Can breath weapon be used to. . .

[citadel97501]

Hello all,
I was thinking with all of the questions that come up, (mostly from me) about the Breath Weapon power maybe I should just make a thread specifically for those questions and answers.  So here it is, I will try to edit this thread as I get more information, or as I am swamped by angry posts.  

I would like to point out that most of these are not hard answers but more point of views.  

Question 1: Is it overpriced?
-Short Answer: Probably
-Long Answer: Its a pistol that can't be taken away for 2 refresh, it should probably just be an upgrade for Claws, this would also deal with Question 3.  

Question 2: Should you be able to change the skill used?
-Short Answer: Possibly
-Long Answer: This gives it more versatility, helps a bit with its high price, and allows it to fit a character theme better.  However it should make sense, a normal attack skill like Guns, Discipline, or Fists make sense, but for non-combat skills perhaps a stunt would be in order?

Question 3: Can it be used to Defend?
-Short Answer: No, but this is contested. 
-My Personal Opinion: Theme and storyteller should decide this. 
-Long Answer: Many suggest allowing Blocks but not Defense rolls.  
-Suggested Upgrade: -1 refresh upgrade allowing it to be used for defense, or you can use a stunt similar to Athletics: Footwork. 

Question 4: Do Strength Powers Increase the Damage?
-Short Answer: Maybe
-Long Answer: Many have issues with a fireball getting boosted damage, but then some point out that baseballs thrown by inhuman strength characters are flat better.  
-Possibilities: Seems to break down to the type of attack being used. . .

Question 5: Can it be used to do Maneuvers?
-Short Answer: Yes
-Long Answer: Its a weapon so why the hell not, but it should make sense, setting the building on fire is perfectly reasonable for a fire ball.  

Question 6: Can it be used to Grapple?
-Short Answer: Not as currently written.  
-Long Answer: The type of weapon needs to make sense, and would need an upgrade.  
-Suggested Upgrade: -1 refresh upgrade allowing it to be used to place a grapple on the target, the power rating of this grapple should be equal to the attack skill.  Yes, this does mean that you could have a Superb block on all actions from the target till they break it.

Question 7: Can it be used to make spray attacks?
-Short Answer: Possibly
-Long Answer:  It doesn't say anything either way. Generally, though, spray attacks are a minor extra ability for a ranged weapon and weapons get it based on thematics more than anything. It would probably be reasonable for Breath Weapon to be capable of them if the thematics are appropriate.

[Sanctaphrax]

Thanks for making this thread. Got another question to add:

Question 7: Can it be used to make spray attacks?
-Short Answer: I dunno. I guess so.
-Long Answer:  It doesn't say anything either way. Generally, though, spray attacks are a minor extra ability for a ranged weapon and weapons get it based on thematics more than anything. It would probably be reasonable for Breath Weapon to be capable of them if the thematics are appropriate.

Also, I disagree with your answer to question 2. This is not a definite matter. You might believe that it is better to allow other skills, but it's not actually what the rules say and so it's definitely a judgement call.

Personally, I'd probably allow Breath Weapon to work with Fists or Guns. But if you want to work with Burglary, buy a stunt and think up a justification.

[citadel97501]

Added your question to the original post, and altered question 2, you had a good point. . .

[Tedronai]

Question 3 is also distinctly a judgement call, and one that has been substantially contested on these forums.
Personally, I'd suggest that this is yet another one of those answers that should be dependent on the thematics of the Breath Weapon in question.

[citadel97501]

Question 3 is also distinctly a judgement call, and one that has been substantially contested on these forums.
Personally, I'd suggest that this is yet another one of those answers that should be dependent on the thematics of the Breath Weapon in question.

I happen to agree with you, but since my opinion was rather extremely in the minority, I decided to post the common opinion here, I will add a further declaration, in the answer.