[PU4, Powers] What does Cosmic power modifier actually do?

[Gurps Fan]

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

"Cosmic DR"
DR 10 (PM, Cosmic, +50%; Cosmic, Defensive, +0%) [75]
Would ignore such an insignificant corrosive effect to it's DR, it's just better than that.

but!

"DR with Cosmic on it"
DR 10 (Cosmic, Defensive, +50%) [75]

Would have it's DR corroded away normally

Wow, free lunch! (>.<) Clearly the former is more useful and there's no reason for buying the latter.

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

Innate Attack 1, Burn (PM, Tier 1, +10%; Cosmic, Irresistible Attack, +50%; Cosmic, No Active Defense, +60%; Cosmic, No Die Roll, +60%; Cosmic, Unhealing Damage, +20%) [15]

Of course a 10% Cosmic, Defensive would knock it out, but how many inanimate objects, normal cops or safes would have DR with cosmic? (Some certainly WOULD in that type of setting, but still....)

So, definitely a handle with care situation

According to the rules as written on Powers, p. 32, your worry will vanish.

Originally Posted by Powers, p. 32

These not-quite-Cosmic enhancements don't let powers bypass wild advantages! Wild traits exist outside the hierarchy -- only truly cosmic powers can ignore them. In a setting where powers are this ordered, though, only mundane and racial advantages should be wild.

Such not-quite-Cosmic Irresistible attacks merely ignore DR from lesser powers. DR as a wild advantage is not affected. Inanimate objects, normal cops or safes all have their DR as their racial, natural, wild advantages; their DR doesn't come from magic/psionics/superpower/whatever in most cases.

[the_matrix_walker]

Originally Posted by Gurps Fan

Wow, free lunch! (>.<) Clearly the former is more useful and there's no reason for buying the latter.

According to the rules as written on Powers, p. 32, your worry will vanish.
Such not-quite-Cosmic Irresistible attacks merely ignore DR from lesser powers. DR as a wild advantage is not affected. Inanimate objects, normal cops or safes all have their DR as their racial, natural, wild advantages; their DR doesn't come from magic/psionics/superpower/whatever in most cases.

You're absolutely right, my example is totally off base. and it's not all Cosmic enhancements that are reduced, either, just Lingering Attack and Irresistible Attack!

My original comments appear in other's quotes above, but I edited them to prevent the spread of misinformation!