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nelay
Aug 5th, '03, 05:30 AM
Steve, I have several questions regarding the following from the FAQ in relation to the campaign we are currently playing:

Q: If a character has a power with Trigger in a Power Framework, and he sets the Trigger, can he then shift the points in the Framework to another power/slot and have the Triggered Power remain in effect, waiting to be Triggered?

A: Yes, subject to the GM’s discretion to prevent abuse. However, the Multipower won’t “automatically switch,” nor will it “cut off” the slot currently in use to activate the Trigger-based slot. The Triggered power just activates. Obviously, though, this is a situation where the GM needs to exercise some of the discretion mentioned above. For example, the situation described makes the most sense with regard to Instant Powers — a character certainly should not be allowed to Trigger a Constant Power (such as a Force Field) and keep using two slots for a long period of time (at the very least, after the Segment in which the Triggered power activates, the character should be required to choose between maintaining it, or maintaining the slot he had active at the time).

Q: Is there any limit to the number of Triggers or Triggered Powers a character may place on the same object/person/place at once?

A: No.

SITUATION:
We are playing a FH game that uses a VPP for magic. Each "spell" is bought as a knowledge skill. This works well and balances most magic, but a character wishes to play an Alchemist.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FIRST FAQ:
1. Does the first FAQ apply to VPPs as well? Can that character "brew" a potion as any power with a trigger, then change his VPP and brew a different potion with a trigger?

2. Am I understanding correctly from the FAQ that answer to question 1 is yes, but generally shouldn't be used for continuing powers?

3. If question 2 is yes, what effect would a potion such as waterbreathing (or any other power that traditionally lasts a "long" period of time) have on the use of other potions also crafted using the VPP and trigger?

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SECOND FAQ:
1. If the character makes his potions with triggers and charges, can he brew one potion for each charge, and then switch his VPP to brew another set of potions?

2. On a similar note, just for clarification, can a character with a power bought with charges and triggers (for example 16 charges - trigger (walking over area) ) set all 16 triggers in a single area and have the effect of all 16 occur at once, or would the effect occur 16 times, once each time the area is walked over?


Thank you for your time.

Steve Long
Aug 5th, '03, 06:22 AM
The first FAQ says "Power Frameworks." A VPP is a Framework, so yes, the answer applies to VPPs. As you note, the answer says you should be careful about allowing Triggered Constant powers in a Framework. Since a long-lasting potion is typically bought with Continuing Charges and without Trigger (see FH 281-82), it should work with a VPP just fine.

The setting of multiple Triggers is covered on 5E 174 (and also in my recent Digital Hero article on the subject). If the GM wants to let the alchemist brew lots of different Triggered potions with his VPP, he's certainly within his rights to do so, but I think you'd do better to build potions as described in FH, and that would also resolve some of the rules difficulties you're having.

Good luck with your game! ;)