating silence that come to mind: Either, somehow he keeps the molecules of the air from vibrating, eliminating the conduction of sound through the medium, it's a neurological effect of some kind that keeps people from perceiving sound, or more likely, he emits some sort of soundwaves of his own in a direct inverse to the waveform of the extant soundwaves in the air, in the same way that Noise Cancelling Headphones work (and some of the quiet heavy machinery like jackhammers coming onto the market). Of course, to work as completely as it does, it would have to be way more advanced than the present tech, and have some way of predicting or scanning the soundwaves travelling throughout the area.
Seems to me like some massive emissions of soundwaves from within the zone could overpower the effect, or overload the tech, or whatever is causing it, by exceeding the capacity of what the power can Obscure; basically, a straight forward Power Contest.
Another thought occurs that if he is emitting soundwaves of his own to counter the sounds in the area, that an interesting Power Stunt, performed by a master of sound of some sort, were you to happen to know one, would allow said sound guy to home in on the source of the effect, and reveal the Silencer's exact location.
Now let us all chant:
POW ER CON TEST
Ares I think what you might want to invest in with your character like Invictus a type of postcognition about War events that you were part of or not under your control.
Power contest, and his DC is 30, which is about 6 ranks higher than Broadway's.
How did you get 30 his obscure is rank 10 so its either DC 25 or 20 the thirty was a critical attack Things that use Toughness save are 15 plus power rank other powers are 10 plus rank.
Broadway: Power Contests are usually a contested roll, yours vs. his; not a DC. So his +10 vs. your +9. That still leaves an 8 out of 20 chance that you could beat him on such a check. 40% is not terrible odds...
Couple things to remember Broadway, obscure (hearing) ONLY affects the hearing sense, not sonic powers. To do that he'd have to have Nullify (broad group: Sonics) and simultaneous. He does not have that ability or his sonic blaster would be worthless.
Secondly I would suggest drop auditory dazzle like a bad habit! Dazzle is effective when it targets an accurate sense (like vision), I would buy it as a stun effect and use the sonic descriptor to emulate the same attack but actually be useful against those who don't rely on their hearing.
A final question, some of you powers are limited to not in silence. What dies that mean? To me in implies that Broadway doesn't generate sound but only amplifies ambient noise exponentially. In which case Silencers obscure (auditory) will neuter you. If you mean you can't use it were sound won't travel (ie. Space or a vacuum) it's not worth a -1/rank flaw and best handled as a complication.
My opinion only just trying to help and understand what you are using to represent.
@Invictus, @Waveform, @Watcher and anyone else who may find this particularly interesting.
A few friends and I are having a game day where we each run one encounter of a game, to try new things besides pathfinder. I opted to run a MM3e game, and one of my players submitted this.
He's a powergamer, and I'd say hes the kind of gamer who likes to spite GMs by breaking games. I guess when it comes to gaming, we're "frenemies".
How do I counter his character? I don't want to say no, because it seems like an interesting character to involve, but I also want to throw some challenges at him.
Any ideas?
Ok, a few things first off, mechanically at least. I understand negative stats, for the most part, I can visualize what absent strength, stamina, agility and dexterity mean ... but it starts to get fuzzy with mental stats, and to me fighting is a skill, it's trained not inherent. I actually like 2E's Attack Bonus set up, and the fact it doesn't differentiate between Dodge & Parry, but we can deal with it.
Anyways, I feel it's a point discount because he's Insubstantial, whatever. Don't let Herolab fool you, when you have an absent stat, it's associated resistance is ZERO. It does not exist. Look at stamina, absent stamina (-5) means no Fort Save, ever. This means he isn't -5 parry + 10 base for a total difficulty of 5. It means zero, no base, zero. It means anyone can take a 10 to hit him in melee combat, if they CHOOSE to roll, and succeed against DC 10, it's an auto crit. He's insubstantial you say, that comes later.
Permanent flight, meh, maybe not rules legal but least of my concern. His senses, there are red flags on Postcognition & Precognition for a reason, my answer would be lose 'em. Secondly, the Quirk on his senses doesn't limit the power in any way. It's the Monstrous Appearance complication, not a point discount.
