VPP Limitation query

[Delthrien]

I'm trying to simulate the "Omni-gadget" from the DC Heroes RPG (2nd ed.) not a powerful one, but it is going to be extremely flexible. To this end, I'm going to make it a small but very versatile utility belt (figure 20 active points). Now the snag.

In the DC game, if you wanted to change the power the gadget had, you spent the requisite Hero Points and voilá, you had the new gadget. I'd like to do something along the lines of having the VPP be a blank slate and then state what gadget (or gadgets) are in the pool as it becomes necessary. Once stated, the gadget is "locked in" (i.e., he can't change/redefine the gadget without returning to his base).

The special effect is that, through superior tactical planning, deduction, intuition, and/or foreknowledge, the character knows what he's likely to need when the situation arises and just happens to have it handy at the appropriate time.

I currently have it written up like this:

<table border=1><tr><td align="right" valign="top"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <font color="white">37&#160;&#160;</font></span></td><td><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <font color="white">Variable Power Pool, 20 base + 17 control cost, Powers Can Be Changed As A Half-Phase Action (+1/2), No Skill Roll Required (+1) (45 Active Points); Limited Power May not "free up" points initially allotted to a gadget without returning to lab/base (-1/4), IIF (-1/4)</font>&#160;</font></span></td><td valign="top" align="right"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <font color="white"></font></span></td></tr></font></span></td></table>

Does this look right or did I miss something?...

Inquiring minds and all that...

[pinecone]

Looks good,sort of a reverse extra time thing...If you need more points you could add RSR:planning or Int roll or Precog built as a skill.....

[Sociotard]

Sounds good to me. I also like the required INT roll, with some extra modifiers if your character is reacting to anything really unexpected.

(GM)Okay, your the evil sorcerer just cast your character into another dimension. You'll have to try to survive until we can save you. Out of the many he had access to, he sent you to a plane specifially designed to imprision orcs.
(Player One) Using my VPP, I smash a vial of powerful orc repellent on the floor.
(GM) Remember, you had no prior knowledge of this sorcerer before you met him, and the encounter didn't take place anywhere near orc-country. If you try it, you'll have a -4 on your INT roll.
(Player One) *thinks* How about donning a cloak of invisibilty?
(GM) Sure, that's pretty basic. I'll even give you a +1 modifier
(Player One) *annoyed* How generouse

[JMHammer]

Your conversion is excellent, I think. You might care to add an additional -1/2 to represent that the powers aren't inherent to the character but all work through some sort of gadget; an OIF or OAF, I suppose. You might also want to limit it to only one gadget at a time, which is probably worth another -1/2 or so.

You might want to permit the character to violate the official rule which restricts any individual power built with the VPP from having an active cost greater than the real points in the pool. Otherwise, your 20-point "omnigadget" will actually be several different, albeit individually weaker, gadgets.

John H

[Delthrien]

I'll probably end up requiring the skill roll (or INT roll). I'd added the Inobvious Inaccessible Focus as a minimum focus limitation so that every gadget he "makes" is definitely a focus, even if not obvious. Using a more obvious focus is still an option.

At the moment, I'll likely leave the size of the VPP as is. It isn't intended to be the primary focus of the character I have in mind, merely a "flavor piece."

But who knows, the next villain I throw at the players may indeed have something a little more hefty... ;)