PHOENIX

A Superhero Expansion Pack for

The d20 Modern Role-Playing Game

Beta 10, "Ultimate"

Saturday, April 17th, 2010
 Introduction
What is This Book? How is This Different Than Standard d20?

Phoenix is an expansion pack for the d20 system. With it, you To account for the great variety that the superhero genre
run a superhero game on top of existing rules from The d20 requires, Phoenix uses a point-based system to buy powers and
Modern Role-Playing Game, and it assumes you have access to feats. These are called Character Points (or CPs). Also, this
those rules and already understand them. If you don't already game has, in addition to skills, feats, and powers, a whole other
know those rules, then this book isn't going to make a lot of way to add flavour to your characters, called Advantages and
sense to you. Complications, which are in Chapter 1: Character Creation.
Who Made This Book? To use your powers, you often have to expend a little bit of
energy, which takes the form of Power Points (PPs). Powers also
There once was a game called Deeds Not Words created by have Origins, in-game explanations for how they manifest, and
Scott Lynch, but his growing career as a novelist drew him away they include things like mutant physiology or fantastic
from it. He left the game to the discussion forum that had by then technology. PPs and Origins are explained in Chapter 5: Powers.
grown up around it. Two members of that group, Jayson Stevens Character classes in Phoenix are built on the D&D model, not
and Orion Ussner Kidder, took the lead in creating a second the d20 Modern model, which means that they proceed from 1 st
edition, which Jayson called "Phoenix." Obviously, that name to 20th level. They are also divorced, as much as possible, from
stuck. Unfortunately, Jayson was also drawn away from the powers and instead represent superhero and pulp-fantasy
game, which left Orion with the project. Instead of Deeds Not archetypes, like the wealthy playboy, the street-level scrapper, or
Words, 2nd Edition, a stand-alone game, he decided to take what the loyal sidekick. That's why you can buy magic, psionics, and
we had and make an expansion pack for the d20 Modern Role- supertech as powers (see Mystic Spell-Casting and Psionic
Playing Game. After Jayson had been gone from the project for Manifestation in Chapter 5: Powers), and the actual F/X classes
quite some time, Dan J. Anderson and Matt Sloane stepped in are optional (see F/X Classes in Chapter 2: Classes).
and provided a great deal of invaluable input. Many others have In order to replicate the feel of comics in which many
contributed to this book and the rules herein, ether through characters routinely ignore bullets and other small, conventional
conversation or play-testing, including Jay Garcia, Dr. David weapons, the most expedient game mechanic is to give them
Tsang, Scott Sharplin, Samantha Hjalmarson, Jonathan Wong, enough DR that they can ignore those kinds of attacks. An
Elizabeth Gusnoski, and Andrew Day. exceedingly high Defence is still vulnerable to a lucky bullet. DR
20 isn't. Therefore, DR as a power is a lot cheaper than it is (or
This is a Beta Product ought to be!) in other d20 games. See the power Damage
Reduction in Chapter 5: Powers for more details.
This version of Phoenix is still undergoing play-testing. What Any attack using a weapon that has an Origin, including your
that means is that if you play the game and you find something body, is "Super" in Phoenix, which is an inherent quality, like
that doesn't work, something that isn't properly balanced, or a "magic." Any ability score of 25 or higher is also Super. Whereas
loophole of some kind, we'd really like to hear about it. Play the in standard d20, DR is vulnerable only to energy and magic, in
hell out of the game and then email us and explain what you Phoenix, it's also vulnerable to Super attacks. Super abilities are
found and how you'd recommend we fix it. We will compile the described in detail in Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment.
changes and release a micro-update, as the need arises. Finally, there are several Styles of Play for this game, which
We'd also love to hear your suggestions for new things to add reflect different eras and styles in comics. Though the Styles
to the system, like new powers, new classes, or new rules that contain few hard-and-fast rules, they are meant as a guide to
will help further and more accurately replicate a superhero-style storytelling and game-play in this system. They're in Chapter 8:
experience in a role-playing game. We'll read your suggestions Game Mastering.
and put our collective brains to the task of making it all work. You Spell Things Weird
You can help us in this task by joining us at our discussion group.
All are welcome. Yes. Yes, I do. This document was produced in Canada, so it
How Does This Book Work? follows Canadian spelling standards, with words like "defence"
and "armour." We promise that you'll get used to it. We also
This book is an expansion pack. That means it runs on top of provide, as much as possible, metric conversions for imperial
standard d20 rules, which are freely available as System measurements. Although d20 is based on imperial in combat (5-
Reference Documents (SRDs). This book offers four things over- foot squares and such), we want to provide as many options as
and-above regular d20 rules. First, it has thirteen new classes that we can for you to set your games in one of the many countries
are tailor-made for pulp and superhero adventures. Second, is has that has embraced the metric system.
a vastly expanded selection of feats, so that you can play a
superhero without powers, if you so desire. Third, is has over
fifty pages of superpowers. Fourth and finally, a whole schwack
of new rules designed to take into account the superhero genre
and its elevated power level.

Phoenix.......................................................... i
Introduction............................................................ ii
Chapter 1: Character Creation .............. 1
Building a Hero.......................................................1
Concept............................................................... 1
Power Theme...................................................... 1 Chapter 3: Skills....................................47
Ability Scores......................................................1
Class.................................................................... 1
Powers................................................................. 1
Putting It All Together........................................ 1
Example: Amazon Warrior .............................. 1
Example: Blaster............................................. 1
Character Points......................................................2
CPs and Levels....................................................2 Chapter 4: Feats...................................... 53
Generating Ability Scores .......................................2
Standard Ability Spreads ................................. 2
Rolling for Ability Scores ............................... 2
Action Points.......................................................... 2
Power Stretch...................................................2
Mercy Blow..................................................... 2
Stabilise........................................................... 3
Negate Damage............................................... 3
Death Retcon................................................... 3
What Makes A Superhero....................................... 3
Mission, Powers, and Identity.............................3
Mission ........................................................... 3
Powers............................................................. 3
Identity.............................................................4
Secret Identities...................................................4
Costumes......................................................... 4
Getting Recognised......................................... 4
Pulp Heroes......................................................... 5
Non-Human Species............................................5
Rewards (or "This Ain't D&D") ............................. 5
Advantages and Complications.............................. 5
Ads...................................................................... 6
Comps................................................................11
Chapter 2: Classes................................. 25
Superhero Classes.................................................25
Superhero Class Features.................................. 25
Power Dice.................................................... 25
Starting Proficiencies.....................................25
Sample Characters......................................... 25
"Per Day" and "Per Session" Abilities ..........25
Class Feature Types....................................... 26
Multi-classing................................................ 26
Adventurer.........................................................26
Champion.......................................................... 27
Martial Artist.....................................................28 Chapter 5: Powers................................. 85
Mastermind....................................................... 29
Sidekick.............................................................30
Sleuth.................................................................31
Sneak................................................................. 33
Socialite.............................................................34
Soldier............................................................... 35
Thinker.............................................................. 36
Warrior.............................................................. 37
Optional Classes................................................... 38
F/X Classes........................................................38
Inventor............................................................. 38
Mentalist............................................................40
Mystic................................................................41
Generic Superhero.............................................42
Hit Die........................................................... 42
Power Die...................................................... 42
Act Bonus...................................................... 42
Skill Points.....................................................43
Class Skills ................................................... 43
Proficiencies ................................................. 43
Base Attack....................................................43
Saving Throws...............................................43
Defence..........................................................43
Reputation......................................................43
Class Features................................................ 43
Harmonised Starting CPs .............................. 43
Other Class Options.............................................. 43
Modern Classes................................................. 43
Mixed Classes................................................... 44
Omega Levels....................................................44
Class Skills........................................................ 48
Synergy Bonus.................................................. 48
Super Skills....................................................... 48
Omega-Level Skills...........................................49
Skill Descriptions..................................................49
The Synergy Roll.................................................. 51
Naming Conventions .........................................53
F/X Feats........................................................... 53
Tongue-In-Cheek Feats ..................................... 53
Feat Groups....................................................... 53
Feat Descriptions.................................................. 53
Feats: A - B........................................................53
Feat Table..............................................................54
Feats: C..............................................................61
Feats: D............................................................. 63
Feats: E - F........................................................ 64
Feats: G - H....................................................... 66 Chapter 6: F/X....................................... 165
Feats: I...............................................................66
Feats: K - L........................................................69
Feats: M – N......................................................70
Feats: O – P....................................................... 71
Feats: Q - R....................................................... 72
Feats: S.............................................................. 73
Feats: T..............................................................75
Feats: U - W...................................................... 76
Tongue-In-Cheek Feats .........................................77
Feat Groups...........................................................82
Combat, Defensive............................................82
Combat, General............................................... 82
Combat, Offensive............................................ 82
Combat, Ranged................................................82
General.............................................................. 82
Mystical.............................................................82
Proficiencies......................................................82
Psionic............................................................... 83
Save Enhancers................................................. 83
Skill Enhancers..................................................83
Supertech...........................................................83
Tongue-In-Cheek ...............................................83
Vehicle...............................................................83
Power Points......................................................... 85
Power-Point Deficit ...........................................85
Origins.................................................................. 85
Biological...................................................... 85
Cosmic........................................................... 85
Mystical......................................................... 85
Psionic........................................................... 85
Supertech....................................................... 85
Power Notes..........................................................85
Flavour Text...................................................85
Game Roles................................................... 86
Power Stretch.................................................86
Power Descriptors.................................................86
Powers........................................................... 86
Traits.............................................................. 86
Items.............................................................. 86 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment...191
Metapowers................................................... 86
CP Cost.......................................................... 87
Prerequisites ................................................. 87
Activate .........................................................87
Sustain .......................................................... 87
The Power Table................................................... 88
Range............................................................. 89
Standard Saves...............................................89
Enhancements................................................89
Table of Contents
Limitations.....................................................90
Power Descriptions............................................... 90
Powers: A.......................................................... 90
Powers: C.......................................................... 97
Powers: D........................................................ 102
Powers: E – G..................................................105
Powers: H – L..................................................114
Powers: M – N................................................ 121
Powers: P.........................................................123
Powers: R........................................................ 134
Powers: S.........................................................136
Powers: T........................................................ 147
Powers: W....................................................... 157
Creating Powers..................................................161
Don't Duplicate a Power..............................161
Look for Pre-Existing Versions ................... 161
Determine CP Cost...................................... 161
Determine Power-Point Cost ....................... 161
Determine Activation/Sustain Times ...........162
The Act-Roll System.......................................... 162
Activation DCs................................................162
Act Roll Consequences................................... 162
Feats.............................................................163
Metapowers................................................. 163
Mystic Spells...................................................... 165
0-Level Mystic Spells (Cantrips) .................... 165
1st-Level Mystic Spells...................................165
2nd-Level Mystic Spells ................................. 166
3rd-Level Mystic Spells .................................. 167
4th-Level Mystic Spells.................................. 167
5th-Level Mystic Spells.................................. 168
6th-Level Mystic Spells.................................. 169
7th-Level Mystic Spells.................................. 170
8th-Level Mystic Spells.................................. 170
9th-Level Mystic Spells.................................. 171
Mystical Armaments...........................................171
Mystic Armour Abilities................................. 171
Mystic Weapon Abilities.................................173
Psi-Powers.......................................................... 176
1st-Level Psi-Powers.......................................176
2nd-Level Psi-Powers..................................... 177
3rd-Level Psi-Powers ...................................... 177
4th-Level Psi-Powers...................................... 178
5th-Level Psi-Powers...................................... 178
6th-Level Psi-Powers...................................... 178
7th-Level Psi-Powers...................................... 178
8th-Level Psi-Powers...................................... 178
9th-Level Psi-Powers...................................... 179
Psionic Armaments.............................................179
Psionic Armour Abilities .................................179
Psionic Weapon Abilities ................................ 179
Supertech Inventions .......................................... 181
Activating Inventions ...................................... 182
Inventing......................................................... 182
Super Equipment.............................................182
Doohickies.......................................................183
Ray Guns.........................................................183
Gizmos............................................................ 183
Superchemicals............................................... 183
Gadgets and Power Armour............................ 183
Supertech Armaments.........................................183
Supertech Armour Abilities............................ 184
Supertech Weapon Abilities ............................ 186
Combat................................................................191
A Word About Violence.................................. 191
Building Damage............................................ 191
By Floor.......................................................192
As a Whole.................................................. 192
Combat Manoeuvres....................................... 192
Grapple........................................................ 192
Knockback................................................... 192
Sunder and Disarm...................................... 193
 Stapling........................................................193
Swinging Attacks.........................................193
Two-Weapon Fighting................................. 193
Zero-G Combat............................................194
Damage Reduction.......................................... 194
Massive Damage............................................. 194
Non-Lethal Damage........................................ 194
Making Non-Lethal Attacks ........................ 194
Super Attacks.................................................. 194
Super Speed.....................................................194
Races and Chases........................................ 196
Super-Speed Chases.................................... 196
Super Strength.................................................196
Improvised Weapons ................................... 197
Slowing a Moving Object............................198
Swinging......................................................... 198
Swinging as Movement............................... 198
Jumping at the End of a Swing....................198
Kicking Off in Mid-Swing.......................... 198
Continuous Swinging.................................. 199
Falling While Swinging...............................199
Swinging in Combat.................................... 199
Zero-Gravity Movement ................................. 199
Low-Gravity Movement .............................. 200
High-Gravity Movement ............................. 200
Equipment...........................................................200
Wealth............................................................. 200
Wealth Bonus...............................................201
Buying......................................................... 201
Selling..........................................................201
Divvying Wealth..........................................202
Cash............................................................. 202
Body Armour.................................................. 202
Armour and Shield Bonuses........................ 202
Modifying Body Armour .............................203
Generic Firearms.............................................204
Firearm Types.............................................. 205
Rates of Fire................................................ 205
Ammo Capacity...........................................205
Ammo Type................................................. 205 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains.......217
Size.............................................................. 206 Templates............................................................ 217
Restriction....................................................206
Modifying Generic Firearms ....................... 206
Chapter 8: Game Mastering............ 207
Calculating Experience .......................................207
The XP Formula.............................................. 207
Narrative Awards.............................................207
Effective Character Levels .............................. 208
Superheroes and RPGs ....................................... 208
Trashing the Scenery....................................... 208
Lethality.......................................................... 208
Handling Powerful PCs...................................... 209
The Blaster/Sniper....................................... 209
The Tank...................................................... 209
The Flyer..................................................... 209
The Hidden Mystic/Mentalist ......................209
The Speedster.............................................. 209
Villains Cheat.................................................. 210
Power Levels...................................................... 210
Street Level..................................................210
City Wide.....................................................210
National....................................................... 210
Global.......................................................... 210
Legendary.................................................... 210
Mythic..........................................................210
Styles of Play...................................................... 210
Fun............................................................... 210
Galactic........................................................ 211
Gritty............................................................211
Pulp.............................................................. 211
Space Opera................................................. 211
Wuxia...........................................................211
Putting It All Together.....................................211
Optional Rules.................................................... 212
Awesome Bonus.............................................. 212
CP Distribution Methods.................................212
Lump Sum................................................... 212
Front-Loaded............................................... 212
XP Debt....................................................... 212
The One-Shot...............................................212
Hit Points.........................................................213
Variable Negative HPs .................................... 213
Vitality/Wounds...............................................213
Vitality Points and Would Points.................213
Taking Wound Damage ............................... 213
Healing and Recovery................................. 214
Special Effects............................................. 215
NPCs and Villains........................................215
Metagame Analysis..................................... 215
Aliens.............................................................. 217
Greys............................................................217
Fantasy Species............................................... 217
Aerials..........................................................217 Appendices.............................................. 259
Atlanteans.................................................... 218
Half-Atlanteans............................................219
Brutes...........................................................219
Cat People....................................................220
Mole People.................................................220
Rock People.................................................220
Tomorrow People ....................................... 221 Open Gaming License..........................269
Mechanoids..................................................... 221
Androids...................................................... 222
Robots..........................................................222
Power Suites....................................................... 223
Acrobat........................................................ 223
Blaster..........................................................224
Brainiac........................................................224
Charmer....................................................... 224
Duelist..........................................................225
Flyer.............................................................225
Magician...................................................... 226
Speedster......................................................226
Tank............................................................. 226
NPCs................................................................... 227
Adonis..........................................................227
The Batter.................................................... 228
Bengal..........................................................229
Brainchild.................................................... 230
Brain Doctor................................................ 231
Chaingun Sally............................................ 232
Cyrus Samedi...............................................234
Deadline.......................................................235
Doc Sprocket............................................... 236
Dr. Byrdapak................................................237
Force Majeure..............................................238
Little Dragon............................................... 239
Lone Star..................................................... 241
The Mad Engineer....................................... 241
Minion......................................................... 243
Ms. Comet................................................... 244
Mistah Two Hatz......................................... 245
Monkey Queen............................................ 246
Officer X-Ray.............................................. 247
Phoenix Maximus........................................ 247
Rage............................................................. 249
Sharky..........................................................250
Silver Sabre................................................. 251
Slag.............................................................. 252
Sponge......................................................... 253
Tim Toady....................................................254
Titan Omega................................................ 255
Whip Lass ................................................... 256
White Knight............................................... 257
Game Terms........................................................259
Modifier Types....................................................261
Character Sheets................................................. 264
PC Record Sheet, p1....................................265
NPC Record Sheet, p1................................. 268

Table 1-1 Natural Ability Costs ..................................2
Table 1-2 Action-Point Bonus Dice ........................... 2
Table 1-3 Masks......................................................... 4
Table 1-4 Buying Off Comps..................................... 6
Table 1-5 Ads............................................................. 6
Table 1-6 Comps.......................................................11
Table 2-1 Class Overview........................................ 25
Table 2-2 Adventurer................................................26
Table 2-3 Champion................................................. 27
Table 2-4 Martial Artist............................................ 28
Table 2-5 Mastermind.............................................. 29
Table 2-6 Sidekick....................................................30
Table 2-7 Sleuth........................................................32
Table 2-8 Sneak........................................................ 33
Table 2-9 Socialite....................................................34
Table 2-10 Soldier.................................................... 35
Table 2-11 Thinker................................................... 36
Table 2-12 Warrior................................................... 38
Table 2-13 Inventor.................................................. 39
Table 2-14 Mentalist.................................................40
Table 2-15 Mystic.....................................................41
Table 2-16 Generic Superhero ..................................42
Table 2-17 Modern CLass Power Dice .................... 43
Table 2-18 Phoenix Class Prerequisites ................... 44
Table 2-19 Omega Levels .........................................45
Table 3-1 Skills.........................................................47
Table 3-2 Points per Level........................................48
Table 3-3 Synergy Bonuses...................................... 48
Table 4-1 Feats......................................................... 54
Table 4-2 Tongue-In-Cheek Feats ............................ 78
Table 5-1 Powers...................................................... 88
Table 5-2 Act Bonuses by Class and Level............ 162
Index of Tables
Table 7-1 Building Stats ......................................... 191
Table 7-2 Two-Weapon Fighting ............................193
Table 7-3 Running Speeds......................................195
Table 7-4 Super Strength Stats............................... 197
Table 7-5 Improvised Weapon Damage ................. 197
Table 7-6 Wealth and Lifestyle ...............................200
Table 7-7 Relative PDCs........................................ 201
Table 7-8 Body Armour......................................... 203
Table 7-9 Generic Firearms ....................................204
Table 7-10 Generic Ammunition ............................205
Table 7-11 Modifying Generic Firearms ................ 206
Table 8-1 Dying......................................................214
Table 8-2 Stabilising...............................................214
Table 8-3 Vitality and Size..................................... 215

This chapter covers a variety of basic elements of the game,
all having to do with character creation. It starts with explaining
how Character Points work, then how to use them to buy ability
scores, and then spends a couple of pages talking about the
superhero genre and how it works in a role-playing game.
Finally, this chapter also contains Ads and Comps (Advantages
and Complications), which are little extra touches that you can
add to your characters that either give them advantages or add
complications to their lives.
Building a Hero
Character creation in Phoenix proceeds through a few steps,
which are in the same order as the chapters in this book. The
steps are:
• concept
• power theme
• ability score generation
• class
• powers
As with all role-playing games, character creation doesn't
proceed in a straight line, however. You'll start with a concept,
look at classes that fit it, tweak your sense of the class to fit your
concept. Then you'll generate stats, grab feats, perhaps waffle
about character class, pick skills, and rearrange your feats to
match. In addition to all these aspects of a regular d20 character,
in Phoenix you also get to use Character Points (CPs) to buy
powers and the other extra stuff that makes your character not
just a hero, but a super hero.
Concept
The best place to start is with a concept. You probably won't
be able to replicate the character concept exactly, but it's a useful
place to start because it gives you a way to focus on the options
that most interest you. If you begin the game with the idea of
creating an Amazon, for example, you know that the Sneak class
is probably not for you, and instead the Warrior or Champion
might be better. Starting with a concept also prevents you from
just trying to build the most powerful character that you can, and
instead build the character that you'll have the most fun playing.
Power Theme
A character concept for a superhero game tends to start with a abilities but just aren't flashy. Super ability scores, perhaps a
power theme, even if that theme is that the character has no
powers. A power theme could be one kind of power, like energy
projection or telekinesis. Your theme could also be biographical.
Something happened to this character that made her seek out a
life of superheroism. It can be organized around an animal motif
(e.g., tigers), a season of the year (e.g., winter/ice), or an energy
type (e.g., electricity). It can be a reflection of a historical figure,
like a knight, or a ninja. It can be something even more abstract,
like patriotism, friendship, or fair-play.
Ability Scores
Now that you have a concept and a linked theme, it's time to
buy ability scores. Ability generation happens in two phases in
Phoenix. First, buy your Natural Ability Scores off of Table 1-1. be useful for a blaster who can stay near a fight but not get
Then you can, if you want to, increase your scores buy taking the dragged into mêlée.
powers Ability Enhancement or Ability Boost. If you increase
CHAPTER 1: CHARACTER CREATION
your Natural Ability Scores using a power, then the resulting,
higher score is a Super Ability Score.
Class
With a concept and ability scores, you can focus in on a class.
There are eleven classes and three optional classes, so you have a
lot to choose from. Each class favours certain kinds of powers or
ability combinations. The important part is to find a class that
reflects your concept and grants the kinds of class features that
will allow you to live out the concept. Sometimes, the class
concept might fit the character you have in mind, but the class
features won't be right, so you want to read the descriptions
carefully.
Powers
Depending on your concept, your "powers" could come in the
form of feats or even just a whole lot of skills, and all three—
skills, feats, and powers—can support each other to a great
degree. Picking feats and powers is where you get to really
define a character, and skills can give her those extra areas of
expertise that make her truly heroic.
Putting It All Together
In the end, you'll probably go back and forth, tweaking this
and that until it all feels right. Don't feel the need to proceed
from one step to the next and "lock down" the last aspect of the
character. Let it float until you're done. One of the fun things
about RPGs is that the character is never really "done." You'll
keep building them as you go through levels.
Example: Amazon Warrior
Let's suppose that you've decided to build an Amazon warrior
from Classical myth. Right away, we know a lot about this
character. She'll be a mêlée fighter for the most part, which
means she'll favour Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution, and the
best classes are probably Champion, Soldier, or Warrior,
depending on her exact focus. If she's a Champion, you'll also
want a high Charisma score.
This character could be non-powered, simply a highly-trained
warrior-woman, in which case you could build her "powers" out
of feats, all the mêlée feats you can afford, as well as archery
feats (the Amazons were famed for their skill with the bow).
Alternately, you could pick powers that augment her mêlée
modest Damage Reduction score, or Amazing Fighting would do
the trick. You could even give her a blessed weapon of the
ancient gods, in the form of a Classically-themed Esoteric Item.
This theme leads you to certain specific kinds of abilities and
powers right away.
Example: Blaster
Let us now suppose, instead, that you want to create an
energy projector, a hero who takes part in fights by sitting on a
rooftop a block away. Your primary ability will be Dexterity, for
ranged attacks and for dodging. The classes that are most useful
are either the ones that have the maximum Base Attack (Soldier,
Warrior), or possibly the Sneak, for the sneak attack, which can
2 Chapter 1: Character Creation

The best feats to take would be the ranged feats, obviously, The simplest option is to just spend Table 1-1 Natural
starting with Point-Blank Shot. Pumping up your attack and your 40 points on Table 1-1 and buy Ability Costs
damage bonus with your blast is your primary concern. In the powers as a separate step, but the more Ability Mod- Point
same vein, a powerful Energy Attack is pretty much the way to complex options can produce more Score ifier Value
build a blaster. Your secondary concern is not getting hit, though, powerful or unusual characters. 3 -4 +5
so feats like Dodge or Spring Attack could be helpful, or powers
like Invisibility, Flight, or Amazing Dodge. The flying, invisible Standard Ability Spreads 4 -3 +4
blaster is exactly the kind of pain in the ass you want to be to For your convenience, here are 5 -3 +3
your opponents. four standard spreads of Natural 6 -2 +2
Character Points Ability Scores. If you don't want to 7 -2 +1
spend a great deal of time on Table 1-1
you can just grab one of these spreads 8 -1 -
Character Points, or "CPs," are the base unit of the game.
With them, you can purchase Advantages and Powers. There are and get on with character creation. 9 -1 1
also Ads that allow you to buy Feats for 2CP each, Skill Points at 10 - 2
1CP for 4, and you can even take the Highly Experienced Ad, • Min/Max: 20, 18, 8, 8, 8, 8
11 - 3
which raises your Character Level. You buy your Natural Ability (costs 40CP)
• Even: 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 10 12 +1 4
Scores with CPs (see Table 1-1), and the powers Ability Boost
and Ability Enhancement allow you to raise your Ability Scores (costs 40CP) 13 +1 5
into the "Super" range. • Low: 14, 12, 12, 10, 10, 10 14 +2 6
CPs and Levels (20CP left over)
15 +2 8
• Very Low: 10, 10, 10, 10, 10
There are two important things to note, here. First, at every (28CP left over) 16 +3 10
level, you get 10CPs to spend on Ads and Powers. You may 17 +3 13
bank your CPs if you want to, saving up for a big power, or you Rolling for Ability Scores 18 +4 16
may spend them all as you go. Second, you start play at 4 th GMs can, of course, employ a
level, which means that you start with 40CPs . Starting at a more traditional method of ability- 19 +4 20
higher level than 1 keeps the sheer strength of your powers in
st
score generation using one of the 20 +5 24
balance with your class features. It's not generally very fun to be standard die-rolling methods, but if
able to raze a building with your Heat Vision but get knocked out they do so, you will not receive 40 CPs at character creation to
by a thrown brick. When you start play at 4 th level, you get all of buy your scores; instead, you receive only 10 CP per level.
the benefits of those levels, including Wealth score increases,
feats granted every 3 levels and +1 to one ability score every 4 Action Points
levels as well as skill points, class features, etc.
You get a number of Action Points (APs) equal to 6 plus
Generating Ability Scores one-half your character level (rounded down) at every level. At
character creation, you get 6AP. You can use Action Points to
In addition to the 10CP you receive per character level, at increase a single d20 roll by 1d6 for every 5 character levels you
character creation you get 40CP to buy your Natural Ability have earned, including levels 21 to 40, the Omega Levels (see
Scores off of Table 1-1). These are the Ability Scores that you Table 1-2). There are five other uses of Action Points as well:
had before you got powers and/or without your powers. A Power Stretch, Mercy Blow, Stabilise, Negate Damage, and
Natural score of 20 is the highest that you can buy at character Death Retcon.
creation, although you can raise your Natural scores with the
+1 you gain every four levels, as per d20 rules, so it is possible Power Stretch
to start play with a Natural Ability Score of 21. Cost: 1AP
If you want to, you can spend fewer than 40 points on You can use one of your powers Table 1-2 Action-
Table 1-1 and bank the rest. There is a strategy to this system. for something it doesn't do, but Point Bonus Dice
Natural Ability Scores are more expensive than Ability logically could (that's comic-book Level Dice
Enhancements, but Ability Enhancement is a power and can be "logic," of course). See Power Stretch
in Chapter 5: Powers, for more 1 st
to 5 th
1d6
affected by the metapowers (see Chapter 5: Powers). Therefore,
you have a few distinct options: details. 6 to 10
th th
2d6
(a) build a character with high Natural Ability Scores who 11 to 15
th th
3d6
cannot have those abilities stolen or suppressed Mercy Blow
Cost: 1AP 16 th
to 20 th
4d6
(b) build a character with low Natural scores but leave
If one of your attacks kills an 21 to 25
st th
5d6
yourself with more CPs to spend on other things
(c) build a character with low Natural Ability Scores but opponent, you can bring the 26 th
to 30 th
6d6
raise them with Ability Enhancement, and risk that those opponent to -1 HPs and stabilised 31 to 35
st th
7d6
powers could be affected by one of the metapowers (i.e., the opponent doesn't keep losing
36 to 40
th th
8d6

2 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 1: Character Creation 3

HPs). You must declare that you're doing this before your turn
has ended, though obviously that would be after the GM has
declared the NPC to be dead. No in-game explanation is
necessary. You're just that good at pulling your punches when the interpretation. We don't, for example, have detailed descriptions
time is right.
Stabilise
Cost: 1AP
If your HPs go below zero and you are in the process of
dying, you can spend 1 Action Point to stabilise. You can invoke
this effect on your last round before you die, if you want to.
Negate Damage
Cost: 2AP
If you are struck for what looks like a great deal of damage
from a single attack, you can avoid that damage altogether.
You must invoke Damage Negation after the hit has been
announced but before the damage has been announced. GMs are superhero stories and a related genre or two.
under no obligation to tell you how much damage an attack
would have caused had you not negated it. No in-game
explanation is necessary, but it can be a fun addition to the
colour-commentary of an on-going battle.
Death Retcon
Cost: 3AP
If you are killed (i.e., brought below -10 HPs) you can
retcon yourself back to life. You must declare your intention to
do so on your next turn after you were killed, and you must come
up with a sufficiently plausible (although not necessarily logical
or probable) explanation for how you really seemed dead a
moment ago but aren't any longer. For example, if you fall out a
window, you might have grabbed a flag-pole and swung in a
window downstairs. If you were stabbed in the heart and fell to
the ground, you might discover that you had a book in your
breast pocket that was just thick enough that the blade left you
unharmed. When you're retconned back to life, you are flat-
footed and the GM will place you in the combat (you will either
get up from where you fell, or come back into the area at an
appropriate place).
When you come back, you have the same number of hit
points you had before you were killed. For example, if you had
only 5 HPs left, and were struck for 30 HPs, you would return to driven to fight monsters, criminals, or international pseudo-
5 HPs after the Death Retcon. Furthermore, you are removed
from the on-going effect that killed you (if any). If you were
plunged into a pool of molten steel, you wouldn't just reappear in accidents of the world. It can be something as vague as an
the steel. Your character would, miraculously, have caught a
hanging chain just before hitting the vat (even though there really from a tragedy you experienced, or a dedication to an ideal or
wasn't a chain there to begin with), or if plausible, you could
burst from the side of the vat with your Super Strength,
unharmed but really, really pissed off. Minor elements of the
environment can change, like a door being broken down or a
new, mundane object popping into existence, but you cannot
create a powered item or utterly destroy one, either. One-time set
pieces, however, are ripe for destruction. You may invoke a
Death Exemption only once per session, regardless of how many have Origins and run by set rules, but in the sense of the
APs you have.
What Makes A Superhero
A lot of this game is deliberately left open to your
of exactly what an Energy Attack: Concussive looks like or the
fantasy-physics behind it because we'd like to leave that kind of
thing up to you. Flavour, description, and storytelling are the job
of the players and the GM, and it's a fun job, so we're not going
to take it away from you.
Also, the superhero genre is wide and varied, so the best way
to allow you to experience that great variation is by keeping our
descriptions fairly, well, generic. So think about how you want
your powers to appear and how you want your character to
appear. It's all up to you. There are lots of different superheroes,
from tuxedo'd mystics who dash through the night, to spandex-
clad aliens, to cyborg battle machines. But to give you a place to
start, in this section, we'll talk a little bit about the feel of
However, never forget that no matter what we say about
how superheroes usually act, the whole point of an RPG is
that you are in charge of your own story. You don't have to do
any of the things we describe below when you play your
characters. The superhero genre is extremely flexible. If you
want to forgo a costume, go ahead. If you want to be a hero
without powers, there is ample precedent for it. If your origin
story is that you flipped a coin after getting powers and it was
heads (hero!), that's a kind of origin in and of itself. You do not
have to have a secret identity if you don't want one. You can just
go by your real name. Powers, mission, and persona are just
guidelines for the most typical kind of superhero. You can do
whatever you want. If you and your gaming group are all having
fun, you are by definition playing the game "correctly."
Mission, Powers, and Identity
There are three things that most superheroes, despite their
great variety, have in common: a mission (M), a set of powers
(P), and a heroic identity (I). 1
Mission
The mission of a superhero usually describes why he or she is
military groups bent on world domination as well as why she
might be compelled to defend innocent people from the random
injunction from a dead family member, a desire to keep people
cause. Your mission isn't a set of marching orders. It's the way
you look at the world and your place in it. It's a lot like an
Allegiance, but more heroic.
Powers
Under the rules of this game, powers are a particular kind of
in-game effect, different than skills or feats, for example. They
1 These paragraphs are largely based on Peter Coogan's Superhero: Secret
Origin of a Genre (Monkey Brain Books, 2006).

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 3

4 Chapter 1: Character Creation

superhero genre, your "powers" can be a lots of things. In this you can still wear your tights rolled up your legs and arms, but
sense, powers are whatever you rely on to do your superheroing. they're a little easier to detect (Observe DC 20).2
A single Super ability could be your whole suite of powers. A You can also take off your street clothes and change into your
metric crap-tonne of useful skills could be your powers. Mastery tights, but that takes four rounds, plus a fifth to store you
of a particular feat tree could be your powers. clothing, as described above. If your costume is anything more
than tights—like a leather jacket or body armour—then you need
Identity to carry it in its own backpack or case, and changing will take a
Your superhero identity is a combination of your name, lot longer. It's always two rounds to get out of your street clothes.
costume, and origin story. The first two usually tell a very Changing into a different set of what are essentially street
shortened version of the last. If you have animal powers, for clothes, army pants and a leather jacket for example, is another
example, you might name yourself after that animal. Your two rounds. Suites of actual body armour have donning times
costume could have a stylized symbol of that animal. The point is listed in them. Collecting your clothes still takes another round.
that your appearance (your name and costume) reflects where GMs are encouraged to play up the tension of costume
you came from, how you got your powers, and/or what you stand changes as part of an exciting encounter, but also encouraged to
for. not let taking an extra round to put on your boots become so
Your origin story, which is different from a power's Origin, pivotal that whole games are decided on that basis. It's a
usually entails getting your powers, facing a personal tragedy or balancing act between enforcing rules and creating satisfying
significant personal event that drives you to be a superhero, or storytelling.
some combination of the two. If you witnessed a heinous crime
or were personally damaged by it, you might dedicate yourself to Getting Recognised
eliminating crime, for example. Even with a mask, you can still potentially be recognized.
A slightly thinner, but perfectly acceptable, origin story Anyone who knows you knows your face, but also your build,
involves getting powers and deciding what to do with them. You your walk, and how you tend to stand. Covering your face helps,
might have been working in your secret laboratory and but there's still a chance that they can tell who you are.
discovered a chemical that made you telepathic. You might have Recognising you requires an opposed test, Observe vs.
encountered a powerful, cosmic being who gave you powers so Disguise/Performance (player's choice). Remember, though,
that you could serve it. You might be the victim of a tragic that only people who already know what you look like have a
accident that resulted in being rebuilt through bionic technology. chance of recognizing you. If you lose your mask and a random
The possibilities are practically endless. After you got these bystander sees your face, they'll just think you're "some woman"
powers, you then chose superheroism. or "some guy."
Table 1-3 lists the Table 1-3 Masks
Secret Identities equipment bonuses that various Equipment
kinds of masks and costumes Mask
Bonus
One last trope of the superhero genre to cover is the secret provide. This bonus applies to
identity, sometimes spuriously called a "civilian" identity Domino +10
your Disguise/ Performance
("superhero" is not a military rank!). Anyone can have one of roll. Domino masks cover only Half +15
these as long as they take some basic measures to disguise the eyes, while half-masks Full-Face +20
themselves while they do their superheroing. This is the in-story cover either the lower or upper Hood/Cap +10
reason for the persona we just discussed. A mask and a costume half of your face. Full-face
keep people from telling who you are in real life. Bulky Clothing +10
masks cover your whole face. A
hood, hat, or other device that
Costumes covers your head can obscure your hair's length and colour.
Changing into your costume is most often a matter of pulling Bulky clothing, like heavy leather or body armour as well as
off your normal clothes to reveal the colourful tights you've wrap-around capes and cloaks, hides your body's shape. The
hidden underneath. As long as you're wearing head-to-foot equipment bonuses for masks stack with those of hoods/caps as
clothing—pants and long sleeves, for example—you can hide well as bulky clothing, but bonuses from masks do not stack with
your costume. An Observe check (DC 25) can detect a each other, for obvious reasons.
costume under your clothes. For game purposes, we tend to just The same mechanic applies if someone tries to recognise
hand-wave away practical concerns like how this would make your voice, except that you can use only your Perform skill. In
you a lot warmer than just wearing your street clothes, and where
you store your boots. Pealing off your normal clothes to reveal
your costume takes two rounds, assuming you leave your clothes
where you change. Collecting your clothes and storing them, in a 2 We'd like to take a moment to point out that the equipment bonuses for
masks and clothing, as listed above, are not related to reality in the slightest.
bag or case, takes another round. If you wear short sleeves Humans are shockingly good at recognising each other based on very subtle
and/or have uncovered legs —shorts or short skirts/dresses— cues, like speech patterns and body language, which masks can't hide.
Instead, these numbers represent the superhero conventions by which the
hero's parent, lover, or best friend suddenly can't recognise her at all because
she's wearing a mask and some tights. If you want to play a more realistic
game, subtract 5 from all the equipment bonuses. But even then...

4 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 1: Character Creation
this case, coving your mouth with cloth or even just your hand
muffles its sound enough that you get a +10 to your roll.
There are lots of ways you can disguise yourself and lots of
ways you can get recognized, of course. Your GM will make all
in-the-moment rulings under circumstances that these few
paragraphs can't cover.
Pulp Heroes
Superheroes are most familiar from American comic books,
but pulp fantasy is a genre and a prose style that was popular
back when comics first turned up in America and Britain. Pulp
heroes lead pretty much directly to superheroes.
Pulp heroes tend to be based on science-fiction concepts that
border on the magical, like star-powered time-cars, but they can
also delve into dimly-understood mysticism, usually of an
exoticised and distinctly Eastern variety. They don't have secret
identities as often as superheroes, but going undercover can be
part of their shtick. The general power level of pulp heroes is
often pretty low, so if you were to run a pulp game, you might
want to reduce it to 5CPs per level . A power set could be
something as simple as more than two abilities over 20 or being
able to jump to especially great heights. There are also examples
of pulp heroes who are like unto gods, though, so don't feel
hampered by that number if you want to delve into the pulps.
Pulp heroes don't usually have the kind of thematic unity that
the superhero has. Their powers might not be on a theme, and
they rarely wear costumes that establish the character's history,
but what they lack in iconic power, they make up for with sheer,
Jazz-age style. Pulp heroes can ride into the afterlife in a roadster.
They can learn to project illusions by spending a Summer in the
"mysterious Orient." In pulps, cities are dark and frightening
places filled with constant danger and criminal conspiracies. In
pulps, there really are Martians and their culture is millennia old.
That can be damned fun.
Non-Human Species
Most people in a contemporary superhero setting are humans,
but there are certainly exceptions: aliens, Atlanteans, androids,
etc. There are two ways to create these kinds of characters.
First, you can use a pre-built species, either one from the
SRDs or one of the custom species in Chapter 9: Heroes and
Villains, see Fantasy Species and Templates. The species in this
book are built out of Phoenix rules and specifically patterned on
aliens and creatures familiar from superhero comics. When you
use a pre-built species from the SRDs, it will have a Level
Adjustment, so you can either use some or all of your starting
levels, Phoenix characters start at 4 th, or you can take ranks in the
Highly Experienced advantage (i.e., pay 10CP per Level
Adjustment).
Example: A Fire Giant is a +4 to your ECL (Effective
Character Level). If you wanted to play one, you could either
start your character at 5 th level (1st level superhero, +4 Level
Adjustment) or you could buy the Fire Giant's racial qualities for
40CP (i.e., 4 ranks in Highly Experienced). Template monsters,
like vampires, are even easier to apply. Simply create a character,
as normal, then apply all the template abilities and penalties, and
finally either adjust your level or pay the 10CP per LA. In the
case of races or monsters that already have natural ability scores,
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
5
treat those scores as your natural stats (see Generating Ability
Scores, above). From there, proceed with character creation as
normal.
The other option is a little more work but a lot more flexible.
You can build a species out of existing character options in
the game. You could make all manner of vampires, for example,
out of a few Ability Enhancements (Strength, Charisma), some
carefully selected Ads and Comps ( Bane [silver], Diurnal Power
Cycle, Chemical Dependency [blood]), and some powers
(Damage Reduction, Life Leech, Longevity, Natural Weapons,
etc.). This way you can tailor the species' features to your own
tastes—for example you might build a Russian-style vampire that
doesn't fear the Sun—and you won't get stuck with racial abilities
that are specific to a medieval fantasy game rather than a modern
fantasy game.
Rewards (or "This Ain't D&D")
Never forget that Phoenix is not a fantasy battle system.
You should not expect to be rewarded with fabulous wealth and
new toys at the end of the every encounter. Superhero stories just
don't work that way. Instead, you get XP and Character Points to
buy new powers, and of course you get to be a Big Damn Hero.
If you find super Devices or you are materially rewarded in some
other way, it will be unusual and ought to be the in-game result
of spending CPs. Equipment, money, and "items" are just not part
of the reward system in this game.
If you think about it, superheroes generally don't act out of
a desire to be rewarded. Although exceptions exist, the vast
majority are driven by their own moral code or an event that
shaped their personalities, which is why we just spent a whole
page talking about the genre itself and the MPI model. Try not to
think of Phoenix as a game that's about material rewards for the
characters, but instead about having fun as players.
Advantages and Complications
Ads and Comps, as they're called for short, are little extras
that aren't quite feats and certainly aren't powers, but
nevertheless have a real effect on your life. Where feats usually
indicate some skill or ability that you possess, Ads can be
material, like an indestructible costume, or extremely
ephemeral, like a boost to your good name. Comps are things
that make your life a little more complicated , as their name
implies, but not necessarily flaws or hindrances . A dependant
family member or loved one, for example, complicates your life,
as does a strong dislike of guns. Neither of these things are bad.
They just make being a superhero a little tougher. Ads cost CPs
and Comps grant CPs.
You must clear your Ads and Comps with your GM because
some, specifically the Comps, might simply not complicate your
life enough in a particular game setting or under a certain style of
play. Forsworn From Firearms, for example, complicates your
life only if you live in a country in which firearms are commonly
available and legal. Similarly, if your GM runs a light-hearted,
high-fantasy game, then it may be the case that nobody uses
firearms to begin with. Similarly, in a game set in a small, urban
5
6 Chapter 1: Character Creation

area, Bad Driver might not mean much because you don't do any Table 1-5 Ads
driving at all. Name Value Benefit
In a standard game, you cannot take more than 15CP
Additional Identity 1/rnk an additional false persona
worth of Comps at character creation, but your GM can
choose to lift that maximum as she sees fit. Similarly, you can Ally 2/rnk people who have your back
take new Ads/Comps at every level-up , providing that you can Amazing Costume 2CP seriously tough duds
supply a suitable explanation for how these things suddenly Connection 1/rnk friends in the know
appeared in your life. Ideally, these new Ads/Comps will result
Database/Library 2/rnk a private library or database
from experiences you've actually had, in-game, such as
developing a Phobia or a acquiring a Nemesis. Fearless 3CP you are immune to fear/charm
You can buy off Feat 2/rnk you gain one feat
Comps with CPs, which Table 1-4 Buying Off Comps
Field Commander 3/rnk reposition your teammates
means you do so as part of Comp's Value Cost
Good Rep 1/rnk +1 to Reputation
the process of levelling-up. 1CP to 4CP Value + 1CP
Buying off a Comp costs Grunt 10/rnk loyal soldiers for your cause
5CP to 8CP Value + 2CP
the value of the Comp plus Highly Experienced 10CP you get an extra level
1CP for every 4CP of its 9CP to 12CP Value + 3CP
Law-Enforcement Powers 2/rnk you can arrest people
value, to a minimum of 13CP to 16CP Value + 4CP
Minions 2/rnk non-combat followers
1CP extra (i.e., value of the
Comp plus 25%, see Table 1-4). A 6CP Bane costs a total of 8CP Multiple Origins 2/rnk you have more than one origin
to remove, for example. Personal Assistant 1/rnk a trusted friend who helps you
Many Ads/Comps are purchased on a per-rank basis . The Position of Power 1/rnk you have influence
cost per rank is listed in the description, and the total costs are
Protected Identity 1/rnk -15 to find your secret ID
listed next to the rank description. For example, 3 ranks in Ally is
6CP (2CP per rank). Ads and Comps also have enhancements or Sidekick 3/rnk you have a loyal lieutenant
Additional Comps, which you purchase separately, over and Skill Points 1/rnk you gain 4 skill points
above the cost/value of the Ad or Comp itself. Super Pet 2/rnk your cat wants to fight crime
Ads
Windfall 2/rnk bonus Profession check
Additional Identity
Cost: 1CP per rank convenience, they have a vested interest in helping you from
You have constructed at least one false persona, in addition to time to time. They can know you in your heroic identity, your
your every-day identity and your adventuring identity. The normal identity, or both, as you please.
usefulness and depth of this alternate identity both depend on Allies generally ask for nothing in return for favours and
how many CPs you invest in it. You can have multiple information, as long as you your respect them and treat them
Additional Identities. You must purchase them separately. well. On rare occasions, an ally might ask a favour in return.
Rank 1 (1CP): Competent Forgeries. Your secondary Friendship is a two-way street, after all. Allies are moderately
identity withstands casual perusal. It has fake addresses (email vulnerable to the actions of other NPCs. As long as you're careful
and physical), a well-forged picture ID, a false employment not to expose them to harm directly and keep your friendship
record, and even a small bank account. DC 15 Research check to somewhat discreet, they will be safe. If you abuse their trust,
reveal this identity as fake. however, they could quickly become the equivalent of
Rank 2 (2CP): Expert Forgeries. Your secondary identity is Dependants, and if you're particularly callous, they might even
quite well developed. It includes all of the above, plus a driver's turn on you.
license, passport, work permits, multiple bank accounts, rent and You can have multiple Allies. You must purchase them
property records, criminal records, and school records. DC 20 separately.
Research to reveal this identity as fake. Rank 1 (2CP): Your ally is fairly low on the totem pole of
Rank 3 (3CP): Superb Forgeries. Your secondary identity his chosen profession. He might be a beat cop, a rookie reporter,
has a great deal of substantiating background evidence. It has all a small-time thug, a low-ranking military officer, etc.
of the above, plus photos, mementos, letters from fictitious Rank 2 (4CP): Your ally is relatively well off and well
relatives, awards and plaques, school papers, and mentions in placed. She might be a police captain, a well-known newspaper
newspapers and other media dating back at least several years. columnist, a crime boss, or a veteran military officer, for
DC 25 Research check to reveal this identity as fake. example.
Rank 3 (6CP): Your ally is very well placed and has a wide
Ally variety of powers and information sources. He might be a police
Cost: 2CP per rank chief, the most powerful mobster in the city, the editor of a major
Allies (as compared to Connections or Personal Assistants, daily newspaper, or a flag-rank military officer.
described below) are NPCs willing to risk something on your Rank 4 (8CP): Your ally is at the head of a very, very useful
behalf. Whether they are true friends or simply allies of organization or personal power base. She might be a director of a

6 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 1: Character Creation 7

government agency, a global crime figure, a senator, or a senior When you build your Connection, come up with a rational
military adviser with national authority. for his/her primary and secondary areas . A lab tech working
on a government project will know about science/technology, but
Amazing Costume also hears things about the government. A professor of history
Cost: 2CP knows art/history, but also has his ear to the ground about
Most super-heroes have to fret over the state of their local/history and pop culture.
costumes, checking them for the constant wear-and-tear that a Possible connections can be from a lot of different places,
life of adventuring entails. Costumes are regularly burned, shot, organizations, or communities such as (but not limited to) law
cut, boiled, and blasted off their wearers, and must be completely enforcement (PD, FBI, RCMP, Interpol), government (local,
replaced... but not yours! You own a nigh-miraculous costume regional, national, international), media (newspaper, radio, TV,
that is probably tougher than you. An Amazing Costume simply internet), the army, religious institutions (local temple, church
cannot be destroyed, damaged, discoloured, or distorted . It hierarchy), business (local chamber of commerce, multinational
will re-size itself to the wearer's frame , including shifting sizes, conglomerate), sub-cultures (sports, fashion, TV/movies, books,
keep itself clean, and allow itself to be worked or reworked cars), local communities (neighbourhood watch, the gay
when its owner (and only its owner) desires a change. The community, an ethnic community), or even organized crime
costume may contain whatever regular armour or materials the (street gangs, Syndicate, Yakuza, Mafia, Triad).
character desires, other than Power Armour. Although the Bad things can happen to Connections. In the event that a
costume cannot actually be affected by any force on Earth, it will Connection disappears, is incapacitated, or is killed, a new one
offer no special protection to its wearer. You could fall into a will replace him or her, but not immediately. Relationships like
vat of acid and die, but the Amazing Costume would bubble up this take time to develop, often several weeks or months, and
to the surface, unharmed. Where you got this miraculous bit of require active effort on your part, especially if the old one died.
tailoring is up to you. You will go without your Connection for 1 session, though you
can speed up the process in-game through role-playing (i.e.,
Limitation: Permanent Costume Diplomacy), bribery/favours, or even threats, if appropriate
Value: 1CP (Intimidation). It does not cost extra CPs.
Your Amazing Costume never comes off. It's effectively You can have multiple Connections, but you must purchase
grafted onto your body. How you use the bathroom or perform them separately.
other personal, bodily functions is a mystery. Rank 1 (1CP): A minor Connection grants a +4 bonus to
Gather Information checks that are relevant to the Connection’s
Connection area of expertise.
Cost: 1CP per rank Rank 2 (2CP): A medium Connection grants a +8 bonus to
You have made a contact in a sector of society that can be of Gather Information checks that are relevant to the Connection’s
great assistance in your heroic career. As compared to an Ally or area of expertise.
a Personal Assistant, Connections are a source of aid and Rank 3 (3CP): A major Connection grants a +12 bonus to
information, but they will balk if abused and sometimes Gather Information checks that are relevant to the Connection’s
require something in return for their services . Unlike Ally or area of expertise.
Personal Assistants, Connections feel no emotional link to you.
Each Connection should be a person, but doesn't need to be a Database/Library
fully-fleshed character. He or she is just "a friend at the DA's Cost: 2CP per rank
office," "this guy I know at the Ministry of Defence," or "a You own a massive computer database or physical library.
woman who knows a man who has a cousin at the Pentagon." Rank 1 (2CP): A database or library offers a +2
Depending on the circumstances, a Connection can even be a circumstance bonus to three Knowledge, Profession, or Craft
small group of people, like a street gang or "the folks down in skills (player's choice) . You must spend one hour researching in
R&D at Megacorp Industries." Connections can provide the library/on the database to get this bonus, and you can
information in two areas. Generally speaking, Connections offer research only one answer to one question, involving one skill, at
their services for free once per adventure , and must be paid, a time.
intimidated, or cajoled for further services. Rank 2 (4CP): Your database or library grants a +2
From the following list, pick one primary and one circumstance bonus to all Knowledge, Profession, and Craft
secondary area of knowledge: checks. You must spend one hour researching in the library/on
• art/history the database to get this bonus, and you can research only one
• government answer to one question, involving one skill, at a time.
• the law/legal history
• law enforcement Fearless
• local history/popular culture Cost: 3CP
• the military You are immune to fear and charm effects generated by skills,
• science/technology class features, and feats, but not powers (including traits, spells,
and psi-powers).

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8 Chapter 1: Character Creation

Feat
Cost: 2CP per rank (1 feat)
You gain one feat. You are not limited by feat groups, but you
cannot use this Ad to buy a feat for which you don't have the
prerequisites. You can take this Ad multiple times. Each time,
you gain a new feat.
Field Commander
Cost: 3CP per rank
On your turn, as a swift action, you can reposition your
teammates. You do this by barking out an order or yelling some
last-minute, life-saving advice, whatever you'd be more likely to
do. How many teammates you can reposition and how far is
based on how many ranks you have in the Ad.
Rank 1 (3CP): 1 teammate, 5 ft. reposition (1 square).
Rank 2 (6CP): 2 teammates, 5 ft. reposition (1 square).
Rank 3 (9CP): 3 teammates, 10 ft. reposition (2 squares).
Rank 4 (12CP): 4 teammates, 10 ft. reposition (2 squares).
Rank 5 (15CP): 4 teammates, 15 ft. reposition (3 squares).
Enhancements
Enhancement: Grunt Feat
Cost: 2CP per rank
For every rank in this enhancement, you can grant an
additional feat to one of your Grunts. You can take this
enhancement multiple times, either granting feats to multiple
Grunts, or granting a single Grunt multiple feats. Note, however,
that Grunts have to fulfil all of the same prerequisites that feats
normally require, and they are only 1 st-level NPCs with a limited
range of stats.
Highly Experienced
Cost: 10CP per rank
This Ad increases your XP to the minimum you need for
your next level, but it does not grant the 10CP that normally
comes with level advancement . You can also use it to buy a
template or species with a Level Adjustment , so an LA +4
would require 4 ranks in Highly Experienced. You can take this
Ad multiple times, even multiple times at once. Its effects stack.

Good Rep Law-Enforcement Powers

Cost: 1CP per rank Cost: 2CP per rank
You are better-trusted and regarded by the authorities than Your character has been deputized by a legitimate law
most of your peers are. For every rank in this Ad, one of your enforcement agency, and as a result has both the legal authority
identities (superheroic, normal, Additional Identity, etc.) gains a and the legal responsibilities of a sworn officer of the law.
+1 bonus to its Reputation score. Rank 1 (2CP): Local Law Enforcement. You the power to
arrest, detain, search, and use reasonable force equivalent to a
Grunt local police officer. You also have all of the attendant
Cost: 10CP per rank professional and legal responsibilities of such a position,
For every rank in this Ad, you get one Grunt. Grunts are low- including reporting to superior officers and filing paperwork.
level fighters whom you have employed or convinced to fight You do not have to be an actual cop, but your powers and
for you. Their application is primarily combat, but they can responsibilities will be equivalent to one. If you follow the rules,
perform other mundane tasks, if called upon to do so. Grunts are Legal Enforcement Powers can be very useful. If you ignore the
loyal to a point. They are paid muscle, primarily, although a rules, they will be stripped from you quite quickly.
leader who treats them well might get more loyalty out of them Rank 2 (4CP): National Law Enforcement. As above, but
(at the GM's discretion). Individual Grunts will surrender or your legal powers are granted by your nation , making an
retreat when they reach ¼ their HPs , and a squad or even an entire country your jurisdiction.
army of Grunts will eventually, collectively retreat once a battle Rank 3 (6CP): International Law Enforcement . As above,
is well and truly lost. They do not fight to the death, if they can but your powers are granted by an international organisation, like
avoid it, and they do not fight to the last, if it's an option. INTERPOL, or through a treaty or other agreement between
If a Grunt dies or leaves then he, she, or ze is gone for the nations. This type of Law-Enforcement Power does not apply to
rest of that gaming session and the following gaming session. At the whole globe but instead a specific group of nations , like the
the beginning of the next session after that, you finally manage to European Union, NAFTA (US, Canada, Mexico), OPEC, or
replace your Grunt. another such group of friendly countries. You can invent such a
Grunts are first-level NPCs, either Martial Artists, Sidekicks, group, if you wish, but within reason. Your GM retains the right
Sneaks, Soldiers, or Warriors (player's choice). They do not get to say that Ireland, Pakistan, and Berkina Faso, for example,
powers of any kind. You build your Grunt yourself, just as if you simply have no reason to have a treaty with each other.
were building any 1 st-level character, with the following
exceptions: they do not get any CPs, and therefore cannot buy Minion
Ads/Comps, additional feats, or powers. They do start with the Cost: 2CP per rank
standard 2 feats, but they get no more unless you take the Feat For every rank in this power, you get one Minion. Minions
enhancement (below). They get 32 points to spend on Table 1-1 are low-level, quasi-loyal followers who do your bidding . They
Natural Ability Costs, the 40 points that PCs and NPCs get. You can have a variety of uses. Minions can, for example, do bank
can arrange those points to taste or use the following even runs, perform mundane labour, answer phones, relay information,
spread: 10, 10, 12, 12, 16, 16.3
no point in a GM's villainous Mastermind using his or her own CPs to buy
extra muscle because doing so would just take CPs away from the
3 Grunts are designed to be purchased by PC heroes, not NPC villains. There is Mastermind him/herself, and thus lower the XP reward for the heroes.

8 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 1: Character Creation
act as spies, or even parley with the enemy. Minions are as loyal
to you as someone would be to a paying job, but no more so .
They will not sacrifice their safety for you. They are not
believers in your mission. They succumb easily to intimidation or
bribery, but their first choice is always to remove themselves
from a situation rather than choose sides based on risk or reward.
If a Minion dies or leaves then he, she, or ze is gone for the
rest of that gaming session and the following gaming session. At
the beginning of the next session after that, you finally manage to
replace your Minion.
Minions do not have any combat abilities. They surrender
or flee at the first sign of violence. They have no feats or
proficiencies, and certainly not powers. They don't even have a
BAB. They can theoretically do anything that a PC can if it
requires no training or special skills, but they are utterly unable
to function in combat. They just cower or run away. You can find
stats for Minions in the NPCs section of Chapter 9: Heroes and
Villains.4
Enhancements
Enhancement: Skilled Minion
Cost: 1CP
This enhancement grants a single Minion 4 Ranks in one
skill of your choice, which grants a +4 to the roll. The skill in
question can be either Trained Only or Untrained. Minions can
Take 10 or Take 20. In dangerous situations, they tend to drop
what they're doing and run away rather than attempt to complete
their task. No Minion can have more than 4 ranks in a skill ;
however, you can grant a single Minion 4 ranks in multiple skills.
Thus, you can take this enhancement multiple times, but its
effects do not stack. Instead, they apply to different skills.
Multiple Origins
Cost: 2CP per rank
Prerequisite: more than one power
Your powers come from more than one origin. When you
take this Ad, you must also take a new power that you
designate as having a different Origin than your other powers.
You can change the Origin of one of your powers, but only with
the GM's permission and a really good in-game explanation. You
can take this Ad at character creation, of course, assuming you
have multiple powers. As a completely random example, your
Webbing could be supertech and your Surface Adhesion could be
biological (as it should be!).
Personal Assistant
Cost: 1CP per rank
A friend aids you in your heroic and personal life. Your PA
can be a family member (by blood, adoption, or choice), a close
friend, or even a loyal employee. For every rank in this Ad, the other(s) you might have increases by +15. An investigator must
PA has an equal number of levels in the Expert class , but she have solid, convincing evidence that the identities in question are
never gains levels and does not have access to powers.
4 Minions are designed to be purchased by PC heroes, not NPC villains. There
is no point in a GM's villainous Mastermind using his or her own CPs to buy uncovering a connection between one of your identities and any
extra help because doing so would just take CPs away from the Mastermind
him/herself, and thus lower the XP reward for the heroes.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
9
Enhancements
Enhancement: Skilled Personal Assistant
Cost: 4CP
Prerequisite: 1 Rank of Personal Assistant
Your PA gains one level of Expert for every two character
levels that you have. Which is to say, every second time you gain
a level, the Skilled PA gains a level.
Position of Power
Cost: 1CP per rank
You enjoy a position (whether earned or inherited) of
considerable social privilege and responsibility . The exact
effects of this Ad are mainly left to role-playing situations.
However, it can grant circumstance bonuses to certain situations,
if the GM deems it appropriate.
You cannot hold multiple Positions of Power.
Rank 1 (1CP): You might be an assistant professor at an
educational institution, a low-ranking military or law-
enforcement officer (rank equivalent to Sergeant), a very minor
holder of a patent of nobility (baronet), or have a minor position
in local politics (city hall bureaucrat).
Rank 2 (2CP): You might be a dean or department head at an
educational institution, a military or law-enforcement officer
(rank equivalent to Lieutenant), a holder of a relatively minor
patent of nobility (Baron or Viscount), or have a position in local
politics of some influence (city council, regional representative).
Rank 3 (3CP): You might be a senior administrator at an
educational institution, a major director of an institution such as a
museum, a law-enforcement or military officer of some seniority
(rank equivalent to Captain), a holder of a patent of nobility
(Count or Earl), or a hold a fairly powerful position in local
politics (mayor of a moderate-sized city, representative to a
national ruling body).
With GM permission, you may purchase positions even
higher than those listed, at prices deemed appropriate by the GM.
GMs and players are both warned that positions of considerable
power can be disruptive to an on-going campaign and difficult to
maintain in conjunction with a heroic adventuring career.
Protected Identity
Cost: 1CP per rank
You have taken extraordinary steps to ensure that one or more
of your identities is totally unconnected to the other(s). You can
come up with whatever explanation you wish. You can take this
Ad multiple times, either to upgrade your Protected Identity to
Rank 2, or you can apply it to a Alternate Identity.
Rank (1CP): The DC of any and all skills associated with
uncovering a connection between one of your identities and any
in any way connected in order to ignore the DC increase, and that
evidence must come from a direct blunder on your part, such as
running around town with your mask down or calling your
boyfriend "snooky bunny" in public.
Rank 2 (2CP): The DC of any and all skills associated with
other(s) you might have increases by +30. An investigator must
Phoenix v10 (draft) 9
10 Chapter 1: Character Creation

have solid, convincing evidence that the identities in question are
in any way connected in order to ignore the DC increase, and that
evidence must come from a direct blunder on your part, such as
running around town with your mask down or calling your wife
"sugar lips" in public.
Skill Points
Cost: 1CP per rank (4 skill points)
You gain 4 skill points. This Ad does not raise your Max
Ranks, nor does it change your Class skills. It merely grants
more skill points. You can take this Ad multiple times.

Sidekick Super Pet

Cost: 3CP per rank (special)
You have a loyal lieutenant who aids your fight against the
evils of the world. This Sidekick probably has powers and a
persona that match yours, but not necessarily. The Sidekick can
be a youthful ward, a romantic partner, a robot you built yourself,
or anything else you can think of that fits the stats available.
The CP cost of a Sidekick depends on your Character Level.
You pay 3CP per your levels and you get a Sidekick who
always has ¾'s your Levels and CPs. If you continue to pay
3CP per level, then your Sidekick progresses alongside you,
gaining 3 levels for every 4 of yours. For example, if you buy a
Sidekick at character creation, CL4, then they won't gain a level
at your CL8, CL12, etc., but they will gain a level at your CL5, 6,
7, 9, 10, 11, and so on. If you stop paying 3CP when you level-
up, then your Sidekick stops progressing as well. You can resume
paying for your Sidekick any time you like.
You can choose your Sidekick's classes and spend their
CPs any way you like. When you create them, you follow all of
the same rules as a when you create your own character. You can
choose any class for the Sidekick, not just the actual Sidekick
class, although a Mastermind or a Champion might be hard to
role-play (but not impossible). They get 10CP per level, just like
any other PC.
Most of the time, you play your Sidekick as if they were
another character, making decisions on their behalf, speaking for
them, and so on. The GM does, however, reserve the right to step
in from time to time and play your Sidekick for you if the story
calls for it. For example, if you send your Sidekick off on a
mission and they get kidnapped, the GM might take over from
that point in order to preserve the mystery.
If your Sidekick dies, you must spend the rest of that
gaming session and the next two sessions in mourning. After
that time has passed, you may, at the beginning of the third
session, respectfully announce that you have found a new
Sidekick, a different person who has the same abilities and a
variation on the same costume. For the sake of role-play, this
new Sidekick might behave as if they were less loyal, less
dedicated to your cause, but you can play them basically the
same as the old Sidekick.
Enhancement: Sidekick Reincarnation
Cost: 3CP
If your Sidekick dies, instead of replacing them with exactly
the same character, for a one-time fee of 3CPs, you can redesign
the new Sidekick with the same number of levels and Character
Points as the last one (i.e., ¾'s of yours). You can take this
enhancement multiple times. Each time, it applies to a new,
reincarnated Sidekick.
Cost: 2CP per rank (special)
You have an animal that helps you fight crime. This Super Pet
probably has powers and a persona that match yours, but not
necessarily. The Super Pet can be any creature from the SRDs
that is in the "animal" section (i.e., no fantasy monsters).
The CP cost of a Super Pet depends on your Character Level.
You pay 2CP per your levels and you get a Super Pet that has
¾'s your HD and CPs. Its first "levels" are its species-
determined CR. If it is a CR3 creature, then those are its first
three "levels." After that, the Super Pet gains levels in a class,
just like a PC. If you continue to pay 2CP per level, then your
Super Pet progresses alongside you, gaining 3 levels for every 4
of yours. If you buy a Super Pet at character creation, CL4, then
it won't gain a level at your CL8, CL12, etc., but it will gain a
level at your CL5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, and so on. If you stop paying
2CP when you level-up, then your Super Pet stops progressing as
well. You can resume paying for your Super Pet any time you
like.
When you create your Super Pet, you follow all of the
same rules as a when you create your own character, except
that it's an animal. It gets 10CP per level, just like you, and you
must pick a class that seems appropriate to its personality and
physical abilities. A bullfrog Champion might not be a great idea,
but you're free to chose any combination you like. They get 10CP
per level, just like any other PC.
Most of the time, you play your Super Pet as if they were
another character, making decisions on their behalf, acting for
them, and so on. The GM does, however, reserve the right to step
in from time to time and play your Super Pet for you if the story
calls for it. For example, if your Super Pet were possessed by a
villain who forced it to fight you, the GM might take over, or at
least direct you to use certain specific powers that the pet has
(i.e., the really nasty ones you don't want to have to deal with).
If your Super Pet dies, you must spend the rest of that
gaming session and the next two sessions in mourning. After
that time has passed, you may, at the beginning of the third
session, respectfully announce that you have found a new Super
Pet, a different animal that has the same abilities and a variation
on the same costume. Perhaps it's a pup from the same litter, or
perhaps your previous Super Pet's egg finally hatched. The
specifics are up to you.
Enhancement: Super Pet Reincarnation
Cost: 3CP
If your Super Pet dies, instead of replacing it with exactly the
same animal, for a one-time fee of 3CPs, you can redesign the
new Super Pet with the same number of CR, levels, and
Character Points as the last one (i.e., ¾'s of yours). You can take
this enhancement multiple times. Each time, it applies to a new,
reincarnated Super Pet.

10 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 1: Character Creation 11

Table 1-6 Comps

Windfall Comp Val. Effect
[Background Ad] Accelerated Metabolism 3/rnk you need a lot food and sleep
Cost: 2CP per rank Animal Antipathy 1CP animals just don't like you
For every rank in this Ad, you get one free Profession check Anxious Activation 3/rnk powers go off when you're upset
in addition to the check you normally make when you level-up. Bad Driver 3/rnk cars just don't like you
Bad Rep 1/rnk a lot of people just don't like you
This check functions as normal (i.e, it grants a +1 to your Wealth Bad Save 1CP -1 to one Saving throw
if you roll over your current Wealth score, and an additional +1 Bad Shot 2/rnk you suck with ranged weapons
for every 5 points by which you exceed your Wealth). However, Bane var. your own, personal kryptonite
you do not get an extra Wealth increase based on your ranks in Bizarre Area Effect var. something's different about you
Profession. You can justify this sudden influx of money any way Berserker Rage 6CP you sometimes lose it in combat
you like. Calling Card var. you always leave your mark
Comps Chemical Activation 4CP your powers need chemicals
Chemical Dependency 2/rnk you need a chemical to function
A word of warning, do not turn this section into a shopping Chemical Vulnerability 1CP you're bad at resisting chemicals
trip. Comps aren't here to give you bonus CPs. They're here to Cold-Blooded 2CP you need heat to keep moving
give you an in-game balancing factor against a character trait you Dependant var. people you have to protect
Diurnal Power Cycle 4CP powers only at night/in the day
chose in order to make your character more interesting . We
Dramatic Activation var. power word or gesture
strongly recommend that you think about what kinds of things Favours Owed 3/rnk you owe someone, big
might make your character more complicated before reading Form Shift 2CP shift from normal to heroic form
through these descriptions. Once you have a concept in mind, Forsworn From Firearms 2/rnk you really don't like guns
then you can pick out those Comps that fit it. If you take a Comp F/X Deficiency 2CP barred from one domain/school
knowing that it won't have an effect on how you play the game, Glass Jaw 2CP crits affect you more severely
then it's not a Complication and you shouldn't take it. At the very Hero's Code 2/rnk rules to live by
least, you shouldn't be rewarded for it. Finally, unless your GM Illiterate 1CP you can't read
tells you otherwise, you cannot take more than 15CP-worth of Impaired Hearing 2CP you can't hear as well as others
Impaired Mobility 2/rnk you can't move as well as others
Comps.
Impaired Vision 2/rnk you can't see as well as others
Inattentive 1CP you are oblivious
Accelerated Metabolism Insatiable Curiosity 2CP you can't let secrets go
Value: 3CP per rank Large Size 2CP you are large
Your character suffers from a metabolism that "burns" Light Sensitive 1/rnk the light... it burns...
significantly faster than that of normal humans. This causes a Light Headed 1/rnk you get knocked out a lot
variety of negative effects. Magnetic Signature 2CP you erase magnetic recordings
Rank 1 (3CP): You must eat at least one meal every twelve Monologuer 3/rnk you like making speeches
hours or become automatically fatigued. Double all penalties for Nemesis var. an arch-enemy of your very own
fatigue and other states of lack of food or rest. Last but not least, Non-Oxygen Breather 2/rnk you don't breath air
you body distributes chemicals so fast that you take a -2 penalty Notoriety 2CP everyone wants a piece of you
Origin Vulnerability 1/rnk -1 to resist one Origin
to all rolls to resist drugs, chemicals, poisons, and their effects; Ostracism 2/rnk the world hates you
these are usually Fortitude saves. Phobia 2/rnk you're afraid of something
Rank 2 (6CP): You must eat at least one meal every six Poor Healing 6CP healing is half as effective
hours or become automatically fatigued. Double all penalties for Quirky Systems 2CP supertech penalized if damaged
fatigue and other states of lack of food or rest. Last but not least, Shortfall 2/rnk lose Profession check for Wealth
you body distributes chemicals so fast that you take a - 4 penalty Slow Activation 1/rnk casting time increases
to all rolls to resist drugs, chemicals, poisons, and their effects. Slow-Witted 1CP -2 to Initiative checks
Special: This Comp is incompatible with the Need Not Small Size 2CP you are small
Breath, Need Not Eat, and Need Not Sleep. You can't have an Split Personality 2CP your identities have split
Touch-Activated Power 2CP skin contact sets off your powers
accelerated metabolism without metabolism. Unimaginative 2CP you can't create spells/psi-powers
Unipower 2/rnk use only one power at once
Animal Antipathy Unreliable Power 1/rnk Will save required for activation
Value: 1CP per rank Vulnerability 1CP penalty to resist energy types
Animals don't like you at all, and they make their distaste
extremely obvious. Dogs bark, cats hiss, and horses buck. You Additional Comps
suffer a -2 penalty to any roll involving controlling or Additional Comp: Hostility
influencing an animal. Your rolls to attack animals are Value: 1CP
unmodified. You can take this Comp up to 4 times. Its effects For every rank in this additional comp, when you encounter
stack. wild animals, their reactions to you are automatically one column
into the negative. You can take this additional comp multiple
times. Its effects stack

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 11

12 Chapter 1: Character Creation
Additional Comp: Extreme Hostility
Value: 1CP
When attacking, wild animals always go after you first. This
Comp is incompatible with the power Animal Affinity. However,
you can still have a familiar because they are quasi-magical and
intelligent versions of their respective species.
Anxious Activation
Value: 3CP per rank
One of your powers activates uncontrollably whenever you
are under certain specific, anxiety-inducing situations. You react
blindly out of a combination of anger and fear. If the power is
offensive, then it automatically targets the source of the
anxiety (see below), even if that means targeting an inanimate
object or activating a power that you consciously know will have
no useful effect. This Comp has two modes: damage and
proximity
Damage
Rank 1 (3CP): Any time you take lethal damage in excess of
¼ your total HPs, your designated power activates.
Rank 2 (6CP): As rank 1, but your designated power
activates any time you take any lethal damage.
Rank 3 (9CP): As rank 2, but your designated power also
activates any time you take non-lethal damage and any time
you have to make a Fortitude or Reflex save .
Proximity
Rank 1 (3CP): Your designated power activates any time any
threatening person, creator, or objects comes within 10 feet of
you. Your conscious awareness of its presence triggers the
Anxious Activation, however, so if you're unaware of it, then it
does not trigger your power.
Rank 2 (6CP): As Rank 1, but the radius is 20 feet.
Rank 3 (9CP): As Rank 2, but the radius is 30 feet.
Additional Comps penalty on all ranged attack rolls.
Additional Comp: Exclusive Anxious Activation
Value: 4CP
Your designated power activates only when it is set off by
Anxious Activation. Under dire circumstances, you can attempt Additional Comp up to three times, for a total penalty of -10.
a Will save to trick yourself into feeling like you're in danger
(DC equals 10 + the CP value of the power). For example,
recalling anxiety-inducing memories or sensations, getting a
team-mate to attack you, etc.
Bad Driver
Value: 2CP per rank
You just suck at driving anything with an engine.
Rank 1 (3CP): You take a -4 penalty to Drive/Pilot checks.
Rank 2 (6CP): You take a -8 penalty to Drive/Pilot checks.
Rank 3 (9CP): You take a -12 penalty to Drive/Pilot checks,
and you must spend 1 Action Point to even attempt such a check.
Special: This Comp is incompatible with all Vehicle feats.
12 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Bad Rep
Value: 1CP per rank
For every rank you take in this Comp, one of your identities
(superheroic, normal, Additional Identity, etc.) gains a - 1 penalty
to its Reputation score.
Additional Comps
Additional Comp: Misinterpreted
Value: 1CP
An unpleasant group of people has embraced you as a
representative of their ideals, even though you are thoroughly
against them and their ideology (e.g., religious fanatics,
bloodthirsty vigilantes, neo-Nazis, etc.). This group will tend to
appear in you life at untimely intervals, and statements to the
press never seem to make them go away. This can cause serious
social friction if some people do not understand that you actually
aren't associated with that group.
Additional Comp: Mistaken Identity
Value: 1CP
You find yourself continually confused with a villain who
uses a similar name or costume ("I’m not Firemaster, dammit,
I’m Firedancer!"). You must deal with the constant indignity of
rumours and mistakes concerning your true identity ("No, no, the
victims were rescued by Firedancer! Dancer, you idiot! What?
No, I did not burn down Parliament, that was Fire master!")
Bad Save
Value: 1CP per rank
You take a permanent -1 penalty to one save: Fortitude,
Reflex, or Will (player's choice). You can take this Comp up to 5
times per save. Its effects stack.
Bad Shot
Value: 2CP per rank
You cannot take any proficiency or feats that pertain to
ranged weapons, including firearms, non-ballistic projectiles, or
thrown weapons. Because of this non-proficiency, you take a -4
Special: This Comp is incompatible with Amazing Accuracy.
Additional Comp: Worse Shot
For every rank in this Additional Comp, you take an
additional -2 to hit when using firearms. You take take this
Bane
Value: varies
There is something that your powers simply have no effect
on. Energy Attacks do no damage to it, Natural DR doesn't block
it. This Comp comes in two parts.
First, what your Bane actually is, and
Substance Value
second, the severity of its effects on
you. Steel 8 CP
Lead 8 CP
Bane Substances Wood 5 CP
The value of your Bane depends
Attack Type 5 CP
on how many CPs you have invested
in your powers and what it actually Stone 4 CP
is. Banes are worth 1CP for every Uncommon 3 CP
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 1: Character Creation
given number of CPs worth of powers you have. For example,
Steel is worth 1CP for every 3CP worth of powers you have, and
Wood is worth 1CP for every 4CP worth of powers. You cannot
take Bane if you have fewer CPs invested in your powers
than the Bane's value, which means that you cannot take Wood
unless you have a least 5CP invested in your powers, for
example. If you buy more powers during your career, your Bane
Comp does yield more CPs retroactively. If and when this
happens, you can either bank or spend the CPs, as normal.
Steel, lead, wood, stone refer to anything made with those
substances. For weapons to effect you, their "business end" must
be made of the relevant substance. A hammer is a Steel weapon,
even if its handle is wooden. All bullets are assumed to be lead,
unless otherwise noted.
Attack Type refers to blunt, slashing, piercing, or ballistic
attacks. Pick one.
Finally, Uncommon Substances are anything that is unusual
in the manufacture of weapons, armour, and ammunition.
Examples include by are not limited to: cold iron, plastic, a type
of metal other than steel or lead (silver, copper, bronze), a
specific type of wood (oak, ash, maple, cedar), a specific kind of
stone (granite, shale, limestone). Uncommon substances must be
solids. Gases and liquids are covered by the Chemical
Vulnerability and Vulnerability comps. GMs have the final say as
to whether a substance is Uncommon.
Bane Effects
The following effects apply to all Bane substances:
All Banes are totally unaffected by your powers, in either
positive or negative ways.
Banes block your powers from passing through them if you
have powers that travel in a line, such as Energy Attack: Line.
Area effects, like Charismatic Aura, will spread around a Bane
substance, but someone completely encased in it will be
unaffected by your powers. If you use a power to attack someone
or something that is made entirely out of your Bane, the attack
has no effect. A sufficiently large amount of your Bane could
block your powers from passing through an area entirely, like a
walled-off room.
Protective gear (armour, shields) made out of your Bane is
twice as effective against your powers; double their Defence
bonus against any attacks you make using a power.
If your attack is enhanced by a super ability (usually Strength
and/or Dexterity), then calculate your attack bonus at that
ability's first-round levels (before you applied CPs at character
creation). Do this instead of doubling the defender's armour
bonus. Essentially, you have to make the attack without your
super ability's bonus to hit/damage.
If your attack is enhanced by both a Super ability and another
power (i.e., Super-Strength Natural Weapons or a Super-
Dexterity ranged Energy Attack), then both effects apply: the
armour bonus doubles and your ability is at its first-round level.
(If you take Bane, make sure to note on your character sheet
how much of a "penalty" you'd take to hit and damage if your
relevant abilities were reduced to first-round levels. You avoid a
lot of wasted time at the table if you do that. GMs will, of course,
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
13
note altered Defence scores if they equip their NPCs with your
Bane armour.)
Attacks using your Bane do not cause extra damage to you,
but they do ignore any defensive powers you might have, such as
Damage Reduction or Natural Armour. Amazing Dodge is
unaffected by a Bane attack because it never has a chance to
connect with your body, unless you take Area Toxicity, in which
case your Bane substance throws your Amazing Dodge ability
off just enough to ignore the power's bonus.
If you have Danger Sense, the presence of your Bane
substance will continuously set it off, regardless of whether there
is an actual imminent threat of being attacked with it.
Additional Comps
Additional Comp: Ingestion Toxicity
Value: 2CP
Swallowing more than a few grams of your Bane, putting it in
your mouth, or otherwise having it introduced to the inside of
your body provokes a Fortitude save (DC 30). Failure indicates
that you take 1d4 HPs of poison damage per round and a -4
penalty to attack rolls, saving throws. This effect lasts for 2d4
rounds.
Note that powers that grant bonuses to your saving throws
have no effect on Bane substances. This Additional Comp is
incompatible with a Bane that is not an actual substance
Additional Comp: Contact Toxicity
Value: 2CP
Prerequisite: Ingestion Toxicity
Physically touching anything anything made out of your Bane
causes 1d4 HPs of poison damage per round and imbues a -4
penalty to attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks for as long
as you maintain contact. Anything thicker than cotton will block
this effect for 10 rounds, but eventually the Bane does start to
effect you.
Note that powers that grant bonuses to your saving throws
have no effect on Bane substances. This Additional Comp is
incompatible with a Bane that is not an actual substance
Additional Comp: Area Toxicity
Value: 2CP
Prerequisite: Ingestion Toxicity, Contact Toxicity
Being within 10 feet of more than a few grams of your Bane
causes 1d4 HPs of poison damage and induces a -4 penalty to
attacks rolls, saving throws, and skill checks for as long as you
are in the area of effect.
Note that powers that grant bonuses to your saving throws
have no effect on Bane substances. This Additional Comp is
incompatible with a Bane that is not an actual substance
Additional Comp: Crit Range Increase
Value: 1CP
All weapons composed of the Bane substance have their
critical threat range increased by 1 when used against you. You
can take this Additional Comp three times. The effects stack.
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14 Chapter 1: Character Creation

Additional Comp: Crit Damage Increase you must start making Will saves (i.e., at the start of the 6 th
Value: 2CP round). The save DC is 10, plus any damage (lethal or non-
All weapons composed of the Bane substance have their lethal) that you either take or deal in mêlée. You can work
critical damage multiplier increased by 1 when used against you. yourself up by getting hit, but you can also work yourself up by
You can take this Additional Comp twice. The effects stack. hitting people. If you pass the saves, you are agitated but you do
not go into a rage.
Additional Comp: Disfigurement If you fail your save, however, you fly into a rage. While you
Value: 1CP rage, you abandon all ranged attacks except for throwing
If you are reduced to zero or fewer HPs by your Bane, you things, and you attack whichever enemy most recently struck
take -1 ability damage to Charisma due to a lasting scar or other you for damage. If no one struck you for damage, you attack the
damage to your appearance. This damage is permanent, but can closest enemy. If there is no enemy close enough to you to move
be removed through plastic surgery (purchase DC 25), or and make a mêlée attack against (including by charging), or
Restoration, but not simple healing, mundane or otherwise. throw something at, then you must make a Will save (DC 12) to
resist the urge to attack whoever is closest to you, including
Additional Comp: Extra Sensitivity friends, comrades, and innocent bystanders. Once you fail this
Value: 3CP save, you attack whoever is closest to you for the rest of your
The effects of your Toxicity double. You take 1d8 damage per rage. Note, however, that you do not immediately become stupid.
round instead of 1d4, and a -8 to attack rolls, saving throws, and You can still use strategy and tactics. You can still attack
skill checks instead of -4. In the case of Ingestion, your Fortitude intelligently, but you are driven to attack something at all times.
save is DC 40 and the effects last 2d8 rounds. To take this Comp, Finally, while you're raging, you are unaware of how hurt you
you must have one of the three Toxicity Comps. might be (i.e., the GM keeps track of your HPs), but you also
gain a +4 to any Will saves that involve attempts to control
Bizarre Area Effect your mind (because you're in a near beastly state).
Value: 2CP per rank Your rage lasts a number of rounds equal to your
You are constantly surrounded by some kind of unusual Constitution modifier, but it also ends 1d4 rounds after
cosmetic or environmental effect that clings to you, or indeed combat ends, either because you become separated from the
emanates from you, as a side-effect of one or more of your combat or because you manage to kill everyone.
powers or physical nature. This does not have to be a NB: this complication functions properly if and only if you
supernatural effect, but that's the most common explanation. You voluntarily remind the GM that you have to make your Rage
might exude a powerful smell, be surrounded by an eerie glow, saves. You can't just wait for the GM to "catch" you on it. If you
or just give the screaming willies to anyone who's standing near forget to roll your Rage save more than a couple of times, the
you. The effect can be bright, loud, or annoying. The exact GM is perfectly within her rights to state that you've been
effect is the stuff of flavour text. If you take Form Shifting, then somehow cured of the Complication, and therefore you must give
the Bizarre Area Effect, whatever it might be, only plagues in up 10CP worth of abilities (skills, feats, powers, advantages, etc.)
your empowered form. from your character. It's the honour system.
For every rank in this Comp, you suffer a -4 penalty to Additional Comps
Disguise, Gather Information, Handle Animal, and Stealth Additional Comp: Form-Shifting Rage
checks. You can take this Comp twice. Value: 4CP
Reduce the CP value of this comp by half if you take it as Prerequisite: Form Shift (complication)
well as Form Shifting. Having the Bizarre Area Effect 'on' only The only way to activate your Form Shift ability is to fly into
half the time means it's only half as complicating to your life. a rage, and the only way to return to your normal form is to end
your rage. You have no access to any of your powers and/or traits
Additional Comps when you're in your normal form, unless you take the Additional
Comp Accessible Powers (see Form Shift).
Additional Comp: Really Dramatic Activation
Value: 3CP Additional Comp: Power Rage
When Form Shifting and/or Dramatically Activating a power, Value: 4CP
your Bizarre Area Effect briefly, and spectacularly, activates. If Prerequisite: 10CP worth of powers that activate
this happens while you're Disguised, or are trying to Gather The only way to activate any of your powers is to fly into a
Information, Handle and Animal, or Stealth, the check penalty rage. Only while you're raging can you activate your powers.
for Bizarre Area Effect triples. While in a rage, you can use your powers, even if they are ranged
attacks (e.g., Telekinesis, Energy Attack, etc.).
Berserker Rage
Value: 6CP Calling Card
You fly into an incoherent rage when you spend too much Value: 2CP
time in mêlée combat. After a number of rounds in combat You feel compelled to leave an identifying mark at the major
equal to your Wisdom modifier, to a maximum of 5 rounds, scenes of all your adventures. It might be a physical mark on a

14 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 1: Character Creation
wall, an object left at the scene, or even a particular way of
incarcerating villains. You must leave your calling card whenever
you are victorious in a physical confrontation, foil a criminal
scheme more complex than knocking over a liquor store, or even
just causing a public scene while in costume. The actual calling
card is something simple, easy, and cheap, like an actual card, for
example, and requires only a standard action. You will always
leave your Calling Card if you have the time, but if you're
pressed for time, you can make a Will save (DC 15). If you win,
you resist the urge to leave your mark. If you fail, you just can't
help yourself.
If you consistently elect to roll your Will save every time you
leave a scene and are forced to leave your card only when you
fail, then the GM is encouraged to raise your DC until you fail it
consistently. If you take this Comp, you need to play along.
Additional Comps
Additional Comp: Calling Card Fixation
Value: 3CP
Your calling card borders on an unhealthy compulsion, rather
than just an eccentricity. Leaving your card requires a full-round
action, not necessarily because the actual object is that complex
or delicate, but because it must be left in a particular way, or else
it's just not right. Any attempt to flee a scene without doing so
will require a will save (DC 20).
Additional Comp: Calling Card Obsession
Value: 4CP
Your calling card is now a full-blown obsessive-compulsive
act. Leaving the card requires three full rounds of delicate
placement and adjustment. You might need to carry special
pigments for drawing, or a delicate, expensive object to leave
behind (purchase DC 12). Any attempt to flee a scene without
doing so requires a Will save (DC 25).
Chemical Activation
Value: 4CP
You must ingest, inject, or otherwise introduce a specific
chemical formula into your body in order to use your powers.
The effect lasts for one hour or until you use half of your PP
total, whichever comes first.
Your chemical can be on a known illegal drug (Purchase DC
6) that you could be arrested for buying, possessing, or making
yourself. It can be a legal drug that is expensive (Purchase DC
10) and for which you would need a prescription from a medical
doctor. Finally, it could be a special substance you make yourself
(Purchase DC 8) that, though not technically illegal, pushes the
boundaries of legality and could get you in legal trouble. For this
last kind of Chemical, you must have an appropriate skill, most
likely Craft (pharmaceutical) or Craft (chemical), to make, mix,
or brew it. Creating a single dose requires a skill check (DC 15)
and one hour in a relatively clean space, like a kitchen or a
bathroom. You can Take 10 on this check if you mix it up in a
totally safe environment.
If you regularly take your Chemical, every hour or less on
each and every day, for example, then your GM might impose a
Chemical Dependency on you. Thus, if you get your Chemical,
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
15
your PPs are replenished, but if you don't, you suffer the
consequences of withdrawal. You would not, however, suffer the
side-effects listed in Chemical Dependency.
There are two different Additional Comps that go with this
Comp. You can take either one, but not both.
Additional Comps
Additional Comp: Chemical Power Point Generation
Value: 1CP
In addition to having to use your chemical to activate your
powers at all, you must take it to regenerate Power Points. Every
six hours, when you would normally regenerate your points on
your own, you have to take your chemical. Without your
chemical, your body just doesn't do the job on its own.
This Additional Comp is incompatible with Single Power
Additional Comp: Single Chemically-Activated Power
Value: 2CP
One of your powers relies on your Chemical. One dose grants
you the ability to activate that power for 1 full hour. This
Additional Comp can be applied to traits. If it is, then the trait
physically manifests—you grow extra Appendages or Natural
Weapons for example—for a full hour and then it disappears. You
can take this Additional Comp multiple times. Each time, it
applies to a different power.
Chemical Dependency
Value: 2CP per rank
You are dependant on a chemical substance. It could be a
drug addiction, like cocaine or alcohol, or it could be a life-
saving drug that you need in order to live. It can be anything else
you and the GM dream up.
Your dependency can be on a known illegal drug (purchase
DC 6) that you could be arrested for buying, possessing, or
making yourself. It can be a legal drug that is expensive
(purchase DC 10) and for which you would need a prescription
from a medical doctor. It can be a legal drug that is commonly
available and cheap, but has debilitating side-effects, like alcohol
(Purchase DC 6). Finally, it could be a special substance you
make yourself (purchase DC 8) that, though not technically
illegal, pushes the boundaries of legality and could get you in
legal trouble. For this last option, you must have an appropriate
skill, most likely Craft (pharmaceuticals) or Craft (chemical), to
make the chemical. Creating a single dose requires a skill check
(DC 15) and one hour in a relatively clean space, like a kitchen
or a bathroom. You can Take 10 on this check if you mix it up at
home.
The effects of the Chemical itself stack with the effects of
withdrawal. Thus, taking your Chemical affects you in specific
ways, just as not taking your Chemical does. This is why
addiction sucks. Different Chemicals have different side-effects,
of course. Each one grants an equivalent of +2 to one or two
different abilities and the equivalent of a -4 to up to four other
abilities. For example, alcohol might make you charming (+2
Charisma) but totally remove your judgement (-4 Wisdom).
Alternatively, it could make you insightful (+2 Wisdom) but
weak and stupid (-2 Strength and -2 Intelligence). The possible
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16 Chapter 1: Character Creation
combinations are at your discretion but the GM has final say on
whether they're appropriate and reserves the right to over-ride
them as she sees fit. As always, complaining to the GM is highly
unlikely to get you very far.
Feats, advantages, powers, or any other in-game effect that
boosts your ability to resist poisons or other chemicals has no
effect how how this Comp affects you.
Rank 1 (2CP): You must receive at least one dose of this
substance every 24 hours or you suffer a -1 penalty to all die
rolls, including but not limited to attack rolls, skill checks, saving
throws, and damage rolls. You suffer another -1 penalty every 24
hours that you're deprived of the substance. Eventually, craving
and withdrawal will effectively leave you helpless.
Rank 2 (4CP): Rather than a -1 penalty, you suffer a -2
penalty after 24 hours, cumulative. When this penalty reaches
-10, you must make a fortitude save (DC 18) or fall into a coma.
You must make this save every six hours until you fall into the
coma or get your substance. You can survive in a coma
indefinitely if you are under professional care, but if you simply
fall unconscious in an alley or on your bathroom floor, you must
continue making fortitude saves (DC 18) every six hours. If you
fail, you die.
Rank 3 (6CP): In addition to the above, the DC of each
fortitude save is 20 and rises by 2 with every subsequent save. If
you fail a save, you die immediately.
Additional Comps
Additional Comp: Controlled Supply
Value: 4CP
The substance is rare and proprietary, and someone else has a
monopoly on it. You are entirely dependent on an NPC for your
supply.
Additional Comp: Side Effects
Value: 2CP
The substance has an intoxicating or debilitating side effect.
For one hour following the intake of each dose, you suffer a -4
penalty to 2 abilities. You pick the two abilities and the choice is
permanent.
Additional Comp: Power Linked
Value: 2CP
You powers are linked to or granted by your substance. If and
when you take penalties for withdrawal, you lose the use of 5CPs
worth of powers (selected randomly). Every subsequent time you
lose a save and/or take an additional penalty, you lose another
5CPs worth of powers, randomly selected.
Chemical Vulnerability
Value: 1CP per rank
You body and immune system aren't very good at resisting
the effects of drugs, poisons, and other harmful substances. For
every rank in this Comp, you suffer a -2 penalty to any saving
throw made to resist the effect of a poison, drug or other
chemical. Furthermore, the DC of any skill check made to aid or
cleanse you of a drug or poison increases by 2. You can take this
Comp up to six times.
16 Phoenix v10 (draft)
This Comp is incompatible with any feat or power that
specifically improves the character’s chance of withstanding the
effects of drugs or poisons.
Cold-Blooded
Value: 2CP
Your circulatory system has difficulty maintaining its
essential core temperature on its own. You must spend at least
one hour (preferably more whenever possible, but one is
sufficient) out of every twenty-four basking in a heated
environment, under a strong sun, or against a heated object. If
you don't, you suffer a -2 penalty to Strength, Dexterity, and
Wisdom until you can to do so again. These penalties stack every
24 hours, starting 24 hours after the last time you were in a
heated environment. If any of your abilities reaches 3, you fall
into a comatose state. If they all reach 0, then you die.
This Comp is not incompatible with powers or special
abilities that render the character resistant to damage from cold-
based sources. However, such resistances will not change the
affects of the Comp.
Dependant
Value: 2CP per rank
You take care of someone close to you, a spouse/partner or
ex-spouse/partner, a parent or guardian, a child, a sibling, a
friend, etc.. Any time someone discovers your identity, secret or
not, they effectively know about your Dependant. While
designing your games, your GM will roll to see if your
Dependant shows up and then work him or her into the story.
When that happens, he or she will be threatened by some
side-effect of your superheroic activities, including but not
necessarily being directly attacked or kidnapped by a
supervillain. The frequency with which your Dependant shows
up in your life is based on his or her CP value. You can have up
to 4 Dependants in your life at varying levels.
GMs are also encouraged to introduce your Dependants into
the every-day life of your games. They're not just people who
can be threatened. They're your loved ones, after all.
Rank 1 (2CP): Your Dependant shows up on a roll of 3 or
less on 1d20 during any given session.
Rank 2 (4CP): Your Dependant shows up on a roll of 6 or
less on 1d20 during any given session.
Rank 3 (6CP): Your Dependant shows up on a roll of 9 or
less on 1d20 during any given session.
Rank 4 (8CP): Your Dependant shows up on a roll of 12 or
less on 1d20 during any given session.
Diurnal Power Cycle
Value: 4CP
Your powers are closely attuned to the rising and setting of
the Sun, and are useful for only about half of each twenty-four
hour day, allowing for seasonal variation. You can access your
powers only between dawn and dusk, or only between dusk and
dawn (player's choice). During the other half of the day, they
simply do not exist. This Comp does not affect Traits. You must
have at least 10CP worth of powers to take this Comp.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 1: Character Creation 17

Dramatic Activation
Value: 2CP
To activate one of your powers you must either make a
Gesture or shout a Command Word. You pick which power and
whether the Dramatic Activation is a Gesture, a Command Word,
or both (see below). PP costs do not change. Sustaining the
power does not require Dramatic Activation. The power must
have an activation and a total cost of at least 5CP.
Command Word
If you are gagged or otherwise silenced, you cannot use your overly friendly or sympathetic toward your goals. Crime bosses,
command word. You also cannot whisper a command word. You corrupt police officers, and government agencies are all great fun
must speak it at least as loudly as you would to a small group of in this role.
people in a public place. If you use a command word while
attempting to Move Silently, you take a -10 on your opposed
check. Your command word can be in any language, and indeed, minor annoyance, but not a continuous disruption to your life.
doesn't need to be a word, per se. It can be a guttural grunt or a
nonsense phrase.
Gesture
You cannot execute your command word when grappled,
entangled, or pinned. If you perform a gesture while attempting
to blend into a crowd, you take a -10 to your opposed check
(Stealth vs. Observe). Your gesture can be dance-like, martial
artsy, or profane. You can flex a biceps, close your hands in
prayer, or just flip the bird. It's up to you.
Additional Comps
Additional Comp: Complex Activation
Value: 2CP
Your Dramatic Activation is finicky and requires that you
pass a Perform check (DC 15). If you pass the check, the power you have to conceal the existence of the debt, as well as the
activates normally. If you fail, the power does not activate, but
you do not lose any PPs for the effort. This Additional Comp
does not increase the activation time.
Additional Comp: Disruptable Activation
Value: 2CP
Your Dramatic Activation so precise that they can be
disrupted, just like spell-casting (see the skill Concentration for
DCs to maintain concentration). You can apply the feat Combat
Casting to Dramatic Activation and get a +4 on your
Concentration check. This does not mean that your Dramatic
Activation provokes an attack of opportunity.
Additional Comp: Provocative Activation
Value: 2CP
Your Dramatic Activation provokes attacks of opportunity,
just like spell-casting. Your Command Word or Gesture requires
so much concentration that they distract you from the fight in
front of you. This does not mean that your Dramatic Activation
can be disrupted.
Additional Comp: Slow Activation
Value: 2CP
Your activation time increases by one step up the "action"
scale: free/swift, move, standard, full-round. A move action
become a standard action, for example. Slowed full-round
activations turn into a full-round action plus a swift action, then a
full-round plus a move action, etc.
Favours Owed
Value: 2CP per rank
You have incurred a substantial obligation to an NPC. This is
a debt of service and/or honour rather than just money. You owe
the NPC your time and effort at regular intervals and there are
definite consequences should you fail to heed the call.
The NPC owed favours should be generally cordial, but not
Rank 1 (3CP): The NPC is firm about the debt, but neither
sadistic nor too demanding. He will ask for small favours. A
Rank 2 (6CP): The NPC asks quite a bit more of the
character, requiring risky and/or lengthy services that can thwart
an attempt to keep a regular schedule.
Rank 3 (9CP): The NPC all but owns you, makes use of you
all the time, and has the means to respond unusually harshly
should you not meet your obligations. This level of involvement
must be approved by the GM, because it can easily become
disruptive to an ongoing game, though it can also be what fuels
an on-going game.
Additional Comps
Additional Comp: Dark Secret
Value: 2CP
The nature of the NPC, as well as the nature of the favours
owed, is so contrary to your public motives and reputation that
nature of your service to the NPC, from even your closest allies.
(Take this Additional Comp only with the GM's approval,
because it, too, can either disrupt or come to dominate an on-
going game.)
Form Shift
Value: 2CP
Prerequisite: you must have powers
You must shift from your normal physical form to a super-
powered hero form in order to access your powers. Shifting from
your mundane to your powered form requires a move action,
costs 1PP, and counts as Activating a power, which means you
can apply the Dramatic Activation Comp to it. Form Shifting, the
action, can also be detected by Power Detection.
Your heroic form's face can be covered or uncovered, at your
option, and both your heroic and normal forms wear whatever
clothing, armour, and equipment (up to a light load) that they
wore the last time they shifted. Your Charisma score is not
different (unless your Charisma is a power), but your facial
features can be totally different if you want them to be. This
means that you could have a heroic form that is not recognisably
similar to your normal form, regardless of rolls made to Observe
checks. The two forms don't have to be similar in any way, if you
don't want them to be.

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 17

18 Chapter 1: Character Creation

If you take this comp as well as Bizarre Area Effect, reduce
the CP value of the latter by half. Having the Bizarre Area Effect
'on' only half the time means it's half as complicating to your life.
Additional Comps
Additional Comp: Accessible Powers
Cost: 1CP per 5CP of the power's value
You can access one or more of your powers in your normal
form if you pay for the privilege. You have to pay for each one
individually at a cost of 1CP for every 5CP of the power's value,
including enhancements if any, but not reduced by Limitations.
The minimum cost is 1CP.
You can also buy access to a power at a lowered level of
effectiveness. For example, if you have 10 ranks in Amazing
Leap in your heroic form (worth 10CP), you can pay 1CP to have
access to only 5 ranks in your normal form. This partial-access
option applies only to powers that can be reduced to lowered
effectiveness by taking away ranks in the power, removing
enhancements, or the like.
Forsworn From Firearms
Value: 2CP per rank
You shun the use of guns of any sort (including futuristic
gun-like weapons like blasters or laser rifles). You might think of
them as brutal, clumsy, noisy, or dishonourable. A family
member or loved one might have been shot by one. The
explanation is up to you. This restriction does not apply to non-
lethal gun-like weapons that are not actual firearms or energy
weapons, such as a taser, or a net-launching guns, and it does not making Sneak Attacks.
apply to damaging projectile powers like Energy Attack, although
it does apply to an Energy Attack Gadget.
Rank 1 (2CP): You steadfastly refuse to carry or use
firearms, although you grudgingly acknowledge that other people
might have legitimate reasons for doing so. In extreme cases, you absolutely refuse to tell lies except in the most dire circumstances
may pick up a firearm and use it for a purpose other than
shooting someone (e.g., cutting a rope, detonating an explosive,
throwing it to an ally, etc.). The GM may call for a Will save (of identities. That kind of lying just doesn't count. This Comp is
at least DC 15) before allowing you to do so.
Rank 2 (4CP): You refuse to even touch a firearm, even
when your life or the lives of others might be on the line. Your
have extreme personal reasons for actively hating guns. A loved
one might have been killed by one, for example. Only in truly
extreme circumstances—a number of lives hang in the balance—
can the character attempt a very difficult Will save (at least DC
25) to pick up a firearm and use it on an inanimate object. Even
then, under no circumstances can the character actually use it
against another living or sentient being.
F/X Deficiency
Value: 2CP per rank
You cannot cast spells/manifest psi-powers from one school,
domain, or discipline (player's choice). You can take up to three
ranks in this Comp. Each time, pick a new school, domain, or
discipline.
To take this Comp, you must be able to cast spells or manifest
psi-powers from the school, domain, or discipline that you
choose (i.e., if you can't cast spells or manifest psi-powers, you
can't take this Comp).
Glass Jaw
[Physical Comp]
Value: 2CP per rank
You fall down when you take one in the chin. Whenever an
opponent scores a successful critical hit against you with a mêlée
attack that deals non-lethal damage, the damage multiplier
increases by 1, from x2 to x3, for example, or x3 to x4. You can
take this comp twice. Its effects stack.
Special: You cannot take this Comp in conjunction with
powers or feats that grant DR of 5 or better.
Hero's Code
There are some things that you just won't do. In moments of
drastic need, you can attempt to over-ride your Hero's Code. The
GM will set a DC for doing so (at least 20). However, if you go
back to this well too often, the GM is perfectly within her rights
to increase the Will save by large numbers. If you take this
Comp, you have to play along.
This Comp is modular. You can take any or all of its Modes.
Mode: Fair Play
Value: 4CP
You refuse to flank in combat, shoot anyone in the back, take
opponents unaware, or attack anyone lying prone. This comp is
incompatible with the Dirty Fighter Feat and precludes you ever
Mode: Honesty
Value: 2CP
You may not place any ranks in Bluff or Gambling. You
—even to "bad guys"—or to exaggerate, gamble, or lie on behalf
of others. You can still conceal his non-adventuring identity or
incompatible with any Feat that improves the Bluff or the
Gambling skill.
Mode: Law and Order
Value: 2CP
Even if you are a costumed vigilante, you have the utmost
respect for the letter of the law and balk at pushing its boundaries
too far. Your view yourself as a "forward element" of uniformed
law enforcement and prefer to turn matters over to the legitimate
authorities as soon as possible. You refuse to pick locks, break
and enter, interrogate suspects without turning them over to the
police first, commandeer vehicles or property from ordinary
citizens, etc. Basically, if it involves anything more than
patrolling and confronting criminals or villains engaged in
obvious acts of mischief and mayhem, you can't do it.
Mode: Loyalty
Value: 2CP
You are incapable of abandoning a friend or ally, even if it
would make sense to do so, even in foolish or suicidal

18 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 1: Character Creation
conditions. Come Hell or high water, you fight side-by-side with
your friends and will die doing so if that’s what fate decrees. You
are rarely the one that gets sent running for help.
Mode: Mercy
Value: 4CP
You do not kill, ever, even in the pursuit of the greater good.
You cannot intentionally kill another person, nor allow another
person to die when your actions could save them. Even an
accidental death in which you're involved will feel like your
responsibility.
Mode: Extreme Mercy
Value: 4CP
In addition to Mercy, you have extreme difficulty dealing
with the guilt caused by a death that you think you could have
prevented. If you accidentally cause or fails to prevent a death
(provided you realistically could have done so), you lose all of
your Action Points as a reflection of your anguish.
Illiterate
Value: 4CP
You cannot read, and therefore cannot place skill ranks in
Computer Use, Craft (chemical, electronic, pharmaceutical,
structural, writing), Decipher Script, Demolitions, Disable
Device, Forgery, Gamble, Investigate, Knowledge (arcane lore,
behavioural sciences, business, civics, Earth and life sciences,
history, physical sciences, tactics, theology/philosophy,
technology), Navigate, Pilot, Profession (GM's discretion), Read/
Write Language, Research, Treat Injury, or Use Magic Device.
You begin the game knowing only the spoken form of your
native language. You can buy off this Comp, with the GM's
permission, but until you do so, you cannot learn to read any new
language. This Comp is incompatible with any feat that involves
"book learning," including anything that enhances the skills
listed above.
Impaired Hearing
Value: 2CP per rank
You have suffered damage to your hearing. The nature of the
damage is such that it cannot be repaired by either technological
or supernatural means, and powers or feats cannot compensate
for the penalties associated with it.
Rank 1 (2CP), Partial Deafness: You take a -6 penalty to
Listen checks, and may not spend Actions Points to re-roll them.
The Listen skill is cross-class for you, regardless of your actual
class.
Rank 2 (4CP), Total Deafness: You automatically fail Listen
checks, take a -4 penalty on Initiative checks, and have a 20%
chance of spell failure when casting spells with verbal
components and/or a -4 to Perform checks you make to
Dramatically Activate a power.
Impaired Mobility
Value: 2CP per rank
You suffer from a permanent affliction that limits your ability
to move. The nature of the damage is such that it cannot be
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
19
repaired by either technological or supernatural means, and
powers or feats cannot compensate for the penalties associated
with it.
Rank 1 (2CP): Reduce your base speed by 10 feet.
Rank 2 (4CP): Reduce your base speed by 10 feet, take a -1
penalty to Defence, and a -2 penalty to Climb, Jump, and Tumble
checks.
Rank 3 (6CP): Reduce your base speed by 10 feet, take a -2
penalty to Defence, and a -4 penalty to Climb, Jump, and Tumble
checks. You cannot run or charge.
Rank 4 (8CP): You have lost the use of your legs. Without
some kind of aid, you are capable only of crawling, which
requires a full-round action to move 10 feet. You lose your
Dexterity bonus to Defence, suffer a -2 penalty to Defence, grant
attackers a +2 to hit, and automatically fail Jump and Tumble
checks. Climb checks take a -6 penalty.
Rank 5 (10CP): You have lost the use of your legs and your
arms. You are normally considered helpless. 5 This does not
prevent you from using alternative means of movement, such as
Flight. You can take this Comp only with GM approval, and a
good idea as to how to even play such a character.
Impaired Vision
Value: 2CP per rank
You have suffered damage to your sight. The nature of the
damage is such that it cannot be repaired by either technological
or supernatural means, and powers or feats cannot compensate
for the penalties associated with it. You can take this Comp with
the Super Senses power.
Rank 1 (2CP) Nearsighted. Your attack rolls take a -2
penalty and your opponents have a +1 to attack you. You take a -
4 penalty on all Observe checks.
Rank 2 (4CP) Partially Blind. Your attack rolls take a -6
penalty and our opponents have a +2 to attack you. You take a
-10 penalty on all Observe checks. You can read only over-sized
printing in books or on computers.
Rank 3 (6CP) Totally Blind. Everything has full concealment
for you. You always have a 50% miss chance in combat. You
lose your Dexterity bonus to Defence, if any, and your opponents
have a +2 bonus on attack rolls. You automatically fail all
Observe checks, as well as any other effort to detect things based
on sight. Your Search checks take a -6 penalty. (NB: Totally
Blind is incompatible with vision-based powers, such as the
Super Sight enhancement of Super Senses or Error: Reference
source not found because no matter what powers you load into
your eyes, you're still blind.)
Additional Comps
Additional Comp: Night/Day Blindness
Prerequisite: Partially Blind or Total Blindness
Value: 50% discount
You suffer your Impaired Vision penalties only during the
day or at night (player's choice). For one hour around dawn and
dusk, you suffer half the penalties. Partial Blindness becomes
Nearsightedness, and Total Blindness becomes Partial Blindness
(as above). This Additional Comp halves the value of your
Blindness.
5 This is a game term only and not a comment on actual quadriplegic people.
19
20 Chapter 1: Character Creation
Inattentive
Value: 1CP
You are generally oblivious. You suffer a -1 penalty to all
Observe and Search checks. You can take this Comp up to 6
time. Its effects stack.
This Comp is incompatible with the Alertness and Improved
Alertness feats. Its penalties do not stack with any Impairment
Comps (Hearing, Vision, etc.).
Insatiable Curiosity
Value: 2CP
You are compelled to look in drawers and medicine cabinets,
find out people's secrets, and generally know all the things that
you're ostensibly not supposed to. Whenever you are confronted
with a chance to learn something new and interesting, especially
if relevant to your current adventure or investigation, you must
make a Will save (minimum DC 15, higher at the GM's
discretion, depending on just how juicy the secret is) in order to
keep from immediately dropping what you're doing in order to
pursue the mystery. You will generally not pry into the private
lives of your team mates and trusted allies, but will usually ask
more questions than most would.
If you consistently try to ignore secrets and are forced to
pursue them when you fail your will save, then the GM is
encouraged to raise your DC. If you take this comp, you need to
play along.
Large Size
Value: 2CP
Your size is large. You might be an alien, a clinical giant, or
the result of an accident or experiment gone wrong. You are
large-sized instead of medium. You are between 8 and 16 feet
tall, weigh between 300 and 600 pounds, take a -1 to your
Defence, a -1 to hit medium or smaller opponents, gain a +4
grapple medium or smaller opponents, and, finally, a -4 to Stealth damage, you fall unconscious for 1d4 rounds. The value of this
checks.
Light Sensitive
Value: 1CP per rank
You have an aversion to bright light, especially sunlight.
Whenever exposed to light of equivalent brightness to full
daylight without the benefit of eye protection, you suffer a -1
penalty to all skill checks and saving throws. You can take this
Comp up to 6 times. The effects stack.
Additional Comps Computer Use, Craft (electronics), or anything else that involves
Additional Comp: Vulnerable to Sunlight
Value: 2CP per rank
When directly exposed to bright sunlight, you suffer 1 HP of
damage per round per rank in the Additional Comp. Sunlight
bypasses your DR, if any. Only a fully opaque barrier, including
clothing but not including thick make-up, can protect you from
this damage. You can take this Additional Comp multiple times.
The effects stack. (NB: "clever" players who take many ranks in
this Comp and then contrive a way to never ever risk exposure to about to do something important, even in combat. "Something
sunlight should expect their GMs to contrive even more cleverer important" includes, but is not limited to: starting combat (every
ways to expose them to it at every turn.)
20 Phoenix v10 (draft)
You can take this Additional Comp as well as Vulnerable to
Light. The effects stack. If exposed to artificial light, you take
damage from Vulnerable to Light. If exposed to Sunlight, you
take damage from Vulnerable to Light and from Vulnerable to
Sunlight.
Additional Comp: Vulnerable to Light
Value: 4CP per rank
When directly exposed to bright light, you suffer 1 HP of
damage per round per rank in the Additional Comp. Sunlight
bypasses your DR, if any. Only a fully opaque barrier, including
clothing but not including thick make-up, can protect you from
this damage. You can take this Additional Comp up to 6 times.
The effects stack. (NB: see Vulnerable to Sunlight above re:
"cleverness.")
You can take this Additional Comp as well as Vulnerable to
Sunlight. The effects stack. If exposed to artificial light, you take
damage from Vulnerable to Light. If exposed to Sunlight, you
take damage from Vulnerable to Light and from Vulnerable to
Sunlight.
Light Headed
Value: 1CP per rank
Your suffer dizziness and frequent bouts of unconsciousness
when seriously injured. Any time you take 10 or more HPs of
damage from any single source (including an attack, an accident,
or the results of a failed saving throw) there is a 10% chance that
you become stunned for 1d4 rounds. For every rank you take in
this Comp, the chance of becoming stunned increases by 10%.
You can take up to 6 ranks of this Comp (60%).
Additional Comps
Additional Comp: Lights Out
Value: 1CP per rank in Light-Headed
Rather than being stunned by more than 10 or more HPs of
Comp is keyed to the number of ranks you have in Light-Headed.
If you have 5 ranks in Light-Headed, this Additional Comp is
worth 5CPs.
Magnetic Signature
Value: 2CP
You generate a potent magnetic field. You set off metal
detectors, fixed or portable, you cannot use a magnetic compass
because it will always point to you, you take a -2 penalty on
electronics being placed within 5 feet of you, and any magnetic
recording medium (tapes, hard disks, credit cards with magnetic
strips, etc.) must make a Fortitude save (DC 10) every time you
handle them, or the data is permanently and irretrievably
scrambled.
Monologuer
Value: 4CP per rank
You can't help but make a little speech whenever you're
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 1: Character Creation 21

time); activating a device or machine that would, in theory, end a story. The frequency is expressed as a percentage chance with the
fight or accomplish your over-all goals (i.e., a "master plan"); or GM will roll on percentile dice. They will always be integrated
delivering what looks to be the final blow to an almost subdued into the plot, not just random people who throw grenades at you
opponent. When this happens, you must make a Wisdom check out of spite.
or spend one Standard action monologuing about the situation Rank 1 (1CP): 15%
you're in. For the purposes of role-play, it's best if you actually Rank 2 (2CP): 30%
make a little speech (and that is half the fun of this comp, isn't Rank 3 (3CP): 45%
it?). Rank 4 (4CP): 60%
The most common form of monologuing is when you
explain, in dramatic detail, exactly what you're doing and why, Power
which often gives your enemies just enough time to stop you. Your Nemesis has a number of CPs relative to your power.
Other options include: gloating about how they couldn't possibly This includes the value of character levels. If you were 5 th level
stop your plans from completion (once you push this button right and had 30CPs worth of powers, then you would have a total of
here) or telling them how their many mental deficiencies have 80CP in your character. That means that a 2CP Nemesis could
kept them from stopping you (until now). have up to 40CP in either levels, or powers, or both. The power
GMs have final say as to what triggers a monologue, and they of your Nemesis is expressed as a fraction of your total CPs.
are perfectly within their rights to trigger one outside of combat Rank 1 (1CP): 25%
as well, but it is ultimately up to you to voluntarily make Rank 2 (2CP): 50%
monologuing checks. If you or the GM determine that you Rank 3 (3CP): 100%
should have made a check but didn't, you automatically fail the Rank 4 (4CP): 150%
next one.
This comp is obviously most common among villains, Non-Oxygen Breather
specifically Masterminds, but Champions are also prone to Value: 2CP per rank
stopping in mid-fight to preach to the enemy about the virtues of You respiratory system processes something other than
ethical behaviour or physical fitness, and more playful heroes oxygen. In Earth-like environments, you require a filtration
system or portable atmosphere supply, as well as a sealed private
might think it's worth the time spent to sling clever insults at the
bad guys. refuge away from Earth-standard atmosphere. You can decide
NB: This Comp requires some vigilance, and therefore what you do breathe. This Comp is incompatible with the Need
attention and energy, on the part of your GM. Ask him or her Not Breath power.
before taking the Comp. Rank 1 (2CP): Normal nitrogen-oxygen earth air is inert gas
Rank 1 (3CP): Wisdom DC 15 for you. Breathing it causes no toxic distress, but you can
Rank 2 (6CP): Wisdom DC 20 smother in it the same way a human can smother in carbon
Rank 3 (9CP): Wisdom DC 25 dioxide. Apply drowning rules if you find yourself in an oxygen
atmosphere without a filtration mask (same purchase DC as a gas
Nemesis mask) or holding your breath.
Value: varies Rank 2 (4CP): Oxygen is a metabolic poison to you.
A Nemesis is an arch-villain who, for whatever reason, is Exposure to oxygen atmosphere (once you stop holding your
obsessed not just with defeating you, but doing so publicly to breath) counts as a poison attack, save DC 18, 1d6 Constitution
prove his or her superiority to you. A Nemesis can be any person, damage for round of exposure. Thus, you suffer both
group, or organization that has a personal investment in causing asphyxiation and poison effects at once. Ability damage lingers if
you harm and the means to accomplish it. A Nemesis has two you survive the asphyxiation effects.
aspects, frequency and power. The frequency with which your Rank 3 (6CP): Oxygen is a virulent metabolic poison to you
Nemesis shows up in your life is based on his or her CP value and an irritant to your mucous membranes. You must not allow
The CP value of this comp is the total of the frequency and any part of your face or respiratory system to come into contact
power of your Nemesis. You can take this Comp up to 4 times, with it. Even momentary exposure to oxygen (regardless of
for a total of 4 Nemeses. Any other regular villains are just part whether or not you hold your breath) counts as a poison attack,
of your Rogues Gallery, and though threatening and annoying, save DC 20, 1d6 Constitution damage for round of exposure.
they don't have the same personal stake in humiliating you. You Exposing your eyes requires a Fortitude save DC 20. If you fail,
can also upgrade an existing Nemesis. This kind of thing should you are blinded for as long as you're exposed to oxygen, and for
happen through an in-game explanation. A particularly another 1d6 rounds afterwards. You must make these saves
humiliating defeat at the hands of your Nemesis might embolden versus poison every round until you leave the oxygen or start
her. Alternatively, if you embarrass him, he might come back taking damage from it.
even madder than before.
Notoriety
Frequency Value: 2CP
Your GM will roll to see if your Nemesis shows up while You have acquired a reputation as "the one to beat" within a
designing your game and then work him, her, or them into the certain field of skill or ability. You might be renowned as the

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 21

22 Chapter 1: Character Creation
greatest pool player, the best shot with a bow, or something
similar. You are notorious for a skill or ability that is governed by
your statistics, such as skill or attack roll. You don't actually have
to be the best. You just acquired a reputation as the best. Having
a story of how you acquired that reputation is helpful, but not
necessary.
Any time you're in public, there is a 10% chance that some
random fool walks up and challenges you. It is your
responsibility to remind the GM to make this roll. If you forget,
the GM will double the percentage chance the next time. If you
enter a specific environment, the GM will increase the
percentage chance based on that environment. If you enter a pool
hall and you're a pool player, you're going to be challenged, for
example. Challengers can be friendly or rude, at the GM's
discretion, but they are always insistent. If you refuse a
challenge, a crowd will inevitably gather and goad you until you
leave or take the challenge.
Every time you don't take a challenge, the next time you're in
public, the percentage chance of being challenged goes up by
10%. If your percentage change reaches 50%, you reputation
flips from "the one to beat" to "the one who's a total chicken" and
the percentage itself keeps going up. You do not flip back to "the
one to beat" until you win a challenge. If your percentage reaches
100%, you literally cannot leave your house without some bozo
telling you you're a huge 'fraidy-cat.
You cannot take this Comp unless you have a Reputation
rating higher than 5. The higher your Reputation, the more
powerful the challengers will be.
Additional Comps
Additional Comp: Violent Rep
Value: 3CP
Your Notoriety is for a challenge that is lethally dangerous,
like duelling with pistols or drift racing. The challenges you take
aren't necessarily direct attacks, but the activity is easily
dangerous enough to kill you.
You cannot pick an activity that could not kill you. If you
have Need Not Breath, for example, the challenge cannot be
holding your breath underwater.
Origin Vulnerability
Value: 1CP per rank
For every rank in this Comp, you suffer a -2 penalty to
Saving Throws against one of the five Origins (Bio, Cosmic,
Mystic, Psi, Supertech). You are extra vulnerable to all attacks or
effects that come from that Origin. You can take this Comp
multiple times. Each time, it's effect either stack, or they apply to
a new Origin type.
This Comp is incompatible with any feat or power that grants
any special resistance to particular Origin types.
Ostracism
Value: 2CP per rank
You are feared and hated for something that you cannot
change. You could be an alien, have mutant genes, or just have a
look on your face that people hate.
Rank 1 (2CP): You experience occasional taunts from
strangers, and often find your subjected to epithets or unpleasant
22 Phoenix v10 (draft)
scrutiny. Sometimes, shops or restaurants won’t admit you, but
you're free from actual violence.
Rank 2 (4CP): You face a society with a deeply entrenched
suspicion of your kind (whatever "kind" that might be), and as a
result experience constant discrimination, embarrassment,
disdain, and occasionally even threats or physical assaults.
Rank 3 (6CP): The prejudice you face is officially
sanctioned by the government of the society in which you live.
You are formally treated as a second-class citizen, if you have
any rights at all, and you must often submit himself to some kind
of official surveillance system and have restricted freedom of
movement. You must get your GM's permission before taking
this Comp because it has a significant effect on the game world.
Phobia
Value: 2CP per rank
You have an unreasonable fear of a certain thing or situation.
This phobia must centre on an object or situation that is
reasonably common, yet not entirely disruptive to the ongoing
game. Possibilities include (but are not limited to): animals
(snakes, insects, rats), water, crowds, heights, open spaces,
enclosed spaces, darkness, guns, knives, sharp objects, water,
cards, or magic/the Occult.
Rank 1 (2CP): When you are in the presence of the object of
your phobia, you suffer a -2 penalty to all rolls, including skill
checks, attack rolls, and saving throws. Furthermore, if you move
within 10 feet of your phobia, you must make a Will save (DC
15), or you cannot approach.
Rank 2 (4CP): When you are in the presence of the object of
your phobia, you suffer a -4 penalty to all rolls, including skill
checks, attack rolls, and saving throws. Furthermore, if you move
within 10 feet of your phobia, you must make a Will save (DC
20), or you cannot approach.
Additional Comps
Additional Comp: Public Knowledge
Value: 2CP
Your phobia is known to the public, and any opponent who
makes an Intelligence roll (DC 10) might use it against you, if he
or she so chooses.
Poor Healing
Value: 6CP
You recover from injury and illness more slowly than most.
Any and all means of healing, other than natural rest, work at
half strength for you. This includes powers, mystical effect,
medicine, and rest.
This Comp is incompatible with any feat or power that
increases your rate of healing.
Quirky Systems
Value: 2CP
Your Supertech powers behave strangely when you take
damage. At least half of your CPs invested in powers must be
supertech in Origin. This includes Gadgets and Power Armour.
Whenever you take a critical hit or more than ten points of
electrical damage from a single attack, there is a 25% chance
(non-cumulative) that a system dysfunction will render you a bit
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 1: Character Creation 23

spastic, inflicting a -2 penalty to all rolls related to your distinct people. They can have different moral systems, love
Supertech powers or parts for 1d10 rounds. These effects do not different people, and see the world from completely different
stack if you are similarly damaged again before the first effects points of view. Your personae might have different skills, feats,
have faded, but because the durations happen simultaneously, or even different classes (ability scores and powers remain the
you can extend your Quirky time. same). Neither remembers the experiences of the other, but both
will invent reasons to seek a private space to change personae
Shortfall (and clothes). Neither persona needs to be "fake," necessarily.
Value: 2CP They could both be very real, honest parts of your personality.
For your current level, and your current level only, you do not They're just split from each other. If one of them is fake, it
get a Profession check to increase your Wealth. You still doesn't have to be the mundane one. The superhero persona
potentially receive a Wealth increase based on your Ranks in might have sought refuge in an invented "normal" life.
Profession. You can justify this sudden loss of money any way Normally, if you're in your mundane persona and you take
you like including a surprise audit, a really bad investment, or damage from an attack or are forced to roll a saving throw, you
theft or accident (which requires you to replace the stolen/ will switch to your superhero persona to protect yourself. When
destroyed item[s]). You can apply this Comp during level-up you finish a fight or mission as your superhero persona, you will
only, of course, and Phoenix characters start at 4 th level, so you change back to your mundane persona within 1d4 minutes. Also,
can apply it up to 4 times during character creation. if you go to sleep as your superhero persona, you will invariably
wake up as your mundane persona, even if you've been rendered
Slow Activation unconscious in a fight and wake up in that same fight. You can
Value: 4CP per rank voluntarily switch between personae or resist switching personae.
You are slow and awkward when activating powers. Both require a Will check (DC 20). The GM might raise this DC
Rank 1 (3CP): You cannot ready actions to activate powers. under extreme circumstances, for example, if you're being shot at
Rank 2 (6CP): Your activation time for one power (player's but want to stay as your mundane persona, or if a loved one is
choice) increases by one step on the following scale: pleading with your superhero persona to change back into your
• free/swift action mundane self.
• move action If you combine this Comp with Form Shift, then each
• standard action personality will correspond to one form. Usually, this means that
• full-round action your empowered form will correspond with your heroic persona.
• 1 round If you combine the two, your ability scores might shift between
You must have at least one power with an activation time of personae because you lose your powers when in normal form.
at least a swift action to take Rank 2 of this Comp. You can take It is entirely possible to buy off this Comp, perhaps even as
Rank 2 multiple times. Each time, it either applies to a new the culmination of "years" of hard work on the part of the
power (player's choice) or it increases the activation time by one character. When that happens, the two personalities integrate
step. You can apply this Comp to Mystic Spell-Casting and with each other, becoming a combination of the two, a middle-
Psionic Manifestation , in which case it applies to individual ground that remembers everything that both experienced. 6
spells/psi-powers.
Touch-Activated Power
Slow-Witted Value: 2CP per rank
Value: 1CP per rank You have a power that activates whenever you touch people,
For every rank in this Comp, you take a -2 penalty to all whether you want it to or not. Choose one power that can affect
Initiative rolls. You can take this Comp up to six times. The targets at range (either Touch or a range in feet) and that has a
effects stack. negative effect (damage, blindness, etc.). The power goes off
whenever you make skin-to-skin contact through anything
Small Size thinner than cotton or polyester cloth.
Value: 2CP In combat, your clothing can be cut or ripped off, therefore
Your size is small. You might be an alien, a clinical dwarf, or whenever you occupy the same square with anyone who is not
the result of an accident or experiment gone wrong. You are completely covered, make a Reflex save (DC 10) to avoid skin
small-sized instead of medium. You are between 2 and 4 feet tall, contact. Occupying the same square includes moving through
weigh between 8 and 60 pounds, gain a +1 to your Defence, a +1 spaces occupied by comrades. You can also accidentally set off
to hit medium or larger opponents, gain a -4 grapple medium or your power by Aiding Another, getting or giving first aid,
smaller opponents, and, finally, a +4 to Stealth checks. You can searching through someone's possessions, exchanging objects, or
take this Comp if you're adolescent (not at your full height yet), anything else the GM deems to have a risk of skin-to-skin
but you will have to pay it off as you grow.
6 We feel compelled to fess up, here. "Split Personality" (aka Multiple
Split Personality Personality Disorder or Dissociative Identity Disorder) kinda sorta doesn't
Value: 3CP really exist. It doesn't manifest as a clean split between distinctly different
"people" living in one body and it's exceptionally rare. But this is a game
Your superhero persona and your mundane persona have built about fantasy and Split Personality is extremely dramatic and can be a lot of
a wall in between them, in your head. They behave like two fun to play. So have at it. Just remember that it ain't real.

