some alternate form questions

[Wanderer]

Thinking of my latest character concept (kind of psionic-based Captain Marvel) got me some questions:

a) Interpolating the rules for OIHID, Multiform activation, and Variable Limitations, is it appropriate to allow a character to activate HID with EITHER a Full Phase Gesturing and Incantating OR Concentrating for an Extra Delayed Phase at 0 DCV (I can do it the He-Man way, or I can concentrate really hard, and longer, and be a sitting duck in the while), or should the delay be longer (say a turn) ?

Assume the concept of a power that does turn off if character is KO'ed, but not if Stunned.

b) Can you give a +1/4 "Does Not Turn Off if Stunned" to the 0-End Power, or do you have to give Persistent, then apply a -1/4 "Stops Working if Character is Knocked Out" Lim ? I know that RP-wise, it's the same, but AP-wise, the distinction is meaningful (e.g. to decide the size of a MP's slot).

c) If the latter, or if applying the above "not if KO'ed" limitation to canon Persistent Powers and Characteristics bought as Powers, for which ones is it legal and meaningful ? Tentatively, I'd say all Persistent Defense Powers, Life Support, CON, BODY, REC, maybe STUN, Luck, EGO and PRE (can you suffer Mental attacks while you're out ?). The ones that work while you're out. Am I right ? Cant this limitation be applied to Multiform (partial reversion) ?

d) Can the "free" activation of Powers sfx provide a change of physical form, so as to make the char unrecognizable between superhuman and normal IDs, or is a Shape Shift necessary ?

e) Does a Affects Body Only Shape Shift make sense in a superheroic campaign ? Unless the character uses Foci, it seems like a character with SS does not need any clothing whatsoever.

f) OIHID apparently works as giving a one-time, RSR-like "Activation condition" limitation (roughly, -1/2 extra time plus at least another 1/4 Lim) on a character's powers. If there's a "deactivation condition", too (such as Thor losing his hammer, the character's powers not working in darkness, etc.), is this meant to be covered by OIHID, too, or is this a different limitation ?

[Steve Long]

1. What’s “appropriate” for OIHID in a campaign is up to the GM -- different GMs may choose to interpret things differently based on the nature of their campaigns, players, and the like. The minimum rule requirements in terms of time are on 5ER 302.

2-3. No such Advantage exists in the official rules. If you want to come up with one, or accomplish your objective with a Limitation the GM permits, then it’s up to you and your GM to define how it works and what it applies to.

4. See 5ER 103.

5. Whether something “makes sense” in the context of a campaign or a character design is up to the GM to decide. I can answer factual questions, but I'd rather not speculate on sensibility. ;)

6. I’m not going to comment on whether your interpretation of the design/nature of OIHID is correct, because I don’t answer questions of that sort. However, by definition any power that has to be “activated” can also be “deactivated” in at least one way, if not multiple ways. The official rules do not grant a character with an OIHID power any greater Limitation for having multiple deactivation conditions, or deactivation conditions that aren’t necessarily within his control.