[Psionics/Infinite Worlds] The Psion skerry

[Prince Charon]

Originally Posted by TGLS

Yeah, and I still find the idea that Ukraine being part of it weird. Besides that part, reasonable enough. But if the Baltic States aren't pursuing European integration with gusto (which implies a more passive Russia on the world stage), then the question becomes why would Ukraine be so in favour? On top of that, what happened to Ukraine that got it up to speed with the necessary liberalizing reforms (probably to a higher standard than OTL, given how much tighter this EU is than ours).


I agree, but for this difference, it comes off as a bit a propos of nothing to me.

The idea in my mind is that Ukraine lucked out, both in the manner in which this Soviet Union broke up (crazy psychics acting openly was harder for them to handle than crazy psychics acting secretly), in the types of crazy psychics who happened to live in Ukraine, and in how the post-Soviet Ukrainian government handled the situation. It did take a fair bit of time for Ukraine to become a nation that would be able to join this closer EU, of course. Currently thinking that they're the most recent member.

[Prince Charon]

The Breakfast Club of Heroes (Psion-2)

That's what they called themselves (though not in public), after a recent movie that resembled who they were, and to a lesser degree, how they met. Rather than the school library, they were brought to the chemistry lab, and told to clean it. Frank and Luke were goofing around with the chemicals, Gennyfer was reading Cosmopolitan, and Laurie and Ethan were half-heartedly trying to clean (and ignoring Luke and Frank), while Ethan made a rather sad attempt at flirting with Laurie. Then a bolt of lightning came in thought the window, exploding bottles and bathing the five students in electrified chemicals. When they woke up in the hospital, they had powers (which is not the usual way that powers awaken on this worldline, but neither is it truly unique to this group). (The Psion-1 versions of these kids gained their abilities in far less dramatic fashion, but also did so together, and formed a small, early conspiracy.)

The team's existence was quite brief, and indeed, so were their individual careers as heroes, with a couple of exceptions. In later years, they're mainly mentioned as a cautionary tale about kids doing things that they really are not ready for.

(I've had these characters in 'almost complete' states for years now, but only posted one of them and descriptions of the others, I think. Their counterparts on Psion-1 are mostly similar, but tend to have important changes, and not always limited to their disadvantages. I've only don't a character sheet for one of the young conspirators so far, and am not sure how many I will. I'm currently thinking of posting them one-per-day (for ease of commenting), but if people prefer, I can just post the rest tomorrow.)

[Prince Charon]

Franklin Szustakowski, 'Kinetic Man,' 1985 - Psion-2

Age: 16

Attributes

ST 11 [10]; DX 12 [40]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 10 [0]

Secondary Characteristics

HP 11; Will 12 [10]; Per 10; FP 10

Thrust: 1d-1; Swing: 1d+1

Brawling Parry: 9
Telekinetic Control Parry: 8

Basic Speed: 5.5; Move: 5; Dodge: 8

Social Background

Languages: English (Native) [0].

TL: early 8^

Cultural Familiarity: 20th Century Western [0].

Subtotal: 60


Advantages

Attractive [4]
Fearlessness 1 [2]
Fit [5]
Telekinetic Control 6 [48]

Perks

Chill Factor. [1]
Near-Death Projection. [1]
Skill Adaptation (Telekinetic Control is based on Will). [1]
Umbrella. [1]

Subtotal: 63


Disadvantages

Bad Temper (12) [-10]
Compulsive Costumed Heroism (12) [-15]
Overconfidence (12) [-5]
Pacifism (Reluctant Killer) [-5]
Sense of Duty (Friends) [-5]

Quirks

Always has to have pepperoni on his pizza. [-1]
Code of Honor (Good Sportsmanship). [-1]
Mild Lecherousness. [-1]
Proud. [-1]
Swears quietly. [-1]

Subtotal: -45


Skills

Armoury (Body Armor)/TL8 [IQ/A] [1] 9
Brawling [DX/E] [1] 12
Computer Operation/TL8 [IQ/E] [1] 10
Current Affairs (Sports)/TL8 [IQ/E] [1] 10
Driving (Automobile)/TL8 [DX/A] [1] 11
Explosives (Fireworks)/TL8 [IQ/A] [2] 10
First Aid/TL8 [IQ/E] [1] 10
Games (American Football) [IQ/E] [1] 10
Leadership [IQ/A] [1] 9
Running [HT/A] [2] 10
Sports (American Football) [DX/A] [2] 12
Telekinetic Control [Will/VH] [2] 10
Throwing [DX/A] [1] 11
Swimming [HT/E] [1] 10

Techniques

Mass Grab (H) Telekinetic Control-7 [2] 4
Silencer (H) Telekinetic Control-2 [2] 9

