Creating Abilities

Revised Ability Creation System: Streamlined for Efficiency and Strategic Resource Management

Introduction

The Revised Ability Creation System introduces a structured, resource-based approach to ability design that integrates seamlessly with various genres, including science fiction, fantasy, and modern settings. This guide outlines a straightforward point-based method for defining ability attributes, integrating Action Point (AP) costs, and optimizing abilities within the constraints of a character’s Ability Point Budget.

1. Ability Creation Framework

1.1 Ability Attribute Point Costs

Each attribute of an ability has a defined point cost, allowing players to allocate resources efficiently. Points reflect the intensity and impact of each attribute, helping maintain balance and ensuring that abilities remain consistent across different contexts.

Damage: 1 point per unit of Damage Rating (DR).
Targets: 1 point per additional target beyond the first.
Status Effects: 1 point per effect (e.g., Burn, Paralysis, Sensor Jam).
Duration: 1 point per turn of effect (if not instantaneous).
Range:
- Melee/Touch: 0 points.
- Short (1-10 units): 1 point.
- Medium (11-30 units): 2 points.
- Long (31-60 units): 3 points.
- Extreme (61+ units): 4 points.
Area of Effect (AoE):
- Single Target: 0 points.
- Small Area (up to 3 units radius): 2 points.
- Medium Area (up to 5 units radius): 4 points.
- Large Area (up to 7 units radius): 6 points.
Special Effects: 1 point per effect (e.g., Knockback, EMP Discharge, Force Push).
Casting/Activation Time:
- Standard Action: 0 points.
- Quick Action: +2 points (acts faster).
- Slow Action: -1 point (takes longer).

1.2 Calculating AP Cost

The Base AP Cost of an ability is determined by the total points assigned to its attributes. Players can further modify the AP cost by using points from their Ability Point Budget.

Base AP Cost: Total points allocated to ability attributes.
Reducing AP Cost: Spend additional points from the Ability Point Budget to reduce AP cost by 1 per point spent.
Minimum AP Cost: 1 AP (abilities cannot have a cost lower than 1 AP).

1.3 Required Gear and Equipment Each ability may necessitate specific items or gear to be utilized effectively, depending on its nature. This requirement ensures that characters rely on available resources or personal traits, creating a sense of realism and strategic planning within the game. Determining Necessary Gear or Traits Explosive Abilities: A character cannot create explosive effects without having physical explosives or a unique capability (e.g., an innate pyromantic ability or a cybernetic launcher). Energy Manipulation: Abilities such as firing energy beams or manipulating electromagnetic fields typically require a specialized gadget (e.g., an energy projector), an enhancement (cybernetic modifications), or mastery over certain esoteric arts. Magical or Psionic Abilities: Characters who rely on magical or psionic abilities must have a clear justification for their source of power, such as a staff for a mage or a cyber-psi implant for a psion. Environmental or Situational Modifiers: Some abilities, such as interacting with digital systems or accessing high-security areas, might require the right environmental conditions or auxiliary equipment (e.g., hacking tools, specialized sensors). Incorporating Gear Requirements When creating abilities, players must specify if any gear or traits are essential. If an ability concept doesn’t logically fit without gear, it cannot be executed unless the GM grants approval. The GM can establish additional prerequisites or limitations based on the character's access to these items. Example Scenarios: Explosive Barrage: This ability cannot be performed bare-handed without a form of explosive material or a character trait enabling explosive generation (e.g., energy construct generation). Force Barrier: Generating a protective field might require a shield projector device unless the character is a telekinetic or possesses a psionic amplifier. Gear as an Ability Modifier Gear or items that enable abilities may reduce the AP cost or alter the point allocation: Reduction in Point Costs: If gear is integral to an ability (e.g., a blaster rifle used for a high-energy shot), it can reduce the ability’s AP cost since the character isn’t solely relying on personal skill or traits. Improving Effects: Gear bonuses can enhance specific attributes, such as increasing damage rating or range, as long as they align with the character’s traits and abilities. GM’s Role in Approving Gear Usage The GM is the final arbiter of whether an ability is plausible given the character’s gear and traits. Characters must have logical access to the necessary gear, and any implausible or unsupported abilities should be adjusted accordingly or prohibited.

