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.