Attributes as Abilities and Alternative Abilities [Powers]

[AlexanderHowl]

I am curious, does anyone use Alternative Abilities with Attributes as Abilities? For example, I was thinking of a psionic character that could repurpose Mind Shield 10 (Psionic, -10%) [36] into IQ+2 (Psionic, -10%) [36]. Since IQ+2 would be an AA of Mind Shield 10, it would only cost 8 CP. The setting rationalale would be that the character shifts psionic energy from telepathic protection to cognitive enhancement.

[transmetahuman]

Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl

I am curious, does anyone use Alternative Abilities with Attributes as Abilities? For example, I was thinking of a psionic character that could repurpose Mind Shield 10 (Psionic, -10%) [36] into IQ+2 (Psionic, -10%) [36]. Since IQ+2 would be an AA of Mind Shield 10, it would only cost 8 CP. The setting rationalale would be that the character shifts psionic energy from telepathic protection to cognitive enhancement.

Offhand, I don't see any reason why not, especially if it was conceptualized as a sort of internal Telepathy raising cognitive function that could be diverted into forming a Mind Shield (no mechanical difference whatsoever, but for some reason it just feels like a more comfortable rationale to me).

I was originally thinking it could just be natural IQ, and that their version of a Mind Shield simply took a bit of concentration that made them a little distracted and less sharp than they would otherwise be. But I don't know if I would let a non-power-based attribute be switched out like that. I probably would allow -2 IQ as a Temporary Disadvantage when using the Mind Shield, though, for much less of a cost savings.

The first version does open up a bit of a potential issue in "officially" (in your world) allowing mental stat boosts to be justified as a Telepathy ability, which might get out of hand.