[Powers] Afflict on sight

[Figleaf23]

Hello,

Is there a prefered canonical way to build an Affliction that affects whoever looks at the character?

Thank muchly.

[Walrus]

Sense-Based (Vision) +150%

Add Reflexive +40% to afflict instantly. Add Aura +80%, Melee, C -30%, desired Area Effect and, probably, Always On for persistent ability. Consider Sense-Based (Reversed Vision) if you must maintain eye-to-eye contact with your victim.

Don't forget Malediction in all cases.

[Figleaf23]

Originally Posted by Walrus

Sense-Based (Vision) +150%

Add Reflexive +40% to afflict instantly. Add Aura +80%, Melee, C -30%, desired Area Effect and, probably, Always On for persistent ability. Consider Sense-Based (Reversed Vision) if you must maintain eye-to-eye contact with your victim.

Don't forget Malediction in all cases.

Thank you.

A couple of questions if I may --

What makes something qualify as a persistent ability?

Also, what function is Malediction doing in the build?

If I go with just Vision Based and Reflexive, what would it do?

Thanks again.

[Genesis]

I'd say reflexive is a little weird here - IDHMBWM, but I think Reflexive explicitly says it's for defenses that take less than a second to activate. Always On also isn't appropriate, I think - it's not for attacks. And Melee is also a bad idea - you're presumably not that range-limited (what's Melee + Area Effect even mean?), and you probably can't parry or rapid strike with this ability.

I'd say Malediction is important because "Medusa Gaze" effects generally aren't blocked by DR - wearing a riot mask won't keep you from turning to stone, although it will handily block pepper spray (or other non-malediction afflictions).

Aura is good, with Area Effect to increase range.

TBH, I can't think of a way to make an Affliction not require an Attack maneuver off the top of my head, although I'm probably overlooking something. This definitely feels like it ought to be buildable....

[ericthered]

Originally Posted by Genesis

I'd say Malediction is important because "Medusa Gaze" effects generally aren't blocked by DR - wearing a riot mask won't keep you from turning to stone, although it will handily block pepper spray (or other non-malediction afflictions).

Malediction is a penatration modifier, and the one you want is sight-based

[Genesis]

Originally Posted by ericthered

Malediction is a penatration modifier, and the one you want is sight-based

Yes, of course, you're right - although I'd probably pile on Resistible and (maybe) Short Range to make a medusa-style ability which feels more spell-like to me. Assuming that's what OP wants to model.

[Figleaf23]

Originally Posted by Genesis

Yes, of course, you're right - although I'd probably pile on Resistible and (maybe) Short Range to make a medusa-style ability which feels more spell-like to me. Assuming that's what OP wants to model.

I can't remember exactly how Medusa's schtick worked. Did she have to look at someone or meet their eyes? I'm looking for something where the victim is affected just by seeing the afflictor-character, even if the afflictor-character is unaware of being observed.

[David Johnston2]

Originally Posted by Figleaf23

I can't remember exactly how Medusa's schtick worked. Did she have to look at someone or meet their eyes? I'm looking for something where the victim is affected just by seeing the afflictor-character, even if the afflictor-character is unaware of being observed.

So we're talking defeat with no way to avoid it?

[Kuroshima]

If you want to have it affect everyone who looks at the character, you need Melee Attack plus Aura plus Area Effect.

[Sunrunners_Fire]

Originally Posted by Figleaf23

I can't remember exactly how Medusa's schtick worked. Did she have to look at someone or meet their eyes? I'm looking for something where the victim is affected just by seeing the afflictor-character, even if the afflictor-character is unaware of being observed.

You want Sense-Based from {GURPS Basic, pg 109} to be able to affect anyone that sees you. This becomes a limitation instead of an enhancement if you also take Malediction. Sense-Based (Reversed) is located in {GURPS Powers, pg 105}, which is what you'd use if you have to see them in order to affect them.

Note that this is a penetration modifier. You'd potentially want a number of other modifiers as well, Aura (and Melee Attack: Reach C), Always On, Area Effect, etc ... depending on the exact behavior you want.

Reflexive does nothing for attacks other than counting as an overpriced version of Reduced Time and so isn't something I'd suggest.