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

[Hero of Canton]

Almost exactly two years ago I posed my "simple question". The result was an interesting discussion with my erudite fellow GURPS GameMasters. From said discussions and further pursuit of the matter on other forums and websites I came up with this House Rule that my players and I are content with:

Soul Blast 4e – House Rule

Missile Spell

Time to Cast = 1 Second


Duration = Instantaneous

Maximum Range = 50 Yards/Level of Magery

Cast as per GURPS Deadlands 3e rules using Poker hands.

If cast successfully roll vs. the skill Innate Attack (Projectile) (DX/E) to score a hit – which will usually do large piercing (pi+) damage.

Ignores Range Modifiers but not Size/Speed/Poor Visibility/Cover Modifiers.

An Armor Divisor of (2) is applied to the DR of the target's Armor, but not to the Damage Resistance (Tough Skin) advantage if possessed.

As per most Missile Spells, specific Hit Locations can be targeted with a Soul Blast.

Damage Done By Poker Hand
Pair = 1d6 Fatigue
Jacks = 1d6 pi+
Two Pairs = 2d6 pi+
Three of a Kind = 3d6 pi+
Straight = 6d6 pi+
Flush = 7d6 pi+
Full House = 8d6 pi+
Four of a Kind = 9d6 pi+
Straight Flush = 10d6 pi+
Royal Flush = 12d6 pi+
Dead Man's Hand = Instant Death

So this is what we use at our table and folks here in NM have been satisfied with the results. There was some concern about not ignoring armor DR altogether, but pi+ offsets that concern.

Hero of Canton