Subtotal: 22

Total: 100


Equipment

Anti-glare goggles
Cheap 'platemail' (DR 4/2)
Cheap gauntlets (DR 3)
Cheap used car
Football helmet
Footbal pads
Utility belt (composition varies)
-Radio
-Flares
-Flash-bangs
-Smoke bombs
-Zip-ties

Notes

This is Frank quite early in his heroic career, shortly before he dies and reinvents himself as a borderline-antihero called 'The Poltergeist' (who is rather more powerful, due to the cost of his Astral Entity template). His identity is an open secret (he doesn't really put that much effort into concealing it, but doesn't tell people his real name in costume, either), and so he lacks the Secret Identity disadvantage. He is technically the leader of the 'Breakfast Club of Heroes,' but only because no-one else tried, nor did the others have any skill at it.

The Unexpected Psi and Advanced Telekinesis templates (suitably modified) from GURPS Psis were used, here.

His 'platemail' consists of steel plates in sizes from around 3"x6"x1/8" to 1"x2"x1/16, attached to a grid of chains and wires, worn over a padded jacket and football pads. He originally wanted chainmail, but quickly realized it would take too long, and was told by Ethan about something in one of Ethan's fantasy games called 'platemail.' It's pretty similar to the armour Lindybeige talks about in this video (about 25 minutes long), but with rather less actual chainmail, and designed to be worn with football pads.


Thoughts?

[Prince Charon]

Laurie Wittermeyer, 'Gizmogirl,' 1985 - Psion-2

Age: 16

Attributes

ST 9 [-10]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 12 [40]; HT 11 [10]

Secondary Characteristics

HP 9; Will 12; Per 12; FP 11

Basic Speed: 5.25; Move: 5; Dodge: 8

Social Background

Languages: English (Native) [0]; German (Accented) [4].

TL: early 8^

Cultural Familiarity: 20th Century Western [0].

Subtotal: 44


Advantages

Acute Hearing 2 [4]
Temperature Tolerance 1 [1]

Gizmos 3 (ESP, -10%) [13]
Quick Gadgeteer (ESP, -10%) [45]
Reawakened (ESP, -10%) [9]

Psychotronic Artificer Talent (ESP, -10%) 2 [9]

Perks

Dabbler (Beam Weapons (Beamer)/TL8^ 7, Beam Weapons (Pistol)/TL8^ 7, Beam Weapons (Projector)/TL8^ 7, Holdout 8, Observation 9, Shadowing 8, Stealth 8). [1]
Dirty Fighting. [1]
Exposition Sense. [1]
Insider Glance (Electronics Repair). [1]

Subtotal: 85


Disadvantages

Compulsive Costumed Crimefighting (12) [-15]
Compulsive Lying (12) [-15]
Pacifism (Reluctant Killer) [-5]
Secret Identity [-10]
Shyness (Mild) [-5]

Quirks

Always has something black on. [-1]
Dresses more warmly than the weather would require. [-1]
Nosy. [-1]
Odd sense of humour. [-1]

Subtotal: -54


Skills

Armoury (Psychotronics)/TL8^ [IQ/A] [1] 13*
Astronomy (Observational)/TL8 [IQ/H] [1] 10
Bicycling [DX/E] [1] 10
Brawling [DX/E] [1] 10
Computer Operation/TL8 [IQ/E] [1] 12
Electronics Operation (Psychotronics)TL/8^ [IQ/A] [2] 14*
Electronics Repair (Psychotronics)TL/8^ [IQ/A] [2] 14*
Engineer (Psychotronics)/TL8^ [IQ/H] [4] 14*
Expert Skill (Psionics) [IQ/H] [1] 12*
Mathematics (Applied)/TL8 [IQ/H] [1] 10
Pharmacy (Psi Drugs)TL/8^ [IQ/H] [2] 13*
Physics (Paraphysics)TL/8^ [IQ/VH] [1] 11*
Poetry [IQ/A] [2] 12
Running [HT/A] [1] 9

*Includes +2 from Psionic Artificer Talent

Subtotal: 21

Total: 96


Equipment

Durable clothes (mostly black)
Ski mask
Workboots
Utility belt (composition varies)
-Radio
-Zip-ties

Notes

Psionic Artificer Talent covers Armoury (Psychotronic), Electronics Repair (Psychotronics), Engineer (Psychotronics), Expert Skill (Psionics), Pharmacy (Psi Drugs), and Physics (Paraphysics). Grants a reaction bonus from anyone you do work for, and has an alternative cost of 6/level. Her Reawakened advantage does not seem to include any personal 'past life' memories, at least consciously, but she does have strange dreams related to the new skills she has been developing.

'Beam Weapons (Beamer)' comes from Pizard's Remote Electroshock Stun Guns page, defined as "a weapon without stock or pistol grip, like a flashlight or cutting tool." At this point in preparing for her heroic career, Laurie hasn't even tried to build a beam rifle, due to both limited materials, and the greater difficulty of concealing one.

