(Another) World of Superhumans

[AlexanderHowl]

The average normal would probably be 75 CP, so the average Class I super probably starts at 250 CP (124 CP for the template, 51 CP for their initial abilities, and 75 CP for the mundane trait). Higher class supers would generally add 150 CP per class to their starting value (+100 CP per Class in initial abilities and +50 CP per Class in mundane traits), so a Class VI would average 1,000 CP (551 CP in abilities, 325 CP in mundane traits, and 124 CP in the super template). In general, higher class supers will probably have superior mundane capabilities when compared lower class supers on average, but there will be superior Class Is and inferior Class VIIIs.

[Rupert]

Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl

The average normal would probably be 75 CP, so the average Class I super probably starts at 250 CP (124 CP for the template, 51 CP for their initial abilities, and 75 CP for the mundane trait).

That's a pretty nice normal starting point level - on the border of Competent and Exceptional (B487).

[naloth]

Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl

In the former case, individuals with that ability would likely be considered among the worst of the worst of supers because people generally do not want to be coerced. In the latter case though, individuals with that ability would likely be celebrated as many people would want to be like them. Two very similar abilities, but the consequences of using them could not be more different.

You're looking from the clear cut point of view of looking at a character sheet. In practice, both can be used to manipulate people into doing things they might regret, and the authorities sorting out the complaints probably don't have a good way separate what GURPS calls an influence roll vs a contested control roll.

[AlexanderHowl]

In the case of Mind Control, people will remember being coerced, so they will know that they have been violated, as it is like having a gun to their head. In the case of Charisma, people will remember being asked, but they will really have wanted to help the individual who asked them. Anyway, Charisma does not need to be used as part of an influence roll, people who engage with the character will automatically like them.

[naloth]

Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl

In the case of Mind Control, people will remember being coerced, so they will know that they have been violated, as it is like having a gun to their head. In the case of Charisma, people will remember being asked, but they will really have wanted to help the individual who asked them. Anyway, Charisma does not need to be used as part of an influence roll, people who engage with the character will automatically like them.

Yea, and people that are taken by salesmen or seduced by pick up artists never feel violated the next day? You don't even need a world of supers to see people complaining of that. Every victim will tell you that they have been violated and the police can't see the character sheet to say how.

[AlexanderHowl]

You are talking about Influence Skills, which are resisted by Will. I am talking about general Reaction rolls. There is a massive difference conceptually and mechanically.

Imagine that a man with Sex Appeal-20 engages a woman in conversation and attempts to pick her up. If she is not trying to hook up with him, she will resist with Will and, if she fails, will have a Very Good reaction. Even if she fails though, she likely recognizes that the man was taking advantage of her. If he fails, she will have a Bad reaction to him and likely feel insulted and/or scared.

Conversely, imagine that a second man with Charisma 10 engages a woman in conversation. With an average roll, she will have an Excellent reaction, probably meaning that she will pursue him unless she has a good reason not to hook up. The man has done nothing but talk to her, and she will likely fall in love with him in some fashion. Even on a very low reaction roll though, she will like him, as she will have a Good reaction to him.

[David Johnston2]

Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl

In the former case, individuals with that ability would likely be considered among the worst of the worst of supers because people generally do not want to be coerced. In the latter case though, individuals with that ability would likely be celebrated as many people would want to be like them. Two very similar abilities, but the consequences of using them could not be more different.

And that's part of why I hate Charisma as a super power and prefer to do my mind control as mind control.

[AlexanderHowl]

Fair enough, but Charisma is not mind control. People may like you, they may even love you, but you are not forcing them to do anything. It would be the same with the better type of celebrities. For example, a character with Born Entertainer 4, Appearance (Handsome), and Voice would get the same reaction from people who found them appealing after they witnessed them perform, and their capabilities cannot be countered.

[David Johnston2]

Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl

Fair enough, but Charisma is not mind control. People may like you, they may even love you, but you are not forcing them to do anything.

You aren't forcing them to do anything with Suggestion either. Medusa Gaze's Suggestion "She is the most fascinating person you've ever seen" doesn't give her audience commands to do anything specific. It's still mind control. The good-looking person with a great voice and entertainment talents has an actual reason why people like them that much. The person with Charisma 10 super power has no reason except...well...mind control.

[Aldric]

Could have sworn there were more posts here, something about summoning spaceships, which I guess would require to call it down from orbit, not having it apoear out of thin air. And while a spaceships may be a bit extravagant, I have no trouble imagining 13yr old kids wanting a giant robot.

I can also see how some people, after meeting a super with very high reaction modifier, would think they've been manipulated, with all that implies