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 23

24 Chapter 1: Character Creation

contact. The GM can also, as the situation dictates, either raise or
lower the Reflex save DC.
If you fail your Reflex save, the power activates as normal
(causing damage, provoking a saving throw). Both Touch attacks
and ranged attacks alike are both presumed to be "hits" by virtue
of failing the saving throw. You expend PPs as normal. If you do
not have any PPs left, nothing happens. Don't bother with the
Reflex save.
You can take this Comp up to 4 times. Each time, it increases
both your Reflex save (to avoid contact) and your Constitution
save (to resist ability damage) by 5.
Alternatively, if you take this Comp multiple times, you can
apply it to a different power each time, in which case you can
take it as many times as you have separate powers.
Unimaginative
Value: 2CP
You cannot invent new spells or psi-powers, nor assist
another in the process of inventing spells or psi-powers. You
must have at least 5 ranks in the base Mystic Spell-Casting power
or 5 ranks in the base Psionic Manifestation power to take this
Comp.
Unipower
Value: 2CP per power
Prerequisite: at least 3 powers
You have a power that you cannot activate when you have
any other power activated. This might be because that one power Comp up to 6 times. The effects stack.
requires all your concentration, or that it's derived from a fickle
energy source, or something else entirely. The explanation is, of
course, up to you. If you designate Flight as your Unipower, for
example, then you cannot activate any other power while you are
Flying. You must land before using an Energy Attack, Webbing,
Cause Unconsciousness, or any other power that requires
activation. You can use traits simultaneously with a Unipower.
You can take this Comp multiple times. Each time, it
designates one new Unipower.
Unreliable Power
Value: 1CP per rank
Your powers don't always activate when you want them to.
Select one power that requires the expenditure of PPs to activate.
Whenever you attempt to use that power, you must succeed at a
Will save or the power fails to activate (you don't expend PPs if
you fail). You can take this comp multiple times. It applies to a
new PP-activated power each time.
Rank 1 (1CP): Will DC 10 to Activate your power.
Rank 2 (2CP): Will DC 15 to Activate your power.
Vulnerability
Value: 1CP per rank
You are unusually vulnerable to one kind of energy-based
attack (player's choice). For every rank in this Comp, y ou suffer
a -1 penalty to any roll you make to avoid damage or other
negative effects from your chosen energy type. You can take this

24 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 CHAPTER 2: CLASSES

Superhero Classes Power Dice

There are 11 classes in Phoenix and they are designed around
generic character types: the millionaire playboy, the thrill-seeker,
the vigilante, the living legend, etc. They are not designed around
power-concepts, like the blaster, the tank, or the speedster. They
are independent of the powers, as much as they can be, which
means that you can mix and match personality types with power-
suites. We don't think that class choice should funnel you into
one particular choice of tactic or behaviour. There are, however,
three optional classes that are explicitly linked to F/X powers
(Inventor, Mentalist, and Mystic) and there is the Generic
Superhero, which allows you to create your own custom class.
Adventurers: restless thrill-seekers who live on luck
Champions: charismatic heroes for a cause
Martial Artists: masters of exotic fighting systems
Masterminds: forceful tacticians and leaders
Sidekicks: highly-trained team players
Sleuths: addicted to mysteries and not afraid to swing their fists
Sneaks: the ever-lovin' masters of being sneaky
Socialites: rich and motivated
Soldiers: military-trained professionals who get the job done
Thinkers: cerebral ponderers who think before they act
Warriors: devotees of the sweet science of kicking ass
Phoenix characters start at 4 th level by default because that
way there is some parity between their HPs and their powers.
Having a character who can punch out a tank but dies from a
kitten's scratch ain't all that fun. You can, of course, start at 1 st
level if you want to. We can't stop you, nor would we, but we
don't recommend it.
Superhero Class Features
Superhero classes have the same standard features as normal
classes, plus a couple of extras. Taking an Occupation, rolling for
Hit Points, and receiving both Skill points and Feats are
unchanged from normal rules. Your allotted Skill points are listed
with your class. You get 2 feats at character creation and 1 every
3 levels thereafter (3, 6, 9, 12, etc.). You also get to increase one
ability score once every 4 levels, as per standard rules. There are,
however, two major differences: Proficiencies and Power Dice.
At every level, you roll your Power Die, much like you
would roll your Hit Points, except that the Power Die is not
modified by an ability score. Like Hit Points, however, you get
your full Power Die at first level. Power Dice grant Power Points
(much like Hit Dice grant Hit Points). You use Power Points
(PPs) to fuel your powers. For more about Power Dice, see
Chapter 5: Powers.
Starting Proficiencies
At character creation, you get a set number of Proficiency
feats (i.e., those feats with the word "proficiency" in their name).
These feats can include both weapon and armour proficiencies.
For example, the Adventurer gets 8 in total, so she can take 6
weapon proficiencies and 2 armour proficiencies, or 4 of each,
but not 8 of each.
Sample Characters
In the NPCs section of Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains, you'll
find sample characters of various kinds. Each class description
lists one of these NPCs as an example of a given class. Each
class has a great deal of flexibility in it, of course, and we
encourage you to play the abilities of the class rather than feeling
locked into the textual description or the samples. The textual
descriptions are there to give you somewhere to start, but you are
by no means required to stop there.
"Per Day" and "Per Session" Abilities
Any class feature that is listed as "per day" indicates that once
you use the ability, you can't use it again until you (a) go to sleep
and wake up or (b) 24 hours elapse since the last time you used
it, whichever comes first. This represents an ability that is so
draining that you can only physically and/more mentally expend
yourself like that once a day.
"Per session" abilities refer to one day of gaming. You can
use this ability once during a gaming session on a particular day.
It represents the kind of ability that characters might invoke only
once in an issue of a comic book or once during an episode of a
television show. If your gaming day is extra-long for some
reason (it's someone's birthday, for example), then GMs might
allow you to use a once-per-session ability twice in a session, but
don't count on it.

Table 2-1 Class Overview

Hit Power Base Fortitude Reflex Will
Class Defence Reputation Skills Proficiencies
Die Die Attack Save Save Save
Adventurer d8 d8 Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Good 6 8
Champion d12 d6 Good Fair Fair Fair Fair Good 4 10
Martial Artist d8 d8 Good Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair 6 6
Mastermind d6 d10 Fair Fair Poor Good Fair Good 6 8
Sidekick d8 d8 Fair Poor Good Fair Good Poor 5 6
Sleuth d6 d6 Poor Fair Fair Good Fair Fair 8 8
Sneak d6 d6 Fair Poor Good Poor Fair Poor 10 8
Socialite d6 d6 Fair Poor Poor Good Good Good 4 8
Soldier d10 d6 Good Fair Fair Poor Good Fair 10 12
Thinker d4 d12 Poor Poor Poor Good Poor Good 10 4
Warrior d10 d6 Good Good Fair Poor Good Fair 4 10
26 Chapter 2: Classes

Class Feature Types dangerous. For some, that means exploring unknown lands and
There are three kinds of class features, Extraordinary, Power- or testing new technology under life-threatening conditions, but
Like, and Super. for others, it means putting on a costume and fighting crime right
Extraordinary (Ex) class features are (ostensibly) not at home, in a fantastic world right next to the mundane one.
outside the realm of realistic possibility, but they are the kind of Adventurers rely, consciously or not, on the fantastic strokes of
thing that only a superhero can do. The Aventurer's Plot Device, luck and serendipity that follow them around like loyal hounds,
for example, is theoretically possible—someone could just be and they delight in taking on ridiculous odds just so they can beat
that well prepared—but most people can't always have the right them. They live in the impossible.
tool on-hand for every job. Sample Character: Officer X-Ray
Power-Like (PL) class features duplicate a power and can be
affected by the metapowers. This category includes mystical and Skill Points at 1 st Level: (6 + Int per level) x4
psionic effects. Skill Point per Level: 6 + Int modifier
Super (Su) class features are outside of the realm of realism, Class Skills: Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (mechanical,
but are so intrinsic to a particular way of looking at the world, structure, visual art) (Int), Drive (Dex), Escape Artist (Dex),
which is what classes represent, that they cannot be affected by Gamble (Wis), Gather Information (Cha), Jump (Str),
the metapowers. This includes the Martial Artist's ability to shift Knowledge (current events, history, popular culture) (Int),
her life force within her body through Unity of Being, for Observe (Wis), Pilot (Dex), Profession (Int), Repair (Int), Ride
example. (Dex), Search (Int), Spellcraft (Int), Stealth (Dex), Survival
(Wis), Swim (Str), Treat Injury (Wis).
Multi-classing
Multi-classing works according to standard d20 rules in Starting Proficiencies: 8
Phoenix, with just one exception. Starting proficiencies don't Lucky Item (Su): At level 1, Adventurers can designate one
"stack" when you multi-class. Instead, when you take a new possession (object, article of clothing, anything that can be
class, you "top up" your proficiency total to match the new class. carried), as their "lucky item." Once per game session, before any
If the new class has more Proficiencies, then you gain the Saving Throw or Skill roll, Adventurers can invoke the luck of
difference. If it has fewer, then you make no changes. the item, which grants a +2 to the roll. If they lose the item
Sample Character: Adonis during the course of an adventure before using it's luck, they
cannot call on its luck until they recover the item itself.
Adventurer Any Lucky Item that is lost or destroyed, and not recovered
Hit Die: 1d8 by the end of the session, will “luckily” be found or recovered
Power Die: 1d8 (through any old rationale you like) at the end of the session.
Adventurers are motivated by boredom, restlessness, and At levels 4 and 8, Adventurers can invoke the Lucky Item's
wanderlust. The mundane world is excruciating for them, so they bonus twice and then thrice per session, respectively (yes, I said
seek out the abnormal, the forbidden, and most of all, the "thrice." It's a perfectly cromulent word).
Table 2-2 Adventurer Plot Device (Ex): At level 1, Adventurers gain
one Plot Device, as per the feat (see Chapter 4:
Level Base Attack Fort Ref Will Def. Rep. Class Features
Feats).
1 +0 +1 +1 +1 +1 +3 Lucky Item, Plot Device
Jack of All Trades (Ex): At level 2,
2 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +4 Jack-of-All-Trades
Adventurers can use all "trained only" skills as if
3 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +4 Special Ability
they were trained. However, when using those
4 +3 +2 +2 +2 +2 +5 Lucky Item (twice), Bonus Feat skills untrained, a roll of 1 is a Critical Failure,
5 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +5 Fabled Luck, Protective Instincts which can result in breaking a tool, hurting
6 +4 +3 +3 +3 +3 +6 Special Ability themselves, or otherwise royally screwing up
7 +5 +3 +3 +3 +3 +6 Bonus Feat whatever they’re trying to do. Regardless of the
8 +6/+1 +4 +4 +4 +4 +7 Lucky Item (thrice) specifics, the failure will be spectacular and
9 +6/+1 +4 +4 +4 +4 +8 Special Ability unfavourable. GMs are encouraged to toss some
10 +7/+2 +5 +5 +5 +5 +9 Protective Instincts good natured disaster at the otherwise blessed-by-
11 +8/+3 +5 +5 +5 +5 +9 Renaissance Man the-gods lives of Adventurers.
12 +9/+4 +6 +6 +6 +6 +10 Bonus Feat, Special Ability Special Ability (Ex): At levels 3, 6, 9, 12, 15,
13 +9/+4 +6 +6 +6 +6 +10 Skill Mastery 18, Adventurers can take one of the abilities,
14 +10/+5 +6 +6 +6 +6 +11 Bonus Feat listed in italics. They can take each ability only
15 +11/+6/+1 +7 +7 +7 +7 +11 Special Ability, Protective Instincts once, unless its text says otherwise. Unlike Class
16 +12/+7/+2 +7 +7 +7 +7 +12 Bonus Feat x2 Features, Special Abilities that replicate feats
17 +12/+7/+2 +8 +8 +8 +8 +13 Favoured Save
require prerequisites, just like a normal feat.
18 +13/+8/+3 +8 +8 +8 +8 +14 Special Ability
Delay Disaster: If an Adventurer fails to disarm a
19 +14/+9/+4 +9 +9 +9 +9 +14 Bonus Feat x3
bomb or trap, it detonates or otherwise 'goes
20 +15/+10/+5 +9 +9 +9 +9 +15 Protective Instincts

26 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 2: Classes 27

off' 1d2 rounds later, at the end of the round, instead of going being hit by a vehicle while you are on foot, regardless of
off immediately. whether the hit is an accident or a deliberate attack.
Encyclopaedic Memory: You can re-roll any failed Knowledge
check once. You can do this twice per session. Bonus Feats: At levels 4, 7, 12, 16, and 19. Groups: Combat,
Evasion: You can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with Defensive; Save Enhancers; Skill Enhancers.
great agility. If you make a successful Reflex saving throw Fabled Luck (Ex): At level 5, once per day, Adventurers can
against an attack that normally deals half damage, then you roll two d20s for any roll requiring a d20 (attacks, skills, saves,
instead take no damage. You can use Evasion only if you are initiative, etc.) and choose the more favourable roll.
wearing light armour or no armour. If you are helpless, you Protective Instincts (Ex): At levels 5, 10, 15, and 20,
do not gain the benefit of Evasion. Adventurers receive one of the three basic Save Enhancer feats
Fisticuffs: You gain a +2 competence bonus to damage rolls (Lightning Reflexes, Great Fortitude, or Iron Will), at the player's
when you hit with an Unarmed Strike. discretion. If they already have all three, they can choose to take
Nerves of Steel: When using the Jack of All Trades class feature, one of the Awesome save enhancers. If they have all three of
rolling a 1 on a d20 does not count as a critical failure. them, they can take one of the Supreme save enhancers.
Nimbleness: Your Speed increases by +5 feet. Renaissance Man (Ex): At level 11, all skills are considered
Pursuit Specialist: Gain a +4 competence bonus to Drive and/or Class Skills for the Adventurer, for the purposes of paying skill
Ride checks rolled while in ‘hot pursuit’ of any adversary. points. NB: this applies only to the Adventurer class. If the
Slippery Mind: If you fail a Will Save against a mind-affecting character takes levels in other classes past this point, the normal
spell or power, you can re-roll that Will Save once, on your restrictions for cross-class skills apply at those class levels.
next turn. Skill Mastery (Ex): At level 13, with 2 skills in which
Steady Hands: Re-roll any failed Craft check a single time. You Adventurers already have at least one rank, including cross-class
can do this twice per session. skills, they can now Take 10, even under stressful circumstances
Uncanny Dodge: You retain your Dexterity bonus to Defence (if or when failure involves direct personal risk. If they are granted
any) even if you are caught flat-footed or struck by an this class feature multiple times, they can pick 2 new skills each
invisible attacker. However, you still lose your Dexterity time.
bonus to Defence if you are immobilised. If you already have Favoured Save (Ex): At level 17, Adventurers can Take 10
Uncanny Dodge, then this Special Ability grants Improved with one of their Saves (Fortitude, Reflex, or Will, player's
Uncanny Dodge instead. choice).
Walk Away Unscathed: If you crash or lose control of a ground
vehicle (car, truck, bus), then you can spend 1AP to take no Champion
damage. You don't have to be driving the vehicle to use this Hit Die: d12
ability. You can use this ability to take half damage from Power Die: d6
The Champion is a hero for an ideal, a nation, or an
institution. Champions are living symbols,
walking icons. They are charming,
Table 2-3 Champion
persuasive, and never at a loss to orate on the
Level Base Attack Fort Ref Will Def. Rep. Class Features
glory of their causes, the importance of the
1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +3 Swaggering Bravado, Iconic Attack +2 ideology for which they fight, or the malice
2 +2 +1 +1 +1 +1 +4 Chutzpah! +2 and cruelty of their enemies. Champions fight
3 +3 +2 +2 +2 +2 +4 Iconic Presence +2 with the dedication of the True Believer.
4 +4 +2 +2 +2 +2 +5 Bombastic Aura I Sample Character: Doc Sprocket
5 +5 +3 +3 +3 +3 +5 Bonus Feat
6 +6/+1 +3 +3 +3 +3 +6 Iconic Attack +4 Skill Points at 1 st Level: (4 + Int per
7 +7/+2 +3 +3 +3 +3 +6 Bonus Feat level) x4
8 +8/+3 +4 +4 +4 +4 +7 Chutzpah! +2 Skill Points per Level: 4 + Int modifier
9 +9/+4 +4 +4 +4 +4 +8 Bonus Feat, Unshakable Resolve Class Skills: Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str),
10 +10/+5 +5 +5 +5 +5 +9 Iconic Attack +6 Craft (mechanical, visual art, writing) (Int),
11 +11/+6/+1 +5 +5 +5 +5 +9 Bonus Feat x2 Diplomacy (Cha), Drive (Dex), Gather
12 +12/+7/+2 +6 +6 +6 +6 +10 Iconic Presence +4 Information (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump
13 +13/+8/+3 +6 +6 +6 +6 +10 Bonus Feat x2 (Str), Knowledge (art, civics, history,
14 +14/+9/+4 +6 +6 +6 +6 +11 Iconic Attack (crit range x2) theology/ philosophy) (Int), Observe (Wis),
15 +15/+10/+5 +7 +7 +7 +7 +11 Bonus Feat
Profession (Int), Ride (Dex), Search (Int),
Sense Motive (Wis), Swim (Wis), and Treat
16 +16/+11/+6/+1 +7 +7 +7 +7 +12 Chutzpah! +2
Injury (Wis).
17 +17/+12/+7/+2 +8 +8 +8 +8 +13 Iconic Attack +6, Bonus Feat
18 +18/+13/+8/+3 +8 +8 +8 +8 +14 Iconic Presence +6
Starting Proficiencies: 10
19 +19/+14/+9/+4 +9 +9 +9 +9 +14 Inflexible Will, Bonus Feat
20 +20/+15/+10/+5 +9 +9 +9 +9 +15 Iconic Attack +8

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 27

28 Chapter 2: Classes

Swaggering Bravado (Ex): At level 1, Champions can re- Martial Artist

roll any failed Charisma check or Charisma- based skill check. Hit Die: d8
They can do this twice per session. Power Die: d8
Iconic Attack (Ex): At level 1, Champions create a signature Martial Artists, as their names indicate, turn the simple act of
attack, something that symbolically reflects their cause, like the fighting into an art form, with all of the implications of spiritual
Brutal Police Baton of Justice, the Boot-Up-The-Ass of Parental enlightenment, personal knowledge, and aesthetics that that
Authority, or the Invisible Hand of the Market. Iconic Attacks implies. According to a Martial Artist, there is something
can apply to standard attacks and special attacks alike, such as a beautiful about a deadly blow. Thousands of hours of training—
Stunning Fist or a Bull Rush, but must be with the same weapon, mental, physical, and spiritual—go into perfecting their fighting
including, but not limited to, unarmed strikes. Icon Attacks techniques, not merely for the sake of accuracy and efficiency,
receive a +2 competency bonus to hit and damage. At levels 6, but for the sake of the sheer pleasure of the movement and the
10, 17, and 20, the bonus increases by +2. At level 14, the critical mental states it both requires and creates. Though the martial arts
threat range of the attack doubles. themselves are most commonly associated with Asian styles, like
Chutzpah! (Ex): At levels 2, 12, and 18, Adventurers get a Kung Fu, Karate, and Tae Kwon Do, there are equally complex
permanent +2 to Charisma. and deadly techniques in other parts of the world, like French
Iconic Presence: (Ex) At levels 3, 12, and 18, Champions Savate, or Brazilian Capoeira. Even the humble boxer is the
grant a cumulative +2 morale bonus to Will saves to those who master of a martial art.
fight on their side and remain within sight/earshot. Sample Character: Monkey Queen
Bombastic Aura (Su): At level 4, Champions become so
magnificent, awesome, or scary that they add their Charisma Skill Points at 1 st Level: (6 + Int per level) x4
modifier to their Defence as an insight bonus. This bonus affects Skill Point per Level: 6 + Int modifier
only those who are within 30'. Anyone who is immune to fear Class Skills: Autohypnosis (Wis), Climb (Str), Concentration
and/or charm effects ignores this bonus. (Con), Craft (mechanical) (Int), Drive (Dex), Jump (Str),
Bonus Feats: At levels 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19. Feat Knowledge (theology/philosophy) (Int), Observe (Wis), Perform
groups: Combat, Defensive; Combat, Offensive; Save Enhancers. (Cha), Profession (Int), Ride (Dex), Search (Wis), Stealth (Dex),
Unshakable Resolve (Ex): At level 9, Champions can re-roll Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex).
any Will save if their chosen ideals are at stake, or if they are
forced to act contrary to those ideals. Starting Proficiencies: 6
Inflexible Will (Ex): At level 19, Champions can Take 10 on Combat Martial Arts: At level 1, Martial Artists receive this
any Will Save, but they must declare their intention to do so feat for free.
before they make their rolls. Improved Unarmed Damage: At levels 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20,
Martial Artists receive this feat and thus increase the damage
they inflict with their unarmed strikes (see Chapter 4: "Feats").
They can take the feat normally, in
addition to receiving this class feature.
Table 2-4 Martial Artist
Evasion (Ex): At level 2, Martial
Level Base Attack Fort Ref Will Def. Rep. Class Features
Artists can avoid even magical and
1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 Combat Martial Arts, Imp. Unarmed Damage unusual attacks with great agility. If
2 +2 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 Evasion they make a successful Reflex saving
3 +3 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 Defensive Awareness throw against an attack that normally
4 +4 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 Uncanny Dodge deals half damage, then they instead
5 +5 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 Imp. Unarmed Damage, Bonus Feat take no damage. They can use Evasion
6 +6/+1 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 Float Like a Butterfly only if they are wearing light armour
7 +7/+2 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 Protective Instincts or no armour. If they are helpless, then
8 +8/+3 +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 Improved Uncanny Dodge they do not gain the benefit of Evasion.
9 +9/+4 +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 Bonus Feats x2 Defensive Awareness (Ex): At
10 +10/+5 +5 +5 +5 +5 +5 Improved Unarmed Damage, Bonus Feat level 3, Martial Artists gain an insight
11 +11/+6/+1 +5 +5 +5 +5 +5 Improved Evasion bonus to Defence that equals their
12 +12/+7/+2 +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 Bonus Feats x2 Wisdom modifier. This bonus applies
13 +13/+8/+3 +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 Protective Instincts only if they are unarmoured.
14 +14/+9/+4 +6 +6 +6 +6 +6 Sting Like a Bee Uncanny Dodge (Ex): At level 4,
15 +15/+10/+5 +7 +7 +7 +7 +7 Improved Unarmed Damage, Bonus Feat
Martial Artists retain their Dexterity
bonus to Defence (if any) even if they
16 +16/+11/+6/+1 +7 +7 +7 +7 +7 Favoured Save
are caught flat-footed or struck by an
17 +17/+12/+7/+2 +8 +8 +8 +8 +8 Unity of Being
invisible attacker. However, they still
18 +18/+13/+8/+3 +8 +8 +8 +8 +8 Bonus Feats x2
lose their Dexterity bonus to Defence
19 +19/+14/+9/+4 +9 +9 +9 +9 +9 Ageless
if they are immobilised. If they already
20 +20/+15/+10/+5 +9 +9 +9 +9 +9 Improved Unarmed Damage, Bonus Feat

28 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 2: Classes 29

have Uncanny Dodge, then they get Improved Uncanny Dodge Unity of Being (Su): At level 17, Martial Artists can, as a
instead. swift action, trade PPs for HPs or HPs for PPs, at a ratio of 2:1.
Bonus Feats: At levels 5, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, and 20. Feat This means that they could trade 12 HPs for 6PPs or vice-versa.
groups: Combat, Defensive; Combat, General; Combat, They cannot trade enough points to put their HPs to zero or
Offensive. lower, and there is no such thing as negative PPs. Martial Artists
Float Like a Butterfly (PL): At level 6, Martial Artists must be conscious to use this class feature.
receive Amazing Leap and two ranks in Powered Leap Ageless (PL): At level 19, Martial Artists no longer take any
(enhancement) and one rank in Catfall. These ranks stack with penalties for ageing. Although they do still physically age and
any previous ranks the Martial Artist has taken in those two will eventually die of old age, their ability scores never change as
powers. a result of the ageing process.
Protective Instincts (Ex): At levels 7 and 13, Martial Artists Mastermind
receive one of the three basic Save Enhancer feats (Lightning
Reflexes, Great Fortitude, or Iron Will), player's choice. If they Hit Die: d6
already have all three, they can choose to take one of the Power Die: d10
Awesome save enhancers. If they have all three of them, they can Masterminds pride themselves on planning for every
take one of the Supreme save enhancers. contingency, knowing their enemies' every strength and
Uncanny Dodge, Improved (Ex): At level 8, Martial Artists weakness, and learning to use both against them. Regardless of
can no longer be flanked. This defence denies anyone else the their physical power, Masterminds employ complex tactics,
ability to Sneak Attack them by flanking them, unless they have manipulation and mind games, and strategic thinking with
at least 4 more character levels or hit dice than the Martial Artist military precision. Before they walk into a room, they have
in the class that grants the Sneak Attack feature. already played out every possible scenario in their minds and
Improved Evasion (Ex): At level 11, Martial Artists' planned for them all. Masterminds are particularly good at either
Evasion ability improves. They still take no damage on a inspiring or terrorizing their lieutenants into serving them with
successful Reflex saving throw against attacks, but also take only unquestioning efficiency. They get especially good use out of
half damage on a failed save. A helpless Martial Artist does not abilities that provide helpers and servants (i.e., Ally, Connection,
gain the benefit of Improved Evasion. Grunt, Minion, Personal Assistant) or those that grant the ability
Sting Like a Bee (Ex): At level 14, the critical multiplier of to aid or inspire others in combat (Improved Co-operative
Martial Artists' unarmed strikes increases by x2 (thus x2 Attack, Field Commander). Though the Mastermind may seem
becomes x3, and so on), and the critical threat range doubles best suited as a villain, they can just as easily be inspirational
from (thus 20 becomes 19-20, 19-20 becomes 17-20, etc.). leaders of men and women. The difference between Masterminds
Favoured Save (Ex): At level 16, Martial Artists can Take 10 and Champions, though, is that Masterminds often will not stand
with one of their Saves (Fortitude, Reflex, or Will; player's shoulder-to-shoulder with their followers in battle, instead taking
choice). up a less glorious, but potentially more useful, position far
behind the lines.
Sample Character: Slag
Table 2-5 Mastermind
Level Base Attack Fort Ref Will Def. Rep. Class Features Skill Points at 1 st Level: (6 + Int per level) x4
1 +0 +1 +0 +2 +1 +3 Imposing Presence +2 Skill Point per Level: 6 + Int modifier
2 +1 +1 +0 +3 +1 +4 Tactical Genius +2, Special Ability Class Skills: Appraise (Int), Bluff (Cha),
3 +2 +2 +1 +3 +2 +4 Inspiring Presence +2 Climb (Str), Computer Use (Int), Craft
4 +3 +2 +1 +4 +2 +5 Bombastic Aura (mechanical) (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Drive
5 +3 +3 +1 +4 +3 +5 Bonus Feat, Cross-Trained (Dex), Gamble (Wis), Gather Information (Cha),
6 +4 +3 +2 +5 +3 +6 Imposing Presence +4 Intimidate (Cha), Investigate (Int), Jump (Str),
7 +5 +3 +2 +5 +3 +6 Tactical Genius +4, Special Ability Knowledge (behavioural sciences, business,
8 +6/+1 +4 +2 +6 +4 +7 Inspiring Presence +4 current events, history, tactics, theology/
9 +6/+1 +4 +3 +6 +4 +8 Inflexible Will, Bonus Feat philosophy) (Int), Observe (Wis), Pilot (Dex),
10 +7/+2 +5 +3 +7 +5 +9 Mind Expansion Profession (Int), Repair (Int), Ride (Dex), Search
11 +8/+3 +5 +3 +7 +5 +9 Imposing Presence +6, Special Ability (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), Spellcraft (Int).
12 +9/+4 +6 +4 +8 +6 +10 Tactical Genius +6, Chutzpah! +2
13 +9/+4 +6 +4 +8 +6 +10 Inspiring Presence +6
Starting Proficiencies: 8
Imposing Presence (Ex): At level 1,
14 +10/+5 +6 +4 +9 +6 +11 Bonus Feat, Special Ability
Masterminds receive a +2 competency bonus to
15 +11/+6/+1 +7 +5 +9 +7 +11 Mind Expansion
all Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks. The
16 +12/+7/+2 +7 +5 +10 +7 +12 Imposing Presence +8, Chutzpah! +2
bonus increases by +1 at levels 6 (+4), 11 (+6),
17 +12/+7/+2 +8 +5 +10 +8 +13 Tactical Genius +8
and 16 (+8).
18 +13/+8/+3 +8 +6 +11 +8 +14 Inspiring Presence +8 Tactical Genius (Ex): At level 2,
19 +14/+9/+4 +9 +6 +11 +9 +14 Bonus Feat x2, Special Ability Masterminds can grant a +2 circumstance bonus
20 +15/+10/+5 +9 +6 +12 +9 +15 Chutzpah! +2, Mind Expansion

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 29

30 Chapter 2: Classes

to the skill checks and attack rolls of anyone who fights on their Inspiring Presence (Ex): At level 3, Masterminds grant a +2
side and remains within 50'. This requires a move action, to bark morale bonus to attack and damage rolls and Will saves against
orders or otherwise direct their allies. Masterminds can do this fear or charm effects to anyone who fights on their side and
three times per day. This effect lasts for a number of rounds equal remains within 50 ft. This effect requires not effort on the
to the Mastermind's Charisma modifier +2. The bonus increases Mastermind's part and lasts for as long as the Mastermind
by +1 at level 7 (to +4), 12 (to +6), and 17 (to +8). actively fights in the battle. This bonus increases at level 8 (to
Special Ability (Ex): At levels 2, 7, 11, 14, and 19, +4), 13 (to +6), and 18 (to +8).
Masterminds can take one of the abilities listed in italics, below. Bombastic Aura (Su): At level 4, Masterminds become so
They can take each ability only once, unless its text says magnificent, awesome, or scary that they add their Charisma
otherwise. Unlike Class Features, Special Abilities that replicate modifier to their Defence as a insight bonus. This bonus affects
feats require prerequisites, just like a normal feat. only those who are within 30'. Anyone who is immune to fear
Encyclopaedic Memory: You can re-roll any failed Knowledge and/or charm effects ignores this bonus.
check once. You can do this twice per session. Bonus Feat: At levels 5, 9 14, 19. Feat groups: Defensive
Exhort Lieutenants: By expending 1AP and a free action, you Combat, Save Enhancers, and Skill Enhancers.
can grant a +1 bonus to the skill checks and saves of up to ten Cross-Trained (Ex): At level 5, Masterminds gain this feat.
people at a time. The effect lasts a number of rounds equal to Inflexible Will (Ex): At level 9, Masterminds can Take 10 on
the Mastermind's Charisma modifier. any Will Save, but they must declare their intention to do so
Bonus Feat: You can pick a free feat from one of the following before they make their rolls.
groups: Defensive Combat, Save Enhancers, and Skill Mind Expansion: At levels 10, 15, and 20, Masterminds
Enhancers. apply a permanent +1 to either Intelligence, Wisdom, or
Opportunist: Any time an opponent within your standard mêlée Charisma (player's choice).
reach takes damage from someone else's attack, you can Chutzpah!: At levels 12, 16, and 20, Masterminds get a
choose to make an Attack of Opportunity against that permanent +2 to Charisma.
opponent. You can do so only once per round, even with Sidekick
Combat Reflexes, and this attack counts against your total Hit Die: d8
number of Attacks of Opportunity. Power Die: d8
Scare Tactics: Once per day, Masterminds can roll two d20s for Sidekicks are more than just junior partners of an older or
any Intimidate check and select the best result. more powerful superhero. They are experts at playing a
Slippery Mind: If you fail a Will Save against a mind-affecting supporting role in a superhero's quest for justice. Sidekicks’
spell or power, you can re-roll that Will Save once, on your abilities are geared toward staying out of the spotlight in order to
next turn. keep their hero looking good. They are highly-trained team
Vanish Into Another Life: Free 4CP Additional Identity, ready for players who are better at following than leading, at least until
use at all times. they get a little older.
Sample Character: Sponge
Table 2-6 Sidekick
Skill Points at 1 st Level: (5 + Int per
Level Base Attack Fort Ref Will Def. Rep. Class Features
level) x4
1 +0 +0 +2 +1 +2 +0 Restore Confidence, Cooperative Attack Skill Point per Level: 5 + Int modifier
2 +1 +0 +3 +1 +3 +0 Improved Flanking I Class Skills: Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str),
3 +2 +1 +3 +2 +3 +0 Heroic Intervention Computer Use (Int), Craft (electronic,
4 +3 +1 +4 +2 +4 +0 Sneak Attack +1d6, Armour of Obscurity mechanical) (Int), Disable Device (Int),
5 +3 +1 +4 +3 +4 +1 Evasion Drive (Dex), Escape Artist (Dex), Gather
6 +4 +2 +5 +3 +5 +1 Improved Cooperative Attack, Bonus Feat Information (Cha), Jump (Str),
7 +5 +2 +5 +3 +5 +1 Unwavering Loyalty +2, Improved Flanking II Knowledge (current events, popular
8 +6/+1 +2 +6 +4 +6 +1 Sneak Attack +2d6, Uncanny Dodge culture, technology) (Int), Observe (Wis),
9 +6/+1 +3 +6 +4 +6 +2 Distraction (-1) Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight
10 +7/+2 +3 +7 +5 +7 +2 Unwavering Loyalty +4 of Hand (Dex), Stealth (Dex), Swim (Str),
11 +8/+3 +3 +7 +5 +7 +2 Set-Up Attack, Improved Evasion Treat Injury (Wis), Tumble (Dex).
12 +9/+4 +4 +8 +6 +8 +2 Sneak Attack +3d6, Bonus Feat
13 +9/+4 +4 +8 +6 +8 +3 Distraction (-2) Starting Proficiencies: 6
14 +10/+5 +4 +9 +6 +9 +3 Unwavering Loyalty +6, Bonus Feat Restore Confidence (Ex): At level 1,
15 +11/+6/+1 +5 +9 +7 +9 +3 Bonus Feat
twice per session, Sidekicks can grant any
one comrade within 50 feet a free re-roll
16 +12/+7/+2 +5 +10 +7 +10 +3 Sneak Attack +4d6, Bonus Feat
on any Will save. This requires an
17 +12/+7/+2 +5 +10 +8 +10 +4 Distraction (-3)
immediate action, to yell something
18 +13/+8/+3 +6 +11 +8 +11 +4 Unwavering Loyalty +8, Bonus Feat x2
encouraging, flash a big, goofy grin, or
19 +14/+9/+4 +6 +11 +9 +11 +4 Bonus Feat x2
otherwise offer moral support.
20 +15/+10/+5 +6 +12 +9 +12 +4 Sneak Attack +5d6, Bonus Feat

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 Chapter 2: Classes
Cooperative Attack: At level 1, Sidekicks receive this feat.
Improved Flanking I (Ex): At level 2, Sidekicks can grant a
team mate a flanking bonus just by engaging in mêlée against the
same opponent. The Sidekick's position relative to the team
mater does not matter. Only the Sidekick's team mate gains the
flanking bonuses. At level 7, Sidekicks received Improved
Flanking II (Ex), which means that the Sidekick now gains the
Flanking bonuses as well.
Armour of Obscurity (Ex): At level 4, Sidekick's become
experts at not attracting the attention of their enemies. They can
take the Charisma bonus of any ally who is (a) within 30' and (b)
visibly present to the enemy, and add it to their own Defence
score as a competence bonus.
Sneak Attack (Ex): At levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20, Sidekicks
receive +1d6 Sneak Attack damage. If they can catch an
opponent when he is unable to defend himself effectively from
their attacks, then they can strike a vital spot for extra damage.
Their attack deals extra damage any time the target would
be denied their Dexterity bonus to Defence (whether the target
actually has a Dexterity bonus or not), or when the Sidekick has
flanked them. This extra damage is initially 1d6, and increases
by 1d6 at the levels indicated above. Critical hits do not
multiply Sneak Attack damage.
Ranged attacks can count as Sneak Attacks only if the target
is within 30 feet.
With a sap (blackjack) or an unarmed strike, Sidekicks can
make a Sneak Attack that deals non-lethal damage instead of
lethal damage. They cannot use a weapon that deals lethal
damage to deal non-lethal damage in a sneak attack, not even
with the usual –4 penalty.
Sidekicks can perform a Sneak Attack on only living
creatures with discernible anatomies or vital systems , which
includes people, aliens, and fantasy creatures, as well as
Mechanoids (Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains), but it does not
include undead, constructs, oozes, plants, and incorporeal
creatures. Any creature that is immune to critical hits is not
vulnerable to Sneak Attacks.
Sidekicks must be able to see the target well enough to pick
out a vital spot and must be able to reach such a spot. They
cannot Sneak Attack while striking a creature or target that has
concealment, and they cannot strike at the limbs of a creature's
because their vital spots (body and/or head) are out of your reach.
They can hit aliens, animals, and other non-human creatures, as
long as they have something akin to "vital areas."
Heroic Intervention (Ex): At level 4, Sidekicks can instantly
change places with any adjacent ally character for the express
purpose of taking an attack already successfully made against
that ally. Sidekicks can use this ability at any time, as an
Immediate Action, once per round.
Evasion (Ex): At level 5, Sidekicks can avoid even magical
and unusual attacks with great agility. If they make a successful
Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half
damage, then they instead take no damage. They can use Evasion
only if they are wearing light armour or no armour. If they are
helpless, then they do not gain the benefit of Evasion.
Cooperative Attack, Improved: At level 6, Sidekicks
receive this feat.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
31
Bonus Feats: At levels 6, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, and 20,
Sidekicks can pick free feats from the following feat groups:
Combat, Defensive; General; Save Enhancers.
Unwavering Loyalty (Ex): At level 7, Sidekicks receive a +2
to any roll to resist mental effects (psionic, magical, etc.) that
would compel them to betray, harm, or abandon their allies. This
bonus improves by +2 at level 10 (to +4), level 14 (to +6), and
level 18 (to +8).
Uncanny Dodge (Ex): At level 8, Sidekicks retain their
Dexterity bonus to Defence (if any) even if they are caught flat-
footed or struck by an invisible attacker. However, they still lose
their Dexterity bonus to Defence if they are immobilised. If they
already have Uncanny Dodge, then they automatically get
Improved Uncanny Dodge (see below) instead.
Distraction (Ex): At levels 9, Sidekicks are such an
annoyance to adjacent opponents that those opponents suffer a -1
to Defence. This penalty stacks with the effects of Flanking and
other such distraction ploys in combat. The penalty improves by
1 at level 13 (to -2) and 17 (to -3).
Set-Up Attack (Ex): At level 11, Sidekicks can effectively
give their highest attack to an adjacent ally. Sidekicks use a
standard action to create an opportunity for an ally to attack an
opponent that they both threaten in mêlée. The attack made by
the ally is either at the Sidekick's highest attack bonus, or the
ally's, whichever is higher. Sidekicks can Set Up only one attack
per round. The attack happens during the Sidekick's round, but is
rolled by the ally. The ally expends one Attack of Opportunity in
order to use the Sidekick's Set-Up Attack.
Evasion, Improved (Ex): At level 11, Sidekicks become
even better at avoid damage. When they fail Reflex saves they
take only half damage, and if they succeed they take no damage.
They can use Evasion only if they are wearing light armour or no
armour. If they are helpless, then they do not gain the benefit of
Evasion.
Sleuth
Hit Die: d6
Power Die: d6
The thinking-man's crime fighter, Sleuths are experts in
surveillance, detection, psychology, gathering information in all
its forms, and using evidence to not only reconstruct crimes, but
solve them in progress or even predict them before they happen.
Sleuths themselves vary greatly in terms of style and practise.
Some are all brains, paying attention to nothing but verifiable
evidence and irrefutable logic. Some are all guts, relying on
instinct and an uncanny feel for people. Some are immaculately
dressed and exude class. Some are rumpled, down-on-their-luck
alcoholics. Some are private detectives, who are pulled into
adventures as part of their jobs, some are free agents who just
stick their noses into mysteries when they smell them, and some
are law-enforcement agents, sworn to uphold justice. The one
thing that ties them together is the driving need to take the
random facts all around them and turn them into concrete stories,
to know what really happened when nobody else does.
Sample Character: Deadline
Skill Points at 1 st Level: (8 + Int per level) x4
Skill Point per Level: 8 + Int modifier
31
32 Chapter 2: Classes

Table 2-7 Sleuth wearing light armour or no armour. If you

Level Base Attack Fort Ref Will Def. Rep. Class Features are helpless, then you do not gain the
1 +0 +1 +1 +2 +1 +1 Connection benefit of Evasion.
2 +1 +1 +1 +3 +1 +1 Investigative Knack +4, Bonus Feat Cross-Trained: You gain this feat.
3 +2 +2 +2 +3 +2 +2 Special Ability Fisticuffs: You gain a +2 competence bonus to
4 +3 +2 +2 +4 +2 +2 Sharp Eyes I, Sixth Sense +2, Connection damage rolls when you hit with an
5 +3 +3 +3 +4 +3 +3 Shadowy Presence +2, Sneak Attack +1d6
Unarmed Strike.
6 +4 +3 +3 +5 +3 +3 Special Ability
Nimbleness: Your Speed increases by +5 feet.
Pursuit Specialist: +4 competence bonus to
7 +5 +3 +3 +5 +3 +3 Sharp Eyes II, Connection
Drive/Ride/Pilot checks made to pursue or
8 +6/+1 +4 +4 +6 +4 +4 Investigative Knack +6, Bonus Feat
tail another vehicle.
9 +6/+1 +4 +4 +6 +4 +4 Special Ability
Roughhousing: +1d6 to Sneak Attacks.
10 +7/+2 +5 +5 +7 +5 +5 Shadowy Presence +4, Sneak Attack +2d6
Scholarly Pursuits: 6 bonus ranks in any
11 +8/+3 +5 +5 +7 +5 +5 Bonus Feat, Connection Knowledge skill. Sleuths can take this
12 +9/+4 +6 +6 +8 +6 +6 Special Ability special ability multiple times.
13 +9/+4 +6 +6 +8 +6 +6 Investigative Knack +8, Sixth Sense +4 Slippery Mind: If you fail a Will Save against
14 +10/+5 +6 +6 +9 +6 +6 Bonus Feat x2 a mind-affecting spell or power, they can
15 +11/+6/+1 +7 +7 +9 +7 +7 Shadowy Presence +6, Sneak Attack +3d6 re-roll that Will Save once, on your next
16 +12/+7/+2 +7 +7 +10 +7 +7 Special Ability turn.
17 +12/+7/+2 +8 +8 +10 +8 +8 Skill Mastery, Connection Uncanny Dodge: You retain your Dexterity
18 +13/+8/+3 +8 +8 +11 +8 +8 Bonus Feat x2 bonus to Defence (if any) even if you are
19 +14/+9/+4 +9 +9 +11 +9 +9 Special Ability, Sixth Sense +6 caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible
20 +15/+10/+5 +9 +9 +12 +9 +9 Shadowy Presence +8, Sneak Attack +4d6 attacker. However, you still lose your
Dexterity bonus to Defence if you are
Class Skills: Appraise (Int), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), immobilised. If you already have Uncanny Dodge, then this
Computer Use (Int), Craft (mechanical, writing) (Int), Disable Special Ability grants Improved Uncanny Dodge instead.
Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Drive (Dex), Gather Information Walk Away Unscathed: If you crash or lose control of a ground
(Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Investigate (Int), Jump (Str), Knowledge vehicle (car, truck, bus), then you can spend 1AP to take no
(behavioural sciences, current events, Earth and life sciences, damage. You don't have to be driving the vehicle to use this
physical sciences) (Int), Observe (Wis), Profession (Int), Repair ability. You can use this ability to take half damage from
(Int), Ride (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Stealth being hit by a vehicle while you are on foot, regardless of
(Dex), Treat Injury (Wis). whether the hit is an accident or a deliberate attack.

Starting Proficiencies: 8
Bonus Advantage (Ex): At level 1, Sleuths receive one of
two bonus Ads, either Law-Enforcement Powers (2CP), or a
Rank 2 Connection (2CP). At levels 4, 7, 11, and 17, Sleuths
receive another 2CP to spend on Connection or Law-
Enforcement Powers, as they see fit.
Investigative Knack (Ex): At level 2, Sleuths receive a +4
bonus to any and all rolls pertaining to directly examining
evidence, either on the scene or in a 'crime lab' after the fact. At
levels 10 and 13, this bonus increases by +2.
Bonus Feat: At levels 2, 8, 11, 14, and 18. Feat groups:
General Combat, Save Enhancers, and Skill Enhancers.
Special Ability (Ex): At levels 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, and 19, Sleuths
can take one of the abilities, listed in italics. They can take each
ability only once, unless its text says otherwise. Unlike Class
Features, Special Abilities that replicate feats require
prerequisites, just like a normal feat.
Encyclopaedic Memory: You can re-roll any failed Knowledge
check once. You can do this twice per session.
Evasion: You can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with
great agility. If you make a successful Reflex saving throw
against an attack that normally deals half damage, then you
instead take no damage. You can use Evasion only if you are
Sharp Eyes I (Ex): At level 4, Sleuths can re-roll any failed
Search or Observe check. They can do so twice per session. At
level 7, Sleuths get Sharp Eyes II, at which point they can re-
roll any failed Search or Observe check four times per session.
Sixth Sense (Ex): At levels 4, 13, and 19, Sleuths receive a
+2 to all skills or checks related to observation: Forgery,
Decipher Script, Gather Information, Investigate, Observe,
Search, Sense Motive, and Treat Injury.
Sneak Attack (Ex): At levels 5, 10, 15, and 20, Sleuths
receive +1d6 Sneak Attack damage. If they can catch an
opponent when he is unable to defend himself effectively from
their attacks, then they can strike a vital spot for extra damage.
Their attack deals extra damage any time the target would
be denied their Dexterity bonus to Defence (whether the target
actually has a Dexterity bonus or not), or when the Sleuth has
flanked them. This extra damage is initially 1d6, and increases
by 1d6 at the levels indicated above. Critical hits do not
multiply Sneak Attack damage.
Ranged attacks can count as Sneak Attacks only if the target
is within 30 feet.
With a sap (blackjack) or an unarmed strike, Sleuths can
make a Sneak Attack that deals non-lethal damage instead of
lethal damage. They cannot use a weapon that deals lethal

32 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 2: Classes 33

damage to deal non-lethal damage in a sneak attack, not even jobs as making sure that freedom is enjoyed by all. They have a
with the usual –4 penalty. stronger tendency to work outside or even in opposition to the
Sleuths can perform a Sneak Attack on only living creatures law, though, in which case they see it as another thing keeping
with discernible anatomies or vital systems , which includes them from their freedom.
people, aliens, and fantasy creatures, as well as Mechanoids (see Sample Character: The Batter
Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains), but it does not include undead,
constructs, oozes, plants, and incorporeal creatures. Any Skill Points at 1 st Level: (10 + Int per level) x4
creature that is immune to critical hits is not vulnerable to Skill Point per Level: 10 + Int modifier
Sneak Attacks. Class Skills: Appraise (Int), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str),
Sleuths must be able to see the target well enough to pick out Computer Use (Int), Craft (chemical, electronic, mechanical,
a vital spot and must be able to reach such a spot. They cannot pharmaceutical, structural) (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disable
Sneak Attack while striking a creature or target that has Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Drive (Dex), Escape Artist (Dex),
concealment, and they cannot strike at the limbs of a creature's Forgery (Int), Gamble (Wis), Gather Information (Cha),
because their vital spots (body and/or head) are out of your reach. Intimidate (Cha), Investigate (Int), Jump (Str), Knowledge
They can hit aliens, animals, and other non-human creatures, as (behavioural sciences, business, current events, earth and life
long as they have something akin to "vital areas." sciences, physical sciences, tactics, technology) (Int), Observe
Shadowy Presence (Ex): At levels 5, Sleuths receive a +2 (Wis), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Repair (Int), Ride (Dex),
competence bonus to Stealth checks. The bonus increases by +1 Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex) Stealth
at levels 10 (to +4), 15 (to +6), and 20 (to +8). (Dex), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), Use Device (Wis), Use Rope
Skill Mastery (Ex): At level 17, with 2 skills in which (Dex).
Sleuths already have at least one rank, including cross-class
skills, they can now Take 10, even under stressful circumstances Starting Proficiencies: 8
or when failure involves direct personal risk. If they are granted Sneak Attack (Ex): At all odd-numbered levels, Sneaks
this class feature multiple times, they can pick 2 new skills each receive +1d6 Sneak Attack damage. If they can catch an
time. opponent when he is unable to defend himself effectively from
Sneak their attacks, then they can strike a vital spot for extra damage.
Hit Die: d6 Their attack deals extra damage any time the target would
Power Die: d6 be denied their Dexterity bonus to Defence (whether the target
Sneaks just don't like being trapped. They take any barrier to actually has a Dexterity bonus or not), or when the Sneak has
their freedom, literal or figurative, as a personal insult, and they flanked them. This extra damage is initially 1d6, and increases
have an almost pathological desire to pick all the locks, open all by 1d6 at the levels indicated above. Critical hits do not
the doors, or talk their way out of any and all restrictions. They multiply Sneak Attack damage.
can be agents of the law, certainly, but they'll tend to see their Ranged attacks can count as Sneak Attacks only if the target
is within 30 feet.
Table 2-8 Sneak With a sap (blackjack) or an unarmed strike,
Sleuths can make a Sneak Attack that deals non-lethal
Level Base Attack Fort Ref Will Def. Rep. Class Features
damage instead of lethal damage. They cannot use a
1 +0 +0 +2 +0 +1 +0 Sneak Attack +1d6
weapon that deals lethal damage to deal non-lethal
2 +1 +0 +3 +0 +1 +0 Special Ability
damage in a sneak attack, not even with the usual –4
3 +2 +1 +3 +1 +2 +0 Sneak Attack +2d6
penalty.
4 +3 +1 +4 +1 +2 +0 Special Ability, Bonus Feat Sneaks can perform a Sneak Attack on only living
5 +3 +1 +4 +1 +3 +1 Sneak Attack +3d6 creatures with discernible anatomies or vital
6 +4 +2 +5 +2 +3 +1 Special Ability systems, which includes people, aliens, and fantasy
7 +5 +2 +5 +2 +3 +1 Sneak Attack +4d6, Bonus Feat creatures, as well as Mechanoids (see Fantasy
8 +6/+1 +2 +6 +2 +4 +1 Special Ability Species, Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains), but it does
9 +6/+1 +3 +6 +3 +4 +2 Sneak Attack +5d6 not include undead, constructs, oozes, plants, and
10 +7/+2 +3 +7 +3 +5 +2 Special Ability, Bonus Feat incorporeal creatures. Any creature that is immune
11 +8/+3 +3 +7 +3 +5 +2 Sneak Attack +6d6 to critical hits is not vulnerable to Sneak Attacks.
12 +9/+4 +4 +8 +4 +6 +2 Special Ability Sneaks must be able to see the target well enough
13 +9/+4 +4 +8 +4 +6 +3 Sneak Attack +7d6, Bonus Feat to pick out a vital spot and must be able to reach such
14 +10/+5 +4 +9 +4 +6 +3 Special Ability a spot. They cannot Sneak Attack while striking a
15 +11/+6/+1 +5 +9 +5 +7 +3 Sneak Attack +8d6 creature or target that has concealment, and they
16 +12/+7/+2 +5 +10 +5 +7 +3 Special Ability, Bonus Feat cannot strike at the limbs of a creature's because their
17 +12/+7/+2 +5 +10 +5 +8 +4 Sneak Attack +9d6
vital spots (body and/or head) are out of your reach.
18 +13/+8/+3 +6 +11 +6 +8 +4 Special Ability
They can hit aliens, animals, and other non-human
creatures, as long as they have something akin to
19 +14/+9/+4 +6 +11 +6 +9 +4 Sneak Attack +10d6, Bonus Feat
"vital areas."
20 +15/+10/+5 +6 +12 +6 +9 +4 Special Ability, Bonus Feat

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34 Chapter 2: Classes

Special Abilities (Ex): At all even-numbered levels, Sneaks opponent. You can do so only once per round, even with
can take one of the abilities, listed in italics. They can take each Combat Reflexes, and this attack counts against your total
ability only once, unless its text says otherwise. Unlike Class number of Attacks of Opportunity.
Features, Special Abilities that replicate feats require Resiliency: Gain a +1 bonus to both Fortitude and Will saves.
prerequisites, just like a normal feat. Skill Mastery: With 2 skills in which you already have at least
Calm Nerves: You can take 10 on any Reflex save, but you must one rank, including cross-class skills, you can now Take 10,
declare your intention to do so before your make your rolls. even under stressful circumstances or when failure involves
Crippling Strike: Victims of Sneak Attacks take -2 penalty to direct personal risk. If you are granted this class feature
Strength for 1d4 rounds. multiple times, you can pick 2 new skills each time.
Defensive Roll: Once per day, you can take half damage from Slippery Mind: If you fail a Will Save against a mind-affecting
any attack that would bring you to 0 or fewer HPs. This spell or power, you can re-roll that Will Save once, on your
requires a Reflex save equal to the damage. You cannot make next turn.
Defensive Rolls if you are denied your Dexterity bonus (if Trap Evasion: You gain a +2 bonus to Reflex saves to avoid traps
any) or are unaware of the in-coming attack. The effects of and a +2 dodge bonus to Defence against attacks by traps.
this special ability to not stack with Evasion. You can take this special ability twice. It's effects stack.
Evasion: You can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with Trap Speciality: You gain a +2 competence bonus to detect,
great agility. If you make a successful Reflex saving throw design, understand, disarm, or set up traps. You also gain
against an attack that normally deals half damage, then you Trapfinding, which means that you can attempt to defeat
instead take no damage. You can use Evasion only if you are Super traps (i.e., traps with Origins). If you beat the DC of a
wearing light armour or no armour. If you are helpless, then Defeat Security check by 10, then you bypass the trap or
you do not gain the benefit of Evasion. device without setting it off. Finally, you can attempt to
Evasion, Improved: Your Evasion ability improves. You still take Disable traps and other devices that have DCs higher than 20.
no damage on a successful Reflex saving throw against Uncanny Dodge: You retain your Dexterity bonus to Defence (if
attacks, but also take only half damage on a failed save. If any) even if you are caught flat-footed or struck by an
you are helpless, you do not gain the benefit of Improved invisible attacker. However, you still lose your Dexterity
Evasion. bonus to Defence if you are immobilised. If you already have
False Papers: Gain a 2CP Alternative Identity. You can take this Uncanny Dodge, then you automatically get Improved
special ability multiple times. It grants a new Alternate Uncanny Dodge instead.
Identity each time. Uncanny Dodge, Improved: You can no longer be flanked. This
Nimbleness: Your Speed increases by +5 feet. defence denies anyone else the ability to Sneak Attack you by
Opportunist: Any time an opponent within your standard mêlée flanking you, unless they have at least 4 more levels than you
reach takes damage from someone else's attack, you can in the class that grants the Sneak Attack feature.
choose to make an Attack of Opportunity against that Bonus Feats: At levels 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, and 20. Feat
groups: Combat, Defensive,
Table 2-9 Socialite Combat, Ranged, Skill
Enhancers.
Level Base Attack Fort Ref Will Def. Rep. Class Features
1 +0 +0 +0 +2 +2 +3 Comfortable Lifestyle (+4 Wealth), Reputation +1
Socialite
2 +1 +0 +0 +3 +3 +4 Perks (4 CP)
3 +2 +1 +1 +3 +3 +4 Cross-Trained, Reputation +2 Hit Die: d6
4 +3 +1 +1 +4 +4 +5 Bombastic Aura Power Die: d6
5 +3 +1 +1 +4 +4 +5 Perks (2 CP), Swaggering Bravado, Reputation +3 Socialites are rich people
6 +4 +2 +2 +5 +5 +6 Rakish Charm +2, Connection with time on their hands and a
7 +5 +2 +2 +5 +5 +6 Chutzpah!, Bonus Feat, Cross-Trained, Reputation +4 thirst for attention. Unlike
8 +6/+1 +2 +2 +6 +6 +7 Perks (2 CP) Champions, they rarely have a
9 +6/+1 +3 +3 +6 +6 +8 Rakish Charm +4, Connection, Reputation +5 quest or mission. Unlike
10 +7/+2 +3 +3 +7 +7 +9 Chutzpah!, Bonus Feat Adventurers, they don’t crave
11 +8/+3 +3 +3 +7 +7 +9 Perks (3 CP), Reputation +6 danger per se, except in so far
12 +9/+4 +4 +4 +8 +8 +10 Rakish Charm +6, Connection
as it makes them look good
13 +9/+4 +4 +4 +8 +8 +10 Chutzpah!, Bonus Feat x2, Reputation +7
when they escape it. What
others accomplish through
14 +10/+5 +4 +4 +9 +9 +11 Rakish Charm +8, Perks (2 CP)
training, skill, or just plain luck,
15 +11/+6/+1 +5 +5 +9 +9 +11 Cross-Trained, Reputation +8
Socialites accomplish through a
16 +12/+7/+2 +5 +5 +10 +10 +12 Chutzpah!, Bonus Feat x2
dazzling array of fabulous
17 +12/+7/+2 +5 +5 +10 +10 +13 Perks (3 CP), Reputation +9
equipment and a genetic
18 +13/+8/+3 +6 +6 +11 +11 +14 Chutzpah!, Bonus Feat x3 inability to conceive of their
19 +14/+9/+4 +6 +6 +11 +11 +14 Rakish Charm +10, Connection, Reputation +10 own failure. Not necessarily
20 +15/+10/+5 +6 +6 +12 +12 +15 Perks (4 CP)

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 Chapter 2: Classes 35

egomaniacs, Socialites simply understand the adage "never let Reputation. Socialites can save these CPs to buy an expensive
them see you sweat" on a nigh-spiritual level. They are just as Ad, or spend them one at a time.
often magnanimous about their wealth as not, funding other Cross-Trained (Ex): At levels 3, 7, and 15, Socialites gain
superheroic (or supervillainous) efforts, occasionally even doing this feat.
so anonymously so that they appear more like 'real superheroes' Bombastic Aura (Su): At level 4, Socialites become so
in the public eye. magnificent, awesome, or scary that they add their Charisma
Sample Character: Brain Doctor modifier to their Defence as a insight bonus. This bonus affects
only those who are within 30'. Anyone who is immune to fear
Skill Points at 1 st Level: (6 + Int per level) x4 and/or charm effects ignores this bonus.
Skill Point per Level: 6 + Int modifier Swaggering Bravado (Ex): At level 5, Socialites can re-roll
Class Skills: Appraise (Int), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), any failed Charisma check or Charisma-based skill check. They
Computer Use (Int), Craft (visual art, writing) (Int), Diplomacy can do this twice per session.
(Cha), Drive (Dex), Gamble (Wis), Gather Information (Cha), Rakish Charm (Ex): At levels 6, 9, 12, 14, and 19, Socialites
Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (art, business, current receive a +2 to all Bluff, Diplomacy, and Gather Information
events, popular culture) (Int), Observe (Wis), Ride (Dex), Search checks, to a total of +10 by level 19.
(Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Swim (Str) Connection (Ex): At levels 6, 9, 12, and 19, Socialites
receives a 2CP Connection Ad. Socialites can either take new
Starting Proficiencies: 6 Connections every time, creating a stable of friends and allies, or
Reputation (Ex): At levels 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, and put the points into the same Connection, which would represent
19, Socialites receive a +1 to their Reputation scores. They either not only the Connection's rising influence in the world, but an
can't resist smiling for the cameras, even though they have secret increasing trust in the Socialite. The Connection(s) can be people
lives as crime fighters, or they use their wealthy status as a cover Socialites know in their normal lives, or as their super personae,
for those secret lives. or a mixture of the two.
Comfortable Lifestyle (Ex): At level 1, Socialites receive a Chutzpah! (Su): At levels 7, 10, 13, 16, and 18, Socialites
+4 bonus to their Wealth, which represents their fabulous get a permanent +1 to Charisma.
affluence. Bonus Feats: At levels 7, 10, 13, 16, and 18. Feat groups:
Perks (Ex): At levels 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, and 20, Socialites General, Save Enhancers, Vehicle.
receive additional CPs with which they can take one of the Ads
listed below. These additional CPs represent inheritances from Soldier
wealthy relatives, the maturing of investments made decades Hit Die: d10
beforehand, or their increased fame and glory, either as Power Die: d6
superheroes or private citizens. Perk list: Allies, Alternate Soldiers put their military training and their equipment to
Identity, Assistant, Connection, Database/Library, and effective use. They execute their missions with mechanical
precision and efficiency is their top priority, and
they take a great deal of pride in doing so. They are
Table 2-10 Soldier
exceedingly loyal, placing the needs of the group
Level Base Attack Fort Ref Will Def. Rep. Class Features
and the mission above the needs of the individual.
1 +1 +1 +1 +0 +2 +1 Bonus Feat They tend toward world-weariness, though. Their
2 +2 +1 +1 +0 +3 +1 Sneak Attack +1d6 practicality can sometimes lead to cynicism and
3 +3 +2 +2 +1 +3 +2 Bonus Feat fatalism. Some Soldiers who become extremely
4 +4 +2 +2 +1 +4 +2 Protective Instincts, Evasion embittered can become Mercenaries. Instead of
5 +5 +3 +3 +1 +4 +3 Bonus Feat acting out of duty to the mission, they sell their
6 +6/+1 +3 +3 +2 +5 +3 Sneak Attack +2d6 skills for money, and their loyalty is based in
7 +7/+2 +3 +3 +2 +5 +3 Bonus Feat professionalism rather than belief in their leaders.
8 +8/+3 +4 +4 +2 +6 +4 Skill Mastery Sample Character: Chaingun Sally
9 +9/+4 +4 +4 +3 +6 +4 Bonus Feat
10 +10/+5 +5 +5 +3 +7 +5 Sneak Attack +3d6 Skill Points at 1 st Level: (6 + Int per level) x4
11 +11/+6/+1 +5 +5 +3 +7 +5 Bonus Feat Skill Point per Level: 6 + Int modifier
12 +12/+7/+2 +6 +6 +4 +8 +6 Protective Instincts, Cross-Trained Class Skills: Craft (mechanical) (Int),
13 +13/+8/+3 +6 +6 +4 +8 +6 Bonus Feat Demolitions (Int), Drive (Dex), Intimidate (Cha),
14 +14/+9/+4 +6 +6 +4 +9 +6 Sneak Attack +4d6 Jump (Str), Knowledge (earth and life sciences,
15 +15/+10/+5 +7 +7 +5 +9 +7 Bonus Feat
history, physical sciences, tactics, technology)
(Int), Language (read/write, speak) (n/a), Navigate
16 +16/+11/+6/+1 +7 +7 +5 +10 +7 Skill Mastery
(Int), Observe (Wis), Pilot (Dex), Profession (Wis),
17 +17/+12/+7/+2 +8 +8 +5 +10 +8 Bonus Feat
Repair (Int), Stealth (Dex), Survival (Wis), Swim
18 +18/+13/+8/+3 +8 +8 +6 +11 +8 Sneak Attack +5d6
(Str).
19 +19/+14/+9/+4 +9 +9 +6 +11 +9 Bonus Feat
20 +20/+15/+10/+5 +9 +9 +6 +12 +9 Favoured Save, Bonus Feat

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 35

36 Chapter 2: Classes

Starting Proficiencies: 12 They can hit aliens, animals, and other non-human creatures, as
Bonus Feats: At every odd level, Soldiers receive bonus feats long as they have something akin to "vital areas."
from the following feat groups: Combat, Ranged; Save Protective Instincts (Ex): At level 4 and 12, Soldiers receive
Enhancers; Vehicle. one of the three basic Save Enhancer feats (Lightning Reflexes,
Sneak Attack (Ex): At levels 2, 6, 10, 14, and 18, Soldiers Great Fortitude, or Iron Will), player's choice. If they already
receive +1d6 Soldier Attack damage. If they can catch an have all three, they can choose to take one of the Awesome save
opponent when he is unable to defend himself effectively from enhancers. If they have all three of them, they can take one of the
their attacks, then they can strike a vital spot for extra damage. Supreme save enhancers.
Their attack deals extra damage any time the target would Evasion (Ex): At level 4, Warriors can avoid even magical
be denied their Dexterity bonus to Defence (whether the target and unusual attacks with great agility. If they make a successful
actually has a Dexterity bonus or not), or when the Soldier has Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half
flanked them. This extra damage is initially 1d6, and increases damage, then they instead take no damage. They can use Evasion
by 1d6 at the levels indicated above. Critical hits do not only if they are wearing light armour or no armour. If they are
multiply Sneak Attack damage. helpless, then they do not gain the benefit of Evasion.
Ranged attacks can count as Sneak Attacks only if the target Skill Mastery (Ex): At levels 8 and 16, with 2 skills in which
is within 30 feet. Warriors already have at least one rank, including cross-class
With a sap (blackjack) or an unarmed strike, Sleuths can skills, they can now Take 10, even under stressful circumstances
make a Sneak Attack that deals non-lethal damage instead of or when failure involves direct personal risk. If they are granted
lethal damage. They cannot use a weapon that deals lethal this class feature multiple times, they can pick 2 new skills each
damage to deal non-lethal damage in a Sneak Attack, not even time.
with the usual –4 penalty. Cross-Trained (Ex): At Level 12, Soldiers gain this feat.
Soldiers can perform a Sneak Attack on only living creatures Favoured Save (Ex): At level 17, Soldiers can Take 10 with
with discernible anatomies or vital systems , which includes one of their Saves (Fortitude, Reflex, or Will, your choice).
people, aliens, and fantasy creatures, as well as Mechanoids (see
Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains), but it does not include undead, Thinker
constructs, oozes, plants, and incorporeal creatures. Any Hit Die: d4
creature that is immune to critical hits is not vulnerable to Power Die: d12
Sneak Attacks. Thinkers are cerebral creatures who get by on wits and smarts
Soldiers must be able to see the target well enough to pick out at the expense of strength. The real power, so says the Thinker, is
a vital spot and must be able to reach such a spot. They cannot in knowing more than your enemy. Thinkers, Sleuths, and
Sneak Attack while striking a creature or target that has Masterminds are cut from the same cloth in that regard, but the
concealment, and they cannot strike at the limbs of a creature's Thinker does not necessarily focus on one particular skill set,
because their vital spots (body and/or head) are out of your reach. either puzzle-solving or leading people, but instead is a
Renaissance Man or Woman who takes in
knowledge and secrets from every direction and
Table 2-11 Thinker
uses it all to their own, often inscrutable ends.
Level Base Attack Fort Ref Will Def. Rep. Class Features
Sample Character: Dr. Byrdapak
1 +0 +0 +0 +2 +0 +3 Jack of All Trades
2 +1 +0 +0 +3 +0 +4 Renaissance Man Skill Points at 1 st Level: (10 + Int per level) x4
3 +1 +1 +1 +3 +1 +4 Special Ability Skill Point per Level: 10 + Int modifier
4 +2 +1 +1 +4 +1 +5 Plot Device Class Skills: Appraise (Int), Autohypnonosis
5 +2 +1 +1 +4 +1 +5 Sixth Sense (Wis), Bluff (Cha), Computer Use (Int),
6 +3 +2 +2 +5 +2 +6 Special Ability Concentration (Con), Craft (all) (Int), Decipher
7 +3 +2 +2 +5 +2 +6 Inflexible Will Script (Int), Demolitions (Int), Disable Device
8 +4 +2 +2 +6 +2 +7 Tactical Genius +2, Mind Expansion (Int), Forgery (Int), Gamble (Wis), Investigate
9 +4 +3 +3 +6 +3 +8 Special Ability (Int), Knowledge (all) (Int), Navigate (Int),
10 +5 +3 +3 +7 +3 +9 Bafflegab Observe (Wis), Language (read/write, speak)
11 +5 +3 +3 +7 +3 +9 Set-Up Attack (none), Research (Int), Supercraft (Int), Use Device
12 +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 +4 +10 Special Ability (Int).
13 +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 +4 +10 Tactical Genius +4
14 +7/+2 +4 +4 +9 +4 +11 Sixth Sense Proficiencies: 4
15 +7/+2 +5 +5 +9 +5 +11 Special Ability, Bafflegab
Jack of All Trades (Ex): At level 1, Thinkers
can use all "trained only" skills as if they were
16 +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 +5 +12 Mind Expansion
trained. However, when using those skills
17 +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 +5 +13 Tactical Genius +6
untrained, a roll of 1 is a Critical Failure, which
18 +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 +6 +14 Special Ability
can result in breaking a tool, hurting themselves, or
19 +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 +6 +14 Contingency Plan
otherwise royally screwing up whatever they're
20 +10/+5 +6 +6 +12 +6 +15 Mind Expansion, Bafflegab

36 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 2: Classes
trying to do. Regardless of the specifics, the failure will be
spectacular and unfavourable. GMs are encouraged to toss some
good natured disaster at those know-it-alls.
Renaissance Man (Ex): At level 2, all skills are considered
Class Skills for the Thinker.
Special Ability (Ex): At levels 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18,
Thinkers can take one of the abilities, listed in italics. They can
take each ability only once, unless its text says otherwise. Unlike
Class Features, Special Abilities that replicate feats require
prerequisites, just like a normal feat.
Bonus Feat: You can pick a free feat from one of the following
groups: Mystical, Psionic, Skill Enhancers.
Encyclopaedic Memory: You can re-roll any failed Knowledge
check once. You can do this twice per session.
False Papers: Gain a 2CP Alternative Identity. You can take this
special ability multiple times. It grants a new Alternate
Identity each time.
Fool Me Once: If you encounter the same trap more than once
(same manufacturer/builder), you get a cumulative +1
competence bonus to disarm/deactivate the trap. Upon seeing
the trap for a second time, you get a +1, at the third time +2,
etc.
Learn From Your Mistakes: You can re-roll any failed Craft or
Knowledge check. On the re-roll, you can add your
Intelligence modifier as a competence bonus. You can do this
twice per session.
Mind Over Matter: Three times per session, you can apply your
Intelligence modifier as an insight bonus to any skill check,
regardless of its key ability.
Nerves of Steel: When using the Jack of All Trades class feature,
rolling a 1 on a d20 does not count as a critical failure.
Scholarly Pursuits: 6 bonus ranks in any Knowledge skill. You
can take this special ability multiple times. Each time, it
yields another 6 ranks.
Skill Mastery: With 2 skills in which you already have at least
one rank, you can now Take 10, even under stressful
circumstances or when failure involves direct personal risk.
You can take this ability multiple times. It applies to two new
skills each time.
Slippery Mind: If you fail a Will Save against a mind-affecting
spell or power, you can re-roll that Will Save once, on your
next turn.
Plot Device (Ex): At level 4, Thinkers gain one Plot Device,
as per the feat (see Chapter 4: Feats).
Sixth Sense (Ex): At levels 5 and 14, Thinkers receive a +2
to all skills or checks related to observation (Observe, Search,
Spellcraft, Psicraft, etc.).
Inflexible Will (Ex): At level 7, Thinkers can Take 10 on any
Will Save, but they must declare their intention to do so before
they make their rolls.
Tactical Genius (Ex): At level 8, Thinkers can grant a +2
competence bonus to the skill checks and attack rolls of anyone
who fights on their side and remains within earshot or within
sight. This effect lasts for a number of rounds equal to the
Thinker's Intelligence modifier +2. The bonus increases by +2 at
level 13 (to +4), and 17 (to +6).
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
37
Mind Expansion: At levels 8, 16, and 20, Thinkers apply a
permanent +1 to either Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma
(player's choice).
Bafflegab (Ex): At level 10, Thinkers can spew out a fluid
stream of smart-sounding gobbleygook. This takes a swift action
to perform, and Thinkers can use it once per session. Opponents
who are in earshot and can understand the language that the
Thinker is speaking must make Will saves (DC = 15 + Thinker's
Intelligence bonus). Opponents who fail are so puzzled that they
cannot attack the Thinker at all. Opponents who pass are
distracted enough that they cannot make attacks of opportunity
against the Thinker. The effect lasts for 1d4 rounds. At levels 15,
and 20, Thinkers can use Bafflegab one additional time per
session.
Set-Up Attack (Ex): At level 11, Thinkers can effectively
give their highest attack to an adjacent ally. Thinkers use a
standard action to create an opportunity for an ally to attack an
opponent that they both threaten in mêlée. The attack made by
the ally is either at the Thinker's highest attack bonus, or the
ally's, whichever is higher. Thinkers can Set Up only one attack
per round. The attack happens during the Thinker's round, but is
rolled by the ally. The ally expends one Attack of Opportunity in
order to use the Thinker's Set-Up Attack.
Death Exemption (PL): At level 19, Thinkers are so well-
prepared that they can avoid being damaged by otherwise lethal
attacks. They gain the ability to invoke a Death Retcon (see
Chapter 1: Character Creation) once per game session.
Warrior
Hit Die: d10
Power Die: d6
Warriors are masters of combat, from good old fisticuffs to
complex weapons training. They don't always have the exoticism
of the Martial Artist, or the flair of the Champion, or the rigorous
training of the Soldier, but they do not give up and they almost
always have a fresh set of tricks up their sleeves.
Sample Character: Lone Star
Skill Points at 1 st Level: (4 + Int per level) x4
Skill Point per Level: 4 + Int modifier
Class Skills: Climb (Str), Craft (chemical, mechanical,
structural) (Int), Drive (Dex), Gather Information (Cha),
Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (physical science,
tactics, technology) (Int), Observe (Wis), Pilot (Dex), Profession
(Int), Repair (Int), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Swim (Str),
Treat Injury (Wis).
Starting Proficiencies: 10
Bonus Feats: One at every level. Feat groups: Combat,
Defensive; Combat, General; Combat, Offensive.
Natural Aptitude (Ex): At levels 1, 5, 11, and 15, Warriors
can apply a +2 bonus to one of two pairs of skills: either Gather
Information and Intimidate, or Bluff and Diplomacy. Once
Warriors pick one of the two pairs, the bonuses apply to only that
pair. The choice is permanent.
Cross-Trained (Ex): At levels 3, 7, 13, and 17, Warriors gain
this feat.
37
38 Chapter 2: Classes

Table 2-12 Warrior Inventor

Level Base Attack Fort Ref Will Def. Rep. Class Features
1 +1 +2 +1 +0 +2 +1 Bonus Feat, Natural Aptitude
Hit Die: d4
Power Die: d12
2 +2 +3 +1 +0 +3 +1 Bonus Feat
Inventors are scientists who have gone a little bit
3 +3 +3 +2 +1 +3 +2 Bonus Feat, Cross-Trained
further than the state of the art should allow, blurring
4 +4 +4 +2 +1 +4 +2 Bonus Feat
the lines between science and science fiction.
5 +5 +4 +3 +1 +4 +3 Bonus Feat, Natural Aptitude
Although they are often greatly admired in the
6 +6/+1 +5 +3 +2 +5 +3 Bonus Feat scientific community, they are just as often ostracised
7 +7/+2 +5 +3 +2 +5 +3 Bonus Feat, Cross-Trained for their "unorthodox" methods or disbelieved for
8 +8/+3 +6 +4 +2 +6 +4 Bonus Feat their astonishing ability to work technological
9 +9/+4 +6 +4 +3 +6 +4 Bonus Feat, Armsmaster miracles, even in the most strenuous situations and
10 +10/+5 +7 +5 +3 +7 +5 Bonus Feat with the most destroyed equipment. The Inventor's
11 +11/+6/+1 +7 +5 +3 +7 +5 Bonus Feat, Natural Aptitude most obvious weapons are her inventions, powerful
12 +12/+7/+2 +8 +6 +4 +8 +6 Bonus Feat Supertech devices that give her access to incredible
13 +13/+8/+3 +8 +6 +4 +8 +6 Bonus Feat, Cross-Trained forces, but her real strength is her intelligence itself.
14 +14/+9/+4 +9 +6 +4 +9 +6 Bonus Feat x 2 Sample Character: The Mad Engineer
15 +15/+10/+5 +9 +7 +5 +9 +7 Bonus Feat, Natural Aptitude
16 +16/+11/+6/+1 +10 +7 +5 +10 +7 Bonus Feat x 2 Skill Points at First Level: (8 + Intelligence
17 +17/+12/+7/+2 +10 +8 +5 +10 +8 Bonus Feat, Cross-Trained bonus) x4
18 +18/+13/+8/+3 +11 +8 +6 +11 +8 Bonus Feat x 2 Skills Points per Level: 8 + Intelligence bonus
19 +19/+14/+9/+4 +11 +9 +6 +11 +9 Bonus Feat, Tough as Nails
Class Skills: Computer Use (Int), Craft (chemical,
20 +20/+15/+10/+5 +12 +9 +6 +12 +9 Bonus Feat x 3
electrical, mechanical, pharmaceutical, structural)
(Int), Demolitions (Int), Disable Device (Int), Drive
Armsmaster (Ex): At level 9, Warriors receive a -2 penalty (Dex), Knowledge (business, civics, earth and live
to attack rolls when using weapons they are not proficient with, sciences, physical sciences, technology, theology/ philosophy)
as opposed to the standard -4. If Warriors take the Weapon (Int), Pilot (Dex), Profession (Wis), Repair (Int), Research (Int),
Familiarity feat, they reduce the penalty by another -2, thus Supercraft (Int) Treat Injury (Wis).
bringing it to zero, and giving them the ability to wield any
weapon ever created by human hands or anybody else's. Weapon and Armour Proficiencies : 2
Tough as Nails (Ex): At level 19, Warriors can Take 10 on Supertech Invention (PL): At level 1, Inventors receive the
any Fortitude Save, but they must declare their intention to do so Supertech Invention power for free. They can make Doohickies
before they make their rolls. of up to 6CP. At every Inventor class level thereafter, they
Optional Classes receive 1 level of the Increase Power enhancement (see Chapter
5: Powers).
F/X Classes Bonus Feats: One at all even levels. Feat groups: General;
Supertech; Vehicle.
Classes in Phoenix are organised not around powers or power Supertech Invention I (PL): At level 3, Inventors receive the
sets but instead around personality types. The Warrior is, for Sustain Power enhancement of Supertech Invention. At level 5,
example, a different kind of fighter than the Soldier or the they receive Supertech Invention II, the Multiple Activations
Champion, and although the classes might lend themselves to enhancement. Finally, at level 7, they get Supertech Invention
some powers better than others, they're not explicitly linked to III, which grants the Multiple Powers enhancement.
any. Therefore, spell-casting, psionic manifestation, and Special Ability (Ex): At levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20, Inventors
Supertech item-creation are, in Phoenix, powers instead of can take one of the abilities below. They can take each ability
classes. However, if you prefer an actual inventor, mentalist, or only once, unless its text says otherwise. Unlike Class Features,
wizard as a class, you and your GM can agree to use one of the Special Abilities that replicate feats require prerequisites, just
following optional classes. like a normal feat.
These classes do not get access to powers or traits because
their powers are built into their classes, and they receive only Delay Disaster: If an Inventor fails to disarm a bomb or trap,
3 CPs per level. They can buy other things with CPs, though it detonates or otherwise 'goes off' 1d2 rounds later, at the
(i.e., skills, feat, and advantages), and they can buy end of the round, instead of going off immediately.
enhancements for their class-granted power: Mystic Spell- Encyclopaedic Memory: You can re-roll any failed
Casting, Psionic Manifestation , or Supertech Invention. Knowledge check once. You can do this twice per session.
. If you allow these classes access to powers as well, they will Fool Me Once: If you encounter the same trap more than
quickly outstrip their colleagues in sheer power level. once (same manufacturer/builder), you get a cumulative
+1 Insight bonus to disarm/deactivate the trap. Upon

38 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 2: Classes 39

seeing the trap for a second time, you get a +1, at the third building, but do so almost instantaneously and at nearly no
time +2, etc. The maximum bonus is +10. material cost. They must spend 2 Action Points and they must
Jack of All Trades: You can use all "trained only" skills as if have a smattering of electronic bits and pieces to work with, in
you were trained. However, when using those skills addition to a few every-day tools (screw-driver, pliers, a little
untrained, a roll of 1 is a Critical Failure, which can result black tape, etc.). They could scavenge the parts of a lamp, a pop
in breaking a tool, hurting yourself, or otherwise royally machine, and a VCR to make a lazer blaster for example (i.e.,
screwing up whatever you're trying to do. Regardless of Energy Attack: Heat). In a pinch, Inventors can use a Plot Device
the specifics, the failure will be spectacular and for either the tools or the components, but not both, which means
unfavourable. GMs are encouraged to toss some good that if they have two Plot Devices, then they're ready to go.
natured disaster at the Thinker. Creating Inventions in this way requires Research and Supercraft
Learn From Your Mistakes: If you spend an Action Point, you checks, the DCs of which are +5 their normal DC. There is no
can re-roll any failed Craft or Knowledge check. On the Wealth check. The total build time is one minute.
re-roll, you can add your Intelligence modifier as an Plot Device (Ex): At level 11, Inventors gain one Plot
insight bonus. You must declare your intention to do this Device(see Chapter 4: Feats).
before the results of the original roll are calculated and/or Bafflegab (Ex): At level 13, Inventors can spew out a fluid
announced. stream of smart-sounding gobbleygook. This takes a swift action
Nerves of Steel: When you use the Jack of All Trades class to perform, and Inventors can use it once per session. Opponents
feature, you can roll a 1 on a d20 and it does not count as who are in earshot and can understand the language that the
a critical failure. Inventor is speaking must make Will saves (DC = 15 + Inventor's
Skill Mastery: With 2 skills in which you already have at least Intelligence bonus). Opponents who fail are so puzzled that they
one rank, including cross-class skills, you can now Take cannot attack the Inventor at all. Opponents who pass are
10, even under stressful circumstances or when failure distracted enough that they cannot make attacks of opportunity
involves direct personal risk. If you are granted this class against the Inventor. At levels 10, 15, and 20, Thinkers can use
feature multiple times, you can pick 2 new skills each Bafflegab one additional time per session.
time. Invent Nullifier (PL): At level 15, Inventors can build
Steady Hands: You can re-roll any failed Craft check once. Supertech devices that are tailor-made to attack a specific
This does not add any time to the Craft attempt. It individual person or target for maximum effect, but the device
represents your ability to see one of your own mistakes has no effect on anything or anyone else. This device is called a
coming and correct for it. You can do this twice per Nullifier.
session. To make such a device at all requires intimate knowledge of
the target. With first-hand knowledge (i.e., having seen the target
Rapid Deployment Cycle (Ex): At level 9, Inventors can in a battle or other situation in which his/her/its abilities were on
build any Inventions that they are already otherwise capable of display), the Inventor must make a Research check, the DC of
Table 2-13 Inventor which equals 20 plus the target's ECL.
Base
The parts needed to build a Nullifier have a PDC of 15 plus
Level Fort Ref Will Def. Rep Class Features the target's ECL.
Attack
1 +0 +0 +0 +2 +0 +0 Supertech Invention Building a Nullifier takes one day for every Equivalent
2 +1 +0 +0 +3 +0 +0 Bonus Feat Character Level (ECL) that the target has. The Inventor cannot
3 +1 +1 +1 +3 +1 +0 Supertech Invention I
do anything else in that day other than eat, sleep, and construct
4 +2 +1 +1 +4 +1 +1 Special Ability
the device. During the build time, Inventors must choose if their
Nullifier will provoke a Massive Damage roll, and thus risk the
5 +2 +1 +1 +4 +1 +1 Supertech Invention II
death of the target, or will merely render the target unconscious.
6 +3 +2 +2 +5 +2 +1 Bonus Feat
Once completed, a Nullifier is a two-handed device (of any
7 +3 +2 +2 +5 +2 +2 Supertech Invention III
shape and/or configuration, be creative) with which the Inventor,
8 +4 +2 +2 +6 +2 +2 Special Ability
and no one else, must make a touch attack against the target. If
9 +4 +3 +3 +6 +3 +2 Rapid Deployment Cycle the touch attack is successful, then the device does one of two
10 +5 +3 +3 +7 +3 +3 Bonus Feat things.
11 +5 +3 +3 +7 +3 +3 Plot Device The first option is non-lethal: the Nullifier removes all the
12 +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 +4 +3 Special Ability targets PPs and disperses them in a harmless light-show,
13 +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 +4 +4 Bafflegab suppresses all their powers for 4d6 round, and provokes a
14 +7/+2 +4 +4 +9 +4 +4 Bonus Feat Fortitude save (DC 30). If the target fails the save, he/she/it falls
15 +7/+2 +5 +5 +9 +5 +4 Invent Nullifier unconscious.
16 +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 +5 +5 Special Ability The second option is potentially lethal: the Nullifier reduces
17 +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 +5 +5 Improved Nullifier the target's total HPs by half and provokes a Massive Damage
18 +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 +6 +5 Bonus Feat roll, which the target must succeed at or die. GMs can rule that
19 +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 +6 +6 Improved Nullifier particularly powerful targets, like gods or cosmic powers, cannot
20 +10/+5 +6 +6 +12 +6 +6 Special Ability

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 39

40 Chapter 2: Classes

be killed by a Nullifier. In that case, it merely reduces their HPs Skill Point per Level: 3 + Intelligence modifier
to -1 (stabilised). Class Skills: Authohypnosis (Wis), Bluff (Cha),
Improved Nullifier (PL): At levels 17 and 19, Inventors can Concentration (Con), Craft (Int) (visual art, writing), Diplomacy
add one of the following improvements to any Nullifiers that (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Knowledge (Int) (art,
they build: behavioural science, theology/philosophy), Perform (Cha),
Penetration: The DCs for Fortitude saves against your Psicraft (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Use Device (Cha).
Nullifier's effects rise by +10. Therefore, the Massive
Damage roll is DC 25, and the Fortitude save against Barred from Powers/Traits : Mentalists' powers are their
unconsciousness is DC 40. psi-powers, therefore they cannot take powers or traits, but they
Range: Your Nullifiers now have a range of 25 feet. You can can use CPs to buy skills, advantages, and feats.
take this improvement multiple times. The effects stack. Psionic Manifestation (PL): Mentalists manifest Psi-Powers
Trigger: Your Nullifiers can now "go off" on their own (a) at by expending Power Points at a rate of 4PP per manifester level
a specified time (or after a specified countdown), (b) (ignore power-point costs for psi-powers as listed in the SRDs).
when they come into contact with their designated target, Manifesting is an act of concentration and willpower. It requires
or (c) that target enters the Nullifier's effective range. no physical movement, and therefore is unaffected by armour or
even being tied up. It does, however, provoke attacks of
Mentalist opportunity, so taking damage or being distracted can break a
Mentalist's concentration, as per spell-casting rules. Mentalists
Hit Die: d4 can manifest psi-powers for as long as they have PPs, and
Power Die: d12 although they often make a habit of esoteric meditation, they
Mentalists have learned to channel their minds and their wills gain PPs back at the regular rate, just like everyone else.
into psionic powers that manifest in the world. They tend to be
less flashy than Mystics, but no less powerful or potentially Proficiencies: 4
deadly for it. Mentalist are often proponents of esoteric Starting Psi-Powers (PL): At level 1, Mentalists start to
meditation systems, either from the more mysterious corners of awaken 1st-level psi-powers from within their consciousness, and
the globe or from simply spending hours at a time contemplating can learn to master a number equal to their Charisma modifiers
their own minds. Mentalists manifest their psi-powers mostly +4. At each level thereafter, they gain a number of psi-powers
through intuition, and though they can certainly learn from each equal to their Charisma modifier.
other, there is no fraternity of psionic study. Psicrystal Affinity (Ex): At level 1, Mentalists gain this feat.
Sample Character: Psionic Meditation (Ex): At level 2, Mentalists gain this
feat.
Skill Points at 1 st Level: (3 + Intelligence per level) x 4 Narrow Mind (Ex): At level 4, Mentalists gain this feat.
Bonus Feats: At levels 6, 12, and 18. Feat groups: Combat,
Table 2-14 Mentalist Defensive; Psionic; Save Enhancers.
Level
Base
Fort Ref Will Def Rep Class Features Speed of Thought (Ex): At level 8, Mentalists gain this feat.
Attack Mind Blade (PL): At level 10, Mentalists gain the ability to
Psi-Power Level 1, manifest a semi-solid blade composed of psychic energy distilled
1 +0 +0 +0 +2 +0 +0
Psicrystal Affinity
from their own mind. Manifesting a Mind Blade takes a move
2 +1 +0 +0 +3 +0 +0 Psionic Meditation
action. The blade has the same stats as a short sword (1d6
3 +1 +1 +1 +3 +1 +0 Psi-Power Level 2
damage, crit 19–20/x2) and appears as a solid shaft or blade of
4 +2 +1 +1 +4 +1 +1 Narrow Mind force. A Mentalist's personality affects the appearance of his or
5 +2 +1 +1 +4 +1 +1 Psi-Power Level 3 her mind blade. An upright, righteous Mentalist's blade might be
6 +3 +2 +2 +5 +2 +1 Bonus Feat a straight shaft of pure white light. A playful, chaotic mind could
7 +3 +2 +2 +5 +2 +2 Psi-Power Level 4 produce a dancing blade of flame. A malevolent and villainous
8 +4 +2 +2 +6 +2 +2 Speed of Thought Mentalist's blade could be pitch black and covered in spikes.
9 +4 +3 +3 +6 +3 +2 Psi-Power Level 5 Mentalists apply Charisma modifier to attack and damage with a
10 +5 +3 +3 +7 +3 +3 Mind Blade Mind Blade, instead of their Strength modifier.
11 +5 +3 +3 +7 +3 +3 Psi-Power Level 6 Mentalists who are smaller or larger than medium-sized
12 +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 +4 +3 Bonus Feat create mind blades that are proportionate to their size. Consult
13 +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 +4 +4 Psi-Power Level 7 the SRDs to determine the damage of over- or under-sized
14 +7/+2 +4 +4 +9 +4 +4 Mind Blade Enhancement weapons.
15 +7/+2 +5 +5 +9 +5 +4 Psi-Power Level 8 Mind Blades have Hardness 10 and 10 hit points, so they can
16 +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 +5 +5 Up the Walls be sundered, but Mentalists can create another one on their next
17 +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 +5 +5 Psi-Power Level 9
move action. The moment they relinquish their grip on their
18 +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 +6 +5 Bonus Feat
blade, it dissipates. A mind blade is a Super weapon (Psionic
Origin) for the purposes of bypassing DR.
19 +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 +6 +6 Mind Blade Enhancement
20 +10/+5 +6 +6 +12 +6 +6 Psionic Endowment

40 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 2: Classes 41

Mentalists wield mind blades just like mundane weapons,
therefore they can use them in conjunction with feats like Power
Attack and Weapon Specialization. Psi-powers, spells, or other
effects that would enhance a normal weapon work on mind
blades, although obviously such effects are not permanent and
like bonuses don't stack.
In addition to the Psionic weapon enhancements in Chapter 6,
you can also load your Mind Blade with the following:
• Keen: Double weapon's critical threat range.
• Merciful: 2d6 non-lethal damage instead of 1d6 lethal.
• Mighty Cleave: One additional Cleave attack (if you
have Cleave already)
• Vicious: Add 1d6 damage to the weapon in addition to
1d6 damage to the wielder.
Mind Blade Enhancement (PL): At levels 14 and 19, the
Mind Blade receives a +4, either in the form of a bonus to
attack/damage, or an equivalent enhancement (player's choice),
or some combination of the two (player's choice). See Chapter 6: therefore has a 20% spell failure rate.
F/X, for Psionic enhancements. As of level 14, Mentalists can
also purchase enhancements for their Mind Blades at a cost
of 2CP per +1 (or equivalent), but a single Mind Blade can have well as foci (holy symbols). Sometimes the old gods need to be
a maximum +10 to hit/damage and +10 in equivalent
enhancements (total +20; i.e., the Mind Blade behaves just like
an Esoteric Item, see Chapter 5: Powers)
In addition to the enhancements in Chapter 6: F/X, Mentalists fantasy magic-users, which means that they have access to the
can apply the following enhancement to a Mind Blade:
Ranged Mind Blade
The Mind Blade is so coherent that its wielder can throw
it like a ranged weapon. It dissipates when it either misses or
hits its target. Thrown mind blades have a range increment of
30 feet.
Moderate psychokinesis; EML 10 , Craft Psionic Arms
th
and Armour, concussion blast, +1 bonus.
Class Skills: Concentration (Con), Craft (Int) (visual art,
writing), Drive Wis), Knowledge (earth and life sciences, history,
theology/philosophy) (Int), Observe (Wis), Perform (Cha),
Profession (Int), Repair (Int), Ride (Dex), Search (Int), Spellcraft
(Int), and Use Device (Wis).
Starting Proficiencies: 4
Barred from Powers/Traits : Mystics' powers are their
spells, therefore they cannot take powers or traits, but they can
use CPs to buy skills, advantages, and feats.
Spellcasting (PL): Mystics cast spells by expending Power
Points at a rate of 3PP per level of spell (1PP for 0 th-level). Sleep,
or lack thereof, doesn't affect spellcasting. Mystics can cast spells
for as long as they have PPs.
Mystics must follow arcane spell failure rules regarding
armour. In cases where a particular kind of armour does not have
a noted arcane failure percentage, just calculate 5% per point of
protection. A Concealable Vest, for example, grants a +4 and
Mystics must obey all rules regarding components for spell-
casting, including verbal, somatic, and material components as
coaxed into helping the modern magic-user.
The Mystic's Spell Lists : Keen eyes will note that the
Mystic's spell lists (in the Appendix) are a combination of the
Cleric, Druid, and Wizard/Sorcerer lists. Mystics are pulp-
great bulk of supernatural powers.
Multi-Classing: upon taking the Mystic class, you receive all
Cantrips/Orisons and a number of spells equal to your
Intelligence modifier +6, just like starting Mystics.
Table 2-15 Mystic
Level Base Attack Fort Ref Will Def Rep Class Features
Starting Spells,
1 +0 +0 +0 +2 +0 +0 0 and 1 -Level Spells,
th st

Summon Familiar
Up the Walls (Ex): At level 16, Mentalists gain this feat.
2 +1 +0 +0 +3 +0 +0 Bonus Feat
Psionic Endowment (Ex): At level 15, Mentalists gain this
3 +1 +1 +1 +3 +1 +0 2nd-Level Spells
feat.
Mystic 4 +2 +1 +1 +4 +1 +0 Special Ability
5 +2 +1 +1 +4 +1 +1 3rd-Level Spells
Hit Die: d4 6 +3 +2 +2 +5 +2 +1 Spell Defence +1
Power Die: d12 7 +3 +2 +2 +5 +2 +1 4th-Level Spells
Mystics are the masters of lost arts of manipulating the blind 8 +4 +2 +2 +6 +2 +1 Bonus Feat
forces of nature and the power of ancient gods. They wield 9 +4 +3 +3 +6 +3 +2 5th-Level Spells
magical spells fashioned by great mages and powerful priests 10 +5 +3 +3 +7 +3 +2 Special Ability
who lived and died centuries ago. Many in the modern world 11 +5 +3 +3 +7 +3 +2 6th-Level Spells
don't believe that Mystics even exist and those few who do often 12 +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 +4 +2 Spell Defence +2
fear them, even if they fight on the side of justice and peace. 13 +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 +4 +3 7th-Level Spells
Mystical power defies logic, reason, and science and therefore is 14 +7/+2 +4 +4 +9 +4 +3 Bonus Feat
not just frightening for what it can do but for its ability to sweep
15 +7/+2 +5 +5 +9 +5 +3 8th-Level Spells
aside the entire modern world with a gesture and a puff of smoke.
16 +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 +5 +3 Special Ability
Sample Character: Cyrus Samedi
17 +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 +5 +4 9th-level Spells
18 +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 +6 +4 Spell Defence +3
Skill Points at 1 st Level: (3 + Intelligence per level) x 4
Skill Point per Level: 3 + Intelligence modifier 19 +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 +6 +4 Bonus Feat
20 +10/+5 +6 +6 +12 +6 +4 Special Ability

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 41

42 Chapter 2: Classes

Starting Spells (PL): At level 1, Mystics learn all 0-level create a great deal of imbalance if some use the Generic class and
spells (Cantrips and Orisons) and a number of spells equal to some use the standard classes.
their intelligence modifier +6. At each subsequent Mystic level, When you create a Generic Superhero, you get 100CPs to
they automatically learn or research a number of new spells equal buy your Generic Class Features , everything from Hit Dice to
to their Intelligence modifier. If they find spellbooks or scrolls Sneak Attacks. You can build a weak class and bank your CPs, in
they can attempt to learn those spells in the conventional manner. order to buy extra powers for example, or you can spend it all
Spell Access: (PL): At odd-numbered levels, Mystics gain and make the strongest class possible.
access to new and more powerful spell levels as detailed in their
spell lists (see Mystic Spells in Chapter 6: F/X). Hit Die
Summon Familiar (PL): At level 1, Mystics can summon a 2CPs for d4
familiar according to the rules laid out for Wizards/Sorcerers. 4CP for d6
Bonus Feats: At level 2, 8, 14, and 19. Feat groups: General; 6CPs for d8
Mystical; Save Enhancers. 8CPs for d10
Special Ability (PL): At levels 4, 10, 16, and 20. 10CPs for d12
Mystic Channelling: In exchange for increasing the casting time
of a spell, reduce the PP cost by 2. A spell with a casting time Power Die
of swift becomes a move action, a move action becomes a 2CPs for d4
standard action, standard becomes full-round, full-round 4CPs for d6
spells require one complete round plus a swift action, and 6CPs for d8
then the cycle starts again. Increased casting time for 8CPs for d10
metamagic feats apply before Mystic Channelling increases. 10CPs for d12
Mystic Defence: +1 bonus to Fortitude and Reflex. You can take
this special ability twice. Its effects stack. This is a Super Act Bonus
effect with a mystic Origin. If you use The Act-Roll System (see Chapter 5: Powers), then
Mystic Knowledge: Gain 2 spells of any level the Mystic can instead of a Power Die, you can buy an Act Bonus that
cast. You can take this special ability multiple times. Its progresses by level at the same rate as a Base Attack Bonus (see
effects stack. Table 2-16), but without iterative attacks. Only the highest Base
Mystic Power: The Mystic permanently gains a number of PPs Attack Bonus translates into your Act Bonus.
equal to 2 + Intelligence modifier. You can take this special 4CPs for "Poor"
ability multiple times. Its effects stack. 8CPs for "Fair"
Mystic Will: +2 bonus to your Will save. This bonus stacks with 12CPs for "Good"
any and all other bonuses to Will. This is a Super effect with
a mystic Origin.
School Concentration: Pick one arcane school or divine domain. Table 2-16 Generic Superhero
With that school or domain, your targets' save DCs increase Level Base Attack / Act Roll Fort, Ref, Will, Def, & Rep
by +1. You can take this special ability multiple times. Its
Poor Fair Good Poor Fair Good Excel.
effects stack.
1 +0 +0 +1 +0 +1 +2 +3
2 +1 +1 +2 +0 +1 +3 +4
Spell Defence (PL): At level 6, Mystics receive a +1 bonus to
3 +1 +2 +3 +1 +2 +3 +4
resist or break free of mystical effect. This potentially includes
saving throws, skill checks, grapple checks, etc. At level 6, this 4 +2 +3 +4 +1 +2 +4 +5
bonus increases to +2, and at level 18 it increases to +3. This is a 5 +2 +3 +5 +1 +3 +4 +5
Super effect with a mystic Origin. 6 +3 +4 +6/+1 +2 +3 +5 +6
7 +3 +5 +7/+2 +2 +3 +5 +6
Generic Superhero 8 +4 +6/+1 +8/+3 +2 +4 +6 +7
9 +4 +6/+1 +9/+4 +3 +4 +6 +8
As its name suggests, this class is generic, but we don't mean 10 +5 +7/+2 +10/+5 +3 +5 +7 +9
that it's identical to all the others. We mean that it belongs to the 11 +5 +8/+3 +11/+6/+1 +3 +5 +7 +9
genre called "superhero" and therefore you can build any kind of 12 +6/+1 +9/+4 +12/+7/+2 +4 +6 +8 +10
superhero class you want out of it. You should never combine 13 +6/+1 +9/+4 +13/+8/+3 +4 +6 +8 +10
Generic Superheroes with heroes of other classes, though. If you
14 +7/+2 +10/+5 +14/+9/+4 +4 +6 +9 +11
use the Generic class, then everybody should use it. By virtue of
15 +7/+2 +11/+6/+1 +15/+10/+5 +5 +7 +9 +11
its modular nature, the Generic Superhero has the potential to be
16 +8/+3 +12/+7/+2 +16/+11/+6/+1 +5 +7 +10 +12
far, far more powerful than all the others. It is an optimiser's
17 +8/+3 +12/+7/+2 +17/+12/+7/+2 +5 +8 +10 +13
dream. That can be great fun if you're at a table full of
optimisers, or if none of them are optimisers, but it can also 18 +9/+4 +13/+8/+3 +18/+13/+8/+3 +6 +8 +11 +14
19 +9/+4 +14/+9/+4 +19/+14/+9/+4 +6 +9 +11 +14
20 +10/+5 +15/+10/+5 +20/+15/+10/+5 +6 +9 +12 +15

42 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 2: Classes 43

Skill Points
3CPs for 2 points + Int modifier Harmonised Starting CPs
3CPs per additional point When you build a Generic superhero, you receive 40CPs to
spend on Natural ability scores, 40CPs for your character levels
Class Skills (because you start play with 4 th level characters), and finally
4CPs for 6 Class skills 100CPs to spend on your Class Features. A GM who is
1CP per additional Class skill comfortable with facing down a table full of very powerful
characters can, at her discretion, just give starting Generic
Proficiencies heroes 180CPs to spend on everything. This optional rule
4CPs for 4 proficiencies would mean that your players could build the lowest ability
1CP for each additional proficiency scores and the weakest class features in order to buy the most
devastating power suite possible, or pump the PC's Natural
Base Attack scores up to all 20s, or build a class with Excellent in every
4CPs for "Poor" category (BA, Defence, Saves, etc.). Inexperienced players might
8CPs for "Fair" accidentally build something unplayable (i.e., powerful enough
12CPs for "Good" to decimate a city but weak enough to die from a bee sting), but
experienced optimisers will most certainly crunch the numbers
Saving Throws
and build something remarkably powerful. GMs should hesitate
3CPs for "Poor"
before taking this option, but for those who enjoy that sort of
6CPs for "Fair"
thing, have at it!
9CPs for "Good"
12CPs for "Excellent" Other Class Options

Defence In addition to the optional classes above, there are three other
3CPs for "Poor" ways to play classes in Phoenix. You
6CPs for "Fair" can use the Basic/Advanced classes Table 2-17 Modern
9CPs for "Good" from the SRDs, you can mix Basic CLass Power Dice
12CPs for "Excellent" classes with Phoenix classes, and, Class Die
finally, you can extend classes past
Base
Reputation 20th level. The following section
2CPs for "Poor" details these three options. Strong d6
4CPs for "Fair" Fast d8
6CPs for "Good" Modern Classes Tough d6
8CPs for "Excellent" Smart d8
In this model, you simply use the
Class Features Base and Advanced classes from d20 Dedicated d8
The Generic Superhero has no class features of its own, but it Modern as written, but with the Charismatic d6
can buy them at a cost of 3CP each (except as indicated below). addition of 10CP per level and access
Advanced
There are two rules that apply here, however. First, you can buy to Powers and Ads/Comps. Other than
your class, you play under Phoenix Acolyte d10
class features only at the minimum level at which they're
offered for an existing class. For example, no class receives rules. All you need to add to a pre- Battlemind d10
Protective Instincts before 4 level. Therefore a Generic
th existing class in order to play it in Bodyguard d6
Superhero cannot take it until 4 th level. Second, many class Phoenix is a Power Die. Table 2-17
Daredevil d6
features effectively have prerequisites because there is a I and a lists the power dice for the standard
Advanced classes. Field Medic d8
II, for example, like Uncanny Dodge or Shadowy Presence.
Therefore, just like feats, you cannot take the "Improved" or "II" If you want to use a class that's Field Scientist d8
version if you do not have the beginner version. not in the table, it's not particularly Gunslinger d6
The class feature "Bonus Feat" costs 10CPs initially, at difficult to come up with a power die.
Infiltrator d6
which point you must pick three Feat Groups. These are your feat Power Dice range from d6 to d10.
Investigator d6
groups for the rest of your career. From then on, you get a bonus The Power Die is granted based
feat every third level from one of those three groups but starting primarily on need. If the class is Mage d10
at 2 level (i.e., 2 , 5 , 8 , 11 , 14 , 17 , and 20 ).
nd nd th th th th th th oriented toward a particular kind of Martial Artist d6
The class feature "Special Ability" costs 10CPs initially, at power that requires a lot of PPs, then Negotiator d8
which point you have to chose one class's Special Ability list (not it gets a bigger power die. The
Thinker, for example, needs that d10 Personality d8
including the Sneak). From then on, you get 1 Special Ability
every three levels (i.e., 3 , 6 , 9 , 12 , 15 , and 18 ). Because it
rd th th th th th because its combat abilities are very Soldier d6
is so much longer than all the others, the Sneak's Special weak. Warriors, on the other hand, get Techie d6
Ability list costs 15CPs to purchase. only d6 because they already have a
Telepath d10

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 43

44 Chapter 2: Classes

Table 2-18 Phoenix Class Prerequisites

Class Hit Dice Power Dice Base Attack Skill (5 Ranks) Feat
Adventurer 1d8 1d8 +2 Knowledge (history) Daring Escape
Champion 1d12 1d6 +3 Knowledge (theology/philosophy) Trustworthy
Martial Artist 1d8 1d8 +3 Tumble Defensive Martial Arts
Mastermind 1d6 1d10 +3 Intimidate Frightful Presence
Sidekick 1d8 1d8 +2 Escape Artist Low Profile
Sleuth 1d6 1d6 +2 Investigate Attentive
Sneak 1d6 1d6 +2 Disable Device Nimble Fingers
Socialite 1d6 1d6 +2 Diplomacy Renown
Soldier 1d10 1d6 +3 Craft (mechanical) Point-Blank Shot
Thinker 1d4 1d12 +1 Knowledge (any) Open-Minded
Warrior 1d10 1d6 +3 Climb, Jump, or Swim Toughness
Inventor 1d4 1d12 +1 Supercraft Mastercraft
Mystic 1d4 1d12 +1 Spellcraft Mystical Aptitude
Mentalist 1d4 1d12 +1 Psicraft Wild Talent

fair bit of combat readiness, but they're also more likely to take not do it on their own. Alternatively, GMs can build new levels
traits or powers that don't require a lot of PPs. If you use the themselves and present them to the players, although there
Phoenix classes and the standard Advanced classes as a guide, should be some room for negotiation in this case.
you can assign power dice based on parallel character concepts. Each class's bonuses follow a pattern. Producing Omega-
Sample Character: Level tables for all classes would take up a lot of room, so
Mixed Classes instead, Table 2-19 lists the stats by progression type (poor, fair,
good, excellent). Determine which progressions your class's stats
In this model, you treat the Phoenix classes like Advanced use, and then apply that number to your character. For example,
classes. Your first four levels (before you start play) are in a Base if you're playing a Soldier, your BAB is "good," which means
class. When you start playing, you can continue with that Base that at level 27, your highest attack will be at +27. You'll notice
class or switch to an Advanced class when you meet the that BAs don't grant more than five iterative attacks in a round.
prerequisites. The Base class becomes your back-story, your life We've done this because, frankly, doing seven attacks in a round
before you entered the superhero world. Table 2-18 lists the is a nightmare to try to play at the table. If you really want more
prerequisites for the 13 Phoenix classes. than five attacks, there are other ways to do it.
Sample Character: Ms. Comet Class features are a bit more tricky, but they, too, follow a
Omega Levels more or less predictable progression. They are awarded at semi-
regular intervals, every three or four or five levels, for example.
Given just how powerful superheroes can get—igniting suns
They also increase at a set rate, from +1 to +2 and so on, or from
with their Energy Attacks, restarting the time-stream through a
+2 to +4. For every mathematically-predictable class feature you
sheer act of will, becoming gods on Earth—it's only appropriate
have, you can simply extend the frequency and the bonus
that they should be able to progress past level 20. Levels 21 and
increase. For example, if you're playing a Mastermind, you get
beyond are called the Omega Levels. There are two options for
Inspiring Presence starting at 3 rd level, and it increases by +2
playing Omega-level characters.
every 5 levels, so you can simply continue that pattern past 20 th
The easiest way is to multi-class. If you take alternate levels
level. However, the Sleuth gets Investigative Knack at 2 nd, 8th,
of Soldier, Sneak, and Socialite, for example, you can build a
and 13th level, which is not a regular progression. We
very tough skill-monkey who can appear behind you like magic
occasionally have to break the pattern in order to avoid "dead"
and knock you on your ass, which might just resemble a certain
levels, levels with no bonus. In Omega levels, you can simply
millionaire-playboy that we've all heard of. Alternatively, a
approximate the progression of irregular class features.
Thinker/Soldier could be an an enlightened fighter who is just as
Investigative Knack is about every 6 levels and the bonus starts
capable at diplomacy as combat, like a certain Amazonian we all
at +4 and increases by +2 every time, so you can continue that
know and love. A Warrior/Inventor might build a wrist-mounted
pattern. Extending a class into Omega levels requires a bit of
web-shooter. A Thinker/Soldier might be a blind lawyer by day
judgement and a little leg work, but it's not as hard as it sounds.
and a vigilante by night. By combining the 13 existing classes in
If you end up with something that's too powerful, not powerful
creative ways, you can create a path that leads up to 40 th or even
enough, or just not very fun to play, then adjust it. You have that
60 level and, thus, create new flavours of classes that recreate a
th
power.
great number of superhero character-types.
Sample Character: Phoenix Maximus
The other option is to extend an existing class past 20 th

level, which takes some work but can satisfy the character-class-
purists among you. Players and GMs must work in tandem in
order to construct new levels for existing classes. Players should

44 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 2: Classes 45

Table 2-19 Omega Levels

Level Base Attack / Act Roll Fort, Ref, Will, Def., & Rep.
Poor Fair Good Poor Fair Good Excellent
21 +10/+5 +15/+10/+5 +21/+16/+11/+6/+1 +7 +9 +12 +15
22 +11/+6/+1 +16/+11/+6/+1 +22/+17/+12/+7/+2 +7 +10 +13 +16
23 +11/+6/+1 +17/+12/+7/+2 +23/+18/+13/+8/+3 +7 +10 +13 +16
24 +12/+7/+2 +18/+13/+8/+3 +24/+19/+14/+9/+4 +8 +11 +14 +17
25 +12/+7/+2 +18/+13/+8/+3 +25/+20/+15/+10/+5 +8 +11 +14 +18
26 +13/+8/+3 +19/+14/+9/+4 +26/+21/+16/+11/+6 +8 +12 +15 +19
27 +13/+8/+3 +20/+15/+10/+5 +27/+22/+17/+12/+7 +9 +12 +15 +19
28 +14/+9/+4 +21/+16/+11/+6 +28/+23/+18/+13/+8 +9 +12 +16 +20
29 +14/+9/+4 +21/+16/+11/+6 +29/+24/+19/+14/+9 +9 +13 +16 +20
30 +15/+10/+5 +22/+17/+12/+7 +30/+25/+20/+15/+10 +10 +13 +17 +21
31 +15/+10/+5 +23/+18/+13/+8 +31/+26/+21/+16/+11 +10 +14 +17 +21
32 +16/+11/+6/+1 +24/+19/+14/+9 +32/+27/+22/+17/+12 +10 +14 +18 +22
33 +16/+11/+6/+1 +24/+19/+14/+9 +33/+28/+23/+18/+13 +11 +15 +18 +23
34 +17/+12/+7/+2 +25/+20/+15/+10 +34/+29/+24/+19/+14 +11 +15 +19 +24
35 +17/+12/+7/+2 +26/+21/+16/+11 +35/+30/+25/+20/+15 +11 +16 +19 +24
36 +18/+13/+8/+3 +27/+22/+17/+12 +36/+31/+26/+21/+16 +12 +16 +20 +25
37 +18/+13/+8/+3 +27/+22/+17/+12 +37/+32/+27/+22/+17 +12 +17 +20 +25
38 +19/+14/+19/+4 +28/+23/+18/+13 +38/+33/+28/+23/+18 +12 +17 +21 +26
39 +19/+14/+19/+4 +29/+24/+19/+14 +39/+34/+29/+24/+19 +13 +18 +21 +26
40 +20/+15/+20/+5 +23/+25/+20/+15 +40/+38/+30/+25/+20 +13 +18 +22 +27

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 45

 CHAPTER 3: SKILLS

Table 3-1 Skills

Use Armour
Adv Cmp MA Mst Sdk Slth Snk Scl Sld Thk Wrr Ability
Untrained Penalty
Autohypnosis cc cc C cc cc cc cc cc cc C cc Wis No No
Bluff C C cc C C C C C cc C cc Cha Yes No
Climb C C C C C C C C cc cc C Str Yes Yes
Computer Use cc cc cc C C C C C cc C cc Int Yes No
Concentration cc cc C cc cc cc cc cc cc C cc Con Yes No
Craft
Chemical cc cc cc cc cc cc C cc cc C C Int No No
Electronic cc cc cc cc C cc C cc cc C cc Int No No
Mechanical C C C C C C C cc C C C Int No No
Pharmaceutical cc cc cc cc cc cc C cc cc C cc Int No No
Structural C cc cc cc cc cc C cc cc C C Int Yes No
Visual Art C C cc cc cc cc cc C cc C cc Int Yes No
Writing cc C cc cc cc C cc C cc C cc Int Yes No
Decipher Script cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc C cc Int No No
Demolitions cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc C C cc Int No No
Diplomacy cc C cc C cc cc C C cc cc cc Cha Yes No
Disable Device cc cc cc cc C C C cc cc C cc Int No No
Disguise cc cc cc cc cc C C cc cc cc cc Cha Yes No
Drive C C C C C C C C C cc C Dex Yes No
Escape Artist C cc cc cc C cc C cc cc cc cc Dex Yes Yes
Forgery cc cc cc cc cc cc C cc cc C cc Int Yes No
Gamble C cc cc C C C C C cc C cc Wis Yes No
Gather Info C C cc C cc cc C C cc cc C Cha Yes No
Handle Animal cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc Cha No No
Intimidate cc C cc C cc C C C C cc C Cha Yes No
Investigate cc cc cc C cc C C cc cc C cc Int No No
Jump C C C C C C C C C cc C Str Yes Yes
Knowledge
Art cc C cc cc cc cc cc C cc C cc Int No No
Behavioural Sciences cc cc cc C cc C C cc cc C cc Int No No
Business cc cc cc C cc cc C C cc C cc Int No No
Civics cc C cc cc cc cc cc cc cc C cc Int No No
Current Events C cc cc C C C C C cc C cc Int No No
Earth/Life Sciences cc cc cc cc cc C C cc C C cc Int No No
History C C cc C cc cc cc cc C C cc Int No No
Physical Sciences cc cc cc cc cc C C cc C C C Int No No
Popular Culture C cc cc cc C cc cc C cc C cc Int No No
Tactics cc cc cc C cc cc C cc C C C Int No No
Technology cc cc cc C C cc C cc C C C Int No No
Theology/Philosophy cc C C cc cc cc cc cc cc C cc Int No No
Navigate cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc C C cc Int Yes No
Observe C C C C C C C C C C C Wis Yes No
Perform cc cc C cc cc cc C cc cc cc cc Cha Yes No
Pilot C cc cc C cc cc cc cc C cc C Dex No No
Profession C C C C cc C C cc C cc C Wis Yes No
Psicraft cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc Int No No
Read/Write Lang. cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc C C cc n/a No No
Repair C cc cc C cc C C cc C cc C Int Yes No
Research cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc C cc Int Yes No
Ride C C C C cc C C C cc cc cc Dex Yes No
Search C C C C C C C C cc cc C Int Yes No
Sense Motive cc C cc C C C C C cc cc C Wis Yes No
Sleight of Hand cc cc cc cc C cc C cc cc cc cc Dex No Yes
Speak Language cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc C cc n/a No No
Spellcraft cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc cc Int No No
Stealth C cc C cc C C C cc C cc cc Dex Yes Yes
Survival C cc cc cc cc cc cc cc C cc cc Wis Yes No
Supercraft cc cc cc C cc cc cc cc cc C cc Int No No
Swim C C C cc C cc C C C cc C Str Yes Double
Treat Injury C C cc cc C C cc cc cc cc C Int Yes No
Tumble cc cc C cc C cc C cc cc cc cc Dex No Yes
Use Device cc cc cc cc cc cc C cc cc C cc Cha No No
Use Rope cc cc cc cc cc cc C cc cc cc cc Dex Yes No
48 Chapter 3: Skills

This chapter contains a few different things. First, it puts all

the class skills in table form for easy reference. Table 3-1 lists all
the Class skills and Cross-Class skills for all the standard classes,
and Table 3-3 lists all their Skill points by level. Finally, Table 3- Table 3-3 Synergy Bonuses
3 notes the Synergies between classes. We have altered some Primary Skill Secondary Skill
skills significantly, mostly by consolidating them. See below for
Diplomacy, Disguise, Gamble, Intimidate,
details. Bluff
Sleight of Hand
Class Skills
Computer Use Disable Device (electronics)
We've made two rules changes to simplify the Skill system Concentration Autohypnosis
just a little bit. First, Class skills stack for multi-class Craft Appraise (Craft subtype)
characters. Every class in which you have levels grants all of its Chemical Demolitions, Investigate (crime scene analysis)
class skills permanently. Second, Cross-Class skills cost 1 Skill
Electronic Computer Use, Repair (electronics)
Point per Rank. The Max Ranks of Class Skills and Cross-Class
Mechanical Repair (engines, machines, etc.)
skills are unchanged. The first is Character Level +3 and the
second is half that. Pharmaceutical Treat Injury
Also note that you can buy the Skill Points Ad (1CP for 4 Demolitions (identify weak points) , Repair
skill points; see Chapter 1: Character Creation), and you can take Structural (buildings, structures, etc.), Search (hidden
the Skill Aptitude feat, which raises your Max Ranks by +4 at a compartments, secret doors, etc.)
time (see Chapter 4: Feats). Visual Art Repair (paintings, sculptures, etc.)
Synergy Bonus Writing Forgery
Decipher Script Use Device (scrolls)
Unlike standard d20 in which having 5 or more ranks grants a
Demolitions Cr: Structural (identify weak points)
flat +2 to a related skill, in Phoenix you get a +2 to a secondary
skill for every 5 ranks you have in a primary skill (see Table Disable Device Repair (locks, security devices, etc.)
3-3), with the exception of Profession and Wealth checks. The Escape Artist Use Rope (bindings)
synergy bonus from Research applies only if you have access to a Handle Animal Ride (animals)
stocked library or electronic database. Synergy Bonuses do not Intimidate Gather Information
stack with themselves. Jump Tumble
Super Skills
Knowledge
Any time you use a skill that is based on an ability score that Behavioural Sciences Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate
is Super (25 or above), that check is also considered Super. In Earth/Life Sciences Treat Injury, Cr: Chemical
most cases, this makes no difference to the game; the bonus to Physical Sciences Cr: Mechanical, Cr: Structural
your skill simply scales up. However, using a Super Skill is
Popular Culture Gather Information
detectable by Power Detection because you are actively
employing a super ability. Cr: Electronics, Supercraft, Repair
Technology
(electronics, supertech), Use Device (supertech)
Theology/Philosophy Turn Undead (turning checks)
Perform Bluff, Diplomacy
Table 3-2 Points per Level Profession Reputation checks (only if applicable)
Skill Points Points Research Craft (any), Knowledge (any), Repair (any)
Class
at First Level Per Level Pilot Drive
Adventurer (6 + Int modifier) x 4 6 + Int Psicraft Use Device (psionic)
Champion (4 + Int modifier) x 4 4 + Int Search Survival (tracking)
Sense Motive Diplomacy
Martial Artist (6 + Int modifier) x 4 6 + Int
Spellcraft Use Device (mystic)
Mastermind (6 + Int modifier) x 4 6 + Int
Supercraft Repair (supertech), Use Device (supertech)
Sidekick (5 + Int modifier) x 4 5 + Int Survival Kn: Earth/Life Sciences
Sleuth (8 + Int modifier) x 4 8 + Int Tumbling Jump, Ride
Sneak (10 + Int modifier) x 4 10 + Int Spellcraft (decipher scrolls), Psicraft (address
Use Device power stones), Supercraft (Fiddle With The
Socialite (6 + Int modifier) x 4 6 + Int Knobs)
Soldier (6 + Int modifier) x 4 6 + Int Use Rope Climb (ropes), Escape Artist (bindings)
Thinker (10 + Int modifier) x 4 10 + Int
Warrior (4 + Int modifier) x 4 4 + Int

48 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 3: Skills 49

Omega-Level Skills reason to distrust the subject, then anything from a +4 (the
subject knows that the PC is trying to sell them something) to a
You can use Epic skills from the SRDs (called "Omega- +30 (the subject is currently locked in a fight to the death with
Level" in our game), if you have sufficiently high bonuses to the PC) might be appropriate. GMs reserve the right to add large
achieve them. In many cases, Epic skills can outright replace bonuses to Sense Motive checks made by villains who are
certain powers, such a Climb (instead of Surface Adhesion). currently trying their damndest to kill, humiliate, or otherwise
You can also take the Skill Aptitude feat tree to increase or even defeat the heroes, and when narratively appropriate, to simply
eliminate your maximum ranks in a skill. You can thus wave them. An entire game should not be resolved by a single
potentially create a character with no actual powers but many Diplomacy check.
equivalent abilities by ramping up your skills to "epic" Other factors to keep in mind are risk vs. reward, on the part
proportions. of the NPCs, the PC's actions just before the attempt at
Skill Descriptions Diplomacy, and the PC's appearance and presence. A high-risk
deal on the part of the subject is less attractive. It will sound fishy
The skills listed below have been changed from the SRDs . if a PC who just tried to kill you is now ostensibly offering to
The following skills have been combined into a single skill: help you. Alternatively, if a bunch of Big Damn Heroes walk up
• Spot + Listen = Observe and ask you to use their car to save the world, you're more likely
• Hide + Move Silently = Stealth to say "yes."
• Knowledge (arcana) + Spellcraft = Spellcraft Action: Diplomacy generally takes at least a full minute of
• Knowledge (psionics) + Psicraft = Psicraft discussion and longer, potentially much longer, the larger the
• Use Magical Device + Use Psionic Device = deal is. Asking someone to borrow a lighter won't take long.
Use Device (also includes Supertech devices) Asking someone to lend you their car so that you can pursue a
We have also changed Diplomacy into a negotiation skill villain could take a lot longer.
rather than a non-magical charm effect, slightly altered how you You can attempt a full-round Diplomacy check in combat,
roll Profession checks, added a specific use to Knowledge (pop but you take a -20 circumstance penalty.
culture), and created the Supercraft skill, which you use to build Try Again: If you alter the parameters of the deal you are
Supertech devices (see the Invention feats in Chapter 4: Feats). proposing, or just alter the way that you present the deal so that it
appears different, then you can attempt to convince the subject
Diplomacy that this new deal is even better than the last one. This is called
(Cha, Use Untrained) "haggling." You do not get a second Diplomacy roll just for
Use this skill to propose a deal or negotiate with people 7 offering the same deal again.
Check: When you make an offer or propose a deal with an
NPC, you roll your Diplomacy against that subject's Sense Knowledge (pop culture)
Motive check. If you win the check, then you successfully (Int, Use Untrained)
convince the subject that the deal you're offering is a good one. If With this skill, you can identify Power CR
the subject wins the check, then she successfully sees through famous figures like performers Strength Range
any lies, half-truths, or embellishments you might have told in (actors, musicians, models), athletes, Low 1 – 40CR
order to make the deal look better. or politicians. Answering a question Medium 41 – 60CR
What the subject might do at that point is a matter of role- that could be answered through High 61 – 100CR
playing, but the degree to which they make the check and the general knowledge is DC 10 (i.e.,
sheer volume of bullshit you lay down will be a factor. If she just watching the news, hearing stories Very High 100 – 150CR
barely makes her Sense Motive check, then she might propose a from people you know, etc.); a more Run! 151+CR
counter-offer. If she just fails the check, she might grumble at specialised but still fairly basic
having been convinced. As a rule of thumb, for every 5 points by question is DC 15 (i.e., looking something up on purpose,
which you make the roll, the subject is significantly happier paying specific attention to the news); and for extremely difficult
about the deal. For every 5 points by which she makes her or obscure questions are DC 20 to 30 (i.e., you'd need access to
Sense Motive roll, the more insight and understanding she has specific information sources in the news, academic research, or
into why you proposed the deal the way that you did and all the the scientific community).
strategies you might have used to convince her to take it. If you You can also identify people in the superhero/supervillain
make deals in good faith, then there won't necessarily be any "community." The DC for the check equals 10 + Reputation
recriminations, unless you're dealing with someone who is Bonus of an individual (or the average Reputation of a team). A
already belligerent. If you attempt to swindle your subject, she is successful check means you know the general history of the
very likely to react negatively if she catches you at it. individual and one of their powers or weaknesses (player's
GMs should also be fairly liberal with situational modifiers choice), or the reputation of the most famous member of the team
on this skill. If the subject has no reason to distrust the PC at all, (going by the Reputation score). For every 5 points by which you
then there should be no modifier. If the subject already has exceed the DC, you know another power/weakness. If you ask
for a weakness and there isn't one, then you know of one of their
7 This revised version of Diplomacy is based on Rich Burlew's rewrite from powers instead, and vice-versa.
Giant in the Playground Games .

