Changing Multipowers and points allocation

[Monolith]

Dark Green came up with something in another Forum and I cannot find the rule to state he is incorrect. If you have a Multipower set on Flight and you make a half move, can you then switch your Multipower points to another power (switching being a Zero-Phase Action at the half move point) and use that power at full power? For example:

 

60 point Mulitpower

1-30" Flight

2-30 PD 30 ED Force Field

3-12d6 EB

 

Can the character fly 15" and land (a half move), then switch his Multipower to the full 12d6 Energy Blast or to the full Force Field?

[Steve Long]

Here's the Rules FAQ answer you're seeking:

 

Q: Since allocating reserve points in a Multipower is a Zero-Phase Action, could you allocate points more than once in the same Phase? For example, could a character shift points to his Teleportation slot at the beginning of his Phase, make a Half Move with Teleportation, re-allocate points to his Energy Blast slot, and attack with the EB?

 

A: Generally speaking, no. In most cases a character should only allocate Multipower reserve points once in a Phase. The example above shows just how potentially abusive allowing multiple allocations in the same Phase can be.

 

However, it should be noted that, under a strict technical interpretation of the rules, what you’re describing is possible. To say characters should never be allowed to make multiple reserve point allocations during a Segment could potentially impede a lot of perfectly valid and dramatic actions. Multiple allocations might be appropriate in many situations, campaigns, and genres. The GM might allow it as a campaign ground rule, as a one-time thing in appropriate circumstances, or as a trick occasionally pulled with the assistance of an appropriate Power Skill roll.