The distinction between 'Compulsive Costumed Heroism' and 'Compulsive Costumed Crimefighting' is largely in how you feel the need to behave in costume - where you fall on the spectrum between 'Superman in the sunlight' and 'Batman in the shadows,' basically.

This is Gizmogirl at the very beginning of her career (and pretty close to the end, as well), before she even had a proper costume or permanent gadgets. The Unexpected Psi template from GURPS Psis was used (to a degree) in her creation.

The Laurie Wittermeyer of Psion-1 is almost identical, save for the lack of a nom du costume, and changes to disadvantages (she has 'Compulsive Secrecy (Psi) (9) [-22]' and 'Secret (Psi) [-20],' and she lacks Reluctant Killer - that last part is the change Gizmogirl would have found most disturbing, had they ever met) and equipment (the Laurie of Psion-1 has no desire to be a field agent for her little conspiracy - if anything, she feels more kinship to Q from the Jame Bond films).


Thoughts?

[Prince Charon]

Luke Henderson, 1985 - Psion-2

Age: 17

Attributes

ST 12 [20]; DX 12 [40]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 10 [0]

Secondary Characteristics

HP 12; Will 11 [5]; Per 10; FP 10

Thrust: 1d-1; Swing: 1d+2

Axe/Mace Parry: 9
Brawling Parry: 9
Knife Parry: 9
Two-Handed Axe/Mace Parry: 9

Basic Speed: 5.5; Move: 5; Dodge: 8

Social Background

Languages: English (Native) [0].

TL: early 8^

Cultural Familiarity: 20th Century Western [0].

Subtotal: 65


Advantages

Contact (Father; Business Skill 15; appears on 15 or less; Completely Reliable) [18]
Pickaxe Penchant 1 [5]

Adjustment 6 [30]
Second Chance 1 [12]

Perks

Improvised Weapons (Axe/Mace) [1]
Loaded Dice. [1]
Skill Adaptation: Adjustment based on Will. [1]

Subtotal: 68


Disadvantages

Bad Temper (15) [-5]
Compulsive Costumed Heroism (15) [-7]
Pacifism (Cannot Harm Innocents) [-10]
Pacifism (Reluctant Killer) [-5]
Secret Identity [-10]
Weirdness Magnet (Probability Alteration, -10%) [-14]

Quirks

Always wears a leather jacket, if he can get away with it.[-1]
Hates anchovies. [-1]
Reads medical books, but doesn't like to admit it. [-1]
Thuggish appearance. [-1]

Subtotal: -55


Skills

Adjustment [Will/H] [4] 11
Area Knowledge (City) [IQ/E] [1] 10
Axe/Mace [DX/A] [1] 12*
Brawling [DX/E] [2] 13
Diagnosis/TL8 [IQ/H] [1] 8
Driving (Motorcycle)/TL8 [DX/A] [1] 11
First Aid/TL8 [IQ/E] [2] 11
Forced Entry [DX/E] [1] 13*
Games (Baseball) [IQ/E] [1] 10
Hobby Skill (Medical Facts)/TL8 [IQ/E] [1] 10
Intimidation [Will/A] [1] 10
Knife [DX/E] [1] 12
Second Chance [IQ/H] [2] 9
Sports (Baseball) [DX/A] [1] 11
Streetwise [IQ/A] [2] 10
Thrown Weapon (Axe/Mace) [DX/E] [1] 13*
Two-Handed Axe/Mace [DX/A] [1] 12*

Techniques

Elbow Strike (A) Brawling-2 [1] 12
Kicking (H) Brawling-2 [1] 11
Knee Strike (H) Brawling-1 [0] 12

*Includes +1 from Pickaxe Penchant.

Subtotal: 25

Total: 103


Equipment

Baseball bat
First Aid kit (fine)
Leather jacket, soft DR1
Motorcycle
Motorcycle helmet
Radio

Notes

One point in a Hard technique has no effect on skill, but it does mean that you are a step toward buying it properly.

Luke was built with three templates from GURPS Psis: Unexpected Psi (modified), Chess Master, and Situational Manipulator.

This is Luke at the beginning of his heroic career, before he came up with a name or costume. He does have a separate, more concealing helmet for his secret identity, though - he intends to decorate it thematically once he thinks of a name, and get his dad, who knows about his powers, to modify his bike with quick-swappable body panels. His father runs a local garage, but and is tied into the local business community to have an effective skill of 15 (he also has a better Streetwise skill than Luke, and some police and criminal contacts, but he'll mostly use those to try to keep his son from getting killed); in some ways, he's more like a Patron, but his point cost is probably a bit below Luke's.

