Fantasy HERO Entangle Balancing

[Hugh Neilson]

If my opponent is entangled and helpless, I can also put all my skill levels into OCV (to offset called shot penalties) or enhanced damage, since I should not be needing my DCV.

 

But if my opponent is not alone, perhaps I do not want to be lining up that head shot with reduced DCV...

 

I also agree with MrKinister that a greater diversity of encounters might help.

 

Also, perhaps the problem is as much with the Called Shot mechanics as the Mental Paralysis mechanics.  Maybe we should restrict called shots to, say, a -4 maximum penalty (High Shot, Low Shot) without ALSO having to carefully line up the shot (Concentrate, Half DCV) making yourself more vulnerable.

[Hugh Neilson]

IIRC, we were considering 45 AP of mental paralysis, 2d6/2 DEF.  A 45 point Mental Blast averages 16 STUN with no defenses for most Fantasy targets.  It hits on the same basis as Mental Paralysis, and will STUN a lot of targets.  It will also shatter a 2d6/2DEF mental paralysis on an average roll (targeting that Entangle at a DCV of 3).

 

Actually, a Triggered Mental Blast, only affects Mental Paralysis, seems like a spell which could provide a real defense to that attack.  You'd think some wizard would research that if mental paralysis is a common magical attack form.

 

A 4 1/2 d6 STR, DEX, PRE or INT drain is pretty effective too.

[pawsplay]

Doesn't take damage at the +1 level requires there to be a common, fairly accessible way to escape. I don't think that's going to apply to mental paralysis unless that spell has a particular counter (touch of cold iron, singing a musical tone, etc.). I think also a typical "hold person" type spell would not have resistant defenses, as they are expected to wear off.