3pt CSLs (Based on a JmOz question)

[MPT]

A while back JmOz asked...

Can a character use a three point skill level for a ranged and a HtH attack, if the F/X is similar. In example Can Renard Dumas, the great fencer, use a CSL with his Rapier if he throws it at someone?

Another example would be flamefist, who in his MP has both a HtH attack and a Ranged attack.

And you replied ...

Yes, provided the GM considers all the attacks related. If the GM has any doubts or concerns about game balance, he should err on the side of caution and not allow this.

My questions are...

a) The rules state that a 3pt CSL with a melee weapon can only be used as +1 DCV v HtoH attacks and a 3pt CSL with a missile weapon can only be used as a +1 DCV v ranged attacks. If you throw a Rapier can you apply 3pt CSLs as DCVs to HtoH, ranged, both or neither?

b) Is you answer to a) different if the weapon is specifically designed to be to be thrown (e.g. a discus) or can be used equally in both modes (e.g. a spear)?

c) If the MP also included EGO attacks could the 3pt CSL add +1 to the attackers EOCV and/or EDCV?

d) Is your answer to c) different in a Fantasy Hero Campaign where the PC has 3pt CSL in a specific form of magic and the 'spells' combine EGO and Non-EGO attacks?

[Steve Long]

1-2. If a character has bought a 3-point CSL with a specific type of weapon (e.g., some 3-point Levels for bonuses with Rapiers), then he could apply that Level to improve DCV against the type of attack (HTH or Ranged) for which he uses the Level in a given Phase. If he applies the Level to improve his OCV with throwing the Rapier in one of his Phases, then in that same Phase he could use some of the Levels to improve his DCV versus Ranged attacks, but not his DCV against HTH attacks. It’s up to the GM to decide whether the character should be allowed to Abort to use his 3-point one-weapon CSLs to provide DCV, but generally the GM should not allow this, since it makes the CSLs too much like 5-point Levels.

3-4. A CSL with a Multipower is a 3-point Level, and applies to all slots in that Multipower for any uses to which a 3-point Level can be put, including OECV and DECV if necessary. The mixture of attacks in the Multipower is irrelevant for these purposes (though it’s definitely something the GM should review in light of common sense, dramatic sense, and game balance).

As I’ve stated before, if the GM has any doubts about this sort of thing, or any concerns about game balance, he should forbid or restrict the use of 3-point CSLs.