His move object, cool. BUT, I'd make him lost the DC 15 perception check. He can cover the cost as he recovers points from his post cognition & precognition being removed from his sense package. If he argues, shrug and say whatever. His skill ranks aren't listed, I am assuming his perception is off the charts, but a 1 always fails a check required. I look at it, as if he can always make the check, then it isn't worth receiving a 5 point discount >.< Also, remember it is a Perception attack if he can't perceive the target, he can't hit them.
His Immunity, convince him to drop innate for Starvation & Thirst, he'll starve as it is right now.
His communication is Mental, not visual, he even states that he sends the images to people's minds. Heck, I think images would qualify as a -1/rank Limited, as it is open to interpretation.
Now a couple questions, is he a fan of the genre, because his character is interesting, but a pile of eyeballs isn't heroic. Give him the option to make a super hero, remind him of how interesting it is to see heroes interact in their day to day lives with Lady Reporter LuLu Loveinterest, and Aunt ComeToMyRescue May. If he's committed to playing this character, remind him he is undercapped on his Offense. Only PL 5 offensively.
Strength 12, Stamina 12, Agility 2, Dexterity 2, Fighting 6, Intellect 0, Awareness 2, Presence 1
Advantages
All-out Attack, Chokehold, Connected, Diehard, Equipment 7, Great Endurance, Improved Grab, Improved Hold, Improved Smash, Interpose, Power Attack, Ranged Attack 4, Startle, Taunt
Skills
Athletics 5 (+17), Deception 8 (+9), Expertise: Campaign City History & Current Events 5 (+5), Expertise: Streetwise & Criminal Culture 7 (+7), Insight 4 (+6), Intimidation 10 (+11), Perception 6 (+8), Persuasion 4 (+5), Ranged Combat: Sawed-Off Shotgun 6 (+8), Stealth 4 (+6), Vehicles 4 (+6)
Powers
Density Manipulation
. . Infinite Mass: Density Growth 10 (+10 STR, +10 STA, -2 speed ranks; Density)
. . Zero Mass: Insubstantial 4 (Incorporeal)
Density Manipulations (II)
. . Effects of Infinite Mass
. . . . Immunity: Immunity 7 (Critical Hits, Environmental Conditions (All); Linked: Infinite Mass: Density Growth 10; Limited: Critical Hits: (Physical Attacks Only) [2 ranks only])
. . . . Impervious to Physical Harm: Impervious Toughness 12 (Linked: Infinite Mass: Density Growth 10; Limited: (Physical Effects Only))
. . . . Power-Lifting: Enhanced Strength 6 (+6 STR; Linked: Infinite Mass: Density Growth 10; Limited to Lifting)
. . Effects of Zero Mass
. . . . Flight: Flight 4 (Speed: 30 miles/hour, 500 feet/round; Linked: Zero Mass: Insubstantial 4)
. . . . Immunity: Immunity 2 (Suffocation (All); Linked: Zero Mass: Insubstantial 4)
Equipment
Cell Phone (Smartphone), Flash Goggles, Flashlight, Laser Sight, Light Pistol, Lock Release Gun, Motorcycle, Multi-tool, Sawed-Off Shotgun
Offense
Initiative +2
Grab, +6 (DC Spec 22)
Light Pistol, +6 (DC 18)
Sawed-Off Shotgun, +12 (DC 21 )
Throw, +6 (DC 27)
Unarmed, +6 (DC 27)
Languages
English (Native)
Defense
Dodge 4, Parry 6, Fortitude 12, Toughness 12, Will 6
Power Points
Abilities 34 + Powers 40 + Advantages 23 + Skills 32 (63 ranks) + Defenses 6 = 135
'boo above, will absolutely own him in combat. Mind you he only has 2 strength when he, himself goes insubstantial, but he can force a Power Attack crit (DC 27) with a roll of 9 or better. Hell he can just force a crit (DC 22) with a roll of 4 or better, as while they are both insubstantial it is anybodies game. Since Garden doesn't have affect insubstantial on his Move Object, he can't retaliate with that power. Hell, he is absent a fighting stat, he may not even be able to fight melee. Also, 'boo brings a shot gun if you want to get mean! He can Power Attack for DC 26 toughness, and hit on 3 or better, not auto crit because Eyes does have a dodge stat.
But really it comes down to the fact that a pile of eyes, while cool perhaps in fiction, or a short story, isn't a super hero, and doesn't really fit the genre.