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 49

50 Chapter 3: Skills

Knowledge of a power includes which power it is (the GM relevant DCs remain the same, but Stealth is opposed by Observe
will name it as it appears in Chapter 5: Powers), and an abstract instead of Spot or Listen.
sense of the strength of that power, measured in Character
Points (see table). The GM, alternatively, provide flavour-text Supercraft
explanations for an NPC's power levels. Instead of "medium," (Int, Trained Only)
she could say "can punch through concrete" or "fly as nimbly as Use this skill to identify powers that you observe being
a humming bird and as fast as a jet." If you plan to use this skill a activated, and determine your knowledge of how they work.
lot, you should talk with your GM about what kind of description Identifying a power requires a standard action and a skill check
the two of you would prefer. (DC = 10 + the Base Cost of the power). You can identify
powers either at the time they are activated, or while they're
Observe being sustained. If you have the power Supertech Invention, you
(Wis, Use Untrained) can also identify powers that are loaded into Supertech devices
This skill combines all abilities contained in the skills Listen (Doohickies, Superchemicals, Ray Guns, and Gizmos).
and Spot, and it incorporates all forms of sensory observation You can also just rummage around inside your head for the
(smell, taste, touch, etc.). Modifiers apply separately if they answers to questions about powers and how they work.
affect separate senses. An Observe check you make in the dark Answering a question that could be answered through general
would be penalised if you were primarily looking for something, knowledge is DC 10 (i.e., watching the news, hearing stories
but not penalised if you trying to identify a smell or sound. form people you know, etc.), a more specialised but still fairly
Observe is opposed by Stealth (i.e., instead of Hide and Move basic question is DC 15 (i.e., looking something up on purpose,
Silently). paying specific attention to the news), and for extremely difficult
or obscure questions are DC 20 to 30 (i.e., you'd need access to
Profession Wealth Wealth specific information sources in the news, academic research, or
(Wis, Use Untrained) Check Increase the scientific community).
You use this skill to determine Finally, you must roll a Supercraft check in order to build
how much, if at all, your Wealth DC +1
Supertech devices. The DC varies based on what kind of Device
score increases when you level up. DC +5 +2 you attempt to build (see the Invent feats in Chapter 4: Feats).
This happens in two steps. Note, DC +10 +3
though, that you allocate your Skill DC +15 +4 Use Device
points for having just gained a level DC +20 +5 (Cha, Trained Only)
before you perform these two DC +25 +6 This skill allows you to activate devices of all kinds,
checks. etc. etc. including scrolls, gizmos, psi-stones, ray guns, wands, and
First, you roll a Profession dorjes, even though you don't actually have the skills, feats,
check, the DC of which equals your Ranks in Wealth powers, or other pertinent abilities that would normally allow
Wealth score. If you meet the DC, Profession Increase you to do so.
you get a +1 to your Wealth. You 1 +1 Check: You make a Use Device check each time you activate
get another +1 for every 5 points by 5 +2 an item with an Origin. To use a continuous effect, you must
which you accede the DC. 10 +3 make a skill check once per hour, or when the GM decides it's
Second, increase your Wealth 15 +4 dramatically appropriate.
score if you have ranks in You must consciously choose which requirement to emulate.
20 +5
Profession: +1 Wealth for 1 rank, That is, you must know what you are trying to emulate when you
and an another +1 for every 5 25 +6 make a Use Device check, such as a the Supercraft feat, spell-
ranks (see table). etc. etc. casting ability, or the like. The DCs for various tasks involving
Use Device checks are summarized on the table below.
Psicraft General: Emulate a Class Feature
(Int, Trained Only)
This skill now includes all abilities associated with the skills
Psicraft and Knowledge (psionics). Task Use Device DC
Activate Blindly 25
Spellcraft Decipher Written Spell 25 + spell level
(Int, Trained Only) Address a Power Stone 25 + psi-power level
This skill now includes all abilities associated with the skills Use a Gizmo 15 + CP cost of power
Spellcraft and Knowledge (arcane lore). Use a Dorje or Psicrown 20
Use a Power Stone 20 + effective caster level
Stealth Use a Ray Gun 20
(Dex, Use Untrained) Use a Scroll 20 + caster level
This skill is a combination of Hide and Move Silently. A Use a Wand or Staff 20
single role now encompasses both skills, which means that you Emulate Ability Score see text
can render yourself both silent and hidden from view. All Emulate a Class Feature 20

50 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 3: Skills
Sometimes you need to use a class feature to activate an item.
Your effective level in the emulated class equals your check
result minus 20. This skill does not let you use the class feature
of another class. It just lets you activate items as if you had the
class feature.
Mystical: Activate Blindly
Some magic items are activated by special words, thoughts,
or actions. You can activate such an item as if you were using the
activation word, thought, or action, even if you don't know it.
You do have to perform some equivalent activity in order to
make the check. That is, you must speak, wave the item around,
or scream "WORK DAMN YOU!!!" You get a +2 bonus on your
Use Device check if you've activated the item in question at least
once before.
If you fail your check, the item doesn't activate. If you fail by
10 or more, you suffer a mishap. A mishap means that the item or
device does release some energy, but it doesn't do what it was
supposed to. The item can, for example, strike the wrong target,
cause 1d4 points of damage per level of spell or psi-power, cause
1 point of damage per CP cost of a power (including
enhancements, not including limitations or discounts, etc.) GMs
can feel free to get creative with mishaps, but they can also just
stick with basic damage.
Mystical: Decipher a Written Spell
This works just like deciphering a written spell with the
Spellcraft skill, except that the DC is 5 points higher.
Deciphering a written spell requires 1 minute of concentration.
Mystical: Emulate Intelligence
To cast a spell from a scroll, you need a high Intelligence
score in the appropriate ability. Your effective ability score
(appropriate to the class you're emulating when you try to cast
the spell from the scroll) is your Use Device check result minus
15. If you already have a high enough score in the appropriate
ability, you don't need to make this check.
Mystical: Use a Scroll
If you are casting a spell from a scroll, you have to decipher it
first. Normally, to cast a spell from a scroll, you must have the
scroll’s spell on your class spell list. Use Device allows you to
use a scroll as if you had a particular spell on your class spell list.
The DC is equal to 20 + the caster level of the spell you are
trying to cast from the scroll. In addition, casting a spell from a
scroll requires a minimum score (10 + spell level) in the
appropriate ability. If you don't have a sufficient score in that
ability, you must emulate the ability score with a separate Use
Device check (see above).This use of the skill also applies to
other spell completion magic items.
Mystical: Use a Spell-Trigger Item
Normally, to use a wand, staff, or other spell-trigger device,
you must be have that spell on your caster list, but this skill
allows you to activate such a device as if you had that spell, even
if you can't cast spells at all.
Psionic: Address a Power Stone
Successfully addressing a power stone allows you to find out
what power or powers it contains. Doing this requires 1 minute
of concentration.
Psionic: Use a Power Stone
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
51
Normally, to manifest a power from a power stone, you must
have the power stone’s power on your class power list. This skill
allows you to use a power stone as if you had a particular power
on your class power list. The DC is equal to 20 + the manifester
level of the power you are trying to manifest from the power
stone.
Before you use a power stone, you must first have addressed
it to determine what powers it contains. In addition, manifesting
a power from a power stone requires a minimum Charisma score
of 10 + the psi-power's level. If you don't have a high enough
score, you must emulate the ability score with a separate check
(see above). This use of the skill applies to other power
completion psionic items.
Psionic: Use a Psi-Power Trigger Item
Normally, to use a dorje, psicrown, or other psi-power
triggered device, you must be have that psi-power on your
manifester list, but this skill allows you to activate such a device
as if you had that psi-power, even if you can't manifest psi-
powers at all.
Supertech: Fiddle With The Knobs
To determine the power of a Supertech device
(Superchemical, Doohicky, Ray Gun, or Gizmo), you need to
study it for a full minute. The DC to determine the power is 5
points higher than normal.
Action: Use-Activated. You roll a Use Device check as part
of the action (if any) required to activate the item.
Try Again: Yes, but if you ever roll a natural 1 while
attempting to activate an item and you fail, then you can't try to
activate that item again for 24 hours.
Special: You cannot take 10 with this skill.
If you have the Magical Aptitude feat, you get a +2 bonus on
Use Device checks.
The Synergy Roll
This is an optional rule. You can use the Synergy Roll
instead of, not in addition to, the synergy bonus. 8 When you
make a check with a primary skill, you can also roll an Aid
Another check with a secondary skill and, in effect, Aid yourself.
This Aid check does not take any more time, but you can Aid
yourself with only one secondary skill at a time.
8 The Synergy Roll is based on a rule proposed by "Lordzack" (not his real
name) on the Paizo discussion boards.
51
 CHAPTER 4: FEATS
The mechanics of feats are nearly unchanged in Phoenix. You appropriateness to this game system, are listed here. Your GM
get 2 at first level and then 1 every 3 levels thereafter. might allow you to take other Psionic feats, but only if you ask
However, you can also buy the Advantage "Feat," for 2CP nicely, and even then don't count on it.
both at character creation and every time you level up. Metamagic and metapsionic feats increase the activation
The complete feat list for Phoenix (Table 4-1) lists all feats in cost of spells/psi-powers by a factor of one more rank's worth
the SRDs, including D&D, and The d20 Modern Role-Playing of power points. For example, Quickening a spell or psi-power
Game, and some from The Complete Psionic's Handbook . Some costs +4 ranks, so it adds 12PPs to the activation for a spell
of the psionic feats were removed because they don't fit the genre (3PPs per level) or 16PPs for a psi-power (4PPs per level).
of our game. We have also removed all of feats that grant a flat
+2 to two related feats because you can simply buy skill points Tongue-In-Cheek Feats
in Phoenix (1CP for 4 skill points), and you can take the Skill
Aptitude feat tree to raise your maximum ranks. We've raised At the end of the regular feats is a section of feats that are
the power level of a lot of the old feats. For example, Dodge either specific to the superhero genre, specific to some other
grants a +2 to Defence instead of a +1, and Weapon Focus grants genre, or just a little goofy. GMs and players should read over
+1 to both attack and damage. those feats with some care and agree, as a group, to either use
There is also exactly one metric crap-tonne of new feats that them or not. Some of them require a relaxed attitude towards
are unique to Phoenix. These new feats are more powerful than fixed rules and a willingness to embrace a little bit of silliness.
standard feats so that you can perform the death-defying and
often physically-impossible stunts that superheroes often do. This Feat Groups
means that you probably shouldn't import them into another d20
In Phoenix, feats belong to Feat Groups. This helps with
game. The feat Standing Jump, for example, which allows
organization and class design. Every class that gets bonus feats
players to make Jumps without a running start, is probably
has access to three Feat Groups. The groups are:
inappropriate for a normal game, but in a superhero game, it's
practically necessary for non-powered heroes to keep up.
• Combat, Defensive
On Table 4-1, new feats and feats that have been altered
• Combat, General
for Phoenix are listed in bold-face. All new feats and altered
• Combat, Offensive
feats get a full-text description in this chapter, but unaltered feats
• Combat, Ranged
have been left off because they are available in the SRDs.
• General
Of course, you are free to introduce any other feats from
• Mystical
other expansion books into your games , but we recommend
that you double-check to make sure that whatever you import • Proficiencies
into Phoenix isn't already there under a different name or a • Psionic
slightly-altered form. • Save Enhancers
Naming Conventions • Skill Enhancers
• Supertech
Instead of presenting the feats in strict alphabetical order, this • Tongue-in-Cheek
chapter lists them with standard prefixes after the feat name • Vehicle
(i.e., "[Feat] , [Prefix]"). Thus, all feats that start with
"Improved," "Advanced," "Great" or "Greater," "Awesome," and The feat groups are also a great way to sort through feats
"Supreme" are listed as "[Feat], Improved" or "[Feat], when you're building your character because you can keep them
Awesome." For example, Improved Initiative is listed in this in one field of view at once; they fit on two pages.
book as "Initiative, Improved." "Improved Two-Weapon
Fighting," is "Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved." This system Feat Descriptions
means that feats of the same family appear together in
alphabetical order. Feats: A - B
Likewise, all Proficiency feats are listed as "Proficiency:
[Type] (specific)." For example, the Over-Sized Mêlée Weapons Action Hero
Proficiency is listed in this volume as " Proficiency: Weapons [General]
(over-sized)", and Powered Armour Proficiency is " Proficiency: You can turn guts into glory.
Armour (powered)." This makes finding related feats a lot easier Benefit: You can convert 4 Power Points into 1 Action Point .
because they're all listed within a couple of pages of each other. The conversion is a free action, but you must then use that
Action Point immediately, in that same round (i.e., you can't
F/X Feats "bank" them).

All Psionic feats have a prerequisite of either Wild Talent or Aerobatics

the power Psionic Manifestation . The feats have not been [Skill Enhancers]
duplicated here, because this is the only change to them and it is You are especially agile in the air.
a universal change. On Table 4-1, Psionic/Metapsionic feats are Prerequisites: Tumble 4 ranks
marked with a . Please note that not all the psionic feats from the
P Benefit: You get a +4 to Tumble checks that you make while
SRDs were included. A selection of them, chosen for their you're in the air, including falling or flying.
54 Chapter 4: Feats

Feat Table
Table 4-1 lists all feats available in the Phoenix game, including those that comes from the SRDs (D&D, d20Modern, and The
Psionics Handbook). Feats unique to Phoenix or altered from the SRDs are in bold-face, and Psionic feats are labelled with a P. The
table lists feats alphabetically by tree, so that "Brawl, Improved" is under "Brawl." We have done this so that you can see a feat's
prerequisites at a glance.

Table 4-1 Feats Prerequisites Benefit

Action Hero Convert 4PPs to 1AP

Aerobatics Tumbling 4 ranks +4 on Tumbling checks in the air (falling or flying)
Aircraft Operation Pilot 4 ranks No -4 penalty on Pilot checks or attack rolls with selected aircraft
Anti-Vehicle Speciality +2 to attack vs. vehicles, +1d6 damage to vehicles
Additional +2 to attack vs. vehicles (total +4), +1d6 damage to vehicles
Anti-Vehicle Speciality, Improved Anti-Vehicle Speciality
(total +2d6), double critical threat range vs. vehicles
Astrobatics Dex 13, Tumble 4 ranks You do not take a -4 to attacks and physical skills in zero-gravity
Augment Summoning Spell Focus (conjuration) Summoned creatures gain +4 Str, +4 Con
Blind Fight Re-roll miss chance for concealment in mêlée
Blind Shot Wis 13, Blind Fight Re-roll miss chance for concealment with ranged weapons
Brawl +1 on unarmed attacks, 1d6 + Str bonus non-lethal damage
Brawl, Improved BA +3, Brawl +2 on unarmed attacks, 1d8 + Str bonus non-lethal damage
Sucker Punch BA +3, Brawl First attack, flat-footed, attack is critical/non-lethal
Sucker Punch, Improved BA +6, Brawl, Knockout Punch First attack, flat-footed, attack is critical x3/non-lethal
Streetfighting BA +2, Brawl +1d4 damage once per round with unarmed attack
Improved Feint Int 13, Brawl, Streetfighting Feint in combat as move action
Chaotic Mind Cha 15, Chaotic alignment People with insight bonuses cannot use them to affect you
Expend a move action for concealment, or full-round action for total
Cloak Dance Stealth 10, Perform (dance) 2
concealment
Cloakfall Dex 13 Halves falling damage when wearing a cape or cloak
Combat Archery Dodge, Mobility, Point-Blank Shot You do not provoke attacks of opportunity for loosing arrows in mêlée
Combat Casting +4 bonus to Concentration to cast or manifest defensively
Combat Casting, Improved Combat Casting Another +4 bonus on Concentration to cast/manifest defensively (total +8)
Combat Diagnosis Wis 13 Estimate your opponent's remaining HPs
Combat Driving Drive 4 -1 to attack your vehicle, +1 to attack against other vehicles
Combat Expertise Int 13 Trade attack bonus for Defence bonus, maximum +/- 5
Combat Expertise, Improved Int 13, Combat Expertise Trade attack bonus for Defence bonus, maximum +/- 10
Int 13, Combat Expertise, Improved Combat
Combat Expertise, Awesome Trade attack bonus for Defence bonus, maximum +/- 20
Expertise
Improved Disarm Int 13, Combat Expertise +4 bonus on disarm attempts; no attack of opportunity
Turnabout Disarm Dex 13, Int 13, Combat Expertise Free Attack of Opportunity when you successfully disarm an opponent
Improved Trip Int 13, Combat Expertise +4 bonus on trip attempts; no attack of opportunity
Knockback, Light Dex 15, Int 13, Combat Expertise Avoid knocking opponents back
Precise Strike Int 13, Combat Expertise Avoid doing mêlée damage to buildings
Sunder, Precise Int 13, Combat Expertise Sunder with ranged and blunt weapons
Dex 13, Combat Expertise, Proficiency with Use a rope- or chain-based weapon to keep from falling and/or flip
Third Hand
rope-/chain-based weapons with at 10-ft. reach disarmed objects into your free hand
Dex 13, Int 13, BA +4, Combat Expertise,
Whirlwind Attack One mêlée attack against each opponent within reach
Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack
Combat Martial Arts BA +1 1d4 + Str lethal or non-lethal damage, considered armed
Back-Roll Throw BA +2, Combat Martial Arts +2 to attack with unarmed strike (throw) on charge or bull rush
Blinding Strike Dex 13, BA +4, Combat Martial Arts Blind opponent's with an unarmed strike
Combat Martial Arts, Improved BA +4, Combat Martial Arts Unarmed strike threatens critical hit on 19 or 20
BA +8, Combat Martial Arts, Improved Combat
Combat Martial Arts, Advanced Unarmed strike critical hit deals x3 damage
Martial Arts
Improved Grapple Dex 13, Combat Martial Arts +4 on grapple checks; no attack of opportunity
Agile Wrestling Dex 13, Combat Martial Arts Dexterity bonus to damage when grappling
Break Hold Combat Martial Arts, Improved Grapple +4 to escape a grapple (Escape Artist or Strength)
Sleeper Hold Str 15, Combat Martial Arts, Improved Grapple Increasing non-lethal damage in grapple until unconsciousness
Unarmed Damage, Improved BA +1, Combat Martial Arts, Increases unarmed strike damage die/dice
Pressure-Point Attack Dex 13, Combat Martial Arts, -1 to attack, -2 Defence, 1d6 rounds
Str 13, Dex 15, Combat Martial Arts, Pressure-
Crippling Blow -1 Strength or Dexterity (player's choice)
Point Attack

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 Chapter 4: Feats 55

Table 4-1 Feats Prerequisites Benefit

Stunning Fist Dex 13, Wis 13, BA +8, Combat Martial Arts Stun opponent with unarmed strike
Combat Pilot Pilot 5 -1 to attack your aircraft, +1 to attack against other aircraft
Combat Reflexes Additional attacks of opportunity
Teambreaker BA +4, Dex 13, Int 13, Combat Reflexes Attack of opportunity against someone aiding another or being aided

Control Anything Drive 5 , Pilot (aircraft) 5 , Pilot (watercraft) 5

Operate any vehicle of any kind untrained
Co-operative Attack +4 to Aid Another (instead of +2); +6 with dual Cooperative Attacks
Co-operative Attack, Improved Dex 13, Cooperative Attack Aid Another as a free action
Counterspell, Improved Counterspell with a spell of same school
Critical Range, Improved BA +8, Proficiency Double threat range of weapon
Critical Damage, Improved BA +8, Proficiency, Improved Critical Range Add x2 to your critical damage
Cross-Trained Make two cross-class skills class skills
Damage Threshold, Improved Add your Con bonus to your current massive damage threshold
Daredevil Driver Drive 5 +4 to Drive checks in situations of immediate risk
Daredevil Pilot Pilot 5 +4 to Pilot checks in situations of immediate risk
Daring Escape +4 to checks to escape a dangerous situation
Deadly Precision Dex 15, BA +5, Sneak Attack Re-roll 1's on sneak attack damage
Defensive Martial Arts +2 dodge bonus to Defence against mêlée attacks
Combat Throw Defensive Martial Arts +2 to Str, Dex on trips and grapples
Combat Throw, Improved BA +3, Defensive Martial Arts, Combat Throw Free trip attack when opponent misses you
Elusive Target Dex 13, Defensive Martial Arts -4 on ranged attacks against you while engaged in mêlée combat
Unbalance Opponent BA +6, Defensive Martial Arts Opponent receives no Str bonus to attack, only to damage
Deflect Arrows Defensive Martial Arts Deflect one ranged attack per round
Snatch Arrows Defensive Martial Arts, Deflect Arrows Catch a deflected ranged attack
Deflect Arrows, Improved Dex 15, Defensive Martial Arts, Deflect Arrows Deflect arrows up to twice per round
Dodge Dex 13 +2 dodge bonus to against designated opponent
Agile Riposte Dex 13, Dodge Attack of opportunity when your designated target fails a mêlée attack
Infighter Dex 13, Dodge -2 to all attacks of opportunity against you
Mobility Dex 13, Dodge +4 dodge bonus to Defence against some attacks of opportunity
Spring Attack BA +4, Dex 13, Dodge, Mobility Move before and after a m êlée attack
Flyby Attack BA +4, Dex 13, Dodge, Mobility Fly before and after a mêlée attack
Dex 13, Int 13, BA +4, Combat Expertise,
Whirlwind Attack One mêlée attack against each opponent within reach
Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack
Drive-By Attack No speed penalty when attacking from a moving vehicle
Drug Resistance Con 13 +4 to Save vs. drugs
Endurance +4 on various Constitution/Fortitude checks
Endurance, Improved Con 13, Endurance Additional +4 to checks related to Endurance
Diehard Remain conscious at –1 to –9 hp
Entangling, Improved BA +1 Use whips to entangle, victims are at -4 to attack, -6 to Defence
Environmental Combat Speciality BA +1 +1 attack and +1 doge bonus in one, particular environment
Evasive Manoeuvres +2 dodge bonus when driving
Evasive Manoeuvres, Improved Evasive Manoeuvres Additional +2 dodge bonus when driving (total +4)
Far Shot Increase unmodified Range Increments by +50% (+100% thrown)
Dead Aim Wis 13, Far Shot +4 on ranged attack if full round spent aiming
Favoured Enemy +1 to attack, +2 to damage vs. one type of creature
Favoured Enemy Focus Favoured Enemy Additional +1 to attack, double critical threat vs. one type of creature
Frightful Presence Cha 15, Intimidate 9 ranks Foes can become shaken (Will save negates)
Fortitude, Great +2 on Fortitude saves
Fortitude, Awesome Con 13, Great Fortitude Additional +2 on Fortitude saves (+4 total)
Fortitude, Supreme Con 15, Great Fortitude, Awesome Fortitude Additional +2 on Fortitude saves (+6 total)
Heightened Immune System +4 to Fortitude saves vs. pathogens
Heroic Intervention Dex 13 Switch places with threatened comrade
Heroic Surge Extra move or attack action
Hidden Power +4 Power Points
Holdout Stealth 5 +10 to Stealth objects about your person
Highly Skilled 5 skill points
Home Turf Advantage +2 to Gather Information, Knowledge (local), and Stealth in your city
Hostile Mind P Cha 15 Cause 2d6 damage to attempts to use discipline (telepathy) against you
Hotshot +1 to attack with vehicle-mounted weapons systems
Prone Fighting, Improved BA +1 -1 to mêlée attacks and +1 to ranged attacks when you are prone
Improved Turning Ability to Turn or Rebuke undead +1 character level for turning checks

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56 Chapter 4: Feats

Table 4-1 Feats Prerequisites Benefit

Initiative, Improved +4 bonus on initiative checks
Combat Nerves Dex 13, BA +4, Improved Initiative Roll 2d20s for initiative, choose the highest
Initiative, Awesome Dex 13, Improved Initiative Additional +4 to initiative checks (total +8)
Initiative, Supreme Dex 15, Improved Initiative, Awesome Initiative Additional +4 to initiative checks (total +12)
Inquisitor P Wis 13 Expend psi focus, +10 bonus to Sense Motive check to oppose Bluff
Iron Will +2 on Will saves
Will, Awesome Wis 13, Iron Will Additional +2 to Will saves (total +4)
Will, Supreme Wis 15, Iron Will, Awesome Will Additional +2 to Will saves (total +6)
Lab Magic Mastery Mystic Spell-Casting (3rd-level Spells) +4 competence bonus to Spellcraft while in your laboratory
Last Desperate Trick Extra use of one "once per day/session" special ability
Lethal Hurling Proficiency with thrown weapons +2 to damage with thrown weapons
Light-Footed Dex 13 Stand up from prone as a free action
Lightning Reflexes +2 on Reflex saves
Reflexes, Awesome Dex 13, Lightning Reflexes Additional +2 to Reflex saves (total +4)
Reflexes, Supreme Dex 15, Lightning Reflexes, Awesome Reflexes Additional +2 to Reflex saves (total +6)
Low Profile Reduce Reputation by 3
Low-Light Vision Double range of sight in low-light conditions
equipment bonus +1; weapons attack +1; armour/shields Max
Mastercraft Int 13, Craft (any) 5 ranks
Dex/Equipment Penalty +1
equipment bonus +2; weapons attack/damage +1; armour/shields Max
Mastercraft, Improved Int 15, Craft (any) 5 ranks, Mastercraft
Dex/Equip Penalty +2, defence +1
Int 17, Craft (any) 5 ranks, Mastercraft, equipment +3; weapons attack/damage +2; armour/shields Max
Mastercraft, Advanced
Improved Mastercraft Dex/Equip Penalty +3, defence +2
Int 19, Craft (any) 5 ranks, Mastercraft, equipment bonus +4; weapons attack/damage +3; armour/shields Max
Mastercraft, Supreme
Improved Mastercraft, Advanced Mastercraft Dex/Equip Penalty +4 and defence +4
Mental Leap P Str 13, Jump 5 Expend psi focus, +10 bonus to Jump check
Merciful Mauler No penalty for using mêlée weapons to cause non-lethal damage
Mercy Blow Non-lethal coup de grace
Resistant Powers one power +4 to Fortitude saves to resist Metapowers
Resistant Powers, Improved one power, Resistant Powers additional +4 to Fortitude saves to resist Metapowers (total +8)
one power, Resistant Powers, Improved
Resistant Powers, Awesome additional +4 to Fortitude saves to resist Metapowers (total +12)
Resistant Powers
one power, Resistant Powers, Improved
Resistant Powers, Supreme additional +4 to Fortitude saves to resist Metapowers (total +16)
Resistant Powers, Supreme Resistant Powers
Mind Over Body P Con 13 Heal a number of ability points equal to 1 + Con modifier per day
Mounted Combat Ride 1 Negate hits on mount with Ride check
Mounted Ranged Attacks Mounted Combat Half penalty for ranged attacks while mounted
Ride-By Attack Mounted Combat Move before and after a mounted charge
Spirited Charge Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack Double damage with mounted charge
Trample Mounted Combat Target cannot avoid mounted overrun
Narrow Mind P Wis 13 +4 bonus to Concentration checks to become psionically focused
Origin Resistance +2 to Save vs. 1 Origin
Origin Resistance, Greater Save +2 (see text) DR 3 vs. 1 Origin
Point-Blank Shot +2 competence bonus on ranged attack and damage within 30 ft.
Double Tap Dex 13, Point-Blank Shot -2 on attack, +1 die damage
Dex 13, Point-Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Double
Hail of Bullets Burst fire with revolvers and semi-automatic pistols
Tap
Precise Shot Point-Blank Shot No –4 penalty for shooting into mêlée
Combat Shot Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot You do not provoke attacks of opportunity for firing guns in mêlée
Grazing Shot Dex 13, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot Non-lethal damage with firearms
BA +11, Dex 19, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot,
Deadeye Add Dexterity modifier to ranged attacks (max equals character level)
Improved Precise Shot
Sharpshooter Point-Blank Shot, Far Shot, Precise Shot +2 competence bonus to attack with firearms from more than 30 feet
Sneak Attack, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot,
Sniper Sneak attack with a rifle and a scope
Sharpshooter
Rapid Shot Dex 13, Point-Blank Shot One extra ranged attack each round
Manyshot Dex 17, BA +6, Point-Blank Shot, Rapid Shot One extra ranged attack sequence each round
Dex 17, BA +6, Point-Blank Shot, Rapid Shot,
Manyshot, Greater Make manyshot attacks against separate targets
Manyshot
Dex 19, BA +8, Point-Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, You get a number of attacks equal to your Dexterity bonus when Two-
Gun Fu
Manyshot, Greater Manyshot Weapon fighting with guns

56 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010


Table 4-1 Feats
Shot on the Run
Sliding Shot
Blazing Charge
Skip Shot
Two-Weapon Fighting, Mixed
Power Attack
Cleave
Great Cleave
Bull Rush, Improved
Knockback, Improved
Knockback, Awesome
Knockback, Supreme
Knockback, Distance
Improved Overrun
Improved Sunder
Proficiency: Armour (archaic)
Proficiency: Armour (light)
Armour Focus
Armour Specialisation
Armour Mastery, Arcane
Proficiency: Armour (medium)
Proficiency: Armour (powered)
Proficiency: Armour (heavy)
Proficiency: Firearms (personal)
Proficiency: Firearms (advanced)
Burst Fire
Proficiency: Firearms (exotic)
Proficiency: Shields
Shield Focus
Shield Specialisation
Improved Shield Bash
Proficiency: Weapons (archaic)
Proficiency: Weapons (exotic mêlée)
Proficiency: Weapons (improvised)
Proficiency: Weapons (simple)
Proficiency: Weapons (over-sized)
Psicrystal Affinity P
Improved Psicrystal P
Psicrystal Containment P
Psionic Endowment P
Greater Psionic Endowment P
Psionic Meditation P
Power Focus
Power Focus, Improved
Power Focus, Greater
Power Penetration
Power Penetration, Improved
Quick Change
Quick Draw
Quick Reload
Quick Sheath
Renown
Resist Fatigue
Run
Fast Move
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
Chapter 4: Feats 57
Prerequisites Benefit
Dex 13, BA +4, Dodge, Mobility, Point-Blank
Move before and after ranged attack
Shot
Dex 13, Dodge, Mobility, Point-Blank Shot, Shot
Slide half your move during a full attack action
on the Run
Dex 13, Dodge, Mobility, Point-Blank Shot, Shot
Firearms charge attack, victims potentially shaken
on the Run
Dex 13, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot Ignore cover, -2 on attack, -1 die damage
Dex 15 Wield a mêlée and a ranged weapon, simultaneously.
Str 13 Trade attack bonus for damage (up to your base attack bonus)
Str 13, Power Attack Extra mêlée attack after dropping target
BA +4, Str 13, Power Attack, Cleave No limit to cleave attacks each round
Str 13, Power Attack +4 on bull rush attempts; no attack of opportunity
Str 25, Power Attack +4 bonus to knockback attacks
Str 25, Power Attack, Improved Knockback +2 bonus knockback attacks and damage rolls
Str 25, Power Attack, Improved Knockback,
Additional +2 bonus knockback attacks and damage rolls (total +4)
Supreme Knockback
Str 25, Power Attack, Improved Knockback Knockback distance is equal to knockback damage
Str 13, Power Attack +4 on overrun attempts; no attack of opportunity
Str 13, Power Attack +4 on sunder attempts; no attack of opportunity
Add armour bonus to Defence and no armour penalty on attack rolls
Add armour bonus to Defence and no armour penalty on attack rolls
Proficiency Increase Armour Penalty and Max Dex by +1
Proficiency, Armour Focus Increase Penalty, Max Dex, and Armour Bonus by another +1 (+2 total)
Proficiency: Armour (light) Spell Failure when wearing armour reduces by 10%
Proficiency: Armour (light) Add armour bonus to Defence and no armour penalty on attack rolls
Proficiency: Armour (light, medium) Add armour bonus to Defence and no armour penalty on attack rolls
Proficiency: Armour (light, medium) Add armour bonus to Defence and no armour penalty on attack rolls
Proficient in use of personal firearms
Proficiency: Firearms (personal) No -4 penalty for autofire
Wis 13, Personal Firearms Proficiency,
-4 on attack, +2 dice damage
Advanced Firearms Proficiency
Proficiency: Firearms (personal), Proficiency:
Proficient in a class of exotic firearms
Firearms (advanced)
No armour check penalty on attack rolls
Shield Proficiency +1 to Defence when using a shield
Shield Proficiency, Shield Focus Additional +1 to Defence when using a shield, -1 to armour penalty
Shield Proficiency Retain shield bonus to Defence when shield bashing
Proficiency with swords, bows, etc.
Proficient in a specific exotic mêlée weapon
Proficient with bricks, sticks, toasters, etc.
Proficient with clubs, knives, etc.
Wield two-handed weapons in one hand
Psionic Manifestation Create a psicrystal
Psicrystal Affinity Implant a second personality fragment into a psicrystal
Psionic Manifestation (2nd Level), Psycrystal
Focus your psicrystal and use it in place of expending your own focus
Affinity
Expend psi focus, +1 to DC against your psi-powers
Psionic Endowment Expend psi focus, another +1 to DC against your psi-powers (total +2)
Wis 13, Concentration 7 Take a move action to become psionically focused
+2 on save DC to resist one power
Power Focus Additional +2 to DC to resist one power (total +4)
Power Focus, Improved Power Focus Additional +2 to DC to resist one power (total +6)
+2 on checks to defeat resistances
Power Penetration Additional +2 to checks to defeat resistances (total +4)
Dex 13 Change into your hero costume more quickly
BA +1 Draw weapon as free action
BA +1 Reload firearm as free or move action
BA +1 Sheath or holster weapon as free action
+3 Reputation bonus
Con 15, Endurance Ignore fatigue effect, once per session
Run at x5, +4 Jump checks with running start
Dex 13 +10 feet to your Speed
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58 Chapter 4: Feats

Table 4-1 Feats Prerequisites Benefit

Sprint Run Bonus to your Speed equal to your Strength or Dexterity modifier
Scepticism Wis 13 +4 to save vs. hallucinations, illusions, etc.
Scepticism, Stone-Cold Wis 13, Scepticism Additional +4 to save vs. hallucinations, illusions, etc. (total +8)
Screeching Halt Drive 5 ranks +4 to Drive checks made to come to an immediate stop
Skill Aptitude Maximum ranks in one class skill becomes level +6
Sneak Attack, Dexterous Dex 13, BA +1, Sneak Attack Apply Dexterity modifier to damage with sneak attacks
Speed of Thought P Wis 13 +10 feet to speed when psi-focused and not wearing heavy armour
Spell Focus +1 on save DCs against specific school of magic
Spell Focus, Greater Spell Focus Additional +1 on save DCs against specific school of magic (total +2)
Stand Still Str 13 Give up attack of opportunity to keep foe in place
Standing Jump Str 13, Jump 5 Making long/high jumps without a running start
Staple, Improved +4 on Staple attacks, improved range, increased Strength check DC
Stick-Up Artist Intimidate 5 +4 to Intimidate when wielding a gun
Super Strike Str 21 or Dex 21 Mêlée attack becomes Super
Super Style Cha 13 +2 to Charisma-based check, once per session per Charisma modifier
Surface Vehicle Operation Drive 4 ranks No -4 penalty on Drive checks or attacks rolls with selected vehicle
Surgery Treat Injury 4 No -4 penalty for performing surgery
Swift Power-Point Recovery Recover 1 PP per hour, or 2PP per hour of rest
Swinging, Improved Dex 13 +4 to Tumble and Jump checks related to swinging
Swinging, Combat Dex 13, Improved Swinging Retain Dexterity and dodge bonuses while swinging.
Toughness +5 HPs
Hard to Kill Con 13, Toughness Die at -15HPs, 20% chance of stabilizing per round
Swift Healing Con 13, Toughness Heal a number of HPs per day equal to your Constitution modifier
Track Use Survival skill to track
Two-Weapon Fighting Dex 15 Two-weapon fighting penalties lower by 2 (dominant) and 6 (off-hands)
Two-Weapon Defence Dex 15, Two-Weapon Fighting Off-hand weapon grants +1 shield bonus to Defence
Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved Dex 17, BA +6, Two-Weapon Fighting Gain iterative attacks with your off-hand weapon(s)
Unshakable +4 vs. fear, horror, demoralization
Fearless Wis 13, Unshakable Additional +4 vs. fear, horror, demoralization (+8 total)
Up the Walls P Wis 13 Run up a vertical surface as part of a move action
Vehicle Dodge Dex 13, Drive 5 ranks +2 dodge bonus to Defence
Force Stop Dex 13, Drive 5 ranks, Vehicle Dodge Force a surface vehicle to stop
Vehicle Focus +1 to checks and Defence on a specific vehicle
Vehicle Focus, Greater Vehicle Focus Additional +1 to checks and Defence on a specific vehicle (total +2)
Wariness Wis 13, Observe 5 ranks Trade standard action for +2 to all Saves
Weapon Finesse BA +1 Use Dex mod instead of Str mod on attack rolls
Weapon Focus BA +1, Proficiency +1 to attack and damage with chosen weapon
Weapon Familiarity BA +1, 3 Proficiencies (mêlée or ranged) your non-proficient penalty is only -2
Warrior/Soldier 4 th, BA +1, Proficiency, Weapon
Weapon Parry Shield bonus +2 when wielding Focused weapon ( mêlée only)
Focus
Warrior/Soldier 4 th, BA +1, Proficiency, Weapon
Weapon Speed Initiative bonus +8 when wielding Focused weapon
Focus
Warrior/Soldier 4 th, BA +1, Proficiency, Weapon
Weapon Specialisation Additional +1 to attack and damage with chosen weapon (total +2)
Focus
Warrior/Soldier 8 th, BA +1, Proficiency, Weapon
Weapon Focus, Greater Additional +1 to attack and damage with chosen weapon (total +3)
Focus
Warrior/Soldier 12 th, Proficiency, Weapon Focus,
Weapon Specialisation, Greater Additional +1 to attack and damage with chosen weapon (total +4)
Weapon Specialisation, Greater Weapon Focus
Will to Live +4 to resist instant death effects, either mundane or super
Wild Talent Gain access to psionic and metapsionic feats
Mystical Item-Creation Feats
Scribe Scroll Spell-casting (1 st Level) Scribe mystic scrolls
Brew Potion Spell-casting (2 rd Level) Brew mystic potions
Craft Mystic Armament Spell-casting (3rd Level) Craft mystic weapons and armour
Craft Wand Spell-casting (3 rd Level) Craft mystic wands

Psionic Item-Creation Feats

Craft Psi-Stone Psionic Manifestation (1 st Level)
Craft Cognizance Crystal Psionic Manifestation (2 nd Level)
Craft Psionic Armaments Psionic Manifestation (3 rd Level)
Craft Dorje Psionic Manifestation (3 rd Level)
Supertech Item-Creation Feats
You can imprint crystals with psi-powers
You can infuse crystals with Power Points
You can create psionically-enhanced arms and armour
You can imprint crystals with multiple psi-powers

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 Chapter 4: Feats 59

Table 4-1 Feats Prerequisites Benefit

Invent Superchemical Intelligence 17, Supertech Invention (power) You can invent Superchemicals
Invent Super Equipment Intelligence 17, Supertech Invention (power) You can invent Supertech tools
Intelligence 17, Supertech Invention (power),
Invent Empowered Equipment You can build Super Equipment with powers.
Invent Super Equipment
Intelligence 17, Supertech Invention (power),
Invent Super Armament You can invent Supertech weapons and armour
Invent Super Equipment
Intelligence 19, Supertech Invention (power),
Invent Doohicky You can invent Doohickies
Invent Super Equipment
Intelligence 21, Supertech Invention (power),
Invent Ray Gun You can invent Ray Guns with up to 20CPs
Invent Super Equipment, Invent Doohicky
Intelligence 21, Supertech Invention (power),
Invent Ray Gun, Improved Invent Super Equipment, Invent Doohicky, You can invent Ray Guns with more than 20CPs
Invent Ray Gun
Intelligence 23, Supertech Invention (power),
Invent Gizmo Invent Super Equipment, Invent Doohicky, You can invent Gizmos
Invent Ray Gun
Metamagic Feats
Empower Spell Increase spell's variable, numeric effects by 50%; cost +2 levels
Enlarge Spell Double spell's range; cost +1 level
Extend Spell Double spell's duration; cost +1 level
Heighten Spell Cast spells as higher level; cost equals level of increase
Maximise Spell Maximize spell's variable numeric effects; cost +3 levels
Quicken Spell Case a spell as a free action; cost +4 levels
Silent Spell Cast spells without verbal components; cost +1 level
Still Spell Cast spells without somatic components; cost +1 level
Widen Spell Double spell's area; cost +3 levels
Metapsionic Feats
Burrowing Psi-Power Psi-power goes through walls/barriers; cost +2 levels
Chain Psi-Power Psi-power hits target, chains to additional targets; cost +4 levels
Delay Psi-Power Psi-power goes off later; cost +1 levels
Empower Psi-Power Increase psi-power's variable numeric effects by 50%; cost +2 levels
Enlarge Psi-Power Double psi-power's range; cost +1 level
Extend Psi-Power Double psi-power's duration; cost +1 level
Maximize Psi-Power Maximize psi-power's variable numeric effects; cost +3 levels
Opportunity Power Make psionically-enhanced attacks of opportunity; cost +4 levels
Quicken Psi-Power Manifest a psi-power as a free action; cost +4 levels
Split Psionic Ray Any other psionic feat Attack two targets with a single ray; cost +2 levels
Twin Psi-Power Manifest same psi-power twice, simultaneously; cost doubles
Unconditional Psi-Power Manifest psi-power even when disabled; cost +4 levels
Widen Psi-Power Double psi-power's area; cost +3 levels

Agile Wrestling
[Combat, Offensive]
Your wrestling skills are precise and controlled.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Combat Martial Arts, Improved
Grapple.
Benefit: Apply your Dexterity modifier rather than your
Strength modifier to all grapple checks.
Anti-Vehicle Speciality
[Vehicle]
You are adept at striking at the weak points of vehicles.
Benefit: You get a +2 competence bonus to all attack rolls
made against vehicles (though not against targets within or upon
a vehicle) and a +1d6 damage bonus to any successful attack
upon a vehicle. You do not multiply this damage when you score
critical hits (i.e., just like a Sneak Attack).
Anti-Vehicle Speciality, Improved
[Vehicle]
When you shoot at vehicles, they blow up real good.
Prerequisites: Anti-Vehicle Speciality
Benefit: As Anti-Vehicle Speciality, but an additional +2 (+4
total), and an additional +1d6 damage (total +2d6). Also, double
the critical threat range of any weapon you use to attack a
vehicle.
Armour Focus
[Combat, Defensive]
You are particularly good with particular kind of armour.
Prerequisites: Proficiency with the armour
Benefit: Choose one specific piece of armour or protective
gear. When wearing it, you get a +1 to both your Maximum
Dexterity bonus and your armour penalty (i.e., a Max Dex +4
becomes +5, and an armour penalty of -3 becomes -2).
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time, it
applies to a different type of armour. You can apply this feat to
Power Armour.

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60 Chapter 4: Feats

Armour Mastery, Arcane Will saves (DC 15) or be shaken for 1d4 rounds. At the
[Mystical] beginning of a Blazing Charge, you must have at least 4
You are trained to cast spells while impeded by armour shots/bullets left in your firearm, and at the end of it, you have
Prerequisites: Light Armour Proficiency depleted all shots/bullets in that firearm/clip, regardless of how
Benefit: The feat reduces by 10% the Arcane Spell Failure of many times you attacked.
any armour you wear and are proficient with. This feat cannot
lower your chance of spell failure to less than 5%. Blind Shot
[Combat, Ranged]
Armour Specialisation When you fire blind, you hit.
[Combat, Defensive] Prerequisites: Wis 13, Alertness, Blind-Fight
Your favoured armour is a second skin. Benefit: If you make a ranged attack and miss because of
Prerequisites: Proficiency (armour), Armour Focus concealment, you can re-roll the miss change (percentile) once.
Benefit: You get an additional +1 to your Maximum Note: This feat can be used against concealment granted by
Dexterity and armour penalty on top of what Armour Focus mist, smoke, fog, darkness, and blindness on the shooter's part. It
grants, and you get a +1 to the Armour bonus that the armour can not be used to negate concealment provided by solid physical
grants. This brings your total bonuses up to +2 to Max Dex and cover or invisibility on the part of a target.
armour penalty, and +1 to your Defence.
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time, it Blinding Strike
stacks with the Armour Focus feat. [Combat, Offensive]
You are skilled at making a swift, precise strike to the eyes.
Astrobatics Prerequisites: Dex 13, BA +4, Combat Martial Arts
[Skill Enhancers] Benefit: To make a Blinding Strike, you sacrifice one attack
You are trained in both zero- and low-gravity environments and take a -4 penalty to hit, plus -4 per size category the target is
Benefits: You take no penalties to movement or skills when different than you (because their eyes are harder to strike). If
in a zero-gravity environment or a low-gravity environment. your opponent's eyes are covered by goggles or heavier
Normal: You take a -4 to attacks, Jump, and Tumble checks protection (like a helmet), then you cannot make a Blinding
in zero-/low-gravity environments. Strike at all. If you hit, you blind your opponent for 1d4 rounds.
Blinding Strikes do no actual damage. You cannot make more
Back-Roll Throw than one Blinding Strike attack in in a round.
[Combat, Defensive]
A back-roll throw is an elegant grappling technique. You grab Break Hold
the arms of an onrushing foe, plant a foot in their stomach, and [Combat, Defensive]
roll backward, flinging them backwards over you. You are great at breaking out of grapples.
Prerequisites: BA +2, Combat Martial Arts Prerequisites: Combat Martial Arts, Improved Grapple
Benefit: Whenever an opponent charges or bull rushes you Benefit: You get a +4 bonus to any roll (Escape Artist check
and fails his attack roll, you can make an immediate unarmed or Strength ability check) made to break out of an opponent's
attack roll with a +2 circumstance bonus. If successful, the successful grapple.
opponent will be moved five feet behind you and dropped there,
prone. Any of your allies in or adjacent to the space where the Brew Potion
opponent is deposited receive attacks of opportunity against that [Mystical]
opponent. You can create mystic potions.
Special: You must have at least one hand free in order to Prerequisite: Spellcasting 2nd Level
make use of this feat. Benefit: You can create a potion of any 3rd-level or lower
spell that you know and that targets one or more creatures.
Blazing Charge Brewing a potion takes a number of hours equal to the spell's
[Combat, Ranged] level + the caster level of the spell. When you create a potion,
You have perfected the delicate art of running straight at your you set the caster level, which must be sufficient to cast the spell
opponents while screaming at the top of your lungs and pulling in question and no higher than your own effective caster level.
the trigger as fast as you can. You make any and all choices about the spell's effects at the
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Dodge, Mobility, Point-Blank Shot, time of brewing the potion.
Shot on the Run For materials needed to create the potion, the Purchase DC is
Benefit: If you have a firearm in hand, you can execute a 17 + the spell's level + the caster level of the potion (whatever
full-attack while charging. This means that you can make all your you decide to set it at). This is in addition to the costs for any and
attacks, just as if you were making a normal full-attack, but do so all material components necessary for the spell itself.
at any point along the path of your charge (i.e., a double-move in Within any given seven-day period, the number of potions
a straight line). You take -2 to attack and -4 to Defence until the you can brew is limited by the total levels' worth of spells in
beginning of your next turn. If you strike a target or miss them by them. That number cannot exceed your Constitution modifier
5 points or less on your attack roll, then those targets must make times 4. For example, if you have Constitution 18 (+4), then you

60 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 4: Feats
cannot make more than 12 levels worth of devices in one seven-
day period. A single potion with a 2nd-level spell is two levels
worth of spells.
Feats: C
Cloakfall
[General]
You can use a cape as a glider.
Prerequisites: Dex 13.
Benefit: If you wear a cape or cloak, you double the distance
at which you can fall without taking damage. You must be
conscious to use this feat.
Combat Casting
[Mystical/Psionic]
You keep your mind focused when you're in a fight.
Benefit: You a +4 bonus on Concentration checks made to
cast a spell or manifest a psi-power while on the defensive or
while you are grappling or pinned.
Combat Casting, Improved
[Mystical/Psionic]
In the violent chaos of battle, nothing makes you flinch.
Prerequisite: Combat Casting
Benefit: You get an additional +4 bonus on Concentration
checks made to cast a spell or manifest a psi-power while on the
defensive or while you are grappling or pinned. This bonus is
cumulative with that provided by Combat Casting, for a total
bonus of +8.
Combat Diagnosis
[Combat, General]
You have an eye for telling how hurt people are.
Prerequisites: Wis 13.
Benefit: You can (as a free action, once per round) estimate
approximately how much of a subject's total HPs he or she has
left. You diagnose the subject's remaining HPs as a percentage
and to within 10% their total. A subject with 80HPs left out of
100 would look 80% healthy, as would a subject with 8HPs out
of 10, for example.
Combat Driving
[Vehicle]
You are trained to handle vehicles in a battle.
Prerequisites: Drive (any) 4 ranks.
Benefit: Anyone attacking a ground vehicle that you operate
suffers a -1 penalty to attack. Any attacks launched from your
vehicle against another vehicle gain a +1 bonus.
Combat Expertise, Awesome
[Combat, Defensive]
You never let your guard down.
Prerequisites: Int 13, Combat Expertise, Improved Combat
Expertise
Benefit: As Combat Expertise, except that the maximum
points you can trade is 20 and can exceed your Base Attack.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
61
Combat Expertise, Improved
[Combat, Defensive]
The best offence is a good defence.
Prerequisites: Int 13, Combat Expertise
Benefit: As Combat Expertise, except that the maximum
points you can trade is 10 and can exceed your Base Attack.
Combat Nerves
[Combat, General]
You never flinch when reacting to danger.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, BA +4, Improved Initiative
Benefit: When you roll for Initiative, roll 2 twenty-sided dice
and pick the highest roll.
Special: If you have a super-power or any other extraordinary
ability that already allows you to roll 2 twenty- sided dice on
Initiative checks, you can instead roll 3.
Combat Pilot
[Vehicle]
You are trained to handle aircraft in a battle.
Prerequisites: Pilot (any) 5 ranks.
Benefit: Anyone attacking an aircraft operated by you suffers
a -1 penalty to his attack rolls. Any attacks launched from your
aircraft against another vehicle gain a +1 bonus.
Combat Shot
[Combat, Ranged]
You are accustomed to gunplay in m êlée.
Prerequisites: Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot
Benefit: You do not provoke attacks of opportunity when you
shoot a firearm or futuristic pistol- or rifle-like weapon.
Control Anything
[Vehicle]
You can drive, fly, or pilot just about anything.
Prerequisites: Drive (any) 5 ranks, Pilot (any aircraft) 5
ranks, Pilot (any watercraft) 5 ranks.
Benefit: You can now operate any vehicle as if you were
trained. This includes any vehicle that can be controlled by a
single pilot, even things as esoteric as flying saucers and anti-
grav speeders.
Normal: Ordinarily, driving or piloting a strange vehicle
counts as a "trained action," and thus cannot be attempted by
those without the appropriate skill.
Co-operative Attack
[Combat, Offensive]
You are trained in team-based combat.
Benefit: When you use the "aid another" manoeuvre during
combat, you grant the aided character a +4 bonus to attack or a
+4 bonus to Defence.
Special: If the character you aid has the Cooperative Attack
feat, then you grant a +6 instead of the normal +4.
Normal: The "aid another" manoeuvre ordinarily confers a
+2 bonus to attack or a +2 bonus to Defence.
Co-operative Attack, Improved
[Combat, Offensive]
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62 Chapter 4: Feats
You're exceptionally good at supporting your allies.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Cooperative Attack
Benefit: You can use the "aid another" action as a swift
action.
Normal: "Aid another" requires a standard action.
Craft Cognizance Crystal
[Psionic]
Prerequisite: Psionic Manifestation (2nd-Level)
You can infuse crystals with spare power points.
Benefit: You can create a cognizance crystal, which stores
mental energy that can be converted to psionically-attuned PPs
(i.e., for manifesting psi-powers only). You can create a
cognizance crystal with a number of PPs equal to the PP cost
of the highest level of psi-powers you can manifest . This is the
effective manifesting level of the crystal, which is used to
determine the crafting time, the PDC of the raw materials, and
the XP cost.
The creation time is a number of hours equal to the
effective manifesting level, the Purchase DC = 17 + the effect
manifesting level, and the XP cost is the effective manifesting
level squared and then multiplied by the PDC of the raw
materials.
Note: Cognizance crystals are the rough equivalent of potions
and Superchemicals. For more information about cognizance
crystals, see Chapter 6: "F/X".9
Craft Dorje
[Psionic]
You can make crystals that stores a psi-power.
Prerequisite: Psionic Manifestation (3rd-Level)
Benefit: You can attune a dorje with any psi-power that you
know. When you attune a dorje, you set the manifesting level of
its psi-powers, which must be sufficient to manifest the psi-
power in question and no higher than your effective manifesting
level. You make any and all choices about the psi-power's effects
at the time of attuning the dorje, including the effective
manifesting level of the dorje itself.
Attuning a dorje takes a number of hours equal to the psi-
power's level + the manifesting level of the psi-power
(whatever you decided to set it at), multiplied by 3. A 3rd-level
psi-power with an effective manifesting level 2, for example,
would take 15 hours ([3 + 2] x 3 = 15). The PDC for materials
needed to attune the dorje is 19 + the psi-power's level + the
manifesting level of the dorje (whatever you decide to set it at).
Note: Dorjes are the direct analogue of wands and Ray Guns.
For more information about dorjes, see Chapter 6: "F/X".
Craft Mystic Armament
[Mystical]
You can craft mystic weapons and armour.
Prerequisite: Spellcasting (3 rd-Level)
9 We've done our best to streamline the Item-Creation process, for mystic,
psionic, and supertech items. If you prefer a simpler method, though, don't
forget that you can just buy a Gadget, which is just a hand-held power that
comes with a discount (see Chapter 5: Powers), and then you can say you
built it yourself.
62 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Benefit: You can enchant weapons or protective gear with
either a simple enhancement bonus or an equivalent special
ability. Chapter 6: F/X contains a list of special arms/armour
abilities, but that list is by no means exhaustive.
You can either make your own mastercraft item or enchant an
existing item. To enchant an existing item, you must first acquire
raw materials for the enchantment process. The PDC = 19, and
increases by 2 for every +1 enhancement (or equivalent). Thus
a +2 item requires a Wealth check DC 7. The enchanting process
takes a half-day for every +1 enhancement bonus (or
equivalent). If you enchant a piece of armament with a special
ability, you must have the spell associated with it and cast it as
part of the enchantment process. The appropriate spell is listed
with the special ability description.
If you make your own item, add the time that it takes to make
the item (see the Mastercraft skill) to the enchanting time.
Furthermore, the PDC for the raw materials equals the PDC of
the item, +2 for every +1 enhancement bonus (or equivalent).
Note: For more information about Mystic Armaments, see
Chapter 6: F/X.
Craft Psionic Armaments
[Psionic]
You can craft psionic weapons and armour.
Prerequisite: Psionic Manifestation (3rd-Level)
Benefit: You can attune weapons and protective gear with up
to a +5 enhancement bonus and a +5 equivalent in special
abilities. Chapter 6: F/X contains a list of special arms/armour
abilities, but that list is by no means exhaustive.
You can either make your own mastercraft item or attune an
existing item. To attune an existing item, you must first acquire
raw materials for the attuning process. The PDC = 19, and
increases by 2 for every +1 enhancement (or equivalent). Thus
a +2 item requires a Wealth check DC 7. The attuning process
takes a half-day for every +1 enhancement bonus (or
equivalent). If you attune a piece of armament with a special
ability, you must have the psi-power associated with it and
manifest that psi-power it as part of the attunement process. The
appropriate psi-power is listed with the special ability
description.
If you make your own item, add the time that it takes to make
the item (see the Mastercraft skill) to the attuning time.
Furthermore, the PDC for the raw materials is the PDC of the
item, +2 for every +1 enhancement bonus (or equivalent).
Note: For more information about psionic armaments, see
Chapter 6: F/X.
Craft Psi-Stone
[Psionic]
Prerequisite: Psionic Manifestation (1st-Level)
You can imprint crystals with psi-powers.
Benefit: You can create a psi-stone with any psi-power that
you know. It takes a number of hours equal to the psi-power's
level + the manifesting level of the manifester (whatever you
decide to set it at). When you imprint a psi-stone, you set the
manifesting level, which must be sufficient to manifest the psi-
power in question and no higher than your own effective
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 4: Feats
manifesting level. You make any and all choices about the psi-
power's effects at the time of imprinting the psi-stone.
Tor materials needed to imprint the psi-stone, including the
crystal itself, the PDC = 15 + spell level + the manifesting level
of the psi-stone (whatever you decide to set it at). This is in
addition to the costs for any and all material components
necessary for the psi-power itself.
Note: Psi-stones are the rough equivalent of scrolls and
Gizmos. They are called "power stones" in all other published
sources, but we have renamed them to alleviate confusion with
actual powers. For more information about psi-stones, see
Chapter 6: F/X.
Craft Wand
[Mystical]
You can make mystic wands.
Prerequisite: Spellcasting (3rd-Level)
Benefit: You can create a wand with any spell that you know. 20, this feat would change it to 19-20. If you had a weapon with
When you craft a wand, you set the caster level of its spells,
which must be sufficient to cast the spell in question and no
higher than your effective caster level. You make any and all
choices about the spell's effects at the time of crafting the wand.
Crafting a wand takes a number of hours equal to the spell level increases critical threat range.
+ the caster level of the spell, multiplied by 3 . A 3rd-level spell
with a caster level of 2, for example, would take 15 hours ([3 +
2] x 3 = 15).
For materials needed to craft the wand is PDC = 21 + the
spell's level + the caster level of the wand (whatever you
decide to set it at). This is in addition to the costs for any and all you can make them class skills. They will stay that way
material components necessary for the spell itself, which you
must expend 50 times (once for each charge on the wand).
Within any given seven-day period, the number of potions
you can brew is limited by the total levels worth of spells in
them. That number cannot exceed your Constitution modifier
times 4. For example, if you have Constitution 18 (+4), then you
cannot make more than 12 levels worth of devices in one seven-
day period. A single potion with a 2nd-level spell is two levels
worth of spells.
Note: Wands are the direct analogue of dorjes and Ray Guns.
For more information about wands, see see Chapter 6: F/X.
Crippling Blow
[Combat, Offensive]
You can cripple your opponents with an unarmed strike.
Prerequisites: Str 13, Dex 15, Combat Martial Arts, Pressure
Point Attack
Benefit: You can designate any unarmed strike as a Crippling
Blow. If you hit, you cause 1 temporary point of Strength or
Dexterity damage (player's choice). You can make only one
Crippling Blow per round. The effects of Crippling Blow are
cumulative. The target of a Crippling Blow must have discernible
humanoid anatomy and physiology. Anyone with an armour or
natural Defence bonus of more than +6 are immune to this feat's
effects.
Critical Damage, Improved
[Combat, Offensive]
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
63
Your critical hits hurt more.
Prerequisites: BA +8, Proficiency with weapon, Improved
Critical Range
Benefit: With one particular weapon, add x2 to its critical
hit damage. Thus, if you had a weapon with a x3 to crits, this
feat would change it to a x4. You can take this feat multiple
times, but its effects do not stack. Instead, it applies to a new
weapon.
Special: This feat does stack with power enhancements that
grants an extra x2 to critical damage.
Critical Range, Improved
[Combat, Offensive]
You are good at scoring critical hits.
Prerequisites: BA +8, Proficiency with weapon
Benefit: With one particular weapon, double the critical
threat range. Thus, if you had a weapon with a critical range of
a critical range of 19-20, this feat would change it to 17-20.
You can take this feat multiple times, but its effects do not
stack. Instead, it applies to a new weapon.
Special: This feat does stack with power enhancements that
Cross-Trained
[Skill Enhancers]
You have skills beyond your normal access.
Benefit: Select two skills that are cross-classed, for you, and
regardless of multi-classing.
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time, it
applies to two new cross-classed skills.
Feats: D
Damage Threshold, Improved
[Combat, Defensive]
You take a licking and keep on ticking.
Benefit: Your massive damage threshold increases by a
number of points equal to your Constitution score.
Normal: The maximum for a massive damage threshold is
still 50. [This feat has been changed to match the Massive
Damage rules in Phoenix.]
Daredevil Driver
[Vehicle]
You are the bastard child of the God of Cars
Prerequisites: Drive (any) 5 ranks.
Benefit: You get a +4 bonus to any roll made to operate a
motorized ground vehicle in a situation of immediate risk (that is,
if failing the roll will result in the vehicle taking damage in some
fashion).
Daredevil Pilot
[Vehicle]
The jet gods love you.
Prerequisites: Pilot (any) 5 ranks
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64 Chapter 4: Feats
Benefit: You get a +4 bonus to any roll made to operate an
aircraft in a situation of immediate risk (that is, if failing the roll
will result in the aircraft taking damage in some fashion).
Daring Escape
[Save Enhancers]
You have a penchant for ducking out of danger in style.
Benefit: You get a +4 bonus to any skill check you make
while escaping from a dangerous situation, provided that the
escape has some element of risk. This includes but is not limited
to diving out a plate-glass window, swinging across a deep
chasm, or jumping a speeding motorcycle over a flaming
barricade. This bonus is not merely added to Escape Artist
checks and the like. It represents a flair for cinematic exits.
Special: The bonus applies to all rolls made in the process of
escape. For example, if you leap from a sixth-story balcony
(Jump check), look about wildly for a soft spot to land (Observe
check) and attempt to break your fall in a huge pile of garbage
(Tumble check), the bonus would apply to each roll.
Dead Aim
[Combat, Ranged]
You are a trained sniper.
Prerequisites: Wis 13, Far Shot
Benefit: Before making a ranged attack, the you can take a
full-round action to line up your shot. This grants you a +2
circumstance bonus on your next attack roll. Once you begin
aiming, you can't move, even to take a 5-foot step, until after you
make your next attack. If you move or otherwise lose your
concentration, you lose the circumstance bonus.
Deadeye
[Combat, Ranged]
Your hand is steady and deadly.
Prerequisites: BA +11, Dex 19, Point-Blank Shot, Precise
Shot, Improved Precise Shot
Benefit: You add your Dexterity modifier to your ranged
attack damage as a bonus.
Deadly Precision
[Combat, Offensive]
Your Sneak Attacks pack a punch.
Prerequisites: BA +8, Dex 15
Benefit: Re-roll 1's on your damage rolls for all your
successful Sneak Attacks.
Defensive Martial Arts
[Combat, Defensive]
You're hard to tag in a fight.
Benefit: You gain a +2 dodge bonus to Defence against
mêlée attacks. If you lose your Dexterity bonus to defence, you
also lose this +2 dodge bonus.
Deflect Arrows, Improved
[Combat, Defensive]
You brush arrows aside like they're floating feathers.
Prerequisites: Dex 15, Combat Martial Arts, Deflect Arrows
64 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Benefit: You can use the Deflect Arrows feat up to twice per
round. All other conditions and limitations still apply.
Special: If you also have the Snatch Arrows feat, you can
now catch up to two projectiles per round.
Dodge
[Combat, Defensive]
Prerequisites: Dex 13
Benefit: In combat, you get a +2 dodge bonus to Defence
against a single opponent. In mêlée, this automatically applies to
whomever attacked you first, but you can choose to apply it
anyone in the combat whom you can see or otherwise identify
individually. In the case of ranged attacks, this bonus
automatically applies after a ranged attacker fires at you for the
first time, but again, you can apply it to any ranged attacked
whom you've already seen or identified. You can take this feet up
to 3 times. Its effects stack.
Drug Resistance
[Save Enhancers]
You are great at shaking off drugs and chemicals.
Prerequisites: Con 13
Benefit: You get a +4 bonus to all rolls made to resist
deleterious drugs, poisons, and their lingering effects.
Special: You can take this feat twice. It's effects stack.
Feats: E - F
Endurance
[Save Enhancers/Skill Enhancers]
Benefit: You gain a +4 bonus on the following checks/saves:
• Swim checks to resist non-lethal damage
• Constitution checks to continue Running
• Constitution checks to avoid non-lethal damage from a
forced march
• Constitution checks to hold your breath
• Constitution checks to avoid non-lethal damage from
starvation or thirst
• Fortitude saves to avoid non-lethal damage from hot or
cold environments
• Fortitude saves to resist damage from suffocation.
Also, you can sleep in very uncomfortable circumstances—
on a kitchen chair, folded up in a car trunk, or wearing heavy
armour—without become fatigued the next day.
Endurance, Improved
[Save Enhancers/Skill Enhancers]
You have the stamina of a triathlete.
Prerequisites: Con 13, Endurance
Benefit: This feat increases the Endurance bonus by an
additional +4, which brings the total to +8. Additionally, you can
sleep practically anywhere—on pavement in the Winter, in a
locker at the airport, during a U2 concert—without becoming
fatigued the next day.
Entangling, Improved
[Combat, General]
You are highly adept at entangling opponents.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 4: Feats
Prerequisites: BA +1
Benefit: When you entangle another person in mêlée, he or
she moves at half speed, cannot run or charge, suffers a -4
penalty to attack rolls and a -6 penalty to Defence. You can also
use a whip as an entangling weapon.
Normal: Normally, an entangled creature moves at half
speed, cannot run or charge, suffers a -2 penalty to attack rolls,
and a -4 penalty to Defence. Also, whips are not entangling
weapons without this feat.
Environmental Combat Speciality
[Combat, General]
You are trained to fight in a specific environment.
Prerequisites: BA +1
Benefit: Select one environment from the list below. In that
environment, you get a +1 competence bonus to all attack rolls
and a +1 dodge bonus to Defence. The environments are: Arctic,
Desert, Forest (Temperate), Jungle, Mountain, Ocean, Outer
Space, and Underground.
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Every time, it
applies to a new environment.
Evasive Manoeuvres
[Vehicle]
You know how to drive defensively.
Benefit: You grant a +2 dodge bonus to the Defence of any
ground vehicle you drive (car, truck, motorcycle, etc.).
Evasive Manoeuvres, Improved
[Vehicle]
You really know how to drive defensively.
Prerequisites: Evasive Manoeuvres
Benefit: You grant an additional +2 dodge bonus to any
ground vehicle you're driving, for a total of +4. Also, this Dodge
bonus now applies to the Defence of any passengers in the
vehicle versus attacks made directly against them rather than the
vehicle itself.
Normal: Passengers in a vehicle do not get any defensive
benefits from the pilot/driver.
Far Shot
[Combat, Ranged]
Prerequisite: Point Blank Shot
Benefit: Increase the Range Increment of your ranged attacks
by +50% (+100% for thrown weapons) of the unmodified Range
Increment (i.e., before it was increased).
Special: Range Increment increases are always relative to the
original, unmodified Range Increment of the weapon. This feat
adds an amount equal to half the original Range Increment (i.e.,
+50%), or an amount equal to the original Range Increment for
thrown weapons.
Fast Move
[General]
You are extremely fleet-footed.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Run
Benefit: Increase your base speed by 10 feet, but only when
unarmoured and unencumbered.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
65
Favoured Enemy
[Combat, General]
You are great at hurting a particular creature.
Benefit: You get a +1 competence bonus to attack rolls and a
+2 competence bonus to damage rolls made against foes that fall
into one of the following categories: Human/Humanoid Mutants,
Specific Humanoid or Alien Species, Animals,
Magical/Legendary Beasts, Plants, Machines/Machine Life, and
Undead.
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time, it
applies to a new creature type.
Favoured Enemy Focus
[Combat, General]
You are really great at hurting a particular creature.
Prerequisites: Favoured Enemy
Benefit: Select a class of enemy for which you already has
the Favoured Enemy feat. Against foes of that category, you get
an additional +1 competence bonus to attack rolls (cumulative
with the bonus conferred by Favoured Enemy). Additionally, the
critical hit threat range of any weapon you use against a foe of
that category doubles.
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time, it
applies to a new creature type.
Fearless
[Save Enhancers]
You laugh in the face of danger.
Prerequisites: Wis 13, Unshakable
Benefit: You get an additional +4 to any roll made to resist
fear, horror, and demoralization, for a total bonus of +8
Fortitude, Awesome
[Save Enhancers]
You are unusually tough, even for a super-hero.
Prerequisites: Con 13, Great Fortitude
Benefit: You get an additional +2 bonus to all Fortitude
saving throws, for a total bonus of +4.
Fortitude, Supreme
[Save Enhancers]
You could eat broken glass if you really felt like it.
Prerequisites: Con 15, Great Fortitude, Awesome Fortitude
Benefit: You get an additional +2 bonus to all Fortitude
saving throws, for a total bonus of +6.
Frightful Presence
[General]
You are good at scaring your opponents.
Prerequisites: Cha 15, Intimidate 9 Ranks
Whenever you perform one, specific dramatic action—such
as charging, bellowing threats, or flourishing a signature weapon
—all opponents within 20 feet might become shaken for 2d6
rounds. This effects only opponents who have as many or fewer
Character Levels (or Hit Dice) than you do. This feat provokes a
Will Save (DC 10 + ½ your CL + your Cha modifier). Anyone
65
66 Chapter 4: Feats
who passes this saving throw is immune to your Frightful
Presence for 24 hours.
Feats: G - H
Grazing Shot
[Combat, Ranged]
You can aim glancing shots that hurt but don't kill.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot
Benefit: You can deal non-lethal damage with a ranged
firearm attack if you so choose. You must chose before you make
the attack, not after.
Gun Fu
[Combat, Ranged]
You are a walking, one-man, John-Woo movie.
Prerequisites: Dex 19, BA +8, Point-Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, invoke this feat after the attack's success is announced but before
Manyshot, Greater Manyshot
Benefit: As a full-round action, and only when you are two-
gun fighting, you can make a number of firearm attacks equal to Defence score. Using this feat requires a swift action. You can
your Dexterity modifier. Instead of your normal attack
progression, all Gun Fu attacks use your highest attack bonus.
The manoeuvre expands all your ammunition at the end of the
full-round action, regardless of how much you started with, but
you can run out of ammunition during a Gun Fu attack . Each
gun/hand must perform an equal number of attacks, or within one
(i.e., if your Dexterity bonus is an odd number). You can perform
Gun Fu once per session for every 4 character levels you have.
The maximum number of attacks this feat can provide is eight in
a single round.
Note: Anyone with the Quick Reload feet can reload an
empty weapon between attacks granted by this feat, if needed.
Hail of Bullets
[Combat, Ranged]
You have a particularly speedy trigger finger.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Point-Blank Shot, Rapid Shot,
Double Tap
Benefit: You can burst-fire guns that do not normally feature
this capability (such as revolvers and semi-automatic pistols).
Each burst requires (and expends) three rounds of ammunition.
Hard to Kill
[General]
You just won't to give up the ghost.
Prerequisites: Con 13, Toughness
Benefit: You must be knocked down to -15 Hit Points before have lived for at least five years.
you die. Additionally, at -1 hit point or lower, you have a 20%
chance per round of stabilizing instead of 10%. This feat stacks
with other effects that increase your chance to stabilize or
decreases your death threshold (the negative number of HPs at
which point you actually die). You can take the feat multiple
times. Each time, it increases the chance to stabilize by 10% and operate a vehicular weapon system.
decreases your death threshold by 5HPs.
Normal: Ordinarily, you have a 10% chance per round of
stabilizing when below 0HPs and you die at -10 HPs.
66 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Heightened Immune System
[Save Enhancers]
You immune system is an overachiever.
Benefit: You get a +4 bonus to any roll made to resist
diseases, viruses, bacteria, and any other invasive pathogens.
Special: You can take this feat twice. It's effects stack.
Heroic Intervention
[Combat, General]
You are great at taking hits meant for others.
Prerequisites: Dex 13
Benefit: Once per round, you can instantly switch places with
any medium- or large-sized person directly adjacent to you (i.e.,
within five feet) specifically in order to take the damage from a
successful attack meant for that adjacent person. You must
you see or hear the damage. You will be hit by the attack you
intercept, even if it normally would not hit you due to your
not use this feat while flat-footed.
Hidden Power
[General]
You have deep reserves of spiritual energy.
Benefit: Your Power-Point total improves by +4.
Special: You can take this feet multiple times. Its effects
stack.
Holdout
[Skill Enhancers]
You are adept at concealing things upon your person.
Prerequisites: Sleight of Hand 5 ranks
Benefit: When you secret a weapon or item on your person
using Stealth, the Observe check to detect it receives a +10
circumstance bonus.
Home Turf Advantage
[General]
You know your territory like the back of your hand.
Benefit: In your home city, and only in your home city, you
get a +2 bonus to all Gather Information and Knowledge
(current events) or Knowledge (popular culture). Furthermore,
when you are outside—on the streets, in the alleys, leaping from
rooftop to rooftop, etc.—you get a +2 bonus to Stealth checks.
Your "home city" is your permanent home base, somewhere you
Hotshot
[Vehicle]
You are great at using vehicles weapon systems.
Benefit: You get a +1 bonus to all attack rolls made to
Feats: I
Infighter
[Combat, Defensive]
You are adept at close-quarters combat.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Dodge
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 4: Feats 67

Benefit: All mêlée attacks of opportunity against you suffer a process (i.e., using Invent Super Equipment). Every 2CP-worth
-2 penalty to hit. This is a penalty to the attack roll and not a of powers is equivalent to a +1 enhancement.
dodge bonus to Defence, so it doesn’t go away when you are
caught flat-footed. Invent Gizmo
[Supertech]
Initiative, Awesome You can make multi-use, multi-power Supertech devices.
[Combat, General] Prerequisite: Intelligence 23, Supertech Invention (power),
You respond to danger in the blink of an eye. Invent Super Equipment, Invent Doohicky, Invent Ray Gun
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Improved Initiative Benefit: You can build a Gizmo with any powers that you
Benefit: You get an additional +4 bonus on initiative checks, can load into a device via the Supertech Invention power (see
for a total bonus of +8. Chapter 5: Powers).
The PDC for the materials you need to build the Gizmo is
Initiative, Supreme 21 + the CP cost of the power. You make any and all choices
[Combat, General] about the power's effect at the time when you build it, including
You react to threats almost before they appear. ranks, enhancement, limitations, energy or damage types, etc..
Prerequisites: Dex 15, Improved Initiative, Awesome To actually build the device requires a Supercraft check. The
Initiative DC is 10 + the total CP cost of the power you load into the
Benefit: You get an additional +4 bonus on initiative checks, Doohicky (DC = 10 + CP cost).
for a total bonus of +12. The build time of a Gizmo equals three times the CP cost
of its power in hours. Under emergency circumstances (i.e.,
Invent Doohicky during a game session), you can spend up to 16 hours a day
[Supertech] building a Gizmo, but under normal circumstances (i.e., "down
You can make one-shot Supertech devices. time" between games), you can work a maximum of 8 hours a
Prerequisite: Intelligence 19, Supertech Invention (power), day. Furthermore, while you're working, you have to maintain the
Invent Super Equipment equivalent of caster concentration.
Benefit: You can build a Doohicky with any power that you Within any given seven-day period, the number of devices
can load into a device via the Supertech Invention power (see you can build is limited by the total CP cost of the powers you
Chapter 5: Powers). load into them. That number cannot exceed your Constitution
The PDC for the materials you need to build the Doohicky modifier times ten. For example, if you have Constitution 18
is 15 + the CP cost of the power. You make any and all choices (+4), then you cannot make more than 40CPs worth of devices in
about the power's effect at the time when you build it, including one seven-day period.
ranks, enhancement, limitations, energy or damage types, etc..
The build time of a Doohicky equals the CP cost of its Invent Ray Gun
power in hours. Under emergency circumstances (i.e., during a [Supertech]
game session), you can spend up to 16 hours a day building a You can make hand-held, multi-use, power projectors.
Doohicky, but under normal circumstances (i.e., "down time" Prerequisite: Intelligence 21, Supertech Invention (power),
between games), you can work a maximum of 8 hours a day. Invent Super Equipment, Invent Doohicky
Furthermore, while you're working, you have to maintain the Benefit: You can build a Ray Gun with any power that you
equivalent of caster concentration. can load into a device via the Supertech Invention power, the cost
To actually build the device requires a Supercraft check. The of which is 20CP or lower (see Chapter 5: Powers).
DC is 10 + the total CP cost of the power you load into the The PDC for the materials you need to build the Ray Gun
Doohicky (DC = 10 + CP cost). is 19 + the CP cost of the power. You make any and all choices
Within any given seven-day period, the number of devices about the power's effect at the time when you build it, including
you can build is limited by the total CP cost of the powers you ranks, enhancement, limitations, energy or damage types, etc..
load into them. That number cannot exceed your Constitution The build time of a Ray Gun equals twice the CP cost of
modifier times ten. For example, if you have Constitution 18 its power in hours. Under emergency circumstances (i.e., during
(+4), then you cannot make more than 40CPs worth of devices in a game session), you can spend up to 16 hours a day building a
one seven-day period. 10 Ray Gun, but under normal circumstances (i.e., "down time"
between games), you can work a maximum of 8 hours a day.
Invent Empowered Equipment Furthermore, while you're working, you have to maintain the
You can put powers into Inventions. equivalent of caster concentration.
Prerequisites: Intelligence 17, Supertech Invention (power), To actually build the device requires a Supercraft check. The
Invent Super Equipment DC is 10 + the total CP cost of the power you load into the
Benefits: You can now build powers (but not traits, spells, or Doohicky (DC = 10 + CP cost).
psi-powers) into Super Equipment as part of the Invention Within any given seven-day period, the number of devices
you can build is limited by the total CP cost of the powers you
10 For a full description of what supertech devices look like and how they load into them. That number cannot exceed your Constitution
function, see Supertech Inventions in Chapter 6: F/X.

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 67

68 Chapter 4: Feats

modifier times ten. For example, if you have Constitution 18 Mastercraft item, + 2 for every +1 enhancement (or
(+4), then you cannot make more than 40CPs worth of devices in equivalent).
one seven-day period. The total build time of a Supercraft device equals the build
time for the item itself, but increases by x2 for every +1
Invent Ray Gun, Improved enhancement bonus (i.e., +1 doubles the build time, +2 triples
[Supertech] it, etc.).
You can make extremely powerful Ray Guns. To actually build the device requires a Supercraft check. The
Prerequisites: Intelligence 21, Supertech Invention (power), DC is the same as for building a Mastercraft tool of the same
Invent Super Equipment, Invent Doohicky, Invent Ray Gun kind, but add twice the enhancement bonus to the DC (i.e.,
Benefit: This feat grants you the ability to load powers of any DC = ordinary DC + enhancement bonus x 2). If you already
CP cost into your Ray Gun (i.e., there is no 20CP limit). have a Mastercraft item and you're upgrading it to Supertech,
then the DC equals 10 + enhancement bonus x 2)
Invent Super Armament You can also upgrade an existing tool, either ordinary or
[Supertech] mastercraft. To do that, halve the PDC for the raw materials and
You can make armour fit for the gods. the build time, but the Supercraft check remains the same.
Prerequisites: Intelligence 17, Supertech Invention (power), Within any given seven-day period, the number of devices
Invent Super Equipment you can build is limited by the total CP cost of the powers you
Benefit: You can make Super armaments with up to a +10 load into them. That number cannot exceed your Constitution
enhancement bonus (Supertech), and up to +10 worth of modifier times ten. For example, if you have Constitution 18
Supertech special abilities (see Chapter 6: F/X). You cannot (+4), then you cannot make more than 40CPs worth of devices in
load powers into Super Armaments. This feat applies to both one seven-day period.
weapons and protective gear (armour or shields). A +1 Note: This feat grants an enhancement bonus, not a
enhancement bonus on a weapon grants a +1 to attack and a +1 Mastercraft bonus. Enhancement bonuses and Mastercraft
to damage. A +1 enhancement bonus on a shield or suit of bonuses do not stack.
armour grants a +1 to its Defence bonus, and if applicable, its
Equipment Penalty. Invent Superchemical
The PDC for the materials you need to invent a Super [Supertech]
Armament equals the PDC to build or purchase the You can mix up a formula that creates a Super effect.
Mastercraft item + 3 for every +1 enhancement (or Prerequisite: Intelligence 17, Supertech Invention (power),
equivalent). Invent Super Equipment
The build time of Super Armaments equals a number of Benefit: You can make a dose of Superchemicals with any
hours equal to the total enhancement value, including special power that you can load into a device via the Supertech Invention
abilities, multiplied by 3. power. The cost of the power must be 15CP or lower ( Chapter 5:
To actually build the device requires a Supercraft check. The Powers).
DC is the same as for building a Mastercraft tool of the same The PDC for the materials you need to make a
kind, but add twice the enhancement bonus to the DC (i.e., Superchemical is 17 + the CP cost of the power. You make any
DC = ordinary DC + enhancement bonus x 2). If you already and all choices about the power's effect at the time when you
have a Mastercraft item and you're upgrading it to Supertech, build it, including ranks, enhancement, limitations, energy or
then the DC equals 10 + enhancement bonus x 2) damage types, etc.. The duration of any Superchemical is 2d4
Within any given seven-day period, the number of devices rounds, minutes, or hours, depending on the Sustain time(s) listed
you can build is limited by the total CP cost of the powers you in the power.
load into them. That number cannot exceed your Constitution Superchemicals come in one of three forms: liquid,
modifier times ten. For example, if you have Constitution 18 intravenous, or pills. Intravenous Superchemicals reduce the
(+4), then you cannot make more than 40CPs worth of devices in PDC by -2. Pills increase the PDC by +2.
one seven-day period. The creation time of a Superchemical equals the CP cost
of its power in hours. Under emergency circumstances (i.e.,
Invent Super Equipment during a game session), you can spend up to 16 hours a day
[Supertech] building a Superchemical, but under normal circumstances (i.e.,
You can make devices of super proportions. "down time" between games), you can work a maximum of 8
Prerequisites: Intelligence 17, Supertech Invention (power) hours a day. Furthermore, while you're working, you have to
Benefit: You can make tools and technology (not weapons or maintain the equivalent of caster concentration.
protective gear) that grants a +1 to a +10 enhancement bonus To actually create the Superchemical requires a Supercraft
(Supertech) on skill checks . This bonus stacks with the item's check. The DC is 10 + the total CP cost of the power you load
normal equipment bonus, if any. into the Doohicky (DC = 10 + CP cost).
The PDC for the materials you need to invent a Super Within any given seven-day period, the number of devices
Armament equals the PDC to build or purchase the you can build is limited by the total CP cost of the powers you
load into them. That number cannot exceed your Constitution

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 Chapter 4: Feats
modifier times ten. For example, if you have Constitution 18
(+4), then you cannot make more than 40CPs worth of devices in
one seven-day period.
Feats: K - L
Knockback, Awesome
[Combat, Offensive]
Your knockback attacks are particularly effective.
Prerequisites: Str 25, Power Attack, Improved Knockback
Benefit: You get an additional +4 bonus your damage rolls
for the purposes of determining whether you knock opponents
back. This does not affect actual distance or damage, but instead
affects whether or not you achieve Knockback against an
opponent. This bonus stacks with Improved Knockback, thus
your total bonus is +8.
NB: You can apply this feat to the power Energy Attack, if
you take the Knockback enhancement. You do not need Power
Attack or a Strength score of 25.
Knockback, Distance
[Combat, Offensive]
Your knockbacks really send people flying.
Prerequisite: Str 25, Power Attack, Improved Knockback
Benefit: Your knockbacks throw your targets a number of
squares equal to 1/5th your damage roll (i.e., the total damage, in
feet).
Normal: Knockback causes victims to be flung a number of
squares equal to 1/10th the damage of the knockback attack (i.e., a
number of feet equal to half the damage).
NB: You can apply this feat to the power Energy Attack, if
you take the Knockback enhancement. You do not need Power
Attack or a Strength score of 25.
Knockback, Improved
[Combat, Offensive]
You're particularly good at smacking people around.
Prerequisites: Str 25, Power Attack
Benefit: You receive a +4 bonus to your effective damage
rolls for the purposes of determining whether you knock
opponents back. This does not affect actual distance or damage,
but instead affects whether or not you can meet or beat your
target's Knockback Threshold.
NB: You can apply this feat to the power Energy Attack, if
you take the Knockback enhancement. You do not need Power
Attack or a Strength score of 25.
Knockback, Light
[Combat, General]
You are good at pulling your punches.
Prerequisites: Dex 15, Combat Expertise
Benefit: You strike opponents in such a way that you do not
cause knockback unless you want to.
NB: You can apply this feat to the power Energy Attack, if
you take the Knockback enhancement. You do not need Power
Attack or a Strength score of 25.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
69
Knockback, Supreme
[Combat, Offensive]
Your knockbacks are seriously nasty.
Prerequisites: Str 25, Power Attack, Improved Knockback,
Awesome Knockback
Benefit: You get yet another +4 bonus your damage rolls for
the purposes of determining whether you knock opponents back.
This does not affect actual distance or damage, but instead affects
whether or not you achieve Knockback against an opponent. This
bonus stacks with Awesome Knockback, thus your total bonus is
+12.
NB: You can apply this feat to the power Energy Attack, if
you take the Knockback enhancement. You do not need Power
Attack or a Strength score of 25.
Lab Magic Mastery
[Mystical]
You know your way around your mystical laboratory.
Prerequisites: Mystic Level 3.
Benefit: You get a +4 competence bonus to all Spellcraft
checks made to analyse spells or magic items, as well as invent
new spells, while sequestered in your laboratory or workshop.
Last Desperate Trick
[General]
You always have one last card up your sleeve.
Benefit: This feat allows you to use any single class ability,
special ability, or feat ability again after you have used it the
maximum number of times per day or session. You can also use
any class feature that normally require expenditure of an Action
Point without expending one.
Special: You can use this feat only once per day. It does not
allow you to use an ability that requires PPs.
Lethal Hurling
[Combat, Ranged]
You throw weapons with like a Major League pitcher.
Prerequisites: Str 15, Dex 13, BA +2, proficiency with
thrown weapons
Benefit: +2 damage bonus with all thrown weapons.
Special: This bonus applies only to directly thrown weapons.
Do not add it to projectiles, bullets, grenades, or grenade-like
weapons.
Light-Footed
[General]
You leap to your feet with ease and speed.
Prerequisites: Dex 13
Benefit: You can stand up from prone as a swift action.
Normal: Standing up from prone is a move action.
Low-Light Vision
[General]
You eyes are unusually sharp in poor illumination.
Benefit: You can see twice as far as usual in conditions of
dim illumination, and see as well as you normally can in moonlit
conditions.
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70 Chapter 4: Feats

Special: This feat does not stack with any other low-light or
dark vision abilities.
Feats: M ‒ N
Mastercraft
[Skill Enhancers]
You can create mastercraft equipment.
Prerequisite: Intelligence 13, Craft (subtype) 5 ranks
Benefit: You can make mastercraft equipment from scratch.
You must apply this feat to one of the Craft subtypes: chemical,
electronic, mechanical, pharmaceutical, structural. The subtypes
apply to specific kinds of mastercraft equipment are:
• Chemical: explosives, corrosives, and reactants
• Electronic: anything with electronic or electrical
components, from computers to lamps
• Mechanical: anything with moving parts, including
firearms and vehicles, and any solid object that needs to but you do make what would be the check for an Improved
be machined, like car parts or mêlée weapons.
• Pharmaceutical: drugs (legal or otherwise) and
naturopathic remedies
• Structural: buildings, bridges, and the like
Different kinds of Mastercraft items gain different
bonuses:
• Equipment: +1 to relevant skill
• Weapons: +1 to attack
• Armour/Shields: +1 Max Dex and Equipment Penalty
"Protective Gear" includes modern items as well as archaic
armour and shields. A +1 to an item's Equipment Penalty lowers
the penalty (e.g., Max Dex -4 becomes Max Dex -3).
An Appraise, Craft, or Repair check (DC 10) allows someone
to detect Mastercraft quality after cursory inspection (a move
action to visually inspect the item will do), but most of the time
Mastercraft quality is visible at a glance. The item's parts fit
better and move more smoothly when manipulated. It doesn't
rattle or creak when handled. The grips are comfortable in the
hand. It generally feels more solid and more reliable.
It takes twice as long to build mastercraft equipment than it but you do make what would be the check for Mastercraft, then
would to build the same ordinary item.
The PDC for the raw materials to make a mastercraft
item equals the normal PDC to build it + 1 (see the Craft
skill). To upgrade an ordinary item to mastercraft, the PDC for
the materials equals half the PDC to build the item.
The Craft DC to make mastercraft equipment equals the
normal DC to make that item + 3. You must have Craft in the
appropriate subtype for the item you're building. The GM makes
this roll for you. If you succeed, you have built the device. If you Mastercraft (subtype), Improved Mastercraft
fail, then you just couldn't get it to work. If you fail by more than
10, the device tests fine in the lab, but in the field it falls apart, more, take more time to build, and are more difficult to make:
shoots sparks, or otherwise refuses to function.
Not all items are sturdy enough to even be mastercraft. A
mastercraft T-shirt, for example, wouldn't be significantly
different than a normal T-shirt. The GM will make a final call on
whether an item can be Mastercraft at all.
You can take this feat multiple times. Each time, it applies to
a new subtype of the Craft skill.
Mastercraft, Advanced
[Skill Enhancers]
Prerequisite: Intelligence 15, Craft (subtype) 5 ranks,
Mastercraft (subtype), Improved Mastercraft
Benefit: Your Mastercraft items have a higher bonus, cost
more, take more time to build, and are more difficult to make:
• Equipment: +3 to relevant skill
• Weapons: +2 to attack and damage
• Armour/Shields: +3 Max Dex and Equipment Penalty
as well as +2 to defence
• Build Time: x4
• PDC: cost of item +3
• Craft Check: normal +5
If you fail the Craft check for an Advanced Mastercraft item,
Mastercraft or basic Mastercraft item, then the item has only the
lesser bonus. Sometimes, your work just doesn't turn out quite as
well as you'd hoped.
You can take this feat multiple times. Each time, it applies to
a Craft subtype to which you already applied Improved
Mastercraft.
Mastercraft, Improved
[Skill Enhancers]
You can create equipment of astoundingly high quality.
Prerequisite: Intelligence 17, Craft (subtype) 5 ranks,
Mastercraft (subtype)
Benefit: Your Mastercraft items have a higher bonus, cost
more, take more time to build, and are more difficult to make:
• Equipment: +2 to relevant skill
• Weapons: +1 to attack and damage
• Armour/Shields: +2 Max Dex and Equipment Penalty
as well as +1 to defence
• Build Time: x3
• PDC: cost of item +2
• Craft Check: normal +4
If you fail the Craft check for an Improved Mastercraft item,
the item has only the regular Mastercraft bonus. Sometimes, your
work just doesn't turn out quite as well as you'd hoped.
You can take this feat multiple times. Each time, it applies to
a Craft subtype to which you already applied Mastercraft.
Mastercraft, Supreme
[Skill Enhancers]
Prerequisite: Intelligence 19, Craft (subtype) 5 ranks,
Benefit: Your Mastercraft items have a higher bonus, cost
• Equipment: +4 to relevant skill
• Weapons: +3 to attack and damage
• Armour : +4 Max Dex and Equipment Penalty as well
as +3 to defence
• Build Time: x5

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 Chapter 4: Feats
• PDC: cost of item +4
• Craft Check: normal +6
If you fail the Craft check for a Supreme Mastercraft item,
but you do make what would be the check for an Advanced,
Improved, or basic Mastercraft item, then the item has only the
lesser bonus. Sometimes, your work just doesn't turn out quite as
well as you'd hoped.
You can take this feat multiple times. Each time, it applies to
a Craft subtype to which you already applied Advanced
Mastercraft.
Merciful Mauler
[General]
You are especially good at pulling your punches.
Benefit: You can make mêlée weapon attacks and unarmed
strikes that do non-lethal damage with no penalty to hit. This
includes edged and piercing weapons, unarmed strikes enhanced
by a super ability (e.g., Strength, Dexterity, etc.), and thrown
objects, but not projectiles and firearms. How you manage to
attack with, say, a lance and not do lethal damage is up to you to
describe.
Normal: To deal non-lethal damage with a lethal weapon
usually incurs a -4 penalty to hit.
Mercy Blow
[General]
You can put your opponents down without killing them.
Benefit: When you make a coup de grace attack against a
helpless foe, you have the option of declaring a "mercy blow"
rather than a killing blow. Carry out the coup de grace attack as
per normal. If the attack is successful, the victim suffers non-
lethal damage equal to their current HP total. This knocks the
victim unconscious immediately.
Feats: O ‒ P
Origin Resistance
[Save Enhancers]
You are particularly resistant to one Origin.
Benefit: You gain +2 bonus on all Saves made against one
Origin (player's choice). You can take this feat up to five times. It
applies to a different Origin each time.
Origin Resistance, Greater
[Combat, Defensive]
You are extremely toughened against a particular Origin.
Benefit: You have DR4 versus damage that comes from one
Origin (player's choice). You can take this feat up to five times. It
applies to a different Origin each time.
Point-Blank Shot
[Combat, Ranged]
You're great at shooting close-up.
Benefit: +2 competence bonus with any ranged attack from
within 30 ft. of the target.
Power Focus
[General]
Your super power is more effective than most.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
71
Benefit: Choose a super power. Add +4 to the Difficulty
Class for all saving throws or against the super power you select.
Special: This feat has no effect on powers that don't provoke
saving throws. You can take this feat multiple times. It applies to
a new power each time.
Power Focus, Greater
[General]
Your super power is astoundingly effective.
Prerequisites: Power Focus, Improved Power Focus.
Benefit: Choose a super power to which you already have
applied the Improved Power Focus feat. Add +4 to the Difficulty
Class for all saving throws against the super power you select.
This bonus stacks with the bonus from Power Focus and
Improved Power Focus, for a total of +12.
Special: This feat has no effect on powers that don't provoke
saving throws. You can take this feat multiple times. Each time,
you upgrade one Improved Power Focus that you already have.
Power Focus, Improved
[General]
One of your powers is much more potent.
Prerequisites: Power Focus
Benefit: Choose a super power to which you already have
applied the Power Focus feat. Add +4 to the Difficulty Class for
all saving throws against the super power you select. This bonus
stacks with the bonus from Power Focus, for a total of +8.
Special: This feat has no effect on powers that don't provoke
saving throws, obviously. You can take this feat multiple times.
Each time, you upgrade one Power Focus that you already have.
Power Penetration
[General]
Your powers blast through Resistance.
Benefit: You get a +2 bonus on power checks (1d20 + net CP
value of power), or caster checks (1d20 + caster level), or
manifester checks (1d20 + manifester level) you make to
overcome Power Resistance, Spell Resistance, or Psionic
Resistance. Pick one.
Special: you can take this feat up to 3 times. It applies to a
new kind of resistance each time. The feats Spell Penetration and
Psi-Power Penetration have been removed from Phoenix.
Power Penetration, Improved
[General]
Your powers blast through Resistance.
Prerequisite: Power Penetration
Benefit: You get an additional +2 bonus on power checks
(1d20 + net CP value of power), or caster checks (1d20 + caster
level), or manifester checks (1d20 + manifester level) you make
to overcome Power Resistance, Spell Resistance, or Psionic
Resistance. This bonus stacks with the bonus from Power
Penetration to the effect that you chose (either powers, or spells,
or psi-powers).
Special: you can take this feat up to 3 times. It stacks with
one of your Power Penetration feats each time. The feats Greater
Spell Penetration and Greater Psi-Power Penetration have been
removed from Phoenix.
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Normal: Ordinarily, while prone, you suffer a -4 penalty to

Precise Strike
[Combat, General]
You are good at avoiding property damage.
Prerequisites: Int 13, Combat Expertise
Benefit: When you're in mêlée, if you and your opponent(s)
are standing adjacent to a building and you miss with a mêlée
attack, you can choose to not do damage to the building due to a
wild swing.
Normal: If you and your mêlée opponents are both adjacent
to a building and either of you miss each other, you strike the
building.
Pressure-Point Attack
[Combat, Defensive]
You can strike painful nerves with great skill.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Combat Martial Arts
Benefit: You can make a Pressure-Point Attack instead of an
unarmed strike. If you hit, you inflict a -1 penalty to your target's
attack rolls and a -2 penalty to their Defence score. These effects
last 1d6 rounds but cause no other damage. Multiple pressure-
point attacks can cause cumulative penalties. You can make only
one pressure point attack per round. The target of a Pressure-
Point Attack must have discernible humanoid anatomy and
physiology. Anyone with an armour or natural Defence bonus of
more than +6 are immune to this feat's effects.
Proficiency: Armour (powered)
[Proficiencies]
You are skilled in the use of Power Armour.
Benefit: You do not apply your armour penalty to your attack
rolls.
Proficiency: Weapons (improvised)
[Proficiencies]
You are accustomed to fighting with what's at hand.
Benefit: You do not take a -4 penalty when using improvised
weapons.
Special: Improvised weapons have a 50% chance of breaking
every time they deal damage, or in the case of thrown objects,
strike a hard surface.
Proficiency: Weapons (over-sized)
[Proficiencies]
You can wield big weapons in one hand.
Benefit: You can wield two-handed weapons in only one
hand, including firearms and weapons not sized for you. For
example, you can wield a quarterstaff with one hand, or if you
were a medium-sized person you could wield a weapon sized for
a large person in one hand. You cannot take this feat multiple the effects of all metapowers.
times. Its effects do not stack.
Prone Fighting, Improved
[Combat, General]
You fight well from the ground.
Prerequisites: BA +1
Benefit: While prone, you suffer only a -1 penalty to mêlée
attacks and mêlée attacks against you gain only a +1 bonus.
all your mêlée attacks, and opponents making mêlée attacks
against you get a +4.
Feats: Q - R
Quick Change
[General]
You can slip into your super-suit like lightning.
Prerequisites: Dex 13
Benefit: Changing from your street clothes to your superhero
clothes takes one less round than it normally would: 1 round to
pull off clothes and reveal tights, 3 rounds to change from one set
of clothes to another. You can also spend 1 Action Point to
reduce the changing time to one swift action, as inexplicable as
that might be.
Normal: Revealing a set of tights takes 2 rounds and
changing from one set of clothes to another takes 4.
Quick Sheath
[Combat, General]
You can sheath your weapons in a blink
Prerequisites: BA +1
You can sheath a sword or holster a firearm with a free
action. This does not alter the amount of time it takes to hide a
weapon on your person, nor does it apply either a bonus or a
penalty to how well you hide it.
Normal: Sheathing or holstering a weapon requires a move
action.
Reflexes, Awesome
[Save Enhancers]
You have the reflexes of an Olympic fencer pause.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Lightning Reflexes
Benefit: You get an additional +2 bonus to all Reflex saving
throws (for a total bonus of +4).
Reflexes, Supreme
[Save Enhancers]
You have reflexes that would shame a mongoose.
Prerequisites: Dex 15, Lightning Reflexes, Awesome
Reflexes
Benefit: You get an additional +2 bonus to all Reflex saving
throws (for a total bonus of +6).
Resistant Powers
[Save Enhancers]
Your powers are hard to meddle with.
Prerequisite: one power that is vulnerable to metapowers
Benefit: You gain a +4 bonus to your Fortitude saves against
Resistant Powers, Awesome
[Save Enhancers]
Your powers are extremely hard to meddle with.
Prerequisite: one power that is vulnerable to metapowers,
Resistant Power, Improved Resistant Powers
Benefit: You gain an additional +4 bonus to your Fortitude
saves against the effects of metapowers for a total bonus of +12.