Cannot Harm Innocents has a different story-effect from Reluctant Killer, and the combination is not the same as Self-Defence Only: Luke would really prefer never to kill anyone, but he isn't so restricted on the subject of kneecaps, as long as the target deserves it (which is harder to convince him of than it sounds, admittedly, since it runs up against his Compulsion).


Thoughts?

[Prince Charon]

Gennyfer Saunders, 1985 - Psion-2

Age: 15

Attributes

ST 11 [10]; DX 11 [20]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 11 [10]

Secondary Characteristics

HP 11; Will 10; Per 11 [5]; FP 11

Thrust: 1d-1; Swing: 1d+1

Judo Parry: 8
Karate Parry: 7

Basic Speed: 5.5; Move: 5; Dodge: 8

Social Background

Languages: English (Native) [0].

TL: early 8^

Cultural Familiarity: 20th Century Western [0].

Subtotal: 45


Advantages

Attractive [4]
Fashion Sense [5]

Recovery (Psychic Healing, -10%) [9]
Regeneration (Slow; Psychic Healing, -10%) [9]
Unkillable (Psychic Healing, -10%) 1 [45]

Perks

Classic Features (Redhead) [1]
Style Familiarity (T'ai Chi Chuan) [1]

Subtotal: 74


Disadvantages

Chummy [-5]
Compulsive Costumed Heroism (9) [-22]
Jealousy [-10]

Quirks

Bullying tendencies. [-1]
Left-handed. [-1]
Scar under right eye (only scar on her body). [-1]
Vain. [-1]

Subtotal: -41


Skills

Area Knowledge (City)/TL8 [IQ/E] [1] 10
Bicycling [DX/E] [1] 11
Body Language [Per/A] [1] 10
Breath Control [HT/H] [1] 9
Current Affairs (Popular Culture)/TL8 [IQ/E] [1] 10
Dancing [DX/A] [2] 11
Detect Lies [Per/H] [2] 10
Judo [DX/H] [2] 10
Karate [DX/H] [1] 9
Makeup/TL8 [IQ/E] [2] 11
Meditation [Will/H] [1] 8
Sex Appeal [HT/A] [1] 10
Sumo Wrestling [DX/A] [1] 10
Swimming [HT/E] [1] 11

Techniques

Arm Lock (A) Judo [0] 10
Disarming (H) Judo [0] 10
Hammer Fist (A) Karate-1 [0] 8
Judo Art (A) Judo-3 [1] 8
Sweeping Kick (H) Karate-3 [0] 6

Subtotal: 19

Total: 97


Equipment

Civilian wear:
Fashionable clothes
Nice shoes
Cute purse
-Makeup kit
-Wallet, keys, et cetra

Costume:
Workout clothes
Nice tennis shoes
Headband
Sap gloves (DR2)
Belt bag
-Radio
-Smoke bombs
-Makeup kit
-Wallet, keys, et cetra

Notes

This is Gennyfer quite early in her heroic career, before she even picked a name. Later she would develop a wider range of mostly-passive Psychic Healing abilities (Longevity (and then Unaging), Resistance (Sickness and Poison, later Immunity to both), Regrowth, Damage Control, Damage Resistance), and higher levels of her existing abilities, including her Strength, which has already increased noticeably from before the accident that gave the group their powers.

She has no secret identity, because she's too vain to wear a mask. Her costume consists of fashionable (for the mid-1980s) workout clothes, a headband, a belt bag replacing her purse, and a pair of durable sap gloves. Straps added to the belt bag go around her upper thighs to keep it from bouncing around when she moves.

She originally started studying T'ai Chi Chuan for the health and fitness benefits (and because she liked the looks of some of the senior students), but has recently begun to take it rather more seriously. The kwoon she chose focuses on Combat skill first, Art second, and Sport not at all, though the sifu would not phrase it that way. Because it is at least partially a self-defence course, the sifu has included Disarming instruction in his teaching.

The Unexpected Psi template (modified) from GURPS Psis was used in her creation.


Thoughts?

[Prince Charon]

Ethan Mizner, 1985 - Psion-2

Age: 15

Attributes

ST 9 [-10]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 13 [60]; HT 10 [0]

Secondary Characteristics

HP 9; Will 13; Per 13; FP 10

Basic Speed: 5; Move: 5; Dodge: 8

Social Background

Languages: English (Native) [0]; thlIngan (Broken) [2]; Vulcan (Broken/Accented) [3].

TL: early 8^

Cultural Familiarity: 20th Century Western [0].