Okay, if he is a pile of eyeballs, why is he insubstantial 4. This seems like Rank 1. Are they ghost eyeballs?
Being incorporeal with a affects corporeal power is a bit cheesy. Add in that it's a perception power is even more cheesy.
He can be countered by anybody that has an affects insubstantial power because his defenses are so low.
If Waveform or Broadway don't add to the scene by tonight like 10 oclock west coast time I'll advance it to the next day for the meeting with AEGIS.
And anyone else want to add before the meeting like who is going?
I'll be there! :D
Might be closer to 11 me and the wife got redbox.
I think we should all be present for the AEGIS meeting. This should be our moment to establish ourselves with them.
Unless someone speaks up I am going to assume we fill each other in on the details of our activities the previous night. The Museum, the Docks, and Wharton State Forest.
Also, I am totally kicking myself for not thinking of this earlier, between Tights, Priest & Quark, we have Richards, Stark & McCoy. If we had picked up some DNA from Phalanx at the Courthouse, between our Doctor discerning HOW his powers work, and Tights & Priest, we could have come up with a funny hat to drop on his head and neuter his powers from a genetic level. I am saddened that we didn't do that earlier! I want a Round 2 where we invoke the Inventor "I Win!" counter.
Also, team names, we going with New Guard, or do we want to do a poll / vote still? It's likely to come up with AEGIS.
New Guard is fine by me.
New Guard works for me.
The New Guard!
The New Guard!
I'm not Batman, I'm THE Batman!
New guard is fine with me
I'm really excited for this meeting with AEGIS it will set a tone for future events I'm sure.
On a side not about how I'm running the game is there any thoughts or criticism? Things you like things I need to improve on?
Just as a side note I won't be able to post until around 9:30 EDT due to a hectic day at work. I'll be there looking cool, but not real vocal for another 8ish hours. Sorry! >.<
Once everyone shows up at the federal building we will move forward.
The day I'm free sitting around the house everyone else is busy. Just my luck
Lol isn't that how it always is?
Heading home shortly maybe have some reporters talk to the door of us that are there as we wait for the others to gather. Or just assume they come in with us and give us the opening scene. I'll have a post up shortly just hate doing in character from my phone!
It may be a while before I can get a decent post. Feel free to assume I'm tagging along. I am pretty interested in seeing if aegis can detect me.
No rush you guys this is an important time, and my wife and I are going to watch the rest of our redbox movie "Blackhat" its been pretty entertaining for the first 45 minutes.
Later Tonight I'll assume everyone is there and move the encounter forward all in the office with Agent Bonham
My apologies I will catch as soon as I can. Been on vacation with familial commitment and flying home all day today.
Oh it's no problem golem you said you were going out of town so I didn't think much of it.
That came across a little bit more hostile than I wanted it to, but I suppose when it comes to things regarding his past, he gets a bit testy. I had to fight back the urge to introduce the group. I feel that's Invictus's part ;)
I totally think Priest should anonymously ring all the press folks, so that when Bonham comes out to wish us farewell after this meeting, we're there shaking hands with AEGIS on the cover of every paper, and news blog, and THEN announce ourselves as a team, and devout ourselves and AEGIS into doing everything we can to track down VIPER and the mercenaries who murdered Ray Park.
LOL! As my buddy said a few days ago, NOW you're thinking like a Ventrue.
Aha! So you're trying to get him killed by Captain Hammer Thunder?
I'm running around doing errands, so I don't have my books on me or anything. How cheaply could Ares grab, say 'mental link' or whatever it's called. The idea would be that he would mentally link the team together so they can talk (no more) without having to worry about technological hacking
Also, Bonham is a pompous ass and deserves every piece of trouble we can throw at him.
Furthermore, Ares' family is a deal breaker for himself. If they're ever seriously threatened, he'll do whatever it takes to keep them safe, including killing the people responsible for hurting them, or escalating crap up to a MAD detente.
Side note, is there a way he could safely get his family out of he country and over into Olympus, or wherever the Greek Gods are hanging out these days? If it means keeping them away from AEGIS, he'll do all sorts of things.
I thought we all invested 1 point into the Nano Tech communicators, which is as follows;
Nano Tech Communicator (Hero Network) (Super-Senses 1) (communication link: (Radio))
White it does have a technology descriptor, it isn't hackable by equipment. Well, at least not without the GM invoking a complication and awarding a Hero Point for it. It is much more reliable than the Comm-Link as it is not equipment.