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 Chapter 4: Feats
Resistant Powers, Improved
[Save Enhancers]
Your powers are even harder to meddle with.
Prerequisite: one power that is vulnerable to metapowers,
Resistant Power
Benefit: You gain an additional +4 bonus to your Fortitude
saves against the effects of metapowers for a total bonus of +8.
Resistant Powers, Supreme
[Save Enhancers]
Your powers are nigh invulnerable to meddling.
Prerequisite: one power that is vulnerable to metapowers,
Resistant Power, Improved Resistant Powers, Supreme Resistant
Powers
Benefit: You gain an additional +4 bonus to your Fortitude
saves against the effects of metapowers for a total bonus of +16.
Resist Fatigue
[General]
You keep going and going and going...
Prerequisites: Con 15, Endurance
Benefit: Once per session when you would ordinarily become with ranged weapons at a range of more than 30 feet.
fatigued, you can instead totally ignore the fatigue-causing effect.
If it arises from a situation from which there is no immediate
relief (thirst, starvation, etc.) then the use of this feat will delay
the onset of fatigue by four hours.
Feats: S
Scepticism
[Save Enhancers]
You have an eye for faked phantasms.
Prerequisites: Wis 13
Benefit: You get a +4 bonus to any roll made to resist
hallucinations, see through illusions, and the like.
Scepticism, Stone-Cold
[Save Enhancers]
You have a keen eye for faked imagery.
Prerequisites: Wis 13, Scepticism
Benefit: You get an additional +4 bonus to any roll made to
resist hallucinations, discern illusions, and see through similar
phenomena, for a total bonus of +8.
Screeching Halt
[Vehicle]
When you slam on the brakes, you can stop on a pinhead.
Prerequisites: Drive (any) 5 ranks
Benefit: You get a +4 bonus on any Drive check made to stop
suddenly or precisely.
Scribe Scroll
[Mystical]
Prerequisite: Mystic Spell-Casting 1st-Level
You can write mystical scrolls.
Benefit: You can create a scroll with any spell that you know.
It takes a number of hours equal to the spell's level + the caster
level of the spell. When you scribe a scroll, you set the caster
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
73
level, which must be sufficient to cast the spell in question and
no higher than your own effective caster level. You make any and
all choices about the spell's effects at the time of scribing the
scroll.
The Purchase DC for materials needed to scribe the scroll,
including paper and ink, is 15 + spell level + the caster level of
the scroll (whatever you decide to set it at). This is in addition to
the costs for any and all material components necessary for the
spell itself.
Within any given seven-day period, the number of potions
you can brew is limited by the total levels worth of spells in
them. That number cannot exceed your Constitution modifier
times 4. For example, if you have Constitution 18 (+4), then you
cannot make more than 12 levels worth of devices in one seven-
day period. A single potion with a 2nd-level spell is two levels
worth of spells.
Sharpshooter
[Combat, Ranged]
You are skilled at making long-range shots.
Prerequisites: Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Far Shot.
Benefit: You get a +2 competence bonus to attack rolls made
Shield Focus
[Combat, Defensive]
You are practised at using shields effectively.
Prerequisites: Shield Proficiency.
Benefit: You get a +1 circumstance bonus to Defence when
using shields.
Shield Specialisation
[Combat, Defensive]
You are particularly adept with a single type of shield.
Prerequisites: Shield Proficiency, Shield Focus
Benefit: Select a single type of shield. When you are using
that shield, the shield's bonus to Defence increases by +1
(cumulative with the Shield Focus feat) and the shield's ACP
decreases by 1.
Skill Aptitude
[Skill Enhancers]
Your capacity to learn a particular skill increases.
Benefit: The maximum ranks in one of your class skills
(player's choice) increases by +4. You can take this feat multiple
times. Each time, it applies either to a new feat or it increases
your maximum ranks in an existing feat by an additional +4.
Normal: Your maximum ranks in a class skill is Level +3.
Sleeper Hold
[Combat, Offensive]
You can put opponents to sleep with your grip.
Prerequisites: Str 15, Combat Martial Arts, Improved
Grapple
Benefit: If you have successfully initiated a grapple, you can
declare that you are beginning a Sleeper Hold. On your next turn,
you inflict 1d6 non-lethal damage, and on the next turn after that,
2d6, until either your opponent breaks the grapple or falls
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unconscious. You can perform a Sleeper Hold only on creatures
with discernible, humanoid anatomy. Anyone that doesn't breathe
is unaffected.
Sliding Shot
[Combat, Ranged]
You can slide across the ground and just keep shooting!
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Dodge, Point-Blank Shot, Mobility,
Shot On The Run
Benefit: As part of a full attack action, you can slide or roll
along the ground up to half your normal movement distance
while taking a full-attack action with a firearm or firearms. You
are prone for the duration of this manoeuvre (+4 Defence against
ranged attacks, -4 Defence against mêlée attacks) and can choose
to remain prone or stand up as a free action when you come to a
stop. You do not trigger attacks of opportunity while sliding
unless you end your sliding movement in a threatened area.
Special: Improved Prone Fighting does, indeed, combine
with this feat. Thus, if you had both feats and executed a Sliding
Shot, your Defence during the action would be +1 against ranged
attacks and -1 against mêlée attacks. Nifty.
Sneak Attack, Dexterous
[Combat, Offensive]
Your hand is deadly steady when making sneak attacks.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, BA +1, Sneak Attack Ability,.
Benefit: Whenever you make a sneak attack with a mêlée
weapon, apply your Dexterity modifier to damage (rather than
your Strength modifier), regardless of what you strike with.
Sniper
[Combat, Ranged]
You are trained in shooting from great distances.
Prerequisites: Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Sharpshooter,
Sneak Attack Ability
Benefit: You can apply your full sneak attack damage to any
successful surprise attack made with a rifle equipped with a
telescopic sight. Such an attack requires that you spend a full
round aiming just before the round in which you make the attack.
Normal: You cannot ordinarily make sneak attacks at a range
beyond 30 feet.
Sprint
[General]
You are quick on your feat.
Prerequisite: Run
Benefit: You can add a number of feet that equals 1d4 plus
your Strength or Dexterity modifier to your speed for 1 round at
a time. Whether you use Strength or Dexterity for your speed is
up to you, but the choice is permanent. Every round you Sprint,
you must make a Constitution check, starting at DC 10 but
increasing +2 every round. If you fail the check, you cannot
Sprint again for a number of rounds equal to the number of
rounds you spent Sprinting.
Standing Jump
[Skill Enhancers]
You can make great leaps without a running start.
74 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Prerequisite: Jump 5 ranks
Benefit: You do not need to get a running start when making
high or long jumps. The DC equals the distance in feet.
Normal: When making a high or long jump, you must have a
running start of 20 feet, or else the DC is doubled.
Staple, Improved
[Combat, General]
You are very good at pinning people by their clothes.
Benefit: You get a +4 to hit when you make Staple attacks,
and if you Staple with a ranged weapon, you can perform the
manoeuvre up to one range increment away or 30 feet, whichever
is greater. If the Stapled person chooses to take a move action to
remove the weapon, she must make a Strength check (DC 10),
and if she attempts to rip her clothes, she must make a Strength
check (DC 15). Increase the DC of the Strength check by +4 for
every additional staple. For example, if you use three attacks to
throw three daggers at a target and Staple her to a wall, the
Strength DC is 22.
Stick-Up Artist
[Skill Enhancers]
"You can get much farther with a kind word and a gun than
you can with a kind word alone." -Al Capone
Prerequisites: Intimidate 5 ranks
Benefit: When you attempt to use the Intimidate skill against
a subject by pointing or otherwise threatening with a gun, you get
a +4 fear bonus on your check. Once per encounter, if you fail an
Intimidate check, you can fire a "warning shot," which allows a
retry on the following round as if the first check had not failed.
Additional "warning shots" have no effect.
Special: Any bonus a target might against fear effects (such
as the Unshakable feat) raises the DC of your Intimidate check
by that bonus. Fear bonuses negate the ability to fire a "warning
shot" in order to get a second skill roll.
Normal: Ordinarily, you receive only a +2 circumstance
bonus from threatening a subject with a firearm.
Sucker Punch
You can put people down when they're not looking
[Combat, Offensive]
Prerequisites: BA +3, Brawl
Benefit: If you hit with an Unarmed Strike (Brawl), and you
have not struck this target yet in that combat, and that target is
flat-footed, then you automatically score a critical hit. Because
you use Brawl to make this attack, the damage is non-lethal.
Special: This feat has been changed from "Knockout Punch"
in order to more accurately reflect its true function.
Sucker Punch, Improved
You really know how to smack people before they're ready
[Combat, Offensive]
Prerequisites: BA +6, Brawl, Sucker Punch
Benefit: This feat function exactly the same as Sucker Punch,
and it also increases the critical multiplier of your Unarmed
Strike by x2 (i.e., it increases by one multiple).
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 4: Feats
Special: This feat has been changed from "Improved
Knockout Punch" in order to more accurately reflect its true
function.
Super Strike
[Combat, Offensive]
You can deliver super-powered blows with anything.
Prerequisites: Str 18 or Dex 18
Benefit: When making a mêlée attack with a normal weapon,
your attacks count as super.
Normal: Ability scores of 25 are super.
Super Style
[Skill Enhancers]
You are a trend-setter.
Prerequisites: Cha 13
Benefit: Once per session per point of Charisma modifier
you possess, you can add a +2 circumstance bonus to any
Charisma-based skill or ability check where your outstanding
dress sense and force of personality might be used to lend some
charm-power.
Sunder, Improved
[Combat, General]
You are good at smashing and slashing objects.
Prerequisites: Int 13, Combat Expertise
Benefit: You receive a +4 to hit when you perform the
Sunder manoeuvre and you do not provoke an attack of
opportunity. This bonus stacks with Precise Sunder.
Sunder, Precise
[Combat, General]
Prerequisites: Int 13, Combat Expertise
Benefit: You can now Sunder with a piercing weapon or a
mêlée weapon, provided you're in close range (30 feet). In
addition, you receive a +4 to hit when attempt to Sunder any
object that has less than 5HPs. This feat also allows you to make
extremely delicate Sunder attempts, such as cutting off a target's
necklace without touching her neck or slashing off his belt,
without any risk of hitting harming the wearer/wielder of the
object. This bonus stacks with Improved Sunder.
Swift Healing
[General]
You bounce back from injury faster than usual.
Prerequisites: Con 13, Toughness
Benefit: You heal an additional number of Hit Points per day
equal to you Constitution modifier.
Normal: Ordinarily, you heal one hit point per day per
character level.
Swift Power-Point Recovery
[General]
You regain power points faster than usual.
Benefit: You recover 2PPs per character level every six hours
of regular activity and 4PPs of total rest (lying down, not
fighting, not concentrating, not spell-casting, etc.).
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
75
Normal: You ordinarily recover a number of PPs equal to
your character level every six hours.
Swinging, Combat
[Combat, Defensive]
You're deadly on the end of a rope.
Prerequisite: Dex 13, Improved Swinging
Benefit: You retain your Dexterity and dodge bonuses while
swinging,
Swinging, Improved
[Skill Enhancers]
You're downright majestic when you dangle on a rope.
Prerequisites: Dex 13
Benefit: You get a +4 to Tumble and Jump checks while
swinging.
Feats: T
Teambreaker
[Combat, Defensive]
You are trained to fight people working in groups.
Prerequisites: BA +4, Dex 13, Int 13, Combat Reflexes
Benefit: Whenever an opponent uses the Aid Another
manoeuvre or the Cooperative Attack or Improved Cooperative
Attack feat against you in mêlée, you get an attack of opportunity
against whomever is using Aid Another or the person being
aided.
Special: This feat does not allow you to make more attacks of
opportunity than you normally can.
Third Hand
[General]
You get a lot out of rope- and chain-based weapons.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Combat Expertise, Proficiency with a
rope- or chain-based weapons with a reach of 10' or more.
Benefit: Your rope- or chain-based weapon is now a "third
hand." With it, you can perform two additional useful tricks.
First, if you fall or are pushed from a height, you can make a
Reflex check, DC 15, to snag an available outcropping or
protrusion and thus halt your fall. There must be something to
wrap your weapon around, of course, and the GM has final say as
to whether it can take your weight. You can attempt to snag a
person, but that person must be strong enough to support your
weight or be tied firm to something that can.
Second, if you perform the disarm manoeuvre, you can use a
move action to flip the disarmed weapon or object into any
square within your weapon's reach, including your own, in which
case you can deposit it into your own hands (assuming you have
enough hands free to hold the object). You can drop an object or
weapon as a free action, and thus free up a hand to catch the
disarmed weapon.
Toughness
[General]
You are as tough as a concrete wall.
Prerequisites: Con 15
Benefit: You permanently gain +5 HPs to your maximum.
Special: You can this feat multiple times. Its effects stack.
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primary hand is +10/+5/+0 (because it takes a -2 for two-weapon

Turnabout Disarm
[Combat, General]
You give your opponents a taste of their own medicine.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Int 13, Combat Expertise, Improved
Disarm
Benefit: Whenever you disarm an opponent in mêlée and
take their weapon away, you get an attack of opportunity against
that opponent, with the stolen weapon. In order to use this feat,
you must have at least one hand free.
Special: This does not allow you to make more attacks of
opportunity than you are normally allowed to.
fighting), and your full-attack sequence with your off-hand is
+10/+5. You can now make a single, two-weapon full-attack at
+10/+10/+5/+5/+0. Because you took Improved Two-Weapon
Fighting only once, it grants only one extra iterative attack as
part of the off-hand full-attack sequence. You could take the feat
again to gain one last iterative attack on your off-hand, which
would give you a full-attack sequence of +10/+10/+5/+5/+0/+0.
Special: You can also take this feat multiple times if you
more than two limbs. Each time, it applies to a new off-hand
limb (e.g., if you have four arms, you can apply this feat to all
three of your off-hands).

Two-Weapon Defence Two-Weapon Fighting, Mixed

[Combat, Defensive] [Combat, Ranged]
Prerequisites: Dex 15, Two-Weapon Fighting. You can combine ranged and mêlée weapons.
Benefit: When you wield a double weapon or two weapons Prerequisites: Dex 15, Two-Weapon Fighting
(not including natural weapons or unarmed strikes), you gain a Benefit: You can simultaneously wield a mêlée weapon and a
+2 shield bonus to your Defence. When you Fight Defensively or firearm, although obviously, both must be one-handed weapons.
use the Total Defence action, this shield bonus increases to +4.
Special: You can take this feat multiple times if you have Feats: U - W
more than two limbs. The feat's bonus increases by +2 for every
additional off-hand weapon you wield (e.g., with two off-hand Unarmed Damage, Improved Damage
weapons, you get a +4 shield bonus). [Combat, Offensive] Dice
You hit harder than you should. 1d3
Two-Weapon Fighting Prerequisites: BA +1, Combat Martial Arts
1d4
[Combat, Offensive] Benefit: Your base unarmed damage increases,
You are skilled at fighting with more than one weapon by one die on the table to the right. The maximum 1d6
Prerequisite: Dex 15 is 4d12. You can take this feat multiple times. Each 1d8
Benefit: This feat reduces your attack penalties for fighting time, you step up one row on the table. 1d10
with double-weapons or more than one weapon. With this feat, 2d6
the penalties are -4 to both hands (primary and off-hand). It Unshakable
reduces your penalties to -2 on both hands if your off-hand [Save Enhancers] 2d8
weapon is "light." This feat applies equally to mêlée and You don't spook easily. 2d10
thrown weapons, but not projectile weapons (bows, firearms, Benefit: You get a +4 bonus to any roll made to 3d8
etc.). resist fear, horror, and demoralization.
3d10
Special: You can take this feat multiple times if you have
more than two limbs. Each time, it applies to a new off-hand Vehicle Dodge 3d12
limb (e.g., if you have four arms, you can apply this feat to all [Vehicle] 4d10
three of your off-hands). Prerequisites: Dex 13, Drive 5 ranks
4d12
Normal: Two-Weapon Fighting applies a penalty of -6 to the Benefit: While driving, your vehicle gets a +2
primary hand and -10 to the off-hand, or -4 and -8 if the off-hand Dodge bonus to Defence. This bonus applies to
weapon is "light." attacks against the vehicle.

Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved Vehicle Focus

[Combat, Offensive]
You can make multiple attacks with your off-hand weapon
Prerequisites: Dex 17, BA +6, Two-Weapon Fighting
Benefit: When you fight with more than one weapon or a
double-weapon, you get an extra iterative attack with your off-
hand as part of a full-attack sequence. You can take this feat
multiple times. Each time, it adds another iterative attack as part
of that full-attack sequence . You cannot have more iterative
attacks with your off-hand than you already have with your
primary hand.
Example: You have a BA of +12, your off-hand weapon is
"light," and you take both Two-Weapon Fighting and Improved
Two-Weapon Fighting. Your full-attack sequence with your
[Vehicle]
You have a significant affinity for a single type of vehicle.
Prerequisite: Drive 5 ranks
Benefit: Select one specific vehicle. You get a +1 bonus to all
rolls involving the operation or maintenance of a favoured
vehicle. The vehicle's Defence is improved by 1 while you are
operating it.
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time, it
applies to a different vehicle type.
Vehicle Focus, Greater
[Vehicle]
You have an instinctive rapport with your vehicle of choice.

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 Chapter 4: Feats 77

Prerequisites: Vehicle Focus with chosen vehicle Weapon Specialisation, Greater

Benefit: Choose a vehicle for which you have already taken
the Vehicle Focus feet. You get an additional +1 bonus to all rolls
involving the operation or maintenance of a favoured vehicle, for
a total bonus of +2. The vehicle's Defence increases by an
additional +1 while you operate it, for a total Defence bonus of
+2.
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time, it
applies to a different vehicle type.
Wariness
[Combat, Defensive]
You can keep yourself on your toes when danger looms.
Prerequisites: Wis 13, Observe 5 ranks
Benefit: You can trade an standard action for a +2 bonus to
all your saving throws until your next round. The effects of this
feat wear off at the start of your next turn.
Weapon Familiarity
[Combat, Offensive]
You have practised with a variety of weapons.
Prerequisite: 3 proficiencies (either mêlée or ranged)
Benefit: You take only a -2 penalty when you wield a
weapon with which you are not proficiency. You can take this
feat twice. Each time, it applies to either mêlée weapons or
ranged weapons.
Normal: You take a -4 penalty when you wield a weapon
with which you are not proficient.
Weapon Focus
[Combat, Offensive]
Benefit: You get a +1 to attack and damage with one
particular weapon (e.g., quarterstaff, crossbow, heavy rifle, light
sabre, etc.).
[Combat, Offensive]
Prerequisite: Soldier/Warrior 12 th, BA +1, Weapon Focus,
Weapon Specialisation, Greater Weapon Focus
Benefit: You get an additional +1 to attack and damage with
the weapon you chose for Weapon Focus, for a total of +4.
Weapon Speed
[Combat, General]
Prerequisite: Soldier/Warrior 4 th, BA +1, Proficiency,
Weapon Focus
Benefit: When you have your Focused weapon drawn and in-
hand, you get a +8 on Initiative rolls.
Will, Awesome
[Save Enhancers]
You are incredibly resistant to mental or social domination.
Prerequisites: Wis 13, Iron Will
Benefit: You get an additional +2 bonus to all Willpower
saving throws (for a total bonus of +4).
Will, Supreme
[Save Enhancers]
You're even more stubborn than a grumpy house cat.
Prerequisites: Wis 15, Iron Will, Awesome Will
Benefit: You get an additional +2 bonus to all Will saves (for
a total bonus of +6).
Will to Live
[Save Enhancers]
You laugh in the face of death! Ha ha! (like that)
Benefit: You get a +4 bonus to any saving throw made to
resist instant death, including saves against death attacks and
death from massive damage.

Weapon Focus, Greater Tongue-In-Cheek Feats

[Combat, Offensive]
Prerequisite: Soldier/Warrior 8 th, BA +1, Weapon Focus,
Weapon Specialisation
Benefit: You get an additional +1 to attack and damage with
the weapon you chose for Weapon Focus, for a total of +3.
Weapon Parry
[Combat, Defensive]
Prerequisite: Soldier/Warrior 4 th, BA +1, Proficiency,
Weapon Focus
Benefit: When you have your Focused weapon drawn and in-
hand, you get a Shield bonus +2. You can apply this feat only to
mêlée weapons or to ranged weapons while you wield them as
mêlée weapons (e.g., pistol whip, bayonet, etc.). You cannot
apply this feat to Unarmed Strikes.
Weapon Specialisation
[Combat, Offensive]
Prerequisite: Soldier/Warrior 4 th, BA +1, Weapon Focus
Benefit: You get an additional +1 to attack and damage with
the weapon you chose for Weapon Focus, for a total of +2.
The following feats are genre-specific and kind of silly, but in
the right gaming group, they can be a lot of fun. They're not
grouped with all the other feats because you should decide
collectively if they want to use them at all. Some of these feats
grant Awesome bonuses (or the inverse, Bogus penalties), which
is a new bonus type that follows all the same rules as other bonus
types. See Chapter 8: GMing for more rules about Awesome
bonuses and Bogus penalties.
1337 Ph347
You are are not prone to get Pwned
Prerequisite: Base Attack +5
Benefit: Your 1337 skillz reduce Pwned damage against you
by 1 die. You can take this feat multiple times. Its effects stack.
Note, though, that the maximum damage of a Pwned attack is
+5d4.
1337, Epic
Prerequisites: Base Attack +5, 1337 Ph347
Benefit: Any attempt to Pwn you that would normally hit
instead triggers an opposed level check between the Pwner and

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78 Chapter 4: Feats

the Leet. The loser of this opposed check takes 1d4 morale Yelling your Battle Cry requires a move action and constitutes an
damage per point of difference between the rolls. It's epic spank action in combat, and therefore afterwards, you are no longer
or epic fail, but either way, the screenshots will end up on the flat-footed. You can use this feat once per session, plus once for
forums. every four character levels you have.

Amazing Holdout Cape Misdirection

[Tongue-In-Cheek; Save Enhancers]
Prerequisite: Holdout
Benefit: When you Stealth a weapon or item on your person,
you get a +20 circumstance bonus vs. Observe checks. In
addition, you can Stealth things that should not, by all logic, fit
on your person, like an M-16, a long sword, or a suit of armour
under your clothes. This feat does not affect anyone's ability to
physically Search your body.
Battle Cry
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Save Enhancers]
You can strike fear into your enemies.
Prerequisite: Charisma 13, Intimidate 5 ranks
Benefit: You must first invent a battle cry that is thematically
appropriate to your character's persona. It needs to be something
sufficiently intimidating and/or magnificent to genuinely strike
fear into your enemy's hearts, something along the lines of "I am
the terror in the night" or "No one escapes the Spanish
Inquisitor" Yelling your Battle Cry at the beginning of combat
(i.e., your surprise round or your first action after rolling
initiative) constitutes an Intimidate check against all enemies in
earshot who understand your language. The effects of the
Intimidation last 2d4 rounds, instead of the normal single round.
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Combat, Defensive]
You can hide within the flowing folds of your own cape.
Prerequisite: a billowing cape or cloak
Benefit: As a Swift action, you can whip up your cape in
such a way that it hides the exact shape of your body; this grants
Concealment (20% miss chance) against mêlée and ranged
attacks. You must declare your intention to use Cape
Misdirection at any time combat, and you can effectively "leave
it on" as long as you keep moving. You never stop moving in
combat, so you can leave it on the entire time, but if you do stop
for any reason, you have to drop it. You cannot use Cape
Misdirection if, for any reason, you are denied your Dexterity
bonus to Defence.
Cape Misdirection, Improved
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Combat, Defensive]
You disappear into the folds of your own cape.
Prerequisite: a billowing cape or cloak, Cape Misdirection
Benefit: This feat functions exactly the same way as Cape
Misdirection, but your Concealment goes up to a 40% miss
chance.

Table 4-2 Tongue-In-Cheek Feats

Feat Prerequisite Benefit
1337 Ph347 Base Attack +5 Reduce Pwn damage by 1 die.
1337 Ph347 Base Attack +5, 1337 Ph347 Trigger level contest on Pwnage.
Amazing Holdout Holdout +20 to Stealth checks to conceal objects about your person
Battle Cry Charisma 13, Intimidate 5 ranks Intimidate multiple enemies for 2d4 rounds
Cape Misdirection billowing cape or cloak Your cape/cloak grants Concealment (20%)
Cape Misdirection, Improved Cape Misdirection, billowing cape Your cape/cloak grants Concealment (40%)
Dodge Bullets Dexterity 17, Defensive Martial Arts, Deflect Arrows, Dodge +8 dodge bonus against firearms
Dexterity 17, Defensive Martial Arts, Deflect Arrows, Dodge,
Catch Bullets Catch bullets with your bare friggin' hands
Dodge Bullets, Lightning Reflexes
Dexterity 17, Defensive Martial Arts, Deflect Arrows, Dodge,
Dodge Energy +8 dodge bonus against energy-based attacks
Dodge Bullets, Dodge Bullets
Glasses of Disguise Conceal your identity behind a pair of glasses
Heroic Comeback Constitution 13, Toughness Get up after being reduced to zero or fewer HPs
Moral Authority Charisma 13, Allegiance (special) Fill villains with self-doubt (-4 Bogus penalty)
Mumbo-Jumbo Wisdom 13 +4 Awesome bonus to mystical skills
New-Age Nonsense Charisma 13 +4 Awesome bonus to psionic skills
Onomatopoeia Spag! Wang! +2 Awesome bonus to damage
One-Liner Charisma 15, Diplomacy 5 Ranks Awesome bonus for making a funny (+2 and up)
Verbal Riposte Charisma 15, Diplomacy 5 Ranks, One-Liner You can cancel verbal-based feats
Parley Charisma 13 You can perform verbal actions while moving
Parley, Improved Charisma 15, Parley You can perform verbal actions while attacking
Plot Device One useful object per session
Equipment Cache Plot Device A conveniently-placed cache of Useful Stuff
Pwned Stealth 5 ranks +1d4 Morale bonus to damage
Pwned Hard Stealth 5 ranks, Pwned +2d4 Morale bonus to damage
Pwnage, Major Stealth 5 ranks, Pwned, Pwned Hard +3d4 Morale bonus to damage
Pwned, OMG U Lzr Stealth 5 ranks, Pwned, Pwned Hard, Major Pwnage +4d4 Morale bonus to damage
Stealth 5 ranks, Pwned, Pwned Hard, Major Pwnage, OMG U
Pwned, Beyond +5d4 Morale bonus to damage
Lzr Pwned
Tactical Nude Advantage Destroy your costume for a +4 to Defence
Technobabble Intelligence 13 +4 Awesome bonus to supertech skills

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 Chapter 4: Feats
Catch Bullets
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Combat, Defensive]
You can pluck a speeding bullet out of the air.
Prerequisite: Dexterity 17, Defensive Martial Arts, Deflect
Arrows, Dodge, Dodge Bullets, Lightning Reflexes
Benefit: As an Immediate action, if someone fires a gun at
you, you can elect to roll try to catch the bullet with your bare
friggin' hands. To use this feat, you must have line of sight on
your attack, be aware that he, she, or it is firing at you, and you
cannot be denied your Dexterity bonus to Defence. You cannot
catch shotgun pellets.
Attempting to catch a bullet requires an opposed roll, your
Reflex save versus the attacker's attack roll. If you succeed, you
catch the bullet. If you fail, the bullet hits you, regardless of
whether the attack roll beat your Defence score, because you
deliberately interposed yourself in front of that there bullet .
Dodge Bullets
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Combat, Defensive]
You are good at avoiding getting shot.
Prerequisite: Dexterity 17, Dodge, Deflect Arrows,
Defensive Martial Arts
You get a +8 Dodge bonus against all firearms attacks if you
can see and are aware of your attacker(s), and you retain your
Dexterity bonus to Defence.
Dodge Energy
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Combat, Defensive]
You are good at avoiding getting zapped.
Prerequisite: Dexterity 17, Dodge, Deflect Arrows,
Defensive Martial Arts
You get a +8 Dodge bonus against energy-based attacks. This
primarily includes the power Energy Attack, but can also include
spells, psi-powers, energy-based technological weapons, etc.
This bonus applies only to your Defence score, not to your
Reflex (i.e., you can dodge only attacks, not things you must roll
a saving through to avoid). You gain the benefits of this feat if
you can see and are aware of your attacker(s), and you retain
your Dexterity bonus to Defence.
Equipment Cache
[Tongue-In-Cheek; General]
You were a Boy Scout in a former life.
Prerequisite: Plot Device
Benefit: When you're in your territory (usually a city), you
can spend an Action Point to remember that you miraculously
thought ahead and stowed a cache of supplies 1d6 blocks away
(down an alley, under a dumpster, etc.). The cache can contain
any or indeed all of the following items:
• spare clothes (a superhero costume or regular clothes,
nothing that grants a Defence bonus)
• money (a wad of cash, a spare credit card, etc.; grants
+1d4 Wealth for the remainder of the session)
• ammunition (1d4 clips, bundles of arrows, Supertech
batteries, whatever is appropriate to your weapon)
• food and water (enough to feed you for a day)
• one Plot Device
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
79
If you are outside of your home territory, your GM might
allow you to spend 2APs to have a cache nearby (in a tree, under
an over-pass, etc.). In a truly exotic location (inside a villain's
lair, on the Moon, etc.), and if you ask really nicely, your GM
could be on enough antihistamines to allow you to spend 3APs to
have a cache nearby.
Glasses of Disguise
[Tongue-In-Cheek; General]
You can hide behind a pair of specs.
Benefit: By wearing a pair of glasses in your everyday life
and not wearing them in your superheroic persona, you get the
equivalent benefit to wearing a Full-Face mask when you're in
costume (DC 25 to recognise you, see Chapter 1: Character
Creation) and no mask in your everyday life. After all, you
couldn't possibly be the same person; one wears glasses and the
other one is a superhero.
Heroic Comeback
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Combat, General]
You just won't die.
Prerequisite: Constitution 13, Toughness
Benefit: Once per game session, you can use 1 Action Point
to bring yourself from zero or lower HPs to 5HPs. You must
actually be alive to use this feat. Raising your HPs requires a
Swift action, but getting up from where ever your corpse landed
is another matter.
Moral Authority
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Combat, Offensive]
You can deliver a hell of a homily.
Prerequisite: Charisma 13, Allegiance to an institution or
philosophy with some kind of moral tone (government, religion,
political party, etc.)
Benefit: If you can convincingly explain to a villain where
he, she, or it has gone wrong, what their moral failings are, the
ethical conundrum in their own mind can imbue a -4 Bogus
penalty to all rolls for 1d4+1 rounds (in combat) or 1d4+1
minutes (out of combat). You can invoke this feat only once per
session. In combat, you must expend a standard action to deliver
your heroic message of goodness, fiscal responsibility, personal
hygiene (or whatever).
For example: The evil Apocalypso has cornered Constable
Courage on a narrow catwalk. "Now I will beat you to within an
inch of your life!” the madman cackles as he advances with fists
raised.
"Not likely," the good Constable responds, "clearly, my strict,
Royal Canadian Mounted Police regimen of callisthenics and
restrained eating habits give me a physical advantage over a
reckless and unhealthy miscreant such as yourself. After all, your
henchmen raided the Tasty Loins Pork Processing Plant last
week solely to indulge your late-night craving for bacon!"
[They roll and opposed test, Apocalypso loses.]
"Blast!" cries Apocalypso, as he is filled with self-doubt.
Clearly, the Constable is correct. He is getting a little wide
around the middle.
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80 Chapter 4: Feats
"Let this be a lesson in the virtues of physical fitness!" cries
the Constable, as he beats Apocalypso into unconsciousness.
Mumbo-Jumbo
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Skill Enhancers]
Your mystical insights are stronger when you mumble.
Prerequisite: Wisdom 13
Benefit: You gain a +4 Awesome bonus to skills you make to
build, repair, or study a mystical item, provided that you can ad-
lib a vaguely believable load of arcane blither before you make
the roll. This does not add any time to your skill check. You
(your character) actually mumbles while she works. You can
blither about ley-lines or "blind forces of the Universe" or
whatever. These essentially meaningless phrases help you
concentrate. You can use this feat a number of times per session
equal to your Wisdom modifier.
New-Age Nonsense
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Skill Enhancers]
The inner eye seeks through through nonsense.
Prerequisite: Charisma 13
Benefit: You gain a +4 Awesome bonus to skills you make to
build, repair, or study a psionic item, provided that you can ad-lib
a vaguely believable load of new-age nonsense before you make
the roll. You can witter on about crystals or chakras or whatever.
These essentially meaningless phrases help you concentrate. This
does not add any time to your skill check. You (your character)
actually mumbles while he works. You can use this feat a
number of times per session equal to your Charisma modifier.
One-Liner
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Combat, Defensive]
You have a penchant for glib wisecracks.
Prerequisite: Charisma 13, Diplomacy 5 ranks
Benefit: If you can deliver a clever pun, witty double-
entendre, or snappy retort at the top of your round, you can grant
yourself an Awesome bonus to all rolls that round, except for
damage rolls. Delivering the one-liner requires a swift action,
and the GM decides if the bonus is worth +2 or +4, depending
how clever it was and/or how much everyone at the table
laughed.
Onomatopoeia
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Combat, Offensive]
Baff! Zow!
Benefit: If you (both you at the table, and you, your
character) can yell an appropriate onomatopoeia while you roll
your attack dice (Wham! Bonk!), you can grant yourself a +4
Awesome bonus to your damage roll. (Kronk! Slam!) You can
use this feat three times per session, and you have to yell a
different onomatopoeia each time (Zing! Kablamo!). If you
repeat an onomatopoeia and anyone at the table notices, you
instead take a -4 Bogus penalty to damage.
Parley
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Combat, General]
Have a lively conversation while on the move
Prerequisite: Charisma 13
80 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Benefit: You can use a verbal feat or during a move action or
a full-round action that includes only movement, which means
that you can simultaneously perform a verbal action and a
physical action. For example, you can attempt to Bluff while
moving, a full-round Diplomacy check while Running.
Special: This feat is incompatible with the Monologuer
Comp.
Parley, Improved
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Combat, General]
Talk while you fight
Prerequisite: Charisma 15, Parley
Benefit: You can talk during a standard action or a full-round
attack action, which means you can simultaneously perform a
verbal action and an attack. For example, you can attempt to
Intimidate while attacking.
Special: This feat is incompatible with the Monologuer
Comp.
Plot Device
[Tongue-In-Cheek]
Where do you get those wonderful toys?
Benefit: Once per session, you can dig into your pockets and
find a single, extremely useful mundane tool or device. The exact
nature of the device is unspecified until such time as you invoke
the feat, but it can become virtually anything you happen to need
—an electronic lock-pick, a grappling hook gun, a re-breather, a
compact motorcycle repair kit, etc.— up to Purchase DC 15. For
the remainder of the session, the Device stays as whatever you
wanted it to be, but at the beginning of the next session, it is once
again unspecified and ready to be something else that you
miraculously just happened to have with you. Invoking the Plot
Device does not require a purchase roll and it does not affect
your Wealth score because you had it the whole time (wink,
wink). You can take this feat up to three times. Each time, you
get one more plot device per session.
Pwned
You like sneaking up on noobs.
Prerequisite: 5 ranks in Stealth
Benefit: You can make a Pwned attack against anyone who
fails an Observe check to notice you, or is otherwise unaware of
your presence. Pwned attacks grant an extra +1d4 morale bonus
to damage, because who doesn't love laying the smack on a loser
noob?
Pwned Hard
Prerequisite: 5 ranks in Stealth, Pwned Attack
Benefit: As Pwned Attack, with an additional +1d4 morale
bonus to damage, for a total of +2d4.
Pwnage, Major
Prerequisite: 5 ranks in Stealth, Pwned Attack, Pwned Hard
Benefit: As Pwned Attack, with an additional +1d4 morale
bonus to damage, for a total of +3d4.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 4: Feats
Pwned, OMG U Lzr
Prerequisite: 5 ranks in Stealth, Pwned Attack, Pwned Hard,
Major Pwnage
Benefit: As Pwned Attack, with an additional +1d4 morale
bonus to damage, for a total of +4d4.
Pwned, Beyond
Prerequisite: 5 ranks in Stealth, Pwned Attack, Pwned Hard,
Major Pwnage, OMG U Lzr Pwned
Benefit: As Pwned Attack, with an additional +1d4 morale
bonus to damage, for a total of +5d4. Also, any of the vitim's
allies who witness this spanking must make Will saves (DC 15)
or be Shaken for 1 round out of the sheer embarrassment of even
knowing noobs who let themselves get so thoroughly pwned.
Tactical Nude Advantage
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Combat, Defensive]
Show some skin, win the fight.
Benefit: Once per game session, you can utterly destroy
your costume and/or armour (rip it to shreds, burst out of it,
cut it off with your weapon, etc.) leaving only strategically-place
scraps for the sake of your dignity. The costume is permanently
destroyed.
When you activate this feat, you gain a +4 awesome bonus
to your Defence on top of whatever bonus your costume might
have offered when it was still intact. This bonus lasts a number
of rounds equal to your Charisma bonus + 2 . At the end of this
time, the Awesome effect wears off and you lose the +4 awesome
bonus as well as any Defence bonuses you might have received
from your costume.
You can voluntarily destroy your costume as a move
action, or you can activate this feat when someone attacks you in
such a way that would logically destroy your costume (e.g., an
explosion, being burned, a particularly nasty attack; GM has final
say on whether the attack would destroy the costume). In this
latter case, you can reactively activate the feat as an immediate
action, directly after the costume is destroyed, even if it's not
your turn.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
81
Technobabble
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Skill Enhancers]
Your muttering helps you concentrate.
Prerequisite: Intelligence 13
Benefit: You gain a +4 Awesome bonus to skills you make to
build, repair, or study a technological device, provided that you
can ad-lib a vaguely believable load of cockamammie nonsense
before you make the roll. You can blither about "reversing the
polarity of the neutron flow" or "rerouting the power conduits
through the tertiary containment systems" or whatever. These
essentially meaningless geek-mantras help you concentrate. This
does not add any time to your skill check. You (your character)
actually mumbles while she works. You can use this feat a
number of times per session equal to your Intelligence modifier.
Verbal Riposte
[Tongue-In-Cheek; Combat, Defensive]
You can cut witty folks down to size.
Prerequisite: Charisma 15, One-Liner
Benefit: If and when an opponent uses a verbal feat (Battle
Cry, One-Liner, Technobabble, Mumbo-Jumbo, or New-Age
Nonsense) you can attempt to ad-lib a witty retort to cancels the
effect. You must make an opposed Diplomacy test with your
opponent, and of course you must actually come up with
something witty to say. GMs are encouraged to grant
circumstance modifiers for particularly witty remarks. Using
Verbal Riposte requires an immediate action, which means you
can use it during someone else's round. You can use Verbal
Riposte on Verbal Riposte, in which case you can cancel the
attempt to cancel your effect. You get only 1 immediate action
per round, so you can reverse Verbal Riposte only once.
Example: Razor Shark attempts to use his Battle Cry, "I'm
gonna eat ya!" on a group of heroes, which would normally
imbue a -2 Bogus penalty on them, but the Glib Gladiator uses
Verbal Riposte, "It'll be hard to eat once we've knocked your
teeth out!" Shark and Gladiator roll opposed Diplomacy tests and
Gladiator wins, which would cancel the Battle Cry's effects, but
Shark returns with another Verbal Riposte, "Sharks have three
rows of teeth!" and negates the Gladiator's attempt to cancel the
Battle Cry's effect. The heroes take a -2 Bogus penalty.
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82 Chapter 4: Feats

Feat Groups
Combat, Defensive Quick Draw Two-Weapon Fighting, Power Focus
Quick Sheath Improved Power Focus, Greater
Agile Riposte Stand Still Unarmed Damage, Improved Power Focus, Improved
Armour Focus Staple, Improved Weapon Familiarity Power Penetration
Armour Specialisation Sunder, Precise Weapon Finesse Power Penetration, Improved
Back-Roll Throw Trip, Improved Weapon Focus Quick Change
Break Hold Turnabout Disarm Weapon Focus, Greater Resist Fatigue
Chaotic Mind Weapon Speed Weapon Specialisation Renown
Cloak Dance Weapon Specialisation, Run
Combat Expertise Combat, Offensive Greater Sprint
Combat Expertise, Improved Whirlwind Attack Swift Healing
Combat Expertise, Awesome Agile Wrestling Swift Power-Point Recovery
Damage Threshold, Blind Fight Combat, Ranged Third Hand
Improved Blinding Strike Toughness
Defensive Martial Arts Brawl Blazing Charge Track
Deflect Arrows Brawl, Improved Blind Shot Wild Talent
Deflect Arrows, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Break Hold Mystical
Dodge Cleave Burst Fire
Light-Footed Cleave, Great Combat Shot Armour Mastery, Arcane
Elusive Target Combat Martial Arts Dead Aim Augment Summoning
Infighter Combat Martial Arts, Improved Deadeye Brew Potion
Light-Footed Combat Martial Arts, Double Tap Combat Casting
Mobility Advanced Far Shot Combat Casting, Improved
Origin Resistance, Greater Co-operative Attack Grazing Shot Counterspell, Improved
Shield Focus Co-operative Attack, Gun Fu Craft Mystic Armament
Shield Specialisation Improved Hail of Bullets Craft Wand
Snatch Arrows Combat Throw Lethal Hurling Empower Spell
Swinging, Combat Combat Throw, Improved Manyshot Enlarge Spell
Teambreaker Crippling Blow Manyshot, Greater Extend Spell
Two-Weapon Defence Critical Damage, Improved Mounted Ranged Attack Heighten Spell
Unbalance Opponent Critical Range, Improved Point-Blank Shot Lab Magic Mastery
Wariness Deadly Precision Precise Shot Maximize Spell
Weapon Parry Flyby Attack Quick Reload Quicken Spell
Grapple, Improved Rapid Shot Scribe Scroll
Combat, General Knockback, Awesome Sharpshooter Silent Spell
Knockback, Distance Shot on the Run Spell Focus
Combat Diagnosis Knockback, Improved Skip Shot Spell Focus, Greater
Combat Nerves Knockback, Supreme Sliding Shot Still Spell
Combat Reflexes Sniper Turning, Improved
Diehard Mercy Blow Stick-Up Artist Widen Spell
Disarm, Improved Overrun, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, Mixed
Entangling, Improved Power Attack Proficiencies
Environmental Combat Sunder, Precise General
Speciality Pressure-Point Attack Proficiency: Armour (archaic)
Favoured Enemy Shield Bash, Improved Action Hero Proficiency: Armour (heavy)
Favoured Enemy Focus Sleeper Hold Cloakfall Proficiency: Armour (light)
Feint, Improved Sneak Attack, Dexterous Fast Move Proficiency: Armour (medium)
Heroic Intervention Spring Attack Frightful Presence Proficiency: Armour
Heroic Surge Stunning Fist Hard to Kill (powered)
Initiative, Awesome Sucker Punch Hidden Power Proficiency: Firearms
Initiative, Improved Sucker Punch, Improved Home Turf Advantage (advanced)
Initiative, Supreme Sunder, Improved Last Desperate Trick Proficiency: Firearms (exotic)
Knockback, Light Super Strike Light-Footed Proficiency: Firearms
Merciful Mauler Streetfighting Low Profile (personal)
Precise Strike Two-Weapon Fighting Low-Light Vision Proficiency: Shields
Prone Fighting, Improved Medical Expert Proficiency: Weapons (archaic)

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 Chapter 4: Feats 83

Proficiency: Weapons (exotic Up the Walls Stick-Up Artist Parley

mêlée) Widen Psi-Power Super Style Parley, Improved
Proficiency: Weapons Surgery Plot Device
(improvised) Save Enhancers Swinging, Improved Pwned
Proficiency: Weapons (simple) Pwned Hard
Proficiency: Weapons (over- Daring Escape Supertech Pwnage, Major
sized) Drug Resistance Pwned, OMG U Lzr
Psionic Fearless Invent Doohicky Pwned, Beyond
Fortitude, Awesome Invent Empowered Tactical Nude Advantage
Burrowing Psi-Power Fortitude, Great Equipment Technobabble
Chain Psi-Power Fortitude, Supreme Invent Gizmo Verbal Riposte
Combat Casting Heightened Immune System Invent Ray Gun Vehicle
Combat Casting, Improved Origin Resistance Invent Ray Gun, Improved
Craft Cognizance Crystal Reflexes, Awesome Invent Super Armament Aircraft Operation
Craft Dorje Reflexes, Lightning Invent Super Equipment Anti-Vehicle Speciality
Craft Mystic Armament Reflexes, Supreme Invent Superchemical Anti-Vehicle Speciality,
Craft Psionic Armaments Resistant Powers Mastercraft Improved
Craft Psi-Stone Resistant Powers, Awesome Mastercraft, Advanced Combat Driving
Delay Psi-Power Resistant Powers, Improved Mastercraft, Improved Combat Pilot
Empower Psi-Power Resistant Powers, Supreme Mastercraft, Supreme Control Anything
Enlarge Psi-Power Scepticism Daredevil Driver
Extend Psi-Power Scepticism, Stone-Cold Tongue-In-Cheek Daredevil Pilot
Hostile Mind Unshakable Drive-By Attack
Inquisitor Will, Awesome 1337 Ph347 Evasive Manoeuvres
Maximize Psi-Power Will, Iron 1337, Epic Evasive Manoeuvres,
Mental Leap Will, Supreme Amazing Holdout Improved
Mind Over Body Will to Live Battle Cry Force Stop
Narrow Mind Cape Misdirection Hotshot
Psicrystal Affinity Skill Enhancers Cape Misdirection, Improved Mounted Combat
Psicrystal Containment Catch Bullets Mounted Ranged Attack
Psicrystal, Improved Aerobatics Dodge Bullets Ride-By Attack
Psionic Endowment Astrobatics Dodge Energy Screeching Halt
Psionic Endowment, Greater Cross-Trained Equipment Cache Spirited Charge
Psionic Meditation Endurance Glasses of Disguise Surface Vehicle Operation
Quicken Psi-Power Endurance, Improved Heroic Comeback Trample
Speed of Thought Holdout Moral Authority Force Stop
Split Psionic Ray Home Turf Advantage Mumbo-Jumbo Vehicle Dodge
Twin Psi-Power Skill Aptitude New-Age Nonsense Vehicle Focus
Unconditional Psi-Power Sprint One-Liner Vehicle Focus, Greater
Standing Jump Onomatopoeia

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84 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010


Power Points
Power Points are what you expend in order to use most
powers. They represent willpower, grit, or in the case of
Gadgets, an abstracted fuel or a power source. Powers that are
"always on," which includes most traits, don't require PPs, but
powers that manifest a one-time effect, like an Energy Attack,
generally do.
The Power Die listed in your class description functions the
same way as a Hit Die. At every class level, you roll your Power
Die and add that to your pre-existing total. Like Hit Points, when
you take your first superhero level, you get your full Power Die.
Unlike Hit Points, you do not modify your Power Point roll by
any ability score.
Also like HPs, you naturally regenerate PPs over time. Every
6 hours (i.e., 4 times a day), you regenerate a number of
power points equal to your character level. If you get a full
night's sleep (or equivalent trance, meditation, etc.), then you
regain all your PPs.
Finally, if you personally don't have any powers, then you
are immune to Power Leech, although if you have items that
use PPs or have an activation (including "free"), then those items
are not immune to Power Leech.
Power-Point Deficit
You can also effectively cannibalise your own body in order
to fuel your powers even after you're out of actual Power Points. mutant ability you discovered when you were 10, or a bolt of
Doing so requires that you trade 1 point of your Constitution
for 1PP. This happens in the same action that you spend the PPs; gun. Your Origin will have a lot to do with your origin story,
you cannot keep the PPs after you've cannibalised them.
Remember that as you reduce your Constitution, you also loose
HPs, your Fortitude save goes down, and you reduce all your
Constitution-based stats accordingly. If you reduce your
Constitution to zero, then you die, instantly.
Instead of regenerating PPs (see below), if you go into power-
point deficit, you regenerate only your Constitution score by a
rate of 1 per hour. Until you regenerate your full Constitution
score, you do not regenerate PPs.
Origins
Every power has an Origin, an in-game explanation for where
the heck the power comes from, what it's source is, where it
originates (just to be blatant about it). Anything with an Origin is
Super, and anything Super bypasses unmodified DR (just like in
other d20 games where magic automatically bypasses
undmodified DR). Similarly, anything with an Origin can be
affected by the metapowers. There are five Origins:
Biological
This Origin indicates powers that come from your
physiology in some way. It includes mutants and aliens, as well
as genetic alterations, deliberate or otherwise. It's often shortened could think of, we simply made powers that apply somewhat
to "Bio."
Cosmic
This Origin includes any energy source that is
misunderstood and mysterious , from the totally illogical results that slams out of your forehead. Natural Weapons can be golden
of being bitten by radioactive animals or struck by lightning, to
empowerment by forces from beyond. It is the catch-all
explanation for the unexplainable.
CHAPTER 5: POWERS
Mystical
This Origin comes from the supernatural in its traditional
form, the harnessing of blind forces of the universe and the
blessings of divine beings. It includes both the Arcane and the
Divine. All spells, spell-like effects, and magic items are
mystical in Origin.
Psionic
This Origin indicates the external manifestation of internal
power, sheer force of will, mind over matter. All psi-powers,
psionic effects, and psionic items are psionic in Origin.
Supertech
This Origin includes technology that is beyond the
mundane. What is actually beyond the mundane changes about
every fifteen minutes, so the rule of thumb when in doubt is if the
technology in question directly duplicates a power, then it's
Supertech. Inventions (Gizmos, Superchemicals, Super
Armaments, and Ray Guns) are all supertech. Most Gadgets and
Power Armour are supertech, but they can be of any origin.
All your powers must all have the same Origin , although
you can take the Multiple Origins advantage to get over that
restriction. Any power can have any Origin . All that's required
is a sufficient explanation. An Energy Attack can come from a
pure will from the depths of your mind, or a Buck Rogers ray
where you got your powers and how they work. From a
character/story point of view, it makes a big difference if your
powers are perceived as part of the world of science (Supertech
or Bio), magic (Mystical), pseudo-science (Psionics), or
something totally mysterious (Cosmic).
From a rules point of view, some powers interact with other
powers, and Origins often play a role, for example the
metapowers are often keyed to a particular origin, and various
kinds of Resistance are, as well. There is also is a significant
difference between mystic, psionic, and supertech items (see
Chapter 6: F/X).
Power Notes
The following short entries detail a few different game
elements to do with powers. They didn't fit anywhere else, so
here they are, in alphabetical order.
Flavour Text
Our descriptions for powers might, at first, seem a bit dry.
There is a reason for this. We've written them to be abstract
because the superhero genre is extremely varied and flexible. So
instead of writing up specific descriptions for every power we
generic bonuses or grant abilities ruled by existing game
mechanics (at least as much as possible). This way, you can
apply any description you'd like for your powers.
An Energy Attack: Concussive can be a giant ghostly hammer
daggers you shoot out your nose. Mighty Lifting could be a
gleaming steel exoskeleton grafted onto your body, from head to
86 Chapter 5: Powers
foot. How the powers manifest and what they look like is
entirely up to you.
You can describe powers as if they're combined.
Appendages can have Natural Weapons built onto them. Your
Amazing Leap might actually be a side-effect of shooting your
Energy Attack: Heat downwards, like a rocket. Your Power
Armour could grant Amazing Accuracy because it has a HUD
built into it. You can attribute all your powers, no matter how
many or how diverse, to one source, if you want to. If you
have an Ability Enhancement s, Super Speed, Energy Attack:
Heat, and Amazing Dodge, you're breaking no rules if you
consistently claims that these all derive from the awesome power
of your pecs.
You can invent visual effects for your powers, with a
limited freedom. You can't alter your abilities, and you can't
duplicate a skill, a feat, a power, or an ad/comp through a visual-
effect. You also cannot duplicate the functioning of any mundane
technology. For example, you might give off a slight glow or
glitter effect when you use a particular power, but you can't shed
enough light to read by. A power's manifestation can't have a
useful, in-game effect that isn't listed in its description, but you're
free to describe it in impressive terms. Basically, if it doesn't
impinge on the hard rules governing you or your powers, you can
describe them any way you like. We provide the rules and you
provide the flavour. That's how this particular game works best.
It's a very fantastic genre, so have fun with it.
Game Roles
The powers in this game are mostly either combat-related
(offensive/ defensive) or utility powers. There are very few buffs
and only two healing powers (Healing Touch and Repairing
Touch, and the latter is useful only on mechanical creatures). The
superhero genre just does not contain many powers that
gamers would normally assign to the standard rolls "buffer"
and "healer." We have done this on purpose in order to simulate
the superhero genre as closely as possible, and one of the upshots
of that decision is that healing lethal damage is not easy (i.e.,
healers are rare). Players and GMs should both be aware of this
dynamic in the game design their characters and their world(s)
accordingly. The standard solution is to make most damage non-
lethal and save lethal damage only for particularly dramatic or
important encounters.
Power Stretch
Every power has a standard use, expressed in terms of rules
and stats. However, it's also possible to "stretch" your powers
in order to do things not listed in the text . Power Stretching
costs an Action Point, and your GM has final say on whether or
not your Power Stretch works, whether there is a check (using a
skill, an attack, etc.) or any other special circumstances involved
in your particular attempt to stretch your power beyond its
normal use. There might also be a PP cost associated with the
stretch—doubling the Activate cost for example—or just a flat
PP cost decided by the GM. For example, a character with super
strength might want to clap his hands loudly enough to deafen
opponents. Such an action would (a) require a PP cost equivalent
to a similar kind of attack (Energy Attack: Sonic, for example),
86 Phoenix v10 (draft)
and (b) would have a saving throw associated with it. A more
directed effect might have an attack roll attached.
Power Descriptors
Powers
These are physical or energy-based manifestations that you
generate with your body, will, mind, or soul . You buy them
with Character Points. Almost all of them require the expenditure
of Power Points, but a few don't. Most are one-time effects, like
Energy Attack. Traits, Items, Metapowers, Spells, and Psi-Powers
are subtypes of Powers in Phoenix.
Traits
These are a special kind of power. When the text refers to
"powers" in general, it refers to traits as well. Only when
referring specifically to traits does the text use the term "traits."
Traits have no activation or sustain costs and they are
inherent to your body's physiology . They're often physical
attributes that are not necessarily supernatural—like an extra
limb (Appendages) or retractable claws (Natural Weapon)—but
they can also be little knacks and abilities that are so fundamental
to you that they simply can't be distinguished them from your
body—Amazing Leap or Longevity, for example. This is why
they are unaffected by the metapowers. Their Origin is most
typically Bio (they're parts of your body), but they can be
anything in theory, assuming you provide a good enough
explanation. They are usually not considered Super unless
otherwise noted.
Items
As their name suggests, these are physical objects that act as
conduits for powers. The four Item powers are: Gadget
(including Power Armour), Iconic Item, Esoteric Item, and
nominally Supertech Invention.
Gadgets are items that can manifest a single power (never a
trait) and are automatically replaced if lost. They are most
typically Supertech. Power Armour is a bunch of Gadgets with
armour plating. Gadgets grant a CP discount as a percentage of
the total cost of their power, because they can be lost, used
against you, or even potentially destroyed.
Iconic Items are nigh-indestructible objects that manifests all
of your powers. Iconic Items grant a one-time discount because
they cannot be destroyed, but on occasion could be lost or stolen.
Esoteric Items have one or more of the standard
enhancements from the SRDs and/or Chapter 6: F/X. Their
Origins are therefore mystical, psionic, or supertech. Esoteric
Items do not grant powers, so there is no CP discount. Instead,
there is just a cost for the item and the mystic, psionic, or
supertech special abilities that the item carries.
Finally, Invent Supertech allows you to make short-term,
sometimes single-use Supertech devices (Doohickies,
Superchemicals, and Ray Guns).
Metapowers
Power Absorption, Power Detection, Power Duplication,
Power Leech, Power Nullification , and Resistance: Power are
metapowers, which means that their primary function is to
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers
interact with powers. They do not work on traits because traits
are so fundamental to how your body works that they're
indistinguishable from your basic physiology.
CP Cost
Every power has a cost in Character Points. This is a one-
time expense. Many powers also have enhancements listed with
them, which are also one-time expenses. Costs are sometimes
listed as "varies" when there are options within a power that can
change the price. They're also often listed as a certain number of
CPs "per rank." In this case, the text will describe what benefit
one "rank" of a power provides.
No matter how many discounts or limitations you pile on, the
minimum cost of a power is its base price before
enhancements, or 1CP per rank in the power.
Prerequisites
(enhancements and limitations only)
You have to have all the prerequisites for an enhancement or
limitation before you can purchase it. In almost all cases, the
prerequisites are other enhancements/limitations.
Activate
(PP cost; action)
This is how much time and energy it takes to start a power. It
refers only to the first round in which you start a continuous
power or the single use of an instantaneous power. Activation
costs are listed in PPs, then a semi-colon, and an action type,
such as "2PPs; standard action." They often specify a PP cost
per unit of the power, as in "2PPs per d6; standard action" or
"1PP per 100lbs.; use-activated (attack)." The action type is
sometimes listed as "use activated (blank)," which means that
there is some other action (in brackets) that has to take place to
use a power, usually making an attack, moving, or employing a
skill, as in "use-activated (jump)." The minimum activation cost
of a power is 1PP, regardless of discounts (except "by level"
powers, see below).
You can activate a continuous power only once per round
and it lasts at least one round. You can activate instantaneous
powers, like attacks, as many times per round as you have the
appropriate actions.
There is one special kind of activation. The By Level
designation means that there is a numerical element of your
power (damage, healing, bonus points, weight, etc.), and you can
activate a number of units of that element equal to half your
character level for free. You essentially get these first units for
free, after which you must pay PPs. This means that you can
activate/sustain these powers at a minimum level of effectiveness
for free, for ever, and at will, but if you want to exceed that
minimum, then you have to pay. You must have at least 1PP left
in order to activate a By Level power.
The activation entry will state the cost in PPs as "per" the
power's effects (e.g., damage, healing, weight, distance, etc.) but
By Level. This means that if you stay under your By Level
maximum, the activation is free , but go above that maximum
and you pay per effect. For example, you are a 10 th-level
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
87
character with Energy Strike, which is "1PP per d6 By Level."
That means that you can activate up to a 5d6 Energy Strike for
free, but a 6d6 Energy Strike would cost 1PP.
A power's activation time determines whether it provokes
attacks of opportunity. The abstract rule is that activation times
that take up actions in combat do provoke, but activation times
that are roughly equivalent to free actions do not, and use-
activated powers do or don't provoke based on the action needed
to activate them.
The upshot is that the following activation times do
provoke attacks of opportunity:
• full-round action
• move action
• standard action
• use-activated (manifesting)
• use-activated (skill check)
• use-activated (spell-casting)
While the following activation times do not provoke
attacks of opportunity:
• free action
• immediate action
• swift action
• use-activated (attack)
• use-activated (move)
• use-activated (special)
In addition, any power with an activation time of "use-
activated (attack)" automatically counts as a weapon.
Therefore, you are armed if you have one of those powers and
can activate them. Also, you can apply weapon-based feats to
them, so you can take Improved Critical Range for Energy
Attack, for example. You still need to qualify for all the
prerequisites of the feat(s), of course, and some feats have no
affect on some powers. For example, Improved Critical Damage
would have no affect, one way or the other, on Power
Absorption.
It is possible to provoke an attack of opportunity just by
moving, but activating a power that enhances movement or
provides a kind of movement does not by itself provoke
attacks of opportunity, even though the movement itself could.
Sustain
(PP cost; action)
This entry is left off of most powers. The default for
sustaining a continuous power is that on your turn you must
use a free action and spend the Activation cost (in PPs) to
keep the power "on." The easiest way to adjudicate this at the
table is to announce only when you activate and then deactivate a
power, rather than declaring, round after round, that the power is
still active. GMs, therefore, will simply assume that if you
activate a power, it stays active and you are paying the PP cost
every round. However, some powers indicate different sustain
costs, either in PPs or actions or both.
87
88 Chapter 5: Powers

The Power Table

The CP Costs in the table below are either listed as per rank (e.g., "5CP/rank") or as the base cost of the power before
enhancements or upgrades. The Activate column lists a PP cost, which is per rank by default, and an activation time, which is a set
action type (i.e., full-round, standard, move, swift, free). "Free" or "trait" indicates a power with no PP cost. "By CL" means that the
power's cost is based partially on your Character Levels. The Sustain column lists additional information about sustaining the
power, if applicable. The format is similar. It indicates how long the power lasts for every fresh activation (i.e., a unit of time), and it
lists the action type needed to re-activate the power. The PP cost of sustaining an action is always the same as the cost to
activate. Sustain times with a slash mark indicate a power that has a different sustain cost in combat than out of combat (e.g.,
"round/minute" indicates a cost per round in combat, and a cost per minute out of combat).
Traits have no activation or sustain costs. Powers marked with a T are traits, M denotes metapowers, and I marks items.

Table 5-1 Powers

Power CP Cost Activate Sustain Description
Ability Boost varies by mode per round/minute temporary increases to your ability scores
Ability Enhancement 2CP/rank free; use-activated free; free permanent +1 to one ability score
Alter Appearance 5CP base 1PP; full-round per hour; swift +10 bonus to Disguise checks
Amazing Accuracy T 2CP/rank trait trait permanent +1 bonus to ranged attack
Amazing Combat Skill T 5CP/rank trait trait permanent +1 bonus to your Base Attack
Amazing Diplomacy T 1CP/rank trait trait permanent +2 bonus to Diplomacy
Amazing Defence 1CP/rank 1PP; use-activated per round; free permanent +1 enhancement bonus to Defence
Amazing Deflection T 2CP/rank trait trait permanent +1 deflection bonus
Amazing Dodge T 2CP/rank trait trait permanent +1 dodge bonus
Amazing Fighting T 2CP/rank trait trait permanent +1 mêlée attack bonus
Amazing Initiative T 1CP/rank trait trait permanent +1 to Initiative
Amazing Leap T 1CP base trait trait permanent +10 to Jump
Amazing Scrutiny T 1CP/rank trait trait permanent +2 to Sense Motive
Amphibious T 3CP base trait trait breath under water
Animal Affinity T 3CP base trait trait normal animals do not attack you
Animal Form 6CP base 1PP; full-round per round/hour turn into a beast of nature
Appendages T 3CP base trait trait extra limbs, like arms, tails, or even prehensile hair
Catfall T 2CP/rank trait trait ignore 50 feet of falling damage
Cause Blindness 8CP base 1PP; use-activated n/a an attack that can cause blindness
Cause Confusion 10CP base 2PP; use-activated n/a an attack that can cause confusion
Cause Deafness 6CP base 1PP; use-activated n/a an attack that can cause deafness
Cause Earthquake 12CP base 2PP; full-round full-round the earth trembles at your will
Cause Fear 6CP base 1PP; use-activated n/a an attack that can cause fear
Cause Pain 6CP base 1PP; use-activated n/a an attack that can cause pain
Cause Pleasure 6CP base 1PP; use-activated n/a an attack that can cause pleasure
Cause Unconsciousness 12CP base 2PP; use-activated n/a an attack that can cause sleep
Charismatic Aura 5CP base 1pp; varies per round; free charm, intimidate, or frighten by your presence
Damage Reduction 2CP/rank n/a n/a you have a permanent, inherent DR score
Danger Sense T 3CP base n/a n/a apply your Wis bonus to Reflex and Defence
Dominate Animals 8CP base 1PP; full-round per round; free control animals in a 300ft radius
Duplicate Self 8CP/rank 2PP per Dupe; standard per round/minute; free make a perfect genetic copy of yourself
Energy Attack varies by mode by mode generate damaging energy with your body
Esoteric Item I varies n/a n/a an item with enhancements
Fast Healing varies free; use-activated free; free regenerate HPs can an accelerated rate
Flight varies free; use-activated free; free fly like an eagle or an F-14
Force Field 6CP base 2PP; move action per round/hour; free generate solid energy bubbles
Gadget I varies n/a n/a a device that generates a single power
Gremlinism 8CP base 1PP; standard n/a break machines with a look
Healing Touch 3CP/rank 1PP per d6; use-activated n/a you can instantly heal injury with a touch
Iconic Item I varies n/a n/a a single item that manifests all of your powers
Incorporeal Form 12CP base 1pp; standard per round/minute make yourself immaterial
Invisibility 10CP base 1pp; full-round per round/minute; free disappear from sight
Life Leech 3CP/rank 2PP per d6; use-activated n/a drain the HPs of your opponents
Liquid Form 12CP base 1pp; move per round/hour; free transform into water
Longevity T 1CP/rank trait trait live beyond your years
Metamorph 3CP base 2pp; full-round per round/hour; free you can change into objects and machines
Mighty Lifting T 2CP/rank trait trait increase your carrying capacity

88 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers 89

Table 5-1 Powers

Power CP Cost Activate Sustain Description
Mystic Spell-Casting 10CP/rank 3PP per level; use-activated n/a cast mystical spells
Natural Armour T 2CP/rank trait trait natural bonus to Defence
Natural Weapons T varies trait trait a body-mounted weapon
Need Not Breath T 4CP base trait trait you don't need to breathe
Need Not Eat T 1CP base trait trait you don't need to eat
Need Not Sleep T 2CP base trait trait you don't need to sleep
Penetrating Vision 8CP base 1PP; move per round/minute; move see through solid objects
Photographic Muscle Memory 1CP/rank 1PP per CP; special special mimic physical abilities that you observe
Power Absorption M 12CP base 1PP; use-activated per round (special) steal others' powers
Power Armour I varies n/a n/a a suit of armour made of Gadgets
Power Detection M 5CP base 1PP; move per minute; special sense others' powers
Power Duplication M 5CP base 1PP; use-activated per round (special); free copy others' powers
Power Leech M 2CP/rank by mode special steal others' power points
Power Nullification M 5CP base 1PP; use-activated per round (special); free cancel others' powers
Possession 8CP base 1PP; standard action per round/hour; free project yourself into others' bodies
Pressure Adaptation T 4CP/rank trait trait survive the ocean depths
Probability Manipulation 8CP base 1PP per +1; use-activated n/a alter random events
Psionic Manifestation 12CP/rank 4PP per level; use-activated n/a manifest psionic powers
Repairing Touch 1CP/rank 1PP per d6; standard n/a you can instantly repair machines by touching them
Resist Energy varies none; use-activated n/a a permanent, inherent Energy Resistance score
Resist Powers M 5CP base none; use-activated n/a you have a chance to resist powers
Resist Psi-Powers M 5CP base none; use-activated n/a you have a chance to resist psi-powers
Resist Spells M 5CP base none; use-activated n/a you have a chance to resist spells
Shadow Affinity 2CP/rank none; use-activated per round; free meld into shadows
Size Shift special 1PP per size; full-round per round/hour; free go big or go small
Space Adaptation T 4CP base trait trait survive in space, space I tells ya!
Stretching 1CP/rank none; use-activated n/a stretch your limbs and body
Summon Creature 2CP/rank 2PP per rank; full-round n/a create powerful allies who fight for you
Summon Objects 8cp 1pp; full-roun n/a summon objects to your hands
Super Senses 3CP/rank free; free free super-acute senses
Super Speed varies free; use-activated use-activated run really, really fast
Supertech Invention varies as power as power create Supertech devices
Surface Adhesion 3CP base none; use-activated use-activated become a wall-crawler
Technopathy 5CP base 1PP; move per round/hour; move mentally connect with computers
Telekinesis 5CP base 1PP per 100 lb.; standard per round/hour; varies move objects with your mind
Telepathy 8CP base 1PP; move action per round/hour; varies you can communicate mentally
Teleport varies 1PP; full-round full-round instantaneous transportation
Temport 5CP base 1PP per hour; full-round n/a travel in time, forward and back
Thick Skinned T 10CP base trait trait take non-lethal damage instead of lethal damage
Turn Undead 5CP base 1PP; use-activated n/a repel creatures of the night
Weather Mastery 3CP/rank 1PP per 10º; standard per round/minute; standard summon fog, rain, snow, and mighty winds
Webbing 4CP base 1PP per 50 ft.; standard n/a spin a web, any size!

The Sustain entry simply repeats the standard rules (i.e., same
PP price and a free action) or indicates something other than the
standard. There are special Sustain times that have a different PP
cost in combat than outside combat. In this latter case, the entry
will say "per round/minute" or "per round/hour," for
example. This means that in combat, you must pay the PP cost
per round, and out of combat, you pay only per minute, hour, etc.
Powers just take a lot more juice to run when you're in a fight.
Range
Ranges of "self" affect only you. Ranges of "touch" require a
touch or touch attack. You can always touch yourself. Other
ranges are listed in feet or, very rarely, miles.
Standard Saves
Some powers provoke saving throws from your targets. A
few list a set DC (e.g., "Reflex 15"), and some indicate what
happens if you pass the save (e.g., "Reflex 15 [half]). Most
power DCs, however, follow a standard formula: 10 + half your
character level + ability modifier.11 When a save DC is not
specified, that means that you use the standard DC, as in: " Reflex
(half), Intelligence." This line indicates that the save type is
Reflex, the DC is the standard formula, the relevant ability for
the power user is Intelligence, and the save is for half damage.
Enhancements
These are add-ons to a power, tailor-made for that power in
particular, and that you can buy with CPs. Enhancements work
11 This formula is approximately equal to the standard saving formula for
spells: 10 + ability score + caster level.

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 89

90 Chapter 5: Powers
just like mini-powers and some use the same short-hand as above
(activate, sustain, etc.). Every enhancement is specific to its
power. You cannot buy an enhancement and apply it to a power
other than the one it is listed with, although you will find quite a
few enhancements that are common to many powers.
Limitations
These are limiting factors for powers, like a vulnerability, an
in-game hindrance, or some other annoyance. Unlike
enhancements, Limitations reduce the price of the power to
which they're attached. That's the whole point of them.
Limitations do not grant CPs. They reduce the cost of the power
you're buying. No matter what limitations you put on a power,
you cannot reduce its price to lower than the cost of the base
power or to the cost of 1 rank in the power
Power Descriptions
Powers: A for example, you could increase your score by +1, +2, +3, or +4,
Ability Boost
[Power]
Cost: by mode
Activate: by mode
Sustain: per round/minute; move action
Range: self
This power allows you to
Ability Boost Mode Costs
temporarily increase one more
more of your ability scores. One Single 1CP per level
rank in Ability Boost, regardless of Mental 2CP per level
mode (see below), grants a +1
Physical 2CP per level
bonus to the relevant ability or
Total 4CP per level
abilities. There are four modes of
this power: Single, Mental,
Physical, and Total.
The PP cost for Ability Boost varies by mode and by
Character Level (CL). You can activate Ability Boost for a
number points equal to or less than your CL for free. All
Boost points over and above your CL cost PPs, as described in
the modes (below). For example, if you were 9 level, you could
th
Boost a Single score up to +9 for free, but +11 could cost 2pps
per round. You could also Boost all your Mental scores up to +9,
but +11 would cost 4PPs per round.
Single
Cost: 1CP per +1 to one ability score
Activate: 1PP per +4; move action
For every rank in this mode, you can increase one of your
ability scores by +1. The activation cost is 1PP for every +4 to
your ability score, or portion thereof.
Mental
Cost: 2CP per +1 to Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma
Activate: 2PPs per +4; move action
For every rank in this mode, you can increase all three of
your mental ability scores (Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma)
by +1. The activation cost is 1PP for every +4 to your ability
score, or portion thereof.
90 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Physical
Cost: 2CP per +1 to Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution
Activate: 2PPs per +4; move action
For every rank in this mode, you can increase all three of
your physical ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, and
Constitution) by +1. The activation cost is 1PP for every +4 to
your ability score, or portion thereof.
Total
Cost: 4CP per +1 to all your ability scores
Activate: 3PPs per +4; move action
For every rank in this mode, you can increase all six of your
ability scores by +1. The activation cost is 1PP for every +4 to
your ability score, or portion thereof.
You do not need to Boost your designated score(s) by your
full amount. If you had four ranks in Ability Boost: Charisma ,
at your discretion. When you are Boosted, you can choose to
expend a move action to Activate the power again in order to
raise or lower your score(s).
When you increase an ability score, that increase affects all
related stats.
• All Scores: relevant Skill checks
• Strength: mêlée attack/damage bonus, lifting capacity
• Dexterity: ranged attacks, Defence bonus, Reflex saves
• Constitution: HPs, Fortitude saves
• Intelligence: Spell DCs, not Skill Points (see below)
• Wisdom: Will saves
• Charisma: Turning checks
Boosting your Intelligence does not increase your skill
points because you do not go back in time and "have learned"
things that you previously didn't know.
When you end a Boost, you simply reduce all your stats to
their un-Boosted levels, but HPs work differently. In this case,
you take the number of extra points your Boost granted you, and
subtract that number from both your total HPs and your current
HPs. If doing so were to reduce your current HPs to below zero,
then you would suffer all the consequences thereof. If it were to
reduce them to below -10 , then you would be dead (unless you
had feats or powers that would prevent that from happening).
Example: You are 4th level, have 20 HPs, and a Constitution
of 10 (+0). You then activate Ability Boost and raise your
Constitution score to 20 (+5), which increases your total HPs by
20 (four levels at +5 per level). You then take 25 HPs worth of
damage, which puts you at 15 HPs total. If you end your Boost at
that point, your total HPs and your current HPs are both reduced
by 20, which brings you to -5 HPs.
Please do not bog down a game by calculating your Boosted
stats at the table. It is only polite to do that math before the game
starts.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Reduced Drain
Cost: 1CP per rank in Ability Boost
Activating your Boosted scores now costs half (Single: 1PP
per +8; Mental/Physical: 2PPs per +8; Total: 3PPs per +8 ).
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers
Enhancement: Swift Boost
Cost: 2CP
You can Boost your scores as a swift action.
Enhancement: Reflexive Boost
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Swift Boost
Activate: 1PP (Single),
2PP (Mental/Physical),
3PP (Total);
swift action
If you retain your Dexterity bonus and are hit for physical
damage (either by an attack or something that triggers a saving
throw), you can make a Reflex save to instantly Boost your
score(s) a split second before the damage occurs. The DC of the
Reflex save equals either half the attack roll or the save DC of
the in-coming effect -5. You must declare your intention to
invoke this enhancement after the hit is announced but before full
damage is calculated.
Limitations
Limitation: Extra Drain
Value: 1CP per rank in Ability Boost
Activating and sustaining your Boosted scores now costs
double. Single mode: 2PPs per +1. Physical/Mental mode: 4PPs
per +1. Total mode: 6PPs per +1.
Limitation: Fatigue
Value: 1CP per rank in Ability Boost
When you end a Boost you crash. Any score you Boost now
has a temporary penalty of -1 per rank in the base power (i.e.,
half the total Boost bonus), and this penalty lasts half as long as fundamentally alter the physical structure or capabilities of your
you sustained your Ability Boost. So if you increased your
Intelligence by +4 for 10 rounds, you would receive a -2 penalty for example.
to Intelligence for 5 rounds. You cannot Boost a given ability
score while you're crashing, so in the above example, you
couldn't increase your Intelligence to overcome the crash, but
you could increase a different score.
Limitation: Maximum Power
Value: 2CP
Prerequisite: 4 ranks in Ability Boost
You must always use your maximum Boost bonus when you
activate the power.
Limitation: Boost Swap
Value: 1CP per +4 (Single)
2CP per +4 (Mental/Physical)
Whenever you Boost one of your ability scores, another score
(player's choice, permanent choice) decreases by half that
(rounding down). For example, if you were to Boost your
Dexterity by 10, then you would have to apply a -5 to another
ability score. Which score takes the penalty is a permanent
choice. If you take Mental/Physical Swap, then you trade one
group of Boosted stats for penalties in the other. If you were to
Boost all of your Mental stats by +12, you'd take a -6 penalty in
all your physical stats, for example.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
91
Ability Enhancement
[Power]
Cost: 2CP per rank (+1 to ability score)
Activate: free; use-activated
Range: self
For every rank in this power, increase one of your abilities by
+1. This bonus to your ability score(s) is a power and has an
Origin. It can be affected by the metapowers, which means that
you need to keep a record of your "natural" ability scores (i.e.,
your scores before any enhancement).
Enhancements
Enhancement: Ability Trait
Cost: 1CP per rank in Ability Enhancement
This enhancement changes one of your Enhanced abilities
into a trait. The maximum score of an Ability Trait is 24. You
cannot take this Enhancement for a score that is 25 or more.
Alter Appearance
[Power]
Cost: 5CP
Activate: 1PP; full-round action
Sustain: per hour; swift action
Range: self
You can physically alter your body to change your
appearance. This power grants a +10 to your use of the Disguise
skill. You can Alter your height by up to 25%, and change your
girth by 25%. You can change your hair's length, up to double, or
render yourself completely bald. The form you assume must be
corporeal and of the same species as yourself, though you can
change your gender and ethnicity. However, you cannot
body. A man Altered to appear female cannot become pregnant,
You can change your skin, hair, and eye colour to either
natural or unnatural tones. You can make yourself look African,
Eastern European, or Caucasian, but you can also give yourself
green skin and blue hair, if you want to. You can give yourself
moles, birthmarks, scars, or tattoos. The GM might limit the
details of these little touches. For example, printing Gutenberg's
Bible on your back is beyond the scope of this power. The power
does not change the tone of your voice.
All of your physical abilities (attack rolls, Defence, saves,
etc.) remain the same. This power cannot confer any special
abilities, attack forms, defences, or ability score bonuses. You
cannot increase your Charisma with this power.
Once you choose a new form, that form remains the same
until you deactivate the power and return to your normal form.
You must revert to normal before assuming a new form. If you
become unconscious for any reason, or you are killed, you
automatically return to your normal form. You must return to
your normal form before switching to a new one.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Alter Form
Cost: 4CP
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92 Chapter 5: Powers
You can now assume a genuinely alien appearance, sporting
scales instead of skin, or giant grey eyes with no pupils. You can times. Its effects stack.
change your height by up to 50% in either direction, and your
weight by up to 50%. You can also mimic clothing, although
you would have to take off your normal clothing in order to do
so. You can add appendages, such as extra limbs, tails, or wings,
but they are purely ornamental. You cannot fly, for example, or
use extra limbs to grasp objects or support your weight. You can
also appear non-organic, made of metal or stone, for example.
Enhancement: Move Action Shifting
Cost: 2CP
You can shift your form as a move action instead of a full-
round action. Additionally, you can shift between forms without
returning to your natural form.
Enhancement: Fine Detail
Cost: 3CP
You have absolute control over the finest details of your
appearance, right down to your retinas and fingerprints. If you
have a subject's fingerprints and/or retinal patterns to study for an
hour, you can duplicate them well enough to fool any modern
biometric scanner. Only DNA testing will be able to determine
that you are not whom you appear to be.
Enhancement: Vocal Mimic
Cost: 3CP
You can change your vocal chords to alter your voice.
Assuming you have heard another person's voice before, you can to your Diplomacy checks. You can take up to 30 ranks in this
duplicate it nearly perfectly. This adds an additional +5 bonus to enhancement. Its effects stack.
Disguise checks. You can use your Disguise check to fool a voice
scanner, but without the +5 bonus this power affords.
Limitations
Limitation: Illusory Alterations
Value: 1CP
Instead of creating an actual physical change, Alter
Appearance now creates an illusion of the appearance you
assume. Regardless of your Origin, people can still Disbelieve
your appearance as if it were a magical illusion. The DC for a
Disbelief check is 10 + half your CL + your Charisma bonus.
Your illusory appearance includes both visual and tactile
elements. For example, you can make yourself skinny and people
will see your ribs and feel your bony arms. However, because
your Alteration is now illusory, you cannot change your body's
actual physical nature, so a scale would reveal your true weight.
Hard evidence of your actual weight versus your illusory weight
is one of the many things that could grant someone a Disbelief
check against your new appearance.
This limitation is not compatible with the Fine Detail
enhancement.
Amazing Accuracy
[Trait]
Cost: 2CP per rank (+1 to ranged attacks)
You have a precise and deadly eye. For every rank in this
power, you gain a +1 competence bonus to all your ranged attack
rolls. This does not alter your Base Attack, and therefore cannot
92 Phoenix v10 (draft)
affect your attack progression. You can take this trait multiple
Limitations
Limitation: Power
Value: 1CP per two ranks
Activate: 1PP per rank (By CL); use-activated (attack)
Sustain: per round; free action
Your Amazing Accuracy is a power.
Amazing Combat Skill
[Trait]
Cost: 5CP per rank (+1 to Base Attack)
You have highly advanced combat skills, outstripping others
at your level. For every rank in this trait, you gain a permanent
+1 to your Base Attack Bonus. This trait can potentially increase
your attacks per round, or grant a prerequisite for a Feat. You can
take this trait multiple times. Its effects stack.
Limitations
Limitation: Power
Value: 1CP per rank (+1 to Base Attack)
Activate: 1PP per rank (By CL); use-activated (attack)
Sustain: per round; free action
Your Amazing Combat Skill is a power.
Amazing Diplomacy
[Trait]
Cost: 1CP per rank (+2 to Diplomacy)
For every rank in this power, you get a +2 competence bonus
Limitations
Limitation: Power
Value: 1CP per 2 ranks in Amazing Diplomacy
Activate: 1PP per rank (By CL); use-activated (skill check)
Your Amazing Diplomacy is now a power. This limitation
yields 1CP for every two ranks you have of Amazing Diplomacy
(for a total cost of 3CP per +4), and you must pay the activation
cost every time you apply the bonus to a Diplomacy roll.
Amazing Defence
[Power]
Cost: 1CP per rank (+1 enhancement bonus to Defence)
Activate: 1PP per rank (By CL); use-activated
Sustain: per round; free action
Range: self
For every rank in this power, you get a +1 enhancement 12
bonus to Defence. You can take up to 5 ranks in this power.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Inherent Defence
Cost: 1CP per rank in Amazing Defence
Your Amazing Defence is now a trait.
12 Amazing Defence is less expensive than the other protection powers (i.e.,
Amazing Deflection, Amazing Dodge, Natural Armour) because it is a power
and not a trait. You have to activate it and it can be affected by metapowers.
The enhancement, Inherent Defence, turns it into a trait, and therefore it
increases the cost to match that of the other Defence powers.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers 93

Amazing Deflection Amazing Leap

[Trait] [Trait]
Cost: 2CP per rank (+1 deflection) Cost: 1CP
For every rank in this power, you get a +1 deflection bonus to You get a +10 competence bonus to all of your Jump
Defence. You can take up to 5 ranks in this power. checks. 13
Limitations Enhancements
Limitation: Power Enhancement: Powered Leap
Value: 1CP per two ranks Cost: 1CP per +10 to Amazing Leap
Activate: 1PP per rank (By CL); free action Activate: free; use-activated (Jump check)
Sustain: per round; free action Your Amazing Leap ability is now a power. For every rank in
Your Amazing Deflection is a power. This limitation costs this enhancement, you gain an additional +10 enhancement
1CP for every 2 ranks in Amazing Deflection. bonus to all of your Jump checks. With this power, you also
ignore maximum distances for both long and high Jumps.
Amazing Dodge
[Trait] Enhancement: Seven-League Leap
Cost: 2CP per rank (+1 dodge) Cost: 2CP
For every rank in this power you gain a +1 dodge bonus to You can move overland by using extremely long jumps. Each
your Defence score. Any condition that makes you lose your jump is 50 feet long, multiplied by the result of your Jump check.
Dexterity bonus to Defence also makes you lose this dodge This includes your Amazing Leap bonus. The maximum height
bonus. Unlike other Defence bonuses, dodge bonuses stack with you achieve during each jump is a number of feet equal to the
each other. You can take a maximum of 5 ranks in this trait. Its result of your Jump check. Out of combat, you can Take 10 on
effects stack. this check. This form of movement is no faster than your normal
Limitations running speed, but you can ignore terrain modifiers to
Limitation: Power movement, assuming you can move through the terrain by
Value: 1CP per 2 ranks in Amazing Dodge jumping.
Activate: 1PP per rank (By CL); free action Using this ability requires a running start of 60 feet. When
Sustain: per round; free action you contact the ground at the end of a Seven-League Leap you
Your Amazing Dodge is a power. This limitation costs 1CP can immediately jump again if you move in the same direction
for every 2 ranks in Amazing Dodge. (you already have the momentum). If you want to change
direction, you have to land and take a new running start.
Amazing Fighting Making consecutive Seven-League Leaps is very much like
[Trait] Running. You can make a number of Leaps equal to your
Cost: 2CP per rank (+1 to mêlée attacks) Constitution modifier, but after that you must make a DC 10
You are a prodigy in close combat. For every rank in this Constitution check to continue Leaping. You must check again
power, you gain a +1 competence bonus to all your m êlée attack with each Leap, and the DC of this check increases by +1 each
rolls. time. When you eventually fail this check, you cannot leap again
Limitations until you rest for 1 full minute (10 rounds). During this rest
Limitation: Power period, you cannot move faster than a single move action would
Value: 1CP per 2 ranks allow.
Activate: 1PP per rank (By CL); use-activated (attack)
Sustain: per round; free action Enhancement: Wall Spring
Your Amazing Fighting is a power. Cost: 2CP
You can leap toward any wall and make a second leap off of
Amazing Initiative that wall, springing upwards and away from the first wall. You
[Trait] can string as many Wall Springs together as you have surfaces to
Cost: 1CP per +1 spring from, but of course, you can only move so far in a single
For every rank in this power, you receive a +1 enhancement round. A "wall," for the purpose of this description, includes any
bonus to your Initiative score. You can take up to ten ranks in solid, more-or-less vertical surface upon which your feet can find
this power. Its effects stack. sufficient purchase. A wall of ice would be too slippery, for
Limitations example, but the concrete side of a building would be perfect.
Limitation: Power Each spring requires a Jump check. Calculate these checks as
Value: 1CP per 2 ranks if you were making a running high jump. For every 5 feet of
Activate: 1PP per rank (By CL); use-activated (initiative roll) jumping distance (vertical), you also move 2 feet laterally. When
Sustain: per round; free action
Your Amazing Initiative is a power. You activate it by rolling
for Initiative. 13 We separated Catfall from Amazing Leap because it's possible to have a
character who can take a fall but not leap to an equivalent height, and vice-
versa. These are separate comic-book tropes, so we've made the powers
separate, too.

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94 Chapter 5: Powers

you reach the apex of your spring, as dictated by your Jump
check, you begin to fall, again moving 2 feet laterally for every 5
feet vertically. If the distance between two walls is so small that
the character cannot fail the Jump checks, then GMs should feel
free to skip the math. In cases where a "wall" has an extremely
small surface area, such as a single branch on a tree, GMs might
raise the Jump DC.
Outside of a combat situation, it's best not to sweat the small
details of a Wall Spring unless serious bodily harm is a
possibility. If it's just for flavour, there's no need to go through
the headache of doing all the dice-rolling and the math.
Example: Spring-Heeled Jack has a Jump score of +27 . He
makes an Amazing Leap toward the side of a building and rolls a
12, which means he reaches a height of 39 feet (27 + 12). At this
point, he makes a Wall Spring off of the side of the building, and
rolls a 9, which means he springs upward 36 feet (27 + 9), and
away from the wall 14 feet (36 / 5). If there were another vertical
surface somewhere in that 14 feet, such as a lamp-post, he could
Wall Spring again.
Amazing Scrutiny
[Trait]
Cost: 1CP per rank (Sense Motive +2)
For every rank in this power, you get a +2 competence bonus
to your Sense Motive checks. You can take up to 30 ranks in this
enhancement. Its effects stack.
Limitations
Limitation: Power
Value: 1CP per 2 ranks in Amazing Scrutiny
Activate: 1PP per rank (By CL); use-activated (skill check)
Your Amazing Scrutiny is now a power. This limitation yields
1CP for every two ranks you have of Amazing Scrutiny (for a
total cost of 3CP per +4), and you must pay the activation cost
every time you apply the bonus to a Sense Motive roll.
Amphibious
[Trait]
Cost: 3CP
You can breath under water, indefinitely. The water does not
have to be totally pure, but it must be actual water, not just any
liquid. Any poisons or toxins in the water travel into your
bloodstream instantly, as if you had swallowed them.
Limitations abilities. For example, you could turn into a unicorn, but it would
Limitation: Aquatic
Value: 1CP
You must breath water most of the time. You can survive
outside of the water for a number of hours equal to your
Constitution modifier, but after that you, must spend an equal
number of hours breathing water or start to suffer from
asphyxiation.
Animal Affinity
[Trait]
Cost: 3CP
You have an unusual level of rapport and understanding with don't have hands then you cannot work complex machines or
all normal animals. This includes unnatural animals, but does not controls. A tiger has Dexterity 15, but it does not have opposable
include magic beasts, familiars, or the like. Any creature with an
Intelligence score greater than 2 is not affected by this power.
No ordinary animal will ever attack you, except in self-
defence. Even hungry apex predators (sharks in the sea, tigers
prowling a jungle) will leave you alone. Only supernaturally-
compelled or controlled animals will behave in a hostile manner
toward you.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Animal Handling
Cost: 1CP per rank
For each rank in this enhancement, you get a +3 bonus on all
Handle Animal checks
Enhancement: Sensitivity
Cost: 2CP
You can instantly tell whether or not any animal within ten
feet is under any form of supernatural compulsion or control,
though you will not be able to identify the source of such control
merely by the use of this power. You can also instantly gauge the
relative physical health of any normal animal simply by looking
at it. This allows you to receive an estimate of how many hit
points the animal in question has, accurate to within 5 HP.
Enhancement: Animal Telepathy
Cost: 2CPs
You have an uncanny ability to sense what is "on an animal's
mind," simply by looking at it. You can use this ability once per
round as a free action. You will sense a brief and abstract
impression of the animal's primary concern, such as "predator
near," "scared of intruders," "lost my mate," or "resting now,
belly full." Subsequent rounds of contact will reveal whatever is
on the animal's mind in those rounds, but no further depth.
Animal Form
[Power]
Cost: 6CP
Activate: 1PP; full-round action
Sustain: per round/hour
Range: self
You can change into one particular animal. This is your
base animal. It always has the same shape and the same
markings. It can be from large- to tiny-sized. You can turn into a
mythical creature but you do not gain any of its supernatural
just be a horse with a horn. You cannot change into another
basically humanoid creature unless it is of a distinctly different
species, and even then, you retain your own facial features. You
can eat, rest, even sleep in your Animal Form, consuming PPs the
whole time, but if you are forcibly rendered unconscious or
killed, you (or your corpse) revert to your usual shape. Any part
of your body separated from your animal body reverts to its
original form.
While in your Animal Form you cannot talk unless the
animal in question can talk, which includes any animal that can
mimic, such as a parrot, and despite your Dexterity score, if you

94 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers
thumbs, so it's useless at working doorknobs. Your Animal Form
can be a primate, like a baboon, which would be able to use its
hands just as well as the average person.
You retain your Intelligence and Wisdom scores, but the
physical abilities (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution) change to
the average of that animal. Your Charisma while in Animal Form
is the average of yours and the animal's.
You gain the animal's natural abilities, including mode of
locomotion (walk, fly, climb, swim) and attack sequences
(claw/claw/bite, swoop-and-rake, or constriction, for example).
You gain the animal's natural Defence score. You do not
gain any of the animal's supernatural abilities, if any
(petrification, breath weapon, energy drain, etc.), but if it has
unusual abilities due to pure physiology, like a hawk's keen sight
or a spider's ability to climb walls, you do gain those. The rule of
thumb is that if an ability is like a trait, then it's retained. If it's
like a power, then it's not. The GM has final say one what
qualifies as a natural or supernatural ability.
You retain your levels, Hit Dice, Hit Points, Power Points,
Base Attack, and Saving Throws. You will need to recalculate
your Knockback and Massive Damage thresholds based on your
ability scores while in Animal Form. Your Animal Form's ability
scores adjust any of the above stats, as applicable.
Example: A Constitution score that is lower than your own
can cause you to lose total HPs, and a Dexterity that's higher than
yours can add bonuses to some skill checks. You retain your
powers in your Animal Form, although some traits might be
redundant, like Natural Weapons. Extra Appendages do not
automatically become part of an animal's natural attack sequence
(because they're not natural), but you can incorporate them in by
following the Two-Weapon Fighting rules. If your new body
cannot reasonably perform a Dramatic Activation or a
verbal/somatic spell, then it cannot employ those powers.
Your equipment does not transform to match the new form.
If your Animal Form doesn't have hands, you immediately drop
your items. If you have a limb that could conceivably hold an
object, like a bird's talons or a prehensile tail, you can make a
Reflex check, DC 12, to catch falling items. Any clothing or
armour you wear when you shift into your Animal Form behaves
as it would logically, either falling off, bursting at the seams, or
just constricting your movement. Reverting to ordinary form
does not cost PPs, but doing so is a full-round action.
You can freely designate physical qualities of your new
form, such as gender, colour (hair, feathers, skin, shell, etc.), but
only within the normal ranges for a creature of that type. You
cannot for example become a neon-blue tiger, but you can choose
to be either white or orange, and you can design or designate a
particular stripe pattern. The basic dimension's of the animal are
also at your discretion, but they have to be within the norms of
the species. You can't be an 8-foot budgie, for example. If you
want to be a larger- or smaller-than-normal creature, you can take
Size Shift. You can, in this case, activate both powers at once.
Although you still pay the full PP cost for both activations (i.e.,
you could shift into your increased/decreased size and your
Animal Form in a single full-round action), the activation times
occur simultaneously.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
95
You can take this power multiple times. Each time, you pick
another base animal. You must shift back into your natural form
before you shift into a different base-animal form.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Colour Control
Cost: 1CP
You can now completely control the colours of the shapes
you assume. You are no longer restricted to natural coloration.
Thus you can become a neon purple Bengal Tiger if you really
want to.
Enhancement: Costume Shifting
Cost: 2CP
All your worn or carried equipment now shifts with you, into
your Animal Form. This includes both your clothing and
protective gear. Your equipment does not shift to accommodate
your new body. Clothing changes shape to accommodate your
new form and it will either shrink or expand to fit any size
difference between you and the Animal Form.
Protective gear similarly shifts to fit you and continue to
protect you. However, if it decreases in size, however, it loses
some of its protective properties. If reduced to small size it takes
a -2 circumstance penalty. When reduced to tiny, it takes a -4. At
diminutive or lower size, it has no bonus at all.
Enhancement: Easy Shifting
Cost: 1CP
You can now shift between base animals without having to
revert back to your natural shape first.
Enhancement: Family
Cost: 2CP
You can now shift into several species directly related to your
chosen Animal Form. If your chosen form were a tiger, you could
change into any one of the big cats. If it were the perigrin falcon,
you could change into any falcons. If it were a wolf spider, you
could change into any kind of poisonous spider. If it were a rattle
snake, you could change into any kind of poisonous snake. All
other rules are unchanged, including size restrictions. You can
take this enhancement multiple times. Each time, it applies to
another base Animal Form.
Enhancement: Order
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Family
You can change into a more generalised group of animals
directly related to your Animal Form's Family. For example, if
your Family were falcons, you could turn into any bird of prey. If
it were poisonous spiders, you could turn into any spider. If it
were poisonous snakes, you could turn into any kind of snake.
All other rules are unchanged, including size restrictions. You
can take this enhancement multiple times. Each time, it applies to
another Family.
Enhancement: Class
Cost: 2CP
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Prerequisite: Family, Order
You can change into any animal located in your base Animal
Form's Class, either mammalian, avian, reptilian, aquatic, or
insectoid. If your base animal were a tiger, for example, you
could change into any mammal. If your base animal were a
gecko, you could change into any reptile. All other rules are
unchanged, including size restrictions. You can take this
enhancement multiple times. Each time, it applies to another
Order.
Enhancement: Larger Animal
Cost: 2CP per size category
For every rank in this enhancement, you can shift one size
category larger than your normal minimum. If you are a medium- animal you shift into retains the colours of your clothing or
sized person, for example, you can shift all the way up to huge.
The activate and sustain costs are an additional 1PP per size
category, on top of the base cost for the power.
Enhancement: Move Action Shift
Cost: 2CP
You can now shift into your Animal Form as a move action.
Enhancement: Reflexive Shift
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Move Action Shift
Activate: 1PP; swift action
If you retain your Dexterity bonus and are hit for physical
damage (either by an attack or something that triggers a saving
throw), you can make a Reflex save to instantly shift to your
Animal Form before the damage occurs. The DC of the Reflex
save equals either half the attack roll or the save DC of the in- enhancement and the Two-Weapon Fighting feats (Chapter 4:
coming effect, -5. You must declare your intention to invoke this Feats).
enhancement after the hit is announced but before full damage is
calculated.
Enhancement: Retain Physical Abilities
Cost: 4CP
You retain your Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution while
you're in your Animal Form. Ignore the animal's abilities scores
and use your own.
Enhancement: Smaller Animal
Cost: 2CP per size category
For every rank in this enhancement, you can shift one size
category smaller than your normal minimum. If you are a
medium-sized person, for example, you can shift all the way
down to tiny. The activate and sustain costs are an additional 1PP build various appendages. For example, you can have an arm
per size category, on top of the base cost for the power.
who got "stuck" as an animal, or that you are an animal that
sometimes changes into a human. It's up to you.
Limitation: Shape Only
Value: 4CP
When you shift into your Animal Form, you assume only the
physical shape of it. You retain your ordinary colouring. As a
dog, for example, your fur would be the colour of your hair. You
also do not gain any of the special abilities of your form, such as
physical abilities, flight, or attack routines. You are, essentially,
still you, you just physically resemble the animal you've changed
into. This Limitation is not compatible with Colour Control,
though it is compatible with Costume Shifting, in which case the
costume.
Appendages
[Trait]
Cost: 3CP per appendage
You have one or more additional prehensile appendages
attached to your body. These can be arms, tails, tentacles or even
animated hair.
Standard appendages have the same Strength and reach you
have, but they have nothing as articulate as a hand, so you cannot
use them to manipulate objects with any fine skill, just hold
them. You can use your appendages to make unarmed strikes for
1d2, non-lethal damage, though you do not gain any additional
attacks, but they suffer -5 penalty to hit and damage due to the
clumsiness of the additional appendages. To enhance your
Appendages' ability to attack, see the Combat Appendage
Although a heavy coat or cloak might conceal your extra
appendages at a medium distance, there is no way for you to hide
your extra appendages from scrutiny at close range. Furthermore,
you must purchase or make customized armour and clothing that
fits your unusual appendages, unless they are located on your
body in such a way that they do not reasonably interfere with that
armour or clothing.
The physical shape and appearance of your appendages is up
to you. They could be cybernetic tentacles, ectoplasmic arms, a
monkey tail, or whatever you like.
Enhancements
NB: You have to purchase enhancements for each appendage
individually. You can mix and match different enhancements and
with a hand and a separate retractable tail with reach.

Limitations Enhancement: Climbing Aid

Limitation: Natural Animal Cost: 1CP
Value: 2CP The appendage aids you when you climb; it grants +3 to
Your natural state is your Animal Form, and you have to Climb checks. You can take this enhancement, and gain its
expend PPs to transform into a human and remain as a human. bonus, twice per appendage.
All other rules of the power apply as normal. You have only one
human form. This Limitation could mean that you are a human Enhancement: Combat Appendage
Cost: 1CP

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 Chapter 5: Powers 97

Your appendage is now an "off-hand" limb for combat Powers: C

purposes. This eliminates the -5 penalty to attack (see above) and
allows you to deal your normal unarmed damage with it. Catfall
Additionally, you gain a +2 bonus on all grapple checks for each [Trait]
appendage that has this enhancement. Consult the Two-Weapon Cost: 2CP per 30 ft. of falling
Fighting rules and the Two-Weapon Fighting feats in Chapter 4: For every rank in this power, you can ignore up to 30 feet
Feats for more information on fighting with more than two limbs. worth of falling damage. You must either deliberately jump down
from a height or make a Reflex check (DC 15) on an involuntary
Enhancement: Concealed Appendage fall. When you hit the ground, you are flat-footed, and probably
Cost: 1CP hunkered down on one knee, all heroic like, with little cracks in
Prerequisite: varies the pavement under you, and stuff.
Your appendage is not normally noticeable unless it's in
Cause Blindness
action. While you can pass without needing customized clothing
[Power]
or armour, you will not be able to put those appendages to use if
Cost: 8CP
they are covered with clothing. This is a required enhancement
Activate: 1PP; use-activated (attack)
for Animated Hair because it's already "concealed" (in plain
Range: touch
sight).
Save: Fortitude (negates), Charisma-based
If your appendage has Reach, then it must also have the
You can cause your target to become temporarily blind with a
Retractable Appendage enhancement in order for you to conceal
simple touch. To use this power, spend 1PP and make a mêlée
it. However, if it does not have Reach, then the Retractable
touch attack. The target can then make a Saving Throw to avoid
Appendage enhancement is not necessary.
being blinded. In addition to the obvious effects, a blinded
creature automatically fails Observe checks relating to sight,
Enhancement: Hand
suffers a 50% miss chance in combat (all opponents have full
Cost: 1CP
concealment), loses any Dexterity bonus to Defence, grants a +2
Your appendage now has all the Dexterity and functions of a
bonus to attackers' attack rolls (they are effectively invisible),
hand, though it need not literally have a hand on the end. It can
moves at half speed, and suffers a -4 penalty on most Strength-
hold and manipulate objects just as well as one of your normal
and Dexterity-based skills. The effect of this power lasts for 1d10
hands. This enhancement could represent actuators on the end of
rounds. If you use it again on an already blinded victim, it will
a tentacle that can manipulate objects like a hand, for instance, or
last 1d10 rounds from that time. The durations are not
perhaps represent your hair's ability to separate into finger-like
cumulative.
bunches.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Extended Duration
Enhancement: Reach
Cost: 3CP per 1d10 rounds
Cost: 2CP per rank
The duration of the blindness you cause is extended by an
Your appendage is unusually long, and thus has extended
additional 1d10 rounds for each rank in this enhancement. You
reach in combat. While you do not threaten a larger area than
can take this up to four times, for a maximum duration of 5d10
normal, you can strike opponents up to 5 feet further away than
rounds.
usual in mêlée per rank in this enhancement. NB: the limb is
visibly longer than one of your normal limbs, so it could be a 6-
Enhancement: Ranged Use
foot tail or a multi-elbowed arm, for example. You can take this
Cost: 5CP
enhancement twice. Its effects stack.
You can now use Cause Blindness at a range of up to 30 feet.
Instead of a mêlée touch attack, you must make a ranged touch
Enhancement: Retractable Appendage
attack. The victim gets a save as usual.
Cost: 1CP
Prerequisite: Reach
Enhancement: Extended Range
You can now retract your lengthy appendage back into your
Cost: 4CP per rank
body, making it the same size as a normal limb. Retracting or
Prerequisite: Ranged Use
extending an appendage is a free action.
The range at which you can use Cause Blindness increases by
Limitations
30 feet for each rank in this enhancement, to a maximum of four
Limitation: Weak Appendage
ranks, which grants a range of 150 feet. The Range Increment for
Value: 1CP
this power is 30 feet.
Your appendage lacks Strength and power. It has an effective
Strength of only 8, or half your normal Strength, whichever is Cause Confusion
less. Additionally, you cannot perform slam attacks or entangling [Power]
attacks with it. Cost: 10CP
Activate: 2PP; use-activated (attack)
Range: touch

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98 Chapter 5: Powers

1d10 Behaviour she might attempt to cast. The effect of this power lasts for 1d10
1 wander away for 2d4 rounds rounds. If you use it again on an already deafened victim, it will
last 1d10 rounds from that time. The durations are not
2-6 do nothing for 1 round cumulative.
7-9 attack nearest creature for 1 round (not the creator of Enhancements
the Cause Confusion effect) Enhancement: Extended Duration
10 act normally for 1 round Cost: 2CP per 1d10 rounds
The duration of the deafness you cause is extended by an
Save: Will (negates), Charisma-based additional 1d10 rounds for each rank in this enhancement. You
You can cause your target to become temporarily confused can take this up to four times, for a maximum duration of 5d10
with a touch. To use this power, spend 2PP and make a m êlée rounds.
touch attack. The target then make a Saving Throw to avoid
being confused. This is a mind-affecting power. Characters Enhancement: Ranged Use
affected by it begin behaving randomly on their next action, as Cost: 4CP
indicated on the table (below). You can now use Cause Deafness at a range of up to 30 feet.
Roll again each round to see what the subject does that round, Instead of a mêlée touch attack, you must make a ranged touch
except on a result of 1. Wandering creatures leave the scene as if attack. The victim gets a save, as usual.
disinterested. Attackers are not at any special advantage when
attacking them, as they will still try to avoid being hit. Any Enhancement: Extended Range
confused creature who is attacked automatically attacks its Cost: 3CP per rank
attacker(s) on its next action, rather than rolling. The effect of Prerequisite: Ranged Use
this power lasts for 1d10 rounds. If you use it again on an already The range at which you can use Cause Deafness increases by
confused victim, it will last 1d10 rounds from that time. The 30 feet for each rank in this enhancement, to a maximum of four
durations are not cumulative. ranks, which grants a range of 150 feet. The Range Increment for
Enhancements this power is 30 feet.
Enhancement: Extended Duration
Cost: 4CP Cause Earthquake
The duration of the confusion you cause now lasts for 10 [Power]
rounds plus a number of rounds equal to your Intelligence Cost: 12CP
modifier. You no longer roll duration. Activate: 2PP; full-round action
Sustain: full-round action
Enhancement: Ranged Use Range: 60ft
Cost: 6CP You can cause localized but extremely powerful earthquakes.
You can now use Cause Confusion at a range of up to 30 feet. Select a target point within range and spend 2PP to activate the
You must succeed at a ranged touch attack to successfully use the power. The earthquake affects everything within a 10-foot radius.
power. The victim gets a save, as usual. It knocks people down, collapses structures, opens cracks in the
ground, and more! The shocks last for one full round, during
Enhancement: Extended Range which time people on the ground within the area of effect can't
Cost: 5CP per rank move along the ground or attack. Mystics on the ground must
Prerequisite: Ranged Use make Concentration checks (DC 20 + spell level) or lose any
The range at which you can use Cause Confusion increases spells they try to cast. The earthquake affects all terrain,
by 30 feet for each rank in this enhancement, to a maximum of vegetation, structures, and creatures in the area. The exact effects
four ranks, which grants a range of 150 feet. The Range depend on the terrain and its features:
Increment for this power is 30 feet.
Cave, Cavern, or Tunnel
Cause Deafness The power collapses the roof, dealing 8d6 points of damage
[Power] to any creature caught under the cave-in. Affected creatures can
Cost: 6CP make a Reflex Save for half damage. An earthquake centred on
Activate: 1PP; use-activated (attack) the roof of a very large cavern could also endanger those outside
Range: touch the actual area of effect but below the falling debris.
Save: Fortitude (negates), Charisma-based
You can cause your target to become temporarily deaf with a Cliffs
touch. To use this power, spend 1PP and make a m êlée touch Cliff edges crumble, causing a landslide that travels
attack. The target then makes a Saving Throw to avoid being horizontally as far as it fell vertically. An earthquake centred at
deafened. In addition to the obvious effects, a deafened foe the top of a 100-foot cliff would cause the falling cliff to sweep
automatically fails Listen checks, suffers a -4 penalty on 100 feet outward from the base of the cliff. Any creature in the
initiative, and has a 20% chance to miscast and lose any spells

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 Chapter 5: Powers 99

path of the falling debris sustains 8d6 points of damage. Affected Cause Fear
creatures can make a Reflex Save for half damage. [Power]
Cost: 6CP
Open Ground Activate: 1PP; use-activated (attack)
All creatures standing in the affected area must make Reflex Range: touch
saving throws or fall prone. Fissures open in the ground, and Save: Will (negates), Charisma-based
every creature on the ground has a 25% chance to fall into one. You can fill your target with overwhelming fear with a touch.
Affected creatures can make a Reflex Save to avoid falling in To use this power, spend 1PPs and make a mêlée touch attack.
(DC + 5). These fissures remain when the earthquake comes to The target can make a Saving Throw to avoid being overcome
an end. All fissures are 2d6 feet deep, and, if deeper than the with fear. This is a mind-affecting power. If the target fails his
occupant is tall, require a successful Jump or Climb check to will save, she becomes shaken (-2 penalty on attack rolls, saving
escape (whichever the occupant attempts to do). throws, skill checks, and ability checks).
The effect of this power is cumulative. If you use this power
Structure to successfully affect a target who is already shaken, the target
Normal, one- or two-storey structures collapse and deal 8d6 will become frightened. A frightened creature flees from the
damage to their occupants, who can make a Reflex save for half source of its fear as best it can. If unable to flee, it might fight. A
damage. Particularly sound structures, those reinforced with frightened creature takes a -2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving
stone, concrete, or steel, will stay standing, as will any structure throws, skill checks, and ability checks. A frightened creature can
that is three storeys or more. However, flying debris and building use special abilities, including spells, to flee; indeed, the creature
materials still cause 4d6 worth of damage to their occupants, and must use such means if they are the only way to escape. A
they still get a save, as above. frightened creature is just like one that is shaken, except that the
creature must flee if possible.
River, Lake, or Marsh If you use this power on a frightened target, the target
Fissures open underneath the water, draining it away from becomes panicked. A panicked person must drop anything he
that area and forming muddy ground. Soggy marsh or holds and flee at top speed from the source of its fear, in addition
swampland becomes quicksand for 1 round, sucking creatures to any other dangers he encounters, along a random path. He
and structures down. Anyone in the area must make a Reflex can't take any other actions. In addition, he takes a -2 penalty on
save or sink into the mud and quicksand. At the beginning of the all saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. If cornered, a
next round, the rest of the body of water rushes in to replace the panicked person cowers and does not attack, typically using the
drained water, possibly drowning those caught in the mud. total defence action in combat. A panicked person can use special
abilities, including spells, to flee; indeed, he must use such
Enhancements means if they are the only way to escape.
Enhancement: Enhanced Range The effect of this power lasts for 1d3 minutes from the time
Cost: 3CP per rank of its last application. The victim remains at the same level of
The range at which you can cause a quake is extended by 30 fear until the duration ends, at which time he returns to normal.
feet for each rank in this enhancement. You can take this He does not gradually work backwards from panicked to
enhancement a maximum of 3 times. frightened to shaken.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Enhanced Violence Enhancement: Ranged Use
Cost: 1CP per rank Cost: 4CP
For every rank you purchase of this enhancement, you can You can now use Cause Fear at a range of up to 30 feet.
spend one extra PP for one extra d4 of damage, in addition to any Instead of a mêlée touch attack, you must make a ranged touch
and all effects your earthquake would have caused otherwise. attack. The victim gets a save, as usual.
The DCs for Reflex saves are unaffected. You can take this
enhancement up to 8 times. Enhancement: Extended Range
Cost: 4CP per rank
Enhancement: Standard Action Quake Prerequisite: Ranged Use
Cost: 3CP The range at which you can use Cause Fear increases by 30
The activate and sustain times for Cause Earthquake are now feet for each rank in this enhancement, to a maximum of four
both one standard action. ranks, which grants a range of 150 feet. The Range Increment for
this power is 30 feet.
Enhancement: Wider Area
Cost: 3CP per rank Enhancement: Increased Duration
Each rank in this enhancement increases the radius of the Cost: 2CP per rank
affected area by 5 feet. You can take this enhancement up to 8 Each rank in this enhancement extends the duration of the
times. power by an additional 1d3 minutes. You can take this up to four
times, for a maximum duration of 5d3 minutes.

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100 Chapter 5: Powers
Cause Pain
[Power]
Cost: 6CP
Activate: 1PP; use-activated (touch attack)
Range: touch
Save: Fortitude (negates), Charisma-based
You can cause intense pain with a touch. The pain can be
sharp or dull, aching or wracking (player's choice). To use this
power, spend 1PP and make a mêlée touch attack. The target gets
a Saving Throw to avoid the power's effects. Victims of this
power are overcome with extreme pain throughout their bodies,
and suffer a -4 circumstance penalty on all attack rolls, skill
checks, ability checks, and Reflex Saves. The effect of the
power lasts for 1d6 rounds. If you use it again on an already
afflicted victim, it will last 1d6 rounds from that time. The
durations are not cumulative. The penalty, however, is
cumulative. The pain becomes more severe, and so the
circumstantial penalty does as well.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Crippling Pain
Cost: 4CP per rank
For every rank in this enhancement, your Cause Pain also
reduces your target's Speed by 5 feet. If you reduce your target's
Speed to 0 feet, then they cannot move at all, but they can
perform actions in their square. You can take this enhancement
up to 4 times.
Enhancement: Enhanced Pain
Cost: 3CP per rank
For each rank in this enhancement, increase your target's
circumstance penalty by 1 (1 rank is -3, 2 ranks is -4, etc.). You
can take this enhancement up to 4 times, which increases the
circumstance penalty to -6.
Enhancement: Extended Duration
Cost: 3CP per rank
For each rank of this enhancement, you extend the duration
of the power's effects by an additional 1d6 rounds. You can take
the enhancement up to four times, for a maximum duration of
5d6 rounds.
Enhancement: Fatiguing Pain
Cost: 4CP
In addition to all other effects, the victim of this power
becomes fatigued. Victims must overcome the fatigue normally;
it can, therefore, last longer than the other effects of the power.
Enhancement: Ranged Pain
Cost: 5CP
You can now use Cause Pain at a range of up to 30 feet.
Instead of a mêlée touch attack, you must make a ranged touch
attack. The victim gets the same saving throw, as usual.
Enhancement: Extended Range
Cost: 4 CP per rank
Prerequisite: Ranged Use
100 Phoenix v10 (draft)
The range at which you can use Cause Pain increases by 30
feet for each rank in this enhancement, to a maximum of four
ranks, which grants a range of 150 feet. The Range Increment for
this power is 30 feet.
Cause Pleasure
[Power]
Cost: 6CP
Activate: 1PP; use-activated (touch attack)
Range: touch
Save: Fortitude (negates), Charisma-based
You can cause pleasure with a touch. The pleasure can be
sharp or dull, intense or relaxing (player's choice). To use this
power, spend 1PP and make a mêlée touch attack. The target gets
a Saving Throw to avoid the power's effects. Victims of this
power are overcome with intense pleasure throughout their
bodies, and suffer a -4 circumstance penalty on all attack rolls,
skill checks, ability checks, and Reflex Saves. The effect of the
power lasts for 1d6 rounds. If you use it again on an already
affected target, it lasts 1d6 rounds from that time. The durations
are not cumulative. The penalty, however, is cumulative. The
pleasure becomes more intense, and so the circumstantial penalty
does as well.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Debilitating Pleasure
Cost: 4CP per rank
For every rank in this enhancement, your Cause Pleasure
also reduces your target's Speed by 5 feet. If you reduce your
target's Speed to 0 feet, then they cannot move at all, but they can
perform actions in their square. You can take this enhancement
up to 4 times.
Enhancement: Enhanced Pleasure
Cost: 3CP per rank
For each rank in this enhancement, increase your target's
circumstance penalty by 1 (1 rank is -3, 2 ranks is -4, etc.). You
can take this enhancement up to 4 times, which increases the
circumstance penalty to -6.
Enhancement: Extended Duration
Cost: 3CP per rank
For each rank of this enhancement, you extend the duration
of the power's effects by an additional 1d6 rounds. You can take
the enhancement up to four times, for a maximum duration of
5d6 rounds.
Enhancement: Fatiguing Pleasure
Cost: 4CP
In addition to all other effects, the target of this power
becomes fatigued. Targets must overcome the fatigue normally; it
can, therefore, last longer than the other effects of the power.
Enhancement: Ranged Pleasure
Cost: 5CP
You can now use Cause Pleasure at a range of up to 30 feet.
Instead of a mêlée touch attack, you must make a ranged touch
attack. The target gets the same saving throw, as usual.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers 101

Range: varies
Enhancement: Extended Range Save: Will (negates), Charisma-based
Cost: 4 CP per rank You can radiate an aura of
Prerequisite: Ranged Use charisma around you, influencing Area
Cost
The range at which you can use Cause Pleasure increases by the emotions of anyone within of Effect
30 feet for each rank in this enhancement, to a maximum of four range. People exposed to your aura 5 feet 5CP
ranks, which grants a range of 150 feet. can roll a Saving Throw to avoid the 10 feet 7CP
effects. Charismatic Aura is a mind- 15 feet 9CP
Cause Unconsciousness affecting power and affects 20 feet 11CP
[Power] everyone within the area. Subjects 25 feet 13CP
Cost: 12CP affected by the power get a Will 30 feet 15CP
Activate: 2PP; use-activated (attack) save to resist its effects at the top of
Range: touch each of their rounds. Activation Cost
Save: Fortitude (negates), Charisma-based The cost of this power varies Time Multiplier
You can cause your target to become instantly unconscious depending on the area of effect Full-Round
x1
with a touch. To use this power, spend 2PP and make a m êlée (radius), and the activation time. Action
touch attack. The target can then make a Saving Throw to avoid Multiply the area cost by the Move
x2
being affected. activation multiplier to determine Action
If the victim fails the Will save, he will instantly fall into a the total cost of the power. Swift
x3
deep slumber, and is Helpless. Victims remain asleep for 1d4 Sustaining the power requires no Action
rounds, or until forcibly woken up by an outside force. Loud concentration. Anyone in the
sounds (even explosions) or shaking cannot wake him up, but power's radius must roll a Will save every round to avoid its
being struck and/or taking damage will. Once awake, he is prone effects. If they fail, they are affected for that round. They make a
but in full command of his faculties. If you use the power on an new save every round, and can fail or succeed every round.
already sleeping victim, it will last 1d4 rounds from that time. There are three modes to choose from: Charm, Intimidation,
The durations are not cumulative. The power, when used on and Repulsion. You can take this power multiple times. Each
someone who is sleeping normally, prevents the creature from time, you gain a different mode.
waking up by anything less than being struck or taking damage.
The person sleeps for the same duration as it would have Aura of Charm
otherwise (i.e., until the morning), but he will sleep right through People affected by this power look upon you as a trustworthy
his alarm clock. and respectable friend. You cannot actually control them like
Enhancements automata, but they perceive your words and actions in the most
Enhancement: Extended Duration favourable way. Charmed people do not obey orders harmful to
Cost: 5CP per 1d4 rounds themselves, never obey orders to commit suicide, and only obey
The duration is extended by an additional 1d4 rounds for each orders to get into combat if they are sure they can win. Any
rank in this enhancement. You can take this up to four times, for threatening act by you or your apparent allies will immediately
a maximum duration of 5d4 rounds. break the power's effect and render the subjects immune to a its
effects a full minute (10 rounds). This power cannot affect people
Enhancement: Ranged Use who are already engaged in combat with you or your apparent
Cost: 3CP allies.
You can now use Cause Unconsciousness at a range of up to
30 feet. Instead of a mêlée touch attack, you must make a ranged Aura of Intimidation
touch attack. The target still gets a save. People affected by this power look upon you as a figure of
great menace and near invulnerability. Affected people do not
Enhancement: Extended Range flee, but are unable to take any form of hostile or hindering
Cost: 3CP per 30 ft. action against you. They are thoroughly convinced that any such
Prerequisite: Ranged Use action will have no positive effect, but will definitely have
For every rank in this enhancement, increase the range of terrible consequences for themselves or their friends. This does
your Cause Unconsciousness by 30 feet, to a maximum of four not prevent affected people from taking hostile action against
ranks (150 feet total). The range increment for this power is 30 your allies.
feet.
Aura of Repulsion
Charismatic Aura People affected by this power immediately want nothing
[Power] more than to escape from the area, in effect forcing them to run
Cost: varies away from you. They cannot take any other action but escaping
Activate: 1PP; varies from you, until they are outside the power's area of effect. Once
Sustain: per round; free action outside it, they take whatever actions they want to, including

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102 Chapter 5: Powers

using ranged attacks against you. However, they are unable to Alternatively, "DR 12 / Super, Ballistic" is vulnerable to both
enter the area of effect again as long as the power remains active. super attacks and ballistic attacks (i.e., from firearms).

Enhancements NB: Many enhancements and limitations for this power are
Enhancement: Extended Duration written as "1CP per 2 ranks." This notation means that for every
Cost: 3CP per rank 2 ranks you have in the base power, you pay (for enhancements)
Instead of making a new saving throw every round, people or receive (for limitations) 1CP. The easiest way to do this is to
affected by your aura(s) can roll only every second round. You buy ranks in the base power and then subtract or add to that total.
can take this enhancement multiple times, increasing the number
of rounds between saves by one each time, to a maximum of 5 Enhancements
round (four ranks). Enhancement: Automatic Active DR
Cost: 3CP
Enhancement: Reduced Area Prerequisite: Active DR (Limitation)
Cost: 3CP In addition to activating consciously, your Active DR
You can control the exact radius that your aura affects, from activates automatically, immediately after you take damage for
as small as 5 feet up to your maximum. Changing the area of the first time in a particular combat. It also remains on after you
effect requires a quick action. are struck unconscious and stays on until you run out of PPs. It
shuts off if you actually die.
Enhancement: Selective Presence
Cost: 4CP Enhancement: Super DR
Your aura effects only those in your area of effect whom you Cost: 2CP per rank
want it to effect. You can selectively exclude anyone in your Your DR now works against physical Super attacks, but not
radius, such as friends and allies, from being affected by your energy-based attacks. You would be protected from a knife
aura. You can alter whom the aura effects as a quick action. thrown with Super-Dexterity, but not an Energy Attack, for
example. 14
Powers: D
Enhancement: Trait
Damage Reduction Cost: 1CP per 2 ranks
[Power] Your DR is now a trait.
Cost: 2CP per rank (DR 1 / Super). Limitations
Activate: free; free action Limitation: Active DR
Range: self Activate: 1PP per 2 ranks; swift action
For every rank in this power, you get DR 1. You can describe Sustain: per round; free action
this ability any way you like, as a force field, super-dense skin, a Value: 1CP per 2 ranks
magical aura, whatever, but the power does not require any Your DR is now a power, and you must activate it
particular visual manifestation if you don't want to have one. You consciously. If you are rendered unconscious, your DR
can simply appear to be bullet-proof. Regardless of the deactivates.
manifestation, this power neither reduces nor raises your
Charisma score nor does it affect your ability to use Stealth or Limitation: Density Increase
otherwise pass undetected. Value: 1CP per rank
Standard DR protects you from physical damage of all kinds, Your DR is the result of an increase
but not Super attacks (which includes mystical and psionic to your body's density, thus it makes you Density Increase
damage) and not mundane energy (including fire electricity, etc.). physically harder. Your Dexterity and DR Weight
Damage Reduction is always active, which means that if you Strength are unaffected by your 1 - 10 x2
have the power, you can be detected by Power Detection at all increased density because your muscles 11 - 20 x3
times. increase in density as well, but the more
Many of the enhancements/limitations for this power alter 21 - 30 x4
dense your body is, the more you weigh. 31 - 40 x5
what your DR does and does not affect. Most of them are written For every 10DR, add x2 to your weight.
as a cost or value per rank. For example, [Origin] DR costs 1CP 41 - 50 x6
Because increasing your weight has
per rank, which means that if you have 5 ranks in Damage many, many in-game effects (slowing
Reduction, then [Origin] DR would cost 5CP. down cars, destroying chairs and seats, destroying anything
When you note your DR score on your character sheet, there that's under you if you fall, etc.), you must ask special permission
is a set formula with up to 3 terms. The first indicates what the from the GM to take this limitation.
DR does affect, the second indicates how many points of damage
is reduced, and the third indicates what the DR is vulnerable to. Limitation: DR / [attack type]
For example, "Mystic DR 10 / Super" does block mystical Value: 1CP per rank
damage, but does not block damage from Super attacks.
14 For protection from energy-based attacks, see the power Resist Energy.

