Advantages as items

[trooper6]

Originally Posted by copeab

If I was handing out things for free, I wouldn't worry about point costs ;)

Whereas, I often hand out things for free, but still worry about the point costs because I want to give each PC the same amount of goodies.

For example, that Crown of Strength is 20-cp...one of the other ideas the OP had was an amulet that had a 1d Innate Attack. Knowing that I'm giving one PC a 20pt crown means that I have a measure which to compare the amulet. Others have expressed concern that the Amulet is not powerful enough in comparison...so working it out with points becomes useful.

So...
Amulet of Arrows
Innate Attack 1d (8cp/level)

Unbreakable
Let's say Can Be Stolen (Quick Contest of DX roll) [-30%]
Let's also say Unique [-25%]

Total Cost: 4cp

Now, this Amulet is worth waaaaay fewer cp than the Crown, for a new GM figuring out the cp cost for both lets him or her see that. So rather than that first idea, trying to go for more parity perhaps something like:

Amulet of Icy Doom
Innate Attack 2d [16cp]

Damage Modifiers:
Double Blunt Trauma [+20%]
Hazard (Freezing) [+20%]
Overhead [+30%]

Let's say Can Be Stolen (Quick Contest of DX roll) [-30%]
Let's also say Unique [-25%]

Total Cost (Additive Modifiers): 19cp

Now the two items are more equivalent.

[trooper6]

Originally Posted by Mercutio Montecchi

Another quick question: is there anything to enable melee attacks to affect insubstantial creatures? Like standard punches, standard sword attack, etc...

See page B102. The answers to many of your questions are in the Basic set.

[Walrus]

Originally Posted by Mercutio Montecchi

Another quick question: is there anything to enable melee attacks to affect insubstantial creatures? Like standard punches, standard sword attack, etc...

Innate Attack (Melee, ST-Based (Powers), Affect Insubstantial).
Imbuements (from Imbuements).
Blessed: ghost weapon (Monster Hunters).

[Langy]

Originally Posted by Mercutio Montecchi

Another quick question: is there anything to enable melee attacks to affect insubstantial creatures? Like standard punches, standard sword attack, etc...

What you want is Blessed: Ghost Weapon, from Divine Powers or Monster Hunters 1. Unfortunately, this one isn't in the Basic Set. The closest you can get in the BS is a cludge, like adding Affects Substantial to Strength or something, but it's not really the right way to do it.

[trooper6]

Blessed: Ghost Weapon allows the person with this advantage to make *any* weapon they wield able to attack insubstantial beings.

The "Affects Insubstantial" modifier will work with Innate Attacks.

But the Magic book also has the Enchantment (Ghost Weapon) which can be put on a weapon, and the spell Effects Insubstantial, which can also be put on a weapon or a person.

So those are more options.

[sir_pudding]

You can also use the Modifying ST-Based Damage rules in Powers to make your natural attacks Affect Insubstantial.

[copeab]

Originally Posted by trooper6

Whereas, I often hand out things for free, but still worry about the point costs because I want to give each PC the same amount of goodies.

Something a new GM also needs to learn is that just because two things (characters, items, abilities, etc.) have the same point total does not mean they are equal in power. How the campaign plays out is what really determines the value of things.

What matters more than point cost is that each character can do something useful that no other party member can do (or if they can do it, not very well).

[Gold & Appel Inc]

Originally Posted by trooper6

Amulet of Icy Doom
Innate Attack 2d [16cp]

Damage Modifiers:
Double Blunt Trauma [+20%]
Hazard (Freezing) [+20%]
Overhead [+30%]

Let's say Can Be Stolen (Quick Contest of DX roll) [-30%]
Let's also say Unique [-25%]

Total Cost (Additive Modifiers): 19cp

Isn't the Hazard Enhancement for FP Attacks and Leech only?

~~~~~~~~~~

Example #2: The 77 Demon Amulet

This fearsome and completely indestructible artifact can release malevolent spirits numbering seventy-seven to streak around the wielder in a very flashy spiral pattern, ripping through the flesh and ectoplasm of her choice alike but impeded by significant physical barriers. It, of course, recharges at Midnight.

Innate Attack (4d Cut)

Affects Insubstantial [+20%]
Area Effect: 2 Yds [+50%]
Selective Area [+20%]

Emanation [-20%]
Limited Use: 1/Day [-40%]
Nuisance Effect: Obvious [-5%]

Can Be Stolen (Quick Contest of DX roll) [-30%]
Unique [-25%]

Total [20]

[trooper6]

Originally Posted by Gold & Appel Inc

Isn't the Hazard Enhancement for FP Attacks and Leech only?

~~~~~~~~~~

Example #2: The 77 Demon Amulet

This fearsome and completely indestructible artifact can release malevolent spirits numbering seventy-seven to streak around the wielder in a very flashy spiral pattern, ripping through the flesh and ectoplasm of her choice alike but impeded by significant physical barriers. It, of course, recharges at Midnight.

Innate Attack (4d Cut)

Affects Insubstantial [+20%]
Area Effect: 2 Yds [+50%]
Selective Area [+20%]

Emanation [-20%]
Limited Use: 1/Day [-40%]
Nuisance Effect: Obvious [-5%]

Can Be Stolen (Quick Contest of DX roll) [-30%]
Unique [-25%]

Total [20]

Oh! You are right about the Hazard Enhancement. Thanks for that catch! I also like your amulet!

[Gold & Appel Inc]

Originally Posted by trooper6

I also like your amulet!

Thanks!

It's probably only fair to point out that I personally think an unlimited 1d Imp IA for 4 CP is way more useful than what I'm proposing, but if it was my one piece of shiny magic chrome it'd fall a little flat for me...