Input wanted on some limitations

[Susano]

Here's the gadget in question:

<4>OPTICAL CAMOUFLAGE CLOAK

 

Effect: Invisibility to Sight Group

Target: One character

Duration: Constant

Range: Self

Charges: 1 Continuing Charge

 

Description: Used extensively by Japanese ESWAT and government security forces, an optical camouflage cloak (a.k.a. “opti-cam”) is a sheet of polarized fabric designed to absorb and reflect light. Anyone under the cloak is rendered effectively invisible, as the cloak makes them look to be part of the scenery. However, opti-cam isn’t a perfect system. The cloak presents a slight, but noticeable fringe even in the best of conditions. In adverse environments, such as fog, mist, smoke, or standing water, the wearer will present an obvious outline. In addition, because opti-cam cloaks absorb light, anyone wearing one will be unable to see unless they don specialized receptor goggles.

 

Game Information: Invisibility to Sight Group (20 Active points); 1 Continuing Fuel Charge (battery, Easy to obtain; 5 Hours (-0), OAF (-1), Bright Fringe In Adverse Conditions (fog, mist, rain; -0), Side Effect (character will be unable to see his surroundings unless he is wearing receptor goggles; -0). Total cost: 10 points.

 

My question is regarding the Bright Fringe and Side Effects Limitations. Should they be higher than -0? Also, should the Side Effects be switched to a Limited Power Limitation?

 

Thanks.

[Edsel]

Re: Input wanted on some limitations

 

The conditions given effectively nullify the power, the user can now be seen but his identity is uncertain. Of course a friendly would not have a reason to hide from you so if you spot someone snooping around with the intent of not being being seen you can assume they are your enemy.

 

This means it is simply a matter of how often those adverse conditions are going to be encountered. I will assume that anything that sufficiently disturbs the area (fog, mist, rain) also includes things like dust storms, smoke, etc. Essentially if it overloads the ability of the cloak to adapt you are going to be seen. Knowledgeable opponents might be aware that hitting the sprinkler system, or otherwise creating an adverse condition will show them cloaked foes.

 

A power that doesn't work in darkness is a -1/2 Limitation. One that doesn't work in water is a -1/4 Limitation. To me it sounds like darkness would be more common than your specified "adverse conditions" and being "in" water is less common. Based on that I'd say it is either a -1/4 or -1/2 Limitation.

 

I'd call the effective blinding of the wearer w/o goggles is a minor Side Effect.

[Split Decision]

Re: Input wanted on some limitations

 

It's a -1/2 Limited Power. That covers the same conditions as a Side Effect, so Side Effects can stay at -0. Unfortunately, you can't put Invisibility on an Obvious focus, so you have to make it an IAF (-1/2)... and it's a wash, points-wise.

 

Still, seems about right.

[Susano]

Re: Input wanted on some limitations

 

Thanks guys. Here's what I'm going to go with:

 

Optical Camouflage Cloak: Invisibility to Sight Group , Side Effects (Side Effect always occurs whenever the character does some specific act; user will be unable to see his surroundings unless he is wearing receptor goggles; +0), 1 Continuing Fuel Charge lasting 6 Hours (+1/4); IAF (-1/2), Bright Fringe In Adverse Conditions (dust clouds, fog, mist, rain, smoke; -1/4)

[Split Decision]

Re: Input wanted on some limitations

 

that is an excellent construction based upon what you want it to do, I think.

[Susano]

Re: Input wanted on some limitations

 

Thanks. Now to work up some other gear....

[The_Patriot]

Re: Input wanted on some limitations

 

Personally I'd go with something like this:

 

Advanced Camoflage Holographic Field: Sight Group Images 1" radius, +/-2 to PER Rolls, Variable SFX (Limited Group of SFX; Any terrain type features; +1/4) (20 Active Points) IIF (-1/4) Real Cost: 16

[Susano]

Re: Input wanted on some limitations

 

Watch Ghost in the Shell. It's pretty much of form of invisibility.

[prestidigitator]

Re: Input wanted on some limitations

 

I'd just call the Side Effect a 25 Active Point effect (same as selling back Normal Sight). Close enough to the 30-point level of Side Effects. But only happens under specific circumstances (not wearing the receptor goggles). So whatever Limitation value that comes to for this power (too lazy to look at the book right now).

 

Then again, if this is a superheroic game I'd just have characters buy off the Side Effect completely if they own the goggles. Or maybe effectively buy it off but apply an IAF or IIF to the "power" that is the buy-off of the Side Effect.