102 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers 103

Your DR is now vulnerable to one of the four attack types: You can detect the looming presence of unknown danger
ballistic, blunt, piercing, or slashing. You can take this limitation within a 30-foot radius of your position. Anything immediately
up to four times. Each time, it applies to a new attack type. dangerous or threatening (i.e., preparing to cause harm within a
round or two) raises a tingly sensation on the back of your neck.
Limitation: DR / Metal You cannot define the nature of the danger or the direction from
Value: 1CP per 2 ranks which it will comes, but you know it's there.
Your DR is now vulnerable to any attack made with a metal
weapon/projectile. The part of the weapon/projectile that does Dominate Animals
the damage must be metal for you to be vulnerable. [Power]
Special: "DR/Metal" is incompatible with a metallic Cost: 8CP
Substance (see below). Activate: 1PP; full-round action
Sustain: per round; free action
Limitation: DR / Stone Range: 300ft
Value: 1CP per rank Save: Will (negates), Charisma
Your DR is now vulnerable to any attack made with a This power allows you to mentally dominate and control
weapon with a stone head. animals at a distance. You can control any number of animals
within range, as long as their total Hit Dice do not exceed your
Limitation: DR / [substance] rank. Each affected animal is allowed Saving Throw to resist
Value: 1CP per rank your domination. You cannot control insects or any animals with
Your DR is now vulnerable to a particular substance that is at an Intelligence greater than 2. Familiars and other enhanced
least somewhat unusual in the creation of weapons. Uncommon animals are also immune to this power. You can, at a distance,
substances include: cold iron, plastic, a type of metal other than mentally command any animal you successfully dominate.
steel (silver, copper, bronze, etc.), a specific type of wood (i.e., The commands must be simple, and the animal must be able
oak, ash, maple, cedar, etc.), or a specific kind of stone (granite, to understand and perform them. Thus you can command a dog
shale, limestone). Choose only one uncommon substance at a to guard or fetch, but commanding a budgie to dig a tunnel is
time. Substances other than those listed here can be futile. Likewise, a nightingale might be able to sing well, but you
"uncommon," but only with the GM's permission. Remember, the cannot get it to sing Beethoven's 9 Symphony because it does
th

substance doesn't have to be unusual in general, just unusual in
the manufacture of weapons. You can take this limitation
multiple times. Each time, it applies to a new uncommon
substance.
Special: A metallic Substance is incompatible with
"DR/Metal."
Limitation: DR / Wood
Value: 1CP per rank
Your DR is now vulnerable to any attack made with a
weapon with a wooden head.
Danger Sense
[Trait]
Cost: 3CPs
With this trait, you cannot be caught flat-footed. Your
Dexterity bonus to Defence is effectively always on because you Whomever rolls higher takes control of the animal for a number
have a preternatural sense of when something or someone is
about to attack you for the first time.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Unsurprised
Cost: 3CPs
You cannot be surprised in combat, which means that
attackers never get a surprise round against you. If you are with a
team and the rest of your team is surprised, you get to roll your
initiative at the same time as your attackers (who have a surprise
round) and then act according to that initiative roll.
Enhancement: Precognition
Cost: 2CPs
not understand that concept. The animal remains in control of its
actions, but will obey commands without hesitation or dispute. If
not actively commanded, an animal will fall back on the last
general command it was given, that it can continue to do, such as
"guard me" or "attack him." If it can't do so, it will act of it's own
accord, which might include leaving the area of control. If
dominated animals move out of range, the domination
immediately ends.
Using Dominate Animals is a difficult task, requiring a great
deal of concentration. As a result, you lose your Dexterity bonus
to Defence, and you can take only a single standard or move
action each round. Any skill checks (with the exception of
Concentration) you might be called upon to make also suffer a -4
penalty.
If you and another character both attempt to control the same
animal, you both make an opposed test using your Will saves.
of rounds equal to the margin by which she won the opposed roll.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Extended Range
Cost: 2CP
Triple the range at which you can control animals (900 feet).
Enhancement: Increased Domination
Cost: 1CP
For each CP invested in this enhancement, you can control 1
addition Hit Die of animals beyond your level. Additionally, you
get a +1 bonus on opposed Will Saves to contest control of an

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104 Chapter 5: Powers
animal. You can take this enhancement up to 8 times. Its bonuses
stack.
Limitations
Limitation: Limited Animal Types
Value: varies
You can Dominate only into a limited kind of animals.
1CP: Wide Group. You can Dominate a single kingdom of
animals (mammalian, aviary, reptilian, aquatic, or insectoid).
2CP: Limited Group. You can Dominate a specific group of
animals within a kingdom, such as bovines or birds of prey.
3CP: Tiny Group. You can Dominate a particular kind of
animal, like cats, or hawks.
4CP: Specific Creature. You can Dominate one particular
animal, like a specific bread of domesticated animal, like a
Siamese cat or a Doberman, or a particular sub-set of a species,
like a Canada goose.
The GM has the final call on what qualifies as a Wide,
Limited, Tiny, or Specific form.
Duplicate Self
[Power]
Cost: 8CP per Dupe
Activate: 2PP per Dupe; standard action
Sustain: per round/minute per Dupe; free action
Range: self
For every rank in this power, you can spontaneously generate
a perfect Duplicate of yourself. They appear wearing your
clothes but do not have any gear, either weapons or armour.
Dupes do not have any powers, power points, or action points.
They have your total HDs, but have only half your total hit
points. They retain abilities conferred by class, as well as skills
and feats. They do not have powers, spells, or psi-powers. They
do not have any power points.
Dupes appear at the end of the action in which you created
them, standing in a square adjacent to yours, flat-footed and
unarmed. They act immediately after you in the initiative order.
You cannot make a Dupe appear in a square that you do not have
physical contact with, for example behind a door or on the other
side of a wall, but if you can reach some part of your body into
that space—by putting your hand through a mail slot or kicking
through a wall—then you can have a Dupe appear there. You can
cancel any one of your Dupes at any time as a free action.
They simply disappear without a trace (although you can
describe that in more detail, if you want to).
Your Dupes have your personality and think just like you .
They happily obeys your orders, but they also have their own
sense of self-preservation and, just as you would, will refuse to
go on a suicide mission unless the circumstances are dire (NB:
sending a Dupe on a suicide mission is, by definition, proof that
you wouldn't go yourself). For the sake of simplicity, you will
most often play your Dupes yourself but the GM reserves the
right to take over for you if circumstances dictate it. For
example, if a Dupe were to uncover a game-changing secret that
you haven't discovered yet, then the GM might step in.
You should have a couple of shortened character sheets
with your Dupes' stats on-hand for games. They need the
104 Phoenix v10 (draft)
following information: Hit Dice, Hit Points, Initiative, Speed,
Defence, Attacks, Damage, Saving Throws, Ability Scores, Class
Features, Skills, Feats, and Proficiencies, as well as Power Points
and Powers, if you take the appropriate enhancements.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Blind Loyalty
Cost: 3CP
Your Dupes follow your orders blindly, including suicide
missions or unethical acts, although it would be inconsistent with
your own ethics to order Dupes to do things that are inconsistent
with your ethics, wouldn't it?
Enhancement: Empathy
Cost: 3CP
Range: 50 miles
You and your Dupes can sense each other's basic emotions.
At any time, any one of you can actively scan the other members
of the group, including one of the Dupes scanning you. This
takes a swift action. You/they will read one of the following
emotional states: afraid, angry, confused, happy, sad. Physical
barriers do not normally block this communication, though
Powered fields potentially can.
Enhancement: Telepathy
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Empathy
Range: 50 miles
You and your Dupes can communicate mentally, in real-time,
exactly as if you were talking. Physical barriers do not normally
block this communication, though Powered fields potentially
can.
Enhancement: Unity
Cost: 5CP
Prerequisite: Empathy, Telepathy
Range: 50 miles
You and your Dupes are fully aware of each other to such an
extent that you are effectively one mind that happens to be split
into two or more bodies. The whole group automatically knows
everything that any one member knows. You work in perfect
harmony and constantly creep other people out by finishing each
other's sentences. In combat, you effectively gain the
Cooperative Attack feat, but only when Aiding each other. This
does not constitute a prerequisite for the Improved Cooperative
Attack feat.
Enhancement: Dupe Power Points
Cost: 5CP
You and your Dupes divide your Power Points among you in
separate pools. Divide your PPs equally and give yourself the
remainder. Dupes do not regenerate PPs and their potential PP
total is half of your PP total.
NB: If you take this enhancement, make sure to do the
appropriate dividing before the game.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers
Enhancement: Dupe Traits
Cost: 3CP
Your Dupes have your traits.
Enhancement: Dupe Powers
Cost: 5CP
Prerequisite: Duplicate Traits
Your Dupes have your powers, including Gadgets and Iconic
Items, but no other kind of Super equipment or Item powers.
Enhancement: Memory Retention
Cost: 2CP
When you cancel your Dupes, their memories and
experiences automatically transfer into your mind. You can send
one to watch a subject and it doesn't have to report back, for
example. Just cancel it and its memories flood into yours. This
can lead to a sense of split personality because even though you
logically know which memories are yours and which are the
Dupe's, subjectively, there's no way to tell the difference.
Enhancement: Reduced Drain
Cost: 2CP
Sustain: per round/hour
Your sustain cost changes from per minute to per hour when
not in combat.
Enhancement: Robust Dupe
Cost: 6CP
Your Dupes have a number of HPs equal to your total. This
does not change their actual HD, just their total HPs.
Enhancement: Simulacra
Cost: 10CP
If you die while you have at least one Dupe activated, then
something akin to you life essence will flow into one of your
Dupes (the GM will choose randomly). Over the course of a day,
that Dupe will slowly regain all of your original character's
memories, abilities, levels, powers, feats, skills, etc. Which is to
say, after 24 hours, that Dupe becomes your character, as you
knew him or her. For role-playing purposes, your Dupe might
occasionally have some degree of identity crisis, wondering if he
or she is actually the original, or merely a copy that took on the
original's soul or mind, but in game terms, it is your original
character.
Limitations
Limitation: Argumentative
Value: 3CP
Your Dupes feel no natural loyalty to you past their own
sense of ethics (which means that if you're a bastard, so are your
Dupes). If your Dupes have access to your powers, they might
even argue about who is the original. GMs might prefer to play
Argumentative Dupes themselves, for the sake of making sure
that they're a genuine pain in the ass.
Limitation: Contact Cancellation
Value: 3CP
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
105
You have to physically absorb your Dupes back into your
body in order to cancel them, which requires that you move into
one's square. Absorbing a Dupe is a free action. If it's in a
grapple or otherwise being held by someone who's moving, you
need to make a touch attack against the Dupe to cancel it, but a
normal or Blindly Loyal Dupe won't try to dodge your touch. An
Argumentative Dupe could very well try to avoid being
cancelled, especially if it thinks it's real and perceives you as a
threat. Until you cancel your Dupes, they continues to consume
PPs, whether you want them to or not. They disappear only once
you run out of PPs.
Powers: E ‒ G
Energy Attack
[Power]
Cost: by mode
Activate: by mode
Sustain: by mode
Range: by mode
Save: by mode
With this power, you can generate energies harmful to your
foes and even project those energies over distances. This power
is extremely broad and has a lot of options. You can do anything
from charging your skin like an electric eel's to generating a
sonic screen that can shatter concrete. You'll want to read through
the whole description pretty carefully before you take this power.
There's a lot to it.
There are three major options in this power: energy type,
mode (which governs area of effect), and ranks (i.e., damage
dice, the price of which depends on the mode). There are also
enhancements and limitations that can radically alter the way the
power works.
Energy Type
Energy Attacks manifest as one of the five standard energy
types: chemical, cold, electricity, heat, and sonic. Bear in mind,
though, that the five energy types are quite broadly defined.
Chemical attacks include acid and corrosion. Cold attacks can be
sheer freezing, frost, ice, or just the slowing of molecular
movement. Electricity includes any kind of spark or lightning
effect. Heat can be good old flames, or a laser, or molecular
agitation (i.e., a microwave effect), or even radiation. Finally,
sonic attacks cause shock waves, which are essentially
concussive or kinetic effects. You can have only one energy
type, unless you take the Variable Energy Type enhancement.
Modes
Energy Attacks manifest in one of five different modes: Aura,
Burst, Cone, Line, and Ranged. The cost is "per rank"; 1 rank
equals 1d6 damage. You must pick one, but you can add others
using the Variable Attack enhancement.
Mode: Aura
Activate: 4PPs per rank (By CL); swift action
Sustain: per round; free action
Save: Reflex (half), Wisdom-based
105
106 Chapter 5: Powers

You can surround your body with harmful energy. Anyone Cone Burst Line Distance or Cost per
who contacts this aura takes damage from it. This includes Length Radius Range Increment rank (1d6)
attempts at touch attacks, unarmed strikes, bull rushes, or other N/A 5 ft. 5 ft. / mêlée 1CP
attacks that require contact with the body. When your Aura is on, 20 ft. 10 ft. 50 ft. 2CP
anyone who grapples you automatically takes maximum damage 40 ft. 20 ft. 100 ft. 3CP
from it every round due to prolonged exposure. Because Auras
60 ft. 30 ft. 150 ft. 4CP
do not require attack rolls, you cannot score a critical hit with
one. Auras do not offer any kind of protection, even against their
own energy type. For example, an Energy Strike (5 ft.) that does 6d6 damage
costs 6CP (1CP x 6 dice). A 50-foot Energy Line that does 6d6
Mode: Burst damage costs 12CP (2CP x 6 dice). A 20-foot-radius Energy
Activate: 3PP per rank (By CL); use-activated (attack) Burst that does 6d6 costs 18CP (3CP x 6 dice). Finally, a 40-foot
Save: Reflex (half), Wisdom-based Energy Cone that does 6d6 damage costs 18CP as well (3CP x 6
You can radiate a brief Burst of energy outward from your dice).
body in a spherical radius. This causes damage to those within When you make an Energy Attack, you can choose to use all
the radius of the Burst effect. You are not harmed by your own or just some of the damage dice you purchase. You are not
Burst effect when you are the centre of it (see the Ranged Burst required to use maximum dice every time.
enhancement, below). The bigger your Burst, the more CPs you Enhancements
have to pay per d6 of damage. Enhancement: Controlled Area
Cost: 2CP
Mode: Cone Prerequisite: Burst, Cone, or Line mode
Activate: 3PP per rank (By CL); standard action You can reduce the area of effect (range, radius, or length) of
Save: Reflex (half), Wisdom-based your Energy Attacks, from as little as 5' to the maximum area of
You can project energy in a conical shape in the direction of the Energy Attack that you purchase. A 50-foot Line Energy
your choosing (use standard rules for cone effects). The longer Attack could be 40 feet, 25 feet, or even just 5 feet long.
your Cone, the more CPs you have to pay per d6 of damage.
Enhancement: Exempted Area
Mode: Line Prerequisite: Burst, Cone, or Line mode, Controlled Area
Activate: 2PP per rank (By CL); standard action Cost: 2CP per rank
Save: Reflex (half), Wisdom-based Activate: 1PP per rank; use-activated (attack)
You can create a beam, bolt, or tunnel of damaging energy For every rank in this enhancement, you can create a 5-ft.
(use standard rules for line effects). The longer your Line, the area (i.e., enough room for a Medium-sized person) within your
more CPs you have to pay per d6 of damage. area-effect Energy Attacks that doesn't cause damage. You could
initiate a Burst, for example, that avoids killing an innocent
Mode: Ranged bystander, or a Line that skips your teammate. These exempted
Activate: 1PP per rank (By CL); use-activated (attack) areas in your Energy Attack cost 1PP each. You can take this
You can generate a blast of energy that behaves like a ranged enhancement multiple times. Its effects stack.
weapon. Attacking with that energy blast requires an attack roll
which is modified by Dexterity, like any other ranged attack. Enhancement: Controlled Damage
Energy Attacks crit on 20/x2. You are armed if you have this Cost: 2CP
power and PPs left to use it. Activate: free; free action
A Ranged Energy Attack with a range of "mêlée" (see table, You can switch your Energy Attack from lethal to non-lethal.
below) is referred to as an Energy Strike; it requires physical
contact, but it is not a touch attack in game terms. Instead, you Enhancement: Ghost Touch
deliver it with an unarmed strike, which means that if you hit, Cost: 2CP
then you do your unarmed strike damage as well as your Energy Your Energy Attacks count as "force effects," which means
Attack damage. If you miss, you do neither, and you expend PPs that they deal damage normally against incorporeal creatures.
in the process.
Enhancement: Improved Critical Range
Area of Effect and Damage Dice Cost: 3CP
Your damage dice are more expensive, per die, based on the This enhancement increases the critical threat range of your
area of effect of your Energy Attack. On the table below, locate Energy Attack to 19-20 (instead of just 20).
your chosen Mode, and then scan across to a range or area
(length for Cones, radius for Burst, distance for Line and Range). Enhancement: Improved Critical Damage
That area corresponds to the Cost per Rank. Aura's are always Cost: 3CP
1CP per rank because they're effectively touch-ranged. This enhancement increases the critical damage multiplier of
your Energy Attack to x3.

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 Chapter 5: Powers 107

and its effects stack, but the minimum cost is 1 rank of damage
Enhancement: Immunity (the By CL activation cost remains unchanged).
Cost: 1CP
You are completely immune to your own Energy Attacks. Enhancement: Split Strike
Even if your attack were absorbed and fired back on you using Cost: 2CP
one of the metapowers, you would suffer no damage. This does Activate: 2PP per attack; use activated (attack)
not offer any protection against any other source of damage, You can now split your Ranged attacks between two targets.
including Energy Attacks from other characters, even if they use Divide the damage dice between the targets evenly, rounding
the same energy type. down. You make a single attack roll against both targets. All
other ranged attack rules apply normally.
Enhancement: Increased Mass Infusion
Cost: 2CP per rank Enhancement: Touch Attack
Prerequisite: Energy Infusion (limitation) Cost: 4CP
For every rank in this power, you can Infuse another Small- Prerequisite: Ranged/Strike Energy Attack
sized object's worth of mass with explosive energy, and that mass Your Strike Energy Attack is now a Touch attack, and/or your
can be part of a larger object or structure. For example, with two Ranged Energy Attack is now a Ray. It ignores armour, shields,
ranks in this power, you could Infuse a small hole in a wall and and natural bonuses to Defence.
then detonate it, thus making a hole (a frozen chunk of wall
shatters, a burned chunk is reduced to ashes, etc.). With several Enhancement: Variable Energy Type
ranks, you might do enough damage to take out the foundation of Cost: 3CP
a small building. You can choose an additional Energy Type and switch
between Types, attacking with fire one round and a sonic burst
Enhancement: Knockback the next, for example. Since there are five energy types, you can
Cost: 2CP take this enhancement up to six times.
Your Energy Attack can cause knockback if the damage meets Limitations
or exceeds your target's knockback threshold. Limitation: Energy Infusion
Value: 1CP per 2d6 damage
Enhancement: Lingering Damage Prerequisite: Strike Energy Attack
Cost: 2CP per die of damage Activate: 1PP per die of damage; use activated
Your Energy Attack causes extra damage to affected creatures You can Infuse inanimate objects (no larger than Small-sized)
on the subsequent round. For every rank in this power, your with harmful energy that is released when the object impacts a
target takes 1d6 damage for an additional round after the initial target. For example, a rock Infused with cold will cause freezing
attack. At 3 ranks, for example, your target takes 1d6 for three damage on a successful hit. The object itself disintegrates when
rounds after the first attack. The most logical energy types for the energy is released, therefore it does energy damage only and
this enhancement are chemical and heat (i.e., corrosion or the object is permanently lost. All rules for throwing objects in
burning), but you can rationalize anything you like. combat apply normally. You have to make physical contact with
the object you want to Infuse. The range increment of the object
Enhancement: Ranged Burst you throw depends entirely on the nature of the object. The GM
Prerequisite: Burst Energy Attack has final say on the range increments of miscellaneous objects.
Cost: 4CP You can infuse an object as a free action, and then throw it,
You can now initiate Burst Energy Attacks at a distance, which costs 1PP per die of damage. You can infuse objects and
much like the Fireball spell. The maximum range of your Burst give them to other people to throw. As a move action, you can
corresponds with its radius on the Range Increment and Damage infuse a number of objects equal to your Dexterity modifier.
Dice table, above. For example, a 10-foot radius Burst will, with Giving items to someone else also takes a move action; taking
this enhancement, have a 50-foot range. Like a Fireball, you the item from you costs them a move action. If you drop an
simply declare the centre point of your Ranged Burst and watch Infused object, it goes off at your feet and causes half damage to
your enemies take damage. Your Burst behaves normally in all you. If you toss one to a comrade, you must succeed at a ranged
other ways, including its radius and Saving Throw. If you are touch attack at your comrade and she must make a Reflex save
caught in your own Ranged Burst, you will take damage from it, (DC 15) to catch it. If either of you fail your rolls, the Infused
unless you also have Immunity (see above). However, you still object lands at her feet and causes half damage to her.
do not take damage from a regular Burst centred on yourself. You can Infuse ammunition for a weapon such as a bow or
sling. You fire these projectiles normally and do energy damage
Enhancement: Reduced Power Drain on a successful hit. You cannot use this power to infuse bullets or
Cost: 2CP other firearm ammunition because firing the gun causes the
Every rank in this enhancement reduces your Energy Attack's object to release its energy, which would probably destroy the
cost by 1 rank. You can take this enhancement multiple times, firearm. Any object that you infuse with energy but do not use
disintegrates in 5 rounds and releases its energy harmlessly.

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108 Chapter 5: Powers

This enhancement is not incompatible with the Ranged mode If you just want a weapon with a Power loaded into it, you can
of Energy Attack, but taking both would be redundant and costly. take a Gadget with the Weaponise enhancement.)
Esoteric Items are just things you happen to own. They are
Limitation: Object Detonation always either mystic, psionic, or supertech, but that has nothing
Value: 1CP to do with your power Origin. Esoteric Items can be lost, stolen
Prerequisite: Energy Infusion (and used against you), or destroyed, and they are not
Infused objects detonate after 5 rounds instead of dispersing automatically replaced. Caveat emptor! 16
their energy harmlessly.
Fast Healing
Limitation: Maximum Power [Power]
Value: 2CP Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: minimum damage 3d6 Activate: free; use-activated (special)
You cannot reduce the number of dice you deal with an Sustain: free; free action
energy attack. You always do full damage and spend full PPs. Range: self
You heal naturally, through bed rest or hospital attention, at
Enhancement: Non-Lethal double your normal rate, which means twice your character
Value: 2CP levels per day (or twice your character levels plus your
Your Energy Attack does non-lethal damage only. Constitution modifier per day, if you have the Swift Healing
feat). You heal over the course of the day, but for game purposes
Limitation: Short Range you get the HPs back at the end of each 24-hour period. A
Value: 3CP forgiving GM might grant partial healing if your day is
Prerequisite: Ranged Touch Attack (50 feet) interrupted in the middle. This power stops functioning if your
Your Energy Attack has a maximum range (not a range hit points drop below zero and it will not restore severed limbs or
increment!) of 30 feet, no more. lost ability points.
Enhancements
Limitation: Slow Attack Enhancement: Regeneration
Value: 2CP Cost: 2CP per rank
Your Energy Attack now requires a move action to activate in Activate: 1PP per HP (By CL); swift action
addition to the activation time listed under its mode(s). Thus, an For every rank in this power, you heal 1HP per round. This
Aura now requires a move action; Burst, Cone, Line, and Ranged healing occurs at the top of each of your rounds, in combat. You
now require a move action to activate and a then a standard cannot activate or sustain this power when you're unconscious.
action to attack.
Enhancement: Ability Regeneration Ability
Esoteric Item Cost: 2CP per rank Regeneration
[Item] Prerequisite: Regeneration Recovery
Cost
Cost: 2CP per rank (+1 equivalent) For every rank in this power, your Speed
Range: as enhancement recover lost ability points at an accelerated 1 point per
2CP
You have an item of mystical, psionic, or supertech power. rate (see table, right). 12 hours
For every rank in this power, your Item receives a +1 bonus or 1 point per
4CP
the equivalent of a +1. A single Item can have up to a total of +10 Enhancement: Cling to Life 6 hours
in enhancement bonuses (hit/damage or defence) as well as up to Cost: 2CP 1 point per
a +10 equivalent in special abilities (like Dancing, Spell Prerequisite: Regeneration 6CP
4 hours
Resistance, or Bane, for example), for a total of +20 (40CP cost). Your Regeneration now automatically 1 point per
A list of special abilities for weapons is in Chapter 6: F/X, activates or stays on when you reach zero 8CP
2 hours
though this list is by no means exhaustive. HPs or lower, but only while you actually 1 point
To acquire the Item itself, you must buy it using your Wealth. remain alive, and of course you must have 10CP
per hour
It must be mastercraft quality, but its Purchase DC is reduced by PPs left to activate/sustain the power.
10 to a minimum total Purchase DC of 4. Items are most often
weapons, protective gear, or hand-held objects, but they can Enhancement: Resurrection
theoretically be anything you like. The only requirement is that Cost: 6CP
they must be displayed prominently in order to function. Magical Prerequisite: Regeneration, Cling to Life
underwear, as much as they sound like a wonderful idea, 15 don't There is no lower limit to your HPs. You keep
work unless you wear them on the outside (a not altogether Regenerating, at your maximum rate, even after you die. When
unprecedented fashion choice in the world of superheroes). (NB:
16 You are free to play your character as if you created your Esoteric Item
yourself, or as if you found it, or even as if you simply purchased it. Never
forget that powers are just ways to support your role-playing choices. If you
15 Readers in the UK can substitute "pants" for "underwear" in this example. want to "really" make your Items, however, you can take the Invention feats
"Magical pants" sounds funnier anyway. or the power Supertech Invention.

108 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers 109

you regain consciousness (usually at 0HPs), you have no PPs left Flight Skill
but you are, for all intents and purposes, in good health.
Manoeuvre Clumsy Poor Average Good Perfect
Your body keeps healing as long as your head is attached to
your body and your body is whole . As gristly as it is to Minimum
Half Half Half None None
Forward Speed
contemplate, your body cannot regenerate if it is cremated,
disintegrated, dissolved, puréed, or chopped into tiny pieces. Hover No No No Yes Yes
While you are "dead" (usually when you're below -10HPs) Fly Backward No No No Yes Yes
you are have no brain activity, no heart beat, no pulse, etc. Even Reverse No No No -5 ft. Free
to a trained eye, you are dead. However, very close, medical
Turn 45º / 10 ft. 45º / 5 ft. 45º / 5 ft. 90º / 50 ft. Any
inspection reveals that your cells are regenerating at a fantastic
rate. Turn in Place No No +45º / 5 ft. +90º / 50 ft. Any
Maximum Turn 45º 45º 90º Any Any
Enhancement: Inherent Healing
Up Angle 45º 45º 60º Any Any
Cost: 4CP
Your Fast Healing is now a trait. This enhancement is Up Speed Half Half Half Half Full
incompatible with Regeneration and any enhancement that uses Down Angle 45º 45º Any Any Any
Regeneration as a prerequisite. Down Speed Double Double Double Double Double
Between Down
Enhancement: Purification and Up
20 ft. 10 ft. 5 ft. 0 ft. 0 ft.
Cost: 4CP
Your body is immune to the worst effects of drugs, poisons, and cruising speed by taking enhancements. Your Flight Skill is
and diseases. You suffer only half the normal losses from these "Average" (see table, above). Consult the SRDs for how to read
sources. In the case of diseases, you can make two Fortitude flight-skill stats.
saves per day to avoid the effects of the disease. Additionally, Enhancements
you never suffer permanent Ability Drain as a result of a poison, Enhancement: Air Lift
drug, or disease. Cost: 1CP per 500 lbs.
For every rank in this power, you can lift an additional 500
Flight pounds of your normal lifting capacity, up to a maximum of your
[Power] actual maximum lift capacity as determined by your Strength
Cost: 6CP score. This enhancement does not allow you to lift any more
Activate: free; use-activated (fly) while in Flight then you could on the ground.
Sustain: free; free action NB: If you have Mighty Lifting, you need only buy enough
Range: self ranks in this Enhancement to meet your normal maximum lift,
You can take to the air like a bird. You do not have the ability not your maximum lift as enhanced by Mighty Lifting.
to fly outside of an atmosphere, but other than that, you can
supply any explanation of your flight that you wish, from Enhancement: Cruising Speed
telekinesis (Psionic), to a jet pack (Supertech Gadget), to a bite Cost: 2CP per rank
from a nuclear pigeon (Bio). For each rank in this enhancement,
You can lift only yourself and 100 pounds of additional Flight Speed
add a multiplier to your cruising speed
weight, regardless of your Strength score. At 25 pounds over (but not your tactical speed). The first Ranks Speed
your maximum weight, your speed is reduced by 25% and you rank is x2, the second is x3, etc. 1 40 ft/mph
can no longer ascend. At 50 pounds over, your speed is reduced
by 50%, and you descend at a speed of 20 feet per round, though 2 60 ft/mph
Enhancement: Flight Skill
you can still move laterally. At 75 pounds, your speed is reduced 3 80 ft/mph
Cost: 5CP per skill category
by 75%, and you descend at 60 feet per round but can still move For every rank in this enhancement, 4 120 ft/mph
laterally. At 100 pounds or more over your maximum load, you your Flight Skill increases by one step. 5 160 ft/mph
fall like a stone, incurring any and all damage or other effects You can take this enhancement twice,
that would normally occur when falling from a great height. 6 240 ft/mph
once raising your skill to Good, and a
Your Flight speed is 30 feet per round and 30 miles per 7 320 ft/mph
second time to raise it to Excellent. See
hour. The first is your "tactical" speed. Use tactical speed when table (below, left) for flight-skill stats. 8 480 ft/mph
you are in combat situations (e.g., dodging in-coming attacks, 9 640 ft/mph
making attacks of your own, making constant course corrections, Enhancement: Flight Speed
etc.). You can take double moves and even "run" when you fly at 10 960 ft/mph
Cost: 2CP per rank
tactical speed, though the Run feat does not modify your 11 1,280 ft/mph
For every rank in this enhancement,
"running" speed while flying. The second is your "cruising" your tactical and combat speeds 12 1,920 ft/mph
speed. Use Cruising speed when you travel from one place to increase (see table, right). 13 2,560 ft/mph
another in relative safety. You can increase your tactical speed
14 3,840 ft/mph

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110 Chapter 5: Powers

Enhancement: Retractable Wings Prerequisites: Maximum speed 80 ft/mph, Average skill

Cost: 2CP You achieve Flight through a set of wings that grow out of
Prerequisite: Wings (limitation) your back. These wings are part of your body, flesh and bone.
Your wings are now retractable, by whatever means you want That's why this limitation converts Flight into a trait instead of a
to supply. You can suck them back into your body, they can fold power.
up flat against your back, or they can simply fade out of To get airborne, you need to either have a 20-foot running
existence when you don't want them to be "out." Extending or start or jump off of a high structure and start gliding. Your
retracting you wings takes a single move action and does not wingspan is about 1.5 times your height. If you do not have room
have a PP cost. to spread your wings, you cannot fly.
If you strap them down, you can stuff your wings under a
Enhancement: Vacuum Flight trench coat or a cloak. An Observe check (DC 15) allows other
Cost: 2CP people to notice that your shoulders are extremely high and that
You can, by whatever mechanism is appropriate to your there are feathers coming out of the bottom of your coat, but on
background, propel yourself at your full speed even in the cursory inspection, you'll look more or less normal. However, if
absence of an atmosphere. The laws of physics say that this is you strap down your wings for more than an hour, they become
totally goofy, but the laws of playable games demand such an stiff and start to ache, just as if you'd strapped on of your arms to
abstraction. Note that you must still be able to survive in space to your chest. For every full hour of having been strapped down, it
use this ability, be it via power or spacesuit. takes 1d4 rounds of flying before you work out this stiffness, and
during those rounds, you can fly at only half speed and you take
Enhancement: Sub-Light Flight a -4 to any and all rolls made that pertain to flying, including
Cost: 1CP per 0.1C mid-air acrobats or the like.
Prerequisite: Vacuum Flight, a willing GM Finally, if you have the room, you can spread your wings in
You can, by whatever mechanism is appropriate to your the middle of a long-distance Jump, you can spend most of that
background, propel yourself through a vacuum (never in an distance gliding, which doubles the Jump distance. This effect
atmosphere) at an absolutely astonishing speed. For every rank in does not stack with bonuses you might receive from Amazing
this Enhancement, you can travel at 0.1C, 1/10th the speed of light. Leap, although why you'd take both Amazing Leap and Flight, I
You cannot travel at sub-light speeds in an atmosphere. It's for don't know.
interstellar travel only. You can take this power 10 times and
achieve a maximum flight speed of 1C, exactly the speed of Force Field
light. You are unaffected by time dilation effects. Time passes [Power]
normally in the universe relative to you, and vice-versa. Cost: 6CP
Activate: 1PP; move action
Enhancement: FTL Flight Sustain: per round/hour; free action
Cost: 2CP Range: self
Prerequisite: Vacuum Flight, Sub-Light Flight (10 ranks) , a Save: special
damn good explanation You can project a bubble of solid energy around you. The
Once you are up to full speed and outside of a solar system or bubble surrounds you at a distance of 3 or 4 feet (i.e., it's a
any other source of a significant gravity well, you can accelerate sphere, but it takes up a 5-foot cube on the battlemap). It
to faster-than-light speed. Every rank in this power multiplies protects not just you, and not just what you're wearing, but also
your flight speed by ten: 1C at first rank, 10C at second rank, anything you might be carrying that fits in that space and anyone
100C at third rank, 1,000C at fourth, and 10,000C at fifth. You who might have squeezed into it with you. A maximum of two
can take this Enhancement up to five times. 17 people can fit in a single bubble (unless you take the appropriate
Limitations enhancements, see below).
Limitation: Poor Flight Skill Force Field bubbles are visible but fully transparent . You
Value: 5CP per rank can see through them with no penalty, but their shape and
For every rank in this enhancement, your Flight Skill position are discernible to the eye. They can appear, for example,
decreases by one step. You can take this enhancement twice, as a shimmering veil, a wall of blue energy, or a crystal barrier.
once lowering your skill to Poor, and a second time to lower it to As always, the specifics are entirely up to you.
Clumsy. See table (previous page) for flight-skill stats. The bubble blocks all attacks from passing through it,
including gasses, energy attacks, or Super attacks. It does not
Limitation: Wings [Trait] block mental attacks of any kind (mystical, psionic, or
Value: 3CP otherwise) and incorporeal objects or people pass through it .
You can hear sound through it, but sonic-based attacks are
17 Sub-Light and FTL Flight are extremely cheap compared to the energy blocked. If anyone or anything tries to batter down your bubble
needed to actually achieve those kinds of speeds in the real world, but the
truth is, despite being very difficult to do in reality, these powers just aren't
by brute force, you must make a Will save, the DC of which
particularly useful in a game, so while a GM might want to toss you into a equals the damage of the attack. If you fail the saving throw,
situation where you have to navigate the universe all by your lonesome, we your bubble falls until you can reactive it.
don't think you should have to pay thousands of CPs for it.

110 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers 111

Your bubble has a Defence score of 10 . Your personal For every rank in Bubbles Diameter Cubic Feet Air
Defence bonuses (Dexterity, powers, armour/shields) are all this enhancement, you 1 6 ft. 113 ft.3 4 hours
inside the bubble so they're no help to its Defence. If you're can create another 2 8'6" 318 ft.3 11 hours
running, falling, or flying, then its Defence rises to 12 because Force Field bubble. 3 10'4" 587 ft.3 20 hours
the bubble is a moving target. Flanking a bubble does not grant a All your bubbles must 4 12 ft. 904 ft.3 32 hours
+2 to hit because it's not a living creature, so splitting its touch each other on a 5 13'4" 1264 ft.3 44 hours
attention does no good. A bubble cannot be caught flat-footed. side, not just a corner. 6 14'8" 1662 ft.3 59 hours
However, the bubble is a separate target from you . Attacks They do not, however, 7 16 ft. 2094 ft.3 74 hours
directed at you strike the bubble instead, and attacks directed at have to be one, big 8 17 ft. 2559 ft.3 90 hours
the bubble do not strike you at all. Area effects that cause block. You can string
9 18 ft. 3053 ft.3 108 hours
damage, like a Burst Energy Attack can potentially affect you them out into any
10 19 ft. 3576 ft.3 126 hours
when you're inside a Force Field bubble. If you fail your Will shape you like, as long
11 20 ft. 4126 ft.3 146 hours
save (see above), the bubble falls and the area effect acts upon as they still cover
12 20'9" 4701 ft.3 166 hours
you normally. individual 5-foot
Your bubble traps any gasses that are in its radius. If you squares. 13 21'6" 5301 ft.3 187 hours
create it an NO2 environment, then it will have enough air to If you put a bubble 14 22'6" 5924 ft.3 209 hours
breath for 4 hours. At the end of 4 hours the environment is around someone else, 15 23'3" 6570 ft.3 232 hours
poisoned by carbon dioxide, at which point you must make a that person can choose 16 24 ft. 7238 ft.3 256 hours
Fortitude save (DC 20). If you succeed, you manage to remain to make a Reflex save 17 24'9" 7927 ft.3 280 hours
unaffected by the lack of oxygen. You must make another to avoid being encased, 18 25'6" 8636 ft.3 305 hours
Fortitude save (DC 20) every hour thereafter. The first failure, and she can also do 19 26'2" 9366 ft.3 331 hours
however, makes you fatigued, the second makes you exhausted, damage to the bubble 20 26'9" 10115 ft. 3 357 hours
and after a third failure you fall unconscious, at which point the internally exactly the
Force Field drops. Succeeding at any of these checks merely same way as she could from the outside. Doing so forces you to
keeps you in your present state, either unaffected, fatigued, or make a Will save or lose the bubble, as described in the base
exhausted. You don't get better until you either refresh your air power.
supply or leave the carbon-dioxide environment. Finally, instead of adding individual bubbles, or their
You can submerge a bubble in water or other liquid, but it's equivalents, you can also increase the over-all surface area of
a weightless globe of buoyant air so if it is submerged, it one, big, vaguely spherical bubble (see table, right). When you
immediately ascends at a speed of 30 feet per round. However, make a bubble larger than 6 ft. in diameter, its centre point is one
while submerged, you must make a Fortitude save every round to of the corners of your square. While the power is active, you can
resist the pressure of the water. The DC of the check is 10, +2 for increase or decrease the size of one of these large bubbles and/or
every 10 feet of depth. Thus, at a 50-foot depth, the DC would be alter their shape by expending a swift action.
20.
You can maintain a Force Field bubble in a vacuum, as Enhancement: Separate Bubbles
well. This requires a DC 15 Fortitude save every round . If you Cost: 6CP
fail, the Field drops. Prerequisite: Multiple Bubbles, Ranged Bubbles
Enhancements Activate: +1PP per extra bubble; special
Enhancement: Malleable Bubbles You can now create Force Field bubbles separately, not
Cost: 6CP touching each other at all. Thus you can toss one onto yourself
You can now control the exact shape of your Force Field. and others on your team mates, for example. Keeping multiple
Instead of a spherical bubble, you can shrink, twist, and contort it bubbles active at once costs an extra 1PP for every bubble after
at your whim. You're no longer required to make the bubbles an the first one because your attention is split. The activation time
enclosed shape, either. You can flatten one and create a 10-by-20- for this enhancement and for the main power occur
foot wall. The minimum size is about 60 cubic inches (a 4-inch simultaneously. Thus, if you activate three 5-foot bubbles, the
cube or a 3-inch diameter sphere). If you have multiple bubbles, activation time is just one move action.
you can now snake them around corners and make them take No two bubbles can occupy the same space, so you cannot
creative shapes. Thus, you can now create contiguous bubbles on make a two-layered bubble. You can, however, place a bubble
diagonals, not just on facing sides. Reshaping a bubble requires a inside another bubble if none of the walls occupy the same lines
move action. on the battlemap (e.g., around your whole team and a second,
much smaller one, around yourself).
Enhancement: Multi-Bubble
Cost: 3CP per rank Enhancement: Ranged Bubbles
Activate: 1PP per bubble; swift action Cost: 3CP
Sustain: per round/hour; free action For every rank in this power, you can manifest your Force
Save: special Field 30 feet away at its nearest point. If you put a bubble around
someone else, that person can choose to make a Reflex save to

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112 Chapter 5: Powers

avoid being encased, and she can also do damage to the bubble Gadgets are by default hand-held (Tiny-sized), about the
internally exactly the same way as she could from the outside. size of a runner's baton or a paper-back novel. They weigh about
You can take up to 5 ranks in this enhancement for a total a kilo (2 - 3 pounds), and have a Hardness of 3 and 10HPs. A
distance of 150 feet. Gadget reduced to 0 or fewer HPs becomes a pile of broken
components and ceases to function.
Enhancement: Tough Bubbles You can have as many individual Gadgets as you want, but
Cost: 1CP per rank each one can have only one power.18
For every rank in this power, your Will saves to keep your
bubble up despite damage or pressure receives a +1 enhancement Repair
bonus. You can take this enhancement multiple times. Its effects If your Gadget takes damage without being destroyed, then
stack. you can get it repaired by someone with the appropriate skill.
You can repair Biological Gadgets using Craft (pharmaceutical),
Gadget Supertech with Repair, Mystic with Spellcraft, and Psionic with
[Item] Psicraft. Cosmic Gadgets are, by definition, bizarre and unusual.
Cost: see table (below) Depending on the in-game explanation for the Gadget itself, the
Activate: as power GM will rule on an appropriate skill on a situational basis. Bio
Sustain: as power Gadgets can also be healed by powered or mystical means, such
Range: as power as Healing Touch or any of the Cure spells.
It's a staple of comic-book superheroes to have powers that Each repair attempt restores a number of hit points equal
are derived from high-tech devices, magic items, and artefacts to the result of the check, subtracted by 10 (i.e., HP = Check -
dropped from the heavens. These are Gadgets. You can load a 10). GMs are also, of course, perfectly within their rights to insist
single power, as well as any of its enhancements and that a particular Gadget, especially if it's Cosmic, can be fixed
limitations, into a Gadget. Traits cannot be loaded into Gadgets only by consulting the Grand High Mech-Mage-Poobah of the
because traits are inherent parts of your body; however, many Hyreilean Order of Paraganastania (or whatever) if it would
traits can be taken as powers with the appropriate limitation. make a good adventure hook.
Because of these
limitations, and the fact that Gadget Discount Replace
Gadgets can be lost, stolen, Total Cost If your Gadget is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, you
Discount
and destroyed, you get a of the Power have two options to replace it. First, you can try to find it by
discount on the price of the 5CP +1CP conventional means, in-game, which is probably going to be the
power you load into a Gadget. most fun. This can involve retracing your steps if you lost it, and
6CP to 10CP +2CP
For every 5CP you load into possibly negotiating with the small child who inevitably found it
a Gadget, you get a 1CP 11CP to 15CP +3CP and is using as his new toy. In cases where the Gadget was
discount, which works out to 16CP to 20CP +4CP stolen, you might have to challenge and defeat the thief, but
about 20% off (see table, 21CP to 25CP +5CP without the benefit of the power that Gadget gives you, which is
right). Calculate the discount also fun in its own way.
26CP to 30CP +6CP
based on the net cost of the Alternatively, you can go one session without your Gadget
power, including, levels, 31CP to 35CP +7CP (in addition to the session in which you lost it) and have it
enhancements, and limitations. 36CP to 40CP +8CP replaced at the beginning of the subsequent session . During
You must invest at least 5CP 41CP to 45CP +9CP the session in which you don't have it, you're simply "working on
into a Gadget to get the getting it back." You must also provide an explanation that is
46CP to 50CP +10CP
discount. You can upgrade an convincing to both your GM and your fellow players for how it
existing Gadget with new miraculously reappeared in your life.
enhancements and limitations. You can have more than one Explanations can include, but are not limited to: figuring out
Gadget at a time. where you lost it and going back, making a deal with whomever
The Origin of your Gadget must be the same as that of the stole it to return it, going back to whomever gave it to you and
rest of your powers. If you have no other powers, the Gadget getting a new one, or even building a new one yourself. No
can be any Origin you like, but if you take multiple Gadgets they material or in-game mechanics need to be invoked in this last
all have to have the same Origin. You can role-play as if it's case. The materials, expertise, and work-space needed to make
mentally activated, or has a set of controls of some kind, or even the Gadget are simply not discussed, as is traditional with super-
both. In any case, using a Gadget does not change the kind or powered items or weapons in comic books, most of the time.
number of actions required to use the power loaded into it, except
that you do have to have it in your hand to use it.
Gadgets automatically consume your PPs. This might not 18 If you want to have "made your Gadget yourself," you're perfectly free to
role-play the character that way. There's no real difference between that and
make real-world sense, but it's the simplest way to use them in- using the Invention feats or the Supertech Invention power because powers
game. If you want to say that you're "low on tillium fuel" or that are merely a game mechanic, a way to give you the abilities you want. It's
your "atomic batteries are depleted," nobody's going to stop you. just a matter of which in-game option you prefer and how much you're
willing to pay for it. How you describe your powers is, as always, up to you.

112 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers 113

Incorporate Mundane Technology

If your Gadget is Supertech, then you can incorporate normal Enhancement: Increased Power Points
tools or technology into it. Once you acquire a piece of Cost: 2CP per rank (+2PPs)
technology to install into/onto your Gadget, you also need to buy For every rank in this power, your Gadget gains +2 PPs of its
some spare parts for the installation, like extra connecting cables, own. These points can be used only to fuel the Gadget's power.
or brackets. The specifics don't matter, although you're free to You can take this enhancement multiple times. Its effects stack.
supply whatever explanation you like.
The cost of the installation hardware starts at PDC 2 , but Enhancement: Self-Repairing Rate of CP
goes up based on the price of the technology to be installed. For Cost: varies Self-Repair Cost
every 5 PDC of the technology to be incorporated into the This enhancement grants your 1HP / hour 2CP
Gadget, the Purchase DC of the installation parts goes up by Gadget the ability to repair itself, as per 1HP / minute 3CP
+1. Most of the time this cost will be negligible but in some the table (above, right). It can self-repair
1HP / round 5CP
cases the tech you want to install will be expensive enough that only if it is at 0HPs or more.
installing it is expensive, too. 2HP / round 10CP
The actual installation requires a Repair check. The DC for Enhancement: Gadget Resurrection 3HP / round 15CP
the installation: Cost: 4CP 4HP / round 20CP
Prerequisite: Self-Repairing
5HP / round 25CP
• Mechanics: 12 Your Gadget continues to self-repair
e.g., mounting a mêlée weapon or firearm onto a suit of even after it's been brought to below
Power Armour, or incorporating a Gadget into a 0HPs, although the Rate of Healing is halved until it reaches 1HP
mundane weapon (½HP every hour for 2CP, 1HP every round for 10CP, etc.). As
• Simple Electronics: 15 long as the bulk of the parts are within 1 foot of each other, they
e.g., incorporating a cell phone into a Gadget, or will eventually reform into the Gadget you know and love.
installing a Gadget into a car
• Complex Electronics: 18 Enhancement: Tough Gadget
e.g., incorporating a laptop into a suit of Power Armour Cost: 2CP per rank (+1 Hardness, +4HPs)
to create a Head's Up Display For every rank in this enhancement, your Gadget gains 1
points of Hardness and 4HPs. You can take this enhancement
The GM can, of course, set higher or lower DCs if she feels multiple times. Its effects stack.
the situation warrants it. Depending on the circumstances, GMs
might rule that you can install an electronic or mechanical unit Enhancement: Weaponise
into a non-Supertech Gadget, for example insinuating a PDA into Cost: 1CP + Purchase DC of Weapon
an organic "second skin." This enhancement converts your Gadget into a functioning
Enhancements weapon of some kind, in addition to having powers. This requires
Enhancement: Additional Power that you both spend 1CP and that you purchase the mundane
Cost: 2CP weapon that you want your Gadget to be. This is a conceit, of
You can load an Additional Power into your Gadget. You can course. Your character does not have to actually buy the weapon
take this enhancement multiple times, but only to apply it to a but this rule keeps you from sneaking a military-grade rocket-
different Gadget. No individual Gadget can have more than two launcher into the game as a Weaponised Gadget. You are free,
powers. encouraged even, to thematically combine the weapon's function
and the Gadget's power, thus making a gun that shoots Webbing,
Enhancement: Diminutive Gadget for example, or a sword that grants Amazing Combat Skills.
Cost: 2CP
Your Gadget is diminutive-sized instead of tiny. It weighs 1 Limitations
pound. It is the size of a cell phone, a pocket watch, or a Limitation: Fragile Gadget
conductor's baton. You can slip it into a pocket. This Value: 2CP
enhancement is incompatible with Fine Gadget, Small Gadget, Your Gadget has no Hardness and only 5HPs.
and Medium Gadget.
Limitation: Small Gadget
Enhancement: Fine Gadget Value: 1CP
Cost: 4CP Your Gadget is small-sized instead of tiny. It weighs 12
Your Gadget is fine-sized instead of tiny. It weighs an ounce pounds. It is about the size and shape of a walking stick, so a
or two. It is the size of a large coin or a ball-point pen. You can baseball bat, an umbrella, or a golf-club, for example. It can also
palm one and still work a phone or drive. You can, depending on be a blocky shape, like a briefcase, backpack, or laptop. This
the shape, tuck it behind your ear. This enhancement is limitation is incompatible with Diminutive Gadget, Fine Gadget,
incompatible with Diminutive Gadget, Small Gadget, and and Medium Gadget.
Medium Gadget.

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114 Chapter 5: Powers
Limitation: Medium Gadget
Value: 2CP
Your Gadget is medium-sized instead of tiny. It weighs 25
pounds. It can be the shape of a large staff or a small filing
cabinet. It is unwieldy enough that you have to carry it in two
hands. This limitation is incompatible with Diminutive Gadget,
Fine Gadget, and Small Gadget.
Enhancement: Voice Activated
Value: 3CP
Your Gadget's controls are verbal and it's designed to mount
on your clothing or your gear. As long as you can speak, you can
operate it. It does, however, have to be out in the open to
function. You can't hide in a bag or swallow it (a swallowed
Gadget is effectively a power. That means that an opponent can
still attempt to Sunder or Disarm your Gadget.
Enhancement: Thought Activated
Prerequisite: Voice Activated
Value: 2CP
Instead of verbal controls, your Gadget is now keyed to your
thought patterns so that you can operate it by mental commands.
The Gadget still has to be out in the open—mounted on your
body, clothing, or protective gear—which means an opponent
can still attempt to Sunder or Disarm it.
Gremlinism
[Power]
Cost: 8CP
Activate: 1PP; standard action
Range: 60ft
Save: special (opposed test)
You have the uncanny ability to cause a mechanical or
electronic device to go haywire just by looking at it. If you use
this power on a relatively simple machine or device (something
with moving parts, like a firearm or a bicycle, but which requires
no power to operate) there is a chance the device jams
(completely ceases to function). The object will remain jammed
for 1d6 rounds. Ordinary maintenance and cleaning procedures
cannot make it functional again until the power's duration has
passed.
If you use this power on a more complex, powered device
(such as a vehicle or a computer), you will afflict the device with
a penalty to all actions requiring a die roll. This penalty affects
both actions taken by the device itself and actions taken by
anyone using the device. If you use Gremlinism on a moving
vehicle, it will force an immediate Drive/Pilot check, with the
negative Gremlinism modifier taken into account. This modifier
will last for 1d3 rounds.
To use Gremlinism, you take a standard action, spend 1PP,
target a single device and roll a Gremlinism check (1d20 + half
your CL + Intelligence modifier). The device makes an opposed
roll of 1d20. If it is exceptional (eg, mastercraft) and/or has any
bonuses (it's enhanced by a power), add its highest bonus to it's
opposed roll. Also, the sheer size of the device in question can
add a circumstance penalty. Small (hand held) devices take no
penalty, but every size category larger than small adds +2 to its
114 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Saving Throw. Thus, medium devices are +2, large +4, huge +6,
and so on. If your roll is higher than the roll of a simple device, it
becomes jammed. If it is equal or lower, the power fails. Against
complex devices, you inflict a penalty equal to half the amount
you exceed the device's roll by. Thus if you roll 17 and the device
rolls 13, you inflict a -2 penalty on the item.
Sentient machines add +10 to resist the effects of Gremlinism,
though automatons do not.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Extended Duration
Cost: 3CP per die of duration
The duration of your Gremlinism is extended by an additional
die (d6 or d3, as appropriate) for each rank in this enhancement.
You can take this up to five times, for a maximum duration of
5d6 rounds (to jam simple items) or 5d3 rounds (complex
devices).
Enhancement: Enhanced Jamming
Cost: 2CP per +2 to jamming
Each rank in this enhancement grants you a +2 bonus on your
Gremlinism check. You can take this up to three times, for a
maximum bonus of +6.
Enhancement: Extended Range
Cost: 2CP per 30 feet.
The range at which you can use Gremlinism increases by 30
feet for each rank in this enhancement, to a maximum of three
ranks, which grants a range of 150 feet.
Powers: H ‒ L
Healing Touch
[Power]
Cost: 1CP per rank (1d6 of healing)
Activate: 1PP per d6 (By CL); standard (touch attack)
Range: Touch
Save: Fortitude (negates); Wisdom-based
You can cause living creatures to spontaneously Heal damage
with a touch. You can use this power on yourself. You Heal 1d6
HPs of damage per rank in the power. You can control how many
dice/PPs you expend each time you administer a Healing Touch,
but you must declare how many dice you want to use before you
roll the total. Willing targets will not avoid your Healing Touch,
of course, but if someone does, then you have to make a Touch
Attack and the target gets a Fortitude save to avoid the power's
effects. 19
Enhancements
Enhancement: Move-Action Healing
Cost: 3CP
You can now Heal HP damage in a single Move action
instead of a Standard action. However, with this enhancement,
the By CL Activation cost of the power applies per round and not
19 Healing Touch is the only healing power in the game (aside from Repairing
Touch, which can heal mechanical creatures) but it includes all the kinds of
healing that exist in the d20 system. In the modern world, healing is not
freely accessible, except in the sense that you can check yourself into a
hospital if you have insurance or live in a country with universal health care.
As a player, you should be aware that lethal damage is not to be taken lightly,
and having a healer on your team can often make the difference between
success and failure.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers
per attack. This enhancement also lowers the Activation time for
other enhancements off of the base power. Each Activation is
either halved (e.g., 10 minutes becomes 5), or reduced by one
action time (full-round, standard, move, swift).
Enhancement: Full-Attack Healing
Prerequisite: Move-Action Healing
Cost: 2CP
You can activate Healing Touch as a full-attack, which means
that you can employ it in an iterative attack sequence. For
example, if you BA were +11/+6/+1, you could Heal three times
in a round, and if applicable, you would have to make attacks at
those BAs. All other rules regarding iterative attacks apply as
normal.
Enhancement: Purification
Cost: 2CP
Activation: special; full-round action
You can now direct your healing energy toward purifying
bodies of poisons, drugs, or diseases. Activate the power as
normal, and decide how many dice to apply, then roll the total. If
the rolled total plus 10 is greater than the Save DC of the toxin or
disease in question, it will be instantly and painlessly purged
from the subject's body. Dice rolled in this manner do not heal
any HPs. Purification does not restore hit points, power points,
ability points, or anything else already lost due to the effects of a
chemical or disease.
Enhancement: Ranged Healing
Cost: 2CP per 10 feet.
For every rank in this enhancement, you can Heal at a range
of 10 feet. You must successfully hit your target with a ranged
touch attack, and you expend your PPs regardless of whether you
hit the target. Targets can elect to not dodge while you attempt
your touch attack, but at best, they still have a Defence of 10.
You can take this enhancement multiple times. Its effects stack.
Enhancement: Raise Dead
Cost: 10CP
Prerequisite: 10 ranks in Healing Touch
Activation: 10PP; 1 minute (10 rounds)
You can bring the dead back to life. You must be in
possession of the whole body of the deceased. Raise Dead cures
all diseases, removes all poisons, and heals injury (see below),
but it does not regrow missing parts. Those parts simply heal
over. If they're vital (like organs or a head), then the subject dies
again. Furthermore, the subject cannot have died more than a
number of days equal to or less than half your CL. The GM
might rule that you cannot Raise particularly alien aliens, but
generally speaking, you can Raise any creature that is basically
made of flesh and bone. You cannot Raise machines, even living
ones, or the undead. Raised subjects gain a negative level until
they next level-up. Subjects come back to life with 1 HP per level
(or hit die, if applicable).
You expend your PPs at the beginning of the Raising process,
and you must maintain concentration throughout.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
115
Enhancement: Resurrection
Cost: 5CPs
Prerequisites: 10 ranks in Healing Touch, Raise Dead
Activation: 15PP; 10 minutes
This enhancement works the same as Raise Dead, with three
exceptions. First, you do not need a whole body, any small
portion thereof will do, although it must have been part of the
body at the time of death, not a blood or skin sample taken
beforehand. Second, subjects must have died a number of years
ago equal to or less than your total CL. They cannot have died of
simple old age, but instead a specific, identifiable cause, such as
massive injury or a specific disease. Finally, subjects Resurrects
with their full HPs and in complete health. Subjects still gain a
negative level.
You expend your PPs at the beginning of the Resurrection
process, and you must maintain concentration throughout.
Enhancement: True Resurrection
Cost: 5CPs
Prerequisites: Healing Touch 10 rnks, Raise Dead,
Resurrection
Activation: 20PP; 10 minutes
This enhancement works the same as Raise Dead, with three
exceptions. First, you do not need a body at all, just a specific,
personal knowledge of exactly who you want to Resurrect. You
can Resurrect a known friend or family member, for example,
but not a celebrity or historical figure unless you met them
personally. Second, subjects must have died a number of years
ago equal to or less than your CL times 5. Finally, subjects
Resurrect with their full HPs and in complete health. They do not
lose any levels or Constitution points.
You expend your PPs at the beginning of the Resurrection
process, and you must maintain concentration throughout.
Enhancement: Restoration, Lesser
Cost: 2CP per rank
Prerequisites: 5 ranks in Healing Touch
Activation: 3PP; standard action
For every rank in this enhancement, you can restore 1d6
points of temporary ability damage. It also eliminates and
improves an exhausted condition to fatigued. It does not restore
permanent ability drain. You can take this enhancement multiple
times. Its effects stack.
You expend your PPs at the beginning of the Restoration
process, and you must maintain concentration throughout.
Enhancement: Restoration
Cost: 4CPs
Prerequisites: 5 ranks in Healing Touch, Lesser Restoration
Activation: 6PPs; full-round
This enhancement instantly cures all temporary ability
damage to one ability, but it cannot restore Constitution points
lost because of previous deaths. It also eliminates all fatigue or
exhaustion from the subject.
Finally, it also removes negative levels and/or restores one
experience level to anyone who has taken permanent level drain,
although the subject has to have gained that negative level/level
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116 Chapter 5: Powers

drain at some point within a number of hours equal to your
character level. Anyone who has a negative level restored has the
minimum number of experience points for that level, and no
more.
You expend your PPs at the beginning of the Restoration
process, and you must maintain concentration throughout.
Enhancement: Restoration, Greater
Cost: 4CPs
Prerequisites: 5 ranks in Healing Touch, Lesser Restoration,
Restoration
Activation: 9PPs; 10 minutes
This enhancement cures all temporary ability damage to all
the subject's abilities, except Constitution points the subject
might have lost due to previous deaths. It also eliminates fatigue example. The specifics are up to you, but Iconic Items cannot
and exhaustion, as well as all forms of insanity and confusion,
including mundane mental conditions (e.g., depression, bi-polar
disorder, schizophrenia, etc.)
Finally, it also reverses the effects of any and all level
draining or negative levels that the subject might have suffered.
The subject returns to the highest level she has ever attained,
although she has to have gained the negative level/level drain
within the last week (seven days).
You expend your PPs at the beginning of the Restoration
process, and you must maintain concentration throughout.
Limitation
Limitation: Slow Healing
Value: 2CP per rank
For every rank in this enhancement, your Healing Touch
activation time increases by one action type on the following
scale: standard, full-round, 1 round, 2 rounds, 3 rounds. Thus,
you can take this feat up to 4 times.
your body chemistry, your unique mental signature, or even your
very soul. You must have your Iconic Item in your hand in order
to access its powers. If it is Wearable (see below), then you must
be wearing it to use its powers.
Iconic Items can potentially be lost or stolen and if that
happens, you'll just have to track yours down. They are, however,
nigh indestructible by conventional means. Each one has 1,000
HPs, Hardness 100, Resistance 50 to all energy types, Resistance
50 to all Origins, and self-repairs at a rate of 5HPs per round.
Iconic Items are, by default, hand-held objects (tiny-sized)
that weigh about 3 pounds, so something the general size and
shape of a baton or soft-ball, for example. They always appear
unusual or mysterious in some way. They might be covered in
glowing circuitry or constantly surrounded dancing sparks, for
appear mundane.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Diminutive Item
Cost: 2CP
Your Iconic Item is diminutive-sized instead of tiny. It weighs
1 pound. It is the size of a cell phone, a pocket watch, or a
conductor's baton. You can slip it into a pocket. This
enhancement is incompatible with Fine Item, Small Item, and
Medium Item.
Enhancement: Fine Item
Cost: 4CP
Your Iconic Item is fine-sized instead of tiny. It weighs an
ounce or two. It is the size of a large coin or a ball-point pen. You
can palm one and still work a phone or drive. You can,
depending on the shape, tuck it behind your ear. This
enhancement is incompatible with Diminutive Item, Small Item,
and Medium Item.

Iconic Item Enhancement: Weaponise

[Item] Cost: 1CP + Purchase DC of Weapon
Discount: special This enhancement converts your Iconic Item into a
Activate: as power Iconic Item Discount functioning weapon of some kind, in addition to having powers.
Sustain: as power Total Cost This enhancement requires that you spend both 1CP and that you
Range: as power Discount purchase the mundane weapon that you want your Iconic Item to
of the Power
An Iconic Item is an object be. This is a conceit, of course. Your character does not have to
that is the conduit for all of 10CP +1CP
actually buy the weapon, but this rule keeps you from sneaking a
your powers. There is no limit 11CP to 20CP +2CP military-grade rocket-launcher into the game as a Weaponized
to how many powers or how 21CP to 30CP +3CP Iconic Item. You are free, encouraged even, to thematically
many CPs worth of powers 31CP to 40CP +4CP combine the weapon's function and the Item's powers, thus
you can load into a single making a phone with Telepathy or belt of Super Strength.
Iconic Item. An Iconic Item 41CP to 50CP +5CP
can have only one Origin. The Enhancement: Wearable Item
most common are mystical and supertech, but you can have any Cost: 3CP
Origin you like. Iconic Items grant a discount on the price of This enhancement converts your Iconic Item into a shape that
powers you load into them. The discount is +1CP per 10CP allows you to wear it like clothing or jewellery. Wearable Items
worth of powers, which works out to approximately 10% (see still appear special or unusual in some way. They might be
table, above). covered in glowing circuitry, Mystical runes, or be made of a
Other powers, including Gadgets and Power Armour, do not substance that is visibly Not Of This Earth. The specifics are, as
function while you have an Iconic Item on your person. Iconic always, up to you. Wearing an Iconic Item does not offer any
Items are jealous. However, they are also loyal. Only you can Defence bonus or protection of any other kind unless that is part
access the powers loaded into your Iconic Item. It is tuned to

116 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers 117

of its power package. Cuts, blows, and blasts will leave the shift from corporeal to Incorporeal form, all equipment you wear
Iconic Item untouched but still do damage to you. and/or hold shifts with you unless you drop it, at which point it
becomes solid again. When you activate or sustain your
Fine Items are wearable as a watch or bangle, a large and bulky Incorporeal Form, you remain in that state for a full round. You
ring, a pair of glasses, a head band, or a light necklace. cannot cancel it half-way through your round.
Diminutive Items are wearable as a pair of gloves or shoes, a belt, While Incorporeal, your appearance does not change, and
a neck tie/scarf, or a hat. you cannot talk to or be heard by corporeal people. Anyone
Tiny Items are wearable as a single gauntlet or boot, a bulky belt, trying to hear you must roll a Listen check DC 30 (the
or a bike helmet. supernaturally sensitive ear might still detect you, but nothing
Small Items are wearable as a heavy jacket, a motorcycle helmet else can). Other Incorporeal people can hear you and talk to you
(full-faced), a pair of heavy boots, or a pair of bulky normally. Sound-based attacks, like sonic attacks, do no damage,
gauntlets. and other sound-based effects have no effect. You can, for
Limitations example, roll and fail a save against a Command spell, but you
Limitation: Medium Item cannot actually hear the command itself.
Value: 2CP All physical objects, including mundane weapons, pass
Your Item is medium-sized instead of tiny. It weighs 25 through you. Chemicals, from knock-out gas to acid, have no
pounds. It can be the shape of a large staff or a small filing effect on you. You are similarly unable to manipulate anything
cabinet. It is unwieldy enough that you have to carry it in two around you. You cannot pick up and use objects. You cannot
hands. You can put it on your back, but it's still bulky as all hell. open doors or operate machinery. You can't even blow out a
This limitation is incompatible with Diminutive Item, Fine Item, candle without shifting back to corporeal form. Normal energy
and Small Item. effects, like fire or electricity, similarly have no effect. Super
attacks that are only physical, a Super-Strength head butt for
Limitation: Non-Exclusive Use example, have no effect but energy-based Super attacks affect
Value: 4CP you normally, like an Energy Attack: Heat. Other Incorporeal
Your Iconic Item is no longer loyal to you. Other people can people or attacks can harm you.
use it, if they get their hands on it, but they have to expend twice In-keeping with the tradition of such conceits in comics,
as many PPs to access its power(s). For anyone other than you, when you move, you float just off of the floor or ground. If you
powers that do not normally have a PP cost, like traits, now have want to move through the floor, you must deliberately jump
an Activation of "1PPs; per round." through it, at which point you then fall to the next floor down.
You can move downward (at your base speed and taking up a
Limitation: Small Item move action) by simply falling off of something, but if you hit a
Value: 1CP floor or the ground, you stop, though you take no damage for
Your Iconic Item is small-sized instead of tiny. It weighs 12 doing so. You can freely ascend or descend through matter only
pounds. It is about the size and shape of a walking stick, so a if you can fly by other means (although you can also take the Fly
baseball bat, an umbrella, or a golf-club, for example. They can in Matter enhancement). There is no logical explanation for this.
also be a more blocky shape, like a briefcase or laptop. This It's a genre gag. Just go with it.
limitation is incompatible with Diminutive Item, Fine Item, and Particularly dense substances, such as lead, fantasy or sci-fi
Medium Item. metals (vibranium, adamantium, etc.) might block your
movement, at the GM's discretion. Energy-based barriers, like
Limitation: Symbiosis the Force Field power or the Wall of Force spell do block your
Value: 3CP per rank movement.
Your body is attuned to your Iconic Item so intimately that Enhancements
without it, you become weak and sickly. Whenever your Item is Enhancement: Fly in Matter
not in your possession (more than 5 ft. away from you), you take Cost: 2CP
a -2 penalty, per rank in the enhancement, to either your physical You can move through solid matter as if you could fly at your
or mental stats (player's choice, permanent). If you had three normal movement rate.
ranks in the power, for example, you would take a -6 penalty.
You can take this limitation up to 5 times, for a -10 penalty. Enhancement: Incorporeal Other
Cost: 3CP
Incorporeal Form Activate: 1PP; standard action
[Power] Sustain: per round/minute; free action
Cost: 12CP Range: touch (special)
Activate: 1PP; standard action Save: Fortitude, Constitution-based
Sustain: per round/minute You can turn one person Incorporeal, but you must remain in
Range: self physical contact with that person. You can do this when you,
You can pass through solid objects, walk through walls, glide yourself, are Incorporeal. In which case, you render the target
through furniture, and generally go wherever you like. When you Incorporeal by touching them. If you simultaneously render

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118 Chapter 5: Powers
yourself and another person Incorporeal, then you can activate
both effects at once, in a single standard action. If you attempt to
render someone Incorporeal against their will, you must first
succeed at a touch attack, at which point they are entitled to a
Fortitude save to avoid the effect.
Enhancement: Manifest Sound
Cost: 2CP
Activate: free; use-activated (speak/make noise)\
You can now make noise when you choose to, though when
you do so you make all noises you might make normally. You
can talk and hear, but your change jangles, your clothes rustle,
and so on. You are also vulnerable to sonic attacks, but take only
half damage from them. You can now hear as normal, and
therefore are affected by sound-based effects, like the spell
Command.
Enhancement: Partial Incorporeality
Cost: 4CP
Activate: +1PP; free action
Sustain: per round/minute; free action
You can make one segment of your body Incorporeal at a
time if the rest of you is corporeal, or vice-versa. The body
segments are: head/neck, shoulders/chest, stomach/waist, thighs,
calves, feet, hands, forearms, and upper arms. In the case of
doubled body parts (feet, hands, etc.), you can make either both
or just the left or the right Incorporeal at a time. Whenever you
render just one part of your body Incorporeal or solid, you must
pay an extra 1PP to maintain the effect.
Enhancement: Scramble Mundane Technology
Cost: 2CP
When a mundane piece of technology passes through your
Incorporeal body, there is a 50% chance that it will short out,
rendering it useless until it is Repaired (DC 15). If it is shorted
out, you also take 1d4 non-lethal damage.
Enhancement: Swift-Action Shift
Cost: 2CP
You can shift forms as a swift action.
Enhancement: Reflexive Shift
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Swift-Action Shift
Activate: 1PP; swift action
If you retain your Dexterity bonus and are hit for physical
damage (either by an attack or something that triggers a saving
throw), you can make a Reflex save to instantly shift into
Incorporeal form a split second before the hit has a chance to do pockets, or pouches. Any part of an item that you carry that
damage. The DC of the Reflex save equals either the attack roll
or the save DC of the in-coming effect. You must declare your
intention to invoke this enhancement after the hit is announced
but before full damage is calculated.
Limitations
Limitation: Gaseous Form
Value: 4CP
118 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Instead of becoming fully Incorporeal, your body is instead
transformed into a coherent gas. You appear mostly as you do
when solid, except that you shimmer and shift in the breeze and
you're somewhat translucent. All rules for Incorporeality are
unchanged except the following.
First, you cannot pass through an air-tight barrier. For cases
of barriers that are no air-tight but nevertheless do not afford a
great deal of air flow, GMs might impose a move action just to
pass through the barrier. Second, you are considered three sizes
smaller than your normal size when determining how, and how
much, wind affects you. If you are medium normally then you
take the same penalties as a fine-sized creature when attempting
to resist wind of any kind. Third, you move through liquids at
half speed than when you move through the air. Fourth, you take
half-damage from energy attacks, and full damage from Super
attacks.
This limitation is compatible with all of this power's
enhancements, except that Fly In Matter applies only when you
are moving through matter that is porous enough that you can
move through it at all.
Limitation: Ghost
Value: 2CP
This limitation flips your natural state from solid to
Incorporeal, which means that you are insubstantial all the time,
except when you activate/sustain the power. This enhancement
does not necessarily make you an actual ghost, of course, but that
is one of the possible reasons why you might take it.
Invisibility
[Power]
Cost: 10CP
Activate: 1PP; full-round action
Sustain: per round/minute; free action
Range: self
You can use this power to vanish from sight. Your clothes,
equipment, and any reasonably small items you carry (no larger
than a medium weapon) will turn invisible with you. Invisibility
applies to the visible spectrum, and will fool anything and
anyone who relies on it, including normal surveillance cameras.
Abilities that detect heat or infrared can still detect you, as
can anything that can see ultraviolet light, if it shines on you.
Invisibility only affects vision. Your body is still quite solid.
Therefore, anything that does not depend on visible light for
detection, such as ultrasound motion detectors and radar, will
pick you up.
Items that you drop or put down will become visible; items
you pick up disappear if you tuck them into your clothing,
extends more than 5 feet from you becomes visible, such as a
trailing rope. If you pick up someone else and carry him or her,
that person will not turn invisible, unless he or she is small
enough to fit into one of your pockets.
Your Invisibility ends if you attack anyone or anything, begin
casting a spell, or you use a power with an obviously visual
effect. Actions you direct at unattended objects do not render you
visible, nor does causing harm indirectly. You can open doors,
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers
talk, eat, climb stairs, cut the ropes holding a rope bridge while
enemies are on it, remotely trigger traps, drive a car, launch
missiles from an aircraft, and so forth, but not shoot a gun, throw
a punch, or fire an Energy Attack.
This power does not silence you, and certain other conditions
can render you detectable, such as stepping in a puddle, or being
immersed in mud.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Invisible Attack
Cost: 4CP
You can now remain invisible while attacking, casting most
spells or using most powers. Highly visible powers, or powers
with a Bizarre Area Effect, will still break the Invisibility.
Enhancement: Full-Spectrum Invisibility
Cost: 2CP
The power conceals you from detection by infra-red,
thermographic, ultraviolet, and other forms of super vision.
Powers and abilities specifically designed to see invisible
creatures can still pierce your Invisibility.
Enhancement: Conceal Other
Cost: 3CP
Activate: +1PP; full-round action
Range: touch (special)
You can turn one person Invisible, but you must remain in
physical contact with that person or some part of their clothing;
thus you can hold hands, grab on to their collar, or one of you
could carry the other. The activation time is the same as your
normal activation time for this power. If you render yourself and
another person Invisible at the same time, you can activate both
power effects at once.
Enhancement: Conceal Group
Cost: 4CP
Activate: +4PP; full-round action
You can turn yourself, and everyone within 5 feet of you,
invisible. This can include anyone in an adjacent square, in
combat situations (8 people), or up to 16 people in a non-combat
situation. Those within the area of effect can see each other.
Anyone who leaves the area will become visible again. The
Invisible Attack enhancement does not apply when using
Conceal Group. If anyone concealed makes an attack, your
Invisibility ends for the whole group.
Enhancement: Standard Action Shift
Cost: 2CP
You can now turn Invisible in a single Standard action.
Enhancement: Move Action Shift
Cost: 2CP
You can now turn Invisible in a single Move action.
Enhancement: Swift Action Shift
Cost: 2CP
You can now turn Invisible in a single Swift action.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
119
Enhancement: Reduced Power Drain
Cost: 2CP
This reduces your sustain cost by 1 PP. You can take this
enhancement only once.
Limitations
Limitation: Mental Invisibility
Value: 2CP
You do not actually become invisible. Instead, you mentally
convince people, through whatever explanation you like, to "not
see you." They can look right at you, but your presence simply
does not register in their minds. This functions like normal
Invisibility in all ways, except one. Non-intelligent means and
non-organic creatures can detect you, things like machine life,
robots, security cameras, or motion sensors, for example. By the
same token, creatures otherwise immune to Charm effects
automatically see through Mental Invisibility. Your image can be
recorded with a camera. All other enhancements and rules apply
normally.
Limitation: Intelligent Only
Value: 1CP
Prerequisite: Mental Invisibility
Your Mental Invisibility works only on creatures or people
with Intelligence scores above 5. It does not affect animals.
Limitation: Naturally Invisibile
Value: 2CP
Your natural state is your invisible form, and you have to
expend PPs to make yourself visible. All other rules of the power
apply as normal.
Limitation: Stuck Invisible
Value: 6CP
You cannot render yourself visible at all; clothing, equipment,
and other objects no longer become invisible when you carry
them. You can make yourself visible by wearing cloths, glasses, a
wig, etc., but your actual body is transparent.
Special: You can "buy off" this limitation for 8CPs.
Life Leech
[Power]
Cost: 3CP per 1d6 of Leeching
Activate: 2PPs per d6 (By CL); use-activated (attack)
Range: touch
Save: Fortitude (negates), Constitution-based
For every rank in this power, you can potentially Leech 1d6
HPs from one target and absorb half of those HPs into yourself.
You can Leech one specific Creature Type: humanoid, undead, or
mechanoid (player's choice). To perform a Life Leech attack, you
must make a touch attack against your target. If you succeed, you
do negative-energy damage to the target and convert it into
positive energy that you channel into yourself.
You cannot score a critical hit with a Life Leech attack. You
must expend PPs whether you hit or not. You cannot combine
this power with an Unarmed Strike. You lose any HPs that you
Leech that exceed your current HP capacity. You can take up to
10 ranks in the power.
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120 Chapter 5: Powers
The By-CL cost of Life Leech is different than the standard,
because when you use it, you're both doing damage and healing
yourself. Therefore, you can activate the power for a number of
dice equal to one-quarter (¼) your CL for free. Basically, 1d6 for
every four levels, so 1d6 from 1 st to 4th level, 2d6 from 5 th to 8th,
3d6 at 9th to 12th, etc. Note that this is just your "by-CL" amount,
not your maximum allowed.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Efficient Leech
Cost: 3CP
You now gain 1HP for every HP you Leech from a target.
Enhancement: Extra Hit Points
Cost: 3CP
If the number of hit points you Leech from a target exceeds
your maximum hit points, you now retain them temporarily. You
lose extra hit points at a rate of 1 per round until you reach your
normal maximum. If you take damage, that damage counts
toward your extra hit points first.
Remember that non-lethal damage renders you staggered or
unconscious only when it equals your current HP total.
Therefore, if you have extra HPs, above your normal maximum,
then you can conceivably have non-lethal damage that also
exceeds that maximum. In that case, as your extra hit points
faded, you would eventually become staggered for one round
and then fall unconscious on your next round, unless someone or
something healed you in the intervening time.
Enhancement: Retain Hit Points
Cost: 1CP
Prerequisite: Extra Hit Points
When you have extra hit points, you lose them at a rate of
1HP every second round.
Enhancement: Constitution Leech
Cost: 3CP per 1d4 Constitution damage
For every rank in this enhancement, you cause 1d4 temporary
ability point damage to Constitution instead of Leeching HPs.
For every 1d4 Constitution points, you gain a flat 5HPs. You can
take this enhancement up to 5 times.
Enhancement: Additional Creature Type
Cost: 3CP
You can Leech the hit points of one additional creature type.
You can take this enhancement multiple times. Each time, it
applies to a new creature type.
Enhancement: Ranged Use
Cost: 4CP
You can Leech at a distance, using a ranged touch attack. The
power now has an effective range increment of 20 feet.
Limitations
Limitation: Grappling Leech
Value: 3CP
You can Leech HPs from targets only when you've
successfully grappled them. All other rules apply normally: you
120 Phoenix v10 (draft)
must still hit with a touch attack once you've grappled the target,
and that attack takes a -4 penalty (because you're in a grapple).
Why you might need to grapple to Leech is up to you, but one
extremely common explanation is that you need to bite the target
on the neck (hint hint). You cannot take this limitation if you
have the Ranged Use enhancement.
Liquid Form
[Power]
Cost: 12CP
Activate: 1PP; move action
Sustain: per round/hour; free action
Range: self
You can turn your body into a translucent liquid substance.
Any equipment you wear or carry falls to the floor when you
shift to Liquid Form. Returning to your normal form is a move
action.
While in Liquid Form, you take only half normal damage
from physical attacks, after applying DR and all other relevant
resistances. Fire/Heat based energy attacks do double damage, as
do Ice/Cold based attacks. Again, apply damage after DR. Other
attacks deal damage normally. You are considered unarmed in
liquid form, but can otherwise fight normally using unarmed
strikes. You cannot grapple or be grappled in Liquid Form. Your
saves, ability scores and other traits are unaffected. You cannot
speak, or use spells while in liquid form, nor do you benefit from
Natural Weapons.
While in Liquid Form, your body has all the flexibility and
malleability of a liquid. You can easily flow under a door or
through a crack, as well as pass through grates and fences. You
cannot pass through impermeable surfaces, however. You move
at your normal movement rate.
You still have the full benefit of any powers you might have,
including those that improve Defence or DR, in Liquid Form.
You also cannot be blinded or deafened. You still require oxygen
(assuming you breathe), but you can absorb it from the
atmosphere, or even from water if you are submerged in it. You
will still asphyxiate in an area without oxygen (such as space), or
by being drowned in a liquid that contains no oxygen.
If you use this power to hide within a larger pool of liquid,
you get a +20 to your Stealth check.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Liquid Equipment
Cost: 2CP
Your equipment shifts into liquid form along with you. You
cannot use any equipment in liquid form, though. Liquid armour
offers no protection. Your equipment returns to normal when you
do.
Enhancement: Swift-Action Shift
Cost: 2CP
You can now shift forms as a swift action.
Enhancement: Reflexive Shift
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Swift Action Shift
Activate: 1PP; swift-action
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 Chapter 5: Powers 121

If you retain your Dexterity bonus and are hit for physical
damage (either by an attack or something that triggers a saving
throw), you can make a Reflex save to instantly shift into, or out
of, Liquid Form a split second before the damage occurs. In the
case of most physical attacks, being in Liquid Form means you
take half damage. If you are in Liquid Form and are hit by a heat-
or cold-based attack, shifting into solid form avoids the double
damage that those attacks normally do when you're in Liquid
Form. The DC of the Reflex save equals either half the attack
roll or the save DC of the in-coming effect, -5. You must declare
your intention to invoke this enhancement after the hit is
announced but before full damage is calculated.
Enhancement: Reduced Power Drain
Cost: 2CP
The activation cost to shift into Liquid Form is reduced by
1PP. You can take this Enhancement twice. This enhancement
has no effect on the sustained cost.
Limitations
Limitation: Naturally Liquid
Value: 2CP
Your natural state is your liquid form, and you have to expend change into a complex machine, anything with more moving
PPs to make yourself solid. All other rules of the power apply as parts than a few simple hinges, you need a minimum of 3 ranks
normal.
Limitation: Stuck Liquid
Value: 6CP
You cannot render yourself liquid at all; clothing, equipment, or a functioning door should have no additional cost, but
and other objects no longer become liquid when you carry them. replicating a working mechanical cash register might.
Special: You can "buy off" this limitation for 8CPs.
Longevity
[Trait]
Cost: 1CP per 100 years
You age at a rate much slower than most people. For every
rank in this power, add 100 years to your lifespan. Ageing effects
increase your age in real years, which means that you effectively
don't age much because you have many more years to spare. You
can take up to 5 ranks in this power.
Enhancements run on conventional power, like a wall socket or car battery,
Enhancement: Ageless
Cost: 1CP
Prerequisite: 5 ranks in Longevity
You are now essentially immortal. While you can still die of
injuries or disease, you will never die as a result of age, and are
completely immune to ageing effects. Your apparent age is in
your mid-twenties by default, though you can choose a different
apparent age if you wish.
Powers: M ‒ N
Metamorph
[Power]
Cost: 3CP
Activate: 1PP; full-round action
Sustain: per round/hour; free
Range: self
You can assume the shape of any inanimate object but only if
it is within one size category of your own. For example, a
mailbox or bookcase is about medium-sized. While in the shape
of an object, you cannot move at all, except to shift back to
normal shape. Only an Observe (DC 20) or Search check (DC
15) will reveal that you are not actually the object whose form
you've taken on.
You do not gain the Hardness of an object you become, which
means that if you're used as a weapon, you take half damage and
deal half damage to anything you're used to strike. You can
change into simple objects only, without moving parts. If you
change into something that would have moving parts, you take
only the shape of it and lack the functionality.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Machine Form
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisites: Craft (mechanical) 3 ranks
You now have the ability to take on the shape of fully
functional machines with moving parts. Thus you can become a
functional door, bicycle, hide-a-bed, car, gun, what have you. To
in the appropriate Craft skill. To turn into a car, for example,
requires Craft (mechanical). To turn into a cell phone requires
Craft (electronic), and so on. GMs might impose extra PP costs
depending on the complexity of the machine you form. A wheel
You do not automatically gain the Hardness of an object you
become, which means that if you try to fire a bullet as a gun and
don't have adequate DR, you're going to be in for a world of hurt.
You can, in theory, become an electronic device, but your parts
are still basically organic, so any electrical flow would cause
damage.
Enhancement: Electrical
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Craft (electronic) 3 ranks, Craft (mechanical) 3
ranks, Machine Form
You can now form machines that carry electrical signals and
without taking damage. You can, for example, change into a
computer and plug into a wall, or an electric mower. This
enhancement does not grant any form of resistance to electrical
attacks.
Enhancement: Internal Combustion
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Craft (mechanical) 3 ranks, Machine Form
You can now form machines that run on internal combustion,
including engines and firearms. You can turn into a car that runs
on gas or a canon that fire real canon balls. This enhancement
does not grant any form of resistance to sonic/concussive attacks
or damage from explosions that originate outside your
mechanical body.

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 121

122
Enhancement: Mobility
Cost: 3CP
When you are in the shape of an inanimate object, you can
move in any way reasonably possible for the object. As a chair,
you could run on your legs, a tire could roll itself, a rope could
slither like e a snake, etc.. If you were a complex object, you
could operate under your own motive power. For instance, if you
changed into a car, you could drive around on your own. If you
changed into a revolving door, you could revolve yourself. Note
that your speed in any form is limited to your normal movement
rate. Just because you're a self-propelled car doesn't mean you
can now cruise around at 100mph. However, if you were a
bicycle, someone could certainly pedal you faster than your
normal movement rate.
Mighty Lifting
[Trait]
Cost: 2CP per multiplier
You can lift and carry much more weight than your Strength
score would normally allow. Every rank in this power increases
your load, lift, and drag values by 100%. In game terms, it adds a
x2 multiplier to them. One rank in the power is x2, two ranks is
x3, three ranks is x4, etc. The light load for Strength 20, for
example, is 133 pounds. With two ranks in Mighty Lifting, it
would increase to 499 pounds (133lbs x3). This power increases
your loads for all game purposes, including attacking with over-
sized objects (see Chapter 8: Combat and Movement). It has no
other affect on your Strength, such as attack and damage
bonuses.
Mystic Spell-Casting
[Power]
Cost: 10CP per rank (spell level)
Prerequisite: Mystic Origin
Activate: 3PPs per spell level;
use-activated (spell-casting)
Save: as spell
This power 20 grants you the ability to cast mystic spells.
Every rank in this power grants two things: a) access to one level
of spells off of the Mystic Spell lists (see Mystic Spells in
Chapter 6: F/X), and b) you learn, and thus can cast, 10 spells
off of that list. The base power allows you to learn and cast all of
the cantrips/orisons (0-level spells), and each subsequent rank
in the power grants 10 spells off of the next level of spells. The
Origin of Mystic Spell-Casting is always Mystical. Your Origin,
or one of your Origins, must be Mystical for you to take this
power.
You must spend 30 minutes a day preparing your mind and
soul for the act of spell-casting for the next 24 hours, and this
time is above and beyond your body's normal ability to
regenerate power points. You can pray, meditate, or study. It must
be at a specific time of day, such as dawn, noon, or tea time.
20 In Phoenix, classes reflect personality types, dictate fighting abilities, skill
access, and things like that. They don't determine powers, and in a superhero
setting, spells are a kind of power. Therefore, we've converted them to actual
in-game "powers." If your GM agrees, and you're particularly attached to
spell-casting as a class ability, you can play a Mystic.
122
Chapter 5: Powers
You are subject to Arcane Spell Failure percentages for
wearing armour while spell-casting, at a rate of 5% per +1
armour/shield bonus. Your spell-casting can be disrupted, as per
standard rules. Casting spells does provoke attacks of
opportunity.
You must follow all spell component rules, including having
a holy symbol for spells that call for them. Purchase DCs are not
listed with most of the spells. Your GM will estimate a PDC
based on the conversion tables in the SRDs, but only if the items
are available for purchase. For example, Sleep calls for sand and
Spider Climb calls for a spider. There's no need to purchase such
components. However, Instant Identify requires a pearl (PDC
12), which is unlikely to be sitting around the house.
Use Intelligence or Wisdom (player's choice) to determine
your spell's saving throws and your maximum casting level .
This choice is permanent. It represents the fundamental
philosophical and personal basis with which you activate your
mystic spells. To take the base version of this power, you need at
least a 10 in the appropriate ability score and the enhancements
require even higher scores, but they follow a standard formula.
Your Intelligence/Wisdom must equal the level of the spell +
10. Therefore, to cast a 7 th-level spell requires an attribute of 17
or more.
Although you certainly have a spell book of some kind, it
doesn't need to be any particular shape. It can be large, musty
books, or a collection of ancient scrolls, or even a bunch of files
on a hard drive. It's not necessary to keep track of exactly what
your "spell books" actually are, but role-playing their particular
form can be a lot of fun.
Finally, this power grants the ability to activate spell-trigger
items like wands and staves. You have access to the Mystic
spell lists (see Chapter 6: F/X). Your Caster Level equals your
highest spell-casting level multiplied by 2 . If you can cast 5th-
level spells, your effective caster level is 10. Thus your caster
level is not, in fact, linked to your character level.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Increased Caster Level
Cost: 4CP
For every rank in this enhancement, your Caster Level
increases by 1. You can take a number of ranks in this
enhancement equal to your CL. Its effect stacks.
Enhancement: Spell
Cost: 1CP per rank (spell level)
This enhancement allows you to learn a new spell of your
choosing. You can select any spell off of the Mystic spell-casting
list. Spells cost 1CP per level, so Stoneskin would cost 4CP.
Natural Armour
[Trait]
Cost: 2CP per rank (Natural +1)
Range: self
You have an unusual level of natural protection. This might
be because you have scales, implanted armour plates, magical
force fields, or just nigh-invulnerable skin. For every 2 CP that
Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers 123

you invest in this power you gain a +1 Natural bonus to your

Defence score. You can take up to ten ranks in this trait. Enhancement: Super Natural Weapons
Cost: 2CP
Limitations Activate: n/a
Limitation: Active Natural Armour Your Natural Weapons are now Super. They can, therefore,
Value: 1CP per point of Defence bypass DR/super but are also vulnerable to the metapowers.
Activate: free; free action
Sustain: free; free action Limitations
Your Natural Armour is now a power. Limitation: Single Natural Weapon
Value: +1CP
Natural Weapons Your character has a single natural weapon, rather than a
[Trait] matched pair. This can be anything from a tail stinger to a single
Cost: 2CP horn.
You have two body parts that you can use like weapons, such
as claws, jaws, horns, elbow spikes, etc.. You are now always Need Not Breath
"armed," for game purposes, and you can use your Natural [Trait]
Weapons for two-weapon fighting just as if you were wielding Cost: 4CP
two weapons. Natural Weapons are "simple" and "light"; their You don't breathe. Any and all penalties related to
damage is 1d6 (20/x2). When you take this trait, you must decide asphyxiation do not apply to you. You are still vulnerable to
if your Natural Weapons do lethal or non-lethal damage. sever pressure or decompression, so deep submersion and
Unless your weapon is retractable, your GM might require exposure to a vacuum still affect you normally.
that you take Bizarre Area Effect to account for your unusual
appearance. Need Not Eat
Enhancements [Trait]
Enhancement: Adamantine Cost: 1CP
Cost: 3CP You don't need to eat. Any and all penalties related to
For whatever reason you care to supply, your Natural starvation do not apply to you. You do, however, still need to
Weapon ignores DR. remain hydrated, so you do need to drink water.
Enhancement
Enhancement: Extra Weapon Enhancement: Need Not Drink
Cost: 1CP per rank (extra weapon) Cost: 1CP
For every rank in this enhancement, you have another You do not need to drink water. Any and all penalties related
Natural Weapon mounted somewhere on your body. You can to dehydration do not apply to you.
mount an Extra Weapon onto an Appendage. This enhancement
does not automatically grant extra attacks or extra limbs. Need Not Sleep
[Trait]
Enhancement: Improved Damage Cost: 2CP
Cost: 1CP per rank (+1d6 damage) You don't sleep. Any and all penalties related to lack of sleep
Every rank in this power adds 1d6 damage to your Natural do not apply to you. You are still vulnerable to physical fatigue,
Weapons. You can take this enhancement multiple times. Each however, and must allow your body to recover from exertion, but
time, it adds 1d6 damage, to a maximum of 10d6 each (i.e., 9 you don't have to spend 8 hours a day unconscious.
ranks).
Powers: P
Enhancement: Ranged Natural Weapons Penetrating Vision
Cost: 2CP per rank [Power]
You can now use your Natural Weapons as ranged weapons. Cost: 8CP
This can mean that you grow them from your flesh and then Activate: 1PP; move action
throw them, or that they actually launch from your hands, mouth, Sustain: per round/minute; move action
head, etc. In any case, they behave like thrown weapons. For Range: 60 feet
every rank in this power, your Natural Weapons get a range You can see through physical barriers. If successful, you can
increment of 20'. You can take this enhancement up to 3 times. see whatever lies on the other side as though there were no
obstruction at all. Because seeing through things requires a
Enhancement: Retractable Natural Weapon degree of concentration, you can only attempt to examine what is
Cost: 2CP behind one wall, surface, or obstruction at a time.
You can retract your Natural Weapons and completely hide In order to use this power, you must choose a surface and
them from view. This allows you to pass as unarmed to the naked examine it with a Observe check. If the check meets or exceeds a
eye. DC based on the type and thickness of the barrier (see table,

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 123

124 Chapter 5: Powers

Observe DC Barrier (see table, right). Class Features vary slightly in power level
5 thin wood or plaster (e.g., an inside wall) and/or utility, and you can emulate only those class features that
you observe in action (you cannot emulate a Bonus Feat and then
10 thick wood (e.g., a door, reinforced wall) pick a random feat, for example).
10 every-day clothing To activate this power, you must observe someone employing
12 body armour the ability you want to mimic. It take 20 minutes per CP value
13 metal, 1 inch (e.g., door, wall, etc.) of the ability. You can observe either first-hand (e.g., attending a
basketball game) or through a recording (e.g., watching a karate
15 concrete/stone, 1 foot tournament on TV). For vocal abilities (singing, accents), you
18 concrete/stone, 3 feet can listen to an audio recording. You must observe someone
20 dense metal (e.g., lead, titanium, gold), 1 foot performing the actual ability you want to mimic. You can't just
23 dense metal (e.g., lead, titanium, gold), 3 feet rummage around in their character sheet. To learn a new ability,
you must purge yourself of an old one of equal or greater value
25 solid dirt, 10 feet (player's choice), which requires a full-round action of
below), you will see through the barrier for as long as you like. If concentration, during which you must close your eyes and
you look away, your eyes refocus and you must start the process remain perfectly still. Using the ability afterwards does not cost
again in order to see through that particular object. PPs. You pay the activation when you observe the ability in use.
You must use a move action to activate this power, but The abilities you mimic must be physical in nature , not
sustaining it is effectively free as long as you continue to look mental, and mimicking an ability cannot raise your actual ability
through the object you designate. scores. For example, you could Mimic touch-typing, but not
To look into a person's body requires more subtlety than screenwriting. Similarly, you could Mimic a particular set of
looking through them. It takes one round of Observing them dance moves and a certain ability to improvise similar moves,
before you can start to make out details. At the beginning of the but you would not have the mental capacity to design your own
second round, you can then actually examine under someone's choreography. As a rule of thumb, you can mimic anything based
skin. You can see implants, Supertech Inventions, mundane or on Dexterity, or something that is learned. You can mimic the
otherwise, and even detect alien anatomy. Seeing into a creature's number of Ranks someone has in a physical skill (e.g., Tumble,
body grants a +10 circumstance bonus to any attempt to diagnose Climb, Swim). You can mimic physical feats, and you do not
and/or heal injury. To learn anything from looking into someone's need that feat's prerequisites (e.g., Combat Martial Arts or
body, you have to have relevant skills in human anatomy, and Dodge). Finally, you can mimic class features that are based on
you can see only what you would see if their skin were removed. a physical action (e.g., Uncanny Dodge or Walk Away
If, however, you have Super Senses or Error: Reference source Unscathed), but you cannot mimic a Champion's Bombastic
not found, you can combine it with Penetrating Vision and Aura, for example, because Charisma is a mental ability score.
potentially learn other things about people's insides.
Enhancements
Enhancements
Enhancement: Swift Action Sight Enhancement: Quick Study
Cost: 2CP per rank Quick Study
Cost: 2CP Ranks
For every rank in this Times (per rank)
You can use Penetrating Vision as a swift action.
enhancement, reduce your 1 10 minutes
Enhancement: Reduced Power Drain observation time to learn an ability
(see table, right). 2 5 minutes
Cost: 2CP
Your Penetrating Vision no longer has an activation or 3 1 minute
sustained cost, but is still a Power. Enhancement: Able Learner
Cost: 6CP 4 40 seconds
Photographic Muscle Memory If you currently have a 5 20 seconds
[power] mimicked feat or skill in your
repertoire and you level up, you 12 seconds
Cost: 2CP per rank (1CP worth of abilities) 6
can learn that feat or skill at a (two rounds)
Activate: 1PP per CP value of target power; special
Sustain: special reduced cost. Feats cost 1CP 7 full-round action
You can mimic other people's instead of 2CP, and Skill ranks
Ability Costs by CP cost 1CP for 8 points, instead of 8 standard action
physical abilities through visual
observation. However, you retain Item Cost 1CP for 4 points. If you buy a feat 9 move action
only a limited amount/number of in this fashion, you must have its
Skill Points 1 CP for 4 10 swift action
mimicked abilities at a time. For prerequisites, unlike with the base
Class Features 3CP power.
every rank in the power, you can
retain 1CP worth of abilities , Feats 2 CP each
going by the standard CP costs Powers CP Value

124 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers 125

Power Absorption
[Metapower] Enhancement: Increased Consumption
Cost: 12CP per rank (Origin) Cost: 2CP
Activate: 1PP; use-activated (attack) If you Absorb a power worth less than your maximum CPs (5
Sustain: per round (special rules apply); free action normally, but potentially more if you take Ehhanced Absorption),
Range: touch you can use the remaining CP to Absorb more of the target's
Save: Fortitude (negates), Constitution-based powers. Which power you Absorb next is always chosen
You have the ability to temporarily "steal" the powers of randomly. You can, conceivably, Absorb all of a target's power
other people. When you Absorb a power, your target temporarily with this enhancement.
lose use of one of her powers and you gain that power. This
power can affect only one kind of Origin, which you chose when Enhancement: Multiple Absorptions
you buy it. Traits are immune to Power Absorption. You must Cost: 4CP
touch your target to use this power, which in combat requires a You can now use Power Absorption as many times per round
touch attack. This touch attack requires precision and a small as you can make touch attacks.
amount of concentration, so it cannot be an unarmed strike You
must expend 1PP to activate the power before you roll your touch Enhancement: Precise Absorption
attack, so the PP is lost regardless of whether you hit. You can Cost: 4CP
use this power only once per round. When you attempt to Absorb a power, you can choose which
Your target gets a Saving Throw to avoid the power's effects. power. However, this power does not grant the ability to sense
If she fails, you Absorb one of her powers (randomly selected). what a target's power are, so your choice is limited to those
You can randomly select by using dice, flipping a coin, etc. You powers that you already know that the target has. If you know
can retain the power for a maximum of 2d6 rounds (depending that someone has Flight, you can Absorb it, but if you don't
on how many PPs you have left). At the end of that duration, the know that she has Energy Attack, you cannot.
target is entitled to a new Saving Throw, although you do not
need to make a fresh attack. Enhancement: Ranged Use
You can Absorb up to a 5CP power for each activation. If a Cost: 4CP
power is worth more than 5CP, you Absorb only 5CP worth of You can now Absorb powers at a distance, using a ranged
the power. GMs might round off this amount, so that you employ touch attack. The power now has an effective range increment of
a power without Enhancements, for example, or at a reduced 20 feet.
rank in effectiveness. In such cases, if it's logical, the person
affected by the power might retain some of it. For example, if Enhancement: Variable Absorption
you Absorb 5CP from a 8CP Energy Attack, the target retains a Cost: 3CP per Origin
3CP Energy Attack. Again, GMs will estimate Absorbed and You can Absorb another Origin type (player's choice). The
depleted powers on the fly, for the sake of expediency, and exact power does not change in any other way. You can take this
math is not required. You can, theoretically, use this power enhancement up to four times. It adds a new Origin type each
multiple times to Absorb all of a target's powers. time.
You can also use this power to Absorb super abilities. In this
case, you absorb 4 ranks worth of Ability Enhancement and the Power Armour
target loses 4 ranks in it. [Item] Power Armour Discounts
You cannot Absorb any power that has a base cost greater Discount: 1CP per 5CP Total Cost
than 5 CP. Examples of this include Incorporeality and Activate: as power Discount
of the Powers
Polymorph. If you randomly select a power that you cannot Sustain: as power 5CP 1CP
Absorb for this reason, just randomly select another. Range: as power
Targets cannot activate powers that you Absorb completely, Power Armour is a body- 6CP to 10CP 2CP
but if they have sufficient PPs left to use those powers at reduced mounted frame that you can 11CP to 15CP 3CP
effectiveness, they can do so. Continuous powers cease to install Gadgets onto and that is 16CP to 20CP 4CP
function for the duration of Power Absorption's effects. covered in armour plating. The 21CP to 25CP 5CP
Power Absorption has no permanent effects. frame contains control systems
Enhancements that integrate all your Gadgets' 26CP to 30CP 6CP
Enhancement: Enhanced Absorption functions so that you can use them 31CP to 35CP 7CP
Cost: 4CP per rank all simultaneously, just like having 36CP to 40CP 8CP
Increase the number of CP you can Absorb by 5, for a total of powers. You wear Power Armour 41CP to 45CP 9CP
10 CP. This also raises your Super ability Absorption, thus it just like you would a suit of
reduces the target's score by -8 and raises your corresponding armour. It is assumed to be sized 46CP to 50CP 10CP
score by +8. You can take up to four ranks in this enhancement, for you, but its fortifications
raising the amount of CPs you Absorb to 25 and Super ability increase your height and width enough that you tower over
Absorption to 20.

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 125

126 Chapter 5: Powers

people of your size category. If you are Small-sized, for example, Physical damage that would normally affect you, instead
then so is your Power Armour. reduces the HPs of the suit. That includes anything that would do
You purchase your suit's Gadgets just like you would you physical harm: energy strikes, physical attacks, falling,
regular Gadgets; you get a 1CP discount for ever 5CP worth of explosions, etc. Exceptions include anything that normally
powers you purchase (approximately 20% off), including all bypasses armour, such as poisons or psionic attacks. In addition
enhancements and limitations. There are two differences between to that, critical hits split their doubled damage between you and
Power Armour and Gadgets, however. First, calculate the Gadget the suit.
discount as a total of the whole suit, not per Gadget. Second, you Suits that take significant damage can start to malfunction.
cannot apply the enhancements and limitations listed under When an attack reduces your suit's HPs to ½ their total, your
Gadget. Power Armour has its own enhancements and attacker rolls 1d12 and the corresponding Gadget has a 50%
limitations. Remember that Gadgets can't be loaded with traits or chance of no longer functioning (i.e., you cannot activate its
other items, so neither can Power Armour. power). This is the result not of damaging the Gadget directly,
You must actually wear your Power Armour to access its but damaging the integrated systems that allow you to control
powers. To activate and/or sustain a suit's powers, you consume your Gadgets.
your own PPs, just like Gadgets. The PP costs of those powers When an attack does damage that would reduce the suit's HPs
are unaltered. to ¼, your attacker rolls 1d12 again and another Gadget has a
Power Armour is most commonly Supertech but it can 50% chance of ceasing to function. If the d12 roll indicates a
conceivably be any Origin and you can describe it in almost any Gadget that has already been rendered non-functioning, roll
terms you like. It could, for example be a crystalline shell again. If the d12 indicates an unoccupied Gadget slot, then you
(Cosmic), a living symbiote (Bio), or an ancient suit of magical are a lucky bastard because nothing happens. If a single attack
armour (Mystic). The one common factor is that Power Armour reduces the suit to ½ and ¼, both at once (taking it from 80HPs
is a bulky, full-body covering of some kind. It can be traditional down to only 15,for example), then your attacker rolls 1d12
European plate-male, feudal Japanese battle armour, or make you twice and up to 2 corresponding Gadgets have to roll for a
look like you just stepped out of an anime film. You could be malfunction.
covered in a golden skin or blue crystal. Feel free to get creative. When a suit reaches 0 or fewer HPs, three things happen.
You can load up to 12 Gadgets into your suit and each one is First, it stops absorbing damage. Incoming damage goes
housed in a particular piece of the armour: helm, chest plate, directly to the wearer, although the suit does retain its armour
back plate, left and right arms, belt/cod piece, left and right bonus. Second, individual Gadgets on the suit can now be
thighs, and left and right boots (see table, below). Sundered just like objects that are worn or carried. Sunder
Power Armour mostly behaves attempts that reduce a Gadget to 0HPs cause the Gadget in
the same way as standard armour. It Gadget Locations question to cease functioning until repaired. Third, all your
has an armour bonus of +2 and Helm 1 Gadgets must make a 50% failure check (as above) .
incurs an Armour Check Penalty Chest Plate 2 Gadgets that are individually sundered must be individually
of -1, a Maximum Dexterity bonus repaired (see the Gadget description). Gadgets that are knocked
Back Plate 3
of +8, and weighs effectively 25 lbs. out by damaging the suit are not individually damaged, as noted,
A great deal of its internal Left Arm 4 thus the way to return them to functioning is to repair the suit
mechanics are dedicated to Right Arm 5 itself. When a suit is brought up to ¼ its HPs, one Gadget comes
supporting its own weight and Left Gauntlet 6 back on-line, and another one comes back when the suit is
allowing the wearer to move with brought back to ½ its HPs. When a suit is brought up to full
Right Gauntlet 7
relative ease and freedom, so the HPs, all Gadgets begin to function again, unless they were
penalties for wearing it are minimal. Belt/Cod Piece 8 rendered non-functional by a Sundering attack.
You can, however, take the Left Thigh 9 To fix a suit of Power Armour requires a check to the
Armoured enhancement to increase Right Thigh 10 appropriate skill (again, see Gadgets for more information on
its physical protection at the cost of repairing them). The DC for the check is 10. For every point by
Left Boot 11
manoeuvrability. which you exceed the skill check, you restore 1HP to the suit.
You must take the Proficiency: Right Boot 12 This requires an appropriate workspace (a machine shop,
Armour (powered) in order to chemical lab, an attuned crystal vault, etc.) and takes one hour. If
wear/pilot power armour without a penalty. The Armoured you repair zero or fewer HPs (i.e., the skill check is a modified
enhancement (see below) can increase the armour bonus but it 10 or less), then you cannot do any more work for the day,
also increases the penalties for wearing armour. although the suit is not any more damaged by such a failed
Unlike other kinds of armour, Power Armour has its own attempted. If your skill check result is 5 or less, you accidentally
HPs; it is designed to absorb incoming damage so that you don't cause an extra 2d6 damage to the suit. You can Take 10 on this
have to. If your suit is Supertech, this could represent self- check if circumstances permit.
detonating plates that sacrifice themselves to ward off physical Healing effects, like Healing Touch or one of the Cure spells,
damage. A Biosuit might actually take hits and bleed to keep you can affect a Bio-Origin suit of Power Armour. However,
safe. The specific explanation is, as always, up to you. individual applications of those healing effects must be directed
Regardless, suits of Power Armour start with 50HPs. separately at either the suit or the wearer. Not both

126 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers 127

simultaneously. Repairing Touch can restore HPs to a Supertech Armoured

suit. Armour Armour Max Dex Spell
You can don your Power Armour in 4 rounds, or 2 if Ranks Speed
Bonus Penalty Bonus Failure
someone helps. A disassembled suit fits into a suitcase or large None +2 -1 +8 0% -
backpack. If the idiom fits, however, your suit could instead be a 1 (2CP) +4 -2 +7 10% -
similarly sized blob of biomatter that oozes over your skin or an
2 (4CP) +6 -3 +6 20% -
ancient Roman helm that conjures the rest of the suit. The
material nature of the suit doesn't change (it's still the size of a 3 (6CP) +8 -4 +5 30% -10 feet
suitcase when not worn and takes 4 rounds to don), but you can, 4 (8CP) +10 -5 +4 40% -10 feet
and are encouraged to, describe it fanciful terms. 21 Large and Huge-Sized Armour
5 (10CP) +12 -6 +2 50% -15 feet
Enhancements 6 (12CP) +14 -8 +0 75% -15 feet
Enhancement: Air Scrubbers
7 (14CP) +16 -10 -2 90% -20 feet
Cost: 4CP
8 (16CP) +18 -12 -4 100% -20 feet
Your Power Armour is air tight, except for a small intake that
is supplied with an advanced air filtration system, the upshot of example, the components could rise into the air, swirl around you
which is that it blocks airborne chemicals, such as gasses or in a whirl of purple lightning bolts and then attach to your body
aerosols, from affecting you. as you scream power words in Japanese. Y'know, for example.
Enhancement: Armoured Enhancement: Really Fast Donning
Cost: 3CP per rank Cost: 2CP
Your suit is outfitted with heavier armour plating which Prerequisite: Fast Donning
grants an armour bonus to Defence, but the resulting weight and Activate: 1PP
bulkiness also increases the penalties. For every rank in this You can, miraculously don your Power Armour in a single
enhancement (see table), add a +2 armour bonus, increase the standard action. This effect is both stunning and hard to catch
Armour Check Penalty by 1, reduce the Maximum Dexterity with the naked eye. Chances are, it happens so fast that most
Bonus by 1, and add 10% to the Spell Failure rate. Finally, at people won't notice until you're already mixing it up in a fight.
rank 3, subtract 10 feet from your speed (see table, below). You
can take this enhancement up to 4 times for a total armour bonus Enhancement: Increase Hit Points
of +10, unless you have Large-Sized Power Armour, in which Cost: 1CP per rank (3HPs)
case you can take it up to 8 times for a bonus of +18. 22 For every rank in this enhancement, add 3HPs to your Power
Armour. You can take this enhancement multiple times. Its
Enhancement: Extra Gadget Slot effects stack.
Cost: 4CP
Your Power Armour has an extra Gadget slot, bringing the Enhancement: Large-Sized Armour
total up to 13. You can take this enhancement up to 4 times, Cost: 3CP
bringing your total Gadget slots to 16. Once you have more than Your Power Armour is now large-sized. You no longer wear
12 Gadget slots, the easiest way to randomly hit one of them is to it so much as you pilot it. It is approximately 4 metres tall (12
roll a d20 until you get a result from 1 to 13. You can choose to feet) and weighs around 1 tonne. You take all the standard
locate these new slots anywhere you like, but the standard penalties and bonuses for being Large-sized: Defence -1, Grapple
expansion points are: left/right shoulders, left/right forearms, left/ +4, Stealth -4, Space 10 ft, Reach 10 ft. Large Power Armour
right shins. also has an extra two Gadget slots: left/right shoulders. You can
also access ranks 4 through 8 of the Armoured enhancement.
Enhancement: Fast Donning Finally, you and the GM must agree to always remember that
Cost: 1CP you're 4 metres tall and weigh a tonne! This makes a significant
You can don your Power Armour in a single, full-round difference to how you can play the character. 23
action. Feel free to describe this in fantastical detail. For
Enhancement: Huge-Sized Armour
21 If the Power Armour rules look more complicated than you want to deal
with, then you can instead just take the powers you want and describe them Prerequisite: Large-Sized Armour
as if they were a suit of techno-armour. You could even take the Bizarre Area Cost: 3CP
Effect Complication and get a few bonus CPs. Never forget that the numbers Your Power Armour is now huge-sized. You need a step-
are just there to simulate whatever in-game effect you're trying to create. Feel ladder to get into it. It is approximately 6 metres tall (20 feet) and
free to get creative.
22 Don't forget that you can load protection powers into a suit of Power Armour
as well as the Armoured enhancement. The mundane armour bonus is just 23 Don't forget that you can add any power to your Power Armour, including
that, a way to build some physical protection into your suit. The powers Size Shift, which even has a convenient Shift Power Armour enhancement.
Amazing Defence and Damage Reduction can be loaded into a suit, as can the This enhancement does not offer access to the expanded Armoured
Resistance powers. Amazing Deflection and Amazing Dodge have enhancements, but it does offer the ability to Shift Size on the fly. Choose
Limitations that can make them powers, as well. wisely!

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128 Chapter 5: Powers

weighs 8 tonnes. You take all the standard penalties and bonuses Enhancement: Air Tank
for being Huge: Defence -2, Grapple +8, Space 15 ft., Reach 15 Prerequisite: Space Suit or Submarine
ft. Huge Power Armour grants an addition two Gadget slots: left/ Cost: 1CP per rank
right forearms. You can still access ranks 4 through 8 of the Your Power Armour has an extra Air Tank, but this spare tank
Armoured enhancement. takes up one of your Gadget slots. For every rank in this
You must get special permission from your GM to take Huge enhancement, you have 1 extra hour of air. You can take the
Power Armour because your character will not fit in most places enhancement up to three times.
and will fall through most floors, which can have an affect on the Limitations
game. Limitation: Fragile Armour
Value: 2CP
Enhancement: Power Points Prerequisite: 10CP worth of Gadgets
Cost: 2CP per rank (+5PPs) If an attacker rolls d12 and strikes an empty Gadget slot, she
For every rank in this power, Rate of CP re-rolls the d12 until she hits an occupied slot. In addition,
your suit of Power Armour gets +5 Self-Repair Cost Gadgets have a 75% chance of being rendered non-functional at
PPs of its own. You can use these 1HP / hour 2CP ½ and ¼ HPs, though they are not all rendered non-functional
points to fuel only the suit's when the suit reaches 0HPs or lower.
powers. You can take this 1HP / minute 3CP
enhancement multiple times. Its 1HP / round 5CP Power Detection
effects stack. 2HP / round 10CP [Metapower]
Cost: 5CP
3HP / round 15CP
Enhancement: Self-Repairing Activate: 1PP; move action
Cost: varies 4HP / round 20CP Sustain: per minute; special
This enhancement grants your 5HP / round 25CP Range: 60 ft.
Power Armour the ability to repair You can sense when certain kinds of powers are used in your
itself, as per the table. It can self-repair only if it is at 0HPs or near vicinity, but you must have Power Detection activated to do
more. As always, how the suit self-repairs is up to you. A Bio so. If a power is activated or sustained within your range, then
suit could just heal very quickly. A Supertech suit might be filled you will sense it. As a move action, you can concentrate on the
with nanobots. A Mystical suit could just glow and reform itself, power and can get a general sense of direction (in one of the
little by little. eight cardinal directions).
If you expend a second move Power CR
action, either on that or a subsequent Strength Range
Enhancement: Power Armour Resurrection round, and only while still in range, Low 1 – 10CR
Cost: 4CP you can get a sense of distance to Medium 11 – 25CR
Prerequisite: Self-Repairing within 20 feet (i.e., if it were 25 feet High 26 – 50CR
Your Power Armour continues to self-repair even after it's away, you'll sense "between 20 and
Very High 51 – 75CR
been brought to 0HPs or below, although the Rate of Healing is 40 feet"). On the third round, you
can tell the power's Origin and its Run 76+ CR
halved (½ HP every hour for 2CP, 1HP every round for 5CP,
etc.). As long as the bulk of the parts are within 1 foot of each strength, measured in CPs .
other, they will eventually reform into the Power Armour you You can detect Super ability scores only when and if they are
know at love. actively in use. Thus, someone using Super Strength to throw a
car, someone using Super Dexterity to dodge a blow, someone
Enhancement: Space Suit using Super Constitution to make a saving throw, etc. Attacking,
Cost: 3CP avoiding damage, making a skill check, and making a saving
Your Power Armour is adapted to allow you to survive in throw all constitute a Super Ability "in use."
space. It is air tight, has an independent oxygen supply (which You also detect anyone who has powers that are not activated
lasts for 1 hour and takes up only minimal space on your suit), and who passes within half of your Power Detection range.
sufficient shielding to ward off radiation, and is physically sturdy Concentrating on the power yields the same results, and takes as
enough to withstand the negative pressure of a vacuum. much time, as detailed above.
If a target has more than one active power, you will sense the
Enhancement: Submarine total CP of all of them, and you will get a sense of the Origin of
Cost: 3CP whichever is more powerful, if they have different Origins. Only
Your Power Armour is adapted to allow you to survive under if the powers are within 2CP of each other, will you sense
water. It is air tight, has an independent oxygen supply (which multiple Origins.
lasts for 1 hour and takes up only minimal space on your suit), This power cannot cancel for the miss chance of
and is physically sturdy enough to withstand the pressures of concealment, but it does add a +10 bonus to your Observe or
deep-sea diving. Listen check to sense the physical presence of a concealed
character whose powers you have Detected (invisible, in the

128 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers
dark, behind a curtain, etc.). You also might be able to
extrapolate a position based on your observations in concert with
the power (i.e., your GM tells you that you hear someone in the
closet and you sense a power in that direction, less than 10 feet
away), but that kind of problem-solving is up to you.
Although you can, technically, sense someone using Mental
Invisibility with this power, their power sees to it that you do not
notice that you sense it.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Broad Detection
Cost: 2PP
You can now detect the use of items (magic, psionic,
supertech) and item-based powers ( Gadgets, Power Armour,
Inventions, etc.). However, you can detect only items that have
been or are activated. Thus, you cannot detect a Mystical sword
+2 (no activation), but you can detect a Belt of Flight if the
wearer is flying. Instantaneous effects hit you like a flash, so you
have no opportunity to sense distance, or Origin and strength, but
if the same effect is used again on a subsequent round during the
same encounter, that second use counts as your second round of
detection (distance), and a third use a third round
(Origin/strength). Thus, if a Mystic were to use three Magic
Missile spells from a wand in your range over the course of six
rounds, you would detect, first, the power's use, second, it's
distance, and third, it's Origin and strength. The CP strength of a
Mystical or Psionic item is double it's caster level.
Enhancement: Detect Anomaly
Cost: 2CP
You have the ability to detect major anomalies in the natural
space-time continuum, provided they are within 500 feet of your
location. These anomalies include wormholes, cosmic portals,
altered time-flow, astral gates, tears in space-time, dimensional
rifts, distorted geometry, and the like. You will have only a
general sense of the direction of the anomaly until you are within
60 feet of it, at which time you will know its precise location.
Enhancement: Detect Entity
Cost: 2PP
You now have the ability to detect the presence of significant
beings (more than 10 hit dice) that have the Outsider,
Extraplanar, Omega, or Undead types, including infernal beings,
celestials, deities, elementals and other such beings. The Entities
in question do not have to have or use any powers for you to
detect them. Their mere presence is sufficient. You can detect
Entities at double the normal distance, and automatically
pinpoint their location if invisible or otherwise concealed.
Enhancement: Enhanced Range
Cost: 2CP
Your Power Detection now functions out to 30 feet further
than usual. You can take this enhancement twice, for a maximum
range of 120 feet.
Power Duplication
[Metapower]
Cost: 5CP per rank (Origin)
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
129
Activate: 1PP; use-activated (attack)
Sustain: per round (special rules apply); free action
Range: touch
Save: Fortitude (negates), Constitution-based
You have the ability to temporarily mimic the powers of other
people. This power can affect only one kind of Origin, which you
chose when you buy it. Traits are immune to Power Duplication.
You must touch your target to use this power, which in combat
requires a touch attack. This touch attack requires precision and a
small amount of concentration, so it cannot be an unarmed strike.
You must expend 3PPs to activate the power before you roll your
touch attack, so the PPs are lost regardless of whether you hit.
You can use this power only once per round.
Your target gets a Saving Throw to avoid the power's effects.
If she fails, you Absorb one of her powers (randomly selected).
You can randomly select by using dice, flipping a coin, etc. You
can retain the power for a maximum of 2d6 rounds (depending
on how many PPs you have left). At the end of that duration, the
target is entitled to a new Saving Throw, although you do not
need to make a fresh attack.
You can Duplicate up to a 5CP power for each activation. If a
power is worth more than 5CP, you Duplicate only 5 CP worth of
the power. GMs might round off this amount, so that you employ
a power without enhancements, for example, or at a reduced
level of effectiveness. You can, theoretically, use this power
multiple times to Duplicate all of a target's powers.
You can also use this power to Duplicate super abilities, but
instead of calculating CP costs, you simply gain a +4 to a super
ability in which your target has at least a +4 Enhanced Ability.
For example, if your target has Constitution 27, Intelligence 32,
and Charisma 25, you could roll d6 to determine which you gain.
If it's Intelligence, your Intelligence score would gain a +4.
However, if you were to start with an Intelligence score of +30
and the target's was 32, Duplication could raise yours only to 32.
You cannot Duplicate any power that has a base cost greater
than 5 CP, and that does not have a less costly version. Examples
of this include Incorporeality and Polymorph. If you randomly
select a power that you cannot Duplicate for this reason, select
again. Power Duplication has no permanent effects.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Enhanced Duplication
Cost: 4CP per level
Increase the number of CP you can Duplicate by 5, for a total
of 10 CP. This also raises your Super ability Duplication to +8.
You can take up to four levels of this enhancement, for a total of
25 CP or +20.
Enhancement: Increased Consumption
Cost: 2CP
If you Duplicate a power worth less than your maximum
number of CP, you can use the remaining CP to Duplicate more
of the target's powers, but only if you can afford them, of course.
Which power you Duplicate next is always chosen randomly.
You can, conceivably, Duplicate all of a target's power with this
enhancement.
129
130 Chapter 5: Powers

Enhancement: Multiple Duplications
Cost: 4CP
You can now use Power Duplication as many times per round your target with a touch attack to use this power. The touch
as you can make touch attacks.
Enhancement: Precise Duplication
Cost: 4CP
When you attempt to Duplicate a power, you can choose
which power. However, this power does not grant the ability to
sense what a target's power are, so your choice is limited to those
powers that you already know that the target has. If you know
that someone has Flight, you can Duplicate it, but if you don't
know that she has Energy Attack, you cannot.
Enhancement: Ranged Duplication
Cost: 4CP
You can now Duplicate powers using a ranged touch attack.
The power now has an effective range increment of 20 feet.
Enhancement: Variable Duplication
Cost: 3CP per level (Origin)
You can Duplicate another Origin type (player's choice). The energy-based, Super damage, then you avoid the damage entirely
power does not change in any other way. You can take this
enhancement up to four times. It adds a new Origin type each
time.
Power Leech
[Metapower]
Cost: by mode
Activate: by mode
Range: by mode
Save: by mode
This power allows you to Leech the Power Points of other
characters. The Origin of those PPs does not matter; your body
can simply convert the vital life force, radionic batteries,
crystalline will (or whatever) into PPs for yourself. This power
has two modes, Offensive Leech and Defensive Leech.
Mode: Defensive Leech
Cost: 4CP per rank (3HPs)
Activate: free; use-activated (take damage)
This mode allows you to absorb energy-based, Super
attack damage and convert it into PPs. In any given round and Absorbing damage in this way qualifies as an action in combat,
for every rank in the power, you can absorb 3HPs of damage, and so afterwards, you are no longer flat-footed.
you gain 1PP for every 3HPs you Leech. You must forgo your
Saving Throw in order to use this mode. You cannot retain any
PPs beyond your personal total. You retain them until the end of
your next turn, at which point they dissipate harmlessly. You
Leech PPs reflexively, whenever you take damage from a Super
attack. You cannot direct powers at yourself in order to recharge.
Mode: Offensive Leech
Cost: 2CP per rank (1d6 PPs)
Activate: 1PP per rank (By CL); use-activated (attack)
Range: touch
Save: Fortitude (negates), Constitution-based
You can Leech other people's power points with a touch .
For every rank in this mode, you Leech 1d6 PPs. You must hit
attack requires precision and a small amount of concentration, so
it cannot be an unarmed strike. You lose PPs regardless of
whether you hit. You can use this power only once per round.
Your target gets a Saving Throw to avoid the power's effects. If
she fails, you Leech her PPs. She loses points and you gain them.
Power Points you Leech above your own maximum are lost.
The By-CL cost of Offensive Leech is different than the
standard, because when you use it, you're both draining your
target and replenishing yourself. Therefore, you can activate the
power for a number of dice equal to one-quarter (¼) your CL for
free.
Enhancements
Limitation: Non-Lethal Defensive Leech
Prerequisite: Defensive Leech
Cost: 1CP per rank in the base power
When you Leech incoming Super damage, you take a number
of non-lethal HPs of damage equal to the number of PPs you gain
(e.g., 1 non-lethal HP for every lethal HP). If you take non-lethal,
and gain the standard number of PPs.
Limitation: Power-Point Overload
Cost: 5CP per rank (3PPs)
For every rank in this enhancement, you can retain 3PPs
above your personal total when you use either Defensive or
Offensive Leech.
Enhancement: Ranged Offensive Leech
Prerequisite: Offensive Leech
Cost: 3CP
You can now Leech powers at a distance, using a ranged
touch attack with a maximum range of 20 feet.
Limitation
Limitation: Active Defensive Leech
Value: 1CP per rank in the base power
Activate: free; free action
Your body does not automatically Leech in-coming damage.
Instead, you must consciously activate the power, which you can
do only when you can see or otherwise sense an incoming attack.
Power Nullification
[Metapower]
Cost: 5CP per rank (Origin)
Activate: 1PP; use-activated (attack)
Sustain: per round (special rules apply); free action
Range: touch
Save: Fortitude (negates), Constitution-based
You have the ability to temporarily suppress the powers of
other people. This power can affect only one kind of Origin,
which you chose when you buy it. Traits are immune to
Nullification. You must touch your target to use this power,
which in combat requires a touch attack. This touch attack

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 Chapter 5: Powers 131

requires precision and a small amount of concentration, so it Enhancement: Ranged Nullification

cannot be an unarmed strike. You must expend 2PPs to activate Cost: 3CP
the power before you roll your touch attack, so the PPs are lost You can now Nullify powers at a distance, using a ranged
regardless of whether you hit. You can use this power only once touch attack. The power now has an effective range increment of
per round. 20 feet.
Your target gets a Saving Throw to avoid the power's effects.
If she fails, you Absorb one of her powers (randomly selected). Enhancement: Zone of Nullification
You can randomly select by using dice, flipping a coin, etc. You Cost: 12CP
can retain the power for a maximum of 2d6 rounds (depending Prerequisite: Ranged Nullification
on how many PPs you have left). At the end of that duration, the Activate: 4PP; standard action
target is entitled to a new Saving Throw, although you do not You can temporarily suppress powers within five feet of your
need to make a fresh attack. square (i.e., the eight squares you touch). Attacks made purely of
You can Nullify up to a 10CP power for each activation. If a Origin-based energy dissipate when they enter your radius.
power is worth more than 10CP, you Nullify only 10CP worth of People with powers lose them when they enter your radius. Super
the power. GMs might round off this amount, so that you employ abilities are reduced to their Round One levels. If you have
a power without Enhancements, for example, or at a reduced Variable Nullification, your Zone can affect more than one Origin
level of effectiveness. If you Nullify 10CP from a 15CP Energy at a time.
Attack, then the target retains a 5CP Energy Attack. Again, GMs
will estimate Nullified powers on the fly, for the sake of Enhancement: Variable Nullification
expediency. You can, theoretically, use this power multiple times Cost: 3CP
to Nullify all of a target's powers. You can Nullify another Origin type (player's choice). The
You can also use this power to Nullify super abilities, but power does not change in any other way. You can take this
instead of calculating CP costs, you simply cancel 4 ranks worth enhancement up to four times. It adds a new Origin type each
of Ability Enhancement . You can reduce a target to its Powerless time.
abilities, but no lower.
You cannot Nullify any power that has a base cost greater Possession
than 10 CP or that does not have a less costly version. Examples [Power]
of this include Gaseous Form and Polymorph. If you randomly Cost: 8CP
select a power that you cannot Nullify for this reason, select Activate: 1PP; standard action
again. Sustain: per round/hour; free
Targets cannot activate powers that you Nullify completely, Range: 30 feet
but if they have sufficient PPs left to use those powers at reduced Save: Will (negates), Wisdom-based
effectiveness, they can do so. Continuous powers cease to You can project your mind into someone else's body and take
full control over it. You must be able to see the subject and be
function for the duration of Power Nullification 's effects. Power
Nullification has no permanent effects. within 30 feet of them to Possess them. After you Possess them,
however, you can move away from your own body as far as you
Enhancements
Enhancement: Enhanced Nullification can get before running out of PPs. You can voluntarily end a
Cost: 3CP per 10CP Possession at any time. If you run out of PPs, you automatically
For every rank in this enhancement, you can Nullify another return to your body. While Possessing someone, your body is
10CP-worth of powers. You can take up to 4 ranks in this unconscious and helpless, so don't leave it some place exposed if
enhancements, for a total Nullification of 50CP. you can help it.
When in someone else's body, you have no access to their
Enhancement: Indefinite Nullification memories, skills, or feats, but you do have their traits and their
Cost: 4CP physical abilities (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution). You retain
Activate: 4PPs; use-activated (attack) your own mental abilities (Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma). If
Powers you Nullify stay Nullified until the target receives you Possess someone with powers then you can activate them
Lesser Restoration, either the power or the spell. but only if you know what they are. You can't just go rummaging
around to try to find them. Also, if your subject has the Dramatic
Enhancement: Increased Consumption Activation complication, you must have witnessed the activation
Cost: 2CP to duplicate it. The GM will probably require a Perform check to
If you Nullify a power worth less than your maximum number get the activation just right. You consume your own PPs when
of CP, you can use the remaining CP to Nullify more of the activating powers in someone else's body because of your
target's powers, but only if you can afford them, of course. spiritual connection to your own body.
Which power you Nullify next is always chosen randomly. You When you end your Possession, subjects have no memory of
can, conceivably, Nullify all of a target's power with this your actions in their bodies. They were effectively asleep the
enhancement. entire time.