Subtotal: 55


Advantages

Data Retrieval 1 [8]
I/O Tap 1 [6]
Photorefraction 3 [15]
- Hologram 3 (Alternate Ability of Photorefraction) [3]

Perks

Interface. [1]
Internal Memory. [1]
Near-Death Projection (Internet). [1]
Phreaker. [1]

Subtotal: 36


Disadvantages

Compulsive Costumed Crimefighting (12) [-15]
Compulsive Snooping (12) [-5]
Curious (9) [-7]
Overconfidence (12) [-5]
Secret Identity [-10]
Skinny [-5]

Quirks

Alcohol intolerance. [-1]
Big reader. [-1]
Imaginative. [-1]
Incompetence (Sex Appeal). [-1]
Trekker. [-1]

Subtotal: -52


Skills

Computer Operation/TL8 [IQ/E] [2] 14
Computer Programming/TL8 [IQ/H] [8] 14
Cryptography/TL8 [IQ/H] [4] 13
Data Retrieval [IQ/H] [4] 13
Electronics Operation (Communications)TL/8 [IQ/A] [1] 12
Electronics Operation (Surveillance)TL/8 [IQ/A] [1] 12
Electronics Repair (Computers)TL/8 [IQ/A] [2] 13
Fast-Talk [IQ/A] [1] 12
I/O Tap [IQ/H] [4] 13
Hobby Skill (Role-Playing Games) [IQ/E] [1] 13
Hobby Skill (Star Trek) [IQ/E] [1] 13
Hologram [IQ/H] [2] 12
Literature (Science Fiction) [IQ/A] [2] 13
Mathematics (Applied)/TL8 [IQ/H] [4] 13
Mathematics (Cryptology)/TL8 [IQ/H] [default] 8
Photography/TL8 [IQ/A] [1]
Photorefraction [IQ/H] [2] 12
Research/TL8 [IQ/A] [2] 13
Scrounging [Per/E] [1] 13
Skating (Skateboard) [HT/H] [2] 9
Stealth [DX/A] [1] 9

Techniques

Reactive Use (H) Photorefraction-4 [3] 10

Subtotal: 51

Total: 88


Equipment

Camera
Skateboard
Nerdy clothes
Velcro shoes
Radio

Notes

This Ethan was built with three templates from GURPS Psis: Unexpected Psi, Hacker's Touch, and Illusionist.

This is Ethan at the beginning of his heroic career, before he came up with a name or costume (which is tragically close to his death).

Near-Death Projection (Internet) is a Cyperpsi variant of Near-Death Projection, allowing the dying psi to project into Cyberspace rather than the Astral Plane.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___________

Ethan Mizner, 1985 - Psion-1

Age: 15

Attributes

ST 9 [-10]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 13 [60]; HT 10 [0]

Secondary Characteristics

HP 9; Will 13; Per 13; FP 10

Basic Speed: 5; Move: 5; Dodge: 8

Social Background

Languages: English (Native) [0].

TL: early 8^

Cultural Familiarity: 20th Century Western [0].

Subtotal: 50


Advantages

Brain Hacking (See Notes) 1 [19]
Photorefraction 3 [15]
- Hologram 3 (Alternate Ability of Photorefraction) [3]

Perks

Avatar. [1]
Ignition. [1]
I Know What You Mean. [1]
Near-Death Projection (Internet). [1]
Power Source. [1]

Subtotal: 42


Disadvantages

Compulsive Secrecy (Psi) (12) [-15]
Curious (9) [-7]
Overconfidence (12) [-5]
Paranoia [-10]
Secret (Psi) [-20]
Skinny [-5]

Quirks

Alcohol intolerance. [-1]
Big reader. [-1]
Imaginative. [-1]
Incompetence (Sex Appeal). [-1]
Warsie. [-1]

Subtotal: -62


Features


Skills

Brain Hacking [IQ/VH] [8] 13
Computer Operation/TL8 [IQ/E] [2] 14
Computer Programming/TL8 [IQ/H] [8] 14
Conspiracy Lore [IQ/A] [1] 12
Cryptography/TL8 [IQ/H] [4] 13
Electronics Operation (Communications)TL/8 [IQ/A] [1] 12
Electronics Operation (Surveillance)TL/8 [IQ/A] [1] 12
Electronics Repair (Computers)TL/8 [IQ/A] [2] 13
Fast-Talk [IQ/A] [1] 12
Hobby Skill (Role-Playing Games) [IQ/E] [1] 13
Hobby Skill (Star Wars) [IQ/E] [1] 13
Hologram [IQ/H] [2] 12
Literature (Science Fiction) [IQ/A] [2] 13
Mathematics (Applied)/TL8 [IQ/H] [4] 13
Mathematics (Cryptology)/TL8 [IQ/H] [default] 8
Paranormal Lore [IQ/A] [2] 13
Photography/TL8 [IQ/A] [1]
Photorefraction [IQ/H] [2] 12
Research/TL8 [IQ/A] [2] 13
Scrounging [Per/E] [1] 13
Skating (Skateboard) [HT/H] [2] 9
Stealth [DX/A] [1] 9

