Manipulation Powers

[Grayson]

I am just curious about something. Are the abilities listed for each manipulation power a comprehensive listing of the power's capabilities or just possible examples. For example, can Light Manipulation be used to blind a target (like the Flash power) even though such a feat isn't listed as an example?

I would also like to know if the character's ranks have to split when he has multiple feats functioning at once. For example, if a character has Darkness Manipulation 8 and wanted to create a darkness field around a target one round and then put one around himself in another round, would he have to split his ranks between the two actions if he were maintaining both at once?

[prophet118]

well, for the last thing (about splitting his actions) id say he'd fall under the rules for multiple actions

but what you have to ask yourself is this... how many multiple actions

1 action use ability on another person
another action to use it on himself
plus the possible 2 concentration rolls (if there are) for the powers.

[Grayson]

First of all, thanks for the reply. I really don't have a solid grasp of the rules yet because I just ordered the pdfs for both the core rulebook and the Powers book this morning. I am going to dig into both tonight when I am at work. I do have some familiarity with the system because I own the DC Universe Roleplaying game as well as the Directive on Superpowers. My questions were based on just a perusal of the rules. In hindsight, they were a bit premature. I was actually more curious about my first question (regarding the limits of manipulation powers) than I was the second. I'll probably have a lot more (and better informed) questions after tonight, LOL.

[prophet118]

as far as i know, as written, the powers are set..

HOWEVER the power mods and limits can change that..

for instance, lets make human torchish character.. (dont direct quoite me on powers, im seriously not a comic geek, so i dont know all of em)

last i heard he had

Elemental Sheath Fire (i dont recall if he actually becomes fire though)
+ linked Flight (this allow for him to only fly in flaming form)
+ ranged power attack (allow him to hurl fireballs)


i think to mimic the super nova ability, you'd simply add in a range to the area of efefct, then set it to use life force..

now granted this isnt a manipulation power, but the idea is still the same..

take a power, add some stuff to it..lol

[Jerry D. Grayson]

First off thanks for buying the books and welcome aboard. I hope you enjoy the books.

Btw, are we related?;)


I am just curious about something. Are the abilities listed for each manipulation power a comprehensive listing of the power's capabilities or just possible examples? For example, can Light Manipulation be used to blind a target (like the Flash power) even though such a feat isn't listed as an example?
In MY game this is how I would rule…
I’d say that the listing is some where in between comprehensive and open ended. If it makes since for a power to achieve that affect I would allow it but at a penalty. The reason for the penalty is that there is already a power that accomplishes the effect. In most cases when a manipulation power has the same effect as an existing power it isn’t as potent.
But you raise a good point about Light Manipulation. If a player in my game wanted to use his power to blind a person I would allow it since the power can affect an adversary’s vision and ability to target. It seems reasonable that Light Manipulation would allow you to blind someone.


I would also like to know if the character's ranks have to split when he has multiple feats functioning at once. For example, if a character has Darkness Manipulation 8 and wanted to create a darkness field around a target one round and then put one around himself in another round, would he have to split his ranks between the two actions if he were maintaining both at once?
Depending on the power you would have to split the dice for the effect but in the above example Id say now. I’d say that the penalty would apply to the skill roll.