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If you're new to this series or just want to leave feedback about it, check out the
Introduction Thread. If you need help finding something we've already discussed, johndallman is maintaining an
index of which traits we've discussed.
Basic
Elastic Skin (p. B51) is an Exotic, Physical Advantage that costs 20 CP, and allows the character in question to alter its physical appearance in a limited fashion. Elastic Skin allows its user to replicate the features of anyone of your own or a very similar race, including specific individuals. The character with this trait takes 10 seconds to adjust its skin and facial features, and if copying a specific individual, also a Disguise Roll. To change back to your normal appearance takes three seconds. Things like makeup and clothing do
not change, but based on some Discord discussion, "features" may include hair and skin tone, with "race" referring to the GURPS term, not the general usage. Thus a human that possesses Elastic Skin can attempt to look like any specific human and even some non-humans if they are close enough; stereotypical elves, vampires, etc. The final sentence of its [Basic] entry states Elastic Skin grants a +4 to
all disguise rolls, but I'm not 100% certain that applies to the roll to actively copy someone through Elastic Skin.
There are many traits related to Elastic Skin. None are prerequisites for Elastic Skin and none feature Elastic Skin as a prerequisite, at least in the general rules. Some, like Shapeshifting (Morph), may make Elastic Skin redundant; then again, redundancy isn't always bad when it comes to character abilities.
Other Supplements
- GURPS Powers gives us more detail on what the baseline form of Elastic Skin entails, as well as how to tweak it for other situations. It also helps to explain its relationship with other similar or alternate traits, power sources, etc. No new Modifiers unique to Elastic Skin are presented, but you will find a few - like Glamour (p. P111) or Once On, Says On (p. P109) - that are meant for traits like (and including) Elastic Skin.
- Elastic Skin does pop up in GURPS Social Engineering but in the minutiae of other subjects.
- GURPS Supers contains some new Powers that include Elastic Skin, and it shows up in some of the templates.
- GURPS Update doesn't detail the trait, but at least it lists it and lets you know the cost and name are the same in 3e.
Past Editions
While the name and CP cost is the same, the Third Edition version Elastic Skin (Compendium I, Page 53) has some notable differences; a fatigue cost (1 FP) to use, and no general bonus to Disguise rolls; the text does mention a Disguise Roll at +4, but that is to copy a specific individual (which may clarify the earlier text).
Useful Links
As always, feel free to suggest additions to this section. :)
Discussion Starters
This is (usually) a generic list of questions for those who want to participate in the discussion but need a little help. If you already know what you want to say, feel free to skip these. ;)
- Have you ever taken this trait for one of your PCs or NPCs? How did it work out?
- Is there anything this trait does really well?
- Is there anything you think this trait could or should do differently?
- Any related traits you believe are necessary for full discussion? Go ahead and bring them up, but remember that this is a thread for Elastic Skin.
- Any thoughts on how the 4e version of these traits compares to them in earlier editions?