Techniques

Reactive Use (H) Photorefraction-4 [3] 10

Subtotal: 52

Total: 82


Equipment

Camera
Skateboard
Nerdy clothes
Velcro shoes
Radio

Notes

Brain Hacking is a combination of Suggestion with 'Telepathy, -10%' replaced by 'Ergokinesis, -10%,' and Telerecieve (Shallow) with 'Telepathy, -10%' replaced by 'Ergokinesis, -10%.' The ability is affected by P-Webs, and is probably not the only EK ability in this setting that has effects similar to Telepathy. Mind Shield provides no defence, though Mind Block and Mental Strength do (as will appropriate Meta-Psi/Anti-Psi defences). EK Shield penalizes Brain Hacking exactly as Mind Shield does for Telepathic abilities. The versions of 'Avatar,' 'Ignition,' and 'I Know What You Mean' here are likewise based on Ergokinesis.

An older Ethan, if he lives that long, might develop a psi technique to use Brain Hacking on computers.

This Ethan was built with two templates from GURPS Psis: Unexpected Psi and Illusionist. In 1981, he and his counterpart were basically the same person, but they have developed in different directions.


Thoughts?

[Prince Charon]

Anne 'Althea' Williams, 2019 - Psion-1

Age: 34

Attributes

ST 10 [0]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 11 [20]; HT 10 [0]

Secondary Characteristics

HP 10; Will 11; Per 11; FP 10

Thrust: 1d-2; Swing: 1d

Basic Speed: 5; Move: 5; Dodge: 8

Social Background

Languages: English (Native) [0]; Irish Gaelic (Native) [6].

TL: 8^ (also 5+1^)

Cultural Familiarity: 20th-21st century Western [0]; 19th century Western [1].

Subtotal: 27


Advantages

Contact (Detective Wallis; Police skill 15; 9 or less; Usually Reliable) [4]
Contact Group (Local psychics; Paranormal skills 12 (Special Abilities); 12 or less; Somewhat Reliable) [20]
Oracle (Astral Projection, -10%) [14]
Reawakened (Astral Projection, -10%) [9]
Wealth (Comfortable) [10]

Cunning Folk Talent 2 [10]

Perks

Astral Awareness. [1]
Classic Features (green-eyed redhead). [1]
Dabbler (Current Affairs/TL8^: Business 9, Headline News 9, Politics 8, Regional 9, Science & Technology 8). [1]
Honest Face. [1]

Subtotal: 71


Disadvantages

Code of Honor (Professional) [-5]
Compulsive Secrecy ('Magic') (12) [-15]
Delusion (Minor; 'I am a reincarnated witch.') [-5]
Sense of Duty (Friends) [-5]
Secret ('Witch') [-20]
Stubbornness [-5]

Quirks

Dislikes bras, but sometimes wears corsets or stays. [-1]
Humble. [-1]
Likes cats. [-1]
Flirts sarcastically, usually with Tim. [-1]
Visits her cousin's shooting range every weekend, rain or shine. [-1]

Subtotal: -60


Skills

Animal Handling (Felines) [IQ/A] [3] 13*
Area Knowledge (local) [IQ/E] [1] 11
Biochemistry (Psi)/TL8^ [IQ/H] [4] 11
Computer Operation/TL8^ [IQ/E] [1] 11
Diagnosis/TL(5+1)^ [IQ/H] [8] 12
Expert Skill (Psionics) [IQ/H] [4]
Fortune-Telling (Augury) [IQ/A] [2] 13*
Fortune-Telling (Dream Interpretation) [IQ/A] [1] 12*
Gardening [IQ/E] [1] 11
Guns (Shotgun) [DX/E] [4] 12
Herb Lore/TL(5+1)^ [IQ/VH] [12] 14*
Hidden Lore (Astral) [IQ/A] [1] 10
Hidden Lore (Paranormal) [IQ/A] [2] 11
Merchant [IQ/A] [2] 11
Naturalist [IQ/H] [2] 12*
Occultism [IQ/A] [4] 14*
Physician/TL(5+1)^ [IQ/H] [1] 8
Poisons/TL(5+1)^ [IQ/H] [2] 12*
Symbol Drawing (Ogham) [IQ/H] [4] 11
Veterinary/TL(5+1)^ [IQ/H] [2] 12*
Weather Sense [IQ/A] [1] 12*

* Includes +2 from Cunning Folk Talent.

Subtotal: 62

Total: 100


Equipment

'Hippie' clothes & jewelry
Sandals or workboots
Purse
- 'Potions' (psi drugs)
- Wallet, keys, etcetra

Under the counter at her shop:
Winchester Model 1887 (modern replica)
Box of 12 gauge ammo

Old VW bus (rigged to run on ethanol)


Notes

Herb Lore covers Psychobotanics in this setting (see GURPS Psionic Campaigns p5, in the Old Time Psi text box), and substitutes well for Pharmacy (Herbal) of the same TL. 'Althea' uses it to make psi drugs which she believes to be magical elixirs.

