Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl
For example, let us look at Spirit Control. For 100 CP, you could purchase TK 20 [100]. With 20 CP, you could purchase Jumper (Spirit) as an alternative ability. During at emergency, you could spend 3 FP and roll against Will-4 to improvise Affliction (Malediction, +100%; Mortal Condition, Heart Attack, +300%), perhaps representing you attempting to draw out the soul of your victim.
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Assuming this is an example of "Using Abilities at Default" (P173), I think that's quite the stretch. Using your TK to stop their heart seems like a much better explanation, and that it's a spirit based power explains why it can be a Malediction and thus bypass armour (in a way that a more physical PK attack might not). Also, an affliction is not the same sort of power as TK (or Jumper), so you take another -2 to the Will roll.
Note that a sorcerer can do the same thing, and it's skill-based so they can use Will-based Thaumatology (plus talent) which at high levels of skill comes out marginally cheaper if you wanted the Thaumatology anyway. The sorcerer has to pay for a 'blank' power, but in return gets a much more generous set of rules for minor improvisation.
I think that, when it comes down to it, the difference is mostly flavour.