Modular abilities and the catch

[UmbraLux]

Umbra, you seem to be skipping the first part of Billy's response in both sidebars.

Didn't skip either.  Even alluded to both of them - though in different posts.  See previous posts for my thoughts.

[Sanctaphrax]

UmbraLux, the rules explicitly say that you can shapeshift in order to heal faster from your injuries. It doesn't get much more clear-cut than that.

Sure, it says that the GM can rule against you. But that's always true.

MWKilduff, you seem to have a problem of some kind with what your player is doing. What is that problem? Everything sounds kosher to me.

[MWKilduff]

My concern is simple. I don't want his character to outshine the other players by being overpowered.  As both a player and a story teller I can see the argument from both sides and just wanted to get outside opinions so that I make the right decision.

[Sanctaphrax]

I'd let him do it for now. I wouldn't expect him to be noticeably more powerful than an Evoker or a Crafter or an Incite Emotion-based fighter or a physical tank.

But if it were to become a problem, I'd houserule in UmbraLux's interpretation. That's what the book tells you to do if there's a problem, it's probably worth a shot.

[polkaneverdies]

In situations like this I am a fan of giving it a test run. If it becomes a problem you can always address it at that point. Just make sure that everyone at the table is aware that it is being used in a trial fashion. That way if it does end up being problematic the player doesn't feel blindsided by the issue being raised again.

[MWKilduff]

We are going to try umbralux's solution it seems most fair and balanced. If we find otherwise we will adapt.

[ways and means]

Personally I would have thought any advantage gained from modular abilities would be covered in the 2 refresh, considering you will need true shape shifting to get any real flexibility from those modular abilities it remains quite a high refresh build compared to any more focused one.

[MWKilduff]

I do not think the math supports it. If I have only 3 points spent in modular abilities giving me just 1 form point I can get supernatural toughness with the +3 cold iron catch and after the fight scene switch to supernatural recovery and use the recovery powers to wipe out consequences. For 3 points I got what would cost a straight buy of supernatural toughness and recovery 5 points including the +3 cold iron catch.  That is directly where I am concerned. To be honest I do not expect this to come up too much because my player believes in the power of the sneaky! Most bad guys will never get through his veils.

[Sanctaphrax]

Having Toughness and Recovery all the time is better than swapping between the two. What if someone shoots you during the car chase? What if you need to ditch mild consequences before they get tagged during the fight?

Having one < having either < having both.

[MWKilduff]

I do not disagree with you.  But I think that a point spread of 2 points is still significant. 

[Sanctaphrax]

Eh, I think it's within the balance margin of error. It might be above the curve, but it won't make other optimized characters feel weak.

Might be a problem if the rest of the party is un-optimized, though. What do the other PCs look like?

PS: My experience here is limited because my shapeshifting PC has Recovery all the time and my shapeshifting villain has not yet appeared onscreen. I'm only about 60% confident here.

[MWKilduff]

Well, with how many people keep saying I should just let it slide I am gonna try it.  You guys have more experience than me...  I guess I will just have to give you guys an update once I have tried it out.