A new idea for how to handle VPP's

[JmOz]

I have seen a number of systems that try to divorce the AP limit with the Real Cost limit.

The problem I have always had was that the most comon was to make the real and active cost 2 per 1 point spent. This seemed way to easy to abuse, then applied the standard 1/2 cost as a control cost

So this is what I have come up with

You pay for the pool 1 per 1 for the pool. However all the pool does is say how many real points you can put in it. This can not be modified in anyway (no advantages/lims)

The Control Cost is based on the highest number of Active Points you want to be able to place in the pool at a cost of 2 AP per 1 real point. This can be modifed per limitations, furthermore the standard VPP modifiers may be placed on this number.

The key here is you could make a character who has a VPP of 100 points with a control of 50. He could not create a 11d6 EB, but he could do a 10d6 EB, 10/10 FF, 15" Flight. Total cost 100+25=125

Or you Could do a Character who had a pool of 20 but a control of 40. to do an 8d6 EB he would need to put -1 worht of lims on it (OAF?). Total Cost 20+20=40

Note that this will also preserve already existing VPP characters (Who will have CC & Pools of the same size)

[Dust Raven]

This looks workable. About the only thing I don't like about it is that I don't like using anything that's not official (sure, I change things myself, but not this much). I prefer to use what the system gives me, and maybe change a cost or two. Makes it easier on my players and on HD.

This is one of the oddball things that have always bugged be about VPPs though. One of my character concepts would make a great use of this kind of VPP. Basically she's a jedi whose force powers are written up using a VPP with up to 60 active point powers but no single power can have a real cost of over 30 (gotta Concentrate and take extra time to lift that X-wing out of a bog).

[Chris Goodwin]

I totally dig this idea and think it should be official.

[prestidigitator]

Not bad. Nice and simple. I'd rep if I could.

[Killer Shrike]

Somewhat related:

http://www.herogames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2924

[mattingly]

nice idea. I've seen it done the other way before -- a large VPP with a smaller Control to represent a lot of smaller powers filling up a large pool.

[AmadanNaBriona]

I've toyed around with a very similar idea, and really can see no balance issues with it (anymore than anything else in the system, anyway). Kudos to putting in out in such a conscise and claer fashion, and I hope we see this idea in a future suppliment, edition, or DH article.

repped

[bblackmoor]

You pay for the pool 1 per 1 for the pool. ... The Control Cost is based on the highest number of Active Points you want to be able to place in the pool at a cost of 2 AP per 1 real point.

Seems reasonable. It would enable people to write up Gadget Pools again.

[Chris Goodwin]

I think that it's made the rounds before, a couple of years ago if I recall correctly.

http://www.herogames.com/forums/show...stpost&t=18702 but I seem to recall seeing it before that even.

[AmadanNaBriona]

Seems reasonable. It would enable people to write up Gadget Pools again.

Yeah...I kinda miss the Old Skool Gadget Pools too.

[bblackmoor]

Yeah...I kinda miss the Old Skool Gadget Pools too.

I know that they were abused under the original rules, but I do think that there is a need for them in the system. I think your method would be a fair way to restore that functionality.

[AmadanNaBriona]

I really do like how "rectangular" this model is (to use a term from Killer Shrikes link). I'm already pondering how it can be used for plot device mages and the like... Huge control cost, wee little reserve, perfect for representing those mighty archmage types who can level armies as long as they have about a week to prepare, tons of materials, the stars in alignment and all that jazz.

[prestidigitator]

One thing that strikes me as being a little bit odd about this approach is how it might muck with the application of Limitations that affect all Powers in the VPP. If you have a small Control and a large Pool, you sure won't save much even with some pretty hobbling Limitations. I'm not sure if I like this or not.

[JmOz]

One thing that strikes me as being a little bit odd about this approach is how it might muck with the application of Limitations that affect all Powers in the VPP. If you have a small Control and a large Pool, you sure won't save much even with some pretty hobbling Limitations. I'm not sure if I like this or not.

True, but then again you will be able to have the whole pools worth of real points in powers active, realise that the lim will effect the powers IN the pool, but will reduce the cost of them when applied against the pool limit

[JmOz]

Thank you for the link Chris

I want to appoligise, I did not remember that thread from before, I wonder if I read it back then and that it poped in my head at a later date without contex. Phil and crew, it is a great idea thanks for doing it first.