Zero-Point Energy Field Manipulator

Susano · February 12, 2011

Comments and feedback desired.

ZERO-POINT ENERGY FIELD MANIPULATOR

Effect: Various

Target: One object or one person

Duration: Various

Range: Various

END Cost: 0

Description: Commonly known as the Gravity Gun, the Manipulator was originally designed for the handling of hazardous materials, and generally used for heavy lifting. However, recently one of these Manipulators was given to Doctor Gordon Freeman, who has since demonstrated the amazing flexibility of the Manipulator as both a tool and a weapon.

The Manipulator is a thick cylinder with a housing at the rear. There’s a support handle on the left side, with a grip at the back. The grip has two triggers, the primary one unleashes a bolt of zero-point energy (good for ‘punting’ objects away), while the secondary trigger pulls objects to the Manipulator. At the front of the device are three claw-like prongs that apparently serve to shape the zero-point energy field.

The Manipulator is used by pointing it at a target, which can either be something the user wishes to pick up, or knock away. Pressing the secondary trigger will create the zero-point energy field, which will then either pick up the object in question, or start to drag it towards the Manipulator. As objects can only be lifted into the air once they come in close proximity to the Manipulator, care must be taken to pull large objects along a path free of obstacles, else it might become hung up.

Pressing the primary trigger will either unleash a blast of zero-point energy (capable of smashing boards, boxes, and crates), or will hurl away anything held in the zero-point energy field with great force. Small objects, such as cinder blocks, can be flung out of sight, while larger ones, such as 55 gallon drums of fuel, can be hurled upwards of 30-40 meters. The force used to ‘punt’ an object in this manner is so great that many mundane objects can be pressed into service as weapons. Blunt objects (such a bricks and barrels), can be used to batter foes and barriers down, while edged objects, such as (circular saw blade) will cut clean through a human being.

The same technology that enables the Manipulator to pick up objects can also be used to catch objects. Slow-moving projectiles (such as hurled grenades or a tossed ball) can be captured and held in the zero-point field, at which point the user can quickly punt it back. The zero-point field can also be used to capture certain forms of energy, such as the Combine Overwatch’s Pulse Rifle’s Energy Ball.

The Manipulator does have its limitations. The zero-point field only works on non-living objects, such as barrels, boxes, cinderblocks, doors, rocks, and so on. It can’t be used to pick up a living person, or even a corpse. The energy bolt, while powerful, inflicts little actual damage, although it does send most foes flying. Care also must be taken when selecting projectiles for ammunition. As the Manipulator impart great force onto anything it fires away, it’s possible for certain objects to simply smash to pieces upon striking a target, as opposed to doing any real damage. However, if these limitations are kept in mind, the Zero-Point Energy Manipulator can be a highly effective and versatile tool.

Designer’s Notes: While I’ve tried to capture the capabilities of the Half Life 2 Gravity Gun in HERO System terms, I’ll readily admit to ignoring certain aspects of the device in order to present a more universally adaptable gadget. In other words, I’ve declined to model the sometimes plot-specific abilities and drawbacks of the Gravity Gun. For example, while the energy burst can smash wooden supports and knock cars about, you can’t use it to knock away a Headcrab Zombie... but you can use it to punt away a Headcrab or an Antlion. The same blast can smash a crate, but does little damage to an Antlion or Headcrab. And so on. In any case, I’d like to think I’ve captured the look and feel of the Gravity Gun fairly well, while still offering a gadget that could find a home in a wide variety of campaigns and genres.

Game Information:

36	[b]Zero-Point Energy Field:[/b]  Telekinesis 
(25 STR), Indirect (can manipulate 
objects on the other side of certain 
barriers; +¼), Invisible Power Effects 
(Invisible to Sight Group; +½), Reduced 
Endurance (0 END; +½), 
Uncontrolled (+½); OAF (-1), Only Works 
On Limited Types Of Objects (non-living/
organic objects only; -½), Affects Whole 
Object (-¼), Limited Range 
(15 meters; -¼)
15	[b]Zero-Point Energy Field Throw:[/b]  +40 
STR, Reduced Endurance (0 END; +½); 
Only To Determine Throwing 
Distance (-2), 
OAF (-1)
20	[b]Zero-Point Energy Field Burst:[/b]  
Blast 6d6, Double Knockback (+½), 
Reduced Endurance (0 END; +½); 
OAF (-1), Cannot Use Targeting (-½), 
Limited Range (10 meters; -¼), 
Beam (-¼)
38	[b]Blunt Object Throw:[/b]  Blast 12d6, 
Indirect (thrown objects can be arced 
over some obstacles; +¼), Reduced 
Endurance (0 END; +½); OAF (-1), Must 
Have Blunt Object In Zero-Point Energy 
Field (barrels, cinder blocks, furniture, 
lumber, rocks, and so on; -½), Damage 
Depends On Exact Object Used (-¼)
38	[b]Edged Object Throw:[/b]  RKA 4d6, 
Indirect (thrown objects can be arced 
over some obstacles; +¼), Reduced 
Endurance (0 END; +½); OAF (-1), Must 
Have Blunt Object In Zero-Point Energy 
Field (meat hooks, lengths of pipe, 
circular saw blades, and so on.; -½), 
Damage Depends On Exact Object 
Used (-¼)
40	[b]Zero-Point Energy Field Catch:[/b]  
Reflection (60 Active Points' worth), 
Reduced Endurance (0 END; +½), Any 
Target (+½); OAF (-1)

Ragitsu · February 12, 2011