What makes Duplication "Special"

[Duane From RI]

I am going over all basic assumptions right now as I design a campaign that has some features that make it much more seat of the pants.

One of the assumptions I am going over is what makes each Special power so "Special" that you can't put it in a framework.

I have come up with reasoning for Enhanced Senses, Skills, Mental/Power/Flash Defense.

 

My question to the forum: What makes Duplication "Special"? Why is it unbalancing to put in a multipower or vpp?

[bigbywolfe]

Re: What makes Duplication "Special"

 

What happens if you switch slots in you MP or VPP while the Duplicate exists? They can't exist without the Power, right? Wouldn't that be like getting takes no time, ranged recombinationfor free (and with a cost break to boot)? If a Duplicate dies you generally lose those points (though many GMs allow you to spend 5 points to double the number of Dupes so you can still have a Duplicate). What happens when a Duplicate in a MP or VPP dies? How does it put you at a disadvantage (other than not having the Duplicate) when you can just switch slots?

[Christopher]

Re: What makes Duplication "Special"

 

There is a big factor I think:

You already recieved a giant cost break.

 

400 points duplication gives your 400 points of power, for only 80 points. So it alraedy has a -4 Limitation worked into it's cost.

And unlike Multiform, those 400 points work in parralel to your own 400 points.

Summon is also one of the "1/5 Crowd".

But here the main balancing factor is the speed at wich you burn tasks in combat.

[Duane From RI]

Re: What makes Duplication "Special"

 

The Recombination thing seems to be a big reason why this is "Special". I can think of the following example: A Wizard makes an Astral Projection. The Astral Projection gets captured in a magic circle by a demon (hey if humans can catch demons in magic circles why not the other way around). What do do? Even if the wizard has ranged recombination, its not fair to the demon that simple trick lets the wizard escape the magic circle. Meanwhile there are no rules stated whatsoever about multipowers or vpps being "stuck" on a slot.

This simple example makes it obvious that Duplication should be treated as Special unless there are really, really good story elements that address these.

Thanks guys for the input!!!!