The Wonders Of Energy Blast

Introduction

If there was ever one generic attack power in Champions, it would be Energy Blast. It can be used for anything from heat rays, to tazer gloves (with the No Range limitation), bombs (with the Time Delay limitation), and much, much more. In this article, it will be shown how Energy Blast can be used as a replacement for HTH Attack, how to make effective attacks out of other powers, and some alternate ways to use Advantages and Limitations.

The Punch Of Power - Replacing HTH Attack

Breaking down HTH Attack, we see that it is roughly Energy Blast with the No Range limitation. Energy Blast, however, has the advantage of adhering to the '5 active points/die' standard that is commonplace in the game. For those that would prefer an alternative to HTH Attack, try this addition to Energy Blast:

Energy Blast can either be defined as an independent attack, or as adding to a single other attack method. At the gamemaster's option, players may choose to add to general Strength damage, rather than one specific attack (such as Strike, Haymaker, etc.). The Energy Blast must take the same advantages and limitations that are in the attack added to, including inherent ones (thus, No Range must be taken when adding to Strength). The type of Energy Blast (physical or energy), must match the attack that it is added to, and follows the same guidelines. Since other attacks generally can not be spread or bounced, Energy Blast loses these abilities when paired with another power.

This ruling allows HTH attacks that are more balanced with other attacks, in terms of Endurance, active points, and the like.

Energy Blast And TK - The Deadly Duo

Note that the above ruling can be applied to more than Hand-to-Hand attacks. Specifically, Telekinesis can be enhanced, making it more than just a power to grab people. As an example, say our hero Teke wants a 'Telekinetic Force Wave', which can be used to lift objects in addition to bashing opponents. So, Teke buys a 20 STR Telekinesis for 30 points, and adds 6d6 of Energy Blast, for another 30 points. Now, in addition to saving people falling from buildings, Teke has a 10d6 attack (4d6 for 20 STR + 6d6 EB) to stop the many villains he encounters.

Advantages and Limitations can make things more interesting. Apply the -1/4 Limitation of Limited Power: Beam Attack to the Energy Blast, to represent a Teke who's still learning his powers. Or, how about a limitation such as Not versus Hard Targets, to represent a vibratory attack which simply isn't effective against something too tough to shake apart. Depending on the effect you want, you can drop limitations on Telekinesis, Energy Blast, or both.

Optional Advantages and Limitations

Killing Blast (+1/4) - The Energy Blast goes against Resistant Defenses for purposes of doing BODY damage, just like a Killing Attack. It still may be spread or bounced. An interesting option is to combine this with Limited Power: Beam Attack (-1/4), for an alternative to the randomness of normal Ranged Killing Attacks. At the GM's option, he can simply let the Advantage and Limitation cancel each other out, allowing a Killing Attack variant at the same END cost. Note that, for purposes of Knockback, Vulnerabilities, and so forth, this attack becomes a Killing Attack.
Dual Beam (+1/2) - This variant on Autofire allows two shots to be fired, at either the same target or targets in two adjacent hexes. If fired at the same target, the character can choose to use either the standard Autofire rules, or the 'All or Nothing' approach (one roll at -1 to hit - if the roll is made, both blasts hit the target). In addition, the All or Nothing approach automatically makes the both blasts Coordinated, for purposes of stunning. For multiple targets, follow the standard autofire rules. Note that the character may choose to spread or bounce each blast independently.
Seeking (+1/2) - This Advantage allows an attack that has missed a target to keep making attack rolls in successive Phases until it hits. END is paid for each phase, and the character must dedicate a half-Phase attack action each Phase to maintain the power. Each shot is as if the character was firing from the hex occupied by the target in the previous phase, including range penalties - in other words, don't stand still if you're the target of a seeking blast. By combining this power with Uncontrolled, 'fire and forget' attacks can be made. The condition for stopping an Uncontrolled Seeking attack is usually to dodge out of the way when next to a hard surface, or making an attack roll at the firing character's DCV +2 (treating the attack as if it was a focus).
Counterstrike (+1 or more) - This variant of Damage Shield allows the character to automatically strike a target who has just successfully hit them. The character must pay END each round the power is in use. For +1, the character can use this power against either physical or energy attacks. For +1 1/2, it will work against both categories. Note that while Counterstrike works at range, it will not add range capabilities to a No Range power. For an interesting combination, team this Advantage up with Reduced by Range, or the -1/4 Limited Power: Max DC's used equal to DC's of attacking power.
Minimum Range (variable) - The character's attack is ineffective at closer than a set distance. The following levels are available: less than 4 (-0), 4-15 (-1/4), 16-63 (-1/2), 64 or greater (-3/4). Note that this can be used to create blasts that get stronger as they get farther away, by buying extra dice with this limitation. A good thing to buy along with No Range Limitation.

Using (And Not Using) Advantages

The following recommendation applies to any power, not just Energy Blast. For some powers, it makes sense that an Advantage shouldn't always have to be used. Picture the light-based super firing his Armor-Piercing laser. Wouldn't it be feasible that he could widen his beam, giving up the AP portion of his attack? There are two main reasons to do this sort of thing. The first, to save Endurance. If you're fighting an opponent with Hardened Defenses, why pay extra END for something you don't get a benefit out of? The second is far more heroic. When firing at an agent, you may not wish to risk doing BODY to him with Armor Piercing.

Regardless of the reason, it is recommended that, if the special effects are fitting, that a character have the option to ignore certain Advantages placed on their attacks. For those Special Effects that aren't conducive to this (an Energy Blast Explosion defined as a grenade, for example), it could still be possible, given the appropriate situation and skills. A gadget-using hero could modify his Stun Grenade to only affect the person it hits, or perhaps even change it temporarily from Explosion to a 1-hex Area of Effect (with a good roll and appropriately heroic circumstances).

If you feel game balance would be upset, you can always charge extra END, use multiple charges, assign Activation rolls, etc. A good rule is to assign a -1/2 limitation, or more if the character wants to get more than their normal point value from an item (such as raising an Explosion to a normal Area of Effect). In the latter case, take -1/2, modified by an amount equal to the difference between Advantages. The resulting number is the level of Limitation to assign to this special use of the power.

Remember, an Advantage is something a character has paid for. Give them the benefit of the doubt - especially if it advances the storyline. With powers in Champions so cut and dry, it's nice to have a little flexibility once in a while.

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