A Simple Question - Conversion of GURPS Deadlands Hex "Soul Blast"
 

I am trying to convert the 3e GURPS Deadlands Hex Soul Blast into something compatible with 4e GURPS and I have run into a snag.

The Hex description in GURPS Deadlands states that Soul Blast not only ignores all DR (except Toughness) but also has no range penalties of any sort.

This seems too dang powerful to me. IMHO Soul Blast in a GURPS 4e version of Deadlands should have either but not both of "No DR" or "No Range Penalties".

Here's what I propose;

Soul Blast
It is a Missile Spell
The Hex is cast as per GURPS Deadlands 3e rules.
Then Roll vs. the Skill Innate Attack (Beam) to hit.
DR is ignored, but not Toughness.
Normal Range Penalties Apply.
Specific Hit Locations cannot be targeted. (Part of the price paid for ignoring DR.)

Watcha think?

HoC

Re: A Simple Question - Conversion of GURPS Deadlands Hex "Soul Blast"
 

What's "Toughness"?

Re: A Simple Question - Conversion of GURPS Deadlands Hex "Soul Blast"
 

That's how 3e and earlier editions of GURPS pronounced "natural DR."

Re: A Simple Question - Conversion of GURPS Deadlands Hex "Soul Blast"
 

I don't disagree, but note that "too powerful" != "incompatible." Anything which can be described in terms of GURPS rules is essentially compatible. That said, if the effects are as you describe them, I'd say it was too powerful in 3e as well.

Anyway, for a maximum 4e feel, have you tried modeling this as an Innate Attack advantage rather than as a spell? That'd give you a point cost that might feel more commensurate with the spell's power.

Re: A Simple Question - Conversion of GURPS Deadlands Hex "Soul Blast"
 

It also only did fatigue damage.

Re: A Simple Question - Conversion of GURPS Deadlands Hex "Soul Blast"
 

Thanks for your comment, but that's never how I've seen it handled. I'm looking at page 78 of GURPS Deadlands and I am seeing fatigue damage listed only for a Hand that is a lowly Pair. Also if you draw The Dead Man's Hand it "kills the target automatically."

Anybody else wanna chime in on this? Is capnoni correct and all Soul Blast damage only fatigue damage? I'd love it if that were the case, but I'd be surprised if it is.

The Hero of Canton

Re: A Simple Question - Conversion of GURPS Deadlands Hex "Soul Blast"
 

Thanks TBC, I might give that a try, to see how the numbers would crunch.

The Hero of Canton

Re: A Simple Question - Conversion of GURPS Deadlands Hex "Soul Blast"
 

Now our parder, capnoni, stated that Soul Blast does only subdual damage. Does anyone else see it that way?

The Hero of Canton

Re: A Simple Question - Conversion of GURPS Deadlands Hex "Soul Blast"
 

Armor is uncommon in Deadlands, so the "ignores DR" provision isn't likely to come into play often. Doesn't seem too overpowered too me.

And yes, it only does fatigue damage on a pair (or so it seems to me).

Re: A Simple Question - Conversion of GURPS Deadlands Hex "Soul Blast"
 

Because Toughness was dropped for 4E, would the idea of natural armor fall now to DR (Tough Skin)?

So, Soul Blast would ignore/bypass any armor effect from Magog's exoskeleton, but have to blast through his chitin?