Anne Williams is one of a few similar women (visually and in personality) in the Psion skerry who have been unconsciously contacted by the 'ghost' (astral remnant) of a cunning woman from the Ireland of Psion-5, named Althea O'Brian, who died of a fever in 1860. Like most of them, the effect manifests in her as 'past-life memories' (she has begun to suspect that there's something off about that, though she hasn't recalled enough details about Psion-5 to make it obvious). Some, like Anne, had some active psi ability or abilities beforehand (Oracle, in Anne's case), while others did not. She runs a small New Age shop, as well as selling 'magic potions' (psi drugs) to those in the know. What potions she has on her person or in her shop should be worked out with the GM before game-start, since she hasn't got a Gizmos advantage.

(As you might suspect from her preferred weapon, Anne's interest in shooting came partly from Althea; the 12 gauge Winchester 1887 replica that she keeps under the counter at her store is the nearest equivalent on Psion-1 to the 13-bore Norton-Rigby 1852 that Althea favoured - Anne is actually somewhat better with it than the original Althea, who could not afford to practice as often.)

Anne uses Fortune-Telling (Augury) to interpret omens, which is why it's higher than Fortune-Telling (Dream Interpretation), which she got from Althea (who also had Visions (Dream) and Dreaming-based Astral Travel, both of which Anne needs psi boosters to use).

'Althea' was built partly using the Apothecary template from the 4e conversion of GURPS Historical Folks, p5.

Detective Timothy Wallis is a clued-in mundane (though since he was clued in by contact with Anne, what he thinks is going on is somewhat at odds with what the local psychics who don't share Anne's delusion think), having no psi abilities unless someone gives them to him. Being a fairly good cop, he is generally reluctant to consume weird herbal concoctions, but sometimes he needs to. The police department here is somewhat aware that weird things have been happening, but are generally unsure of the nature of the weirdness (Tim isn't the only one who thinks something like 'magic,' and there are several who think 'aliens live among us'), and tend to dump weird cases on a few specific cops, like Tim. If I were writing a character sheet for him, Anne would be a Completely Reliable Paranormal Contact (with Special Abilities) - the only reason Tim is only 'Usually Reliable' for Anne is that as a cop, he does sometimes need to avoid saying things, or to make statements that might be misleading; in-setting, she's a Confidential Informant that Tim uses.


Thoughts?

[Prince Charon]

Psion-3, 2010

Current Affairs
TBD <martial arts weirdness>


Divergence Point
In 1972, people who study or take a great interest in the martial arts begin to develop psi abilities.


Major Civilizations
Western (multipolar); Orthodox (empire with rivals); Islamic (multipolar); Chinese (empire); Japanese (unitary); Indic (empire).


Great Powers
United Kingdom (representative democracy, CR3); China (oligarchy, CR5); France (representative democracy, CR4); Germany (representative democracy, CR4); Japan (representative democracy, CR3); Soviet Russia (oligarchy, CR4-5); United States of America (representative democracy, CR3); Brazil (representative democracy, CR2); India (representative democracy, CR4); Alliance of Southeast Asian Nations (feudal representative democracies, CR3-4).


Worldline Data
TL: 8^; Mana level: None
Quantum: 5; Infinity Class: Z4; Centrum Zone: Inaccessible

Notes

ASEAN's charter was significantly amended over the late 1980s and early 1990s (though the socio-political changes that allowed it began in the mid-1970s, partly due to concerns about the Peoples Republic of China), resulting in a closer association and a new name.


The Soviet Union collapsed almost on-schedule relative to Homeline's history, being officially dissolved in 1993, as the last General Secretary, Andrei Gromyko, was unable to hold the union together (something his failing health did him no favors with). The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic remains, lead from 1993 to present by Anatoly Lukyanov as both Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian SFSR and 'General Secretary of the International Communist Party' (a title disputed by most non-Russian communists). Notably, lower-population areas like Siberia have not only a de facto lower CR, but officially less strict laws outside of specific areas (like the gulags, which are of course CR6, and must strictly limit exercise to avoid secret martial arts training that may induce abilities the guards are not prepared for).


I feel like I should add more to this, but am blanking on what.

Thoughts?