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132 Chapter 5: Powers

Anyone whom you attempt to Possess gets Saving Throw to
resist the effect. Anyone with more than 4HD gets to make a
fresh Saving Throw every hour. Anyone with more than 8HD
gets to make a fresh saving throw every minute. Anyone with
more than 12HD gets to make a fresh saving throw every round.
GMs can also rule that Possessed people get fresh saving throws
at dramatically appropriate moments, like impassioned pleas
from loved ones or actions that are particularly anathema to the
possessed person's personality or morality.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Increased Range
Cost: 2CP
Increase the maximum range at which you can Possess by
30ft. You can take this enhancement up to three times, for a
maximum range of 120feet.
Enhancement: Improved Possession
Cost: 2CP
You get a +4 skill bonus on you opposed Will test to Possess
someone. You can take this enhancement up to three times. The
effects stack.
Enhancement: Power Channelling
Cost: 4CP
You can use your powers while you Possess someone else's
body. You cannot access your traits. You still use your own PPs
to fuel your powers, not those of the body you Possess.
Limitations roll), but you can't effect anything that you can't sense or don't
Limitation: Animal Possession
Value: 3CP
You can Possess only animals. You cannot Possess insects or or player) announces the in-game results. You can activate
any animals with an Intelligence greater than 2. Familiars and
other enhanced animals are also immune to this power. All other events that aren't strictly related to die rolls, but are similarly
rules function as normal for this power.
Limitation: Body Swap
Value: 3CP
Instead of Possessing the bodies of your targets, your minds
swap, you in their bodies and them in yours. Anyone who's
Swapped into your body follows the rules of the unenhanced
version of Possession. Thus, they has access to your physical
abilities and powers, but not your memories, skills, or feats, and the standard, because it is potentially very powerful. You can
they consume their own PPs. If they have Possession, they can
use any enhancements they might have purchased, such as Power quarter (¼) your CL for free.
Channelling.
Limitation: Memory
Value: 3CP
People whom you Possess remember everything you did
while in their bodies. They were awake and aware and in
possession of all their senses, even though you were controlling
their bodies. They have no access to your mind, nor do you have
any access to theirs.
Pressure Adaptation
[Trait]
Cost: 4CP
Your body can withstand the stress of extreme pressure, such
as that which is found deep underwater. You have total immunity
to the physical dangers of compression and decompression,
otherwise known as "the bends." Your body maintains normal
internal pressure no matter how dense the air or water is beyond
your skin.
This adaptation offers no protection against de-pressurisation,
such as that caused by exposure to space, nor does it supply you
with oxygen. You can still asphyxiate if you do not have
sufficient oxygen. Powers that alleviate your need to breath, or
equipment that provides breathable air, function normally
assuming that they, too, can survive deep-see pressures.
Probability Manipulation
[Power]
Cost: 8CP
Activate: 1PP per +1 (By CL); use-activated (special)
Range: 30ft
This power allows you to alter the very laws that govern your
reality (i.e., change the dice). You can affect the chances of any
event you're aware of and that requires a die roll, as long as it
occurs within the power's range. Your character is not aware that
her life is ruled by dice, of course, but she has an uncanny ability
to sense when certain events are ruled by mathematical
probability.
You can influence the results of anything that requires a
die roll (e.g., attack roll, saving throw, skill check, or damage
know about. You can activate this power after seeing the
outcome of a die roll, but you must do so before anyone (GM
this power only once per round. You can also use this power on
ruled by mathematical probability, like a coin flip, or a game of
Rock-Paper-Scissors.
This power changes the actual results on the die. It does
not add a bonus to a roll, or subtract from a DC. You can change
a 15 to a 17 on a d20, for example, but never a 6 to a 7 on a d6.
Thus you can change an attack roll to a 20 to attain a critical
threat.
The by-CL cost of Probability Manipulation is different than
activate the power for a number of +1's to a die roll equal to one-
This power can affect only a single die roll at a time. If
you apply the power to a roll that uses multiple dice, you can
affect only one of those dice. Thus, if someone rolled 3d6 and
rolled three 5's, you could increase only one of those dice to a 6.
You could not increase the total roll to an 18.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Cause Accidents
Cost: 3CP
Activation: 1PP per 1d6 (max 4d6); standard action
Save: Reflex, Charisma-based
You have the ability to manipulate luck in such a way as to
cause seemingly random accidents to occur, and they just happen

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 Chapter 5: Powers
to cause damage to your enemies. The damage is from 1d6 (1PP)
to 4d6 (4PPs), at the player's discretion.
The nature of these accidents always varies, and they are
always physically possible, if sometimes implausible. The exact
cause can be anything from a stray flowerpot falling on
someone's head to a roller skate being in just the wrong place
when someone steps on it. You can decide what you want to
happen, but the GM must approve and reserves the right to alter
details. Victims do not necessarily realize they are the targets of
malicious forces, but they might figure it out if they're paying
attention. You can cause an accident only within the power's
range, and doing so does not require an attack roll.
Enhancement: Enhanced Accidents
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Cause Accidents
Activation: 1PP per 1d6 (max 8d6); standard action
Save: Reflex (half), Charisma-based
You can now cause up to 6d6 damage with your accidents.
You can also spend an extra 2PPs that make the accident harder
to avoid; a Reflex save now reduces the damage to half.
Enhancement: Increased Range
Cost: 2CP
Increase the maximum range at which you can manipulate
probability by 30 feet. You can take this enhancement up to 3
times, for a maximum range of 120 feet.
Enhancement: Multiple Dice
Cost: 2CP per die
You can now affect an additional die. You still must pay 1PP
for every +1 over half your CL, and you can affect only dice that
are part of a single action (e.g., multiple dice rolled for damage).
You can take this enhancement multiple times. Its effect stack.
Enhancement: Rapid Use
Cost: 3CP per activation
For every rank in this power, you can activate Probability
Manipulation one more time per round. You can apply this extra
activation to a different event (altering both your attack roll and
your damage roll, for example), or to alter an additional die in a
single roll (allowing you to change three 5's into two 6's and a 5,
for instance). You can take this enhancement up to three times,
for a maximum of four activations in a single round.
Limitations
Limitation: Power Cap
Value: 1CP per rank (see below)
There is a distinct limit to how much you can bend
probability in a short period. For 1 rank in the limitation, you can
spend no more than 4PP on this power per round. For 2 ranks, the
limit drops to 2PP per round. Even if you have Rapid Use, the PP
limit applies per round, and thus you must divide the PP among
the uses. PPs spent on Cause Accident count against this limit.
Psionic Manifestation
[Power]
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
133
Cost: 12CP per psi-power level
Prerequisite: Psionic Origin
Activate: 4PPs per psi-power level 24;
use-activated (manifestation)
Range: varies
Save: as Psi-Power
This power 25 grants you the ability to manifest psi-powers.
Every rank in this power grants two things: a) access to one level
of psi-powers (see Chapter 6: F/X) , and b) you learn, and thus
can manifest, 10 psi-powers off of that list. The base power
grants access to 1 st-level psi-powers, and every subsequent rank
in the power grants access to the next level of psi-powers . The
Origin of Psionic Manifestation is always psionic. Your Origin,
or one of your Origins, must be Psionic for you to take this
power.
You can, at will, manifest psi-powers for as long as you have
power points, regardless of sleep or lack thereof. You can, at will,
manifest any psi-power to which you have access, as long as you
have PP to spend and the psi-power's components, regardless of
sleep or lack thereof.
You must spend 30 minutes a day preparing your mind and
soul for the act of manifesting for the next 24 hours. This can be
time spent in prayer, meditation, or study. This 30 minutes can be
at any time of day but it must be a consistent, specific time of
day, like dusk or 4:20. Your manifesting can be disrupted, as per
standard rules, and it does provoke attacks of opportunity.
Manifesting times are written into the psi-power descriptions.
Use your Charisma score to determine your psi-power's
saving throws and your maximum manifester level. To take the
base version of this power, you need at least a 10 in the
appropriate ability score and the enhancements require even
higher scores (as noted in their prerequisites), but they follow a
standard formula. Your ability score must equal the level of the
psi-power + 10. Therefore, to manifest a 7 th-level psi-power
requires an attribute of 17 or more.
Your effective manifesting level equals the maximum level
you can manifest multiplied by two . Therefore, if you can
manifest 5 th-level psi-powers, then your effective manifesting
level is 10. If you can manifest only 3 rd-level psi-powers, then
your effective manifesting level is 6. Thus your manifesting level
is not, in fact, linked to your character level in any way.
Finally, this power grants the ability to activate psi-power-
triggered items like dorjes and psicrowns. You have access to
the Mentalist spell lists (see Chapter 6: F/X). Your Manifester
Level equals your highest spell-casting level multiplied by 2 .
Enhancements
Enhancement: Increased Manifester Level
Cost: 5CP
24 Manifesting psi-powers takes more PPs than casting the equivalent level of
spells because they have fewer restrictions on their use; they do not require
components and function regardless of armour.
25 In Phoenix, classes reflect personality types, dictate fighting abilities, skill
access, and things like that. They don't determine powers, and in a superhero
setting, psi-powers are a kind of power. Therefore, we've converted them to
actual in-game "powers." If your GM agrees, and you're particularly attached
to manifesting as a class ability, you can play a Mentalist.
133
134 Chapter 5: Powers
For every rank in this enhancement, your Manifester Level
increases by 1. You can take a number of ranks in this
enhancement equal to your CL. Its effect stacks.
Enhancement: Psi-Power
Cost: 1CP per rank (psi-power level)
This enhancement allows you to learn a new psi-power of
your choosing. You can select any spell off of the Mentalist spell- type.
casting list. Spells cost 1CP per level, so Energy Burst would
cost 3CP.
Powers: R for example, but it does reduce the damage of falling into a vat of
Repairing Touch
[Power]
Cost: 1CP per 1d6 of Repairing
Activate: 1PP per d6 (By CL); standard action (touch)
Range: touch
Save: Fortitude (negates); Wisdom-based
You can repair mechanical, electronic, or Supertech
Inventions, as well as machine life, by laying your hands on
them. In the case of every-day machines that do not have HPs,
the simpler the machine, the few dice required. Basic electrical
devices, like toasters or ovens, need only one die. Anything with type in which you already have Resistance: Energy.
electronic components requires at least 2 dice. Anything with real
computer-like capabilities—desktop machines, PDAs, cellular
phones, mp3 players, etc.—requires at least 3 dice. You can
repair electronic components but not software using this power.
Alternatively, a mechanically complicated machine, like a car,
requires at least 2 dice per major component, like the radiator or
the brake system, for example. The GM will estimate these
things on a case-by-case basis, but only in the case of machines
that don't have HPs.
Supertech is the most logical Origin for this power, but you
are not limited to it. You might have a psychic rapport with
machines or have been imbued with a mystical affinity for them.
As always, it's up to you.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Ranged Repair
Cost: 2CP per 10 ft.
You can now repair machines at range. To do this, you must
successfully hit your target with a ranged touch attack. Targets
that are ambulatory (i.e., machine life) can elect to stand still and
thus negate their own dodge bonuses, if any. You can repair at a
distance of up to 10 feet for every rank in this power. You can
take this enhancement 5 times. Its effect stacks.
Enhancement: Repair Software
Cost: 2CP
You can now return software to working order. This allows
you to return the average personal computer to working order as
if it all the software were freshly, and correctly, installed.
Resist Energy
[Metapower]
Cost: 2CP per rank (Resistance 1)
Activate: none; use-activated (special)
Range: self
134 Phoenix v10 (draft)
This power grants a Resistance score against one of the five
energy types: acid, cold, electricity, heat, or sonic/concussive.
For every rank in this power, you gain Resistance 1 to one energy
type. You can take this power multiple times. The effects either
stack or apply to a different energy type. At rank 20 in a single
energy type, you gain total immunity to that type. This power
activates as a free action the instant you are targeted by its energy
Note, though, that this power has no effect on other powers.
Thus, it does not reduce the damage of an Acidic Energy Attack,
mundane acid. To resist powers, you need Power Resistance or
Origin Resistance.
Enhancement
Enhancement: Energy Absorption
Cost: 1CP per rank (2HPs)
Activate: none; use-activated (taking damage)
For every rank in this power, you can transform 2HPs of
Resisted damage from your Resistance: Energy type into 1PP for
yourself. You cannot take more ranks in this power than you
have ranks in Resistance: Energy. You must buy this
enhancement by energy type, and that type must correspond to a
Enhancement: Energy Revitalisation
Cost: 1CP per 1HP
Activate: 1PP per 3 ranks (i.e., 3HPs);
use-activated (taking damage)
For every rank in this power, you can transform 2HPs of
Resisted damage from your Resistance: Energy type into 1HP of
healing for yourself. You cannot take more ranks in this power
than you have ranks in Resistance: Energy. You must buy this
enhancement by energy type, and that type must correspond to a
type in which you already have Resistance: Energy.
Enhancement: Imbue Resistance
Cost: 3CP
Activate: 2PPs per person; free
Range: touch (special)
You can now confer Resistance onto other people. You must
maintain physical contact with them to maintain the effect.
Enhancement: Super Resistance
Cost: 5CP
Prerequisite: Energy Resistance 10 rnks
Activate: none (use activated)
Your Resist Energy now has a chance of blocking Super
energy attacks. You have PR score against those powers and
super effects that cause damage using the specific energy to
which you are normally immune (see Power Resistance, below).
Any attack of that nature must succeed in a power check against
the total value of your Energy Resistance abilities for that
specific energy type. For example, if you had Resist Energy:
fire/heat at level 10 Resist Energy: cold at level 10, then the
attacker using fire would roll against a PR score of 10. If you
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers 135

already had Resist Powers, use whichever PR score is greater.

The bonuses do not stack. Enhancement: Instant Reflection
You can purchase this enhancement multiple times. Each time Cost: 5CP
it applies to a different energy type. This enhancement functions exactly like Reflect Power,
except that the power Reflects instantly, requiring no activation
Resist Powers time on your part at all. The power strikes the person who
[Metapower] generated it during the same action in which that person
Cost: 5CP generated it.
Activate: none; use-activated (special)
Range: self Resist Psi-Powers
Save: special [Power]
You get a Power Resistance score (PR) 26 PR CP Cost: 5CP
of 13. To affect you with a power, an attacker Score Cost Activate: none; use-activated (special)
must meet or beat your PR score on a power 13 5CP Range: self
check (1d20 + CP value of the power). Use 15 7CP Save: special
the net CP value of the power, including all You gain a Psi-Resistance (PsR) score of CP
17 9CP PsR
discounts, limitations, and enhancements. 11. PsR works against psi-powers and psi- Cost
Power Resistance has a chance to resist 19 11CP power-like effects, but not Psionic-Origin 11 5CP
powers of any Origin, but traits are 21 13CP powers (see Power Resistance). To affect 13 7CP
unaffected, as are purely physical attacks like 23 15CP you, a Psi-Power user must meet or beat your
15 9CP
a Super Dexterity-enhanced unarmed strike PsR score on a manifester check (1d20 +
25 17CP 17 11CP
or Webbing. PR has no effect on spells or psi- manifester level). This power activates as a
powers. You have a chance of avoiding being 27 19CP free action the instant you are targeted by a 19 13CP
affected by a power that has an area effect, 29 21CP psionic effect. 21 15CP
like Pheromones, but your PR does not 31 23CP Enhancement
cancel the entire area effect. This power Enhancement: Imbue PsR
33 25CP
activates as a free action the instant you are Cost: 3CP
targeted by a power effect. Activate: 2PPs per person; swift action
Enhancement Range: touch (special)
Enhancement: Imbue PR You can now confer PsR onto other people. You must
Cost: 3CP maintain physical contact with them to maintain the effect,
Activate: 2PPs per person; swift action anyone who targets them must roll separately to overcome their
Range: touch (special) PsR score, which is of course the same as yours.
You can now confer PR onto other people. You must maintain
physical contact with them to maintain the effect, anyone who Enhancement: Increased Resistance
targets them must roll separately to overcome their PR score, Cost: 2CP per rank
which is of course the same as yours. For every rank in this enhancement, increase your PsR by 2
(see table, right).
Enhancement: Increased PR CP
Cost: 2CP per rank (PR +2) Resist Spells SR
Cost
For every rank in this enhancement, your PR score increases [Power]
11 5CP
by 2. See table (right). Cost: 5CP
Activate: none; use-activated (special) 13 7CP
Enhancement: Reflect Power Range: self 15 9CP
Cost: 5CP Save: special 17 11CP
Activate: free; as power You gain a Spell Resistance score of 11.
19 13CP
When you successfully Resist a power effect, your body SR works against spells and spell-like effects,
temporary holds the power's energies. On your next action, you but not Mystic-Origin powers (see Power 21 15CP
must redirect that energy out of your body. It will "go off" Resistance). To affect you, a spell user must
whether you want it to or not. You can aim it just as if you had meet or beat your SR score on a caster check (1d20 + caster
the power yourself; if you don't aim it, it will shoot out in level). This power activates as a free action the instant you are
whatever direction you happen to be looking. There is no PP cost targeted by a mystic effect.
to activate, but it does take an equal amount of time. If the Enhancement
original power requires a full-round action, then you must spend Enhancement: Imbue SR
a full-round action, for example. Cost: 3CP
Activate: 2PPs per person; swift action
26 This refers to Phoenix powers not D&D psionic powers, which we call "psi- Range: touch (special)
powers." We apologize for the confusion. Too many words start with P.

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 135

136 Chapter 5: Powers

You can now confer SR onto other people. You must maintainsized people count as two Others, and Huge-sized as three
physical contact with them to maintain the effect, anyone who Others, and so on. The additional person must be touching you
targets them must roll separately to overcome the SR score, when you Meld. Anyone you bring into a shadow with you must
which is of course the same as yours. maintain physical contact with you, but they can move within the
shadow and even Jump between shadows just as you do.
Enhancement: Increased Resistance However, having to hold hands (or what have you) imposes a -10
Cost: 2CP per rank penalty on Jump checks. In addition, anyone in a shadow with
For every rank in this enhancement, increase your Spell you is exposed to Shadow Horrors, if you have that limitation.
Resistance by two (see the table). They must make the same Will save and face the same
Powers: S consequences.

Shadow Affinity Enhancement: Shadow Jumping

[Power]
Cost: 2CP per rank (Stealth +2 / Dodge +1)
Activate: none; use-activated (movement)
Sustain: per round; free action
Range: self
You have the uncanny ability to slip into patches of shadow
and fade almost completely from sight. For each rank in this
power, you get a +2 bonus to Stealth checks and a +1 Dodge
bonus to AC as long as you stand in a patch of shadow larger
than yourself, or are in general darkness. The GM has final say
when determining if you have sufficient darkness to activate the
power.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Shadow Meld
Cost: 4CP
Prerequisite: 4 ranks in Shadow Affinity
Activate: 1PP; swift action
When you are within a large enough patch of shadow, you
can actually physically meld with the shadow or darkness,
essentially becoming part of the shadow itself. Activating this
ability costs 1PP, but has no sustain cost. While melded, you
cannot interact with the outside world in any way, nor can the
outside world affect you. However, you can interact normally
with any other beings who meld or have melded with the same
shadows. You are completely invisible and silent to the outside
world while melded (though the See Invisible, True Seeing,
Power Detection, or similar abilities still have a chance to detect
you). You can move within the shadow at your normal speed, but
if you perform a double-move or run, assuming the shadow is
large enough to allow this, you will instantly emerge from the
shadow. You can even move vertically within the shadow, or
horizontally over open space, as long as the shadow extends
through it. The shadow itself is all you need to support your
weight. If a light source illuminates the space in which the
shadow resides, like a spotlight, you appear again instantly, but
without any harm or disorientation. You simply appear where the
shadow used to be. If that means you appear in mid-air, you fall,
as you normally would.
Enhancement: Meld Other
Cost: 2CP per rank
Activate: 1PP; full-round action
Range: Touch
For every rank in this enhancement, you can take one
medium-sized person with you when you Shadow Meld. Large-
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Shadow Meld
As a full round action, you can physically jump from one
patch of shadow to another without passing through the real
world. To anyone else, the shadow of someone leaping through
the air passes between the two shadows; that shadow is you. You
must roll an actual Jump check to traverse the space between the
two shadows. If you fail the check, you expend your action and
do not travel between the shadows. If you fail by 10 or more, you
involuntarily lose your Shadow Meld: you become physical and
visible.
Enhancement: Shadow Run
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Shadow Meld
You stay melded while or running or doing a double-move.
Limitations
Limitation: Shadow Horror
Value: 4CP
Prerequisite: Shadow Meld
While Melded, you experience unspeakable psychological
horrors that cease only once you leave the shadow. Whenever
you come back from the shadow, you must make a Will save (DC
18) or be shaken for 1d4 rounds (i.e., -2 attack rolls, saving
throws, skill checks, ability checks). This effect does not go
away from repeated exposure.
NB: This limitation is made for roll-play. The -2 penalty is
one half of its in-game effect. The other half is that you are
constantly exposed to horrors that you cannot ever fully describe
or depict, except to say that every single time you go on, you're
just as scared as the first time. Additionally, anyone who comes
into a shadow with you could be profoundly changed by their
exposure. Have fun with this one!
Size Shift
[Power]
Cost: 4CP per rank (size category)
Activate: 1PP per size category; full-round action
Sustain: per round/hour
Range: self
This power allows you to temporarily increase or decrease
your size. There are two modes, Decrease Size and Increase Size.
You must pay for size categories in each mode separately.

136 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers 137

Mode: Decrease Size
Cost: 4CP per size category
This enhancement allows you to temporarily decreases your
size by one category per rank. You can shift from your regular
size (presumably medium) to your minimum size, but not to
intermittent sizes. Stat bonuses and penalties per size category
are listed on the next page.
A reach of "0 feet" means that you must enter a combatant's
square to attack, which provokes an attack of opportunity. If you
fall unconscious, die, or run out of PPs, you automatically grow
to normal size.
Please consult all d20 rules pertaining to combat between
differently-sized creatures before taking this power into a game.
Having to look these things up at the table causes a real slow-
down in game-play.
Mode: Increase Size
Cost: 4CP per size category
This enhancement allows you to increase your size by one
category per rank. You can shift from your regular size
(presumably medium) to your maximum size, but not to
intermittent sizes. Stat bonuses and penalties per size category
are listed one the next page.
If you are caught in a space that would normally not fit a
person of your newly increased size, you increase to the
maximum allowable by the space and then make a Strength
check (using your increased Strength, DC determined by the
GM) to possibly burst through your enclosure. If you fail, you
stop growing. If you succeed, you grow to your full increased
size, bursting through the enclosure (presumably the
ceiling/roof). If you fall unconscious, die, or run out of PPs, you
automatically shrink to normal size.
Please consult all d20 rules pertaining to combat between
differently-sized creatures before taking this power into a game.
Having to look these things up at the table causes a real slow-
down.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Retain Attack Bonus
Prerequisite: Increase Size
Cost: 2CP
You do not take a penalty to attack when you Increase.
Enhancement: Retain Constitution
Prerequisite: Decrease Size
Cost: 2CP
You retain your Constitution score when you Decrease.
Enhancement: Retain Strength
Prerequisite: Decrease Size
Cost: 2CP
You retain your Strength score when you Decrease.
Enhancement: Shift Clothing
Cost: 1CP
Your "working clothes" Size Shift with you. This can be a
traditional superhero costume or simply a set of clothes you wear
while you superhero around. It has been specially treated,
magically enhanced, manufactured (whatever) in such a way that
it changes its size. You cannot shift anything that grants any kind
of Defence bonus of more than +1. Objects on or about your
person do not change size. This enhancement merely allows you
to avoid being naked.
This enhancement applies to one set of clothes at a time. You
must designate your chosen costume before game-play begins
and you can switch your designated set only either between
games or after one set has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. You
can take this enhancement multiple times. Each time allows you
to designate another suit.

Strength / Attack / Stealth

Grapple Speed Area
Size Category Constitution Defence Check Reach Size1 Weight 2
Modifier (squares) (squares)
Modifier Modifier Modifier
90 ft. 30 ft. x 30 ft. 64 ft. / 20m 250,000 lb. /
Colosal +24 -8 +16 -16 15 ft.
(18 squares) (36 squares) or more 100,000 kg or more
60 ft. 20 ft. x 20 ft. 32 ft. – 64 ft. / 32,000 lb. – 250,000 lb. /
Gargantuan +12 -6 +12 -12 15 ft.
(12 squares) (16 squares) 10m – 20m 15,000 kg – 100,000 kg
45 ft. 15 ft. x 15 ft. 16 ft. – 32 ft. / 4000 lb. – 32,000 lb. /
Huge +6 -4 +8 -8 10 ft.
(9 squares) (9 squares) 5m – 10m 1800 kg – 15,000 kg
30 ft. 10 ft. x 10 ft. 8 ft. – 16 ft. / 500 lb. – 4000 lb. /
Large +2 -2 +4 -4 10 ft.
(6 squares) (4 squares) 2.5m – 5m 225 kg – 1800 kg
30 ft. 5 ft. 4 ft. – 8 ft. / 60 lb. – 500 lb. /
Medium 0 0 0 0 5 ft.
(6 squares) (1 square) 125cm – 2.5m 30 kg – 225 kg
20 ft. 5 ft. 2 ft. – 4 ft. / 8 lb. – 60 lb. /
Small -2 +2 -4 +4 5 ft.
(4 squares) (1 square) 60cm – 125cm 4 kg – 30 kg
10 ft. 2 ½ ft. 1 ft. – 2 ft. / 1 lb. – 8 lb. /
Tiny -6 +4 -8 +8 0 ft.
(2 squares) (¼ square) 30 cm – 60cm 500 g – 4 kg
5 ft. 1 ft. 6 in. – 1 ft. / 2 oz. – 1 lb. /
Diminutive -12 +6 -12 +12 0 ft.
(1 square) (1/25 square) 15cm – 30cm 60 g – 500 g
2.5 ft. 6 in. 6 in. / 15 cm 2 oz. / 60 g
Fine -24 +8 -16 +16 0 ft.
(½ a square) (1/50 square) or less or less
1
This column indicates the height of a biped or the length of a quadruped, from nose to rump. 2This column assumes a flesh-and-bone creature.

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 137

138 Chapter 5: Powers
Enhancement: Shift Equipment
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Shift Clothing
All your worn or carried equipment now shifts in size with
you, except Power Armour. Consult standard d20 rules for under-
and over-sized weapons to determine new damage dice, but
bonuses from powers do not decrease, except those that are
ability dependant (Strength, Dexterity, etc.). Because the size of a
tool has a lot to do with the job to be done, under- and over-sized
tools apply equipment penalties: Colossal -32, Gargantuan -16,
Huge -8, Large -4, Small -4, Tiny -8, Diminutive -16, Fine -32.
GMs are also perfectly within their rights to declare a particular
tool to be simply useless for a particular job. A tiny hammer
won't drive a nail. A large Allen key simply won't fit
Your protective gear, if any, is less effective when it's smaller.
If reduced to small size, your costume's armour bonuses (if any)
take a -2 penalty. When reduced to tiny, they take a -4 penalty. At
diminutive or lower size, it has no armour bonus at all.
Consumables, including magical potions or Supertech
chemical formulae, provide the same effects that they normally
would. Their effectiveness does not increase or decrease with
size. They take the same amount of time to drink, because they
shift size relative to you.
Equipment size decrease does not affect other people or
creatures on your person, including animal companions or
shrunken characters, and it affects only objects that you can carry
about your person (in pockets, hanging off of your belt, etc.).
Carrying a car over your shoulder doesn't allow you to make it
larger or smaller.
Any objects that you drop or are taken away from you slowly
shift back to their normal size at a speed of one size category per
round, and then shift back to your size at the same speed, if you
pick them up again.
Enhancement: Shift Power Armour
Prerequisite: Power Armour (Item)
Cost: 6CP
Your Power Armour now shifts in size with you, but only
when you activate Size Shift. The shift doesn't take any more PPs
or any additional time. All standard bonuses/penalties for size-
categories apply as normal.
Enhancement: Standard Action Shift
Cost: 2CP
You can change size as a standard action.
Enhancement: Swift Action Shift
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Standard Action Shift
You can change size as a swift action.
Enhancement: Reflexive Shift
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Swift Action Shift
Activate: 1PP per size category; swift action
If you retain your Dexterity bonus and are hit for physical
damage (either by an attack or something that triggers a saving
138 Phoenix v10 (draft)
throw), you can make a Reflex save to instantly shift your size
before the damage occurs. The DC of the Reflex save equals
either half the attack roll or the save DC of the in-coming effect,
-5. You must declare your intention to invoke this enhancement
after the hit is announced but before full damage is calculated.
Enhancement: Variable Shift
Cost: 3CP
Instead of shifting between your normal size category and
your maximum/minimum, you can now shift through the
categories in between. Activation and sustain costs (in PPs or
actions) do not change.
Limitations
Limitation: Fatiguing Shift
Value: 2CP
Changing size is extremely difficult or painful. Doing so
leaves you fatigued for one round per size category of change: -2
Strength, -2 Dexterity, cannot charge or run. Decreasing back to
normal size does not leave you fatigued.
Limitation: Natural Size
Value: 2CP
Your natural state is your maximum Size-Shifted form. liquid
form, and You have to expend PPs to make yourself solid. If you
can Form Shift both larger and smaller, then you can either pick
one as your natural size, or flip a coin whenever you deactivate
the power to see which direct you Shift in.
Limitation: Stuck Sized
Value: 4CP
You cannot render yourself medium-sized at all. You can shift
around to any other size you're capable of assuming, but you just
can't seem to nail "medium."
Special: You can "buy off" this limitation for 5CPs.
Space Adaptation
[Trait]
Cost: 4CP
Your body can withstand the hazards of space, including de-
pressurisation, vacuum exposure, cold, and radiation. You have
total immunity to the physical dangers of being in space.
This adaptation offers no protection against overpressure,
such as that caused by the crushing depths of the ocean, nor does
it supply you with oxygen, nor does it protects you from taking
directed damage from Powers (i.e., any attack with an Origin).
You can still be hurt by a freeze-ray or heat vision, just not by
exposure to space as an environment.
Stretching
[Power]
Cost: 1CP per 5 feet of stretching
Activate: none; use-activated (special)
Range: self
You can stretch your limbs and body to extended lengths as if
you were made of rubber. For each rank in this power, you can
stretch yourself up to 5 feet longer or taller than usual (arms,
legs, torso, neck, etc.). You gain a one-time +2 bonus on
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers 139

Disguise checks, because of the ability to change your height. will shoot from cover if they have ranged weapons, etc.).
You gain a +1 bonus per rank to Escape Artist checks. Summoned creatures appear wherever you want within the
Each rank in this power grants only one foot of extra reach in power's range, but they must be visible to you with the naked
combat (you can't fully extend because of the leverage and eye. They act directly after you in the initiative order, but do
balance needed for combat). Once you have 6 ranks in Stretching not appear until your full-round activation is complete. You can
you can make attacks at a 10-foot range, though you still threaten take up to 10 ranks in this power.
only at 5 feet (adjacent squares). The base stats for summoned creatures are as follows:
If you have multiple attacks due to a high BAB and use the
full-attack action against an opponent who is not in your normal HD 1d12+1 (7HPs)
threatened range, you must direct all your attacks against that Speed Walk 30 ft., Swim 30 ft., Fly 30 ft. (average)
same same foe. If you have Two-Weapon Fighting, you can Defence 12 (Natural +1, Dex +1); DR 2 / super
choose different targets for your on- and off-hands, but all BAB +1
relevant attacks for a particular hand must be against the same Mêlée: +2, Ranged: +2
foe. You can still split your attacks up as normal within your Attack(s) 3CP worth of either Natural Weapons or
normal reach if you choose not to stretch. Energy Attack
Attacking with a Stretched limb does not provoke an attack of Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
opportunity because it is an attack, but moving part of your body Saves Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +3
through a threatened space does, just as if you had moved Ability Scores Str 12 +1, Dex 12 +1, Con 12 +1
through that space yourself. Int 12 +1, Wis 12 +1, Cha 12 +1
Enhancements Skills Observe +5, Stealth +5
Enhancement: Bounciness
Cost: 2CP Summoned creatures can have any appearance or physical
Your body is rubbery enough that you can bounce on impact nature that you like, although that doesn't change their hard
after long falls, reducing the damage you take. For every rank in stats (above). You could, for example, summon a fighting dog
Stretching you have, you ignore the first 30 feet of falling whose Natural Weapons are his teeth and claws. However, if
distance before calculating damage. Thus if you had 5 ranks in your power theme were technological, you could call up a small,
Stretching, you could fall 150 feet without taking damage. If wheeled robot with a laser on a turret ( Energy Attack: Heat). If
desired, you can bounce back up (or away if you impact a surface you theme were mystical, you could summon a ball of lightning
horizontally) to half the distance you can safely fall. that flies around and rams into people ( Energy Strike:
Electricity). Although the stats are set, there is some flexibility in
Enhancement: Putty Body terms of attack forms and movement, but the greatest flexibility
Cost: 8CP is in your imaginative description.
Prerequisite: 6 ranks in Stretching If the summoned creature has an Energy Attack, that attack
You have the ability to stretch, flatten, twist, and fold your has no PP cost; its Energy Attack or Natural Weapon and its
body into any number of shapes with precise control. You can Damage Reduction are all traits and therefore not affected by
now squish down to less than half your normal size, though you metapowers. However, the presence of the Summoned creature is,
retain the same mass, and practically ooze out of any kind of itself, a power effect, so that is subject to metapowers. When
restraint short of a sealed container, making most Escape Artist they are reduced to 0HPs, summoned creatures disappear in a
checks unnecessary. In extreme cases where you might need to puff of smoke, a shower of sparks, or whatever visual effect you
make an Escape Artist roll, you get a +5 enhancement bonus per like, but you can also instantly dismiss them as a free action. If
rank in Stretching. You can also flatten your body during a fall, someone else attempts to dismiss them using a metapower (or
becoming something of a human parachute. This reduces the Dispel Magic or Dispel Psionics, if your Origin is mystical or
effective distance of a fall by 10 feet per rank in Stretching you psionic), then you resist with 1d20 + CP + Wis bonus (where
have. This enhancement does not, however, allow you to "CP" is the total CP cost of the power, including all
replicate other powers, like Appendages or Natural Weapons. enhancements and limitations).
It is only polite to your fellow gamers to have all stats for
Summon Creature summoned creatures, including choices about powers and
[Power] enhancements, written down before the game begins.
Cost: 4CP NB: Several enhancements for this power list the activation
Activate: 2PPs per rank (By CL); full-round action time as "use-activated (power activation)." This designation
Range: 30 ft. means that you can use these enhancements only at the time that
For every rank in this power, you can summon one Medium- you activate the base power.
sized creature to aid you in combat. At any given time, you can Enhancements
have a number of summoned creatures equal to your ranks in Enhancement: Controlled Creatures
the power. Summoned creatures fight to the death for you, Cost: 4CP
intuitively identifying friend and foe. They fight singlemindedly This enhancement grants you the ability to direct your
but with a modicum of strategy (they will flank if they can, they creatures' actions as if they were agreeable teammates with

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140
whom you share a language (they grunt, howl, chatter or
whatever and you speak your language). They can now perform
actions other than fighting if you direct them to do so, and you
can coordinate their strategy, although you must actively call out
commands to them. The PP cost is an addition to the base power.
Enhancement: Mental Link
Cost: 4CP
Prerequisite: Controlled Creatures
This enhancement creates a mental link between you and
your summoned creatures such that you can direct them with a
thought, and it grants an empathic sense of what they are
experiencing; you can tell if they're fighting, if they're being
chased, if they're sneaking up to something or someone, or if
they are simply resting in place. The PP cost is an addition to the
base power only (i.e., you don't have to activate Controlled
Creatures in order to activate Mental Link).
Enhancement: Extended Duration
Cost: 2CP per rank
For every rank in this enhancement, your creature(s) last an
additional hour, unless they're destroyed first.
Enhancement: Extended Range
Cost: 2CP
This enhancement increases the range of the base power by
30 ft. You can tak this enhancement up to 4 times to a maximum
range of 150 ft..
Enhancement: Flying Creature
Cost: 5CP per rank
Activate: 1PP per creature;
use-activated (power activation)
For every rank in this enhancement, your creature gains one
run in the Flight-Skill ladder. You can take this enhancement up
to three times: Average (1 rank), Good (2 ranks), Excellent (3
ranks).
Enhancement: Larger Creature
Cost: 3CP
Activate: 1PP per creature per size category;
use-activated (power activation)
For every rank in this power, you can Summon a creature that
is 1 size category larger than medium. You can take this
enhancement up to 4 times: Large (1 rank), Huge (2 ranks),
Gargantuan (3 ranks), and Colosal (4 ranks). 27
Enhancement: Powerful Creature
Cost: 3CP per rank
Activate: 2PPs per rank per creature (By CL);
use-activated (power activation)
This enhancement grants your Summoned creature an
additional 5CPs worth of powers, feats, or skills. In addition, it
raises the summoned creature's stats (see below).
27 For a tabulated list of all the size modifiers, see the power Size Shift, which is
just three pages previous to this one.
140
Chapter 5: Powers
HD +1d12 +1 (+7HPs)
Speed +5 ft. (walk, fly, or swim)
BAB +1
Saves all +1 (in addition to ability score increases)
Ability Scores all +2
Skills all +2
The "By Character Level" cost to activate this power
applies per creature and per rank in the enhancement .
Therefore, a single Summoned creature with four ranks of
Enhanced Creature would be 20PPs (1 base + 4 ranks x 4PPs =
20), but if you were CL 10 then the activation would be free. The
same would be true if you have five creatures each enhanced
with 1 rank of Enhanced Creature.
When you activate the power, you choose how many ranks
of this enhancement you want to apply to all of your
summoned creature(s). For example, if you had 5 ranks in this
power, you could give a single creature a 25CPs, +5 HD, +50 ft.
speed, etc. If you had 10 ranks and you could Summon 5
creatures, then you could give each one 5CPs, +1 HD, +10 ft.
speed, etc. You also do not have to distribute the ranks evenly, so
in the previous example, you could also Summon 4 creatures at
the base stats, and 1 with 25CPs, +5 HD, +50 ft., etc. You cannot
rearrange these ranks after you activate the power or after a given
creature is destroyed. You can designate ranks only at activation.
Enhancement: Reinforcements
Cost: 3CP
Activate: special (see text); standard action
While your Summoned creatures are active, you can replace
any that are killed, destroyed, or otherwise removed from the
game at a cost of 1PP per creature and 1PP per rank in Powerful
Creature, if you employ that enhancement.
Enhancement: Smaller Creature
Cost: 3CP
Activate: 1PP per creature per size category;
use-activated (power activation)
For every rank in this power, you can Summon a creature that
is 1 size category smaller than Medium. You can take this
enhancement up to 4 times: Small (1 rank), Tiny (2 ranks),
Diminutive (3 ranks), and Fine (4 ranks).
Enhancement: Standard-Action Summoning
Cost: 2CP
Activating the base power now takes only a Standard action,
but if you have enhancements that require more than a Standard
action, you must use whichever activation is longer.
Enhancement: Move-Action Summoning
Prerequisite: Standard-Action Summoning
Cost: 2CP
Activating the base power now takes only a Move action, but
if you have enhancements that require more than a Standard
action, you must use whichever activation is longer.
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 Chapter 5: Powers 141

Limitations
Limitation: Full Power
Value: 2CP
Prerequisite: special (see text)
You must activate Summoning at maximum ranks, every time.
This enhancement applies either to the ranks you purchase in the
base power (i.e., the maximum number of creatures), or to other
enhancements. It can apply to Extended Duration, Extended
Range, Powerful Creature, or Smaller Creature/Larger Creature
(whichever you have more ranks in; if you have the same number
of ranks, then it's player's choice). You must have at least 2 ranks
in either the base power or one of these enhancements to take this
power.
Limitation: No Control
Value: 8CP
Your summoned creature(s) does not intuitively fight for you,
and instead fights randomly with anything that moves.
Summon Objects
[Power]
Cost: 8cp per mode
Activate: 1pp; full-round action
You can teleport objects to yourself. These objects cannot be
larger than Tiny and/or a two-handed weapon, and they cannot be
animals or creatures of any kind. They can be plants or food, just activation time of the power in either mode on the following
nothing with a will of its own. There are two modes of this
power: Hidden Objects and Snatch Objects.
Hidden Objects
Range: Earth
You have a secret cache of objects somewhere in the world. It
could be under your bed. It could be a kilometer below the Earth.
Either way, you have spent some time in or near that cache,
attuning yourself to the space, memorising its features and the
arrangement of your objects. This cache can contain up to 10
objects in it. When you activate the base power, you select one of time but costs double the PPs. Transported objects retain the
those 10 objects and it appears in your hand. You must activate
the power a second time in order to send your object back to your can transport objects into mid-air.
cache. You can Summon multiple objects. The power simply
brings one to you or sends one back to the cache. However, you
cannot send random objects back to your cache. Each object
must be specially prepared much like the cache itself.
Snatch Objects
Range: 100 ft.
Save: (holder) Reflex, Intelligence-based
You can teleport objects in your line of sight to your hot little transport only objects that you can follow with the naked eye, so
hands. The object disappears at the beginning of your activation
and reappears at the end. You cannot Snatch an object that you
suspect or even know is present. You must be able to see it,
although you can see it through powered or supernatural means
(e.g., Penetrating Vision, Claravoyance, etc.). The holder of the
object gets a Reflex save to avoid your attempt to Snatch it, but
you can catch people flat footed with this power, in which case
they do not get their Dexterity bonus to their Reflex save.
Objects not currently in anyone's hands get a Reflex roll, but
don't have a bonus unless the object is moving (Reflex +4, or
higher if it's moving faster), or Concealed (Reflex +2 per 10%
miss chance). GMs can and should take other circumstances into
account that might make Snatching more difficult. The main
factor is sight. To Snatch an object, the Snatcher must be able to
clearly see it and concentrate on it for the duration of a Standard
action. You can Snatch multiple objects. The power simply
teleports one to you.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Enlarged Cache
Prerequisite: Hidden Objects
Cost:
+5 objects
Enhancement: Extended Range
Prerequisite: Snatch Objects
Cost: 4cp per rank (30 ft. extension)
For every rank in this enhancement, your Snatch Object range
increases by 30 ft. You can take this enhancement up to 5 times.
Its effects stack.
Enhancement: Fast Summoning
Cost: 3cp per rank (action time)
For every rank in this enhancement, you decrease the
scale: standard action (1 rank), move action (2 ranks), swift
action (3 ranks), immediate action (4 ranks). This decrease
applies to all enhancements as well.
Enhancement: Transport Objects
Prerequisite: Snatch Objects
Activate: 2pp
Cost: 8cp
You can now transport one object from one place to another
within your Snatch range. Doing so requires the same activation
speed and momentum they had at the moment of transport. You
Enhancement: Reflexive Swap
Prerequisite: Snatch Objects, Transport Objects, Fast
Summoning (rnk 4)
Activate: 2pp; immediate action
When an object in your size range comes within 5 ft. of you,
you can Transport it to somewhere else within your range. The
object gets a Reflex save, as normal. Remember that you can
you cannot Reflexively Swap bullets and most other mechanical
projectiles (GM's discretion).
You do not have conscious control over where the object
goes. Reflexively Swapping objects is a gut-reaction that leaves
no time for conscious thought. To determine where the object
ends up, roll 1d12 twice using each roll as a direction: from "1
o'clock" to "12 o'clock," one horizontal roll and one vertical.
Then roll for distance using whatever combination of dice makes
the most sense given your range. For 100 ft. range, roll 1d20 in

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142 Chapter 5: Powers
order to narrow the object's position down to a 5-ft. space. If
your rolls would put the object inside a solid object, then it is,
indeed, embedded in that object until such time as someone digs
it out.
Enhancement: Small Objects
Cost: 4cp
You can now Summon small-sized objects, in either mode.
Enhancement: Medium Objects
Prerequisite: Small Objects
Cost: 6cp
You can now Summon medium-sized objects, in either mode.
Enhancement: Large Objects
Prerequisite: Small Objects, Medium Objects
Cost: 6cp
You can now Summon large-sized objects, in either mode.
Enhancement: Huge Objects
Prerequisite: Small Objects, Medium Objects, Large Objects
Cost: 10cp
You can now Summon huge-sized objects, in either mode.
Enhancement: Swap Object
Prerequisite: Snatch Objects
Activation: 2pp
Cost: 3cp
You can now Swap one Hidden Object for another in a single
activation. You can dismis any object you have in hand and
Summon any object you want. This activation costs double the
PPs.
Super Senses
[Power]
Cost: 3CP per +2 to various skills
Activate: free; free action
Your senses are highly acute, several times more sensitive
than normal. For every rank in the power, you get a +2 bonus on
the following skills: Observe, Search, Survival (Track),
Disable Device, and Sleight of Hand . This bonus also applies to
any other situation in which heightened senses would be a
benefit, such as detecting poisoned or spoiled food, or anything
that requires a delicate or precise touch. For each rank in this
power, you can accurately see, hear, smell, and feel twice as far
as normal (i.e., add this distance like a multiplier: x2, x3, x4,
etc.).
Enhancements
Enhancement: Blindsense I
Cost: 3CP
You can use one of your senses (player's choice) out to a
range of 30 feet with about half the sensitivity and accuracy as
you normally would with your eyes. This can include a keen
sense of smell, a finely-honed tactile sense with which you can
literally feel the world around your, acute hearing that borders on
sonar or echolocation, or even the ability to taste the air around
you.
142 Phoenix v10 (draft)
You usually do not need to make Observe checks to notice
objects and people nearby you that are within the range of the
enhancement, provided there is nothing blocking your specific
sense (i.e., you can smell around corners, but you cannot hear
through a sound-proofed wall).
Visibility, and lack thereof, still affects your movement. You
still lose your Dexterity and Dodge bonuses, if any, against
attackers you cannot see. Opponents who have Concealment still
get a percentage miss chance against your attacks.
Enhancement: Blindsense II
Cost: 3CP
One of your senses (the one you picked for Blindsense I) is
now as sensitive and accurate as most people's sense of sight.
You have all the abilities of Blindsense I, plus you are not subject
to gaze attacks, you suffer no penalties if you're blinded, and you
ignore blur effects. However, you cannot distinguish specifically
visual details, such as colours, and you cannot read the printed
word. Any attack against your chosen, alternate sense can
effectively blind you. Blindsense II does not function in a
vacuum.
Enhancement: Protected Senses
Cost: 2CP
Your eyes, ears, and other sensory organs are protected
against mundane effects that would overload and/or damage
them, such as extremely loud noises, flash/bang grenades, and
stink bombs. This enhancement protects against the side effects
of Mystical effects (for example, the blinding effect caused by a
beam of light aimed into your eyes), but not against Mystical
effects designed specifically to cause blindness, deafness, or
other sensory debilitation. It does not protect against all sonic
effects, merely those directly related to deafening. Thus, you are
still vulnerable to a Harpy song or the HP damage from an
Energy Attack: Sonic.
Enhancement: Super Hearing
Cost: 2CP
Your ears are incredibly sensitive. You can hear beyond the
normal range of frequencies. This enhancement doubles all
hearing-related bonuses from Super Senses, and doubles the
distance at which you can hear things. You can clearly hear ultra-
and sub-sonic frequencies, such as dog whistles, ultrasonic
motion detectors, and creatures using echolocation.
You can detect another creature's presence—person, animal,
etc.—but not its specific location. If you expend a move action,
you can get an accurate direction of the source (within the ranges
listed above). If you move within 5 feet of the creature, you can
pinpoint it and know its location essentially as well as you could
by sight (save for the details that only visual senses could reveal,
of course). Unless someone who is using the Stealth skill takes
special care to utterly silence themselves (e.g., via the Silence
spell), you get a +8 competence bonus to detect them using the
Observe skill. This applies specifically to situations in which
someone attempts to catch you flat-footed to execute a Sneak
Attack.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

Enhancement: Super Scent
Cost: 3CP
This enhancement lets you detect approaching enemies, sniff
out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell. You can detect
opponents within 30 feet. If the opponent is upwind, the range is
60 feet. If it is downwind, the range is 15 feet. You can detect
strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, at twice the
ranges noted above. You can detect overpowering scents, such as
a tire fire, at three times these ranges.
You can identify familiar odours just like you might
recognise familiar sights and even experience a complexity of
scent that most people can get only out of a symphony or a
ornately-designed building.
You can detect another creature's presence—person, animal,
etc.—but not its specific location. If you expend a move action,
you can get an accurate direction of the source (within the ranges
listed above). If you move within 5 feet of the creature, you can
pinpoint it and know its location essentially as well as you could
by sight (save for the details that only visual senses could reveal,
of course). Unless someone who is using the Stealth skill knows
specifically to mask their scent as well as their sound and visual
presence, you get a +8 competence bonus to detect them using
the Observe skill. This applies specifically to situations in which
someone attempts to catch you flat-footed to execute a Sneak
Attack.
If you have the Track feat and Super Scent, you can Track by
smell instead of by visual and other clues. Thus, if you are in an
environment in which someone or something would not leave
visible tracks, you can still sniff them out, quite literally. You
also ignore the effects of surface conditions and poor visibility. If
a trail crosses over water, particularly running water, it's ruined,
literally washed away. However, if you can breath under water
(i.e., you have the Amphibious trait), then you can also employ
your sense of Super Scent across water.
The typical DC for a fresh scent trail is 10. The DC increases
or decreases depending on the strength of the quarry's odour, the
number of creatures, and the age of the trail. GMs might grant
circumstances bonuses for any of the above factors. Likewise, for
every hour that the trail has been cold, the GM will apply a -2
circumstance penalty to the check.
False, powerful odours can easily mask other scents. The
presence of such an odour completely spoils your ability to
properly detect or identify other smells, and the base Survival
DC to track becomes 20 rather than 10. 28
Enhancement: Super Sight
Cost: 4CP
Your eyes are unbelievably accurate. This enhancement
doubles all sight-related bonuses from Super Senses, and doubles
the distance at which you can see things. It also adds +100% to
the unmodified Range Increments of all your ranged attacks.
Finally, any time you roll a miss-chance for concealment, you
subtract 20% from the target number. This last ability works only
if you can actually see, so you can't do it if you're blind, for
example, or subjected to total darkness. If you can see clearly
28 Super Scent is a slightly-altered version of the Scent ability.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
Chapter 5: Powers 143
through some other means, like night-sight goggles or a power,
then you can use this ability. 29
The Vision enhancements, below, are modes of the Super
Sight enhancement, above. They are powers; therefore, you must
activate them, and they can be affected by the metapowers. You
cannot activate multiple Vision modes at a time unless you take
Multiple Vision.
Enhancement: Dark Vision [power]
Cost: 5CP
Activate: free; swift action
Prerequisite: Super Sight
You can see in a complete absence of light. 30
Enhancement: Energy Vision [power]
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Super Sight
Activate: free; swift action
You can see a faint aura around objects that use or radiate
energy, such as electronics or batteries. This includes characters
with Supertech powers, and most powered technological devices,
but not just anything with an Origin.
Enhancement: Expanded Vision [power]
Cost: 4CP
Prerequisite: Super Sight
Activate: free; swift action
You can now see into both the infrared and ultraviolet ranges
of light. No one who does not share this ability will never know
what it's like to discover two more colours. Groovy. Anyway, you
can now effectively see in the dark by navigating heat signatures
or seeing by UV light, but your Expanded Vision is only as keen
as Blindsense I (see above). You can, however, also see relative
heat signatures in the following ranges: cold (below freezing),
cool (freezing to room temperature), warm (above room
temperature), and hot (oven/cooking temperatures). You can also
vaguely make out active IR signals in the air, and you can see
any ink, stamp, or other chemical that is visible only under UV
lamps.
Enhancement: Invisible Vision [power]
Cost: 4CP
Prerequisite: Super Sight
Activate: free; swift action
You can see invisible objects and creatures, such as those
protected by the Invisibility spell or power. This power also
works against Mental Invisibility.
Enhancement: Origin Vision [power]
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Super Sight
Activate: free; swift action
29 You can also increase your range increments through the Far Shot feat, by
buying a scope, or Modifying Generic Firearms . Range Increment increases
are always relative to the original, unmodified Range Increment of the
weapon.
30 Note that this enhancement grants the ability to see in complete darkness,
unlike Low-LIght Vision, which is a feat.
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144 Chapter 5: Powers

You can detect a faint aura Magnification
around anything with an Origin, Ranks
Factor
including people who have active 1 x100
powers (but not inactive ones); any 2 x1500
supertech, mystical, or psionic
3 x500,000
items; people who are currently
4 x750,000
under the influence of a power,
including spells and psi-powers. 5 x1,000,000
Enhancement:
Microscopic Vision [power]
Cost: 1CP per rank
Prerequisite: Super Sight
You can now focus your eyes in such a way that they work as
a microscope. You can now magnify, with your naked eye, to a
factor of 100. You can take this enhancement multiple times.
Each time, it increases your magnification factor (see table).
1500x is around the maximum power of a mechanical
microscope, and 1,000,000x is about the equivalent of an
electron microscope, which is to say that you could examine
objects on a molecular level.
Enhancement: Multiple Vision
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Super Sight
You can see with multiple modes of Super Sight at the same
time. You do not need to switch between them, and the
overlapping visuals do not distract or disorient you. You can still
turn specific types of vision on and off at will.
Enhancement: Super Touch
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Super Sight
Your sense of touch is incredibly sensitive, which includes
the ability to sense vibrations in the ground or even through the
air. This enhancement doubles all bonuses from Super Senses
related to touch, specifically Search, Disable Device, and Slight
of Hand. You can now read normal print with your fingertips.
You can detect another creature's presence—person, animal,
etc.—but not its specific location. If you expend a move action,
you can get an accurate direction of the source if it is within 30
ft. If you move within 5 feet of it, you can pinpoint it and know
its location essentially as well as you could by sight (save for the
details that only visual senses could reveal, of course). Unless
someone who is using the Stealth skill does not make vibrations
through the ground (e.g., they're flying), you get a +8
competence bonus to detect them using the Observe skill. This
applies specifically to situations in which someone attempts to
catch you flat-footed execute a Sneak Attack.
Limitations
Limitation: Single Sense
Value: 3CP
You only have a single enhanced sense of your choice, rather
than all of them. Bonuses from this power (and the Protected
Senses enhancement) only apply to that single sense.
This limitation is not compatible with any enhancement for a
sense other than the one you choose, or with the Two Senses
limitation.
Limitation: Two Senses
Value: 2CP
You only have two Super Senses of your choice, rather than
all of them. Bonuses from this power (and the Protected Senses
enhancement) only apply to the chosen senses.
This limitation is obviously not compatible with any
enhancement for a sense other than the ones chosen, or with the
Single Sense limitation.
Super Speed
[Power]
Cost: 4CP
Activate: none; use activated (Run)
Range: self
This power increases your speed when you Run (i.e., as a
full-round, move action). Instead of multiplying your speed by
x4, you now Run at x8.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Bonus Actions
Cost: 4CP per bonus action
Activate: 1PP per Bonus Action; use-activated (special)
For every rank in this enhancement, you can take one
additional standard action each round. Each extra action you take
costs 1PP. You can buy this enhancement a maximum of 4 times
for a total of 6 actions in a round (five standard actions and one
move action).
Enhancement: Bonus Full-Round Action
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Bonus Actions
With this enhancement, you can combine two Bonus Actions
and perform a full-round action, such as a run or full attack.
Enhancement: Combo Attack
Cost: 2CP per attack
Prerequisite: Speed Multiplier
Activate: 1PP per attack
Your strikes land so quickly that your target's body receives
the damage as if it were from one attack. You can combine the
damage from two consecutive attacks of any kind (two iterative
attacks within a full-attack action, two standard actions, two
attacks from two-weapon fighting or a double weapon, etc.). The
total damage between the two attacks counts towards the target's
Massive Damage Threshold and the target's DR, instead of
calculating them separately. Every extra rank in the power allows
you to add another attack's damage to the Combo Attack. At 3
ranks, you can string together 4 consecutive attacks, for example.
Every attack within a Combo Attack costs 1PP, but you can
use as many or as few of your total available Combo Attacks as
you like. With 3 ranks, for example, you could combine the
damage of up to 4 attacks, which could cost 4PPs, but you could
also combine only 2 for 2PPs. You can take this enhancement
multiple times. Its effects stack.

144 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers 145

(or MPH for our American friends), Speed Multiplier

Enhancement: Nimble Runner consult Table 7-3 Running Speeds in Multi-
Cost: 4CP Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment, or Ranks Cost
plier
You can now turn while Running. You must travel at least 20 do the math that is explained there.
feet before making each turn, and the turn itself can be no more 1 x2 3CP
than 45º. Furthermore, you now fall from a Wall Run or sink Enhancement: Speed Multiplier 2 x3 6CP
during a Water Run only when you fail a Reflex save, and Cost: 3CP per rank (Speed x2) 3 x4 9CP
Fortitude saves don't affect your running at all unless their Activate: 4 x5 12CP
specific effect would reasonably do so. none; use-activated (movement)
For every rank in this enhancement, 5 x6 15CP
Enhancement: Elegant Runner you increase your Speed by x2. For 6 x7 18CP
Cost: 3CP most people, this means a 30-ft. 7 x8 21CP
Prerequisite: Nimble Runner movement rate becomes a 60-ft. 8 x9 24CP
As Nimble Runner, except that there is no minimum distance movement rate, but if your Speed were
between 45º turns, and when you Wall Run or Water Run, you do 40 ft. per round, then this enhancement 9 x10 27CP
not fall when you fail either a Fortitude or a Reflex save. would make it 80 ft. You can take this 10 x11 30CP
enhancement multiple times. Each time,
Enhancement: Fast Observation it adds another multiplier (see table). There is no upward limit on
Cost: 2CP the number of times you can take the enhancement. The table
For you, the world moves in slow-mo. You can now make merely provides stats for the first 10 ranks.
Observe checks as a free action, but the maximum number of
Observe checks you can pre round equals your Wisdom modifier, Enhancement: Wall Run
to a minimum of 1. Cost: 3CP
Activate: none; use-activated (movement)
Enhancement: Fast Skills You can run so quickly that you defy gravity for brief periods
Cost: 1CP per rank of time by running straight up a wall. Every 5 feet you climb
For each rank in this enhancement, you halve the time upwards counts as 10 feet of movement. You must perform the
required to use a skill such as Craft, Computer Use, or Search. actual Run action to use this enhancement.
The GM must rule on whether you can feasibly use a particular Several things instantly cause you to fall while attempting a
skill at super speed. Sorting papers at super-speed might cause so Wall Run: ceasing to Run (turning, slowing down, etc.), failing a
much disturbance in the air that the papers fly all over the place. Fortitude save, or attempting a Reflex save . In this last case, you
Delivering a speech a super speed would be pointless unless the can choose to not roll your saving throw and take the
audience can hear at super speed, like robots. Mm... robots. consequences in order to (possibly!) keep running.
You can stop without falling only when you reach a flat
Enhancement: Marathon surface, such as the top of a building or cliff, or a ledge or
Cost: 2CP per 4 hours of running outcropping. When you get to that flat surface, you simply leap
For every rank in this enhancement, Running Multiplier over the wall and land on your feet. No check or save is required.
you can Run for another 4 hours per day Multi Remember that rounds happen continuously, so between rounds
Ranks Cost
before you feel the effects of a Forced -plier of Wall Running you are still in mid-run, not standing still.
March. You can take this enhancement
1 x8 4CP
up to 4 times, for a total of 24 hours. Enhancement: Water Run
However, your need to sleep is different 2 x16 5CP Cost: 3CP
than the fatigue that results from a 3 x32 6CP Activate: none; use-activated (movement)
Forced March. You don't get fatigued You can run so quickly that you skim over the surface of
from the running, but you can still get 4 x64 7CP water and other large bodies of liquid . You can run (as the full-
tired from lack of sleep. Of course, if 5 x128 8CP round action) straight across a body of water or other liquid.
you also don't need to sleep... Every 5 feet you run across the water counts as 10 feet of
6 x256 9CP movement.
Enhancement: Running Multiplier 7 x512 10CP Several things instantly cause you to sink while attempting a
Cost: 1CP per rank Water Run: trying to turn, slowing down, failing a Fortitude save,
Activate: free; use-activated (Run) 8 x1024 11CP or attempting a Reflex save. In this last case, you can choose to
For every rank in this power, you 9 x2048 12CP not roll your saving throw and take the consequences in order to
increase your Running multiplier on the (possibly!) keep running.
table (right). Simply apply the listed 10 x4096 13CP
You can continue to run over multiple rounds as long as you
multiplier to your Speed for the 11 x8192 14CP continue to run at full speed and in a straight line. You can only
purposes of Running. Do not add these stop without slipping into the liquid when you reach a solid
multipliers. To find your speed in kph 12 x16348 15CP surface, like a beach or the edge of a pool. Remember that rounds

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 145

146 Chapter 5: Powers

happen continuously, so between rounds you are still in mid-run, 50PPs and you invested 20PPs into an Invention, then you would
not standing still. effectively have only 30PPs left. You could then use those 30PPs
to fuel other powers, and they would regenerate as normal. Once
Enhancement: Quick Step you expend all the PPs in the Invention, then you would start to
Cost: 3CP per 5 feet. regenerate those points. If you lose an Invention, or if it is stolen
Activate: 1PP per rank or destroyed, you do not get your PPs back until you can rest for
Each rank in this enhancement allows you to move 5 more a night. If someone else activates one of your Inventions, they
feet than normal when taking a Five-Foot Step. If you spend 6CP expend the PPs that you invested into it.
on this enhancement, you can move up to 15 feet before or after a The total build time for an Invention is 1 minute
full attack action, for instance. All other rules for 5-Foot Steps multiplied by the CP cost of the power, to a maximum of 1
apply normally. You can take this enhancement multiple times. hour. While you're working, you must maintain the equivalent of
Its effects stack. You cannot take more ranks in Quick Step than caster concentration. At the end of this time, you must make a
you have levels of Speed Multiplier. Supercraft check, the DC of which equals 20 + the total CP cost
of the power, including all ranks and enhancements. If you pass
Supertech Invention the check, then the Invention functions normally. If you fail the
[Trait] check, the Invention does not function. If you fail the check by
Cost: 8CP more than 10, then you do not know that the Invention doesn't
Activate: as power function. It tests find in the lab, but the first time you try to use it
Sustain: as power "in the field," it craps out on you, makes whiny noises, falls
Range: Item apart, or shoots a shower of harmless sparks, but that's it.
With this power, you can construct Inventions. Inventions are Within any given seven-day period, the number of
devices of indefinite shape and configuration (it's up to you!), but Inventions you can build is limited by the total CP cost of the
they are always Supertech in Origin and they are always powers you load into them. That number cannot exceed your
hand-held and provoke an attack of opportunity to activate . Constitution modifier times ten. For example, if you have
Other people can attempt to activate your Inventions, but they Constitution 18 (+4), then you cannot make more than 40CPs
must have either this power or the Use Device skill in order to worth of Inventions in any given seven-day period.
succeed. After an Invention is activated once, it burns itself out
Your Origin, or one of your Origins, must be Supertech for forever. They're just not long-term items.
you to take this power. You can make more than one Invention at Enhancements
a time, if you can afford it with your PP (see below). 31 Enhancement: Increased Power
The base power costs 8CP, which allows you load a power Cost: 3CP per rank (2CP each)
into your Invention(s) with a cost of up to 4CP and you can load This enhancement raises the maximum CP value of the
only one power into an Invention at a time. The power must be powers you can load into an Invention by 2CP per rank. If you
able to target one or more people or areas. It cannot be a trait, a take two ranks in this power, for example, you can load a total of
spell, or a psi-power. 8CP into an Invention (base 4CP, plus two ranks in 2CP).
You must Research any power you load into an Invention, but
once you've researched it once, you never need to do so again. Enhancement: Multiple Activations
The DC for the Research check is 10 + the total CP cost of the Cost: 5CP
power. If you fail this check, you have used up the Research time This enhancement grants the ability to activate your
without any positive results. Inventions multiple times. You must invest enough PPs into a
In lieu of a library or laboratory in which to do your given Invention for it to expend its power more than once. When
Research, you can use a person who has the power you're trying you build an Invention with more than one activation, the
to replicate. That person needs to be present for the entire Research check increases to 15 + CP cost.
Research time and the entire build time, but he, she, or it does not
need to maintain concentration (see below). Enhancement: Multiple Powers
You must also invest the Invention with your own PPs, Cost: 5CP
which means that you can at any one time invest a number of PP Prerequisite: Multiple Activations
into your Inventions equalling your Character Level (CL). Any This enhancement grants the ability to load more than one
additional PPs you invest in you Inventions comes form your power into an Invention. You must invest enough PPs into a
current total. Until you expend the PPs that are locked into the given Invention for it to activate all its powers at least once each.
Invention, you do not regenerate them. For example, if you had When you build an Invention with more than one power, the
Research check increases to 20 + CP cost.
31 Supertech Invention is more akin to Mystic Spell-Casting and Psionic
Manifestation than item creation, so you can't make permanent items with it. Enhancement: Sustain Power
Instead, you make short-term devices that simulate powers, which is
basically a different in-game explanation for something that functions a lot Cost: 5CP
like spells or psi-powers. To make permanent items, see the Invention feats Prerequisite: Multiple Activations
(Chapter 4: Feats), or you can take one of the Item powers : Esoteric Item,
Gadgets/Power Armour, and Iconic Item.

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 Chapter 5: Powers
This enhancement allows you build Inventions that can
sustain a power. You must invest enough PPs into a given
Invention for it to sustain a power for more than one round.
When you build an Invention that can sustain a power, the
Research check increases to 15 + CP cost.
Surface Adhesion
[Power]
Cost: 3CP
Activate: none; use-activated (movement)
Range: self
You can climb and travel on vertical surfaces, or even
ceilings, with ease. You must have your hands free to move in
this manner. You travel at your full speed and you can take a
double-move, but you cannot run.
You do not need to make Climb checks of any kind, even
when upside down. You retain your Dexterity bonus to Defence,
and opponents get no special bonus to their attacks against you.
Enhancements total of 6 actions in a round (five standard actions and one move
Enhancement: Fast Climb
Cost: 1CP
You can "run" on vertical surfaces (i.e., move x4 your base
speed, in a straight line), but without the Hands Free
Enhancement, you actually move on all-fours, as opposed to
upright running.
Enhancement: Hands Free
Cost: 1CP
You can climb using only two of your limbs, either just your
feet, or just your hands, or one of each. If you "stand" on a wall, download speed is, therefore, based on the computer in question,
you can use your hands just as well as you would on level
ground, which means that you can manipulate objects, perform
acts of manual dexterity (i.e., use skills), and, of course, make
attacks. You are still subject to gravity, of course.
Powers: T of Congress into your head, but a couple of books of plain text or
Technopathy
[Power]
Cost: 5CP
Activate: 1PP; move action
Sustain: per round/hour; move action
Range: 30 feet
You can make mental contact with computers, including
desk-top machines, laptops, and PDAs, but not to anything that is
considered supertech, so no bionics, alien technology, androids,
or Gadgets. Any computer that has some form of human
interface is vulnerable to this power. The computer in question
must be on, but it does not need to have an active wireless
connection. You connect with it directly. You still interact with
the software of a given piece of technology, though, so you
essentially have a virtual suite of input/output devices in your
head. You see the screen in your mind and enter data with your
thoughts.
This power does not automatically grant you Computer-
related skills, nor can you download data into your mind. You
can glean as much information using this power as you could if
you were to sit down in front of the computer and it takes just as
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
147
much time to do so. You must spend a move action to mentally
"log in," but after that you need pay only as much attention as
you would to perform a given operation. However, you can do it
covertly and at a distance, although you must already know that
there is a computer there to connect to. Someone using the
computer to which you're connected gets a Computer Use check
(DC 20) to possibly notice that files are moving, data is being
accessed, memory is activated, etc., and therefore might conclude
that someone is covertly connected to the computer. If they are
actively searching for such activity, the DC is only 15.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Bonus Actions
Cost: 3CP
Activate: 1PP per bonus action
For every rank in this enhancement, while you are mentally
connected to a computer you get one bonus standard action of
interaction with the computer. Each extra action you take costs
3PP. You can buy this enhancement a maximum of 4 times for a
action). These actions can be used only to interact with the
computer, nothing else.
Enhancement: Data Core
Cost: 4CP
You can download data into your head and upload it to
another computer at a later time. The data is not accessible while
stored in your mind. Your brain, a far more complex memory
storage/retrieval system than the average computer, can record
data as fast as a given computer can output it, and vice-versa. Up/
not you.
In most cases, you have plenty of room in your head, but
GMs are within their rights to limit you in truly outrageous
situations. You cannot, for example, download the entire Library
a CD are no problem.
You can, using this enhancement, upload a file to a computer
and execute it.
Enhancement: Data Reader
Cost: 4CP
Prerequisite: Data Core
You can now read the data in your head as if it were loaded
into its appropriate client software. This means you can view
pictures or video files and you can read text, but you don't have
access to the actual code, and you cannot alter the data. It is "read
only." Without Bonus Actions, it takes just as long to read or
view data in your head as it would to do so with a computer.
Reading a book still takes hours.
Enhancement: Data Manipulation
Cost: 4CP
Prerequisite: Data Reader
You can now edit the data in your head as if you had the
appropriate software, altering text, touching-up photos, etc.
Without Bonus Actions, it takes just as long to do this work as it
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148 Chapter 5: Powers
would sitting in front of a computer. But you can do it in your
head, anywhere you like.
Enhancement: Executables
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Data Core, Data Reader, Data Manipulation
You can now download programmes into your head and run
them as if they were running on a computer. You don't need extra
software for basic editing; Data Manipulation takes care of that,
but that enhancement doesn't cover speciality software, like
hacking tools for example. Those, you need to download and
install. Compatibility is not an issue. Your mind is flexible
enough to translate any commercially-available, human-made
programming language into a usable form. You just need to
download the file and take about 5 minutes to install it.
However, alien or other non-human software is far more
difficult. To load this kind of software into your mind, you must
first download it, then make a Computer Use check, DC 20 (or
higher, if the GM decides this technology is even more alien).
Every time you attempt to use that software, you must make a
fresh Computer Use check (DC 20). If you fail, using the
software takes an extra move action where Computer Use would
normally take only a standard action. If you succeed, you can use
the software normally.
Enhancement: Increased Range
Cost: 2CP
Increase the range of your Technopathy by 30 feet. You can
take this enhancement up to 3 times for a total range of 120 feet. limited as if you were working blind with your actual hands.
Enhancement: Remote Control
Cost: 4CP
You can now connect with simple electrical devices that are
capable of receiving remote-control signals, everything from RC as you would be with your hands. Also, sheer distance from a
cars to televisions.
Enhancement: Sense Computer
Cost: 3CP per rank
You can now sense the presence of any computer—laptop,
desktop, PDA—within 20 feet. This sense is blocked by 1 inch of
steel or other dense metal and/or 6 inches of concrete. You can
take this enhancement up to four times. Each time after the first
add 10 feet to the distance (i.e., 30 feet at 2 ranks, 40 feet at 3 directly away from you using either a 30-foot range increment
ranks, etc.).
Enhancement: Speed Read
Cost: 2CP per rank
You can read/view information off of a computer (or out of
your Data Core) much more quickly, approximately one minute
for every hour the reading/viewing would normally take. The
GM has final say on exactly how long certain tasks would take.
You can take this enhancement a second time, which speeds you
up even more, converting hours of reading to individual move
actions.
Enhancement: Wireless
Cost: 4CP
148 Phoenix v10 (draft)
You can connect to the internet using just your mind as if you
were using a standard suite of browsers and internet applications.
You can connect from anywhere that has a wireless network. You
can use public networks without a problem, but private networks
still require an ID and a password. Of course, if you have a
sufficient Computer Use bonus, you can just try to hack the
connection, as well.
Telekinesis
[Power]
Cost: 5CP32
Activate: 1PP per 100lbs. (By CL); standard action
Sustain: per round/hour; varies by use
Range: 30 feet
With this power, you can manipulate objects from a distance,
wield weapons, or throw objects as an attack. When
manipulating an object, you can basically do anything that
could normally do with two hands, like working a panel of
buttons, opening doors, undoing clasps, or just lifting objects and
moving them. If you could perform a given action with your
hands then you can do it with Telekinesis, and it requires the
same number of actions to do so. The power isn't actually a hand,
of course, its a localized field of force, but for the purposes of
sorting out what you can and can't do with it, the "two-hands"
rule is about right. With two hands, for example, you could not
lift a whole building because your fields of force are so small that
they would simply go through the building's walls or floors. 33
If you cannot see what you're doing, then you're just as
Telekinesis does afford a mental form of force-feedback, so you
can feel your way around with it, for example, too reach around a
corner for a light switch, but you're just as likely to accidentally
knock something over when working blind with with Telekinesis
delicate or complex job can impair your ability to perform it
correctly. Your GM might apply an effective range increment
of 5 feet to your Telekinesis for delicate operations. Your
Dexterity (see below) dictates how generally adroit you are with
your Telekinesis.
Wielding a weapon or using a firearm from a distance
qualifies as a "delicate or complex job," therefore it has a 5-foot
range increment. You can throw objects in a straight line,
or the increment of a range weapon, whichever is greater. You
can also throw weapons at angles to you—picking something up
that's to your right and throwing it to your left, for example—but
doing so reduces the range increment to 10 feet or half of the
object's given increment, whichever is greater.
32 The price of Telekinesis is keyed to Ability Enhancement . The price of
increasing your physical ability scores is the same as increases your
Telekinetic Strength and Dexterity.
33 Telekinesis might seem limited at first, but remember that Phoenix is
designed on the premise that you get what you pay for, so although logically,
Telekinesis could potentially be used to fly, deliver kinetic attacks, etc., those
abilities are already other powers (i.e., Flight and Energy Attack). If you want
powers that Telekinesis would theoretically grant, then you have to pay for
them separately.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers
Telekinesis uses four stats: range, speed, Strength, and
Dexterity.
Your Telekinetic range is 30 feet. Increasing the range of the
power does not increase the range increments for manipulating
objects, including wielding weapons, throwing things, or firing
weapons.
You can move objects through the air at a speed of 30 feet
and perform slam attacks with them, which are basically mêlée
attacks at range.
Your Telekinesis has a Strength score and a Dexterity
score. These are literally the ability scores of your Telekinesis.
They dictate how much you can lift, how hard you can throw
objects, how delicately you can manipulate tools, etc.
Strength add modifiers to hit and damage when you wield a
weapon, and it dictates your weight allowance. You can be
encumbered by having a lot of weight "on your mind," as it were.
You can make grapples with this power, and they rely on your
Telekinetic Strength. If you Pin someone with Telekinesis, and
your Telekinetic Strength is high enough, you can then lift, move,
or throw that person, or even use them as a blunt weapon.
Dexterity modifies your attack rolls for thrown objects and
governs how nimble and delicate your Telekinetic "feel" is. Your
Telekinetic Strength and Dexterity start at 10 (+0) and you can
increase them with enhancements.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Broad Elements
Cost: 4CP
Prerequisite: Elemental Mastery (limitation)
Your Elemental Mastery extends to all substances related to
your element.
Earth Mastery can affect hard minerals and substances like
asphalt. If your Elemental Mastery Strength score is Super, then
you can pull up chunks of asphalt or yank hunks off of stone
buildings.
Water Mastery extends to all liquids, regardless of water
content, as long as they are not inside some sort of container.
Air Mastery allows influence over all smokes, gases, and
even aerosol sprays.
Finally, Fire Mastery allows control over all heat and
combustion.
Enhancement: Extra Hands
Cost: 3CP per Extra Hand
For every rank in this enhancement, you get an extra "hand"
when using Telekinesis. You can take this enhancement up to five Imbuing it with 2 points.
times for a total of six hands. Each extra hand grants a +2 to
Grapple checks.
When you have 4 hands, you have enough control to carry
liquids, as if you were scooping them up with a ladle.
When you have 6 hands, you can carry gasses, as if you were through the air by 10 feet. You can take this enhancement up to
trapping them in your hands. You cannot necessarily tell which
gases are which, and you cannot filter the air to select "only the
poison gas" or "only the nitrogen," but you could grab a visible
cloud of gas.
With 8 hands you can carry mundane, non-material things
like fire or electricity (even though that should be impossible), your Telekinetic Dexterity equals your Wisdom score. You can
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
149
but you cannot carry any supernatural materials, like magical
energy.
Enhancement: Split Hands
Cost: 3CP per Split
Prerequisite: Extra Hands
For every rank in this enhancement, you can "split" your
hands between two different tasks, which means that you could
manipulate more than one object at a time. You can take this
enhancement multiple time. Each time, it splits your hands again.
At one rank, you split your hands in two. At two ranks, you split
them into three, etc. Each split makes the groups of hands
approximately even.
Example: if you had five hands and took 2 ranks of this
power, you would have three separate groups to work with, two
of which would have 2 hands each, and one would have just 1
hand. You cannot "split" an individual hand, so logically, the
maximum ranks you can take in this enhancement is one fewer
than your total number of Telekinetic hands.
Enhancement: Increased Dexterity
Cost: 2CP per +1 to Telekinetic Dexterity
For every rank in this enhancement, increase your Telekinetic
Dexterity by 1 point.
Enhancement: Increased Strength
Cost: 2CP per +1 to Telekinetic Strength
For every rank in this enhancement, increase your Telekinetic
Strength by point 1.
Enhancement: Increased Range
Cost: 2CP
Increase the range of your Telekinesis by 30 feet. You can
take this enhancement up to three times, to a total range of 120
feet.
Enhancement: Imbue Hardness
Cost: 1CP per 1 point of Hardness
Activate: 1PP per point of Hardness; move action
For every rank in this enhancement, you can imbue an object
you're controlling with your Telekinesis with a point of Hardness.
Imbuing Hardness requires a move action. The effect lasts 10
rounds. Remember that Hardness scores do not stack. An object
with a Hardness of 10 will not be raised to Hardness 12 by
Enhancement: Increased Speed
Cost: 2CP per 10 feet
Increase the speed at which you can move metal objects
three times. The effects stack.
Enhancement: Mental Muscle
Cost: 5CP
Your Telekinetic Strength equals your Intelligence score, and
also take Increased Dexterity and Increased Strength, of course,
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but your Telekinetic scores will still equal your Intelligence and
Wisdom, so there's not much point in doing that, is there?
Enhancement: Multiple Elements
Cost: 4CP
Prerequisite: Elemental Telekinesis (limitation)
You can now select a second element to control, buy when
you activate Elemental Mastery, you must designate which
element you control for the duration of that activation/sustain
time. You can switch to another element only by dropping the
first activation and starting a new one. You can purchase this
enhancement up to three times and select another element each
time.
Enhancement: Simultaneous Elements
Cost: 4CP
Prerequisite: Elemental Telekinesis (limitation), Multiple
Elements
You can now control multiple elements at the same time. All you can potentially knock out electronic devices. You can create
other rules apply as normal.
Limitations effect is approximately a 1-foot-diameter sphere.
Limitation: Common Substance
Value: 2CP
You can affect only one general category of solid substance
with your Telekinesis. Common substances include metal, wood, repaired (DC 20). If it passes, it is unaffected by your EMP.
stone, and plastic. GMs might allow you to take a similarly
common substance, but only with special permission.
Limitation: Decreased Dexterity
Value: 1CP per -1 Telekinetic Dexterity
For every rank in this limitation, decrease your Telekinetic
Dexterity by -1. This limitation is incompatible with the Mental
Muscle enhancement.
Limitation: Decreased Strength
Value: 1CP per -1 Telekinetic Strength
For every rank in this limitation, decrease your Telekinetic
Strength by -1. This limitation is incompatible with the Mental
Muscle enhancement.
Limitation: Elemental Telekinesis
Value: 4CP
Your Telekinesis affects only one of the four classical
elements: Air, Earth, Fire, or Water. Earth and Water follow the
same Strength/weight rules as normal Telekinesis. However, for
Air and Fire, this limitation switches your carrying capacity from or alloys (steel, gold, copper, iron), specific kinds of wood (ash,
weight to volume. For every point of Elemental Telekinetic
Strength above 10, you can manipulate about a cubic foot of air
or fire. At Strength 10, you can manipulate anything less than 1
cubic foot.
Earth objects must be either stone or dirt, and cannot be
machined or processed by human hands. Rocks and stones are in;
asphalt is out.
Air includes volumes relatively pure air (NO 2), and do not
include other kinds of gasses
Fire includes living flames. When you lift and carry them,
they temporarily need no source. You maintain their fire with
your will power.
Finally, water includes volumes of relatively pure water
(H2O), and no other kinds of liquid.
Limitation: Magnetic Telekinesis
Value: 3CP
Your Telekinesis affects only ferrous metals. All other rules
apply normally.
Enhancement: Electro-Magnetic Pulse
Cost: 4CP
Prerequisite: Magnetic Telekinesis
Activation: 2PP; standard action
Area of Effect: 1-foot radius sphere
Save: Fortitude, Wisdom
By mentally activating a burst of random magnetic energy,
an EMP anywhere within the power's range, and the area of the
The EMP itself provokes a save from the device (see above).
If it fails, then the devices stops functioning for 1d4 rounds. If it
fails by more than 10, then the device is non-functional until it is
If you make an Electronics or Computer skill check (DC 15),
you can identify the spot in a large machine that would knock out
its primary memory, control mechanism, CPU, or other spot that
would deactivate the whole machine. This skill check requires a
standard action to observation the machine. You get a +2 bonus if
you have the machine's schematics at hand or its internal systems
are open to general view. You take a -2 penalty if its systems are
unusual (an obscure make or a home-built design), or if the bulk
of the exterior simply isn't visible. You need to have a general
sense of the structure of the whole machine to identify its
vulnerable point. The GM can, of course, raise or lower the DC
in unusual circumstances.
Some electric or electronic components are hardened against
EMPs, which means that they are effectively immune to this
effect. The only way to find out is to try.
Limitation: Uncommon Substance
Value: 4CP
You can affect only one specific kind of solid substance with
your Telekinesis. Uncommon substances include specific metals
oak, cedar), or particular types of stone or other minerals
(concrete, granite, limestone).
Telepathy
[Power]
Cost: 6CP
Activate: 1PP; move action
Sustain: per round/hour; varies by use
Range: 30 feet
Save: Will (negates), Charisma-based

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 Chapter 5: Powers
This power grants you the ability to monitor the surface
thoughts of a subject, as they flash past the subject's conscious
mind. Subjects get a Will save either every round (in combat) or
every hour (as per the activation cost). If they fail, you can sense
whatever they are thinking in that moment, including imagery
and sensory information (a picture, a smell, a sound) or abstract
data (numbers, words). If they succeed, they block your attempt
to Listen, but don't notice that you tried. If they succeed by more
than 5, they recognise your attempt for what it is and act
accordingly.
You can sense the surface thoughts of only living, biological
creatures that have organised thoughts. In essence, you can read
the mind of anything with language . If you attempt to read any
creature with an Intelligence score of 5 or below, you default to
the Empathy limitation (see below) because such creatures
thoughts that are ordered enough to read in detail.
You do not hear voices or read thoughts like text, but instead
holistically sense what the subject thinks; therefore, language
barrier is not an issue. If you spoke only Japanese, and the
subject spoke only Swahili, you could still sense her thoughts. In
this way, you can sense untranslatable concepts, for which you
personally might not have words.
No physical barrier blocks Telepathy. It reaches to its
maximum range regardless of what's in the way. Regardless of
Origin, the feat Closed Mind grants a +2 to any save against this
power.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Broadcast
Cost: 3cp
Prerequisite: Send
Activate: 1PP; move action
Range: 30 ft.
You can psychically "yell" and anyone in radius "hears" you
(in their minds). In one move action, you can Broadcast anything
you could say out loud in the same time.
Enhancement: Converse
Cost: 2cp
Activate: 1PP per round/hour; use-activated (conversing)
Range: 30 ft.
Save: Will (negates); Charisma-based
You can now open a two-way channel of communication
between yourself and a subject. You cannot hear thoughts that
aren't deliberately sent to you, and others sense only the thoughts
you send to them. You can "speak" double the number of
words/ideas that you normally could in the same span of time,
and you can Telepathically Converse while performing other
actions (e.g., moving, attacking, using a skill, etc.). You need
only be within 30 ft.
Subjects get a Will save either every round (in combat) or
every hour (as per the activation cost). They can choose to wave
their Will saves, in which case they can end the conversation any
time they like, as if they were hanging up a telephone. Those
who do roll the save and beat the DC have successfully blocked
your attempt to connect to their minds.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
151
Enhancement: Relay
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Converse
Activate: +1PP per round/hour; use-activated (relaying)
You can now have Telepathic conversations between several
conversants. You simply act as relay, sensing and then sending
each person's thoughts to the group. This costs 1PP extra per
round/hour, on top of the cost of Conversing.
Enhancement: Increased Range
Cost: 3CP per rank
This enhancement increases the range of your Telepathy by
30 ft. You can take this enhancement up to 4 times, to a
maximum of 150 ft.
Enhancement: Long-Distance Range
Cost: 3CP per rank
Prerequisite: Increased Range (4 Ranks)
This enhancement increases the range of your Telepathy to
1000 miles / 1500 kilometers, and then each additional rank
grants another 1000 miles / 1500 kilometers. You can take this
enhancement multiple times. Its effects stack.
Enhancement: Instant Therapy
Cost: 10CP
Activate: 4PPs; 10 minutes
Save: special (voluntary only)
This enhancement allows you to delve into a subjects' mind
and illuminate their innermost traumas and joys such that they
suddenly see their own lives with such sharp clarity that they no
longer seek out self-destructive (and just plain destructive)
behaviours. Subjects of this effect must enter into the process
voluntarily; it requires that they participate just as much as you
do. A subject under the influence of a mind-altering effect or
substance does not have the ability to take part in the process.
Only a genuinely free mind can take part in this kind of therapy.
Even a subject manipulated to take part in the process—through
Instant
Therapy Condition
DC
a source of frustration, but not life-changing (e.g.,
10 difficulty communicating with family/friends,
relationship/job frustration)
a distraction that alters the way the subject lives
20
(e.g., miner phobia, tendency to addiction, etc.)
seriously impacts the subject's ability to hold a job,
30 have adult relationships, and the like (e.g., major
phobia, full-blown addictive behaviour)
subject is almost unable to take care for him/herself
40 (e.g., severe phobia to every-day experiences, acute
anxiety, extreme bipolar disorder)
subject is unable to function, cannot care for
50 him/herself, requires full-time care by a family
member or medical professional
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Bluff, Intimidate, or Diplomacy, for example—will find that,
because they were sold a false bill of goods, they cannot benefit
from it.
The rules that follow apply only in those situations where
time is a factor or the results have in-game consequences. If you
want to use this enhancement essentially for narrative
flavour, then GMs are strongly encouraged to not sweat the
details (e.g., reforming a career criminal, curing someone's
eating disorder, allowing them to come to terms with their
trauma). However, if the subject is an important NPC, then
play it by the book.
The process takes 10 minutes, during which time you just sit
quietly with the subject, both of you free from distractions of all
kinds. Some quiet music the most you can tolerate. You roll a
Behavioural Sciences check and so does the subject. If, between
you, you make the DC, then the subject is relieved of one major
neurosis, on-going trauma, or the like. The DC starts at 10, for
garden-variety emotional difficulties, and can go as high as 40.
Enhancement: Listen In
Cost: 2CP
Activate: 1PP; move action
Save: Will (negates), Charisma-based
If you are within range of a telepathic conversation, you get a questions you can ask the GM. You can ask each question after
free Sense Motive check (DC 15, not including the +20 bonus for you hear the answer to the previous question, and thus tailor
Listening) to notice the conversation. If you succeed, you notice them to hone in on a particular piece of information, but every
the Conversation happening and you can attempt to Listen to it,
which prompts a Will save. The Will save is made by the
participant with the highest Will modifier, and every member of
the group can aids the roll (potentially adding +2 each). As with
Listen, if they succeed, they block you but don't notice you. If
they succeed by 5 or more, they do notice you. If they fail the
save, you are now a participant in the conversation and hear all
sent thoughts. You can send a thought of your own, of course, but
that would blow your cover and the participants could all "hang
up," if they so desired.
Enhancement: Psychic Scream
Cost: 2CP
Activate: 3PPs; standard action (attack)
Save: Will (negates), Charisma-based
You can direct a psionic cacophony straight into a single
target's mind and potentially render them stunned for 1d4 rounds. and line of sight. They get a Will save (see above). You can also
Targets get a Will save to resist the effects. People who are
stunned get no actions, drop anything they hold, lose their
Dexterity bonus to Defence (if any), and take a -2 penalty to
Defence for standing there like slack-jawed morons.
Enhancement: Short-Term Reading
Cost: 3CP
Activate: 1PP per round; move action
Sustain: move action
Save: Will (negates), Charisma-based
You can dig past surface thoughts and examine a subject's
memories and impressions. You have access to the subject's
short-term memory (about the last week). You can call up what
she had for breakfast or what conversations he had yesterday, for limited to sensing emotions. This limitation is incompatible with
example, but not long-term memories like bank account
numbers, childhood memories, or knowledge that's a result of
schooling.
In a move action, you can collect 4 specific pieces of
information about a subject, which take the form of four
questions you can ask the GM. You can ask each question after
you hear the answer to the previous question, and thus tailor
them to hone in on a particular piece of information, but every
question you ask about the subject counts toward your total,
including clarifications of previous questions.
Enhancement: Long-Term Reading
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Short-Term Reading
Activate: 2PP; move action
Save: Will (negates), Charisma-based
You can dig past the short term and examine a subject's long-
term memory to retrieve extremely personal information about
the subject's life, like old phone numbers, the smell of a former
lover, formative childhood experiences, or a book he or she has
read. In a single move action, you can collect
In a move action, you can collect 4 specific pieces of
information about a subject, which take the form of four
question you ask about the subject counts toward your total,
including clarifications of previous questions.
Enhancement: Swift Action Telepathy
Cost: 3CP
You can use any of the various Listen or Broadcast modes of
Telepathy as a swift action.
Enhancement: Telepathic Influence
Cost: 2CP per attitude
Activate: 2PPs per rank; standard action
Save: Will (negates), Charisma-based
You can attempt to influence anyone you can see within your
Telepathy's range, as per the Diplomacy skill. Every rank in the
power grants one level of attitude shift (i.e., hostile, unfriendly,
indifferent, friendly, helpful). Target's need to be both in range
combine this power with a normal Diplomacy check, in which
case you both talk to someone and nudge their mind at the same
time. Doing this grants a +10 circumstance bonus to your
Diplomacy roll per rank in the enhancement.
Limitations
Limitation: Empathy
Value: 3CP
Instead of hearing fully-formed, language-like thoughts, you
sense only the emotions of your subjects. Broadly speaking, you
can sense any emotion that has a single name, like fear, anxiety,
anger, lust, happiness, contentment, or frustration. You cannot
sense physical states like hunger, sleepiness, or arousal. All
modes and enhancements function normally except that you are

152 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers 153

Monoglot because basic emotions Max. Range Cost Mishap Check

aren't expressed in words. 75 feet 6CP If you attempt to Teleport into a closed or hidden space, you
must make a d20 roll (unmodified by anything), and check the
Limitation: Monoglot 300 feet 8CP table (above). There is a chance of a mishap or accident
Value: 2CP 1200 feet 10CP depending how familiar you are with the area into which you
Your Telepathy literally taps only 1 mile 12CP attempt to Teleport.
into people's "inner monologues," 4 miles 14CP
therefore you hear them in whatever Familiarity
language they speak. If you don't speak 16 miles 16CP "Within Sight" means that you can see the location with the
that language, you won't be able to 64 miles 18CP naked eye or simple magnification devices (e.g., binoculars), but
understand them. This limitation is 250 miles 20CP not electronic reproductions (e.g., life-feed television), to a
incompatible with Empathy because 1,000 miles 22CP maximum distance of 1 mile.
basic emotions aren't expressed in
words. 3,000 miles 24CP "Very Familiar" means that you have been to the site often
6,000 miles 26CP enough that it feels almost like home.
Teleport 9,000 miles 28CP "Studied carefully" means that you know the site well, either
[Power] because you have been there often or you have used other
12,000 miles
Cost: varies 30CP means to study it directly, such as video surveillance.
(Global)
Activate: 1PP; full-round action "Seen casually" means a site that you have seen several times,
Range: varies around a half-dozen, but you are not very familiar with it.
You can vanish into thin air and reappear instantaneously in "Viewed once" means a site that you have seen only once, or
another location. You can Teleport yourself, equipment equal to perhaps just a few times in passing.
your maximum load, and any animal companion of up to small "Description" means that you only know the site based on
size, assuming they are all touching you at the time you Teleport. someone's description, or by looking at detailed maps or
You cannot Teleport other creatures or beings other than animals, blueprints.
even if they are unconscious and you carry them. If, however, a "Blind Teleport" means that you kinda know the site, but not
person or companion is small enough to fit into the average shirt really. Mostly, you cross your fingers and thumb your rabbit's
or pants pocket, you can Teleport them, but only with the GM's foot.
permission.
The cost of Teleport depends on the maximum distance (see Teleporting to an open area or space within your field of
table, right). 12,000 miles is far enough to effectively Teleport vision requires no mishap check at all.
anywhere on the Earth, so we haven't included distances or costs
beyond that. If you really want to Teleport further, add 100% to Results of a Mishap Check
the distance for every additional 2 CP, and have fun on Mars. "On Target" means you appear where you wanted to with no ill
You must have a clear idea of the location and layout of your effects.
destination in order to Teleport there. You can't simply Teleport "Off Target" means you appear safely a random distance away
to a villain's lair if you don't know where that lair is, what it from the destination in a random direction. You can be up off-
looks like, or what's in it. The clearer your mental image of the target by a factor of up to 50% of your total distance
destination, the higher the chances the Teleportation will work. Teleported. To determine how off-target you are, roll 5d10.
Areas of strong physical, paranormal, or mystical energies might The result, as a percentage of your total Teleportation
make Teleportation hazardous or even impossible, at the GM's distance, is how far off-target you arrive. D etermine what
discretion. For example, a nuclear testing facility or a direction you are off of the target by 1d8 (1 is North, 2 is
convergence of ley lines could reduce your chances of North-East, etc.).
Teleporting accurately/safely. "Similar Area" means you wind up in an area that's visually or
thematically similar to the target area. Generally, you appear
in the closest similar place. If you attempt to go to a
Similar Off particular park, you might end up at a park on the other side
Familiarity Mishap On Target
Area Target of town. If you try to go to Disneyland, you could easily end
Within Sight - - 1 2 - 20 up at Euro Disney. You cannot Teleport yourself any further
Very Familiar - 1 2 3 - 20 off target than the distance that you can normally Teleport, of
course. If there is no truly similar place within range, then
Studied 1
2 3 4 - 20 you are "off target," but you can be up to 100% off-target.
Carefully
Roll d%. The result, as a percentage of your total
Seen Casually 1 2 3-4 5 - 20 Teleportation distance, is how far off-target you arrive.
Viewed Once 1 2-3 4-5 6 - 20 Determine what direction you are off of the target by 1d8 (1
By Description 1-2 2-3 5-6 7 - 20 is North, 2 is North-East, etc.).
Blind Teleport 1-4 5-7 8 - 10 01/08/20

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154 Chapter 5: Powers
"Mishap" means you've been briefly "scrambled" by the
Teleportation process. You suffer 2d6 points of non-lethal
damage. This damage is not reduced or prevented by
anything. You then arrive "off target," and will be dazed for
1d3 rounds upon arrival.
You can combine Teleportation with Temportation to move
through time and space simultaneously. Total the PP costs for
both powers, but Activation times happen simultaneously.
Therefore, if your activation time to Teleport were a standard
action and your activation time to Temport were a full-round
action, then a combined Teleport/Temport (or "Tardis jaunt")
would take a full-round action.
Enhancements
Enhancement: Standard-Action Teleport
Cost: 2CP
You can Teleport as a standard action.
Enhancement: Blink Attack
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Standard-Action Teleport
Activate: 1PP; full-round action (special)
Range: 75 feet, line of sight
As a full-round action, you can make a Blink Attack, which
means that you Teleport once, make a single mêlée attack, and
then Teleport back to where you started. The Teleportation that
follows your attack does not provoke an attack of opportunity.
Enhancement: Full Blink Attack
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Standard-Action Teleport, Blink Attack
Activate: 2PPs; full-round action (special)
Range: 75 feet, line of sight
As a full-round action, you can Teleport, make a full-attack,
and then Teleport again. The Teleportation that follows your
attack does not provoke an attack of opportunity.
Enhancement: Blink Blitz
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisites: Standard-Action Teleport, Blink Attack, Full
Blink Attack
Activate: 2PP per Teleport; full-round action (special)
As part of a Full Blink Attack, you can now Teleport between
individual attacks within your full-attack sequence, if you so
choose. The Teleportations that follow your attacks do not
provoke attacks of opportunity.
Enhancement: Reflexive Teleport
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Standard-Action Teleport
Activate: 1PP; swift action
If you retain your Dexterity bonus and are hit for physical
damage (either by an attack or something that triggers a saving
throw), you can make a Reflex save to instantly Teleport out of
danger a split second before the damage occurs. You reappear in
the same spot after the Reflexive Teleport, but avoid the damage through time and space simultaneously. Total the PP costs for
entirely. The DC of the Reflex save equals either the attack roll both powers. Activation times don't stack. Therefore, if your
154 Phoenix v10 (draft)
or the save DC of the in-coming effect. You must declare your
intention to invoke this enhancement after the hit is announced
but before full damage is calculated.
Enhancement: Safe Teleport
Cost: 2CP
You roll two twenty-sided dice whenever you have to roll a
Mishap Check, and select the most favourable of the two rolls.
Enhancement: Certain Teleport
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Safe Teleport
Activate: 1PP; full-round action
By spending an additional 4PPs when you Teleport, you can
travel to a closed or hidden space with no chance of a mishap.
While you cannot use this to Teleport to a completely unknown
location, like a villain's hidden base, you can Teleport to places
you barely know anything about, such as a tiny village
somewhere in Madagascar that you once saw in a postcard,
without a mishap. You merely need to have some idea of where
the target site is, and a vague notion of what it looks like.
Enhancement: Teleport Other
Cost: 3CP per rank
Activate: 1PP; full-round action
Range: Touch
For every rank in this enhancement, you can take one
medium-sized person with you when you Teleport. Large-sized
people count as two Others, and Huge-sized as three Others, and
so on. The additional person must be touching you when you
Teleport.
Limitations
Limitation: Sight Teleport Only
Value: 2CP
You can Teleport only to places in your line of sight. Your
"line of sight" can be enhanced by powers or mundane
technology like binoculars, but you cannot Sight Teleport based
on reproduced images, like a television signal or a web-cam. You
cannot attempt any Teleport that would require a Mishap Check.
This limitation is compatible with all enhancements and
limitations of Teleportation, but obviously Safe Teleport and
Certain Teleport will rarely apply.
Temport
[Power]
Cost: 5CP
Activate: 1PP per hour; full-round action
Range: self
With this power, you can move from one moment in time to
another that is forward in time. You must declare how far
forward you want to Temport when you start. You can specify
down to the minute, but you must pay 4PPs for every hour or
portion thereof, even if you travel less than an hour forward. You
arrive in the new time in the same physical spot that you left.
You can combine Teleportation with Temportation to move
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers
Teleportation activation time were a standard action and your
Temportation activation time were a full-round action, then a
combined Teleport/Temport would take a full-round action only.
take this enhancement twice, for a maximum of 3 rounds of Time
Enhancements Stop.
Enhancement: Day Temport
Cost: 3CP
Activate: 1PP per day; full-round action
You can now Temport in days, instead of hours. If you travel
less than a day forward, you must pay in hours, as with standard
Temportation.
Enhancement: Year Temport
Cost: 4CP
Prerequisite: Day Temport
Activate: free; full-round action
Sustain: 1PP per year
You can now Temport in years, or portions thereof, instead of
days, but you arrive at the same time of day that you left, unless
you also expend PPs on an additional hourly jump. If you start at
10am and travel 3 years, 8 months forward, arriving at 6:30pm,
you would have to pay 21PP (12PP for 3.5 years, 9PP for 8.5
hours).
Enhancement: Temport Other
Cost: 4CP
Activate: 1PP per person; full-round action
Range: Touch
For every rank in this enhancement, you can take one
medium-sized person with you when you Temport. Large-sized
people count as two Others, and Huge-sized as three Others, and
so on. The additional person must be touching you when you
Teleport.
Enhancement: Time Stop
Cost: 6CP
Activate: 3PP; full-round action
Sustain: swift action
You can stop time and move freely while the world is frozen.
Everything in the world still affects you as normal, including
gases or in-place energy effects, as well as gravity or drowning.
People around you are effectively helpless.
Your body and objects you physically move, including our
clothing, are all that you can effect. Energy, including that which
you generate with your body, like an Energy Attack, does not
function. Cars won't turn on. Computers only show what's on
their screens, if they're on at all, and you cannot affect software
while time stopped. Electrical switches of all kinds are
functionless, for you. If you flip a switch while Time Stopped,
the machine won't function until you start time again. Chemical
reactions don't work, so matches or gas stoves won't light.
Poisons don't activate outside of a pumping heart, so you can't
poison anyone else, or rather, they won't be poisoned until you
start time again. However, you can swallow chemicals and they
will function in your body.
Enhancement: Extended Time Stop
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
155
Cost: 2CP per round
Prerequisite: Time Stop
You can now stay in stopped time for an extra round. You can
Enhancement: Temport Backwards
Cost: 8CP
Activate: 1PP per year; full-round action
You can now travel backward in time, but you cannot travel
into your own timeline, which means you cannot meet yourself
and you cannot interact directly with events that would influence
your own life, such as meeting your parents. If you attempt to
jump to a place that would influence your own life, you bounce
back to your starting place, having expending your PPs as
normal. The GM has final say on what constitutes a time that has
an influence on your own life, but generally you cannot Temport
backwards into the same physical setting (the same city, for
example) that is within your own lifetime. You have to go past
the date of your own birth to stay local. If you travel to a distant
location with little or not influence on your own life, then you
can travel within your own lifetime. You also you cannot go
anywhere near your own ancestors for at least four generation
backwards. You can, for example, have a coffee with your great-
great-great-grandmother, but not your parents, grandparents,
great-grandparents, or great-great-grandparents.
Enhancement: Move-Action Temport
Cost: 3CP
You can now Temport as a move action.
Enhancement: Reflexive Temport
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Move-Action Temport
Activate: 1PP; swift action
If you retain your Dexterity bonus and are hit for physical
damage (either by an attack or something that triggers a saving
throw), you can make a Reflex save to instantly Temport a
moment into the future just before the damage occurs. You
reappear in the same spot after the Reflexive Temport. The DC of
the Reflex save equals either the attack roll or the save DC of the
in-coming effect. You must declare your intention to invoke this
enhancement after the hit is announced but before full damage is
calculated.
Limitations
Limitation: Temporal Stasis
Value: 3CP
Activation: 1PP per hour; full-round action
Range: self
You can place yourself in temporal stasis, effectively jumping
forward in time but only subjectively. While you are in stasis,
you remain motionless and essentially at the world's mercy. You
are vulnerable to physical but not mental attacks, because your
mind is effectively "off." Anybody attempting to connect to it
will just hear the ocean.
Your body is also in a state of biological suspension, thus you
do not need to eat or breath and are unaffected by chemicals that
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would poison or anaesthetize you, though acids, corrosives, and you. You don't need line of Turning Most Powerful
other physical attacks still affect your body. Gases are never sight to a target, but you do Check Undead Affected
taken into your lungs, and poisons introduced to your body need a clear line of effect, a Result (Max HD)
through darts or hypodermic needles, for example, have an effect straight, unblocked path 0 or lower your level -4
only after you come out of the stasis. Your body can be carried, between yourself and your
and as a standard action your limbs can be moved into a seating target(s). 1 - 3 your level -3
position or other postures. You do not age while in stasis. First, roll a turning 4-6 your level -2
If you are killed while in temporal stasis, you technically check to see how powerful 7-9 your level -1
haven't died yet because your body is outside of normal time and an undead creature you can 10 - 12 your level
if your body can be fully repaired before you come out of it, you turn. This is a Charisma
will live, though you'll feel sore as hell and not know why unless check (1d20 + your 13 - 15 your level +1
someone tells you. Charisma modifier). The 16 - 18 your level +2
table, below, gives you the 19 - 21 your level +3
Thick Skinned hit dice of the most 22 or higher your level +4
[Trait] powerful undead you can
Cost: 10CP affect, relative to your
You are so tough that attacks that would normally inflict character level. On a given turning attempt, you can turn no
lethal damage on you, instead do only non-lethal damage. This undead creature whose Hit Dice exceed the result on this table.
does not include mundane energy damage or any form of Super If your turning check is high enough to let you turn at least
attack (powers, spells, psi-powers, super-abilities, etc.). some of the undead within 60 feet, roll 2d6 + your CL + your
If you are rendered unconscious due to having taken too Charisma modifier for turning damage. That's how many total hit
much non-lethal damage, you then start to take lethal damage as dice of undead you can turn.
normal. If your Charisma score is average or low, it's possible (but
Enhancements unusual) to roll fewer Hit Dice of undead turned than indicated
Enhancement: Resistant Skin on your turning check. For instance, at 1 st level with an average
Cost: 3CP Charisma score, you could get a turning check result of 19 (your
Mundane energy now causes only non-lethal damage to you, level +3, or 4 HD), which is enough to turn a wight, but then roll
until you pass out from non-lethal damage. You still take lethal only 3 on his turning damage roll—not enough to turn that wight
damage from Super attacks. after all.
You can skip over already turned undead that are still within
Enhancement: Super Skin range, so that you do not waste your turning capacity on them.
Cost: 7CP Turned undead flee from you by the best and fastest means
Prerequisites: Resistant Skin available to them. They flee for 10 rounds (1 minute). If they
Super attacks now cause only non-lethal damage to you, until cannot flee, they cower (giving any attack rolls against them a +2
you pass out from non-lethal damage, at which point you start bonus). If you approach within 10 feet of them, however, they
taking lethal damage. The GM might still rule that particularly overcome being turned and act normally. (You can stand within
powerful attacks, like nuclear explosions or energy blasts from 10 feet without breaking the turning effect—you just can't
cosmic powers, still affect you, but very few mortally-generated approach them.) You can attack them with ranged attacks (from
effects can cause you lethal damage. at least 10 feet away), and others can attack them in any fashion,
Limitations without breaking the turning effect.
Limitation: Power If you have twice as many levels (or more) as the undead
Value: 3CP have Hit Dice, you destroy any that you would normally turn.
Activate: free; swift action
Sustain: free; free action Enhancements
Your Thick Skin is now a power, which means you have to Enhancement: Extended Duration
activate and sustain it (as above), and it can be affected by the Cost: 3CP per 5 rounds
metapowers. Extend the duration of your Turning effect by 5 rounds for
each rank in this enhancement. You can take this up to 5 times,
Turn Undead for a maximum duration of 30 rounds (3 minutes).
[Power]
Cost: 5CP Enhancement: Extended Range
Activate: 1PP; use-activated (attack) Cost: 2CP per 30 feet
Range: 60 feet Increase the range at which you can Turn by 30 feet for each
You have the ability to repel or even destroy undead creatures rank in this enhancement, to a maximum of three ranks, which
by channelling positive energy into an offensive attack. You turn grants a range of 150 feet.
the closest turnable undead first, and you can't turn undead that
are more than 60 feet away or that have total cover relative to Enhancement: Enhanced Turning

156 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers 157

Cost: 2CP per +2 enhancement bonus to Charisma Range: 500 ft. radius (overhead)
Each rank in this enhancement grants you a +2 enhancement You can create thick cloud cover directly overhead.
bonus on your Charisma check to see how powerful an undead
you can turn. You can take this up to three times, for a maximum Enhancement: Rain
bonus of +6. Cost: 4CP
Prerequisite: Clouds
Enhancement: Increased Turning Activate: 1PP; full-round action
Cost: 3CP per 1d6 Turning Damage Range: 100 ft. radius (centred on you)
Increase your Turning Damage by 1d6 for each rank in this You can create rain, but to do so, there must be clouds
enhancement. You can take this up to three times, for a maximum overhead, either natural clouds or clouds you create yourself.
damage of 5d6 + your CL + your Charisma modifier. Rain reduces visibility and audibility ranges by half, resulting in
a -4 penalty on Observe checks. It automatically extinguishes
Enhancement: Rebuke Undead unprotected flames. Ranged weapon attacks are at a -4 penalty.
Cost: 3CP
You channel negative energy rather than positive energy, Enhancement: Rainstorm
allowing you to rebuke or even control undead, rather than Cost: 2CP
turning them. If you take this enhancement, you can no longer Prerequisite: Clouds, Rain
turn undead normally. It permanently changes the way you Activate: 1PP; full-round action
channel life energy. Instead of Turning undead, you now Rebuke Range: 100 ft. radius (centred on you)
them. Instead of destroying them, you can now Command them. You can create rainstorms that all but destroy visibility and
A rebuked undead creature cowers as if in awe (attack rolls audibility, but to do so, there must be clouds overhead, either
against the creature get a +2 bonus) but does not flee. This effect natural clouds or clouds you create yourself. In a Rainstorm,
lasts 10 rounds. A commanded undead creature is under your Observe checks take a -10 circumstance penalties and
mental control. You must take a standard action to deliver mental sight/hearing range is down to one-quarter. Ranged attacks suffer
orders to undead that you command. At any one time, you can a -8 circumstance penalty, due to both bad visibility and the
command a number of undead that, collectively, are equal to or physical effect of the driving rain. Unprotected flames are
less than your own CL. You can relinquish command on any immediately extinguished. Small, delicate objects can be
commanded undead creature or creatures in order to command smashed by the pounding rain drops. Single-pane windows are
new ones. All other enhancements affect Rebuking Undead often smashed (at GM's discretion, for flavour).
normally. Rebuking Undead is always an evil act, for game
purposes. Enhancement: Lightning Strike
Powers: W Cost: 3CP per rank (2d6 damage)
Prerequisite: Clouds, Rain
Weather Mastery Activate: By CL; standard action (attack)
[Power] Range: 100 ft.
Cost: 5CP per rank Save: Reflex (half), Wisdom-based
Activate: 1PP per rank; standard action This enhancement grants you the ability to call down and
Sustain: per round/minute; standard action direct Lightning Strikes. For every rank in the enhancement, your
Range: 100 ft. radius (centred on you) Lightning causes 2d6 to the damage. You can call down a
For every rank in this power, you can raise or lower the Lightning Strike during a naturally-occurring storm or one of
temperature by 10 degrees. Thus, you can turn a comfortably your own Rainstorms. These Lightning Strikes emanate from the
warm day (20ºC) into a sweater weather (10ºC), sweater weather storm clouds themselves, and not from your body. Lighting
into chilly weather (0ºC), chilly into freezing (-10ºC), and etc. Strikes fill a 20-by-20-ft. area (4 squares), but they also qualify
Alternatively, you can turn a comfortably warm day (20ºC) into a as a Line effect as they travel through the air. Lighting Strikes
hot day (30ºC), a hot day into blazing heat (40ºC), and blazing travel straight down.
heat into Living On The Sun (50ºC), etc. The temperature shifts
at a rate of 10ºC per round, but you can activate a radical shift in Enhancement: Forked Lightning
a single action. For example, you could lower the temperature by Cost: 3cp per rank
30ºC in a single standard action and for the next three rounds, the Prerequisite: Clouds, Rain, Lightning Strike
temperature would lower by 10ºC on your turn. Activate: 1pp; free
This power works only when you are outdoors or in an Range: 50 ft.
extremely large space, like a covered football field. You can take You can now, at your discretion, split your Lighting Strike
up to 5 ranks in the power. between two targets. Each Strike does half damage and fills half
Enhancements the space (2 squares instead of 4). You can take this enhancement
Enhancement: Clouds a second time. At Rank II, you can split your Lightning Strike
Cost: 1CP twice and, thus, create four Strikes, each of which does ¼
Activate: free; standard action damage and fills only a single square.

