power disads question

[ashuramarsh]

A player ion my game is creating a shapeshifter. They have Shapeshifting and multiform. This is fine.

 

Both have the unified power disad. Fine.

 

The multiform also is an OIF.

 

The impression the player first gave is that both are natural powers of the character. While both powers are shapeshifting, one is gained from a focus. Would unified still be viable for both?

[IndianaJoe3]

I suppose the focus could help the character use their natural power in a different way.

[Scott Baker]

I'd ask the player for their justification. Otherwise we're all just guessing at possibilities.

[bigdamnhero]

So with the Focus, the PC can imitate form and function; without the Focus, they can imitate form, but not function. Seems logical & legal to me. The player seems to be thinking of Shapeshift as a lesser version of Multiform, which isn't technically correct from a mechanical standpoint but works from a concept standpoint.

 

I've never seen that exact combo, but I've seen similar concepts such as a mentalist with 40 AP worth of innate mental powers, plus a Focus that gave her an additional 20 AP worth. Lose the Focus and she can still function, but at a reduced level.

[Greywind]

Black Tom Cassidy with his shillelagh.