Shape Shift vs Mental Group

[Killer Shrike]

When using Shape Shift vs Mental Group, what game effect does this have. For example, if a character has an ability similar to:

 

22 Mystic Mind: (Total: 41 Active Cost, 22 Real Cost) Mind of 1000 Incarnations: Shapeshift (Mental Group; Imitation, Variety of Shapes (any Human Mind): Limited Group of Shapes), Costs END Only To Change Shape (+1/4) (31 Active Points); Requires A EGO Roll (-1/2), Extra Time, Only to Activate Constant or Persistent Power (Full Phase; -1/4), Delayed Phase (-1/4), Concentration (1/2 DCV; -1/4) (Real Cost: 14) plus +10 Mental Defense (15 points total) (10 Active Points); Nonpersistent (-1/4) (Real Cost: 8)

 

 

What are the mechanical benefits thereof?

 

Would this fool someone using Telepathy, presenting false thoughts/memories? Will it fool a Mind Scan--ie if someone is looking for the character will they not find him if he is using Shape Shift to 'appear' as a different mind, and if he were Imitating someone elses mind, might a Mind Scanner looking for the copied person find this character instead?

 

If Imitating the mind of another character, would this character pick up any Psychological Disadvantages that person has while imitating them?

 

Off hand, are there any other permutations where this might have a game effect?

 

Thanx.....

[Steve Long]

There's a power called Psychomorph in the USPD where I discuss this a bit, but no reason not to go over it here, too, and provide some more details.

 

If a character has Shape Shift (Mental Group), his mind “looks” different to anyone who uses a Mental Sense to perceive his mind. Trying to perceive him with Mind Scan would generally be pointless; he “looks” like some other mind. Telepathy at the “surface thoughts” level would “see” a different mind, but at levels beyond that could still perceive the character’s deeper thoughts, memories, and so forth — Shape Shift doesn’t change those, and does not allow a character to change his Psychological Limitations, either.