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158 Chapter 5: Powers
Enhancement: Snowstorm
Cost: 5CP
Prerequisite: Clouds
Activate: 1PP; full-round
Range: 100 ft. radius (centred on you)
You can create thick, driving snow, but to do so, there must
be clouds overhead and the temperature must be below freezing.
These conditions can be natural or you can produce them
yourself. Snowstorms reduce visibility ranges by three quarters,
imposes a -8 circumstance penalty on Observe and Search
checks. Snowstorms impose a -10 circumstance penalty to
ranged attacks. They automatically extinguish unprotected
flames.
Enhancement: Blizzard
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Clouds, Snow
Activate: 1PP; full-round
Range: 100 ft. radius (centred on you)
You can create swirling, blinding, freezing snow, but to do so,
there must be clouds overhead and the temperature must be
below freezing. These conditions can be natural or you can
produce them yourself. Visibility is reduced to one-quarter your
normal range, but to see anything at all requires an Observe
check (DC 15). Blizzards impose a -20 circumstance penalty to
ranged attacks and automatically extinguishes unprotected
flames. After one round, snow covers the ground and starts to
freeze. Anyone walking on it must reduce their speed by half in
order to walk without falling. Moving at full speed triggers a
Reflex save (DC 15). Those who fail the save fall and land prone.
Enhancement: Hailstorm
Cost: 3CP per rank (2d6 damage)
Prerequisite: Clouds, Snow Storm
Activate: By CL; standard action (attack)
Range: 100 ft.
Save: Reflex (half), Wisdom-based
This enhancement grants you the ability to create a small,
focused, damaging hailstorm. For every rank in the enhancement,
your Hailstorm causes 2d6 damage. You can call down a
Hailstorm during a naturally-occurring snow storm one of your
own. Hailstorms fill a 30-by-30-ft. area (9 squares) .
Enhancement: Distant Weather
Cost: 3CP
The centre-point of the 100 ft. radius of your Weather
Mastery can now be up to 500 feet away from you. Placing
weather at a distance has no additional activation/sustain cost of
its own. Your PP cost and activation time are the same as
whatever Weather Mastery ability you use.
Enhancement: Fast Temperature Shift
Cost: 2CP per 30ºC
Activate: free; standard action (see text)
Range: n/a
158 Phoenix v10 (draft)
For every rank in this power, you can change the temperature
by up to 30ºC in a single standard action. You can take this
power multiple times. Its effects stack.
Enhancement: Fog
Cost: 4CP
Activate: 1PP; standard action
Range: 20 ft. radius (centred on you)
You can create fog, either as a low-lying cloud layer or a mist
that rises from the ground, fog obscures all sight, including
darkvision, beyond 5 feet. Creatures 5 feet away have
concealment (attacks by or against them have a 20% miss
chance).
Enhancement: Wind
Cost: 5CP
Activate: 1PP; standard action
Range: special
Save: Fortitude, Wisdom-based
You can create a Wind Storm. Instead of a radius, Wind
Storms take up a 40ft. x 40ft area, centred on you (unless you
have the Distant Weather enhancement). You are unaffected by
your own Wind. You must declare the direction of the wind when
you activate this power. Wind Storms automatically extinguish
any unprotected flames, and impose a -4 penalty to ranged
weapon attacks and Observe checks. In addition, Wind Storms
provoke a Fortitude save. Those who fail the save are knocked
back 1d4 squares (1d4 x 5 feet) in the direction of the wind.
Enhancement: Hurricane
Cost: 5CP
Activate: 2PP; standard action
Range: speciality
Save: Fortitude (DC +5), Wisdom-based
You can create a hurricane. Instead of a radius, Hurricanes
take up an 80ft. x 40ft area, centred on you (unless you have the
Distant Weather enhancement). You are unaffected by your own
Hurricane. You must declare the direction of the wind when you
activate this power. Wind Storms automatically extinguish any
unprotected flames, and impose a -8 circumstance penalty to
ranged attacks from firearms or energy weapons (including
powers), but thrown weapons or archaic projectiles (i.e., bows)
are useless. In addition, Hurricanes provoke a Fortitude save
(standard DC +5). Those failing the save are knocked back 2d4
squares (2d4 x 5 feet) in the direction of the wind and take 2d6
non-lethal damage.
Webbing
[Power]
Cost: 4CP
Activate: 1PP per 50 ft. (By CL); standard action
Range: special
This power allows you to spontaneously create natural, silken
fibres, usually directly from your body, like a spider or silk-
worm. You can project this webbing out, as if it were a liquid
under great pressure. Once it dries, it forms organic rope. You
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers 159

buy this power in two steps: first, the range increment, and on). You will rarely need to know these weight allowances , but
second, strength. if it comes up, just look up this table.
You can, in one round, produce a single strand of Webbing Webbing can be used, generally speaking, for three purposes:
that is up to three times the length of your range increment and Climbing and Swinging, Tripping and Entangling, and Disarming
you can continue to do so indefinitely, creating one continuous and Snagging Objects. You can use it any way you like. It's just
strand. This costs 2PPs per round, unlike projecting Webbing at organic rope, after all, but these three are the most common.
range. After about a half hour, Webbing dissolves on its own; it
turns wispy and floats away on the breeze. It also tastes awful, so Climbing and Swinging
we don't recommend getting it in your mouth. Webbing is You can fire your Webbing at any solid surface and the far
initially quite sticky, but after just a few moments, it dries in the end will stick fast with a strength equal to the rope's Strength
air and becomes as smooth as silk. In fact, for all intents and score. This requires a move action. Remember, though, that the
purposes, it is silk. wall itself might not be all that strong. Drywall won't support
Shooting Webbing is a ranged touch attack, and you can your weight, for example. Hitting something as large as a
apply feats that enhance attack rolls, like Weapon Specialization. building does not normally require an attack roll. You do need to
Any enhancements to damage would be wasted on Webbing. make a touch attack to hit something any smaller than a major
piece of architecture, or to hit a large edifice while falling.
Range Increment Range Large, fixed points generally have a natural Defence of 10,
The range increment starts at 10 feet Cost and that score rises as the target gets smaller. If the target is
Increment
and every additional 10 feet costs 1CP. 10 feet Free moving, it effectively gains a dodge bonus (determined by the
This is not the maximum length of GM). If you are falling in a controlled dive while making the
webbing you can create, but the range 20 feet 1CP attempt (i.e., you jump on purpose), you take a -4 to hit. If you
increment for projecting it at range, 30 feet 2CP are falling in an uncontrolled dive (i.e., you were pushed or
either offensively or out of utility. The 40 feet 3CP thrown), then you take a -6. Any and all other penalties or
maximum range increment is 50 feet (see 50 feet 4CP bonuses to hit apply as normal. GMs have the ultimate say in the
table, above). Defence score of the target. (For more rules pertaining to
Swinging as Movement , see Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment.)
Strand Strength
The strength of your Webbing is expressed as an actual Tripping and Entangling
Strength score which doubles as the Escape Artist DC to You can shoot your Webbing at opponents. This allows you to
escape it. A Strength of 16 means that you would need a 16 or make ranged Trip attacks as if you were using a rope-like
more to escape entanglement. Webbing Strength starts at 10 and weapon, such as a whip. Making this kind of attack requires a
every additional +2 costs 1CP. The maximum Strength for your standard action. The stickiness of the Webbing grants a +4 on
Webbing is 30 (see table, below). your opposed test to Trip or Disarm. All rules for Trips and
This number also determines the maximum drop, swing, Disarms apply normally.
and still strength of a single strand of Webbing (see table). You can also attempt to entangle people by covering them
"Drop strength" is how much weight the webbing can take with so much Webbing that it hampers their movement. This
without snapping if that weight were dropped from a height of 10 requires a ranged touch attack. If the attack succeeds, target then
feet or more. "Swing strength" is the maximum load that a strand get a Reflex save against your attack roll . Large targets get a
can support while swinging. "Still strength" is the maximum +4 on their saving throws, and Huge targets get a +8. Targets
weight a rope can withstand while hanging still or dropped from larger than Huge are too big to be entangled by Webbing. Small
less than 5 feet. The still strength is four times the drop strength, targets get a -4 on their saving throws, and Fine creatures get a
the swing strength is twice the drop strength, and the drop -8, but smaller than fine creatures simply slip between the
strength equals the heavy load of the Webbing's Strength score. threads of Webbing, so they cannot be entangled by it. Targets
Thus, webbing with a strength of 16 has a drop strength of who succeed at their saving throw avoid being entangled, and
230lbs, a swing strength of 460lbs, and a still strength of just targets who fail are entangled.
under 1000lbs. Rope strengths start at 10 (for free) and cost 1CP Entangled people move at half speed, cannot run or charge,
per 2 points thereafter (1CP for a score of 12, 2CP for 14, and so take a -2 penalty on attack rolls, and a -4 penalty on their
Dexterity scores.
Strength Score / Still Swing Drop CP On the targets' turn(s), they can use a standard action to
Escape DC Strength Strength Strength Cost attempt to break out of the Webbing, just the same as if they were
10 400lb. 200lb. 100lb. free grappled (i.e., either a Strength or an Escape Artist check). The
DC of both checks equals your Webbing's Strength score (i.e.,
12 520lb. 260lb. 130lb. 1CP
this is not an opposed Strength test). They can attempt to escape
14 700lb. 350lb. 175lb. 2CP on every round in which they are entangled. (For more rules
16 920lb. 460lb. 230lb. 3CP pertaining to Grapple rules, see Chapter 7: Combat and
18 1200lb. 600lb. 300lb. 4CP Equipment.)
20 1600lb. 800lb. 400lb. 5CP
22 2080lb. 1040lb. 520lb. 6CP
© Copyright
24 Orion Ussner
2800lb.Kidder 2010
1400lb. 700lb. Phoenix
7CP v10 (draft) 159
160 Chapter 5: Powers
Disarming and Snagging Objects
You can use Webbing to snag and retrieve objects that weigh
up to half of your light load (yours, not your Webbing's). If your
Webbing's drop strength is less than half your light load, then the
strand will snap when you yank on it. In this case, your Webbing
isn't as strong as you are. You can perform a Disarm in combat as
per the standard rules (i.e., you and the target make opposed
attack rolls). If you succeed, you now have your opponent's
weapon on the end of your strand, and you can, as a move
action, use a ranged touch attack against yourself to flip it
into your hand. To snag an unattended object requires basically
the same sequence: an attack roll (standard action) against the
object and a ranged touch attack against yourself (move action)
to catch it.
You can leave an object on the end of the Webbing and use it
as a make-shift sling, swinging the object on the end of the
strand and letting go. This doubles the range increment of the
object in question as a thrown weapon. You can also hit someone
with whatever is on the end of the rope by swinging it into them.
Your range is 15'. You cannot attack anyone further away or
closer, and you have no threatened range (because the strand is
just too slow). The damage is determined just like you would
with any improvised weapon. In both cases, you must be
proficient with some kind of rope/chain based weapon (spiked
chain, whip, lasso, etc.) or else you take the standard penalty for
non-proficiency (i.e., -4 to hit).
Enhancements
Enhancement: Improved Entangling
Cost: 3CP per rank
Activate: free; use-activated (attack)
Save: Reflex vs. Attack Roll (negates)
Anyone you Entangle using your Webbing now takes -4 to
attack, -8 to their Dexterity score, and can move only 5 feet
per round. You can take this enhancement a second time, which
increases the penalties again to -8 to attack, -16 to Dexterity, and
renders the target unable to move at all, although they can still
take move actions.
Enhancement: Expanded Entangling
Cost: 2CP
Activate: free; use-activated (attack)
Save: Reflex vs. Attack Roll
When you make an entangling attack with your Webbing and
your primary target fails their save, everyone in an adjacent
squares must make Reflex saves, the DC of which are half
your attack roll, and with the same results as your normal
entangling attack. Because entangled targets are not actually
anchored to anything but each other, they are effectively in one
big involuntary grapple. The results of this arrangement can be
damn funny.
Enhancement: Voluminous Entangling
Cost: 2CP
Prerequisite: Improved Entangling
Activate: 1PP per 10-foot cube; standard action
Save: Reflex vs. Attack Roll
160 Phoenix v10 (draft)
You can now spew out so much Webbing that you can fill an
area in a single standard action. The volume equals one 10-foot
cube per 10 feet of your range increment (NB: this is not the
same as your range increment cubed). Every person in that area
must save or be entangled.
Enhancement: Standard-Action Snag
Cost: 2CP
Activate: free; use-activated (attack)
You can snag objects in a single standard action. You must
still roll to hit the object and then roll to hit yourself to catch it,
as normal, but both of these rolls happen within a single standard
action. You are encouraged but not required to say "yoink!" when
you perform this manoeuvre.
Enhancement: Snag and Sling
Prerequisite: Standard-Action Snag
Cost: 2CP
You can now snag thrown objects and sling them back at your
opponents in a single attack of opportunity. When someone
throws a weapon/object at you, you automatically gain an
optional disarm attempt, as an attack of opportunity. If you win
the disarm, the weapon/object is now swinging on the end of
your strand and you can sling it at anyone in your range using the
same roll as you did for your disarm, because it's all part of one,
fluid motion. You can also choose to retain the weapon/object
and not sling it at anyone, just swinging in on the end of your
strand, but you need to make the standard touch attack against
yourself if you want to catch it.
Enhancement: Web Net
Cost: 3CP
Activate: 1PP; use-activated (attack)
You can now shoot out a wide cone of Webbing that spreads
laterally, sticking fast to its surroundings, which forms a springy
net to catch your, or someone else's, fall. This net has a
maximum surface area of four 5-by-5-foot squares, but the
shape will conform to the space in which it's thrown. It can be as
thin as 5 feet on a side. You must have at least three anchor
points or two wide surfaces to throw a net. For example, a
Thrown Net between three trees would make a triangle, and one
thrown into a tight alley (two walls) would make a rough square.
Thus the area of the net depends partially on the surfaces to
which it's stuck.
You must actually hit the appropriate surfaces, just like
shooting Webbing while falling. The Strength of your Webbing
must be sufficient to catch whomever might fall onto it. If their
weight exceeds the drop strength, then the net will snap into
tatters. Finally, the surfaces to which the net is stuck must have
the strength to take the weight (i.e., a sapling won't do). Anyone
falling into your Web Net from more than 10 feet incurs its drop
strength. Finally, once it springs into shape, the individual strands
are no longer sticky, so people who fall into your Web Net are
not entangled.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 5: Powers 161

Enhancement: Large Web Net
Cost: 3CP
Prerequisite: Web Net
Activate: 1PP per full-round action; full-round action
You can quickly spin and throw a Large Web Net. This
requires more time (a full-round action), but covers an area equal
to one 10-by-10-foot square for every 10 feet of your range
increment (NB: this not the same as your range increment
squared). If your range increment were 30 feet, for example, you
could make three 10-by-10-feet squares. In all other respects, a
Large Web Net functions just like a normal Web Net.
Creating Powers
There is unfortunately no purely mathematical way to create
a balanced power. Many factors have to be taken into account.
Here are the guidelines that we used to create the super powers to
begin with. If you or your GM want to invent a new one, follow
these general guides and use your judgement. Be prepared to
change the power after you've designed it and even used it in a
game or two. If it seems to powerful in the game, then reign it in.
If it seems useless, then beef it up.
Don't Duplicate a Power
The first question to ask yourself is if the power you want to
create is already in the system. For example, there is no power
called Claws because the Natural Weapons trait already does
that. There is not Heat Vision because Energy Attack already
does that. Similarly, there are powers you can get only by
combination, which is on purpose. The powers do only what they
say they can do. If you want a useful ability out of the game, you
have to pay for it. The argument that, "with this power I should
be able to do something else" is anathema to the philosophy of
this system.
By keeping the powers as separate as possible, the system
provides both a great deal of flexibility and maintains fairness. In
this system, you cannot for example take Fire Form and thus
gain flight, flame strikes, heat resistance, etc. If you want to build
a character with all those abilities, you have to pay for them
individually. Making a power that simply combines several
powers that are already in the game essentially breaks the system
as it's designed, so don't do that.
shifts (3CP). Look through the enhancements to get an idea of
what already has a price and use it if it's there.
One full power is about 8 to 10CP. By a "full" power, we
mean that it has some kind of debilitating effect in combat
(damage, unconsciousness, etc.), or it achieves some useful effect
either in or out of combat (avoiding obstacles, manipulating
objects in a convenient way, etc.), and it has a couple of useful
enhancements loaded on to it. This is a very rough estimate, of
course. The base powers are often about 5CP to start and then
have options that raise the price further, but the more useful a
power is, the more expensive you should make it. That point
bears repeating: the measure of power's CP cost is its use value in
the game, not how hard it "should be" to achieve a certain effect
by the reckoning of real-world physics or some such rationale.
For example, flying at the speed of light is only 2CP because it's
just not that useful in a game.
Aside from sheer power level, flexibility is something else to
take into account when pricing a power. A power that grants a
specific bonus, a +2 to Defence for example, may be extremely
useful but it's limited to that one thing. A power that the player
can shape into many and various forms should be very
expensive, like Force Field. The moment you put that kind of
creativity in the player's hands, they will make something deadly
out of it. This is not bad. Creativity is the soul of role-playing
games. It just needs to be expensive.
Determine Power-Point Cost
Power Point cost is usually just 1PP to activate and 1PP per
round to sustain, but if the power grants an especially useful
ability, feel free to raise it, but keep in mind that a 5 th-level
character, the default starting level of the game, will have only
around 25 PPs, on average. It's perfectly reasonable that they can
maintain a very strong power for only a few rounds. If the PP
cost is 4PP per round, they will get only five or six rounds out of
it before they need to rest and regenerate power points, and it'll
be the only power they can use.
Powers that are based on a base unit of measurement and are
designed to be used regularly can be "By Character Level" ("By
CL"). The exemplar for this activation cost is Energy Attack.
Energy Attacks that do relatively little damage don't cost
anything in order to allow you to use them a lot. Very powerful
Energy Attacks do cost a lot, however.

Look for Pre-Existing Versions Determine Activation/Sustain Times

The second question to ask is whether the ability you want is Finally, activation and sustain times are somewhat
already in the SRDs somewhere. If it is, then you can probably standardised. Movement powers should require no PP cost. Skill
cut and paste those rules, with a little tailoring. If the power youenhancers should require no cost. Powers/effects that inflict
want is a spell, for example, you'll probably have an easier time damage or heal damage should have a cost By CL.
designing it than if you're making it up from scratch. The activation time can be a standard action if you think
someone should be able to use the power and attack in the same
Determine CP Cost round, or a move action if you don't. Use a full-round action if
Add all of the following up in order to get a rough estimate of the power ought to require a little more prep time and be a little
a power's cost in CPs. Mêlée damage is reckoned at about 1CP less common in a fight. Sustainable powers should have a sustain
per 1d6. A 30-foot Touch attack costs on average about 3CP. A time of "round/minute" or even "round/hour" if they're useful
range increment of 50 feet costs 2CP. There are many outside of fights, but only for tasks that require time. For
standardised prices for enhancements, like activation time example, Size Shift can be very useful outside of a fight, but only
increases and decreases (2CP per action), as well as reflexive if you don't have to pay for it per round.

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162 Chapter 5: Powers

The sustain cost, if applicable, is just the activation cost and a
free action, unless you think that sustaining the power should
require attention, in which case assign a swift, move, standard, or
full-round action as you see fit.
That's about as specific as we can get with these guidelines.
There is no formula to plug in and get a perfectly balanced
power. You have to test it to know how it will behave in a game
and you have to be willing to alter it once you've tested it to
make sure that it works and is fair. If, as a GM, you do find that
something is either too powerful or not powerful enough, you
should just talk to the player and tweak it until it's not
unbalancing the game any more. If, as a player, you realise that
it's underpowered, then you have every right to ask if you can
make it more on-par with your fellow players' abilities. If you
realise it's overpowered, then it is your responsibility to suggest a
way to limit it without ruining your fun. The best way to solve
these kinds of problems is almost always the direct approach,
person to person, rather than trying to solve it all "in-game."
5, then you take a Fatigue penalty to your Act Rolls for the rest
of the encounter or scene. For every 5 points by which you fail
the roll, you take a cumulative -2 to your Act Rolls. This
penalty represents your body or Item's decreasing ability to
channel powerful energies. Your will slackens, your muscles tire,
your tech overheats, etc. Your Fatigue penalty lasts until the end
of the encounter or until you go five rounds without activating
any powers. Instantaneous healing—anything with an Origin—
also counters the effect. Instead of restoring HPs, every die of
healing reduces your Act-Roll penalty by 2 (e.g., 3d6 would
take a Fatigue penalty of -10 to -4).
You can score a Crit on your Act Roll. If you roll a natural
20 and confirm the success, then you get a x2 multiplier on your
damage or you increase your power's Save DC by +4 or you
double the numerical value of the power's effect(s) (whichever
the GM deems appropriate).
There are a few changes you need to make to the game to
make the Act Roll system work.

The Act-Roll System

For some people, keeping track of Power Points is just too
much of an annoyance to enjoy the game. The Act-Roll System
("act" for "activation") is an optional rule that you can use if
you're one of those people. In it, you don't have power points. Table 5-2 Act Bonuses by Class and Level
Instead, you have an Act Bonus, similar to a Save or a BAB.
Good Fair Poor
Every power has a corresponding Act DC. Your Act Bonus is Adventurer, Martial Champion, Sleuth,
determined by your class and it is not modified by any of your Thinker (Inventor,
Phoenix Mentalist, Mystic) Artist, Mastermind, Sneak, Socialite,
ability scores. See Table 5-2 for the Act Bonus progression by Sidekick Soldier, Warrior
level. Base -
Fast, Smart, Strong, Tough,
Activation DCs Dedicated Charismatic
Gunslinger,
Field Medic, Field
The Act DC of any power equals the CP cost of the effect Acolyte, Battlemind, Infiltrator,
Advanced Mage, Telepath
Scientist, Negotiator,
Investigator, Martial
you are trying to activate, including enhancements, limitations, Personality, Techie
Artist, Soldier
and discounts. On your character sheets, you need to record the 1 +1 +0 +0
total CP cost of your power before adding any of the variable
2 +2 +1 +1
units, damage dice or weight for example, and then add the units
on the fly. For example, if you had a Ranged Energy Attack (50 3 +3 +2 +1
ft., 10d6, Knockback), the base activation would be DC 2 for the 4 +4 +3 +2
Knockback effect. For every die of damage you add, the DC 5 +5 +3 +2
would rise by 2. A 5d6 blast would be DC 12, and a 10d6 blast 6 +6 +4 +3
would be DC 22. Your Act Roll is not modified by an ability 7 +7 +5 +3
score, but you can raise it by taking one of the feats listed below. 8 +8 +6 +4
9 +9 +6 +4
Act Roll Consequences
10 +10 +7 +5
If your Act Bonus +1 34 is equal to or greater than the Act 11 +11 +8 +5
DC of a given power, then you can activate that power at will. 12 +12 +9 +6
If you build your character right, you could never have to make 13 +13 +9 +6
an Act check by making sure that your Act Bonus +1 always 14 +14 +10 +7
equals or is greater than your various Act DCs. 15 +15 +11 +7
If the DC is higher than your Act Bonus, then you have to
16 +16 +12 +8
make an Activation Roll: d20 + Act Score. If you meet or beat
the DC, then the power activates normally. If you fail the roll, 17 +17 +12 +8
then the power does not go off. If you fail the roll by more than 18 +18 +13 +9
19 +19 +14 +9
34 The die always adds at least 1 to your Act Bonus. 20 +20 +15 +10

162 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 5: Powers
Feats
Remove the feat Hidden Power. Add the following feats:
Activation, Improved
[General]
You have deep reserves of spiritual energy.
Benefit: Your over-all Act Bonus improves by +2.
Activation, Awesome
[General]
Your inner strength is unreal.
Prerequisite: Improved Activation
Benefit: Your Act Bonus improves by an additional +2, for a
total of +4.
Activation, Supreme
[General]
You can move mountains with your force of will.
Prerequisite: Improved Activation, Advanced Activation
Benefit: Your Act Bonus improves by an additional +2, for a
total of +6.
Focused Activation
[General]
You are skilled at activating a particular power.
Benefit: Your Act Rolls gain a +4 bonus with one power.
Special: You can take this feet multiple times. Each time, it
affects a new power.
Focused Activation, Improved
[General]
You excel at activating one of your powers.
Prerequisites: Focused Activation, Character Level 6
Benefit: Your Act Rolls gain an additional +4 bonus with the
power you picked for Focused Activation, for a total of +8.
Special: You can take this feet multiple times. Each time, it
affects a power for which you have taken Focused Activation.
Focused Activation, Awesome
[General]
One of your powers is bonded to your very soul.
Prerequisites: Focused Activation, Awesome Focused
Activation, Character Level 8
Benefit: Your Act Rolls gain an additional +4 bonus with the
power you picked for Focused Activation, for a total of +12.
Special: You can take this feet multiple times. Each time, it
affects a power for which you have taken Improved Focused
Activation.
Focused Activation, Supreme
[General]
One of your powers is bonded to your very soul.
Prerequisites: Focused Activation, Awesome Focused
Activation, Character Level 10
Benefit: Your Act Rolls gain an additional +4 bonus with the
power you picked for Focused Activation, for a total of +16.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
163
Special: You can take this feet multiple times. Each time, it
affects a power for which you have taken Awesome Focused
Activation.
Act-Roll Crit, Improved
[General]
You have over-achieving powers.
Prerequisite: Act Roll +6
Benefit: The critical threat range for your Act Rolls increases
to 19-20.
Act-Roll Crit, Awesome
[General]
Your powers pack unusual punch.
Prerequisite: Act Roll +6, Improved Act-Roll Crit
Benefit: The critical multiplier for your Act Rolls increases
from x2 to x3.
Metapowers
Change Power Leech to the following:
Power Leech
[Metapower]
Cost: by mode
Activate: by mode
Range: by mode
Save: by mode
This power allows you to Leech the Act Bonus of other
characters. The Origin of their powers does not matter; your
body can simply convert the vital life force, radionic batteries,
crystalline will (or whatever) into energy that you use to drive
your powers. This power has two modes, Offensive Leech and
Defensive Leech.
Mode: Defensive Leech
Cost: 4CP per rank (3HPs)
Activate: free; use-activated (take damage)
This mode allows you to absorb energy-based, Super
attack damage and convert it into an Act-Roll bonus . In any
given round and for every rank in the power, you can absorb
5HPs of damage and gain a temporary +1 enhancement
bonus to your Act Rolls. You must forgo your Saving Throw in
order to use this mode. You retain this bonus until the end of
your next turn, at which point the energy dissipates harmlessly if
you don't use it. You Leech power reflexively, whenever you take
damage from a Super attack. You cannot direct powers at
yourself in order to recharge.
Mode: Offensive Leech
Cost: 2CP per rank (Act Bonus +2)
Activate: use-activated (attack)
Range: touch
Save: Fortitude (negates), Constitution-based
You can Leech other people's Act Roll bonus with a touch .
For every rank in this mode, you Leech 2 points off of their Act
Roll. You must hit your target with a touch attack to use this
power. The touch attack requires precision and a small amount of
concentration, so it cannot be an unarmed strike. You can use this
163
164 Chapter 5: Powers

power only once per round. Your target gets a Saving Throw to Enhancement: Ranged Offensive Leech
avoid the power's effects. If she fails, you Leech her Act Roll Prerequisite: Offensive Leech
bonus. She takes a -2 penalty and you gain a +2. Cost: 3CP
You can now Leech powers at a distance, using a ranged
Enhancements touch attack with a maximum range of 20 feet.
Limitation: Non-Lethal Defensive Leech Limitation
Prerequisite: Limitation: Active Defensive Leech
Cost: 1CP per rank in the base power Value: 1CP per rank in the base power
When you Leech incoming Super damage, you take a number Activate: free; free action
of non-lethal HPs of damage equal to half the bonus you Leech Your body does not automatically Leech in-coming damage.
(e.g., if you Leech +4, you take 2 non-lethal HPs of damage). If Instead, you must consciously activate the power, which you can
you take non-lethal, energy-based, Super damage, then you avoid do only when you can see or otherwise sense an incoming attack.
the damage entirely and gain a bonus. Absorbing damage in this way qualifies as an action in combat,
so afterwards, you are no longer flat-footed.

164 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 CHAPTER 6: F/X
This chapter has expanded information on F/X abilities that Chill Touch: One touch/level deals 1d6 damage and possibly 1
are not, properly speaking, powers: Spells, Psi-Powers, and Str damage.
Supertech Inventions, including Gadgets and Power Armour. Colour Spray: Knocks unconscious, blinds, and/or stuns weak
creatures.
Mystic Spells Command: One subject obeys selected command for 1 round.
Comprehend Languages: You understand all spoken and written
These lists are a combination of the Cleric, Druid, and languages.
Wizard/Sorcerer lists. In pulp and superhero adventures, there's Cure Light Wounds: Cures 1d8 damage +1/level (max +5).
no differentiation between powers that come from ancient deities Curse Water: Makes unholy water.
(divine) or the direct channelling of supernatural forces (arcane). Deathwatch: Reveals how near death subjects within 30 ft. are.
Therefore, there is no such separation in Phoenix either. That's Detect Animals or Plants: Detects kinds of animals or plants.
why it's called "mystic" instead of "magic." Detect Secret Doors: Reveals hidden doors within 60 ft.
We have complied the following lists for your convenience, Detect Snares and Pits: Reveals natural or primitive traps.
but the power Mystic Spell-Casting in fact allows you to learn Detect Undead: Reveals undead within 60 ft.
and cast any spell that's identified as part of the repertoire any of Disguise Self: Changes your appearance.
those four classes. For any spell outside of these lists, please first Divine Favour: You gain +1 per three levels on attack and
seek your GM's permission, however, if for no other reason than damage rolls.
that you don't want to unveil something in a game that she's Doom: One subject takes –2 on attack rolls, damage rolls, saves,
never heard of. and checks.
0-Level Mystic Spells (Cantrips) Endure Elements: Exist comfortably in hot or cold environments.
Enlarge Person: Humanoid creature doubles in size.
Acid Splash: Orb deals 1d3 acid damage. Entangle: Plants entangle everyone in 40-ft.-radius.
Arcane Mark: Inscribes a personal rune (visible or invisible). Entropic Shield: Ranged attacks against you have 20% miss
Create Water: Creates 2 gallons/level of pure water. chance.
Cure Minor Wounds: Cures 1 point of damage. Erase: Mundane or magical writing vanishes.
Dancing Lights: Creates torches or other lights. Expeditious Retreat: Your speed increases by 30 ft.
Daze: Humanoid creature of 4 HD or less loses next action. Faerie Fire: Outlines subjects with light, cancelling blur,
Detect Magic: Detects spells and magic items within 60 ft. concealment, and the like.
Detect Poison: Detects poison in one creature or small object. Feather Fall: Objects or creatures fall slowly.
Disrupt Undead: Deals 1d6 damage to one undead. Floating Disk: Creates 3-ft.-diameter horizontal disk that holds
Flare: Dazzles one creature (–1 penalty on attack rolls). 100 lb./level.
Ghost Sound: Figment sounds. Goodberry: 2d4 berries each cure 1 HP (max 8 HP/24 hours).
Guidance: +1 on one attack roll, saving throw, or skill check. Grease: Makes 10-ft. square or one object slippery.
Inflict Minor Wounds: Touch attack, 1 point of damage. Hide from Animals: Animals can't perceive one subject/level.
Know Direction: You discern north. Hide from Undead: Undead can't perceive one subject/level.
Light: Object shines like a torch. Hold Portal: Holds door shut.
Mage Hand: 5-pound telekinesis. Hypnotism: Fascinates 2d4 HD of creatures.
Mending: Makes minor repairs on an object. Identify: Determines properties of magic item.
Message: Whispered conversation at distance. Inflict Light Wounds: Touch deals 1d8 damage +1/level (max
Open/Close: Opens or closes small or light things. +5).
Prestidigitation: Performs minor tricks. Jump: Subject gets bonus on Jump checks.
Purify Food and Drink: Purifies 1 cu. ft./level of food or water. Longstrider: Your speed increases by 10 ft.
Ray of Frost: Ray deals 1d3 cold damage. Mage Armour: Gives subject +4 armour bonus.
Read Magic: Read scrolls and spellbooks. Magic Aura: Alters object's magic aura.
Resistance: Subject gains +1 on saving throws. Magic Fang: One natural weapon of subject creature gets +1 on
Touch of Fatigue: Touch attack fatigues target. attack and damage rolls.
Virtue: Subject gains 1 temporary HP. Magic Missile: 1d4+1 damage; +1 missile per two levels above
1st (max 5).
1st-Level Mystic Spells Magic Stone: Three stones gain +1 on attack, deal 1d6 +1
damage.
Alarm: Wards an area for 2 hours/level. Magic Weapon: Weapon gains +1 bonus.
Animate Rope: Makes a rope move at your command. Mount: Summons riding horse for 2 hours/level.
Bane: Enemies take –1 on attack rolls and saves against fear. Obscuring Mist: Fog surrounds you.
Bless Water: Makes holy water. Pass without Trace: One subject/level leaves no tracks.
Bless: Allies gain +1 on attack rolls and saves against fear. Produce Flame: 1d6 damage +1/level, touch or thrown.
Burning Hands: 1d4/level fire damage (max 5d4). Ray of Enfeeblement: Ray deals 1d6 +1 per two levels Str
Calm Animals: Calms (2d4 + level) HD of animals. damage.
Cause Fear: One creature of 5 HD or less flees for 1d4 rounds. Reduce Person: Humanoid creature halves in size.
Charm Animal: Makes one animal your friend. Remove Fear: Suppresses fear or gives +4 on saves against fear
Charm Person: Makes one person your friend. for one subject + one per four levels.
166 Chapter 6: F/X
Sanctuary: Opponents can't attack you, and you can't attack.
Shield of Faith: Aura grants +2 or higher deflection bonus.
Shield: Invisible disc gives +4 to Defence, blocks magic
missiles.
Shillelagh: Cudgel or quarterstaff becomes +1 weapon (1d10
damage) for 1 min./level.
Shocking Grasp: Touch delivers 1d6/level electricity damage
(max 5d6).
Silent Image: Creates minor illusion of your design.
Sleep: Puts 4 HD of creatures into magical slumber.
Speak with Animals: You can communicate with animals.
Summon Monster I: Calls extraplanar creature to fight for you.
Summon Nature's Ally I: Calls creature to fight.
True Strike: +20 on your next attack roll.
Unseen Servant: Invisible force obeys your commands.
Ventriloquism: Throws voice for 1 min./level.
2nd-Level Mystic Spells Knock: Opens locked or magically sealed door.
Acid Arrow: Ranged touch attack; 2d4 damage for 1 round +1
round/three levels.
Aid: +1 on attack rolls and saves against fear, 1d8 temporary HP Make Whole: Repairs an object.
+1/level (max +10).
Alter Self: Assume form of a similar creature.
Animal Messenger: Sends a Tiny animal to a specific place.
Animal Trance: Fascinates 2d6 HD of animals.
Arcane Lock: Magically locks a portal or chest.
Augury: Learns whether an action will be good or bad.
Barkskin: Grants +2 (or higher) enhancement to natural armour.
Bear's Endurance: Subject gains +4 to Con for 1 min./level.
Blindness/Deafness: Makes subject blinded or deafened.
Blur: Attacks miss subject 20% of the time.
Bull's Strength: Subject gains +4 to Str for 1 min./level.
Calm Emotions: Calms creatures, negating emotion effects.
Cat's Grace: Subject gains +4 to Dex for 1 min./level.
Chill Metal: Cold metal damages those who touch it.
Command Undead: Undead creature obeys your commands.
Consecrate: Fills area with positive energy, making undead
weaker.
Continual Flame: Makes a permanent, heatless torch.
Cure Moderate Wounds: Cures 2d8 damage +1/level (max +10).
Darkness: 20-ft. radius of supernatural shadow.
Darkvision: See 60 ft. in total darkness.
Daze Monster: Living creature of 6 HD or less loses next action.
Death Knell: Kills dying creature; you gain 1d8 temporary hp +2 See Invisibility: Reveals invisible creatures or objects.
to Str, and +1 level.
Delay Poison: Stops poison from harming subject for 1
hour/level.
Desecrate: Fills area with negative energy, making undead
stronger.
Detect Thoughts: Allows "listening" to surface thoughts.
Eagle's Splendour: Subject gains +4 to Cha for 1 min./level.
Enthral: Captivates all within 100 ft. + 10 ft./level.
False Life: Gain 1d10 temporary hp +1/level (max +10).
Find Traps: Notice traps as a rogue does.
Fire Trap: Opened object deals 1d4 +1/level damage.
Flame Blade: Touch attack deals 1d8 +1/two levels damage.
166 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Flaming Sphere: Creates rolling ball of fire, 2d6 damage, lasts 1
round/level.
Fog Cloud: Fog obscures vision.
Fox's Cunning: Subject gains +4 Int for 1 min./level.
Gentle Repose: Preserves one corpse.
Ghoul Touch: Paralyses one subject, which exudes stench that
makes those nearby sickened.
Glitterdust: Blinds creatures, outlines invisible creatures.
Gust of Wind: Blows away or knocks down smaller creatures.
Heat Metal: Make metal so hot it damages those who touch it.
Hideous Laughter: Subject loses actions for 1 round/level.
Hold Animal: Paralyses one animal for 1 round/level.
Hold Person: Paralyses one humanoid for 1 round/level.
Hypnotic Pattern: Fascinates (2d4 + level) HD of creatures.
Inflict Moderate Wounds: Touch attack, 2d8 damage +1/level
(max +10).
Invisibility: Subject is invisible for 1 min./level or until it attacks.
Levitate: Subject moves up and down at your direction.
Locate Object: Senses direction toward object (specific or type).
Magic Mouth: Speaks once when triggered.
Minor Image: As silent image, plus some sound.
Mirror Image: Creates decoy duplicates of you (1d4 +1 per three
levels, max 8).
Misdirection: Misleads divinations for one creature or object.
Obscure Object: Masks object against scrying.
Owl's Wisdom: Subject gains +4 to Wis for 1 min./level.
Phantom Trap: Makes item seem trapped.
Protection from Arrows/Bullets: Subject immune to most ranged
attacks.
Pyrotechnics: Turns fire into blinding light or choking smoke.
Reduce Animal: Shrinks one willing animal.
Remove Paralysis: Frees one or more creatures from paralysis or
slow effect.
Resist Energy: Ignores first 10 (or more) points of damage/attack
from specified energy type.
Restoration, Lesser: Dispels magical ability penalty or repairs
1d4 ability damage.
Rope Trick: As many as eight creatures hide in extradimensional
space.
Scare: Panics creatures of less than 6 HD.
Scorching Ray: Ranged touch attack deals 4d6 fire damage, +1
ray/four levels (max 3).
Shatter: Sonic vibration damages objects or crystalline creatures.
Shield Other: You take half of subject's damage.
Silence: Negates sound in 20-ft. radius.
Soften Earth and Stone: Turns stone to clay or dirt to sand or
mud.
Sound Burst: Deals 1d8 sonic damage to subjects; may stun
them.
Spectral Hand: Creates disembodied glowing hand to deliver
touch attacks.
Spider Climb: Grants ability to walk on walls and ceilings.
Spiritual Weapon: Magic weapon attacks on its own.
Status: Monitors condition, position of allies.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 6: F/X
Summon Monster II: Calls extraplanar creature to fight for you.
Summon Nature's Ally II: Calls creature to fight.
Summon Swarm: Summons swarm of bats, rats, or spiders.
Touch of Idiocy: Subject takes 1d6 points of Int, Wis, and Cha
damage.
Tree Shape: You look exactly like a tree for 1 hour/level.
Warp Wood: Bends wood (shaft, handle, door, plank).
Web: Fills 20-ft.-radius spread with sticky spiderwebs.
Whispering Wind: Sends a short message 1 mile/level.
Wood Shape: Rearranges wooden objects to suit you.
Zone of Truth: Subjects within range cannot lie.
3rd-Level Mystic Spells Plant Growth: Grows vegetation, improves crops.
Animate Dead: Creates undead skeletons and zombies.
Arcane Sight: Magical auras become visible to you.
Bestow Curse: –6 to an ability score; –4 on attack rolls, saves,
and checks; or 50% chance of losing each action.
Blink: You randomly vanish and reappear for 1 round/level.
Call Lightning: Calls down lightning bolts (3d6 per bolt) from
sky.
Clairaudience/Clairvoyance: Hear or see at a distance for 1 min./ Remove Blindness/Deafness: Cures normal or magical
level.
Contagion: Infects subject with chosen disease.
Create Food and Water: Feeds three humans (or one horse) per
level.
Cure Serious Wounds: Cures 3d8 damage +1/level (max +15).
Daylight: 60-ft. radius of bright light.
Deep Slumber: Puts 10 HD of creatures to sleep.
Deeper Darkness: Object sheds supernatural shadow in 60-ft.
radius.
Diminish Plants: Reduces size or blights growth of normal
plants.
Dispel Magic: Cancels spells and magical effects.
Displacement: Attacks miss subject 50%.
Dominate Animal: Subject animal obeys silent mental
commands.
Explosive Runes: Deals 6d6 damage when read.
Fireball: 1d6 damage per level, 20-ft. radius.
Flame Arrow: Arrows deal +1d6 fire damage.
Fly: Subject flies at speed of 60 ft.
Gaseous Form: Subject becomes insubstantial and can fly
slowly.
Gentle Repose: Preserves one corpse.
Glyph of Warding: Inscription harms those who pass it.
Halt Undead: Immobilizes undead for 1 round/level.
Haste: One creature/level moves faster, +1 on attack rolls,
Defence, and Reflex saves.
Helping Hand: Ghostly hand leads subject to you.
Heroism: Gives +2 bonus on attack rolls, saves, skill checks.
Illusory Script: Only intended reader can decipher.
Inflict Serious Wounds: Touch attack, 3d8 damage +1/level (max
+15).
Invisibility Purge: Dispels invisibility within 5 ft./level.
Invisibility Sphere: Makes everyone within 10 ft. invisible.
Keen Edge: Doubles normal weapon's threat range.
Lightning Bolt: Electricity deals 1d6/level damage.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
167
Magic Fang, Greater: One natural weapon of subject creature
gets +1/four levels on attack and damage rolls (max +5).
Magic Vestment: Armour or shield gains +1 enhancement bonus
per four levels.
Magic Weapon, Greater: +1/four levels (max +5).
Major Image: As silent image, plus sound, smell and thermal
effects.
Meld into Stone: You and your gear merge with stone.
Neutralize Poison: Immunizes subject against poison, detoxifies
venom in or on subject.
Nondetection: Hides subject from divination, scrying.
Phantom Steed: Magic horse appears for 1 hour/level.
Poison: Touch deals 1d10 Con damage, repeats in 1 min.
Prayer: Allies +1 bonus on most rolls, enemies –1 penalty.
Protection from Energy: Absorb 12 points/level of damage from
one kind of energy.
Quench: Extinguishes non-magical fires or one magic item.
Rage: Subjects gains +2 to Str and Con, +1 on Will saves, –2 to
Defence.
Ray of Exhaustion: Ray makes subject exhausted.
conditions.
Remove Curse: Frees object or person from curse.
Remove Disease: Cures all diseases affecting subject.
Searing Light: Ray deals 1d8/two levels damage, more against
undead.
Secret Page: Changes one page to hide its real content.
Sepia Snake Sigil: Creates text symbol that immobilizes reader.
Shrink Item: Object shrinks to one-sixteenth size.
Sleet Storm: Hampers vision and movement.
Slow: One subject/level takes only one action/round, –1 to
Defence, reflex saves, and attack rolls.
Snare: Creates a magic booby trap.
Speak with Dead: Corpse answers one question/two levels.
Speak with Plants: You can talk to normal plants and plant
creatures.
Spike Growth: Creatures in area take 1d4 damage, may be
slowed.
Stinking Cloud: Nauseating vapours, 1 round/level.
Stone Shape: Sculpts stone into any shape.
Suggestion: Compels subject to follow stated course of action.
Summon Monster III: Calls extraplanar creature to fight for you.
Summon Nature's Ally III: Calls creature to fight for you.
Tiny Hut: Creates shelter for ten creatures.
Tongues: Speak any language.
Vampiric Touch: Touch deals 1d6/two levels damage; caster
gains damage as hp.
Water Breathing: Subjects can breathe underwater.
Water Walk: Subject treads on water as if solid.
Wind Wall: Deflects arrows, smaller creatures, and gases.
4th-Level Mystic Spells
Air Walk: Subject treads on air as if solid (climb at 45-degree
angle).
Animate Dead: Creates undead skeletons and zombies.
167
168 Chapter 6: F/X
Antiplant Shell: Keeps animated plants at bay.
Arcane Eye: Invisible floating eye moves 30 ft./round.
Black Tentacles: Tentacles grapple all within 20 ft. spread.
Blight: Withers one plant or deals 1d6/level damage to plant
creature.
Charm Monster: Makes monster believe it is your ally.
Command Plants: Sway the actions of one or more plant
creatures.
Confusion: Subjects behave oddly for 1 round/level.
Control Water: Raises or lowers bodies of water.
Crushing Despair: Subjects take –2 on attack rolls, damage rolls,
saves, and checks.
Cure Critical Wounds: Cures 4d8 damage +1/level (max +20).
Death Ward: Grants immunity to death spells and negative
energy effects.
Detect Scrying: Alerts you of magical eavesdropping.
Dimension Door: Teleports you short distance.
Dimensional Anchor: Bars extradimensional movement.
Discern Lies: Reveals deliberate falsehoods.
Dismissal: Forces a creature to return to native plane.
Divination: Provides useful advice for specific proposed actions.
Divine Power: You gain attack bonus, +6 to Str, and 1 HP/level.
Enervation: Subject gains 1d4 negative levels.
Enlarge Person, Mass: Enlarges several creatures.
Fear: Subjects within cone flee for 1 round/level.
Fire Shield: Creatures attacking you take fire damage; you're
protected from heat or cold.
Fire Trap: Opened object deals 1d4 damage +1/level.
Flame Strike: Smite foes with divine fire (1d6/level damage).
Freedom of Movement: Subject moves normally despite
impediments.
Geas, Lesser: Commands subject of 7 HD or less.
Giant Vermin: Turns centipedes, scorpions, or spiders into giant
vermin.
Globe of Invulnerability, Lesser: Stops 1st- through 3rd-level
spell effects.
Hallucinatory Terrain: Makes one type of terrain appear like
another (field into forest, or the like).
Ice Storm: Hail deals 5d6 damage in cylinder 40 ft. across.
Illusory Wall: Wall, floor, or ceiling looks real, but anything can
pass through.
Imbue with Spell Ability: Transfer spells to subject.
Inflict Critical Wounds: Touch attack, 4d8 damage +1/level (max
+20).
Invisibility, Greater: As invisibility, but subject can attack and
stay invisible.
Locate Creature: Indicates direction to familiar creature.
Magic Weapon, Greater: +1 bonus/four levels (max +5).
Minor Creation: Creates one cloth or wood object.
Phantasmal Killer: Fearsome illusion kills subject or deals 3d6
damage.
Planar Ally, Lesser: Exchange services with a 6 HD extraplanar
creature.
Polymorph: Gives one willing subject a new form.
Rainbow Pattern: Lights fascinate 24 HD of creatures.
Reduce Person, Mass: Reduces several creatures.
Reincarnate: Brings dead subject back in a random body.
168 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Repel Vermin: Insects, spiders, and other vermin stay 10 ft. away.
Resilient Sphere: Force globe protects but traps one subject.
Restoration: Restores level and ability score drains.
Rusting Grasp: Your touch corrodes iron and alloys.
Scrying: Spies on subject from a distance.
Secure Shelter: Creates sturdy cottage.
Sending: Delivers short message anywhere, instantly.
Shadow Conjuration: Mimics conjuration below 4th level, but
only 20% real.
Shout: Deafens all within cone and deals 5d6 sonic damage.
Solid Fog: Blocks vision and slows movement.
Spell Immunity: Subject is immune to one spell per four levels.
Spike Stones: Creatures in area take 1d8 damage, may be slowed.
Stoneskin: Ignore 10 points of damage per attack.
Summon Monster IV: Calls extraplanar creature to fight for you.
Summon Nature's Ally IV: Calls creature to fight.
Wall of Fire: Deals 2d4 fire damage out to 10 ft. and 1d4 out to
20 ft. Passing through wall deals 2d6 damage +1/level.
5th-Level Mystic Spells
Animal Growth: One animal/two levels doubles in size.
Atonement: Removes burden of misdeeds from subject.
Awaken: Animal or tree gains human intellect.
Baleful Polymorph: Transforms subject into harmless animal.
Break Enchantment: Frees subjects from enchantments,
alterations, curses, and petrification.
Call Lightning Storm: As call lightning, but 5d6 damage per bolt.
Cloudkill: Kills 3 HD or less; 4–6 HD save or die, 6+ HD take
Con damage.
Command, Greater: As command, but affects one subject/level.
Commune with Nature: Learn about terrain for 1 mile/level.
Commune: Deity answers one yes-or-no question/level.
Cone of Cold: 1d6/level cold damage.
Contact Other Plane: Lets you ask question of extraplanar entity.
Control Winds: Change wind direction and speed.
Cure Light Wounds, Mass: Cures 1d8 damage +1/level for many
creatures.
Disrupting Weapon: Mêlée weapon destroys undead.
Dominate Person: Controls humanoid telepathically.
Dream: Sends message to anyone sleeping.
Fabricate: Transforms raw materials into finished items.
False Vision: Fools scrying with an illusion.
Feeblemind: Subject's Int and Cha drop to 1.
Hallow: Designates location as holy.
Hold Monster: As hold person, but any creature.
Inflict Light Wounds, Mass: Deals 1d8 damage +1/level to many
creatures.
Insect Plague: Locust swarms attack creatures.
Interposing Hand: Hand provides cover against one opponent.
Mage's Faithful Hound: Phantom dog can guard, attack.
Mage's Private Sanctum: Prevents anyone from viewing or
scrying an area for 24 hours.
Magic Jar: Enables possession of another creature.
Major Creation: As minor creation, plus stone and metal.
Mark of Justice: Designates action that will trigger curse on
subject.
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Mind Fog: Subjects in fog get –10 to Wis and Will checks.
Mirage Arcana: As hallucinatory terrain, plus structures.
Nightmare: Sends vision dealing 1d10 damage, fatigue.
Overland Flight: You fly at a speed of 40 ft. and can hustle over Contingency: Sets trigger condition for another spell.
long distances.
Passwall: Creates passage through wood or stone wall.
Permanency: Makes certain spells permanent.
Persistent Image: As major image, but no concentration
required.
Planar Binding, Lesser: Traps extraplanar creature of 6 HD or
less until it performs a task.
Plane Shift: As many as eight subjects travel to another plane.
Prying Eyes: 1d4 +1/level floating eyes scout for you.
Raise Dead: Restores life to subject who died as long as one day/ Find the Path: Shows most direct way to a location.
level ago.
Righteous Might: Your size increases, and you gain combat
bonuses.
Secret Chest: Hides expensive chest on Ethereal Plane; you
retrieve it at will.
Seeming: Changes appearance of one person per two levels.
Shadow Evocation: Mimics evocation below 5th level, but only
20% real.
Slay Living: Touch attack kills subject.
Spell Resistance: Subject gains SR 12 + level.
Summon Monster V: Calls extraplanar creature to fight for you.
Summon Nature's Ally V: Calls creature to fight.
Symbol of Pain: Triggered rune wracks nearby creatures with
pain.
Symbol of Sleep: Triggered rune puts nearby creatures into
catatonic slumber.
Telekinesis: Moves object, attacks creature, or hurls object or
creature.
Telepathic Bond: Link lets allies communicate.
Teleport: Instantly transports you as far as 100 miles/level.
Transmute Rock to Mud: Transforms two 10-ft. cubes per level.
Tree Stride: Step from one tree to another far away.
True Seeing: Lets you see all things as they really are.
Unhallow: Designates location as unholy.
Wall of Force:Wall is immune to damage.
Wall of Stone: Creates a stone wall that can be shaped.
Wall of Thorns: Thorns damage anyone who tries to pass.
Waves of Fatigue: Several targets become fatigued.
6th-Level Mystic Spells Permanent Image: Includes sight, sound, and smell.
Acid Fog: Fog deals acid damage.
Analyse Dweomer: Reveals magical aspects of subject.
Animate Objects: Objects attack your foes.
Antilife Shell: 10-ft.-radius field hedges out living creatures.
Antimagic Field: Negates magic within 10 ft.
Banishment: Banishes 2 HD/level of extraplanar creatures.
Bear's Endurance, Mass: As bear's endurance, affects one
subject/level.
Blade Barrier: Wall of blades deals 1d6/level damage.
Bull's Strength, Mass: As bull's strength, affects one subject per Summon Monster VI: Calls extraplanar creature to fight for you.
level.
Cat's Grace, Mass: As cat's grace, affects one subject/level.
Chain Lightning: 1d6/level damage; 1 secondary bolt/level each
deals half damage.
Circle of Death: Kills 1d4/level HD of creatures.
Control Water: Raises or lowers bodies of water.
Create Undead: Creates ghouls, ghasts, mummies, or mohrgs.
Cure Moderate Wounds, Mass: Cures 2d8 damage +1/level for
many creatures.
Disintegrate: Makes one creature or object vanish.
Dispel Magic, Greater: As dispel magic, but +20 on check.
Eagle's Splendour, Mass: As eagle's splendour, affects one
subject/level.
Eyebite: Target becomes panicked, sickened, and comatose.
Fire Seeds: Acorns and berries become grenades and bombs.
Flesh to Stone: Turns subject creature into statue.
Forbiddance: Blocks planar travel, damages creatures of
different alignment.
Forceful Hand: Hand pushes creatures away.
Fox's Cunning, Mass: As fox's cunning, affects one subject/
level.
Freezing Sphere: Freezes water or deals cold damage.
Geas/Quest: As lesser geas, plus it affects any creature.
Globe of Invulnerability: As lesser globe of invulnerability, plus
4th-level spell effects.
Glyph of Warding, Greater: As glyph of warding, but up to 10d8
damage or 6th-level spell.
Guards and Wards: Array of magic effects protect area.
Harm: Deals 10 points/level damage to target.
Heal: Cures 10 points/level of damage, all diseases and mental
conditions.
Heroes' Feast: Food for one creature/level cures and grants
combat bonuses.
Heroism, Greater: Gives +4 bonus on attack rolls, saves, skill
checks; immunity to fear; temporary hp.
Inflict Moderate Wounds, Mass: Deals 2d8 damage +1/level to
many creatures.
Ironwood: Magic wood is strong as steel.
Legend Lore: Lets you learn tales about a person, place, or thing.
Liveoak: Oak becomes treant guardian.
Mislead: Turns you invisible and creates illusory double.
Move Earth: Digs trenches and build hills.
Owl's Wisdom, Mass: As owl's wisdom, affects one subject/level.
Planar Ally: As lesser planar ally, but up to 12 HD.
Planar Binding: As lesser planar binding, but up to 12 HD.
Programmed Image: As major image, plus triggered by event.
Repel Wood: Pushes away wooden objects.
Repulsion: Creatures can't approach you.
Shadow Walk: Step into shadow to travel rapidly.
Spellstaff: Stores one spell in wooden quarterstaff.
Stone Tell: Talk to natural or worked stone.
Stone to Flesh: Restores petrified creature.
Suggestion, Mass: As suggestion, plus one subject/level.
Summon Nature's Ally VI: Calls creature to fight.
Symbol of Fear: Triggered rune panics nearby creatures.

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Symbol of Persuasion: Triggered rune charms nearby creatures.
Transformation: You gain combat bonuses.
Transport via Plants: Move instantly from one plant to another
of the same kind.
Undeath to Death: Destroys 1d4/level HD of undead (max
20d4).
Veil: Changes appearance of group of creatures.
Wall of Iron: 30 hp/four levels; can topple onto foes.
Wind Walk: You and your allies turn vaporous and travel fast.
Word of Recall: Teleports you back to designated place.
7th-Level Mystic Spells Symbol of Weakness: Triggered rune weakens nearby creatures.
Animate Plants: One or more plants animate and fight for you.
Arcane Sight, Greater: As arcane sight, but also reveals magic
effects on creatures and objects.
Changestaff: Your staff becomes a treant on command.
Control Undead: Undead don't attack you while under your
command.
Control Weather: Changes weather in local area.
Creeping Doom: Swarms of centipedes attack at your command.
Cure Serious Wounds, Mass: Cures 3d8 damage +1/level for
many creatures.
Delayed Blast Fireball: 1d6/level fire damage; you can postpone Antimagic Field: Negates magic within 10 ft.
blast for 5 rounds.
Destruction: Kills subject and destroys remains.
Ethereal Jaunt: You become ethereal for 1 round/level.
Finger of Death: Kills one subject.
Fire Storm: Deals 1d6/level fire damage.
Forcecage: Cube or cage of force imprisons all inside.
Grasping Hand: Hand provides cover, pushes, or grapples.
Heal: Cures 10 points/level of damage, all diseases and mental
conditions.
Hold Person, Mass: As hold person, but all within 30 ft.
Inflict Serious Wounds, Mass: Deals 3d8 damage +1/level to
many creatures.
Insanity: Subject suffers continuous confusion.
Instant Summons: Prepared object appears in your hand.
Invisibility, Mass: As invisibility, but affects all in range.
Limited Wish: Alters reality—within spell limits.
Mage's Magnificent Mansion: Door leads to extradimensional
mansion.
Mage's Sword: Floating magic blade strikes opponents.
Phase Door: Creates an invisible passage through wood or stone. Inflict Critical Wounds, Mass: Deals 4d8 damage +1/level to
Plane Shift: As many as eight subjects travel to another plane.
Power Word Blind: Blinds creature with 200 hp or less.
Prismatic Spray: Rays hit subjects with variety of effects.
Project Image: Illusory double can talk and cast spells.
Refuge: Alters item to transport its possessor to you.
Regenerate: Subject's severed limbs grow back, cures 4d8
damage +1/level (max +35).
Restoration, Greater: As restoration, plus restores all levels and
ability scores.
Resurrection: Fully restore dead subject.
Reverse Gravity: Objects and creatures fall upward.
Scrying, Greater: As scrying, but faster and longer.
170 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Sequester: Subject is invisible to sight and scrying; renders
creature comatose.
Shadow Conjuration, Greater: As shadow conjuration, but up to
6th level and 60% real.
Simulacrum: Creates partially real double of a creature.
Spell Turning: Reflect 1d4+6 spell levels back at caster.
Statue: Subject can become a statue at will.
Summon Monster VII: Calls extraplanar creature to fight for you.
Summon Nature's Ally VII: Calls creature to fight.
Sunbeam: Beam blinds and deals 4d6 damage.
Symbol of Stunning: Triggered rune stuns nearby creatures.
Teleport Object: As teleport, but affects a touched object.
Teleport, Greater: As teleport, but no range limit and no off-
target arrival.
Transmute Metal to Wood: Metal within 40 ft. becomes wood.
Vision: As legend lore, but quicker and strenuous.
Waves of Exhaustion: Several targets become exhausted.
Word of Chaos: Kills, confuses, stuns, or deafens non-chaotic
subjects.
8th-Level Mystic Spells
Animal Shapes: One ally/level polymorphs into chosen animal.
Antipathy: Object or location affected by spell repels certain
creatures.
Binding: Utilizes an array of techniques to imprison a creature.
Charm Monster, Mass: As charm monster, but all within 30 ft.
Clenched Fist: Large hand provides cover, pushes, or attacks
your foes.
Clone: Duplicate awakens when original dies.
Control Plants: Control actions of one or more plant creatures.
Create Greater Undead: Create shadows, wraiths, spectres, or
devourers.
Cure Critical Wounds, Mass: Cures 4d8 damage +1/level for
many creatures.
Demand: As sending, plus you can send suggestion.
Dimensional Lock: Teleportation and interplanar travel blocked
for one day/level.
Discern Location: Reveals exact location of creature or object.
Earthquake: Intense tremor shakes 80-ft.-radius.
Horrid Wilting: Deals 1d6/level damage within 30 ft.
Incendiary Cloud: Cloud deals 4d6 fire damage/round.
many creatures.
Iron Body: Your body becomes living iron.
Irresistible Dance: Forces subject to dance.
Maze: Traps subject in extradimensional maze.
Mind Blank: Subject is immune to mental/emotional magic and
scrying.
Moment of Prescience: You gain insight bonus on single attack
roll, check, or save.
Planar Ally, Greater: As lesser planar ally, but up to 18 HD.
Planar Binding, Greater: As lesser planar binding, but up to 18
HD.
Polar Ray: Ranged touch attack deals 1d6/level cold damage.
Polymorph Any Object: Changes any subject into anything else.
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Power Word Stun: Stuns creature with 150 hp or less.
Prismatic Wall: Wall's colours have array of effects.
Protection from Spells: Confers +8 resistance bonus.
Prying Eyes, Greater: As prying eyes, but eyes have true seeing.
Repel Metal or Stone: Pushes away metal and stone.
Scintillating Pattern: Twisting colours confuse, stun, or render
unconscious.
Screen: Illusion hides area from vision, scrying.
Shadow Evocation, Greater: As shadow evocation, but up to 7th
level and 60% real.
Shout, Greater: Devastating yell deals 10d6 sonic damage; stuns
creatures, damages objects.
Spell Immunity, Greater: As spell immunity, but up to 8th-level
spells.
Summon Monster VIII: Calls extraplanar creature to fight for
you.
Summon Nature's Ally VIII: Calls creature to fight.
Sunburst: Blinds all within 10 ft., deals 6d6 damage.
Symbol of Death: Triggered rune slays nearby creatures.
Symbol of Insanity: Triggered rune renders nearby creatures
insane.
Sympathy: Object or location attracts certain creatures.
Telekinetic Sphere: As resilient sphere, but you move sphere
telekinetically.
Temporal Stasis: Puts subject into suspended animation.
Trap the Soul: Imprisons subject within gem.
Whirlwind: Cyclone deals damage and can pick up creatures.
Word of Recall: Teleports you back to designated place.
These abilities can be applied to armour, shields, or any other
9th-Level Mystic Spells protective gear.
Antipathy: Object or location affected by spell repels certain
creatures.
Astral Projection: Projects you and companions onto Astral
Plane.
Crushing Hand: Large hand provides cover, pushes, or crushes
your foes.
Dominate Monster: As dominate person, but any creature.
Elemental Swarm: Summons multiple elementals.
Energy Drain: Subject gains 2d4 negative levels.
Etherealness: Travel to Ethereal Plane with companions.
Foresight: "Sixth sense" warns of impending danger.
Freedom: Releases creature from imprisonment.
Gate: Connects two planes for travel or summoning.
Heal, Mass: As heal, but with several subjects.
Hold Monster, Mass: As hold monster, but all within 30 ft.
Implosion: Kills one creature/round.
Imprisonment: Entombs subject beneath the earth.
Mage's Disjunction: Dispels magic, disenchants magic items.
Meteor Swarm: Four exploding spheres each deal 6d6 fire
damage.
Miracle: Requests a deity's intercession.
Power Word Kill: Kills one creature with 100 hp or less.
Prismatic Sphere: As prismatic wall, but surrounds on all sides.
Refuge: Alters item to transport its possessor to you.
Regenerate: Subject's severed limbs grow back, cures 4d8
damage +1/level (max +35).
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171
Shades: As shadow conjuration, but up to 8th level and 80%
real.
Shambler: Summons 1d4+2 shambling mounds to fight for you.
Shapechange: Transforms you into any creature, and change
forms once per round.
Soul Bind: Traps newly dead soul to prevent resurrection.
Storm of Vengeance: Storm rains acid, lightning, and hail.
Summon Monster IX: Calls extraplanar creature to fight for you.
Summon Nature's Ally IX: Calls creature to fight.
Teleportation Circle: Circle teleports any creature inside to
designated spot.
Time Stop: You act freely for 1d4+1 rounds.
True Resurrection: As resurrection, plus remains aren't needed.
Wail of the Banshee: Kills one creature/level.
Weird: As phantasmal killer, but affects all within 30 ft.
Wish: As limited wish, but with fewer limits.
Mystical Armaments
The following weapon and armour special abilities are
reprinted from other SRDs and altered slightly for the Phoenix
game. This list is not exhaustive and with the GM's permission,
you might be able to bring special abilities in from other
published sources. These enhancements can be loaded into both
Esoteric Items as well as Mystical items that you make yourself.
Mystic Armour Abilities
Animated
Upon command, an animated shield floats within 2 feet of the
wielder, protecting her as if she were using it herself but freeing
up both her hands. Only one shield can protect a character at a
time. A character with an animated shield still takes any penalties
associated with shield use, such as armour check penalty, arcane
spell failure chance, and lack of proficiency.
Strong transmutation; ECL 12th; Craft Mystic Armaments,
animate objects; Price +2 bonus.
Arrow Catching
A shield with this ability attracts ranged weapons to it. It has
a deflection bonus of +1 against ranged weapons because
projectiles and thrown weapons veer toward it. Additionally, any
projectile or thrown weapon aimed at a target within 5 feet of the
shield's wearer diverts from its original target and targets the
shield's bearer instead. (If the wielder has total cover relative to
the attacker, the projectile or thrown weapon is not diverted.)
Additionally, those attacking the wearer with ranged weapons
ignore any miss chances that would normally apply. Projectiles
and thrown weapons that have an enhancement bonus higher
than the shield's base Defence bonus are not diverted to the
wearer (but the shield's increased Defence bonus still applies
against these weapons). The wielder can activate or deactivate
this ability with a command word.
Moderate abjuration; ECL 8th; Craft Mystic Armaments,
entropic shield; Price +1 bonus.
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Arrow Deflection
This shield protects the wielder as if he had the Deflect
Arrows feat. Once per round when he would normally be struck
by a ranged weapon, he can make a DC 20 Reflex save. If the
ranged weapon has an enhancement bonus, the DC increases by
that amount. If he succeeds, the shield deflects the weapon. He
must be aware of the attack and not flat-footed. Attempting to
deflect a ranged weapon doesn't count as an action. Exceptional
ranged weapons, such as boulders hurled by giants or acid
arrows, can't be deflected.
Faint abjuration; ECL 5th; Craft Mystic Armaments, shield;
Price +2 bonus.
Bashing
A shield with this special ability is designed to perform a
shield bash. A bashing shield deals damage as if it were a
weapon of two size categories larger (a Medium light shield thus
deals 1d6 points of damage and a Medium heavy shield deals
1d8 points of damage). The shield acts as a +1 weapon when
used to bash. (Only light and heavy shields can have this ability.)
Moderate transmutation; ECL 8th; Craft Mystical
Armaments, bull's strength; Price +1 bonus.
Blinding
A shield with this ability flashes with a brilliant light up to
twice per day upon command of the wielder. Anyone within 20
feet except the wielder must make a DC 14 Reflex save or be
blinded for 1d4 rounds.
Moderate evocation; ECL 7th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
searing light; Price +1 bonus.
Energy Resistance
A suit of armour or a shield with this property normally has a
colour and/or motif matching its energy type. Acid: metallic
sheen. Cold: white or blue with fur trim. Electricity: yellow or
blue with lightning. Fire: red or yellow with flames.
Sonic/Concussive: extra-thick padding/plates. The armour
absorbs the first 10 points of one type of energy damage per
attack that the wearer would normally take (similar to the resist
energy spell).
Faint abjuration; ECL 3rd; Craft Mystical Armaments, resist
energy; Price +4 bonus.
Energy Resistance, Improved
As energy resistance, except it absorbs the first 20 points of
energy damage per attack.
Moderate abjuration; ECL 7th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
resist energy; Price +6 bonus.
Energy Resistance, Greater
As energy resistance, except it absorbs the first 30 points of
energy damage per attack.
Moderate abjuration; ECL 11th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
resist energy; Price +8 bonus.
172 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Etherealness
On command, this ability allows the wearer of the armour to
become ethereal (as the ethereal jaunt spell) once per day. The
character can remain ethereal for as long as desired, but once he
returns to normal, he cannot become ethereal again that day.
Strong transmutation; ECL 13th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
ethereal jaunt; Price +7 bonus.
Fortification
This suit of armour or shield produces a magical force that
protects vital areas of the wearer more effectively. When a
critical hit or sneak attack is scored on the wearer, there is a
chance that the critical hit or sneak attack is negated and damage
is instead rolled normally.
Fortification Chance for Base Price
Type Normal Damage Modifier
Light 25% +1 bonus
Moderate 75% +3 bonus
Heavy 100% +5 bonus
Strong abjuration; ECL 13th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
limited wish or miracle; Price varies (see above).
Ghost Touch
This armour or shield seems almost translucent. Both its
enhancement bonus and its armour bonus count against the
attacks of incorporeal creatures. It can be picked up, moved, and
worn by incorporeal creatures at any time. Incorporeal creatures
gain the armour or shield's enhancement bonus against both
corporeal and incorporeal attacks, and they can still pass freely
through solid objects.
Strong transmutation; ECL 15th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
etherealness; Price +3 bonus.
Glamoured
A suit of armour with this ability appears normal. Upon
command, the armour changes shape and form to assume the
appearance of a normal set of clothing. The armour retains all its
properties (including weight) when glamoured. Only a true
seeing spell or similar effect reveals the true nature of the armour
when disguised.
Moderate illusion; ECL 10th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
disguise self; Price +5 bonus.
Invulnerability
This suit of armour grants the wearer DR 5/Super.
Strong abjuration and perhaps evocation (if miracle is used);
ECL 18th; Craft Mystical Armaments, stoneskin, wish or
miracle; Price +3 bonus.
Reflecting
This shield seems like a mirror. Its surface is completely
reflective. Once per day, it can be called on to reflect a spell, psi-
power, or ranged-use power back at its creator exactly like the
spell turning spell.
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 Chapter 6: F/X
Strong abjuration; ECL 14th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
spell turning; Price +5 bonus.
Shadow
This armour is jet black and blurs the wearer whenever she
tries to hide, granting a +5 competence bonus on Stealth checks.
(The armour check penalty still applies normally.)
Faint illusion; ECL 5th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
invisibility; Price +2 bonus.
Shadow, Improved
As shadow, except it grants a +10 competence bonus on
Stealth checks.
Moderate illusion; ECL 10th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
invisibility; Price +3 bonus.
Shadow, Greater
As shadow, except it grants a +15 competence bonus on
Stealth checks.
Moderate illusion; ECL 15th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
invisibility; Price +4 bonus.
Silent Moves
This armour is well oiled and magically constructed so that it
not only makes little sound, but it dampens sound around it. It
provides a +5 competence bonus on its wearer's Move Silently
checks. (The armour check penalty still applies normally.)
Faint illusion; ECL 5th; Craft Mystical Armaments, silence;
Price +2 bonus.
Silent Moves, Improved
As silent moves, except it grants a +10 competence bonus on
Move Silently checks.
Moderate illusion; ECL 10th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
silence; Price +3 bonus.
Silent Moves, Greater
As silent moves, except it grants a +15 competence bonus on
Move Silently checks.
Moderate illusion; ECL 15th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
silence; Price +4
Slick
Slick armour seems coated at all times with a slightly greasy
oil. It provides a +5 competence bonus on its wearer's Escape
Artist checks. (The armour check penalty still applies normally.)
Faint conjuration; ECL 4th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
grease; Price +2 bonus.
Slick, Improved
As slick, except it grants a +10 competence bonus on Escape
Artist checks.
Moderate conjuration; ECL 10th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
grease; Price +3 bonus.
Slick, Greater
As slick, except it grants a +15 competence bonus on Escape
Artist checks.
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173
Moderate conjuration; ECL 15th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
grease; Price +4 bonus.
Spell Resistance
This grants the wearer a spell resistance score.
Strong abjuration; ECL 15th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
spell resistance; Price +2 bonus (SR 13), +3 bonus (SR 15), +4
bonus (SR 17), or +5 bonus (SR 19).
Undead Controlling
The wearer of a suit of armour or a shield with this property
may control up to 26 HD of undead per day, as the control
undead spell. At dawn each day, the wearer loses control of any
undead still under his sway. Armour or a shield with this ability
appears to be made of bone; this feature is entirely decorative
and has no other effect on the armour.
Strong necromancy; ECL 13th; Craft Mystical Armaments,
control undead; Price +7 bonus.
Wild
The wearer of a suit of armour or a shield with this ability
preserves his armour bonus (and any enhancement bonus) while
in a wild shape. armour and shields with this ability usually
appear to be made covered in leaf patterns. While the wearer is in
a wild shape, the armour cannot be seen.
Moderate transmutation; ECL 9th; Craft Mystical
Armaments, baleful polymorph; Price +3 bonus.
Mystic Weapon Abilities
These special abilities can be applied to weapons of all kinds,
mêlée and ranged, as well as firearms, where applicable.
Bane
A bane weapon excels at attacking one type or subtype of
creature. Against its designated foe, its effective enhancement
bonus is +2 better than its normal enhancement bonus. It deals an
extra 2d6 points of damage against the foe. Bows, crossbows,
and slings so crafted bestow the bane quality upon their
ammunition. Possible bane designations include, but are not
limited to: animals, a specific humanoid species (other than
human), magical animals, plants, the undead, cyborgs/robots, an
Origin type, or a class. You cannot specify something subjective
like, "people I don't like" or "wankers." You cannot specify
"Human" because a Phoenix game, almost everyone is human.
You cannot specify a gender, a race, a social class, or a sexual
orientation because that would just be icky.
Moderate conjuration; ECL 8th; Craft Magic Arms and
Armour, summon monster I; Price +1 bonus.
Brilliant Energy
A brilliant energy weapon has its significant portion
transformed into light, although this does not modify the item's
weight. It always gives off light as a torch (20-foot radius). A
brilliant energy weapon ignores non-living matter. Armour and
shield bonuses to Defence (including any enhancement bonuses
to that armour) do not count against it because the weapon passes
through armour. Dexterity, deflection, dodge, natural armour, and
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other such bonuses still apply. A brilliant energy weapon cannot of fire damage on a successful hit. Bows, crossbows, and slings
harm the undead, constructs, or objects. It does half damage to so crafted bestow the fire energy upon their ammunition.
living machines, like androids and cyborgs, or alien life-forms Moderate evocation; ECL 10th; Craft Magic Arms and
made of inorganic material, like rock creatures or sentient clouds Armour and flame blade, flame strike, or fireball; Price +1
of blue gas. This property can be applied only to m êlée weapons, bonus.
thrown weapons, and ammunition.
Strong transmutation; ECL 16th; Craft Magic Arms and Flaming Burst
Armour, gaseous form, continual flame; Price +4 bonus. A flaming burst weapon functions as a flaming weapon that
also explodes with flame upon striking a successful critical hit.
Dancing The fire does not harm the wielder. In addition to the extra fire
As a standard action, a dancing weapon can be loosed to damage from the flaming ability (see above), a flaming burst
attack on its own. It fights for 4 rounds using the base attack weapon deals an extra 1d10 points of fire damage on a successful
bonus of the wielder. At the end of 4 round, it drops. While critical hit. If the weapon's critical multiplier is x3, add an extra
dancing, it cannot make attacks of opportunity and the person 2d10 points of fire damage instead, and if the multiplier is x4,
who activated it is not considered armed unless they are add an extra 3d10 points of fire damage. Bows, crossbows, and
otherwise armed. In all other respects, it is considered wielded or slings so crafted bestow the fire energy upon their ammunition.
attended by the creature for all manoeuvres and effects that target Even if the flaming ability is not active, the weapon still deals its
items. While dancing, it takes up the same space as the activating extra fire damage on a successful critical hit.
character and can attack adjacent foes (weapons with reach can Strong evocation; ECL 12th; Craft Magic Arms and Armour
attack opponents up to 10 feet away). The dancing weapon and flame blade, flame strike, or fireball; Price +2 bonus.
accompanies the person who activated it everywhere, whether
she moves by physical or magical means. If the wielder who Frost
loosed it has an unoccupied hand, she can grasp it while it is Upon command, a frost weapon is sheathed in icy cold. The
attacking on its own as a free action; when so retrieved the cold does not harm the wielder. The effect remains until another
weapon can't dance (attack on its own) again for 4 rounds. command is given. A frost weapon deals an extra 1d6 points of
Strong transmutation; ECL 15th; Craft Magic Arms and cold damage on a successful hit. Bows, crossbows, and slings so
Armour, animate objects; Price +4 bonus. crafted bestow the cold energy upon their ammunition.
Moderate evocation; ECL 8th; Craft Magic Arms and
Defending Armour, chill metal or ice storm; Price +1 bonus.
A defending weapon allows wielders to transfer some or all
of its enhancement bonus to their Defence as a bonus that stacks Ghost Touch
with all others. As a free action, wielders can choose how to A ghost touch weapon deals damage normally against
incorporeal creatures, regardless of its bonus. (An incorporeal
allocate the weapon's enhancement bonus at the start of their turn
(i.e., before using the weapon), and the bonus to Defence lasts creature's 50% chance to avoid damage does not apply to attacks
until their next turn. with ghost touch weapons.) The weapon can be picked up and
Moderate abjuration; ECL 8th; Craft Magic Arms and moved by an incorporeal creature at any time. A manifesting
Armour, shield or shield of faith; Price +1 bonus. ghost can wield the weapon against corporeal foes. Essentially, a
ghost touch weapon counts as either corporeal or incorporeal at
Disruption any given time, whichever is more beneficial to the wielder.
A weapon of disruption is the bane of all undead. Any undead Moderate conjuration; ECL 9th; Craft Magic Arms and
creature struck in combat must succeed on a DC 14 Will save or Armour, plane shift; Price +1 bonus.
be destroyed. A weapon of disruption must be a bludgeoning
weapon. Icy Burst
Strong conjuration; ECL 14th; Craft Magic Arms and An icy burst weapon functions as a frost weapon that also
Armour, heal; Price +2 bonus. explodes with frost upon striking a successful critical hit. The
frost does not harm the wielder. In addition to the extra damage
Distance from the frost ability, an icy burst weapon deals an extra 1d10
This property can be placed only on a ranged weapon. A points of cold damage on a successful critical hit. If the weapon's
weapon of distance has double the range increment of other critical multiplier is x3, add an extra 2d10 points of cold damage
weapons of its kind. instead, and if the multiplier is x4, add an extra 3d10 points.
Moderate divination; ECL 6th; Craft Magic Arms and Bows, crossbows, and slings so crafted bestow the cold energy
Armour, clairaudience/clairvoyance; Price +1 bonus. upon their ammunition. Even if the frost ability is not active, the
weapon still deals its extra cold damage on a successful critical
Flaming hit.
Upon command, a flaming weapon is sheathed in fire. The Moderate evocation; ECL 10th; Craft Magic Arms and
fire does not harm the wielder. The effect remains until another Armour, chill metal or ice storm; Price +2 bonus.
command is given. A flaming weapon deals an extra 1d6 points

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 Chapter 6: F/X 175

Keen Shocking Burst

This ability doubles the threat range of a weapon. Only
piercing or slashing weapons can be keen. (If you roll this
property randomly for an inappropriate weapon, re-roll.) This
benefit doesn't stack with any other effect that expands the threat
range of a weapon (such as the keen edge spell or the Improved
Critical feat).
Moderate transmutation; ECL 10th; Craft Magic Arms and
Armour, keen edge; Price +1 bonus.
Merciful
The weapon deals an extra 1d6 points of damage, and all
damage it deals is non-lethal damage. On command, the weapon
suppresses this ability until commanded to resume it. Bows,
crossbows, and slings so crafted bestow the merciful effect upon
their ammunition.
Faint conjuration; ECL 5th; Craft Magic Arms and Armour,
cure light wounds; Price +1 bonus.
Mighty Cleaving
A mighty cleaving weapon allows a wielder with the Cleave
feat to make one additional cleave attempt in a round.
Moderate evocation; ECL 8th; Craft Magic Arms and
Armour, divine power; Price +1 bonus.
Returning
This special ability can only be placed on a weapon that can
be thrown. A returning weapon flies through the air back to the
creature that threw it. It returns to the thrower just before the cast spells to use this weapon. Any time the weapon strikes a
creature's next turn (and is therefore ready to use again in that creature and the creature takes damage from it, the weapon can
turn). Catching a returning weapon when it comes back is a free
action. If the character can't catch it, or if the character has
moved since throwing it, the weapon drops to the ground in the
square from which it was thrown.
Moderate transmutation; ECL 7th; Craft Magic Arms and
Armour, telekinesis; Price +1 bonus.
Seeking
Only ranged weapons can have the seeking ability. The
weapon veers toward its target, negating any miss chances that
would otherwise apply, such as from concealment. (The wielder
still has to aim the weapon at the right square. Arrows mistakenly level; Price +1 bonus.
shot into an empty space, for example, do not veer and hit
invisible enemies, even if they are nearby.)
Strong divination; ECL 12th; Craft Magic Arms and Armour,
true seeing; Price +1 bonus.
Shock
Upon command, a shock weapon is sheathed in crackling
electricity. The electricity does not harm the wielder. The effect instead, and if the multiplier is x4, add an extra 3d8 points of
remains until another command is given. A shock weapon deals
an extra 1d6 points of electricity damage on a successful hit.
Bows, crossbows, and slings so crafted bestow the electricity
energy upon their ammunition.
Moderate evocation; ECL 8th; Craft Magic Arms and
Armour, call lightning or lightning bolt; Price +1 bonus.
A shocking burst weapon functions as a shock weapon that
also explodes with electricity upon striking a successful critical
hit. The electricity does not harm the wielder. In addition to the
extra electricity damage from the shock ability, a shocking burst
weapon deals an extra 1d10 points of electricity damage on a
successful critical hit. If the weapon's critical multiplier is x3,
add an extra 2d10 points of electricity damage instead, and if the
multiplier is x4, add an extra 3d10 points. Bows, crossbows, and
slings so crafted bestow the electricity energy upon their
ammunition. Even if the shock ability is not active, the weapon
still deals its extra electricity damage on a successful critical hit.
Moderate evocation; ECL 10th; Craft Magic Arms and
Armour, call lightning or lightning bolt; Price +2 bonus.
Speed
When making a full attack action, the wielder of a speed
weapon may make one extra attack with it. The attack uses the
wielder's full base attack bonus, plus any modifiers appropriate
to the situation. (This benefit is not cumulative with similar
effects, such as a haste spell.)
Moderate transmutation; ECL 7th; Craft Magic Arms and
Armour, haste; Price +3 bonus.
Spell Storing
A spell storing weapon allows a you to store a single, target
spell of up to 3 rd level in the weapon. The casting time must be a
standard action or faster. You do not have to have the ability to
immediately cast the spell on that creature as a free action if the
wielder desires. (This special ability is an exception to the
general rule that casting a spell from an item takes at least as
long as casting that spell normally.) Once the spell has been cast
from the weapon, a spellcaster can cast any other targeted spell
of up to 3rd level into it. The weapon magically imparts to the
wielder the name of the spell currently stored within it, but not
the specific effects of the spell. A randomly rolled spell-storing
weapon has a 50% chance to have a spell stored in it already.
Strong evocation (plus aura of stored spell) ; ECL 12th; Craft
Magic Arms and Armour, creator must be a caster of at least 12th
Thundering
A thundering weapon creates a cacophonous roar like thunder
upon striking a successful critical hit. The sonic energy does not
harm the wielder. A thundering weapon deals an extra 1d8 points
of sonic damage on a successful critical hit. If the weapon's
critical multiplier is x3, add an extra 2d8 points of sonic damage
sonic damage. Bows, crossbows, and slings so crafted bestow the
sonic energy upon their ammunition. Subjects dealt a critical hit
by a thundering weapon must make a DC 14 Fortitude save or be
deafened permanently.
Faint necromancy; ECL 5th; Craft Magic Arms and Armour,
blindness/deafness; Price +1 bonus.

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176 Chapter 6: F/X

Throwing Call Weaponry: Create temporary weapon.

This ability can only be placed on a mêlée weapon. A mêlée
weapon crafted with this ability gains a range increment of 10
feet and can be thrown by a wielder proficient in its normal use.
Faint transmutation; ECL 5th; Craft Magic Arms and
Armour, magic stone; Price +1 bonus.
Vicious
When a vicious weapon strikes an opponent, it creates a flash Create Sound: Create the sound you desire.
of disruptive energy that resonates between the opponent and the Crystal Shard: Ranged touch attack for 1d6 points of piercing
wielder. This energy deals an extra 2d6 points of damage to the
opponent and 1d6 points of damage to the wielder. Only mêlée
weapons can be vicious.
Moderate necromancy; ECL 9th; Craft Magic Arms and
Armour, enervation; Price +1 bonus.
Vorpal
This potent and feared ability allows the weapon to sever the Disable: Subjects incorrectly believe they are disabled.
heads of those it strikes. Upon a roll of natural 20 (followed by a Dissipating Touch: Touch deals 1d6 damage.
successful roll to confirm the critical hit), the weapon severs the
opponent's head (if it has one) from its body. Some creatures,
such as many aberrations and all oozes, have no heads. Others,
such as golems and undead creatures other than vampires, are not
affected by the loss of their heads. Most other creatures,
however, die when their heads are cut off. A vorpal weapon must
be a slashing weapon. (If you roll this property randomly for an
inappropriate weapon, re-roll.)
Strong necromancy and transmutation ; ECL 18th; Craft
Magic Arms and Armour, circle of death, keen edge; Price +5
bonus.
Wounding
A wounding weapon deals 1 point of Constitution damage
from blood loss when it hits a creature. A critical hit does not
multiply the Constitution damage. Creatures immune to critical
hits (such as plants and constructs) are immune to the
Constitution damage dealt by this weapon.
Moderate evocation; ECL 10th; Craft Magic Arms and
Armour, mage’s sword; Price +2 bonus.
Psi-Powers
These lists are a combination of the Psion/Wilder and Psionic
Warrior lists. For any psi-power outside of these lists, please first Matter Agitation: You heat a creature or object.
seek your GM's permission, however, if for no other reason than Metaphysical Claw: Your natural weapon gains +1 bonus.
that you don't want to unveil something in a game that she's
never heard of.
1st-Level Psi-Powers
Astral Traveller: Enable yourself or another to join an astral
caravan-enabled trip.
Attraction: Subject has an attraction you specify.
Biofeedback: Gain DR 2/–.
Bite of the Wolf: Gain bite attack for 1d8 damage.
Bolt: You create a few enhanced short-lived bolts, arrows, or
bullets.
Burst: Gain +10ft. to speed this round.
Call to Mind: Gain additional Knowledge check with +4
competence bonus.
Catfall: Instantly save yourself from a fall.
Chameleon: Gain +10 enhancement bonus on Stealth checks.
Claws of the Beast: Your hands become deadly claws.
Compression: You grow smaller.
Conceal Thoughts: You conceal your motives.
Control Flames: Take control of nearby open flame.
Control Light: Adjust ambient light levels.
damage.
Daze, Psionic: Humanoid creature of 4 HD or less loses next
action.
Deceleration: Target's speed is halved.
Déjà Vu: Your target repeats his last action.
Demoralize: Enemies become shaken.
Detect Psionics: You detect the presence of psionics.
Distract: Target gets –4 bonus on Listen, Search, Sense Motive,
and Spot checks.
Ecto Protection: An astral construct gains bonus against dismiss
ectoplasm.
Elfsight: Gain low-light vision, +2 bonus on Search and Spot
checks, and notice secret doors.
Empathy: You know the subject's surface emotions.
Empty Mind: Gain +2 on Will saves until your next action.
Energy Ray: Deal 1d6 energy (cold, electricity, fire, or sonic)
damage.
Entangling Ectoplasm: You entangle a foe in sticky goo.
Expansion: Become one size category larger.
Far Hand: Move small objects at a limited distance.
Float: Buoy yourself in water or other liquid.
Force Screen: Invisible disc provides +4 shield bonus to
Defence.
Grease, Psionic: Makes 10-ft. square or one object slippery.
Grip of Iron: Your iron grip gives +4 bonus on grapple checks.
Hammer: mêlée touch attack deals 1d8/round.
Inertial Armour: Tangible field of force provides you with +4
armour bonus to Defence.
Know Direction and Location: You discover where you are and
what direction you face.
Metaphysical Weapon: Weapon gains +1 bonus.
Mind Thrust: Deal 1d10 damage.
Missive: Send a one-way telepathic message to subject.
My Light: Your eyes emit 20-ft. cone of light.
Precognition, Defensive: Gain +1 insight bonus to Defence and
saving throws.
Precognition, Offensive: Gain +1 insight bonus on your attack
rolls.
Prescience, Offensive: Gain +2 insight bonus on your damage
rolls.
Prevenom Armour: Your weapon is mildly venomous.
Prevenom: Your claws gain a poison coating.
Sense Link: You sense what the subject senses (single sense).

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Skate: Subject slides skilfully along the ground.
Stomp: Subjects fall prone and take 1d4 nonlethal damage.
Synesthete: You receive one kind of sense when another sense is
stimulated.
Telempathic Projection: Alter the subject's mood.
Thicken Skin: Gain +1 enhancement bonus to your Defence for
10 min./level.
Vigour: Gain 5 temporary hit points.
2nd-Level Psi-Powers
Animal Affinity: Gain +4 enhancement to one ability.
Body Adjustment: Heal 1d12 damage.
Body Equilibrium: You can walk on non-solid surfaces.
Body Purification: Restore 2 points of ability damage.
Cloud Mind: You erase knowledge of your presence from target's
mind.
Concealing Amorpha: Quasi-real membrane grants you
concealment.
Concussion Blast: Deal 1d6 force damage to target.
Control Sound: Create very specific sounds.
Darkvision, Psionic: See 60 ft. in total darkness.
Detect Hostile Intent: You can detect hostile creatures within 30
ft. of you.
Dimension Swap: You and an ally switch positions.
Dissolving Touch: Your touch deals 4d6 acid damage.
Dissolving Weapon: Your weapon deals 4d6 acid damage.
Ego Whip: Deal 1d4 Cha damage and daze for 1 round.
Empathic Transfer: Transfer another's wounds to yourself.
Energy Adaptation, Specified: Gain resistance 10 against one
energy type.
Energy Push: Deal 2d6 damage and knock subject back.
Energy Stun: Deal 1d6 damage and stun target if it fails both
saves.
Feat Leech: Borrow another's psionic or metapsionic feats.
Hustle: Instantly gain a move action.
Id Insinuation: Swift tendrils of thought disrupt and confuse your
target.
Identify, Psionic: Learn the properties of a psionic item.
Inflict Pain: Telepathic stab gives your foe –4 on attack rolls, or
–2 if he makes the save.
Knock, Psionic: Opens locked or psionically sealed door.
Levitate, Psionic: You move up and down, forward and back via
mental support.
Mental Disruption: Daze creatures within 10 feet for 1 round.
Missive, Mass: You send a one-way telepathic message to an
area.
Painful Strike: Your natural weapons deal an extra 1d6 non-lethal
damage.
Prowess: Instantly gain another attack of opportunity.
Psionic Lion's Charge: You can make full attack in same round
you charge.
Psionic Lock: Secure a door, chest, or portal.
Psionic Scent: Gain the scent ability.
Recall Agony: Foe takes 2d6 damage.
Sense Link, Forced: Sense what subject senses.
Share Pain: Willing subject takes some of your damage.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
177
Strength of My Enemy: Siphon away your enemy's strength and
grow stronger.
Sustenance: Go without food and water for one day.
Swarm of Crystals: Crystal shards are sprayed forth doing 3d4
slashing damage.
Thought Shield: Gain PsR 13 against mind-affecting powers.
Tongues, Psionic: You can communicate with intelligent
creatures.
Wall Walker: Grants ability to walk on walls and ceilings.
3rd-Level Psi-Powers
Claws of the Vampire: Heal half of your claw's base damage.
Concealing Amorpha, Greater: Quasi-real membrane grants you
total concealment.
Danger Sense: Gain +4 bonus against traps.
Dimension Slide: Teleports you very short distance.
Dismiss Ectoplasm: Dissipates ectoplasmic targets and effects.
Dispel Psionics: Cancels psionic powers and effects.
Duodimensional Claw: Increases your natural weapon's threat
range.
Ectoplasmic Form: You gain benefits of being insubstantial and
can fly slowly.
Empathic Feedback: When you are hit in mêlée, your attacker
takes damage.
Empathic Transfer, Hostile: Your touch transfers your hurt to
another.
Energy Bolt: Deal 5d6 energy damage in 120-ft. line.
Energy Burst: Deal 5d6 energy damage in 40-ft. burst.
Energy Retort: Ectoburst of energy automatically targets your
attacker for 4d6 damage once each round.
Energy Wall: Create wall of your chosen energy type.
Eradicate Invisibility: Negate invisibility in 50-ft. burst.
Escape Detection: You become difficult to detect with
clairsentience powers.
Evade Burst: You take no damage from a burst on a successful
Reflex save.
Exhalation of the Black Dragon: Your acid breath deals 3d6
damage to a close target.
Graft Weapon: Your hand is replaced seamlessly by your
weapon.
Keen Edge, Psionic: Doubles normal weapon's threat range.
Mental Barrier: Gain +4 deflection bonus to Defence until your
next action.
Mind Trap: Drain 1d6 power points from anyone who attacks
you with a telepathy power.
Psionic Blast: Stun creatures in 30-ft. cone for 1 round.
Share Pain, Forced: Unwilling subject takes some of your
damage.
Solicit Psicrystal: Your psi-crystal takes over your concentration
power.
Telekinetic Force: Move an object with the sustained force of
your mind.
Telekinetic Thrust: Hurl objects with the force of your mind.
Time Hop: Subject hops forward in time 1 round/level.
Touchsight: Your telekinetic field tells you where everything is.
Ubiquitous Vision: You have all-around vision.
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Vampiric Blade: You heal half of your base weapon damage. Plane Shift, Psionic: Travel to other planes.
Power Resistance: Grant PR equal to 12 + level.
4th-Level Psi-Powers Psychic Crush: Brutally crush subject's mental essence, reducing
subject to –1 hit points.
Aura Sight: Reveals creatures, objects, powers, or spells of Psychofeedback: Boost Str, Dex, or Con at the expense of one or
selected alignment axis. more other scores.
Claw of Energy: Your claws deal additional energy damage. Shatter Mind Blank: Cancels target's mind blank effect.
Correspond: Hold mental conversation with another creature at Tower of Iron Will: Grant PR 19 against mind-affecting powers
any distance. to all creatures within 10 ft. until your next turn.
Death Urge: Implant a self-destructive compulsion. True Seeing, Psionic: See all things as they really are.
Detect Remote Viewing: You know when others spy on you
remotely. 6th-Level Psi-Powers
Dimension Door, Psionic: Teleports you short distance.
Divination, Psionic: Provides useful advice for specific proposed Aura Alteration: Repairs psyche or makes subject seem to be
action. something it is not.
Energy Adaptation: Your body converts energy to harmless light. Breath of the Black Dragon: Breathe acid for 11d6 damage.
Freedom of Movement, Psionic: You cannot be held or otherwise Cloud Mind, Mass: Erase knowledge of your presence from the
rendered immobile. minds of one creature/level.
Immovability: You are almost impossible to move and gain DR Co-opt Concentration: Take control of foe's concentration power.
15/–. Contingency, Psionic: Sets trigger condition for another power.
Inertial Barrier: Gain DR 5/–. Disintegrate, Psionic: Turn one creature or object to dust.
Intellect Fortress: Those inside fortress take only half damage Dispelling Buffer: You are buffered from one dispel psionics
from all powers and psi-like abilities until your next action. effect.
Mindwipe: Subject's recent experiences wiped away, bestowing Form of Doom: You transform into a frightening tentacled beast.
negative levels. Fuse Flesh: Fuse subject's flesh, creating a helpless mass.
Personality Parasite: Subject's mind calves self-antagonistic Mind Blank, Personal: You are immune to scrying and mental
splinter personality for 1 round/level. effects.
Power Leech: Drain 1d6 power points/round while you maintain Overland Flight, Psionic: You fly at a speed of 40 ft. and can
concentration; you gain 1/round. hustle over long distances.
Psychic Reformation: Subject can choose skills, feats, and Remote View Trap: Deal 8d6 points electricity damage to those
powers anew for previous levels. who seek to view you at a distance.
Psychic Vampire. Touch attack drains 2 power points/level from Retrieve: Teleport to your hand an item you can see.
foe. Suspend Life: Put yourself in a state akin to suspended
Steadfast Perception: Gain immunity to illusory effects, +6 animation.
bonus on Spot and Search checks. Temporal Acceleration: Your time frame accelerates for 1 round.
Telekinetic Manoeuvre: Telekinetically bull rush, disarm,
grapple, or trip your target. 7th-Level Psi-Powers
Trace Teleport: Learn destination of subject's teleport.
Truevenom Weapon: Your weapon is horribly poisonous. Decerebrate: Remove portion of subject's brain stem.
Truevenom: Your natural weapons are covered in horrible poison. Divert Teleport: Choose destination for another's teleport.
Wall of Ectoplasm: You create a protective barrier. Energy Conversion: Offensively channel energy you've
Weapon of Energy: Weapon deals additional energy damage. absorbed.
Energy Wave: Deal 13d4 damage of your chosen energy type in
5th-Level Psi-Powers 120-ft. cone.
Evade Burst: You take no damage from a burst on a successful
Adapt Body: Your body automatically adapts to hostile Reflex save.
environments. Insanity: Subject is permanently confused.
Catapsi: Psychic static inhibits power manifestation. Moment of Prescience, Psionic: You gain insight bonus on single
Ectoplasmic Shambler: Foglike predator deals 1 point of attack roll, check, or save.
damage/two levels each round to an area. Oak Body: Your body becomes as hard as oak.
Incarnate: Make some powers permanent. Phase Door, Psionic: Invisible passage through wood or stone.
Leech Field: Leech power points each time you make a saving Sequester, Psionic: Subject invisible to sight and remote viewing;
throw. renders subject comatose.
Major Creation, Psionic: As psionic minor creation, plus stone Ultrablast: Deal 13d6 damage in 15-ft. radius.
and metal.
Metaconcert: Mental concert of two or more increases the total 8th-Level Psi-Powers
power of the participants.
Oak Body: Your body becomes as hard as oak. Bend Reality: Alters reality within power limits.

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Iron Body, Psionic: Your body becomes living iron. Faint psychoportation; EML 4th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Matter Manipulation: Increase or decrease an object's base Armour, burst; Price +1 bonus.
hardness by 5.
Mind Blank, Psionic: Subject immune to mental/emotional Radiant
effects, scrying, and remote viewing. The wearer of this kind of Armour gains resistance 10 against
Recall Death: Subject dies or takes 5d6 damage. energy attacks (acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic). The Armour
Shadow Body: You become a living shadow (not the creature). absorbs the first 10 points of damage dealt by any such attack,
Teleport, Psionic Greater: As psionic teleport, but no range limit and this absorption causes it to radiate light for a number of
and no off-target arrival. rounds equal to the points of damage absorbed. This light is
True Metabolism: You regenerate 10 hit points/round. sufficient to illuminate a 60-foot-radius area.
If the Armour absorbs more damage while it is radiating
9th-Level Psi-Powers light, the newer radiant effect overlaps (does not stack with) the
effect that was already in place.
Affinity Field: Effects that affect you also affect others. Moderate psychokinesis; EML 9th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Apopsi: You delete target's psionic powers. Armour; energy adaptation; Price +4 bonus.
Assimilate: Incorporate creature into your own body.
Etherealness, Psionic: Become ethereal for 1 min./level. Ranged
Microcosm: Creature or creature lives forever more in world of The wielder of a ranged shield can throw it in combat, with a
his own imagination. range increment of 30 feet. While in the air, the shield is treated
Reality Revision: As bend reality, but fewer limits. in all ways as a ranged weapon and cannot be blocked or grabbed
Timeless Body: Ignore all harmful, and helpful, effects for 1 except by those with appropriate feats. No matter the size of the
round. wielder, a buckler or light shield deals 1d6 points of damage and
Psionic Armaments a heavy one 1d8 points. (A tower shield cannot be created with
this special ability.) The wielder’s Strength modifier and the
The following weapon and armour special abilities are shield’s enhancement bonus add to the base damage.
reprinted from other SRDs and altered slightly for the Phoenix A ranged shield flies through the air back to the creature that
game. This list is not exhaustive and with the GM's permission, threw it. It returns to the wielder just before the creature’s next
you might be able to bring special abilities in from other turn (and is therefore ready to use again in that turn).
published sources. These enhancements can be loaded into both Catching a ranged shield when it comes back is a free action.
Esoteric Items as well as Psionic items that you make yourself. . If the wielder can’t catch it, or if the wielder has moved since
throwing it, the shield drops to the ground in the square from
Psionic Armour Abilities which it was thrown.
Faint psychokinesis; EML 5th; Craft Psionic Arms and
These abilities can be applied to armour, shields, or any other Armour, far hand; Price +1 bonus.
protective gear.
Time Buttress
Gleaming This kind of shield gives the wielder a chance to avoid telling
This kind of Armour is usually made of crystal, though it blows by using time itself as a shield. Once per day, the wielder
doesn’t have to be. Gleams and flashes from the Armour give the can use timeless body as though manifesting the power.
wearer and his Armour a “fuzzy” appearance, granting the Strong psychoportation; EML 17th; Craft Psionic Arms and
wearer concealment. Armour, timeless body; Price +5 bonus.
Faint metacreativity; EML 5th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Armour, concealing amorpha; Price +3 bonus. Vanishing
On command, this suit of Armour or shield renders its wearer
Power Resistance and all the wearer’s equipment invisible to the minds of others,
This kind of Armour or shield grants the wearer power as if he had manifested the power cloud mind. The wearer can
resistance while it is worn. The power resistance can be 13, 15, use this ability twice per day.
17, or 19, depending on the amount that was built into the Faint psychokinesis; EML 5th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Armour or shield. Armour, cloud mind; Price +3 bonus.
Moderate clairsentience; EML 9th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Armour, power resistance; Price +2 bonus (PR 13); +3 bonus (PR Psionic Weapon Abilities
15); +4 bonus (PR 17); or +5 bonus (PR 19).
These special abilities can be applied to weapons of all kinds,
Quickness mêlée and ranged, as well as firearms, where applicable.
This kind of Armour increases the wearer’s speed by 5 feet.
Thus, a character whose normal speed in Armour is 20 feet Bodyfeeder
moves 25 feet in Armour of quickness. All feeder weapons have a special ability that functions only
upon scoring a successful critical hit. A bodyfeeder weapon

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180 Chapter 6: F/X

grants its wielder temporary hit points equal to the total damage Strong psychoportation; EML 12th; Craft Psionic Arms and
dealt by a successful critical hit. These temporary hit points last Armour, psionic plane shift; Price +4 bonus.
for 10 minutes. Thus, if the wielder of a bodyfeeder weapon
successfully scores a critical hit while the wielder still enjoys Lucky
temporary hit points from a previous critical hit, the wielder A lucky weapon offers a second chance at success. Once per
gains only the better of the two values: either his current number day, the wielder can re-roll a failed attack roll (whether a single
of temporary hit points, or the new influx of temporary hit points, attack or one in a series of multiple attacks) as a free action. The
whichever is higher. re-rolled attack uses the same bonuses or penalties as the missed
Strong psychometabolism; EML 12th; Craft Psionic Arms roll.
and Armour, claws of the vampire; Price +3 bonus. Moderate clairsentience; EML 8th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Armour, fate of one; Price +1 bonus.
Collision
Collision weapons psionically increase their own mass at the Mindcrusher
end point of each swing or shot. Such weapons deal an extra 5 Any psionic creature struck in combat by a mindcrusher
points of damage on each successful strike, in addition to the weapon loses a number of power points equal to half the amount
weapon's enhancement bonus. Bows, crossbows, and slings of hit point damage the weapon deals (only the base damage of
bestow the extra damage upon their ammunition. the weapon contributes to the power point loss; additional
Moderate metacreativity; EML 10th; Craft Psionic Arms and damage from high Strength or other sources does not cause
Armour, matter manipulation; Price +2 bonus. additional power point loss). A psionic creature that is out of
power points (or has none) must succeed on a DC 17 Will save or
Coup de Grace take 1d2 points of Wisdom damage.
Coup de grace weapons are exceptionally dangerous. On a Strong psychometabolism; EML 12th; Craft Psionic Arms
successful critical hit, the foe must succeed on a DC 27 Will save and Armour, psychic vampire; Price +2 bonus.
or be paralyzed for 1 round. While this ability does work on
creatures that are immune to extra damage from critical hits, it Mindfeeder
does not work on creatures without an Intelligence score. Bows, All feeder weapons have a special ability that functions only
crossbows, and slings bestow this ability on their ammunition. upon scoring a successful critical hit. A mindfeeder weapon
Strong telepathy; EML 19th; Craft Psionic Arms and Armour, grants its wielder temporary power points equal to the total
psionic dominate; Price +5 bonus. damage dealt by a successful critical hit. These temporary power
points last for 10 minutes. The wielder gains power points even if
Dislocator the target has none (effectively, its hit point damage is converted
The wielder of this kind of weapon can attempt to dislocate a to power points). Constructs and undead are not subject to
designated foe up to three times per day. On a successful hit, the mindfeeder weapons. As with temporary hit points, temporary
foe must succeed on a DC 17 Will save or be teleported 1–100 power points do not stack with each other; they overlap. Thus, if
miles in a random direction. If the weapon misses, the use is a mindfeeder weapon successfully scores a critical hit while the
wasted. Bows, crossbows, and slings bestow this ability on their wielder still enjoys temporary power points from a previous
ammunition. critical hit, the wielder gains only the better of the two values:
Strong psychoportation; EML 12th; Craft Psionic Arms and either her current number of temporary power points, or the new
Armour, psionic teleport; Price +3 bonus. influx of temporary power points, whichever is higher.
Strong psychometabolism; EML 15th; Craft Psionic Arms
Dissipater and Armour, psychic vampire; Price +3 bonus.
This kind of weapon is devastating to creatures and objects
composed of or originally formed from ectoplasm (such as astral Power Storing
constructs, walls of ectoplasm, creatures in ectoplasmic form, A power storing weapon allows a manifester to store a single
and items created using the metacreativity discipline). Against targeted power of up to 5 power points in the weapon. (The
qualifying targets, a dissipater weapon ignores damage reduction power must have a manifesting time of 1 standard action.) Any
and hardness, and treats all successful hits as critical hits. time the weapon strikes a creature and the creature takes damage
Strong metacreativity; EML 12th; Craft Psionic Arms and from it, the weapon can immediately manifest the power on that
Armour, dismiss ectoplasm; Price +1 bonus. creature as a swift action if the wielder desires. (This ability is an
exception to the rule that manifesting a power from an item takes
Great Dislocator at least as long as manifesting that power normally.) Once the
The wielder of this kind of weapon can attempt to greatly power is manifested, the weapon is empty, and a manifester can
dislocate a designated foe up to three times per day. On a imbed any other targeted power of up to 5 power points into it.
successful hit, the foe must succeed on a DC 20 Will save or be The weapon telepathically whispers to the wearer the name of the
cast into a random alternate plane of existence. If the weapon power currently stored within it. A randomly generated power
misses, the use is wasted. Bows, crossbows, and slings bestow storing weapon has a 50% chance to have a power stored in it
this ability upon their ammunition. already.

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 Chapter 6: F/X
Strong psychokinesis; EML 12th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Armour, creator must be a manifester of at least 12th level; Price
+1 bonus.
Psibane
A psibane weapon is crafted to oppose psionic beings. When
used against such creatures, its effective enhancement bonus is 2
higher than its actual enhancement bonus. It deals an extra 2d6
points of damage against psionic opponents. It bestows one
negative level on any psionic creature attempting to wield it. This
negative level remains as long as the weapon is in hand and
disappears when the weapon is no longer wielded. This negative
level never results in actual level loss, but it cannot be overcome
in any way while the weapon is wielded. Psibane bows,
crossbows, and slings bestow this ability upon their ammunition.
Strong clairsentience; EML 15th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Armour, bend reality; Price +2 bonus.
Psi-Power Storing
A psi-power storing weapon allows a you to store a single,
targeted psi-power of up to 3 rd level in the weapon. The
manifesting time must be a standard action or faster. You do not
have to have the ability to manifest psi-powers to use this
weapon. Any time the weapon strikes a creature and the creature
takes damage from it, the weapon can immediately manifest the
psi-power on that creature as a free action if the wielder desires.
(This special ability is an exception to the general rule that
manifesting from an item takes at least as long as manifesting
that psi-power normally.) Once the psi-power has been
manifested from the weapon, anyone who can manifest psi-
powers can channel any other targeted psi-power of up to 3 rd
level into it. The weapon telepathically imparts to the wielder the
name of the psi-power currently stored within it, but not the
specific effects of that psi-power. A randomly rolled psi-power
storing weapon has a 50% chance to have a psi-power stored in it
already.
Strong psychokinesis; EML 12th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Armor, EEML 12 th; Price +1 bonus.
Psychokinetic
Upon command, a psychokinetic weapon glows from the
inside with lethal psionic energy. The energy does not harm the
hands that hold the weapon. Such a weapon deals an extra 1d4
points of damage on a successful hit. This extra damage is
ectoplasmic in nature and is not affected by damage reduction.
Bows, crossbows, and slings bestow this ability upon their
ammunition.
Moderate psychokinesis ; EML 10th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Armour, concussion blast; Price +1 bonus.
Psychokinetic Burst
This weapon functions as a psychokinetic weapon that also
releases a blast of destructive psionic energy upon scoring a
successful critical hit. In addition to the extra damage of the
psychokinetic ability (see above), a psychokinetic burst weapon
deals an extra 1d6 points of damage on a successful critical hit. If
the weapon’s critical multiplier is x3, add 2d6 points of extra
damage instead, and if the multiplier is x4, add 3d6 points of
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
181
extra damage. This extra damage is ectoplasmic in nature and is
not affected by damage reduction. Bows, crossbows, and slings
bestow this ability upon their ammunition.
Strong psychokinesis; EML 12th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Armour, concussion blast; Price +2 bonus.
Soulbreaker
This weapon has a special ability that functions only upon
scoring a successful critical hit. On a successful critical hit, a
soulbreaker weapon bestows one negative level on the foe. One
day after being struck, if the negative levels have not been
purged, the subject must succeed on a DC 18 Fortitude save for
each negative level or lose a character level.
Strong telepathy; EML 12th; Craft Psionic Arms and Armour,
mindwipe; Price +3 bonus.
Sundering
This kind of weapon allows a wielder to attack opponents’
weapons as if he had the Improved Sunder feat.
Faint metacreativity; EML 5th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Armour, Great Sunder, metaphysical weapon; Price +1 bonus.
Suppression
An opponent or object struck by this kind of weapon is
subject to a targeted dispel psionics power. The wielder makes a
power check (1d20 + 5 + manifester level, maximum +15)
against a DC of 11 + the manifester level of the power to be
dispelled. Bows, crossbows, and slings bestow this ability upon
their ammunition, but can do so only three times per day.
Moderate psychokinesis EML 10th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Armour, dispel psionics; Price +2 bonus.
Teleporting
This ability can be imbedded only in weapons that can be
thrown. A teleporting weapon returns through the Astral Plane to
the creature that threw it. It teleports into the throwing creature’s
empty hand in the round following the round when it was
thrown, just before that creature’s turn. It is therefore ready to
use again on that turn.
Faint psychoportation; EML 5th; Craft Psionic Arms and
Armour, psionic dimension door; Price +1 bonus.
Supertech Inventions
This section describes exactly how Supertech Inventions
work. It also provides a list of of weapon/armour special abilities
that you can use with the Invention feats . Supertech Inventions
are essentially the magic items of the superhero world, but notice
that they are not the same as theoretically possible but highly
improbable/implausible superhero tools. Grapple-guns for
example are kinda sorta plausible in the real world, but a web-
shooter isn't, even though they accomplish a very similar task. Of
course, web-shooters could be invented any minute now. With
technological innovation always on the increase, the line between
the plausible and the Super is blurry. For the game purposes,
Supertech Inventions replicate actual, written powers, whereas a
mastercraft tool might just serve a similar purpose. A grapple-
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gun, for example, might have the same utility as Webbing, but it
doesn't actually have the same in-game numeric values and rules.
There are four kind of Supertech Inventions that you can
build yourself (Doohicky, Ray Gun, Gizmo, and
Superchemical) and two that you buy as powers (Gadget and
Power Armour). The first four are always Supertech in Origin,
whereas Gadgets and Power Armour can be of any Origin.
Metapowers can affect Supertech Inventions, but in limited ways,
as indicated by the metapower descriptions. Power Leech doesn't
work on Superchemicals, for example, because they don't have
PPs, but it could work on a Ray Gun. On the other hand, Power
Nullification or Duplication could work on all three because it
acts directly on powers.
Activating Inventions
Doohickies, Ray Guns, and Gizmos all require the same basic
steps to activate them. Superchemicals are slightly different, as
noted in their description. The standard steps are (a) Fiddle With
The Knobs, and then (b) Make It Go Boom. In order to do either
of these things, you must have the power Supertech Invention or
the skill Use Device.
Fiddle With The Knobs: Make a Supercraft skill check, the
DC of which equals 10 + the base cost of the powers loaded
into the Invention. If you pass the check, then you know one of
the Invention's powers. If you fail the check, you have
discovered nothing.
Make It Go Boom: You must have the Invention in your
hand. Activating a Invention provokes an attack of
opportunity. The effect the Invention creates is exactly the same
as if you'd activated the power that's loaded into it. All the
specifics of its effects (enhancements/limitations, energy type,
etc.) are determined when the Invention is built. You just push
the buttons and it does its thing.
Inventing
We have attempted to streamline the item-creation process,
with Mystical and Psionic items as well as Supertech Inventions.
Here we present a step-by-step guide to the process so that you
won't get as lost in the specific instructions in the Invent feats.
First, decide which kind of Invention you want to build
based on what kinds of powers you want and who you want to
use them. Only someone with Supertech Invention or Use Device
can activate Doohickies, Ray Guns, and Gizmos. Anyone can use
Equipment, Armaments, and Superchemicals. Only Gizmos can
have more than one kind of Power loaded into them.
Second, determine the Purchase DC of the raw materials
you need to build the Invention. Supertech Armament and
Equipment must start as Mastercraft items, and the enhancement
process consumes some extra resources as well. The PDC,
below, assumes you're building a custom item for the
Invention, in which case, just plug in the cost of building the
item yourself. If you purchase the item, or already have it,
then plug its used cost into the equation instead of its new cost.
There is a cost attached to the item itself, even if you already
have it, because upgrading an item requires a significant amount
of alteration. The "used cost" simulates the cost of alteration.
• Equipment: Mastercraft item PDC + 2 per +1 enhancement
182 Phoenix v10 (draft)
• Armaments: Mastercraft item PDC + 3 per +1 enhancement
For Doohickies, Superchemicals, Ray Guns, and Gizmos ,
you build the whole item from scratch. No Mastercraft item is
necessary.
• Doohicky: PDC = 15 + total CP cost of power
• Superchemicals: PDC = 17 + total CP cost of power
• Ray Gun: PDC = 19 + total CP cost of power
• Gizmo: PDC = 21 + total CP cost of powers
Third, determine creation time of building the Invention.
For Equipment and Armaments, the time is the build time for a
Mastercraft item of that type, plus more time for the Supertech
enhancement.
• Equipment: Mastercraft build time + enhancement x2
• Armaments: Mastercraft build time + enhancement x3
For Doohickies, Superchemicals, Ray Guns, and Gizmos ,
the build time equals the total CP cost of the power(s), including
ranks, enhancements, limitations, and modes in hours.
• Build Time = Total CP cost of power(s) in hours
Fourth, determine the Supercraft DC and roll the check.
For Equipment and Armaments, the DC is the DC to create that
item using the Mastercraft feat, plus a modifier based on the
enhancement bonus you place on the item.
• Equipment:
Supercraft DC = Mastercraft DC + enhancement x2
• Armaments:
Supercraft DC = Mastercraft DC + enhancement x3
For Doohickies, Superchemicals, Ray Guns, and Gizmos ,
the Supercraft check is 10 plus the total CP cost of the power(s),
including ranks, enhancements, limitations, and modes in hours.
• Supercraft DC = 10 + total CP cost of power
Finally, note that you can create a limited amount of
Supertech in a given time period. Within any given seven-day
period, the number of Inventions you can build cannot
exceed your Constitution modifier times ten.
For example, if you have Constitution 21 (+5), then you
cannot make more than 50CPs worth of Inventions in one seven-
day period.
For more information on Supertech Inventions, see the feats
Invent Super Equipment, Invent Super Armament, Invent
Doohicky, Invent Ray Gun, and Invent Gizmo in Chapter 4:
Feats.
Super Equipment
Super equipment is any ordinary tool or device that's been
suped-up with the Invent Super Equipment feat. Its bonus is
Enhancement and its Origin is Supertech , but for the most part
is just imparts a bonus on a particular task, most often a skill.
Anyone can use Super equipment. It is use-activated, which
means that you just have to use it for what it's designed to do and
you'll get the bonus to that task.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 6: F/X
Doohickies
You can activate a Doohicky only once, and it is loaded
with as single power. Doohickies are Supertech Inventions that
just weren't built to last. They are usually the product of haste
and lack of funds. After they are used, they are so shoddily made
that they burn themselves out and become blackened little
paperweights. Doohickies are fine-sized objects. They do not
have a set shape but they are about the size of a pocket-watch or
a cell phone. Doohickies are the Supertech equivalent of
scrolls and roughly analogous to psi-stones.
Ray Guns
You can activate a Ray Gun multiple times, but it is
loaded with only one power. Ray Guns are essentially re-usable
Doohickies. They are loaded with a particular power and have
their own, internal power-point supply (up to 50PPs when first
built). They can reproduce powers with a cost of up to 15CP. Ray
Guns are the Supertech equivalent of wands and dorjes.
Ray Guns don't have to look like guns, but most of them do.
They can be space opera-style blaster pistols with radar-dishes on
the end, or they can be little silver cylinders with a blue light at
the tip. Their appearance is as varied as the fevered minds of the
crazed inventors who make them. Regardless of their particular
appearance, they're diminutive-sized, and about the same
bulkiness as a light weapon.
Gizmos gleaming, magical exo-skeleton, a strangely flexible second-skin
You can activate a Gizmo multiple times and it has
multiple powers loaded into it. They can have up to 200PPs
loaded into them when created. Gizmos are bulkier than Ray
Guns. They are small-sized and often take the appearance of a
backpack, staff or stick, or hand-held object like an orb or just a
big, funky-looking contraption. Every time you Fiddle With The
Knobs on a Gizmo, you determine only one power and one
activation. Gizmos are the Supertech equivalent of staves.
Superchemicals Gadgets or Power Armour do not normally have their own PP
Anyone can ingest or inject a Superchemical. It imbues a
particular power when you ingest/inject it. Superchemicals are
different than other Supertech Inventions.
First, they are single-use formulae and drug-cocktails that
produce an effect that is exactly the same as a single power. The
power must have a range of "self," but it can be a trait and/or
have a duration. In this latter case, the Superchemical
temporarily alters your body chemistry in such a way as to
reproduce a certain effect. The duration of any Superchemical
is 2d4 rounds, minutes, or hours , depending on the Sustain
time(s) listed in the power. By default, they're 2d4 rounds in
combat. Superchemicals are the Supertech equivalent of
potions and roughly analogous to cognizance crystals.
Superchemicals come in one of two forms, either a small vial Super bonuses to hit/damage or Defence. They can also have one
of liquid (usually a seriously unnatural, neon colour, often
slightly luminescent), or a large pill (also usually brightly-
coloured). Liquid vials are fine-sized (e.g., a small test-tube with energy fields, or any other bizarre, bleeding-edge technology that
a stopper), and pills are usually in a small plastic container or
baggy.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
183
Second, anyone can drink, swallow, or inject a
Superchemical. However, you take a heck of a risk when you do
that. You can't literally Fiddle With The Knobs of a
Superchemical, but you can still attempt a Supercraft check to
determine its power. Alternatively, if you've used a
Superchemical with that particular power before, you can sip a
small amount (or lick the pill) and the taste and sensation will be
familiar to you. If you've never taken it before, then you won't
recognise it.
Gadgets and Power Armour
Gadgets and Power Armour are, in truth, just a way to
represent a certain kind of superpower, the kind that comes from
a magic item or a piece of technology. They're not something that
you can build yourself. Instead, you have to buy them with CPs.
They do, however, have a few specific features
Appearance: Gadgets have even more variety in their
appearance than Ray Guns. They can look like anything at all,
but the most common appearances are things like guns or
sceptres (yes, usually phallic symbols).
In game terms, Power Armour is a bunch of body-mounted
Gadgets, with some armour plating built in. Power Armour can
be just what its name implies, a suit of armour that's covered in
little blinking lights, heat exhaust ports, and whirring motorized
parts that are just visible between the plates. It can also be a
of blue crystal, or a fluid, black symbiote creature that lives on
your body and creeps everyone out. The possibilities are many.
Power Armour is most commonly supertech, but it can have any
Origin you want.
Anyone can use a Gadget or a suit of Power Armour. You do
not need the Invent Supertech power or the Use Device skill,
however, you still have to Fiddle With The Knobs, just like
Supertech Inventions. Gadgets and Power Armour do not
provoke attacks of opportunity when they're activated. Finally,
supply, so you expend your own PPs when you activate them.
Power Armour requires Proficiency: Armour (powered) in
order to wear it effectively (just like regular armour), but you can
activate its powers if you've spent sufficient time Fiddling With
The Knobs. You have to be wearing a suit of Power Armour to
get its components to function. A forgiving GM might allow
you to access a suit of Power Armour's powers by putting on a
single piece, like one gauntlet or just the helm.
Supertech Armaments
Super weapons and armour, like Super equipment, is any
weapon or piece of protective gear that's been enhanced with the
feats Invent Super Armour or Invent Super Weapons. They have
of the abilities listed below. Their enhancements, powers, or
abilities represent the use of space-aged materials, projected
you can think of. Anyone can use Super weapons and armour.
They just have to attack with the weapons or wear the protective
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gear (although all proficiency rules apply as normal, of course)

The bonuses apply automatically. DR, Ballistic, Greater
As Ballistic DR, but DR 16.
Supertech Armour Abilities CP 14, Damage Reduction; Price +8.

