[Psionic Powers] Linked Abilities?

[Taellosse]

I've noticed a handful of powers that are actually multiple advantages apparently tied together into a single ability, but I see no sign of the Link modifier being used. The one that made me thing of it is Mind Clouding, under the Telepathy Sense and Defense section: it combines a form of Chameleon and Silence into a single power, but Link isn't present on either one (and based on the description, should be on both, arguably raising the total power to 7/level instead of 6). Was this done deliberately, or is it an oversight?

[David Johnston2]

But there's nothing that says you can't have Chameleon and Silence on at the same time.

[Taellosse]

Link is not Alternative Attack. In a way, it's the opposite. It, in fact, expressly ALLOWS two advantages to be used simultaneously. The first level of it, worth +10%, in fact REQUIRES them to be used together (which is the level that would apply in this case, I think) as a single power. You make all rolls for the two advantages as a single roll, save damage (if any, and not applicable in this case), and in all ways treat them as a single ability. From the way Mind Clouding is described, that seems to be the case here, so it seems like it ought to be present on both of them.

[David Johnston2]

Originally Posted by Taellosse

Link is not Alternative Attack. In a way, it's the opposite. It, in fact, expressly ALLOWS two advantages to be used simultaneously. .

So it isn't necessary when the two advantages can already be used simultaneously

[Taellosse]

Originally Posted by David Johnston2

So it isn't necessary when the two advantages can already be used simultaneously

But the versions he's got in Psionic Powers each have the Requires Concentrate modifier on them. Even if the default advantages could be activated at the same time normally, these can't be without Link. At least, not without Compartmentalized Mind or something.

[pawsplay]

Originally Posted by Taellosse

But the versions he's got in Psionic Powers each have the Requires Concentrate modifier on them. Even if the default advantages could be activated at the same time normally, these can't be without Link. At least, not without Compartmentalized Mind or something.

Sure they can. They just require two Concentrate maneuvers to get the whole thing going.

[Taellosse]

Originally Posted by Powers p. 112

Requires Concentrate or Ready
Your ability requires a series of Concentrate or Ready maneuvers to maintain. Taking any other maneuver (such as Attack or Move) causes it to switch off. Thus, you can only move one step per second while using it, and can’t attack, aim, etc...Requires Concentrate is worth -15%, and means your ability shuts down if you lose your concentration.

You can't take a different concentrate maneuver to activate the other one because if you do, the first one is turned off. They've both got this modifier, so they can't be on at the same time UNLESS Link is in play.

Originally Posted by Psionic Powers p. 66

Roll a Quick Contest of skill vs. the Will of anyone within hearing distance or line of sight. If you win, his ability to see and hear you is impaired...

(emphasis mine). You roll once to use both aspects of the power.

[hige]

Originally Posted by Taellosse

You can't take a different concentrate maneuver to activate the other one because if you do, the first one is turned off. They've both got this modifier, so they can't be on at the same time UNLESS Link is in play.

I think Link Enhancement is not suitable for this case.
See (u)FAQ.

I want an ability that costs FP or HP to use, but the ability consists of several Advantages; how do I allocate the FP/HP cost limitation?
For those familiar with the problem, here's a solution from Kromm:
First, do not buy a Link unless the ability really needs it (see below).
Second, chose an Advantage that gets the best discount for FP/HP Cost Limitation. Now, add Accessibility (Only while that main Advantage is active) -10% to all other Advantages in the ability. Unlike switchability (of any sort), Accessibility doesn't require separate Ready manoeuvres to turn on the Advantage, so it just flips on once it is accessible.

So, Requires Concentrate modifier (and so on) applies to only either Chameleon or Silence.
And apply Accessibility (Only while that main Advantage is active) to the one where Require Concentration was not applied to.

[Taellosse]

Originally Posted by hige

So, Requires Concentrate modifier (and so on) applies to only either Chameleon or Silence.
And apply Accessibility (Only while that main Advantage is active) to the one where Require Concentration was not applied to.

But that would make one accessible without the other (while not vice versa), and the language of the power makes it pretty clear that these are meant to be used in conjunction every time--that they are NOT truly separate abilities at all, but a single one, built out of two advantages and combined. Therefore, Link seems to me to be the most appropriate way to accomplish that combination.

But even if you're right, the listed modifiers in the book do not include what you suggest, either.

[hige]

Originally Posted by Taellosse

But even if you're right, the listed modifiers in the book do not include what you suggest, either.

• Require Concentration is applied to both Chameleon and Silence
• (Without Link Enhancement)
• But can be used simultaneously

Umm.... I think it is unfair.
Even if whichever of Link and (u)FAQ-way is suitable, I agree with OP.
It should be ERRATA.