Uses for low-level mind control

[cyst13]

This is an open call for creative suggestions for ways that PCs can use low-level mind control in a campaign. If a PC has a mind control that is only capable of achieving Ego or Ego +10, what sorts of things can he do with it? This probably lends itself best to non-combat situations, but if you have ideas for combat, that'd be swell as well. And please try to be as creative and original as possible in your suggestions. Thanx.

[Hugh Neilson]

Getting info from someone who knows he shouldn't, but doesn't mind chatting/bragging

In combat, judicious commands are still practical. For example:

- "attack opponent X" - he's fighting anyway; does he care who he attacks? Direct him to a poor choice.

- "why not just get away with the loot?" - good choice for a greedy target to thin the opposition, esp. if you have a way of tracking him down later

- goad an overconfident foe into attacking the wrong target

Telepathic commands would be a real plus at this point, allowing things like persuading the overconfident that his opponents are beaten and he should just leave (rather than finish them off), or spend a bit of time gloating when he should be fighting. Even Mind Controlling that hulking Brick into holding his breath "in case he's got another gas arrow" so he loses his PS 12 recovery could easily turn the tide of a battle.

[The JeRQ]

The key to using low level mind controll is also to use telepathy to find out disads and current state of mind first that way it becomes easier to craft your orders to fit the situation.

[Dust Raven]

The key to using low level mind controll is also to use telepathy to find out disads and current state of mind first that way it becomes easier to craft your orders to fit the situation.
This works best if you can get a high roll on the telepathy, or at least roll high enough to make guesses on his Psych Limits. An EGO+ can turn a Moderate into Strong, and a Strong into Total. An EGO+10 could easily turn a Moderate into a Total.

Otherwise low level Mind Control effects work best against targets the mentalist knows a lot about already. If possible, he could do some research on specific targets, or possibly study human psychology to get a better grasp on identifying character traits quicky by observing a target (could buy this as Analyse: Psychology, or just a SS).