A few minor questions about Obscure

[awesomenessofme1]

I'm trying to create a darkness field power using Obscure. The basic form is Obscure (Vision) 10 plus some level of Area Effect.

Question 1: Is Variable required to merely dim the area rather than cover it in pitch blackness or is that automatic? I ask because Variable specifically refers to an "attack", and I don't think Obscure counts as one.

Question 2: I'm using Selectivity to allow a variable radius for the field. Does it work that way?

[Christopher R. Rice]

Originally Posted by awesomenessofme1

Question 1: Is Variable required to merely dim the area rather than cover it in pitch blackness or is that automatic? I ask because Variable specifically refers to an "attack", and I don't think Obscure counts as one.

I'm pretty sure that Variable is only needed for attacks, non-attack abilities' range, area, or level of effect are variable automatically per GURPS Powers (p. 107). Unless I'm seriously missing something.

Originally Posted by awesomenessofme1

Question 2: I'm using Selectivity to allow a variable radius for the field. Does it work that way?

See above.

Edit: I will note that if you add Ranged and want to keep those capabilities you'd need Variable and Variable, Area of Effect.

[Refplace]

#1 Good question. It doesn't call it an attack ability so maybe not. I think I've always used it at full power though.
#2 You want Selective Area, +20% not Selectivity for this.

Edit. Christopher is right, you dont need this if your just altering radius and if its not really an attack.

[awesomenessofme1]

Originally Posted by Christopher R. Rice

I'm pretty sure that Variable is only needed for attacks, non-attack abilities' range, area, or level of effect are variable automatically per GURPS Powers (p. 107). Unless I'm seriously missing something.



See above.

Edit: I will note that if you add Ranged and want to keep those capabilities you'd need Variable and Variable, Area of Effect.

So, just to be completely clear, if you're using Obscure without Ranged, then Selectivity, Variable, and Selective Area are all redundant?

[Refplace]

Originally Posted by awesomenessofme1

So, just to be completely clear, if you're using Obscure without Ranged, then Selectivity, Variable, and Selective Area are all redundant?

Selective Area is not redundant. It lets you create holes in the obscure so specific hexes are not affected. So you could create a window in a large area fora one on one fight while obscuring the rest of the area or just go with odd shapes.

[awesomenessofme1]

Originally Posted by Refplace

Selective Area is not redundant. It lets you create holes in the obscure so specific hexes are not affected. So you could create a window in a large area fora one on one fight while obscuring the rest of the area or just go with odd shapes.

Are you sure? The relevant section from Powers says "their range, area, level of effect, and so on are variable automatically" and the description of Selective Area in the Basic Set makes specific reference to attacks.

[Christopher R. Rice]

Originally Posted by awesomenessofme1

So, just to be completely clear, if you're using Obscure without Ranged, then Selectivity, Variable, and Selective Area are all redundant?

What Rory said. Selective Area adds a whole other feature to the underlying ability.

[Christopher R. Rice]

Originally Posted by awesomenessofme1

Are you sure? The relevant section from Powers says "their range, area, level of effect, and so on are variable automatically" and the description of Selective Area in the Basic Set makes specific reference to attacks.

Variable Area lets you go from 1 hex to N hexes where N is your maximum area of effect. Selective Area lets you pick spots within that radius to ignore or not affect.