2. Calculating the Ability Point Budget

The Ability Point Budget represents the resources a character has to create and refine their abilities. This budget is derived from a combination of core attributes, talents, specific specializations, and relevant gear bonuses. Ability Point Budget = Attribute + Talent + Specialization + Gear Bonuses

Attribute: Core attribute score relevant to the ability.
Talent: Proficiency level in a broad skill category.
Specialization: Mastery in a specific area related to the skill.
Gear Bonuses: Equipment bonuses that enhance the relevant attribute, talent, or specialization.

The total Ability Point Budget determines how many points a player can allocate to both ability attributes and AP reduction.

3. Creating and Finalizing Abilities

Step 1: Determine the Ability Point Budget

Calculate the total Ability Point Budget using the formula: Attribute + Talent + Specialization + Gear Bonuses = Ability Point Budget

Step 2: Define the Ability Concept

Establish the purpose of the ability and the desired outcome (e.g., a targeted energy burst, an area suppression field, a defensive shield, or an infiltration skill).

Step 3: Allocate Points to Ability Attributes

Use the defined point costs to distribute points among various attributes such as Damage, Range, Duration, and Special Effects.

Step 4: Calculate Base AP Cost

The Base AP Cost is equal to the total points assigned to ability attributes.

Step 5: Optional - Reduce AP Cost

Players may use additional points from their Ability Point Budget to decrease the AP cost.

Spend 1 point from the Ability Point Budget to reduce AP cost by 1.
Ensure the total points used (attributes + AP reduction) do not exceed your Ability Point Budget.

Step 6: Finalize the Ability

Review the ability’s attributes, AP cost, and overall concept to ensure it is within budget and balanced for gameplay.

4. Practical Examples

Example 1: Specialist’s "Pulse Wave"

Character Stats:

Attribute: Intelligence 5
Talent: Engineering 4
Specialization: Energy Systems 3
Gear Bonus: Quantum Modulator (+2 to Energy Manipulation Specializations)
Ability Point Budget: 5 + 4 + 3 + 2 = 14 Points

Ability Concept: A concentrated wave of energy that disrupts electronic systems in a small area. Step 1: Allocate Points to Attributes

Damage: DR 4 (energy damage) → 4 points
Range: Medium (11-30 units) → 2 points
Area of Effect: Small Area (up to 3 units radius) → 2 points
Special Effect: EMP Discharge (temporarily disables electronics) → 1 point
Casting Time: Standard Action → 0 points
Total Points for Ability Attributes: 4 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 9 Points

Step 2: Calculate Base AP Cost

Base AP Cost: 9 AP

Step 3: Reduce AP Cost

Available Points for AP Reduction: 14 (Budget) - 9 (Used) = 5 Points
Spend 5 Points to reduce AP cost by 5.
Reduced AP Cost: 9 AP - 5 = 4 AP

Final Ability:

Name: Pulse Wave
Damage: DR 4 (energy)
Range: Medium
Area of Effect: Small Area
Special Effect: EMP Discharge
AP Cost: 4 AP
Total Points Used: 9 (Attributes) + 5 (AP Reduction) = 14 Points

Example 2: Vanguard’s "Overdrive Assault"

Character Stats:

Attribute: Strength 6
Talent: Close-Combat 4
Specialization: Heavy Weapons 3
Gear Bonus: Servo-Enhanced Gauntlets (+2 to Heavy Weapon Specializations)
Ability Point Budget: 6 + 4 + 3 + 2 = 15 Points

Ability Concept: A powerful melee strike that crushes through defenses and knocks back enemies. Step 1: Allocate Points to Attributes

Damage: DR 6 (melee impact) → 6 points
Special Effect: Knockback → 1 point
Special Effect: Armor Penetration (reduces target’s damage resistance) → 1 point
Total Points for Ability Attributes: 6 + 1 + 1 = 8 Points