Lets see how the rest of the meeting is panning out, I personally think he is bluffing with the files.
Or not ... Watcher's post went up as I was typing apparently.
Watcher, can you detail what's in each file, if Ares contain suspected stuff he's done that's fine, that's part of AEGIS' job. If it contains information on his family, well, that becomes an issue, and Invictus will become far less likely to ... co-operate.
Actually... Priest will do just that!
There is important information on each of you. Your hero resume somewhat. There are photos of you mostly only in your hero IDs but knows like your jobs and things like that and who your secret IDs are.
Good news cause I used your secrets against you all gain a hero point
What set u guys off against bonham?
So, awkward time. :( I'm going to have to bow out. Having lots of trouble keeping up and keeping things straight. Also there are so many of us that I feel a bit like a fifth wheel.
No hard feelings. Hope everyone has fun and my withdrawal doesn't cause too many issues for Watcher.
What set u guys off against bonham?
AreS wants to keep his family safe, and he really likes his privacy. So, he gets defensive when a guy says "hey, you know noting about me but the tiny pieces I'm going to tell you, but I know everything about you guys, including who you really are and your families" by way of greeting. There's no way to spin that to inspire trust.
If he had lead with what he ended with, it'd have been an easier to pill swallow. But, Ares still is on the defensive with regards to his family.
Ares, you could always spend a point or two on a headquarters and have it be your house. You can even get a pocket dimension.
No hard feeling. I feel like I failed you as a Gm keeping things strait with what was going on. I'm sorry man
Think he might do that, although it explaining that to the wife and kids would be a bit difficult, since they don't know anything, yet. But it'd be a fun conversation to have
So, awkward time. :( I'm going to have to bow out. Having lots of trouble keeping up and keeping things straight. Also there are so many of us that I feel a bit like a fifth wheel.
No hard feelings. Hope everyone has fun and my withdrawal doesn't cause too many issues for Watcher.
Dude, sad to see you go, man. TIGHTS was hilarious.
So, awkward time. :( I'm going to have to bow out. Having lots of trouble keeping up and keeping things straight. Also there are so many of us that I feel a bit like a fifth wheel.
No hard feelings. Hope everyone has fun and my withdrawal doesn't cause too many issues for Watcher.
Your randomness was certainly amusing! Sorry to see you go man, but wherever you end up, be safe!
So long. Sorry to see you go, but I've been there. Do what you need to do.
What set u guys off against bonham?
I think it was the feeling of being strong armed right off the beginning. I'll be honest, I am very much enjoying the characters, and the game itself, but there have been times where I've felt like we are ... for lack of a better term ... level 1.
One of the things that drew me to Champions (my first Super Hero RPG was the Marvel FASERIP game, but Champions got me role-playing more than anything else!) is the fact that it was a level-less system. That starting characters could be created with a point buy system that put them on par with some of the universe's big hitters.
Personally, as a GM, I avoid New York, Metropolis/Gotham, and Freedom City like a plague. The over abundance of heroes makes PC's feel constantly overshadowed. Fury pulling info on the Avengers is fine, because NONE of them have a secret identity, but if Spider Man went to a meeting with Fury, and Fury dropped a picture of Aunt May on the table he'd be PISSED. The way the info was initially presented was a little heavy handed.
However, Quark & Waveform have pulled us back on track, and hopefully we can make this deal work.
Think he might do that, although it explaining that to the wife and kids would be a bit difficult, since they don't know anything, yet. But it'd be a fun conversation to have.
It's an interesting idea to pull them to an alternate dimension, BUT, it would effectively cut them off from connecting with the world you want to raise them in. It would be an interesting conversation, but I think one of the interesting things about Ares is the dichotomy of this god of War & the loving father. Protecting your family is one thing, isolating them another. I love the idea of trying, but I feel it adds more character growth to have them choose to stay. My two cents! :D
Sorry, I wasn't thorough enough. I wasn't thinking a totally separate dimension. If you look at the default brownstone, it is a different dimension on the inside and has some defenses built in. It might be something like Michael's house in the Dresden books or even like Harry's apartment. So they are protected when home. They might not even know about it. Still opportunities for them to be threatened, kidnapped, provide complications, but you would have a safe place when you needed it.