Thermographic N-Ray Vision

[Bloodstone]

As seen in the movie Robocop, this is the ability to see a targets heat signature through walls. Outside of that, I'm not seeing it doing anything that can't already be done with IR Perception and the right modifires. In fact, the character in question would not be able to do many of the common stunts that Superman pulls of with his X-ray vision: no reading files while the drawer is still closed, no scanning the inner workings of robots or looking at internal injuris without need of surgery. Definitly no sitting in front of the womans locker room with a bag of popcorn! All the character sees is heat, so he gets no color and limited details. But combat wise, he's stil got the ability to look through many walls and get LOS on targets that would otherwise have cover.

Is this power deserving some kind of limitation? "Only for IR perception" or "Limited Detail" or some such? Should it instead be built as an entierly different type of Detect? "Detect Black-body Radiation" or "Detect Heat Signature"? Or is it fine as standard N-Ray perception and I'm just getting to caught up in the SFX and details?

This would be much easier if N-Ray was a sense modifier instead of it's own sense... ;)

[Doc Democracy]

I was thinking of indirect IR but that isn't quite right - that would let me see the dark side of the moon but not the near side of the moon througha barrier. Or perhaps it would - it's hurting my head to think about it.

You could go with limited clairsentience though. You would have the ability to extend your senses beyond but only in IR.

That gets round the whole walls aren't a barrier to me...you just extend the IR Vision to a whole other place.



Doc

[The Souljourner]

Detect Heat Signatures (a class of things), Sight Group. 5 points, same as IR, but physical objects don't block it. In fact, you might just say IR works that way, too *shrug*

-Nate

[Doc Democracy]

Detect Heat Signatures (a class of things), Sight Group. 5 points, same as IR, but physical objects don't block it. In fact, you might just say IR works that way, too *shrug*

-Nate


I'd agree with the second statement. You could simply add PER modifiers to the IR vision based on the insulation properties of the barrier.

It's not much of an issue unless you have an indirect attack anyway...and are willing to use it against an unknown and unidentifiable target.


Doc

[Bloodstone]

The PER modifer approach could work, but I'm not sure the GM would go for that. Definitly something worth suggesting though...

[The Souljourner]

What the Doc said. If you know they're baddies, ok... but be careful it's not someone the same general shape who happens to be an innocent bystander.

[Dust Raven]

Themographic Vision: (Total: 15 Active Cost, 13 Real Cost) IR Perception (Sight Group) (Real Cost: 5) plus N-Ray Perception (Sight Group); Limited Effect (IR Perception only; -1/4) (Real Cost: 8)

[PhilFleischmann]

This would be much easier if N-Ray was a sense modifier instead of it's own sense... ;)
That's the best answer, IMO. Every sense should be defined with a reasonably common thing or phenomenon that blocks it (can't see through opaque objects, hearing is diminished through things that absorb the vibrations, etc.), and then allow an adder that changes that common blocker into an uncommon one (lead and other dense substances for X-Ray vision, hot/cold extremes for IR, etc.).

[SirViss]

I just wan to point out that there is an "official" version of N-Ray Theraml Vision In Gadgets & Gear, p.79.

[Bloodstone]

Good find. Rep for you sir!

I may not go with that exact build, but at least it's a point of official reference.

[SirViss]

Mostly luck really. I'm designing a Power Armor character, and happened to stumble on it last night. :D

[Ndreare]

I would purchase this effect as follows.

10 Multispectral Vision: Detect A Large Class Of Things 11- (Sight Group)
0

The special effect of this power is that the character is able to see the entire EM spectrum and process that data. (In RIFTS there is a creature called a Temporal Raider that has this power.) I would also buy a find weakness to represent the power to analyze people and objects with this vision at a higher level. With the understanding from the GM of what was expected.

As a GM I would allow it and as a player I have made characters with it before.
The power you are referring to has a strong staple in Sci-Fi and comics and for its nature and limitation would not truly justify a full N-Ray vision purchase.

[McCoy]

What the Doc said. If you know they're baddies, ok... but be careful it's not someone the same general shape who happens to be an innocent bystander.
Or hostage.

[pinecone]

OR DNPC....(cue evil laugh) "I know MR. Thermo went in here...this is my chance for a big scoop!"