Force Field/Knock Back and Mind Shield

Boost · Post by **Boost** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 5:10 pm

Okay, so it turns out I'm GMing a campaign based around my one-shot (based around a universe of DC expy character). First session, the player playing a mental based character named Cigar (if you ask him why, he says sometimes a cigar is just a cigar) builds him with Force Field and Mind Shield and I have questions about both.

First: Force Field. How does this work with knock back, his has 50 hits, and I hit him with 90 some odd damage (four sixes were involved) so the damage dealt to him was (after 10 soak and 50 hits from the shield) 30 something. When calculating knock back, would I go from the whole 90, or the reduced 30. I ruled as the 30 for then, but I'm having second thoughts.

Second: Mind Shield. Is this over-powered? it's Soak and Reflex counterparts increase them by 1 per point, but Mind shield increases it by 2 per point. This made his character nigh invulnerable combined with his Force Field (which he took a two point enhancement to remove the Concentration limit).

Thanks for the help.

Boost · Post by **Boost** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 8:57 pm

I hate to *bump* this, but the second game is rapidly approaching, and I told my player I'd have a final ruling on the whole knock back thing.

Dustland · Post by **Dustland** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 9:35 pm

I know you're hoping Bashman will reply, but here's my two cents:

Forcefield: I'd only apply the knockback based on the damage that gets through the forcefield. Seems to make more sense that way (ie if only 1pt get through, why apply knockback as if he got hit by everything?)

Mind Shield: You know where I stand based off the Chimera game; I think it should be 1:1, not 2:1.

Boost · Post by **Boost** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 9:43 pm

Thanks, I appreciate anyone's opinion actually.

I can see Force Field as only what gets through, what hangs me up is, if it's a bubble around the person, and force is applied to that bubble, wouldn't the bubble be pushed back? Or maybe the shield should soak that up... I can see it as a Sue Storm type thing where it isn't attached to the person creating it... that makes a lot of sense, thanks again!

Post by **Kinetic** » Sun Nov 28, 2010 3:20 am

I would also apply the knockback based on the damage that got through. In a comic panel I'd picture this as the force bubble/wall exploding and the person behind it flying back from the force. Yes they take a shot, but imagine what would have happened if that force field wasn't there...

I don't really have an opinion on Mind Shield as it hasn't come up enough for me to really make up my mind on it. Sorry I can't help there =/

Post by **BASHMAN** » Sun Nov 28, 2010 11:54 pm

Sorry, didn't see this earlier! yes, only the 30 that got through would apply knockback.

Mind Shield is cheaper than Armor because it is needed far more rarely.

But there are plenty of ways to deal with the problem.

1. The FF Power has that limitation built in for a reason. As the Narrator, you can choose not to allow him to buy it off, if you think it's being abused.

2. You can buy powers with enhancements to make them extra effective vs. FF.

3. Some powers, like Telekinesis can completely bypass a force field (TK is a mental power, and FF's description specifically says it cannot block mental effects). This is exactly what my players did when they went against a FF user.