[Prince Charon]

The other character that I've been working on for Psion-3 has more complicated abilities, and remains stubbornly incomplete (and may end up split into two characters to simplify things), but then I got the idea for this guy, who was a lot easier:

Louis Couffignal, 2010 - Psion-3

Age: 26

Attributes

ST 10 [0]; DX 12 [40]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 11 [10]

Secondary Characteristics

HP 10; Will 12 [10]; Per 10; FP 11

Thrust: 1d-2; Swing: 1d

Karate Parry: 10
Knife Parry: 9
Wrestling Parry: 9

Basic Speed: 5.75; Move: 5; Dodge: 8

Social Background

Languages: French (Native) [0]; Occitan (Native) [4]; English (Accented) [4]; Italian (Broken) [2].

TL: 8^

Cultural Familiarity: 21st century Western [0].

Subtotal: 70


Advantages

Instill Fear 2 [21]
^Mental Blow 2 (Alternate Ability of Instill Fear) [4]
^Aspect 5 (AA of Instill Fear) [4]
Mind Shield 4 [16]

Combat Reflexes [15]
Fit [5]

Perks

Avatar. [1]
Dabbler (Dock Rat: Boating (Motorboat)/TL8^ 8, Boating (Unpowered)/TL8^ 8, Driving (Construction Equipment)/TL8^ 8, Mechanic (Diesel Engine)/TL8^ 6, Seamanship/TL8^ 7, Smuggling 8). [1]
Improvised Weapons (Karate). [1]
Style Familiarity (Savate). [1]
Technique Mastery (Kicking). [1]


Subtotal: 70


Disadvantages

Addiction (cigarettes) [-5]
Bully (12) [-10]
Callous [-5]
Code of Honour (Pirate's) [-5]
Enemy (One of the PCs, Rival; As powerful; 9 or less) [-5]
Greed (15) [-7]
Vow (Never harm a child.) [-5]

Quirks

Always wears a beret outside his home nation. [-1]
Dislikes 'raging imbeciles.' [-1]
French patriot. [-1]
Mild Lecherousness. [-1]
Well-cared-for moustache. [-1]

Subtotal: -47


Features

Intimidation is a complementary skill for all his psi skills. [0]


Skills

Area Knowledge (Marseilles docklands) [IQ/E] [1] 10
Current Affairs (Criminal)/TL8^ [IQ/E] [1] 10
Driving/TL8^ (Automobile) [DX/A] [1] 11
Games (Association Football) [IQ/E] [1] 10
Intimidation [Will/A] [2] 12
Merchant [IQ/A] [2] 10
Scrounging [Per/E] [1] 10
Streetwise [IQ/A] [4] 11
Swimming [HT/E] [1] 11
Urban Survival [Per/A] [2] 10

Fast Draw (Balisong) [DX/E] [1] 12
Karate [DX/H] [12] 14
Knife [DX/E] [1] 12
Wrestling [DX/A] [2] 12

Aspect [Will/H] [2] 11
Instill Fear [Will/H] [2] 11
Mental Blow [Will/H] [4] 12
Mind Shield [Will/H] [4] 12

Techniques

Back Kick (H) Karate-4 [2] 11
Drop Kick (H) Wrestling-2 [0] 10
Feint (Karate) (H) Karate-0 [0] 14
Hammer Fist (A) Karate-1 [1] 14
Head Butt (H) Karate-1 [0] 13
Jump Kick (H) Karate-4 [0] 10
Kicking (H) Karate-2 [3] 14
Spinning Kick (H) Karate-3 [2] 12

Neurological Damage (Unconsciousness) (H) Mental Blow-4 [5] 12

Subtotal: 57

Total: 150


Equipment

Clothes
Shoes
Beret
Balisong
Wallet, keys, etc.

Notes

Louis was built partly using the Unexpected Psi template from GURPS Psis, p19. His point value can and should be adjusted to fit the campaign.

Louis grew up around the docklands of Marseilles, though he learned little of the more legitimate occupations there. His time as a bully and an underage criminal got him the attention of a more experience thug, who taught him Savate, and opened his mind to a larger world (though he still isn't what people normally think of when they imagine a telepathic villain).

Occitan is sufficiently similar to French that I think getting to Native fluency from one to the other should cost only 4 points rather than 6.

To Louis's thinking, 'raging imbeciles' covers those with Berserk, Bloodlust, and the more violent forms of Sadism - while he certainly isn't above hurting people for fun, once combat starts, you should be trying to make your side win, not going nuts and becoming a threat to everyone around you, nor wasting time focusing on hurting or killing one target while ignoring the others, or your friends who may need your help. He may even team up with the PCs to put down particularly nasty examples, especially if children are being threatened.

'Fast Draw (Balisong)' seems like the appropriate skill for rapidly opening and closing this form of knife, as well as performing tricks related to it. Such tricks can provide a bonus to Intimidation, helped by Louis generally looking and sounding like the violent thug he is (and that's even before getting into his mental abilities).

His counterparts on Psion-2 and Psion-4 are dead, and his counterpart on Psion-1 has no psi abilities.


Thoughts?