Is Regeneration a Disadvantage?

[Fred Brackin]

Originally Posted by Otaku

Just because an element is fantastic doesn't guarantee it avoids all drawbacks.

.

However, the default version of any Power probably should be free of inherent defects. Of course, I know of RAW examples where this isn't true. See single-Minded and Invisible as examples.

I hope to see those re-written if there ever is a Gurps 5e. It would be so much clearer if the "default" version of any Power didn't have built-in defects and if your version does it would be because you put them there.

[Otaku]

Compound Post as I don't want to double post. So I'm quoting and responding to two posts by two different people.

Originally Posted by Fred Brackin

However, the default version of any Power probably should be free of inherent defects. Of course, I know of RAW examples where this isn't true. See single-Minded and Invisible as examples.

I hope to see those re-written if there ever is a Gurps 5e. It would be so much clearer if the "default" version of any Power didn't have built-in defects and if your version does it would be because you put them there.

Which I would most definitely welcome. I would also like to see most Advantages reduced to its most basic form, at least, while it can still resemble the intended Advantage. It really helps with getting exactly what you're aiming for with a trait.

Though I'm not sure if everything being discussed really counts as a "defect", as it were. Complications? Sure, but this is why I brought up Damage Resistance. How it interacts with Afflictions isn't so much a defect as a feature. The same if your (always on) DR is the sort that can prevent hypodermic needles from being used on you, or complicate surgery. It sounds bad when beneficial afflictions, injections, and procedures are on the docket, but can be a real lifesaver when an enemy has you otherwise helpless.

Originally Posted by Rhyzvhanic

When it's the advantage by itself, It literally doesn't. In fact it gives bonuses(!) to resist the exact situation OP presented, as it includes the rapid healing advantage! The GM would explicitly have to remove this advantage bundle from Regeneration for this scenario to play out without a critical failure (practically speaking, of course. You could have dumped your health when taking Regeneration!)

I'm a bit unclear what you think I'm saying. Then again, I cannot say I'm completely clear as to what all I've said. XP My position is not that of the GM mentioned in the opening post. I just think that, with Regeneration, there is reason to believe it may not be completely free of complications. As you said, it provides bonuses for avoiding crippling injuries. That suggests to me that Regeneration doesn't guarantee crippled limbs heal correctly automatically, but thanks to the bonus, it all but guarantees it for individuals with average or better Health.

What I've been saying has at least partially been keeping pace with the larger discussion. So I'm also trying to wrap my head around Regeneration and surgery, Regeneration and foreign material in wounds, Regeneration and cybernetics (or even more mundane medical implants), etc.

[Rhyzvhanic]

Originally Posted by Ulzgoroth

Regeneration doesn't have to be supernatural. It exceeds human limits, but could be a product of technology, superscience, or just nonhuman physiology. Admittedly the higher levels tend to strain any kind of physical plausibility, but even so.

There are certainly settings where 'heal super fast but with nasty potential complications' is an appropriate trait.

Okay. But Regeneration isn't that.

Originally Posted by Otaku

Just because an element is fantastic doesn't guarantee it avoids all drawbacks....

When it's the advantage by itself, It literally doesn't. In fact it gives bonuses(!) to resist the exact situation OP presented, as it includes the rapid healing advantage! The GM would explicitly have to remove this advantage bundle from Regeneration for this scenario to play out without a critical failure (practically speaking, of course. You could have dumped your health when taking Regeneration!)

[Ulzgoroth]

Originally Posted by Rhyzvhanic

Okay. But Regeneration isn't that.

Unmodified regeneration isn't that.

[Rhyzvhanic]

Originally Posted by Ulzgoroth

Unmodified regeneration isn't that.

But are we talking about a modified regeneration?

[David Johnston2]

Originally Posted by Rhyzvhanic

Regeneration is supernatural healing and thus heals supernaturally. It wouldn't "heal improperly", the power is that all wounds heal properly at amazing speeds. Saying otherwise is just trying to pull one over your players. Ban the advantage and have a spine if you don't want it in use.

Strictly speaking the fact that Regrowth is a separate advantage means that by the RAW not all wounds heal "properly". Now that's easy for me to forget because I long since decided that Regrowth is dumb and regeneration that is unable to regrow lost extremities should be a Limitation on Regeneration. But by the RAW if you get a crippling wound, Regeneration can't fix that, and you might actually need surgery.