Appendages (armour) DR, Blunt

This armour has two extra arms, complete with fully This armour or shield has DR versus blunt damage. It blocks
functional, three-fingered hands. The armour injects a series of the first 8 HPs of each blunt attack. This DR is listed as "Blunt
mono-filaments into the wearer's spine such that the wearer can DR 8 / Super."
control the arms as if they were her own. All additional CP 5, Damage Reduction; Price +4.
appendages are effectively "off-hands" for the purposes of
fighting. DR, Blunt, Improved
CP 10, Appendages; Price +8. As Blunt DR, but DR 13.
CP 10, Damage Reduction; Price +6.
Energy Resistance
A suit of armour or a shield with this property normally has a DR, Blunt, Greater
faint, translucent energy shell that hangs a few centimetres from As Blunt DR, but DR 16.
its surface, the colour of which corresponds to its energy type CP 14, Damage Reduction; Price +8.
(acid: metallic, cold: red, electricity: matt grey, fire: blue,
sonic/concussive: clear and cubic). The armour or shield blocks DR, Slashing
the first 10 HPs of one type of energy damage (acid, cold, This armour or shield has DR versus slashing damage. It
electricity, heat, sonic/concussive) per attack (similar to the blocks the first 8 HPs of each slashing attack. This DR is listed as
Resistance: Energy power). "Slashing DR 8 / Super."
CP 4, Resist Energy; Price +4 bonus. CP 5, Damage Reduction; Price +4.

Energy Resistance, Improved DR, Slashing, Improved

As Energy Resistance, except it absorbs the first 20 points of As Slashing DR, but DR 13.
acid damage per attack. CP 10, Damage Reduction; Price +6.
CP 8, Resist Energy; Price +6 bonus.
DR, Slashing, Greater
Energy Resistance, Greater As Slashing DR, but DR 16.
As Energy Resistance, except it absorbs the first 30 points of CP 14, Damage Reduction; Price +8.
acid damage per attack.
CP 12, Resist Energy; Price +8 bonus. DR, Piercing
This armour or shield has DR versus piercing damage. It
DR blocks the first 8 HPs of each piercing attack. This DR is listed as
This shield or armour grants the bearer DR 3/Super. It blocks "Piercing DR 8 / Super."
the first 3 HPs worth of damage from all incoming attacks, CP 5, Damage Reduction; Price +4.
except for energy or Super attacks (like the power DR).
CP 6, Damage Reduction; Price +4. DR, Piercing, Improved
As Piercing DR, but DR 13.
DR, Improved CP 10, Damage Reduction; Price +6.
As DR, but DR 5/Super.
CP 10, Damage Reduction; Price +6. DR, Piercing, Greater
As Piercing DR, but DR 16.
DR, Greater CP 14, Damage Reduction; Price +8.
As DR, but DR 7/Super.
CP 16, Damage Reduction; Price +8. DR [Attack Type]
This shield or armour grants the bearer DR 3 / [attack type],
which means that it is vulnerable to ballistic, blunt, slashing, or
DR, Ballistic piercing weapons. It blocks the first 3 HPs of damage from each
This armour or shield has DR versus ballistic damage. It attack except for: one of the four attack types, energy attacks, and
blocks the first 8 HPs of each ballistic attack. This DR is listed as Super attacks (i.e., just like the power Damage Reduction).
"Ballistic DR 8 / Super." CP 6, Damage Reduction; Price +4.
CP 5, Damage Reduction; Price +4.
DR [Attack Type], Improved
DR, Ballistic, Improved As DR: Attack Type, but DR 6.
As Ballistic DR, but DR 13. CP 9, Damage Reduction; Price +6.
CP 10, Damage Reduction; Price +6.

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 Chapter 6: F/X
DR [Attack Type], Greater
As DR: Attack Type, but DR 8.
CP 15, Damage Reduction; Price +8.
DR [Metal]
This shield or armour grants the bearer DR 8 / [metal]. It
blocks the first 3 HPs of damage from all attacks except for:
metal weapons/projectiles, energy attacks, and Super attacks (like
the power DR).
CP 5, Damage Reduction; Price +4.
DR [Metal], Improved
As DR: Metal, but DR 13.
CP 10, Damage Reduction; Price +6.
DR [Metal], Greater
As DR: Metal, but DR 16.
CP 14, Damage Reduction; Price +8.
DR [Stone]
This shield or armour grants the bearer DR 3 / [stone]. It
blocks the first 3 HPs of damage from all attacks except for:
stone weapons/projectiles, energy attacks, and Super attacks (like
the power DR).
CP 5, Damage Reduction; Price +4.
DR [Stone], Improved
As DR: Stone, but DR 6.
CP 9, Damage Reduction; Price +6.
DR [Stone], Greater
As DR: Stone, but DR 8.
CP 14, Damage Reduction; Price +8.
DR [Substance]
Your armour or shield grants DR / [substance], which means
that the DR is vulnerable to a particular substance that is at least
somewhat unusual in the creation of weapons. It blocks the first 3
HPs worth of damage from all incoming attacks except: its
substance, energy, and Super attacks.
Uncommon substances include: cold iron, plastic, a type of
metal other than steel (silver, copper, bronze, etc.), a specific type
of wood (i.e., oak, ash, maple, cedar, etc.), or a specific kind of
stone (granite, shale, limestone). Choose only one uncommon.
Substances other than those listed here can be "uncommon," but
only with the GM's permission. Remember, the substance doesn't
have to be unusual in general, just unusual in the manufacture of you unarmoured at the touch of a button. Retracting or expanding
weapons.
CP 6, Damage Reduction; Price +4.
DR [Substance], Improved
As DR: Substance, but DR 6.
CP 9, Damage Reduction; Price +6.
DR [Substance], Greater
As DR: Substance, but DR 8.
CP 15, Damage Reduction; Price +8.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
185
DR [Wood]
This shield or armour grants the bearer DR 3 / [wood]. It
blocks the first 3 HPs of damage from all attacks except for:
wooden weapons/projectiles, energy attacks, and Super attacks
(like the power DR).
CP 5, Damage Reduction; Price +4.
DR [Wood], Improved
As DR: Wood, but DR 6.
CP 9, Damage Reduction; Price +6.
DR [Wood], Greater
As DR: Wood, but DR 8.
CP 14, Damage Reduction; Price +8.
Power Resistance
This armour or shield blocks the effect of powers of all
Origins, although it does not block spells or psi-powers. It
usually has a multi-coloured coating . The armour/shield grants a
Power Resistance rating of 13.
CP 5, Resist Powers; Price +4 bonus.
Power Resistance, Improved
As Origin Resistance, except it grants PR 19.
CP 11, Resist Powers; Price +6 bonus.
Power Resistance, Greater
As Origin Resistance, except it grants PR 23.
CP 15, Resist Powers; Price +8 bonus.
Psi-Power Resistance
This armour or shield blocks psi-powers. It usually has a
crystalline shell. The armour/shield grants a Psi-Power
Resistance rating of 11.
CP 5, Resist Psi-Powers; Price +4 bonus.
Psi-Power Resistance, Improved
As Psi-Power Resistance, except it grants PR 17.
CP 11, Resist Psi-Powers; Price +6 bonus.
Psi-Power Resistance, Greater
As Psi-Power Resistance, except it grants PR 21.
CP 15, Resist Psi-Powers; Price +8 bonus.
Retractable
This armour automatically retracts from your body, leaving
your armour requires a move action only. Retracting your armour
in combat provokes an attack of opportunity. You activate the
retraction by hitting a button, switch, or key, or you can say a
command word. Retracted armour is about the size of a heavy
belt (or equivalent).
CP 3CP, Size Shift; Price +2 bonus
Spell Resistance
This armour or shield blocks spells. It usually has circuit
boards and blinking lights covering the outside of it (fight magic
with science, dammit!). The armour/shield grants a Spell
Resistance rating of 11 (similar to the Resistance: Spell power).
185
186 Chapter 6: F/X

CP 5, Resist Spells; Price +4 bonus

Energy Damage
Spell Resistance, Improved This weapon's business end either produces an energy effect
As Spell Resistance, except it grants SR 17. or just is made of energy. This can include blade, faces, heads, or
CP 11, Resist Spells; Price +6 bonus the like. Energy damage weapons do damage as one of the five
energy types (acid, cold, electricity, heat, or sonic/concussive)
Spell Resistance, Greater and not as blunt, slashing, or piercing weapons. They
As Spell Resistance, except it grants SR 21. automatically bypass DR that is vulnerable to energy. A keen
CP 15, Resist Spells; Price +8 bonus observer might notice that the energy type corresponds to the
neon glow of the weapon's business end:
Supertech Weapon Abilities • Cold blue
• Corrosion green
Adamantite
• Electricity yellow
This weapon is made of a special alloy that ignores DR and
Hardness. It is slightly lighter than steel, and once it is forged it • Heat red
is extremely difficult to melt down and reforge. The weapon • Sonic/Concussive white
itself has a Hardness rating of 100. It is possible to make The Purchase DC for this kind of weapon's ammo, in the case
Adamantite projectile ammunition (bullets, arrow heads, etc.), of projectiles or firearms, is +1 higher than its normal ammo,
but prohibitively expensive. and, for the sake of narrative continuity, it requires that you have
CP 6, Damage Reduction; Price +3 bonus a supplier of exotic goods, such as a mad-scientist or inventor
type. Even if that person is a good friend, scrabbling together the
Demolishing parts and custom-making the ammo still costs +1 to the Purchase
This weapon generates a disruption field that affects only DC.
abiotic matter. It causes double damage to non-living material, CP 2, Energy Attack; Price +1 bonus.
but normal damage to animals (including humans and humanoid
aliens) and living plant matter. "Life" in this case includes Energy Damage, Auto-Switching
anything with an active cellular structure. This weapon behaves like an Energy Damage item with the
CP 2, Repairing Touch; Price +1 bonus. additional ability that it can sense the Energy Resistance of its
target and switch to a new energy type in order to avoid that
Empowered Resistance. To sense the target's Resistance, the weapon must
This weapon grants its strike the target for damage (even if that damage is reduced to
wielder the same flat bonus that Empowered Discount zero). If there is any Energy Resistance present, then the weapon
one of the following powers Original Discount will switch to a different energy type (to be determined randomly
Price based on the number of types left). The next time it strikes, it
grants: Cost Cost
again senses any Energy Resistance and keeps switching until it
3CP 2CP +1
• Ability Enhancement gets one that works or runs out of energy types.
4CP 3CP +2 The Purchase DC for this kind of weapon's ammo, in the case
• Amazing Accuracy
• Amazing Diplomacy 5CP 4CP +2 of projectiles or firearms, is +2 higher than its normal ammo,
• Amazing Defence 6CP 5CP +3 and, for the sake of narrative continuity, it requires that you have
• Amazing Deflection a supplier of exotic goods, such as a mad-scientist or inventor
7CP 6CP +3
• Amazing Dodge type. Even if that person is a good friend, scrabbling together the
8CP 7CP +4 parts and custom-making the ammo still costs +1 to the Purchase
• Amazing Fighting
• Amazing Initiative 9CP 7CP +4 DC.
• Amazing Leap 10CP 8CP +4 CL 12, Energy Attack (Variable enhancement); Price +4
• Amazing Scrutiny 11CP 9CP +5 Energy Damage, Chaotic
• Natural Armour 12CP 10CP +5 This weapon behaves like an Energy Damage item, with the
• Super Senses additional ability that it switches energy types every time it
strikes a target for damage. The energy type never repeats (it will
Empowered weapons can be loaded only with ranks in the not randomly switch from Heat to Heat), so roll 1d4 to determine
base Powers listed above. The CP value of the weapon equals the the new energy type every time the weapon strikes.
CP cost of the Power, -25% rounded down (but minimum 1CP; The Purchase DC for this kind of weapon's ammo, in the case
see table). The bonus equivalent is +1 per CP2 of the discounted of projectiles or firearms, is +2 higher than its normal ammo,
cost. The power needed to create such an item is the power
35
and, for the sake of narrative continuity, it requires that you have
that's loaded into it. Empowered weapons are Super even if a supplier of exotic goods, such as a mad-scientist or inventor
loaded with traits. type. Even if that person is a good friend, scrabbling together the
CP varies, Original Power; Price +1/CP2. parts and custom-making the ammo still costs +1 to the Purchase
35 If you want a weapon with a more complex Power effect loaded into it, you DC.
can take a Gadget with the Weaponise enhancement.

186 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 6: F/X
CL 8, Energy Attack (Variable enhancement); Price +2
Energy Damage, Variable
This weapon behaves like an Energy Damage item, with the
additional ability that it can switch between energy types at the
flick of a convenient button, located on its grip, as a free action.
The price of this weapon depends on how many energy types it
has loaded into it
The Purchase DC for this kind of weapon's ammo, in the case
of projectiles or firearms, is +1 higher than its normal ammo,
and, for the sake of narrative continuity, it requires that you have
a supplier of exotic goods, such as a mad-scientist or inventor
type. Even if that person is a good friend, scrabbling together the
parts and custom-making the ammo still costs +2 to the Purchase
DC.
Energy Attack (Variable enhancement)
2 Energy Types: CL 4, Price +3
3 Energy Types: CL 6, Price +4
4 Energy Types: CL 8, Price +5
5 Energy Types: CL 10, Price +6
Exotic Material
This weapon is made of a substance, material, or alloy that is
unknown to ordinary science. Its composition is completely
unique, and therefore it cannot be affected by any Power or other
effect that targets a particular material or substance, such as
magnetism, rusting, warping wood, etc.
CP 2, Supertech Invention; Price +1 bonus
DNA Key (firearms)
This weapon has a small sensor on the grip that that tests the
wielder's genetic code. If the DNA does not match the designated
owner, the weapon will not fire. Hacking a DNA Keyed weapon
requires a Computer Use check (DC 20) and 1d6 minutes with
the weapon. Once hacked, you can re-key the weapon to any
DNA to which you have access.
CP 4, Supertech Invention; Price +2 bonus
DNA Key (melee)
This weapon has a small sensor on the grip that that tests the
wielder's genetic code. If the DNA does not match the designated
owner, the weapon discharges an electrical shock into the
wielder's hand(s). Upon picking up the weapon, the shock starts
as merely painful; the wielder must pass a Will Save (DC 20) or
drop it. If the wielder maintains her grip for more than 1 second,
the weapon then discharges a larger shock that does 2d6 damage
per second. The DNA-Keyed weapon's internal battery gives out
after it discharges 100HPs worth of electrical damage, but it can
be recharged through conventional means; it has a wall plug.
CP 4, Energy Attack (electricity); Price +2 bonus
DNA Marker (firearms)
This weapon has a small sensor on the grip that that tests the
wielder's genetic code. Every time the weapon fires, it burns that
code, in microscopic characters, onto the outgoing bullet. The
result is that anyone with the proper microscopic equipment can
read the characters off of the bullet, although with some
difficulty because the bullet inevitably takes some damage from
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
187
use (Decipher Script DC 10 + 2d6). Of course, just reading this
code is not enough to identify a person, but comparing the
imprinted code to an actual DNA test of an individual would
allow someone to identify the wielder. This kind of weapon is in
use by some ultra-secret organisations on Earth, as well as a few
extra-terrestrial law enforcement and military. It is an extremely
accurate way to determine exactly who fired a weapon and to
what effect.
CP 2, Supertech Invention; Price +1 bonus
Ginsu (melee)
This weapon's edges are treated with a special hardening
process, and its balance is so perfect that its critical threat range
doubles (e.g., from 20 to 19-20, or from 19-20 to 17-20). You can
apply Ginsu only to slashing or piercing weapons. Ginsu does
not stack with other effects that increase critical threat range,
including the feat Improved Critical Range.
CP 4, Amazing Fighting; Price +1 bonus.
Ginsu, Improved (melee)
In addition to the effects of the Ginsu ability, this weapon has
been further treated and altered such that its critical damage
multiplier increases by one (e.g., from x2 to x3, or x4 to x5, etc.).
You can apply Improved Ginsu only to slashing or piercing
weapons. Improved Ginsu does not stack with other effects that
increase critical threat range, including the feat Improved Critical
Damage.
CP 4, Amazing Fighting; Price +2
Nullifier
This weapon generates a suppression field that acts upon
other Powers with a Supertech origin, including items, and thus
can potentially Nullify powers, much like Power Nullification.
To activate the weapon, you must use it to hit a target (a person
or object with a power) using a Touch attack. If that Touch attack
also meets or beats the target's Defence score, the attack might
also cause damage. On a successful Touch attack, make an
opposed roll: 1d20 + 10 + Power's CP value. If your roll (on
behalf of the Jamming weapon) meets or beats the defender's
roll, then 10CP-worth of its powers are nullified. That means that
if the power is worth 10CP or less, it doesn't function at all any
more. If the power is worth 10CP or more, then 10CPs worth of
the power is jammed, so it might lose enhancements or ranks. If
the base Power is worth more than 10CP, then a Jamming
weapon cannot affect it. (This w
The Purchase DC for this kind of weapon's ammo, in the case
of projectiles or firearms, is +2 higher than its normal ammo,
and, for the sake of narrative continuity, it requires that you have
a supplier of exotic goods, such as a mad-scientist or inventor
type. Even if that person is a good friend, scrabbling together the
parts and custom-making the ammo still costs +1 to the Purchase
DC.
CP 5, Power Nullification , Price +3 bonus
Nullifier, Improved
This weapon functions just like a Nullifier, but its opposed
test receives a +5 (reflected in its CP cost, below).
CP 10, Power Nullification , Price +6 bonus
187
188 Chapter 6: F/X
Nullifier, Greater
This weapon functions just like a Nullifier, but its opposed
test receives a +5 (reflected in its CP cost, below), and it can
affect up to 15CP-worth of powers.
CP 15, Power Nullification , Price +9 bonus
Nullifier, Zone
This weapon functions exactly like a Nullifier, except that if
affects any Supertech powers within 20'. For ranged weapons,
the projectile itself affects anything within 20' and is activated
when it hits its target.
CP 20, Power Nullification , Price +10
Overclock, Minor
This weapon can be changed to a higher setting that threatens
to burn out its systems. The numerical bonus of the weapon
doubles for as long as it can make Fortitude saves (DC 15). Once
the weapon fails its save, its bonus disappears for a number of
rounds equal to the number of rounds for which it was
Overclocked.
CP 10, Power Duplication, Price +5
Overclock, Major
This weapon functions as a Minor Overclock, but once it fails
its save, it ceases function for a number of rounds equal to half
the rounds for which it was Overclocked.
CP 20, Power Duplication, Price +10
Modular
A Modular weapon is, in fact, two weapons in one. It is made
of a number of components that you can rearrange into different
configurations. The Modular ability combines two Devices into
one, but you can use only one at a time. Converting the Device
from one mode into the other requires a full-round action.
CP 5, Metamorph, Price +2
Influential
This weapon has an alternate setting that emits a subliminal
signal that renders people more friendly to the wielder of the
weapon. The weapon has an operating range of 30 feet. Targets
must be in line of sight and anything more than a sheet of glass
blocks it. Anyone targeted by the weapon is in effect the subject
of Telepathic Influence, an enhancement of the Telepathy power.
If the target fails a Will save (DC 17), his her or its attitude
towards the wielder improves by one category (i.e., hostile,
unfriendly, indifferent, friendly, helpful). The wielder can
combine this effect with a normal Diplomacy check, in which
case the wielder both talks to someone and nudges their mind at
the same time. Doing this grants a +10 circumstance bonus to the
Diplomacy roll.
CP 4, Telepathy; Price +2
Influential, Improved
This weapon functions just like an Influential weapon, except
that it can alter the target's attitude by two categories and the Will
save DC is 19.
CP 8, Telepathy; Price +4
188 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Influential, Greater
This weapon functions just like a Greater Influential weapon,
except that it can alter the target's attitude by three categories and
the Will save DC is 21.
CP 12, Telepathy; Price +6
Recharging (ranged)
This weapon generates is own ammunition, either by
gathering matter into a projectile or firing energy. The weapon
has a standard wall plug and can fully recharge itself in just
under an hour. For firearms, a full recharge grants the weapon the
equivalent number of shots as if the weapon were fully loaded.
For projectiles, like a bow or a crossbow, you get 12 shots.
CP 2, Energy Attack, Price +2 bonus
Retractable
This weapon can collapse, fold up, or otherwise make itself
extremely scarce at the touch of a button. Any weapon that is
two-handed or smaller is reducible to Fine-sized, about the
weight and size of a TV remote or a wireless phone.
CP 3, Size Shift; Price +1 bonus
Stun
This weapon shocks the nervous system of the target such
that it causes only non-lethal damage. Even if you score a critical
hit with this weapon, or hit a target rendered unconscious by non-
lethal damage, the weapon still causes non-lethal damage only.
CP 2, Cause Unconsciousness ; Price +1 bonus
Stun Setting
This weapon has a toggle on it so that it can flip from causing
lethal damage to non-lethal damage. Switching the weapon
requires a Swift Action. You can switch from one setting to the
other during your round, even mid-way through a full-attack
routine, but obviously, you can do this only once per round.
CP 4, Cause Unconsciousness ; Price +2 bonus.
Suggestive
This weapon emits a powerful subliminal signal that can
affect any living being with a biological brain. Every time the
weapon hits a target's Flat-Footed Defence score, even if it
doesn't hit for damage, it emits that signal. The target must then
make a Will save (the DC varies depending on the power level of
the weapon) or be compelled to follow on of a set of pre-
programmed commands. Any command that would result in
highly-probable death or severe physical maiming grants the
target a +4 circumstance bonus.
The owner of this weapon can programme the command as
any one of the following options:
• Attack (nearest person)
• Blind (close eyes, voluntary blindness)
• Drop (all items in-hand)
• Freeze (stop moving)
• Run (away from the situation)
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 6: F/X 189

The Purchase DC for this kind of weapon's ammo, in the case a supplier of exotic goods, such as a mad-scientist or inventor
of projectiles or firearms, is +2 higher than its normal ammo, type. Even if that person is a good friend, scrabbling together the
and, for the sake of narrative continuity, it requires that you have parts and custom-making the ammo still costs +1 to the Purchase
a supplier of exotic goods, such as a mad-scientist or inventor DC.
type. Even if that person is a good friend, scrabbling together the Telepathy
parts and custom-making the ammo still costs +1 to the Purchase Will DC 15: CP 8, Price +4 bonus
DC. Will DC 20: CP 14, Price +8 bonus
Telepathy
Will DC 15: CP 4, Price +2 bonus Summoned
Will DC 20: CP 8, Price +4 bonus This weapon teleports to its owner upon command, and
Will DC 25: CP 12, Price +6 Bonus disappears again upon a different command. The owner either
speaks a command word or hits a button to Summon the item,
Suggestive, Improved which requires a move action. The weapon has to be stored
This weapon functions exactly as a Suggestive weapon, somewhere in physical space—it doesn't just disappear—but that
except that the owner can programme in a custom suggestion. space can be literally anywhere on the same planet. The owner
The suggestion can consist of a single, basic idea or command. must have a small device, tiny-sized, on his or her person that
As a rule of thumb, the suggestion should be a single verb, in the summons the weapon. This device does not have to be in-hand to
imperative form, although some basic concepts require more than summon the weapon; it can be pinned to a shirt, mounted on the
one word. GMs have the final say on what qualifies and reserve wrist, etc. You can also Hide it on your person; your Hide check
the right to require a simpler command. would be opposed by someone else's Observe check or a Search
The Purchase DC for this kind of weapon's ammo, in the case check. Such a Search check gets a +5 bonus.
of projectiles or firearms, is +2 higher than its normal ammo, CP 2, Teleport; Price +1 bonus.
and, for the sake of narrative continuity, it requires that you have

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190 Chapter 6: F/X

190 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 CHAPTER 7: COMBAT AND EQUIPMENT
This chapter contains information on combat and equipment. police, the government, and the public will be comfortable with
The first section includes rules for running combat at a heroes who actually kill the bad guys. As always, it's ultimately
superheroic scale, including new combat manoeuvres and new up to you, but it is something to think about.
rules for movement. The second section includes altered rules for
Wealth and two new kinds of equipment, generic firearms and Building Damage
body armour.
Combat You can do damage to a building by simply attacking it.
It's hard to miss a building, but your GM might insist on an
Most rules in d20 conveniently scale up, which makes it great attack roll under special circumstances (e.g., you're falling
for playing a superhero game, where everything is scaled up. through the air, you've been drugged, etc.).
However, when it comes to combat, there are a few things that Buildings have Hardness ratings based on what they're
need attending to in that scaling, so here they are, superhero made of (wood, stone, steel, concrete, etc.), and they take only ¼
combat rules (you know you've been waiting for this section!). damage from piercing or ballistic attacks. Buildings are
The combat rules are in alphabetical order: Building Damage, unaffected by non-lethal damage and are not vulnerable to
Damage Reduction, Knockback, Non-Lethal Damage, Super critical hits or sneak attacks , but the Demolitions skills and
Attacks, and Super Strength. Craft Structural do grant damage multipliers when attacking
A Word About Violence buildings. If you manage to do sufficient damage to a building,
you can trigger its Fortitude save.
But before we get to that, a word about violence and the GMs should exercise their judgement when it comes to
modern world. It's easy to forget that in the kind of world where damaging parts of a building that are purely decorative or do not
superheroes operate, most people aren't accustomed to bare any weight. Smashing a building's windows will not ever
violence. When someone starts shooting or crashes through a bring it down, for example, nor will tearing off all the gargoyles.
brick wall, most people are going to scream and run. You're If your ranged attacks miss someone who is standing in
different, of course. You run towards the smashing and gunfire, front of a building, then the attack strikes the building. If you
but that's part of what makes you a hero. Likewise, even those are knocked back into a building, it can take cascading damage.
who might put themselves in the middle of violence, like street If you and your opponent are both standing adjacent to a
criminals, are only rarely capable of actually killing anyone. building and either of you misses with a mêlée attack, then
Beating them up, maybe, but not killing. Most people do non- that attack has a 50% chance of striking the building. Finally, if
lethal damage in combat because they hold back , not just the reach of your mêlée attacks overlaps with a building and
because they don't know how. you miss someone who is standing adjacent to or in front of a
As a superhero it's partly up to you to judge when to use building, then your attack has a 50% chance of hitting the
lethal and non-lethal force. There are no rules against lethal building. You can avoid hitting buildings for with the feat Precise
force, of course, and your gaming group will decide on the kind Strike (see Chapter 4: Feats). Ranged damage, however, is
of atmosphere of violence that you're comfortable with. Combat unavoidable. GMs should not calculate building damage unless
is a big part of role-playing games, and we wouldn't dream of it's necessary, unless there's some chance that the building could
removing it. actually come down the players, and even then, a little fudged
But the superhero genre is distinctly different than other RPG math for the sake of dramatic danger is sometimes part of the
genres, like mediaeval fantasy or espionage or war. Superheroes GM's job.
constantly have to work around innocent bystanders and pull Buildings can take damage two ways: by floor or as a whole.
their punches with street thugs. It's part of the genre that your If your GM prefers one of these systems over the other, she can
characters will be so powerful that they have to pull their choose to use just one. Both is the most accurate—the building
punches with regular humans in order to avoid killing them. You might take a bad hit and topple, but it might also have to be
and your gaming group will have to decide how much of that pounded until there's nothing left—but either one will do the job.
kind of thing is expected in your game world, and how much the

Table 7-1 Building Stats

Fortitude Debris Damage
Building Type Failure Threshold
Bonus (per floor)
Fortified: Bunker, Vault 150 +10 14d6
Sturdy: Bank, Headquarters, Library, Military Structure 130 +10 12d6
Underground: Subway Station, Sewer 100 +5 10d6
Institutional: Government Building, High School, Hospital 80 +4 8d6
Decorative: Temple (any), Museum 80 +2 8d6
Urban: Apartment, Office Tower, High-Rise 70 +4 7d6
Industrial: Factory, Warehouse 70 +2 7d6
Large Residential: Mansion, Dormitory 60 +2 6d6
Small Residential: One- or Two-Story House 50 +2 5d6
Commercial: Hair Salon, Coffee Shop, Boutique, Corner Store 40 +0 4d6
Temporary: Portable, Trailer 25 +0 3d6
192 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment
By Floor
Average HPs per floor of various kinds of buildings are
indicated on the table below. A two-floor house, for example, has
100 HPs. A building with a larger area can have more HPs, at the
GM's discretion. Buildings can also have Hardness, as indicated
by what they're made of (wood, stone, steel, etc.).
When a single floor's HPs are reduced to zero, then that floor
collapses. If you are inside the building and on a floor that
collapses, you take Debris Damage (see Table 7-1). You get a
Reflex save for half that damage (DC 15). If you are within a
five-foot step of an exit (door, window, etc.) that takes you out ofKnockback is generally involuntary. A blunt attack made by
the building entirely, passing the Reflex save indicates that you
leapt out of the building, so you take no damage at all.
If you are on a floor other than the top and a higher floor
falls on you, then your Reflex save also indicates whether you
are pinned in the rubble. If you fail, you're pinned. For every
round that you're pinned, you take 1d6 non-lethal damage. If you
are rendered unconscious by this non-lethal damage, you must
make a DC 15 Constitution check or start taking 1d6 damage per
round. If you die, then at least you're already buried.
If you have Improved Evasion and save for no damage,
then you managed to find a pocket in the debris. If you are under
more than one floor of a building, you have enough breathable
air for about 4 hours (see suffocation rules).
When a floor collapses, it and all the floors above it, if any, take that amount off of the damage before you calculate your
come crashing down on the floor below. Thus the Debris
Damage of all the falling floors is applied to the floor below
the collapsed floor.
As a Whole
When a building takes damage as a whole, it has several
Failure Thresholds. Every time the HPs are reduced by the
equivalent of one floor's worth of HPs, the building has to
roll a Fortitude save (DC 5, see Table 7-1 for Fort bonuses). If
the building fails this check, the whole building falls. The DC for an actual +4 to damage). Their Knockback Threshold is also
the Fortitude save increases by +2 every time the building has to +4. People who are smaller than Medium get a corresponding
make this check.
Combat Manoeuvres Threshold. GMs can also rule that if the weapon itself is bigger
The following texts describes combat manoeuvres that are
either new in Phoenix or altered from standard d20 rules.
Grapple
If you have Super Strength (25+), you are not reduced to
half speed if you try to move someone while grappling ,
because you can just drag them with you. The GM might rule
that a particular opponent is simply too heavy for your Super
Strength to make a difference (e.g., if you were to try to resist a
robot made of gold for example), but in such cases, you can
simply consult your Encumbrance stats for your Strength score
and resolve the issue that way, if necessary.
As an additional note, the Grapple manoeuvre is not nearly as
complicated as it's made out to be, so we thought we'd try to
explain it in a way that makes sense. First, it draws an attack of
opportunity for the same reason that an unarmed strike does: if
you're not trained in that kind of combat, your target will have an
opening to resist. If you take Improved Grappling, then you don't
have to worry about the problem. Second, you make an attack
192 Phoenix v10 (draft)
roll, as normal, and you'll almost always hit because it's a Touch
attack. Third, there's an opposed Strength test , which is
analogous to the damage roll on a regular attack, except for size
modifiers, which also aren't that complicated. So there you go;
it's a pretty simple, three-step process that's actually quite similar
to making attacks.
Knockback
Knockback happens when you get hit by something big and
blunt that sends you flying, instead of just doing damage to you.
someone with Super Strength and which inflicts damage
equal to or greater than your Knockback Threshold will
provoke the Knockback effect.
Your Knockback Threshold is 10 + Strength modifier +
Fortitude save. GMs might rule that a slashing attack with a
particularly large weapon, like an over-sized axe, might provoke
Knockback. If the damage of the attack meets or exceeds your
Knockback Threshold, then you are Knocked Back.
If you are Knocked Back, you take damage normally, but you
are also thrown directly away from your attacker for a
number of squares equal to 1/10th the damage of the attack (i.e.,
half the damage, in feet). If the damage is less than 10, then you
are only Knocked Back within your square. If you have DR, then
Knockback distance. You incur attacks of opportunity while
you sail through the air in this manner. You land prone at the
appropriate distance, unless you roll a Reflex save (DC 15) , in
which case you land on your feet, or kip up, or something equally
cool. If you can fly or otherwise control your position in
space, then your Reflex Save is only 10, and you halve the
distance you are Knocked Back
People who are larger than Medium get an effective +4 size
bonus to damage, for the purposes of calculating Knockback (not
-4 size penalty to effective damage and to their Knockback
than a Medium-sized person, then it might grant a +4 to effective
damage.
If you pass through someone else's square when you're
Knocked Back, they must roll a Reflex Save (DC 15) to avoid
being hit by you. If they fail, you slam into them and you roll 1d6
for every square you had left to travel. The two of you split that
damage and must make another Reflex save (DC 15) to avoid
end up on the ground, prone (as above). This is called Cascading
Knockback. A GM who likes math could have you continue to
cause Knockback as you fly through the air, but it's a lot of
finicky numbers and there are only so many hours in the day. If
you simply hit a wall or other fixed object during your
Knockback, don't bother with the first Reflex save. You and the
wall share the damage. Don't forget that the wall could have
Hardness.
If you get Knocked Back from a direction other than
laterally, then different things happen. From above, double the
distance; from below, halve the distance.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment 193

Sunder and Disarm
These manoeuvres is not different in Phoenix, but we think
it's important to remember all the things you can do with them
other than just destroying someone's weapon or taking it away.
Never forget that you can target items that someone is holding or
wearing, so you can snatch a mobile phone or slash someone's
belt off, for example. Superheroes do this kind of thing all the
time. So do gunslingers (shooting things out of people's hands)
and swashbucklers (slicing off clothing), and superheroes are
closely related to both of those other kinds of heroes. You can
also snatch away the detonator for the C4 that's been planted on
the city dam, or you can smash the bottle of mystic potion that a
villain drinks to gain her powers. Attacking the enemy and
doing damage directly is not your only option. Destroying and/
or taking props away can often resolve a fight.
Stapling
Stapling is when you pin someone to a wall or other surface
by their clothes using a piercing weapon or a projectile that is
more than a few inches long (i.e., arrow, bolt, throwing knife,
etc.). The target must be wearing clothes that reasonably have
some spare cloth to pin (i.e., no skin tights or form-fitting
armour), and they must be standing in front of and adjacent to a
surface that your weapon can pierce. To perform the Staple,
you must be either in mêlée range or, with a projectile, within full break-down of all those numbers, see Table 7-2.
one range increment or 30 feet (whichever is less), and you
must hit the target's Touch AC. If you succeed, the target is
Stapled to the wall or surface and has to either rip their clothes
as a swift action (to free themselves), or take a move action to hand. You can take Improved Two-Weapon Fighting multiple
remove the staple, which requires a DC 10 Strength check .
GMs might raise the DC of the Strength check if the clothing in
question is particularly tough, like a biker jacket. Increase the DC take a full-attack action with your off-hand, but you have to
of the Strength check by +2 for every additional staple. For
example, if you use three attacks to throw three daggers at a
target and Staple her to a wall, the Strength DC is 16. See the feat
Staple, Improved for more options with this combat manoeuvre.
Swinging Attacks
You can attack as part of a swing action (see below,
Swinging). All the swinging rules apply normally. You cannot
make attacks with two-handed weapons because to wield them,
you'd need to take your hands off the rope (unless you have more off-hand weapon is "light"
than two hands, of course), but you can make unarmed strikes
with your free hand or your feet/legs. To perform a Swing
Attack, first, you must take a move action and make a Tumble
check to place yourself adjacent to the target . Second, you
must take a standard action to kick the snot out of him (i.e., roll off-hand weapon is "light"
to hit, etc.). After your attack, you are still on the rope, but you
can drop to the ground as a free action. By the rules as written,
this swing, Tumble, and attack are three separate, distinct actions,
but you're of course free to say that you swing up to your target,
performed a mid-air somersault and catch him under the chin
with your heel before hitting the ground like a cat. Even the
most mundane attack can be enhanced through description.
You can also Spring Attack while swinging to strike your
target in mid-swing. However, this incurs a -4 circumstance
penalty to your Tumble check. If you fail the check, you can't get
yourself to within mêlée range of your target.
Finally, you can make a Swinging Charge. You get the
standard -2 Defence and +2 to hit for a Charge, but you don't
have to move in a straight line. Instead, your movement is
determined by the arc of your swing.
Two-Weapon Fighting
The Two-Weapon Fighting rules have not been significantly
changed in Phoenix, although there are a couple of additions to
it. First, you can take the trait Appendages and gain additional
off-hands, an option only available to monsters in standard d20.
Second, we have altered how the feat tree is arranged in order to
simplify it and integrate the Appendages option.
The basic rules from the SRDs are that to fight with two
weapons, you must have either two mêlée weapons (e.g., a club
and a knife) or two one-handed ranged weapons (e.g., two
pistols). When you wield two weapons, you get a single bonus
attack with your off-hand, but you take a -6 to attack with your
primary hand and a -10 with your off-hand. If your off-hand
weapon is light, those penalties are instead -4 and -8,
respectively. If you have the Two-Weapon Fighting feat, then
your penalties are -4 and -4, and if you have the feat and your
off-hand weapon is light, then the penalties are -2 and -2. For a
In order to gain additional off-hand attacks, you have two
options. First, you can take the Improved Two-Weapon Fighting
feat, which grants an additional iterative attack with your off-
times to gain additional iterative attacks with your off-hand while
making a full-attack action. Basically, this means that you can
"buy" those individual, iterative attacks with the Improved
Two-Weapon Fighting feat.
Table 7-2 Two-Weapon primary
off-hand(s)
Fighting hand
-6 -10
off-hand weapon is not "light"
to attack to attack
-4 -8
to attack to attack
-4 -4
Two-Weapon Fighting feat
to attack to attack
Two-Weapon Fighting feat and -2 -2
to attack to attack
Second, you can take the trait Appendages, as well as the
enhancements Combat Appendage and Hand, and thus
effectively build yourself an additional off-hand. You can then
apply the Two-Weapon Fighting tree to each one of your off-
hands, following exactly the same rules as above . At that point,
"two" weapon fighting is a euphemism; it's really Multi-Weapon
Fighting.
Once you have built your off-hands and/or taken Two-
Weapon Fighting feats, and chosen appropriate weapons, we

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194 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment

strongly encourage you to calculate your attack bonuses once Non-Lethal Damage
and have them ready before the game starts . It's impolite to do
all that math at the table. Some attacks and effects are so superficial that, though they
can knock you on your ass, they don't have any permanent
Zero-G Combat effects. This is non-lethal damage. In Phoenix, unarmed strikes
There are no new manoeuvres for Zero-G combat, but a few made by people without the proper training (i.e., the Combat
rule changes do apply. In Zero-G, everyone has a Knockback Martial Arts feat) or without super-strength, both cause non-
Threshold of 10, you do not need Super Strength to provoke lethal damage. Some weapons and powers are specifically
Knockback, and Knockback distance applies to both your target designed to do only non-lethal damage. Some other things, like
and yourself (because of Newton's Second Law... look it up). If heat or exhaustion, can cause non-lethal damage as well. Specific
you can fly or otherwise maintain your position in space, then things that cause non-lethal damage will say so in their
your Knockback Threshold is unaffected, and you do not incur descriptions.
Knockback on yourself. When you take non-lethal damage, it does not reduce your
Damage Reduction Hit Points. Instead, subtract real damage from your total HPs,
and keep a running total of your non-lethal damage. When your
Standard DR in Phoenix blocks mundane physical damage non-lethal damage equals your current HP total, you become
only. It does not block energy damage or Super attacks (which staggered, and when it exceeds your current HPs, you fall
includes any attack with an Origin and/or any attack made with unconscious. This can happen either as a result of taking so
an Ability Score of 25 or more), as well as all Spells, Psi-Powers, much non-lethal damage that it's more than your current HP total,
and Powers, including those generated by Items and Inventions. or having your HPs reduced to below your current non-lethal
DR scores are written as three terms: what the DR blocks, damage.
the amount of reduction, and what the DR is vulnerable to. For
example, "DR 10 / Super" is standard DR, as described above. A Making Non-Lethal Attacks
score of "mystical DR 15 / Super" blocks mystical damage up to You can choose to do non-lethal damage with a mêlée
15 HPs per attack, but is vulnerable to all other Super attacks. A weapon that normally deals lethal damage, including unarmed
score of "supertech 12 / ballistic" indicates that the DR blocks strikes, but you take a -4 penalty to attack. This means that you
attacks with a supertech Origin, but is vulnerable to bullets. attack with the "flat of the blade" or otherwise pull your punches.
Some DR has multiple vulnerabilities or multiple The feat Merciful Mauler can eliminate this penalty in most
protection types. For example, "supertech, cosmic 10 / wood, circumstances (see Chapter 4: Feats). You can also do lethal
slashing" indicates that the DR blocks supertech and cosmic damage with non-lethal weapons, including unarmed strikes, but
attacks, but is vulnerable to wooden or slashing weapons. you again take a -4 penalty to attack.
Adhering precisely to this notation formula is not as important as Super Attacks
being very clear in your notes about what your DR does or
doesn't protect you from. "Super" is the Phoenix equivalent of "magic." It's the catch-
Massive Damage all term for anything outside of the normal range of human
ability. Any in-game effect that has an Origin is automatically
Sometimes, an attack is so powerful that even if it doesn't Super. Any attack or effect that comes from an item—mystical,
reduce your HPs to zero, it's still so traumatic that your body just psionic, or supertech—is Super. Enhancements granted by
can't survive the ordeal. This is massive damage. Phoenix uses a Mastercraft tools or weapons are not Super, but those granted by
combination of the two published massive damage systems. Supercraft weapons are.
Your massive damage threshold is either 50HPs, or it equals Like magic in standard d20 games, Super attacks in Phoenix
your Constitution score (not your modifier) multiplied by automatically bypass most DR. Similarly, anything or anyone
your total character levels, whichever is lower. If you take normally only hit by magic effects or attacks can, in Phoenix, be
damage from a single attack that equals or exceeds your massive hit by Super attacks. Strength scores of 25 or above are Super,
damage threshold, then you must make a Fortitude save against and 24 and below are not. Super Strength also automatically
DC 15 or immediately drop to -1HPs, but stabilized. does lethal damage, whereas scores of 24 and below do not.
For example, if you were 3 rd level and had a Constitution of Therefore an attack aided by one of those scores, usually
14, then your massive damage threshold would be 42. If a single Strength or Dexterity, is Super as well. A rock (or a car) thrown
attack were to do 42HPs or more, you would then be forced to by someone with a Dexterity of 27 is Super. A punch from
roll a Fortitude save against DC 15. If you failed that save, you someone with a Strength of 32 is Super.
would drop to -1HPs, stabilised. Super Speed
We've altered massive damage in Phoenix so that normal
people drop pretty quickly (i.e., they're at -1HPs and stable), and Table 7-3 Running Speeds (next page) lists all the possible
heroes can avoid accidentally killing people because they're speeds at which you could move using Super Speed if you start
standard attacks do well in excess of how much the average with a base speed of 30 ft. and increase it through feats and/or
person can take without dying. powers. This covers the majority of characters , but some
conditions that add 5 ft. or 10 ft. of movement could make the
table less useful than the formula (at the end of this section) .

194 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment 195

Table 7-3 Running Speeds

Running 20 feet 30 feet 60 feet 90 feet 120 feet 150 feet 180 feet 210 feet 240 feet 270 feet 300 feet
Multiplier (encumbered) (x2) (x3) (x4) (x5) (x6) (x7) (x8) (x9) (x10)
Move 2.3mph 3.4mph 6.8mph 10mph 14mph 17mph 20mph 24mph 27mph 31mph 34mph
(x1) 3.6kph 5.5kph 10.9kph 16kph 22kph 27kph 33kph 38kph 44kph 49kph 55kph
Run Action 7mph 10mph 20mph 31mph 41mph 51mph 61mph 72mph 82mph 92mph 102mph
(x4) 11kph 16kph 33kph 49kph 65kph 82kph 98kph 115kph 131kph 147kph 164kph
Run Feat 9mph 14mph 27mph 41mph 55mph 68mph 82mph 95mph 109mph 123mph 136mph
x5 15kph 22kph 44kph 65kph 87kph 109kph 131kph 153kph 175kph 196kph 218kph
18mph 27mph 55mph 82mph 109mph 136mph 164mph 191mph 218mph 245mph 273mph
x8
29kph 44kph 87kph 131kph 175kph 218kph 262kph 305kph 349kph 393kph 436kph
36mph 55mph 109mph 164mph 218mph 273mph 327mph 382mph 436mph 491mph 545mph
x16
58kph 87kph 175kph 262kph 349kph 436kph 524kph 611kph 698kph 785kph 873kph
73mph 109mph 218mph 327mph 436mph 545mph 655mph 764mph 873mph 982mph 1,091mph
x32
116kph 175kph 349kph 524kph 698kph 873kph 1,047kph 1,222kph 1,396kph 1,571kph 1,745kph
145mph 218mph 436mph 655mph 873mph 1,091mph 1,309mph 1,527mph 1,745mph 1,964mph 2,182mph
x64
233kph 349kph 698kph 1,047kph 1,396kph 1,745kph 2,095kph 2,444kph 2,793kph 3,142kph 3,491kph
291mph 436mph 873mph 1,309mph 1,745mph 2,182mph 2,618mph 3,055mph 3,491mph 3,927mph 4,364mph
x128
465kph 698kph 1,396kph 2,095kph 2,793kph 3,491kph 4,189kph 4,887kph 5,585kph 6,284kph 6,982kph
582mph 873mph 1,745mph 2,618mph 3,491mph 4,364mph 5,236mph 6,109mph 6,982mph 7,855mph 8,727mph
x256
931kph 1,396kph 2,793kph 4,189kph 5,585kph 6,982kph 8,378kph 9,775kph 11,171kph 12,567kph 13,964kph
1,164mph 1,745mph 3,491mph 5,236mph 6,982mph 8,727mph 10,473mph 12,218mph 13,964mph 15,709mph 17,455mph
x512
1,862kph 2,793kph 5,585kph 8,378kph 11,171kph 13,964kph 16,756kph 19,549kph 22,342kph 25,135kph 27,927kph
2,327mph 3,491mph 6,982mph 10,473mph 13,964mph 17,455mph 20,945mph 24,436mph 27,927mph 31,418mph 34,909mph
x1,024
3,724kph 5,585kph 11,171kph 16,756kph 22,342kph 27,927kph 33,513kph 39,098kph 44,684kph 50,269kph 55,855kph
4,655mph 6,982mph 13,964mph 20,945mph 27,927mph 34,909mph 41,891mph 48,873mph 55,855mph 62,836mph 69,818mph
x2,048
7,447kph 11,171kph 22,342kph 33,513kph 44,684kph 55,855kph 67,025kph 78,196kph 100,538kph
89,367kph 111,709kph
9,309mph 13,964mph 27,927mph 41,891mph 55,855mph 69,818mph 83,782mph 111,709mph
97,745mph 125,673mph 139,636mph
x4,096
14,895kph 22,342kph 44,684kph 67,025kph 111,709kph 134,051kph 156,393kph 178,735kph
89,367kph 201,076kph 223,418kph
18,618mph 27,927mph 55,855mph 83,782mph111,709mph 139,636mph 167,564mph 195,491mph 223,418mph251,345mph 279,273mph
x8,192
29,789kph 44,684kph 89,367kph 134,051kph 178,735kph 223,418kph 268,102kph 312,785kph 357,469kph402,153kph 446,836kph
37,155mph 55,732mph 111,464mph 167,195mph 222,927mph 278,659mph 334,391mph 390,123mph 445,855mph 501,586mph 557,318mph
x16,348
59,447kph 89,171kph 178,342kph 267,513kph 356,684kph 445,855kph 535,025kph 624,196kph 713,367kph 802,538kph 891,709kph

Before you even look at this table, ask yourself if it's information
you actually need to know, because if it's not, then don't bother. If
you intend to use your flight or running speed to actually travel
from place to place, especially during a game, then you'll want to
know how fast you can move, but if you're concerned only with
movement during combat, then just use your speed in feet per
round.
The table itself bears some explanation. First, all speeds are
listed in both miles per hour (mph) for our American and British
friends and then in kilometres per hour for the rest of us ( kph).
Second, the left-most column is the speed multiplier for
when you are Running as a full-round action. This corresponds
to the basic Super Speed power which increases only your
Running multiplier. If you don't take any levels of Speed
Multiplier, then the first two columns are all you ever need to
worry about. Just look up your "Running Multiplier" and then
check the "Base Speed 30 ft" column. Now you know how fast
you can Run. Record that number on your character sheet and
you never need to look at this gawd-awful table again.
If you take levels in Speed Multiplier you need to find
your new base speed and cross-reference it to your Running
Multiplier, if any. If you start with a Base Speed of 30 feet, for
example, and then purchase 3 levels of Speed Multiplier (x4),
then your Base Speed would be 120 feet (30 ft. x4). If you also
purchased a Running Multiplier of x12, then your full Running
speed would be 1,440 feet per round, which works out to 175kph
(109mph). You'd zoom past highway traffic.
All of these calculations apply regardless of whether you're
running, flying, driving, or swinging on a web-line. If you can go
120 feet as a move action while riding your bicycle, then you can
travel at 22kph (16mph), for example.
To get some real-world perspective, a Speed of 2880 ft. (90
ft. Move, x32 Run) is 524 kph/327 mph, which is just shy of the
speed of sound, 36 or Mach 1. So Mach 2, twice the speed of
sound, is about 1047kph/655mph (90 ft. Move, x64 Run).
Finally, 891,709kph/557,318mph (300 ft. Hustle, x16348 Run) is
creeping up on 0.1 C, or 1/10th the speed of light. The idea that
36 The speed of sound changes depending on air pressure and temperature, but
this rule of thumb is good enough.

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196 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment

someone can move at these kinds of speeds by slapping their feet big enough, it's best to move to a relative map instead of a
against the ground is, of course, ridiculous, but ridiculousness is fixed map. On a relative map, you place your racers/chasers in
sort of the point of a superhero game, so just enjoy. positions relative to each other based on their respective speeds
If you have a Base Speed that's not on this table, then you and resolve the chase with the assumption they are continuously
must use the following formula: multiply your Base Speed by on the move.
your Running speed, then divide by 8.8 to get your real-world For example, if you have two characters moving at speeds of
speed in miles per hour. Take your MPH and multiply by 1.6 120 ft. and 150 ft. respectively, the slower character will be 30 ft.
to find your KPH. If you have a non-standard base speed or you behind at the end of the first round, 60 ft. behind at the end of the
can sometimes move at different Base Speeds (for example if second, and so on (assuming both are moving at maximum
you can Size Shift), then please do all these calculations before speed). Alternatively, if the chasers are moving at a Run, then
you get to the gaming table. It's only polite. you'll want to change the map's scale. Instead of 5-ft. squares,
you can move to 10-ft. or even 20-ft.
Races and Chases When speedsters Run, they can easily cover hundreds of
Racing and chasing happens a lot in comics and action clicks over the course of a combat. If you're math-fu is strong,
movies, but under standard d20 rules, chases are pretty boring. If you can figure the lowest-common denominator of their two
the racers have the same speed, then there's no contest. All speeds and set the map's scale to that number. For example, if
involved characters take their movement and nobody catches two characters were moving at 360 ft. and 400 ft. per round
anyone. If the racers have different speeds, then the faster one is respectively, you could set a scale of 40-ft. squares because both
guaranteed to eventually catch up. There are factors that can of their speeds are evenly divisible by 40. On that scale, the
make chases more interesting however, specifically obstacles. faster character could move up to 10 squares, and the slower only
Obstacles include anything that keep the characters from 9 squares. Of course, each square still represents 40 feet of space,
moving their maximum speed, either double-moves or but now you can depict the chase more easily.
Running, and you use the Climb, Jump, and Tumble skills to If you have a chase in which the characters move at a
overcome those obstacles. The rules do not essentially change, Run, then don't sweat small amounts of lateral movement.
except that the GM will have to know those skills very well and Technically, you can Run only in straight lines, but over the
have DCs readied before the game or just get comfortable with course of several hundred feet, a little drift is acceptable, so the
estimating them on the fly. If and when GMs set up a chase in a chasers might Run along a curved freeway or weave in and
game, or if one just breaks out, they must remember to place lots around traffic. If it's just for flavour, this kind of thing can help to
of interesting things in the racer's way: cars (both moving and make a chase more dramatic. This requires a certain amount of
stationary), baby carriages, pets, bike messengers, gates, improvisation on the part of the GM and a willingness to
stairwells, locked doors, plate-glass windows, fire escapes, rearrange the map on the fly in order to simulate the new
anything and everything that slows the characters down and environments that your chasers might end up in over the course
makes them use their skills. The more the characters use their of the Chase itself. If you run your game in a real city that you
skills, the more the chase is decided by those skills and not just know well, you can even estimate how many blocks your
by their base speeds. Of course, someone with Super Speed is characters traverse and the neighbourhoods that they run through,
probably going to catch someone without it, but even a speedster from a downtown core, to outlying residential areas, to suburbs,
can trip and fall down an open sewer. It's not the same as trashing even out into the hinterlands, and then all the way back.
the scenery, but remember that the environment is half the fun If the participants have Bonus Actions, then they can of
of any good action sequence in a film, so fill that environment course keep attacking each other or interfering with/saving
with stuff. innocent bystanders the whole time. In fact, that kind of thing is
For straight-out chases, the Sprint feat creates the ability to encouraged! The name of the game is danger after all (the name
have slightly different running speeds, and therefore stage chases is actually "phoenix," but you know what we mean). The
that are potentially quite close, and therefore more exciting. Any important thing in this kind of Chase, for the GM, is to keep
players who have characters who use this feat will have to describing the scenery in detail . Just switching positions relative
keep track of exactly how many feet in excess of a full square to each other on the battlemap isn't nearly as fun as knowing that
they are, per round. For example, a character who Sprints 38 the wake from your chase just set off a whole block of car
feet per round needs to keep that floating extra 3 feet in mind and alarms, or that you've just passed through Edmonton when you
add a square of movement every second round. As long as each started in Seattle.
individual player (including the GM) keeps track, and they all Super Strength
compare notes, you can tell exactly where people are during a
chase, in which a few feet (i.e., arm's length) can decide the Super Strength mostly speaks for itself. You have a higher
outcome of the scene. Strength score and your bonuses go up accordingly. Published
sources don't list the encumbrance and loads for scores above 30;
Super-Speed Chases because those are important for super fights, we calculated them
Such encounters can present a practical problem when it for you (see Table 7-4). A Strength 60 is not necessarily the
comes to mapping. If a chase breaks out between characters who upper limit in Phoenix, but that's the biggest we could make the
can move fast enough that a standard battlemat will no longer be table.

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 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment 197

Improvised Weapons
Super fights get a little nuts in comics, and so they should in
Phoenix. Streets are ripped up. Cars a thrown. Buildings topple.
Table 7-4 Super Strength Stats
Because Strengths scores can be well above the human range, the
Strength normal Improvised Weapons rules aren't always applicable. In
Bonus Light Medium Heavy
Score Phoenix, you can use an improvised weapon, in mêlée or as a
10 - 33 lb. 66 lb. 100 lb. projectile, if it is less than your Light load. If it is less than
11 - 38 lb. 76 lb. 115 lb. half your light load, then you can wield it/throw it with one
12 +1 43 lb. 86 lb. 130 lb. hand. If you increase your loads through the power Mighty
13 +1 50 lb. 100 lb. 150 lb. Lifting, then you do indeed increase the maximum weight of
14 +2 58 lb. 116 lb. 175 lb. objects you can use as improvised weapons.
15 +2 66 lb. 133 lb. 200 lb. If your improvised weapon is four or more size categories
16 +3 76 lb. 153 lb. 230 lb. different than your own, in either direction, then you simply don't
17 +3 86 lb. 173 lb. 260 lb. have the leverage or fine control to wield it like a weapon. A
18 +4 100 lb. 200 lb. 300 lb. fine-sized hero trying to lift a car is going to have a hard time
19 +4 116 lb. 233 lb. 350 lb. finding something to grab, even if she has the Strength to do it. A
20 +5 133 lb. 266 lb. 400 lb. colossal-sized hero trying to throw a baseball will probably just
21 +5 153 lb. 306 lb. 460 lb. crush it between thumb and forefinger.
22 +6 173 lb. 346 lb. 520 lb. Over-sized weapons do damage according to Table 7-5,
23 +6 200 lb. 400 lb. 600 lb. above. The damage on this table has been adjusted upwards from
24 +7 233 lb. 466 lb. 700 lb. standard d20 rules because superheroes are more generically
Super Strength Stats prone to hitting people with things that are lying around, so the
25 +7 266 lb. 533 lb. 800 lb. damage potential should match that tendency. W e've also added
26 +8 306 lb. 613 lb. 920 lb. a new size category, "Ginormous," because Colossal just
27 +8 346 lb. 693 lb. 1,040 lb. wasn't big enough. GMs can, of course, adjust the damage up or
28 +9 400 lb. 800 lb. 1,200 lb. down depending on the circumstances. Objects that weigh
29 +9 466 lb. 933 lb. 1,400 lb. significantly more than the average for their size, for example,
30 +10 532 lb. 1,064 lb. 1,600 lb. might do more damage, and objects that are less heavy than the
31 +10 612 lb. 1,224 lb. 1,840 lb. average for their size might do less. Also, objects that are more
32 +11 692 lb. 1,384 lb. 2,080 lb. aerodynamic or easier to wield might do more damage, or vice-
33 +11 800 lb. 1,600 lb. 2,400 lb. versa. As a rule of thumb, every 100 pounds of weight adds
34 +12 932 lb. 1,864 lb. 2,800 lb.
35 +12 1,064 lb. 2,132 lb. 3,200 lb.
36 +13 1,224 lb. 2,452 lb. 3,680 lb. Table 7-5 Improvised Weapon Damage
37 +13 1,384 lb. 2,772 lb. 4,160 lb. Object Weapon
38 +14 1,600 lb. 3,200 lb. 4,800 lb. Examples
Size Damage
39 +14 1,864 lb. 3,732 lb. 5,600 lb. 18-wheeler, private jet,
40 +15 2,128 lb. 4,256 lb. 6,400 lb. Ginormous 16d6
small building, hummer
41 +15 2,448 lb. 4,896 lb. 7,360 lb.
42 +16 2,768 lb. 5,536 lb. 8,320 lb. pick-up truck, shed,
Colossal 12d6
43 +16 3,200 lb. 6,400 lb. 9,600 lb. telephone pole,
44 +17 3,728 lb. 7,456 lb. 11,200 lb. dumpster, pop machine,
Gargantuan 8d6
45 +17 4,256 lb. 8,528 lb. 12,800 lb. very small car
46 +18 4,896 lb. 9,808 lb. 14,720 lb. 10-foot ladder, mailbox,
47 +18 5,536 lb. 11,088 lb. 16,640 lb. Huge 4d6
oil barrel, park bench
48 +19 6,400 lb. 12,800 lb. 19,200 lb. garbage can, TV set,
49 +19 7,456 lb. 14,928 lb. 22,400 lb. Large 2d6
office chair, tire iron
50 +20 8,512 lb. 17,024 lb. 25,600 lb.
51 +20 9,792 lb. 19,584 lb. 29,440 lb. brick, briefcase, bowling ball,
Medium 1d8
52 +21 11,072 lb. 22,144 lb. 33,280 lb. hockey stick, guitar
53 +21 12,800 lb. 25,600 lb. 38,400 lb. big rock, drill, helmet,
Small 1d6
54 +22 14,912 lb. 29,824 lb. 44,800 lb. fire extinguisher, flower pot
55 +22 17,024 lb. 34,112 lb. 51,200 lb. small rock, mug, screwdriver,
56 +23 19,584 lb. 39,232 lb. 58,880 lb. Tiny 1d3
wrench
57 +23 22,144 lb. 44,352 lb. 66,560 lb. Diminutive ashtray, CD case, paperweight 1
58 +24 25,600 lb. 51,200 lb. 76,800 lb.
59 +24 29,824 lb. 59,712 lb. 89,600 lb. coin, ball-point pen,
Fine -
60 +25 34,048 lb. 68,096 lb. 102,400 lb. computer mouse

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198 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment

1d6 damage. However, any players who whine, carry on, and of extra space below you, for example. If there isn't enough
generally makes asses of themselves about the weight of a space, then you must make a Reflex save, DC 15, or you hit the
thrown object in order to weasel their way into more damage ground and take falling damage as normal. If you make the save,
should know that such behaviour is not appreciated by the GM. then you hit the ground running. You can substitute a Tumble
Thrown objects generally lose their kinetic energy when they check for the Reflex save, at your discretion.
hit their targets and fall to the ground, but if the object in To determine success or failure for the swing, make a
question is more than twice the weight of the target, it will Tumble check DC 14 (base DC 10, +4 equipment bonus for the
continue to fly along its vector for two range increments before itrope). The DC rises by +2 for every 5 feet out of true the
starts to plummet. An object that can roll, due to a round shape orswing is. "Out of true" means one of three things: (1) the start
sufficiently robust wheels, might continue for another range point and end point are at different heights, (2) you have to swing
increment, but unless it lands on a slope or gets some other help, in a lateral arc (i.e., around instead of straight), or (3) the fixed
it will stop at that point. GMs are encouraged to eye-ball where point of the tether isn't equidistant between your start and end
such objects land and PCs are encouraged not to get too wrapped points. You also add +2 for every 50 pounds over a light load .
up in real-world physics. Example: If the rope's fixed point were 5 feet closer to you
You can also throw objects in such a way that they spend than your target point or 5 feet to the left (so that you have to
most of their movement scraping along the ground. After one swing in an arc), the DC would be 12. If the end point of the
full range increment in the air, the object hits the ground and swing were 10 feet higher than your starting point, the DC would
begins sliding, exactly as if it were affected by a knockback (see be 14. If all three factors were out by 5 feet, then the DC would
the Knockback rules, above). The thrower makes a damage roll be 16. If all three were out by 10 feet, the DC would be 22. And
for the object, and it travels half that distance in feet. If the object
so on.
can roll (i.e., it's spherical or cylindrical) or has wheels, it travelsThis can get to be a complicated set of calculations, so GMs
the full distance. are encouraged to eye-ball the DC. GMs are also encouraged to
let "flavour" swinging go without tedious checks. If it's just for
Slowing a Moving Object show, to make the character look cool, then don't sweat it. If it's
If you are in the path of a moving object and you have Super actually a risky manoeuvre, then enforce the rolls.
Strength, then you can try to hasten its deceleration. As a full- If you succeed, you land on your target square, on your
round action, you can plant your feet on the ground and your feet. If you fail the check, you land prone and take 1d6 non-
hands or shoulder to the object. For every full-round action you lethal damage. This does not provoke an attack of opportunity,
spend doing this, you roll a Strength check and reduce the but standing up does. If you fail the check by more than 10, then
object's remaining HPs/feet by that number. The power Mighty you fall in mid-swing at a point to be determined randomly.
Lifting multiplies your Strength bonus for the purposes of Example: You're attempting to make a 50-foot swing with a
making this roll. fixed point 15 feet off of a straight line, 5 feet too close to you,
If you you are flying, you can use a full-round action to and landing on a rooftop that is 10 higher than where you're
reduce the object's remaining HPs/feat by 1d6 per 100 pounds standing. At +2 to the DC for every 5 feet out, that's a DC 24.
that you can lift. Be sure to take into account the Air Lift Difficult, but not impossible. If you were to roll a 25, you would
enhancement when you calculate your maximum weight. land clean. If you were to roll a 20, you would hit the ground like
a sack of wheat, but you would just get the wind knocked out of
Swinging you. If you were to roll a 10, you would fall right off the rope,
into the traffic and soon-to-be traumatised bystanders, below. We
Dangling on the end of a rope 20 stories in the air isn't the hope you have clean underwear on (see Falling While Swinging ,
most prudent thing to do, usually, but it looks so damn cool that below).
it's a major part of superhero comics. The in-game benefit of The following pages contain specific rules for particular
swinging is that you can cover a bigger distance than a jump, tricks you can do while swinging. Rules for attacking while
without nearly as much chance of falling to your pulpy death. swinging are in the Combat Manoeuvres section, above.
Swinging as Movement Jumping at the End of a Swing
Swinging on a rope is part of a move action, like jumping or If you let go of the rope when it's more or less horizontal (at
climbing, but you swing twice as fast as your size and the end of your swing), you can make a Jump check as if you
encumbrance would normally allow (NB: Super Speed does had a running start. You swing your body upward to achieve
not increase swinging speed). If you swing for a distance of 30 height, or throw it forward to achieve distance. Thus, you can
feet, it counts as only 15 feet of your movement. swing across a chasm, let go of the rope at the other end, and
To swing, you need a rope or other tether, like a strand of make a fresh Jump check, all as part of the same move action.
Webbing, that is connected more or less equidistant between your
self and the spot you want to land on. You also need some room Kicking Off in Mid-Swing
below you because the arc the swing will take you down before it Although you cannot change your swinging trajectory in mid-
goes up again. If it's pertinent (e.g., you might actually hit the swing, you can push off of a solid, anchored point, for example
ground), then you need an extra 5 feet downwards for every 25 swinging against the side of a building and kicking off of it. If
of total swinging distance. A 50-foot swing requires about 10 feet

198 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment
you swing at an angle to the wall, you can make a Jump check as
if you had a running start. The result of the check indicates how
far along the arc of the swing you manage to get (i.e., how far
you launch yourself away from the wall). If you swing straight
into a wall, you can repel off of it as if you were making a Jump
check without a running start. The distance, again, indicates how
far you manage to get from the wall, along the arc of the rope's
length. Swinging directly into a wall, however, causes the same
amount of damage as falling, but you can reduce that damage just
as you would a normal fall (i.e., through a Tumble check, or
Catfalling).
Continuous Swinging
If you have Webbing, you can fire a fresh strand as a standard
action each round. Thus, you can change direction by affixing a
fresh strand to a new anchor point and letting go of the old
strand. This whole chain requires a move action (swing) and a
standard action (fire strand). If you're doing it as a form of
movement, out of combat, you just need to make a single
Tumble check, as part of your move action, with a base DC of
20. Failing means that you simply didn't manage to affix a
second strand and you're still on your original strand. Failing by
10 or more means that you fall (see below, Falling While
Swinging). At the end of this full-round action, you're again in
mid-swing and ready to start the whole thing over again the next
round. You pick a new direction in which to swing at the
beginning of this full-round action.
GMs are, of course, free to increase the DC for performing
swings in difficult environments, like through a very skinny
alley, between moving vehicles, or the like. In fact, it's worth
noting that the GM always retains the right to increase DC's as
she sees fit.
If you're out of combat and swinging as a form of
transportation, then you can make these Swinging checks once
per minute instead of once per round. If your Tumble bonus is
high enough that you're guaranteed success, then rolling isn't
necessary because natural 1's are not automatic failures on skill
checks. Lucky you!
You can, in theory, keep swinging and switching ropes
indefinitely. However, it is extremely tiring. Moving in this way
is like running. Thus, you can keep swinging for a number of
rounds equal to your Constitution score , but once those rounds
are expended you must make a DC 10 Constitution check. The
DC of this check increases by 1 every round until you fail or
finally arrive wherever it is you're going in such a damn hurry.
If you fail this check, you just don't have the energy for
another swing and you must rest for 1 minute (10 rounds) to get
your breath back. You can rest while hanging off of your rope,
but every time the strand swings with you on it as dead weight, it
looses 1 foot of distance and height at both ends, so after 10
rounds, you've lost a total of 20 feet (10 feet at each end). You
can also climb down off of your rope, if that's an option, and rest
on the ground for a mere 60 seconds. While resting, you are not
at any penalties. You just don't have the energy to do any more
swinging manoeuvres or to employ the Run action.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
199
Falling While Swinging
If and when you fall off a rope, you fall at a slight angle in
the direction in which you were swinging. For every 20 feet you
fall downwards, you also drift 5 feet in the direction of your
swing. If this causes you to impact a solid surface, like a
building, then you take damage as if you'd fallen to that height,
and then you start to fall straight down (i.e., you land in that
same square). For example, you were to fall at 120 feet in the air
and drift into a building after 40 feet, you'd then take damage as
if you'd fallen 40 feet. If and when you hit the ground at the end
of that fall, you'd take damage from the whole fall: 120 feet.
However, there is no need to calculate the exact number of
feet you travel laterally unless the game calls for it. If, for
example, you might drift next to a building that you could grab
on to to keep from falling, then calculate your lateral movement,
but if you're just spiralling through empty air, there's no need to
burn the brain-cells doing the math.
Swinging in Combat
While you are swinging, you lose your Dexterity and dodge
bonuses to Defence, but you are a rapidly-moving target, the
same as if you were running, and therefore also get a +2 to your
Defence. If you are hit for damage while in mid-swing (between
rounds or by a Readied action), you must make a Fortitude save
with a DC equal to the damage you took. If you fail, the pain and
stress of the taking damage causes you to involuntarily let go of
the rope. For Swinging in Combat, see the previous section.
Zero-Gravity Movement
In Zero-G, all your attacks, Jump, and Tumble checks are at -
4, unless you have the Astrobatics feat (see Chapter 4: Feats).
You cannot perform a Run action in space, but if you can fly,
then you can move freely as if every direction were "lateral"
movement (i.e., there is no up or down). However, if your ability
to fly relies on being in an atmosphere (i.e., Wings) and you're in
the vacuum of space, then you're out of luck.
If you can't fly, you move in zero-G environments by pushing
off of one fixed point and "landing" on another. For mundane
movement, just floating around inside a ship for example, there's
no need to make any rolls. In combat or other dangerous
situations in which timing is important, however, you must
essentially throw yourself from one place to another, which
requires either a ranged touch attack or a Tumble check
(player's choice). You have a range increment of 30 feet and the
DC for the attack/Tumble check equals the Defence score of
the square you want to arrive on. An object or surface that
takes up a five-foot square area has a Defence of 10, but a
medium-sized object is Defence 14, a small object is Defence 18,
and so on.
However, you do not automatically stop on a square. Instead,
you have to land on a large surface or grab a fixed object to arrest
your movement, which you can automatically do at the end of a
single move action. If you take a double-move, however, you
must make a Reflex save (DC equals 10 +2 per 10 feet of
Tumble distance) to arrest your movement.
If there is nothing to grab on to in that square, then you keep
moving, involuntarily, at your movement rate. Moving in this
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manner does not count as a move action because you expend no
effort on maintaining your speed or manoeuvring around objects.
You can, of course, use actions to try to arrest your movement.
Tumble check. Involuntary movement occurs at 30 feet per round
and does not count against your movement.
Low-Gravity Movement
If you find yourself in a low-gravity environment, as opposed
to a zero-G environment, the easiest thing to do is apply the
same -4 to Jump and Tumble checks. Assuming 0.5G (half of
Earth's gravity), you would Jump twice as high and you take
half-damage from falling. You cannot Run unless you take the
Astrobatics feet because you have to learn to travel with half of
your weight, and thrown weapons and projectiles take a -4
penalty because they do not arc through the air in the same way,
although firearms are basically unaffected.
If you want to get very specific about it, you can actually
calculate all of these bonuses/penalties based on the amount of
gravity present. For example, the Moon has 1/5th the gravity of
Earth (0.2G), so your Jumps would be five times longer/higher
(i.e., multiply by 5), and falling damage would be five times less
(divide by 5). In addition, if you want to be precise, instead of
applying a flat -4 penalty, you could apply a -1 for every 0.1G
different from Earth, so the Moon (0.2G) would be a -8. Once
you get lower than 0.1G, you are effectively in a zero-gravity
environment, and those rules would apply.
High-Gravity Movement
If you find yourself in a high-gravity environment, you take a
-8 to Jump and Tumble checks. Assuming 2G (double Earth's
gravity), you would Jump half as high and take twice as much
damage from falling. You would have to calculate your speed
based on adjusted encumbrance, as well. Thrown weapons and
projectiles take a -4 penalty because they do not arc through the
air the same way. High-gravity also halves the range
increments of all ranged weapons, including firearms (e.g., if it's
normally 100 ft., in high-G it's 50 ft.).
If you want to get very specific about it, you can calculate all
of these bonuses/penalties based on the amount of gravity
present. On a planet that has three times Earth's gravity (3G),
your jumps would be 1/3 as high and falling damage would
triple. In addition, if you want to precise, instead of applying a
flat -4 penalty, you could apply a -4 for every 1G different from
Earth, so 2G would be a -4, 3G -8, 4G -12, etc. Range increments
would, likewise, be divided by the G-rating of the environment:
divide by 2 for a 2G environment, by 3 for 3G, etc. At a certain
point, increased gravity makes you unable to move at all (i.e.,
when your weight exceeds your maximum lift), but well before
that point, your own limbs would be so heavy that even lifting
them to aim a weapon would be nigh impossible. If and when
that happens, the GM is entirely within her rights to declare that
you cannot make attacks at all any more.
Equipment
Some superheroes and villains base their entire identity on
being extremely rich and/or fabulously well-outfitted with
200 Phoenix v10 (draft)
equipment. This section presents altered rules for Wealth and two
new kinds of equipment: Generic Firearms and Body Armour.
Wealth
The Wealth system detailed in the SRDs does not quite fit the
superhero genre for a couple of reasons. First, it assumes that
heroes are prone to looting (i.e., beating the snot out of the bad
guys and nicking their stuff). Second, it makes some attempts to
normalise Wealth scores in the long run (i.e., keep everyone in
the same general range of wealthiness). This doesn't work for a
superhero-based game because there's not a lot of looting in
superhero stories, and being disgustingly wealthy is a set
character type. It's even a class in Phoenix: the Socialite. The
slightly altered Wealth rules, below, are designed to address those
problems of genre and also eliminate a couple of loopholes in the
Wealth system. We present a complete explanation of our Wealth
system here so that you only need to consult once source rather
than going back and forth between this book and the SRDs.
To begin with, then, Wealth does not indicate how much
money you have. It isn't money in your pocket, or gold pieces in
your backpack. Instead, it symbolically represents how much
buying power you have access to at a moment's notice. It's
designed to replicate the modern world; whether you have a
certain amount of money in a bank account (or your pocket) has
relatively little to do with what you can go out and purchase
right now.
Wealth is a combination of liquid capital (money), credit
(credit cards, credit rating, lines of credit, IOU's), investments,
and even the expectation of future income (i.e., I can buy
something for a $1000 today if I know I'm going to receive
$1500 tomorrow). The amount you can buy at a moment's notice
Table 7-6 Wealth and Lifestyle
Wealth Lifestyle
Impoverished:
+0
Living off of what's in your pockets
Working Poor:
+1 to +4
Living paycheque to paycheque
Lower-Middle Class:
+5 to +10 Long-term, well-paying job; own a major asset
(e.g., condo, car)
Upper-Middle Class:
+11 to +15 Long-term career with job security; own multiple
major assets (home, cars, etc.)
Wealthy:
+16 to +20 Hold investments (e.g., shares); long-term, high-
status career; own several major assets
Rich:
+21 to +30 Living off of a portfolio of investments; possibly
don't have to work at all; own several major assets
Loaded:
+31 or Own several major assets; investments are worth
higher enough that markets shift with your decisions;
could live like a king indefinitely without working
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment 201

is almost undoubtedly very different than the amount of actual purchase. Either you Table 7-7 Relative PDCs
capital you own. You can be broke, but have a dozen credit cards lowered your bank Wealth
in your pocket. Such is the mystery of modern finance. balance, or took a chunk PDC
Adjustment
Thus, Wealth is an abstract number measured as a bonus, out of your credit limits, PDC = Wealth x1 +/- 0
just like BA or Saves, and it is fluid; it decreases when you buy or something like that. In
PDC = Wealth x1.5 +/- 1
expensive things and increases when you level up or come into any case, your ability to
money. purchase items at a PDC = Wealth x2 +/- 2
moment's notice has PDC = Wealth x2.5 +/- 3
Wealth Bonus decreased. You lose PDC = Wealth x3 +/- 4
At first level, you determine your Wealth Bonus through a Wealth depending on PDC = Wealth x3.5 +/- 5
process similar to how you determine your Hit Points; you factor how high the PDC is PDC = Wealth x4 +/- 6
a die roll into a formula: relative to your current PDC = Wealth x4.5 +/- 7
Wealth score. If the PDC PDC = Wealth x5 +/- 8
2d4 + Occupation Bonus (+1 for having Profession ranks) is twice your Wealth then
you take -2, but f it's five times your Wealth then you take -8, etc.
At every subsequent level, you make a single Profession (see Table 7-7). The actual formula is -1 Wealth for every 50%
check that can potentially increase your Wealth Bonus (see that the PDC exceeds your current Wealth score (before the
Chapter 3: Skills). You can also take the Windfall Ad which purchase, obviously). For example, with a Wealth Bonus of +10,
grants an additional Profession check (see Chapter 1: Character you could purchase a PDC 15 item, but it would cost you Wealth
Creation). At character creation, then, you roll the above formula -1.
to determine initial Wealth, and then make (at least) three You never lose Wealth if you fail your Wealth Check , and
Profession checks for 2 nd, 3rd, and 4th level, respectively. At that you can try to buy the item again as many times as you like, but
point, you can start making purchases. you have to shop for it all over again (see below). Your Wealth
Consult Table 7-6 to get a general idea of what kind of Bonus cannot ever be lower than +0. Wealth +0 means that you
lifestyle corresponds to your Wealth Score. These descriptions have no purchasing power save what's in your pockets. You live
are generalisations only; you can interpret your Wealth directly from hand to mouth, scraping up a few dollars a day to
differently, if you want to. For example, having a fabulously feed yourself.
wealthy character is mostly a matter of role-play and For any item that's unusual (i.e., something you couldn't find
description. Although a certain Gotham socialite or New York in a mid-sized mall in an urban centre), it takes a number of
arms dealer might be disgustingly rich, they primarily show off hours equal to the PDC of the item to locate it. This can be
that wealth through character moments, such as showing up to time you spend browsing stores, or you can do this research from
public events with a super-model on each arm or living in a a phone and/or an internet connection. You can Take 10 or Take
stately manor. Unless these character touches turn into in-game 20 on Wealth Checks; doing so multiplies the shopping time by
benefits (i.e., using the models as Contacts or the stately manor 10 or by 20, respectively. To buy something used, you can take -
as a place to hide), then GMs should just let them be descriptive 3 off of the PDC of the item, but the purchase always takes a
text. By the same token, extreme poverty for the sake of role- number of hours equal to that PDC.
play is also allowed and does not have to negatively affect the
character's actual Wealth score . Living under a bridge but Selling
somehow also having access to strangely advanced technology To sell an item, you simply use the Wealth Check/PDC
could be a fun contradiction to play. Never stifle your players' calculations in reverse. You get a Wealth increase that is
creativity if it doesn't actually break a rule. They're allowed tosimilarly relative to your current Wealth. Whenever you sell a
look cool. They're allowed to flaunt their status. You should common, functional consumer good, you take -3 off of the PDC
indulge whatever fantasy your players want to live out, if you canbecause that item is by-definition used. If you attempt to sell art
do so within the rules. The game is all about fantasy, after all. or other treasures to a legitimate buyer (which means you have
legitimate reason to be selling it or convincingly forged
Buying paperwork), then that -3 doesn't apply. There's no such thing as a
To buy something, you must make a Wealth Check against "used" Mona Lisa. However, to sell something on the black
the item's Purchase DC (PDC). This roll works exactly the same market, you must reduce the PDC by 50% (rounding down).
as rolling to hit versus a Defence score. You roll 1d20 plus your The amount of Wealth you gain is exactly equal to the
Wealth Bonus against the PDC of the item. If you meet or beat amount you would have lost if you had purchased that same item.
the PDC then you have rummaged around in your pockets and If the PDC of the item were three times your Wealth, for
found the right combination of cash and/or cards that allows you example, then you would get Wealth +4 (see Table 7-7 again),
to afford the purchase. If your Wealth Bonus exceeds the price and if the used PDC were equal to your less than your current
of the item, then there is no need to roll; you can just buy that Wealth, you would get no increase at all . It just wouldn't be
item with no penalty. worth your while to sell that item, given how wealthy you
If the PDC is significantly higher than your Wealth already are.
Bonus, then you might lose Wealth as a result of the

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202 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment
This last rule might not make sense at first. Intuitively, if you
have $100,000 to your name and sell something worth $100,000,
then you should have $200,000. However, remember that Wealth
represents access to buying power, not just having money. If you
had the ability to purchase something worth $100,000 without
severely altering your lifestyle then you probably have far in
excess of that amount to your name. Finding a bag with $100,000
in it, therefore, would not alter your overall Wealth.
Divvying Wealth
In most cases, superheroes don't stumble upon great huge
piles of cash, and if they do, they usually turn them over to the
authorities, or use them for some poetically just purposes, or
possibly a bit of both. This depends on the flavour of your game,
of course. We're just talking about what's likely based on genre,
not what you must do.
If you do end up with a pile of valuable goods on your hands,
and you have a way to turn them into liquid capital, then you
simply sell the loot using the Selling rules, above, and then
divide the Wealth Adjustment among the PCs as evenly as
possible with whole numbers (there's no such thing a half a point
of Wealth). Remember once again, though, that if that PDC is
equal to or lower than your current Wealth, then the amount just
isn't enough to alter your finances. It'll buy a couple of lunches or
fill your tank a few times, but that's about it.
Cash
In the rare case that you do find a big bag of money,
remember that it doesn't instantly travel into your bank account,
nor does it inform your credit cards that you are now flush with
liquid capital, nor does your credit rating rise. In the modern
world, a big bag of money is actually rather inconvenient,
especially if it was acquired through illegal or quasi-legal means.
The simplest solution is to just treat it as cash which the PCs
can then spend until it runs out. For smallish amount of money,
this works just fine. If it's a large enough amount, however, that
the PCs might try to integrate it into their actual Wealth scores,
then it gets a wee bit more complicated.
Before you divvy up a bag of money and/or integrate it
into your own Wealth, treat it as if it had its own Wealth
score. That bag, by virtue of being filled with cold, hard cash,
has buying power. A person holding that bag can make purchases
out of their own Wealth, going by the standard rules, or they can
make Wealth checks based on the bag's Wealth. When you
divide the Bag of Wealth among the players , treat its Wealth
score like a PDC and divide the resale value as we just explained
above, but without he -3. There's no such thing as used money.
However, most banks are required to report the nature of any
cash deposits over a certain value, usually around US$5000,
£3000, or €3500 (consult local laws about your game's setting to
be sure).
For the sake of players' imaginations, GMs can look up the
PDC-to-money conversions (in the SRDs) and treat a Bag of
Wealth as if it were around ten times the equivalent dollar-value
For example, a Bag of Wealth 4 would be around US$200. You
can buy PDC 4 items ($20) "for a while," and the pile doesn't
visibly shrink, but start spending money on expensive stuff, and
202 Phoenix v10 (draft)
it's going to disappear before you know it. Remember, the goal
here is not to simulate an exact dollar amount. Unless the PCs
stop and spend an hour counting the money, there's no reason
why they'd know it's exact value anyway. The point is to simulate
the feeling of having a big wad of cash in your hand. You start
out buying drinks for all your buddies off of what looks like a
bottomless stack of bills, but then at the end of the night it's
mysteriously all gone because around 1am you started in on the
really good vodka.
However, the conversion tables are from the US in 2001 , so
they don't bear a lot of resemblance to the current economic
climate, and they're not very useful if you're not in the US. The
best thing to do is not think in dollars, pounds, rupees, or what
have you, and instead think in Wealth. What kinds of items do
you want your PCs to be able to buy? That's the important
question.
Body Armour
In addition to the protective gear listed in the SRDs, you can
also purchase inserts (which slip under or into your clothing),
helmets (which protect your head and face), and plates (which fit
over your clothing), and thus offer you additional protection from
physical injury. Some Body Armour is just re-purposed sporting
goods (usually the plastic kind), but the rest is either military- or
law-enforcement-grade gear that you purchase through surplus
stores, mail-order, or have custom-made. In any event, the PDCs
are as listed, and although it's a little weird for someone in the
modern world to buy what amounts to armour, it's by no means
illegal, and therefore there is no restriction modifier to your
purchase DC.
Armour and Shield Bonuses
d20 Modern has only one Defence bonus type for physical
protection, the Equipment bonus, but Phoenix has a lot of fantasy
mixed into its modern setting, so we use all three. Armour is
something you wear. If putting your hand on it would look like
someone putting their hand on you, then it's armour. Shields are
things you carry. If you lift it up and put it between yourself and
the hurty things, then it's a shield. Any time you buy something
from outside of the Phoenix manual that grants an equipment
bonus, you need to make a simple judgement call as to whether it
would be armour or a shield.
Inserts
Inserts are small disks of plastic, ceramics, or metal that you
affix to your clothing. The individual disks be very small and
affixed to a mesh that is then sewn into clothing, or they can be
larger and fit, individually, into special pockets. Meshes are
flexible but more delicate; large disks are less flexible but more
robust. For game purposes, there's no difference between the two.
Inserts come in Light, Medium, and Heavy. You cannot layer
inserts. They grant an Armour bonus.
Helmets
Helmets fit over the head, protect the skull, and usually wrap
around the face, thus protecting some of the most vital areas of
the body. They are most typically designed for riding
motorcycles or other open-air vehicles (Heavy Helmets), but are
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment 203

also designed for some sporting events, like fencing or baseball
(Light Helmets). Heavy Helmets always have some way of
seeing out the front, either a hardened but clear polymer, a fine
mesh, or even a traditional slatted "beaver," as found in medieval
armour. Light Helmets are often open-faced. Light Helmets
impose a -2 penalty to Observe checks, and Heavy Helmets
impose a -4. They grant an Armour bonus.
Plates
Plates are form-fitting pieces of hardened material (metal,
ceramic, polymers, etc.) that affix to the outside of your body, on
top of your clothes, usually by straps, buckles, velcro, or some
combination thereof. They most resemble "armour" in the
traditional sense. Lower-Body plates cover the thighs, shins, and
groin, and Upper-Body plates cover the chest, stomach, back and
shoulders. Full-Plate covers all of the above, as well as the neck,
arms, and usually gloves and boots of some kind (these latter are
not often plated, but instead just made of durable materials).
They grant an Armour bonus.
Modifying Body Armour
You can buy slightly different kinds of body armour, which
adjusts the PDC, as listed in the table. Almost all of the options
translate to using better/poorer materials to make the armour
(e.g., titanium instead of steel, household plastic instead of
sophisticated polymers). In real terms, these kinds of armour are
either custom made or home made, or of higher or lower quality.
Remember that you can supply whatever flavour text you want,
so your armour could be recycled hockey gear, or you might
have scrounged together enough titanium to beat out a chest plate
in your basement. That kind of thing is entirely up to you.
You cannot apply these modifications to protective gear
found in the SRDs without your GM's explicit permission
because those items have specific physical qualities already (such
as being made of metal). You can combine any and all
modifications to body armour, but you cannot layer the same
kind of modification. For example, you cannot take Hardened
twice in order to get a +2 Armour Bonus.
Heavy/Light
This kind of body armour is made of materials of different
weights but similar hardness. Adjust its Maximum Dexterity,
Armour Penalty, and Speed Modifier accordingly. It could be
super-light ceramic or super-dense metal, for example.
Flexible
This kind of body armour is made of materials that can bend
and flex but retain their protective qualities, such as meshes,
textiles that become rigid on impact, or space-age variations on
good old chain mail. Adjust the Maximum Dexterity of the
armour as indicated. This could be made of ultra-modern woven
fibres or space-age plastic.
Hardened/Softened
This kind of body armour is made of materials of different
hardness/softness, but about the same weight. Reduce or increase
its Armour bonus to Defence as indicated. This could have been
specially treated in a patented chemical process, or weakened by
years of use and repair.

Table 7-8 Body Armour

Armour Non-Prof. Maximum Armour Speed
Armour Weight PDC
Bonus Bonus Dexterity Penalty Modifier
Insert, Light +1 +1 +8 -1 - 3 lb. 12
Insert, Medium +2 +1 +6 -2 - 5 lb. 13
Insert, Heavy +3 +1 +6 -3 - 7 lb. 14
Helmet, Light +2 +1 +10 -1 - 3 lb. 14
Helmet, Heavy +3 +2 +8 -2 - 5 lb. 15
Plates, Lower-Body +4 +2 +4 -4 - 20 lb. 17
Plates, Upper-Body +4 +2 +4 -4 - 20 lb. 17
Plate, Full-Body +8 +3 +1 -6 -10 ft. 50 lb. 23
Modified Armour
Heavy - - -21 -1 -10 ft.2 +50% -2
Light - - +21 +1 +10 ft.2 -50% +2
Ultra-Light - - +31 +2 +10 ft.2 -75% +3
Flexible - - +11 +1 +10 ft.2 - +1
Hardened +1 - - - - - +2
Softened -1 - - - - - -2
Conductive - - - - - - -1
Ferrous - - - - - - -1
Fragile - - - - - - -2
Low Melting Point - - - - - - -1
1
This number modifies the Maximum Dexterity of a pre-existing piece of body armour.
2
This number adjusts the Speed Modifier of a pre-existing piece of body armour. It "adds" speed only to armour that reduces your speed.

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 203

204 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment

Conductive reduces the body armour to +0 protection, then the armour has
This kind of body armour conducts electricity. It is usually effectively melted right off of your body. It'll be a pain in the ass
made of metal, but other materials are theoretically possible. to clean up, too. The most common low-melting-point body
armour is athletic padding (e.g., hockey gear, American football
Ferrous pads, etc.).
This kind of body armour is made of a metal that can be Generic Firearms
affected by magnetic fields. To be ferrous literally means that the
metal has some iron in it. The superhero genre is not overly preoccupied with firearms.
They're a little too bland, not colourful or flashy enough in a
Fragile world of heat vision and web shooters. Therefore, instead of the
This kind of body armour is made of a material, like ceramics published material on firearms in d20, which attempts to
or certain plastics, that does not bend or dent but instead shatters somewhat accurately represent the products created by the
when it takes a blow at the wrong angle and/or of sufficient modern firearms industry, Phoenix uses generic firearms that are
strength. Every time you either (a) take a critical hit or (b) take more akin to fantasy games in which you buy a "long sword" or a
30 or more HPs of damage in a single blow, Fragile body armour "great axe" instead of a particular long sword created by a
loses 1 point of protection. If this reduces the body armour to +0, specific manufacturer, or a specific great axe made by a
then the damage effectively destroys it. It falls off your body in particular designer. Table 7-9 lists an array of Generic Firearms.
shards. This kind of armour could be a kind of ceramic designed In brackets, after the generic name, is an example of the kind of
to take hits so that you don't. gun that is included in the general category. For example, you
can purchase a submachine gun and call it an Uzi , an MP5, or
Low Melting Point whatever you like. You can buy a heavy revolver and call it a
This kind of body armour is usually made of plastic, but it Smith and Wesson .44 or a Colt Python, etc. You can also
can also be certain kinds of metal. Whenever it takes fire/heat describe them as hand- or custom- made firearms of no
damage of 30 HPs or more, it loses 1 point of protection. recognisable design. Ultimately, the numbers are there to
Whenever it takes electrical/ lightning damage of 50HPs or more, support your own creativity, not over-ride it with real-world
it loses 1 point of protection. This reduction is cumulative. If it details.

Table 7-9 Generic Firearms

Range Rate of Ammo Ammo
Handguns Damage Size Weight PDC Restriction
Increment Fire Capacity Type
Derringer (e.g., Baby Browning .22) 2d4 10 ft. Single 2 int P1 tiny 1 lb. 14 Lic +1
Revolver, Light (e.g., Pathfinder .22) 2d4 20 ft. S 6 cyl P1 small 1 lb. 13 Lic +1
Revolver, Medium (e.g., Ruger Service Six ) 2d6 30 ft. S 6 cyl P2 small 2 lb. 14 Lic +1
Revolver, Heavy (e.g., Smith & Wesson .44) 2d8 40 ft. S 6 cyl P3 med 3 lb. 15 Lic +1
Pistol, Light (e.g., Walther PPK) 2d4 20 ft. S 10 clip P1 small 1 lb. 15 Lic +1
Pistol, Medium (e.g., Glock 17) 2d6 30 ft. S 10 clip P2 small 3 lb. 16 Lic +1
Pistol, Heavy (e.g., Desert Eagle) 2d8 40 ft. S 10 clip P3 med 4 lb. 17 Lic +1
Machine Pistol, Light (e.g., Skorpion) 2d4 30 ft. S/A 20 clip P1 small 4 lb. 17 Res +2
Machine Pistol, Heavy (e.g., Barretta 93R) 2d6 40 ft. S/A 20 clip P2 med 3 lb. 18 Res +2

Longarms
Rifle, Light (e.g., Remington 700) 2d8 90 ft. S 6 int L1 large 8 lb. 14 Lic +1
Rifle, Medium (e.g., HK PSG1) 2d10 90 ft. S 6 clip L2 large 16 lb. 22 Lic +1
Rifle, Heavy "Sniper" (e.g., Barrett Light 50) 2d12 120 ft. S 12 clip L3 huge 35 lb. 24 Lic +1
Shotgun, Bean-Bag 2d8 NL 20 ft. S 4 int B large 10 lb. 16 Lic +1
Shotgun, Sawed-Off 2d8 10 ft. S 2 int Sl med 4 lb. 15 Ill +4
Shotgun 2d8 30 ft. S 6 clip Sl large 8 lb. 16 Lic +1
Shotgun, Double-Barrel 2d8 30 ft. S 2 int Sl large 8 lb. 15 Lic +1
Shotgun, Heavy 2d10 30 ft. S 6 int S2 large 11 lb. 17 Lic +1
Submachine Gun (e.g., HK MP5, Uzi) 2d6 50 ft. S/A 30 clip P2 large 7 lb. 18 Res +2
Assault Rifle (e.g., AK-47) 2d8 80 ft. S/A 30 clip L1 large 9 lb. 18 Res +2

Exotic Firearms
Machine Gun, Light (e.g., FN Minimi) 2d8 80 ft. S/A 30 clip L1 large 12 lb. 19 Res +2
Machine Gun, Medium (e.g., M60) 2d10 100 ft. A linked L2 huge 22 lb. 21 Res +2
Machine Gun, Heavy (e.g., M2HB) 2d12 120 ft. A linked L3 huge 75 lb. 22 Mil +3
Rocket Launcher (e.g., M72A3 LAW) 10d6 150 ft. 1 1 int special large 5 lb. 15 Mil +3
Grenade Launcher (e.g., M79) - 70 ft. 1 1 int special large 7 lb. 14 Mil +3

204 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment 205

You are, of course, free to use the makes and models of
firearms in the standard d20 rules, just avoid mixing the two
systems. The numbers aren't quite the same from one to the other.
Firearm Types
Handguns are firearms that you can fire comfortably with
one hand, although using two hands is traditional. All handguns
use P-type ammo.
• Derringers are very small pistols with only two bullets
loaded internally. They're extremely easy to hide.
• Revolvers have a central barrel that rotates each fresh
bullet into place. They either break at the top via a hinge just
in front of the trigger, or the barrel swings out to the side.
Revolvers usually have 6 chambers for bullets, but you can
upgrade them to 9 or 12.
• Pistols take clip ammo that loads into the handle. You
reload them by simply replacing the magazine.
• Machine Pistols are essentially the same as pistols, but
they can switch between semi-auto and fully-automatic fire.
Longarms are firearms that you can fire comfortably with
both hands. You can fire them with one hand, but you take a -4
penalty. This isn't very realistic, but neither are superheroes.
Most longarms use L-type ammo, except Submachine Guns,
which use P-type, and Shotguns, which use Sh-type.
• Rifles have long barrels and fire single shots at a time.
They are either internally loaded or take clip ammo.
• Shot Guns are basically the same a rifles, but they can
fire rounds of shot (tiny steel balls) instead of bullets. The
Double-Barrel Shotgun is an old favourite, and is "semi-
automatic" because you can fire each barrel in rapid
succession. The Sawed-Off Shotgun is usually illegal, but
makes for a weapon that is easier to conceal, although it also
drastically reduces the gun's range. Shotguns use S-type
ammo.
• Submachine Guns are mid-way between machine
pistols and machine guns. They have fully-auto fire, and
they require two hands to shoot, but they use P-type ammo.
• Assault Rifles are fully-automatic and require two-hands
to fire properly.
• Rocket Launchers literally launch self-propelled
rockets. The launchers themselves are light plastic or fibre-
glass tubes you can aim with. They are single-use items. The
rocket destroys them after if fires. Rocket launchers use
specialised, self-propelled rocket ammo.
• Grenade Launchers shoot special grenades that are
shaped like large bullets (see d20 rules for the kinds of
grenades you can load into a Grenade Launcher). These
simple weapons simply help you to get the grenade to a
target. All other rules regarding attacking with grenades
apply.
Rates of Fire
"1" means you must reload the weapon every time you fire
it. It takes one round of ammunition at a time. "Single" means it
requires manual action (i.e., cock the hammer, pull the bolt, etc.).
"S" designates a semi-automatic weapon (it automatically loads
the next bullet, usually through a slide, a spring-loaded
magazine, or what have you). "A" indicates a fully-automatic
firearm (it auto-loads and fires bursts of bullets). Finally, "S/A"
means that the weapon can switch from semi-automatic to fully-
automatic as a free action.
Ammo Capacity
Each gun has a maximum number of bullets it can carry, and
a mechanical means to carry them. "Internal" firearms keep their
bullets in the body of the weapon. "Cylinder" firearms keep their
bullets in a rotating barrel. "Clip" firearms keep their bullets in a
pre-loaded magazine. Finally, "Linked" firearms take bullets that
are linked to each other by small metal clips of 50 at a time.
Reloading a clip firearm or a cylinder firearm with a speed
loader (a device that holds the bullets and slips them all in the
barrel at once) takes a move action. Reloading the individual
bullets into a cylinder or into an Internal firearm takes a full-
round action. You can link two belts of linked ammunition to
each other as a move action, and thus maintain uninterrupted fire.
Ammo Type
Ammunition breaks down into three types. The types are
"P" for "pistol," "L" for "longarm," and "Sh" for "shot." Each
of those types have different weights (1, 2, and 3) which
correspond to the three levels of damage that the corresponding

Exotic firearms are weapons that require special training or Table 7-10 Generic Ammunition
finicky operation. Machine guns fall into this category because Type/Weight Amount Damage PDC
they are belt-fed and generally only used in military situations. Pistol 1 50 2d4 4
Rocket and grenade launchers are exotic because they simply do
Pistol 2 50 2d6 5
not operate or fire like other firearms.
Pistol 3 50 2d8 6
• Machine Guns are fully-automatic rifles that are so Rubber 50 2d6 NL 5
heavy that they must be mounted to fire properly. If you are Longarm 1 20 2d8 4
strong enough to lift one, you can attempt to fire a machine Longarm 2 20 2d10 5
gun two-handed, but you take a -4 penalty to hit. If you are
strong enough to life a machine gun with one hand, you can Longarm 3 20 2d12 6
attempt to fire it one-handed, but you take a -8 penalty to hit. Shot 1 10 2d8 4
Machine guns use L-type Ammo. Shot 2 10 2d10 5
Bean-Bag 10 2d8 NL 4

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206 Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment

firearm type does. See Table 7-10 for the full break-down of Table 7-11 Modifying Generic Firearms
firearm types, damage, and ammo types. Modification Benefit PDC Increase
Shot is small containers of pellets. When they fire, the pellets Mastercraft +1 to attack +3
spread out in a wider area, but do less damage individually. As a Range +10 feet +1
result, shot taks a -1 to damage for every range increment after Damage +2 HPs per bullet +1
the first.
Ammo Capacity I 50% increase +1
There are also two kinds of non-lethal rounds, Rubber
bullets and Bean-Bag rounds. Rubber bullets have been made of Ammo Capacity II 100% increase +2
wood, wax, and most recently plastic. We use "rubber" as a Modifying Generic Firearms
generic term for any handgun round that's designed to be, as it You can also modify your guns, having them customised or
were, less-than-lethal. You can purchase rubber bullets for any doing it yourself, or just buying superior quality.
firearm that takes P-type ammo, and they do 2d6 non-lethal
damage, except on a critical hit, in which case they do half their Mastercraft
damage as non-lethal and half as lethal. These weapons gain a Mastercraft bonus +1 to attack and
Bean-Bag rounds are small pouches filled with lead balls. damage for PDC +3. For a Mastercraft bonus of +2 or more, you
You must buy a special kind of Shotgun to fire Bean-Bag rounds, have to make in-game contact with someone who has the skills to
however, and they follow the same rules about lethality as plastic do such work. That kind of quality is not available on the open
rounds: 2d8 non-lethal, except on a critical hit, in which case market.
half their damage is non-lethal and half is lethal.
Range
Size You can increase the range of your firearm, usually by having
The size of a firearm dictates how you grip it and who can the barrel elongated slightly, but any flavour text you like will
comfortably do so. If you are the same size as your weapon, you do. Pay PDC +1 to increase the weapon's Range Increment by
can use that weapon in one hand. If the weapon is one size larger +10 ft.. The maximum Range Increment for a handgun is 60 ft..
than you, then you need two hands. If the weapon is two sizes The maximum Range Increment for a longarm is 150 ft.. 37
larger than you, then you need to either set the weapon on the
ground or use a mount (like a bipod). Damage
You can try to use a weapon that's one size too large in one You can increase the damage of your firearms by purchasing
hand (i.e., a medium-sized person with a large-sized firearm), but special bullets that either explode on impact (concussive), or
you take a -4 penalty to attack. You can also try to use a weapon flatten (slashing/piercing), or burn (heat/fire). Extra-damage
that's two sizes too large in two hands (i.e., a medium-sized ammo costs PDC +1 and increases the damage by HPs +2.
person holding a huge-sized weapon), but again, you take a -4 to When you purchase the ammo, you must specify if the extra
attack. Finally, you can try to use a weapon two sizes too large damage is concussive, heat-based, or slashing/piercing.
in one hand (i.e., a medium-sized person with a huge weapon),
but you take a -8 penalty to attack. These penalties are not just a Ammo Capacity
matter of strength, but of the design of the firearm, the size of the You can purchase custom-made magazines or larger-than-
grip, the balance of the weapon, etc. normal revolvers that can carry more bullets than the off-the-
With weapons that require a mount, you must take a full- shelf version listed on Table 7-9. Pay PDC +1 to increase the
round action to set the weapon in place, either flipping up a number of bullets by 50% (which also increases weight by
mount and positing the barrel, or lying down and firing the gun 25%), or PDC +2 to increase capacity by 100% (and weight by
from a prone position. 50%).

Restriction
The restriction of a firearm refers to just how easy/legal it is
to get your hands on. The modifiers on Table 7-9 Generic
Firearms adjust the PDC of a weapon when you attempt to
purchase it off of the Black Market. Bare in mind, however, that
these restrictions refer to the United States , which has
relatively lax gun laws compared to many other countries
(although far more restrictive than some other countries). If
your game is set in a nation with more strict gun laws, add +1
at least to all of the Restrictions , and you might as well do a
little research into that country's gun laws, for that extra bit of
realism.

37 You can also increase your range increments through the Super Senses
power, the Far Shot feat, or by buying a scope (found in the SRDs).

206 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010


This chapter contains information on how to run a Phoenix
game. It uses a different XP/levelling system than standard d20,
and that information is vital to running a game, so it's first in the
chapter. The next five short sections contain advice and general
guidelines for GMs with regard to running a superhero-themed
game, including notes on levels of violence, strategies for
making PCs feel suitably threatened, and various narrative
styles that are available to you. The final section of the chapter
contains an array of optional rules that you should read through
and consider.
Before we get to all of that, though, we want to explicitly
point out something that goes without saying, and therefore it
often isn't said at all. There is absolutely nothing stopping you
from selectively using some parts of Phoenix and not others.
The most obvious candidate is the Powers chapter, which you
could pretty easily import into any d20 game. All you'd need is a
Power Die for your classes (or an Act-Roll Bonus, if you use that
optional system). Some powers bring with them whole sets of
rules, Supertech Invention for example, but you can opt to not
include that particular power if you don't want to bring in the
whole supertech system. Although we primarily designed
Phoenix as an integrated game, you are not bound by that design
philosophy. You could borrow some of the feats, or the Generic
Firearms, or our Knockback rules. This game, like any RPG, is
just a set of rules that have been designed to work together, but
you are always within your rights to separate them, to mix and
match the rules that enhance your game-play experience.
Calculating Experience level-up then. If they're getting bored with the abilities they have,
We have come up with an XP system that uses just one
formula to calculate XP 38 and allows you to insert character,
story, and role-play awards much more easily than the standard
system. It is important to keep in mind that XP awards are not
just for winning fights, and they certainly do not require that the right.
heroes kill the villains. XP awards are for the whole encounter,
including saving innocent bystanders, stopping the villains' plans,
and subduing the villains. Whether "subduing" includes "killing"
is up to your gaming group to decide. To understand the XP
Formula, you need to be able to calculate Power Levels.
The XP Formula that's gnawing on the downtown core, or confronting a family
The thinking behind the XP Formula is that PCs should have
about 10 encounters before they level up, regardless of what
level they are, so having each level worth an increasing amount
of experience is actually unnecessary. To be clear, that's ten
encounters, not ten gaming sessions. One session might contain
three or four encounters.
Every level is 1000xp, and you calculate XP awards based a challenge using something other than violence (e.g., talking
on a comparison between the relative strength of the heroes
verus the villains, because the PCs shouldn't get as much
experience for an easy challenge as for a hard one. The XP
Formula looks like this:
(VL / HL) x (No. of V / No. of H) x 100 = XP
38 "Backstabbist," on the Wizards of the Coast d20 Modern discussion forum, it in, no award. If they're making an effort but they're not very
created the basic version of this formula, and then we tweaked it for Phoenix.
CHAPTER 8: GAME MASTERING
"VL" is the Villain's Levels, and the " HL" is the Hero's
Levels; in both cases, you add up all the levels of each group of
characters. "No. of V" is simply the number of villains, and
"No. of H" is the number of heroes.
The formula looks more complicated than it is. All you
need to do is find two ratios, one between the CLs of the
heroes and villains, and the other between the sheer numbers
of heroes and villains. You multiply the PL ratio by the ratio of
sheer numbers to take into account the fact that two 10 th-level
villains are a lot harder to defeat than one 20 th-level villain, and
vice-versa. Finally, you multiply the results by 10 so that you
get a number that's in the hundreds instead of a decimal. This
final step is really just aesthetic. Most people like working with
whole numbers better than decimals.
If you want a faster progression, you can reduce the amount
that levels are worth; 800xp will mean about 8 encounters per
level, 500xp will mean about 5 encounters per level, and so on.
Finally, if you prefer to not do math at all, then just level-
up your players every 10 encounters. If you're comfortable
weighting the encounters appropriately—neither babying your
players nor killing them off in every second fight—then there's
no real need to do all this math. Ten encounters, then level up.
It really can be that simple. Or seven encounters and then level
up, or five encounters and then level up.
If you're especially comfortable with playing it by ear, and
your players are especially comfortable with you doing that with
their PCs, then you can have them level up at the speed of plot,
as it were. Wait until after an important encounter, and have them
level them up. If you haven't played in a while an you feel they
need a boost in fun/confidence, level them up. If they're not
powerful enough to face the Big Bad you have prepared for the
next game, level them up. Whatever you and your players prefer
is fine. It's your game. If you're having fun, then you're doing it
Narrative Awards
Sometimes, the story or character development in a game is
just as, if not more, important than defeating villains. An
"encounter" can include having to talk the mayor into evacuating
the city so that you have room to fight the Raging Hell Beast
member who discovers your secret identity.
Narrative awards give you a chance to reward players who
revel in the role-play, and they can be a great excuse to nudge a
team's XP up so that they level-up when you need them to. There
is no precise math for this kind of thing, but GMs should use the
rule of thumb that each encounter is about 100xp .
When it comes situations in which the PCs have to overcome
their way out of a fight, charming their way through resistance,
etc.) you can apply the same reasoning as the XP Formula. If the
PCs are evenly matched, they should get 100xp. If they were
outmatched, they should get more. If it was easy pickings, they
should get less. If it was so easy that you don't want to bother
doing the math, then don't. Just fold it into the XP for the next or
previous encounter.
When it comes to drama and character development , you
can judge XP based on your own reaction. If the PCs are phoning
208 Chapter 8: Game Mastering

good at it, give them 500xp as a sign of encouragement. If they characters' weaknesses, but the point of the game is fun (not
have a consistent character who seems to have something of a "winning"), and as a GM, a lot of the responsibility for that fun
full life—family, friends, a job—then give them 100xp per game rests with you. Give them challenges that aren't easy, but do
as a role-play award. If they meticulously think through a match the PCs' strengths. Basically, give them something to do
backstory and have elaborate plans for the emotional with all the fancy-ass abilities they gave themselves .
development of their characters and their relationships with other When you design your big fights, don't leave only a single
characters, then give them the 100xp per-game award, as above, way to win. Don't force your players into a particular narrative
but for individual moments of high drama, toss out the path that you like. For every challenge in the game, an NPC or
occasional 100xp award. just an obstacle, make sure you can think of two or three ways
Effective Character Levels that the players could get around it with the skills and powers
that they already have. That way, you know that they're bound to
It is very important to note that the CLs above assume that think of their own way to do it (and the best moments for a GM
your PCs and NPCs all have roughly 10CP per character are when the players think of things that are a complete surprise).
level (or equivalent in special level adjustments or the Highly But if there's only one way to win, then they're just playing a
Experienced advantage). If your PCs or NPCs do not have guessing-game with you, and that's not very much fun, is it?
10CPs per level, then you must adjust their CL accordingly. You
shouldn't have to do this math very often, and it's not as Trashing the Scenery
complicated as it might seem. One Character Level is worth
10CP; therefore, you just need to find the new average between One of the most identifiable aspects of combat in
the character's levels and their Character Points. Total the level superhero comics is that stuff gets trashed. Cars are thrown
and the CPs (assuming 1 level equals 10CPs), and then halve the back and forth. Streets are ripped to pieces. Buildings topple.
result. The formula looks like this: That is exactly how a super fight should go. Just like a normal
fight should destroy the room, a super fight should take down the
(CL + [CPs / 10]) /2 = Effective Character Level neighbourhood. Wanton destruction is pretty much what we're
going for, here. Don't underestimate just how much more
For example, the sample villain Sharky is a 10th-level exciting a fight is if you make sure to point out that you took out
character with 60CPs, so he has an Effective Character Level of a phone booth with a missed kick, or that when you knocked
8 (10 + 6 =16, 16 / 2 = 8). Cyrus Samedi is a 14th-level character back a villain, he went straight through a brick wall. Don't worry
with 100CPs, so he has an ECL of 12 (14 + 10 = 24, 24 / 2 = 12). too much about the exact number of HPs it might take to do these
It's actually quite simple. things. The sets are expendable. They exist to make the fights
Superheroes and RPGs more fun. Even a missed attack can be exciting if it's
accompanied by a car blowing up, and missing is a lot less of a
The biggest difference between the stories you've seen and bummer if something cool happens .
read and the kinds of games players generally like, is in how the This is also a great way to make your villains more
heroes win. In fiction, heroes often win by sheer luck , a hold- threatening. Instead of "He tries to hit you with his eye-beams.
over from deus ex machina stories in which the heroes prevail He misses," say "He tries to hit you with his eye-beams, but you
because they are favoured by the gods. This can happen by manage to dodge out of the way and he puts a hole in the wall
finding exactly the right kind of weapon to defeat a particular behind you big enough to see the hair salon inside." More fun.
monster, right there in the alley where the fight takes place. It can More threatening. More rewarding when the PCs finally kick that
be a straight-forward "magic sword" story, in which the villain's ass.
protagonist needs a particular item to defeat the villain, because You can also use destruction to your advantage by having
no other attack affects it. Also, villains often go down by villains threaten to destroy the homes and property of innocent
exceedingly poetic means. They might kills themselves using the people, and possibly put your heroes on the defensive. You'll
tools of their own villainy, like falling into vat of noxious poisons want to decide on the violence level of your game to determine,
they're about to dump into the city reservoir, or being chewed up for example, whether there are people on the bus that your
in their own bizarre death machines. That's how fictional and villains use to pound the crap out of your heroes. It's also a
cinematic heroes often prevail. In these kinds of stories, the good common gag in superhero comics, for example, that buildings
guys win, at least in part, because the universe favours them. and cars that are destroyed in super fights are conveniently empty
RPG heroes, however, like to win through the application or abandoned.
of their abilities, as opposed to dumb luck. They want all the Lethality
work they put into making their characters to translate into
clever, strategic, and heroic victories. The key, then, is to let There is very little healing available in the modern world
them do so. Design your game around the PCs. Play to their outside of scientific medicine. Even in a superhero world,
strengths. Reward their cleverness and ingenuity. There's a healing powers are quite rare (only one: Healing Touch), so
certain resistance to doing this among a lot of GMs because it taking lethal damage in large amounts can be a game-ender.
feels like you're holding yourself back or even coddling the Although it is not required, we recommend that you use non-
players. There is certainly a time and a place for playing on the lethal damage in most encounters and save lethal damage for
particularly dramatic or important scenes. Doing so means that

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 Chapter 8: Game Mastering 209

your PCs can heal their non-lethal damage between scenes, but
taking that damage in combat still has meaning because if they
fall, they're very vulnerable. It also means that when someone
does actual lethal damage to those players, it will be all that more
dramatic.
The in-game explanation for this stylistic choice is very
simple: in safe, law-abiding communities, most people don't
want to commit murder. There are exceptions, of course, even in
the so-called First World, but given the law-enforcement systems
in place in nations such as the USA, Holland, or Japan, killing is
just not very high on even a villain's list of useful options,
especially compared to a mediaeval-fantasy world. Theft and
mayhem are one thing, but leaving a whole lot of dead bodies
behind is not a great strategic choice, even for organised criminal
syndicates and the like.
Of course, if you choose to use lethal damage, you can just as
easily rethink your game-world such that that is the most
reasonable option (e.g., a veritable arms race between heroes and
villains, the likes of which many comics have depicted), although
in such a world, you might want to encourage players to take
healing powers and/or provide NPCs who have them, otherwise
you'll have a whole lot of death, or a whole lot of down-time
between games, or both. Ultimately, this stuff is always up to
you. We just like to provide a few options so that you make your
own decisions.
Handling Powerful PCs
There are times when a particular player has struck on a
character design that seems to be unstoppable, and despite what
we just said about playing to your players' strengths, having no
fear of defeat isn't nearly as much fun as facing a genuine threat Blasters with Blasters, fight Flyers with Flyers. Just send a flying
and then defeating it. The key is the sense of accomplishment.
Players don't get that from merely wandering through a story
you've already determined the outcome of, and they also don't get flying is kinda useless in close quarters, so set a few fights in the
it when they can tear through the story like wet cardboard. So
here are a few standard "unbeatable" superhero archetypes and
how to beat the snot out of them.
The basic strategy is, instead of trying to attack the most
powerful aspect of a character, you simply avoid it. This is a
matter of lateral thinking. If they have a high DR score, find a
kind of attack that doesn't rely on damage to defeat the character.
DR, for example, is useless against grappling, and a grappled
character can't do much of anything. A character with a hideously
high Strength score might do disgusting amounts of damage per
round, but only against things he can hit. Send an incorporeal
villain against him, one who has some attacks she can use while
incorporeal, and he's out of luck. Whatever they're strongest
attack is, make a character who can barely be affected by it.
Whatever their strongest defence strategy is, simply avoid it and
use a different kind of attack. It's pretty simple once you get the
knack of it.
The Blaster/Sniper
Blasters put all of their energy into striking from a distance, the other foot.
which usually means Energy Attacks, but they can also be
fantastically skilled snipers. Blasters usually stay out of the fight
and fire into it. They'll take secondary abilities like Stealth skills,
Flight, or Invisibility. Anything that keeps them from getting hit.
Blasters are best taken out by other Blasters, NPCs who are
better hidden and/or just out of firing range. Extending your
NPC's range to the maximum can be just as helpful with Blasters
as extending a mêlée fighter's reach. Also, a Blaster who can't see
is useless. Blind him and he's just a target.
The Tank
Tanks are characters who've pumped all their abilities into
defence. They usually have extremely high Defence scores, DR
coming out of their pores and have layered on armour to the
point where they can't move. Toss one or two powerful attacks on
there, and they can just wade into fights and nickel down the
enemies at their leisure.
Tanks are built to withstand all kinds of physical attack, so
don't attack them physically. Hit them with chemical attacks, like
sleeping gas or even good old tear gas. They're almost always
fighter classes, though, so they'll have high Fortitude saves. If
your gas attacks aren't working, hit them with mental attacks. A
well-placed spell or psi-power can turn a team's biggest threat
into it's biggest liability. Don't be afraid to take over people's
minds and make them fight their team mates. It's a staple of
comics. Use it.
The Flyer
Flyers aren't as much of a problem as they might seem like,
but they can be annoying. A flying hero can ignore obstacles like
buildings and walls. They just go over them. That's what makes
Flight so useful. They can also stay totally out of range in a fight.
Flying Blasters are particularly challenging. Much like you fight
villain against the flying hero, and you can properly occupy it
and thus even the odds. As for limiting their range of movement,
sewers and see how much value they get out of that Flight power.
The goal is not to kill them but to keep them guessing, keep them
on their toes, keep them working to stay one step ahead so that
their victories are always meaningful.
The Hidden Mystic/Mentalist
A smart Mystic or Mentalist stays well away from the fight,
and emulates the Blaster in many ways. A really smart one
doesn't even let others realized they're in the fight at all. If she
sits in a parked car a block away from a fight or in a café on a
second floor, over-looking the fight, she can wreak a lot of havoc
and you'll never even know she's there. The solution here is to
remember that anyone using powers is detectable. Power
Detection is your friend. Surely, someone has realized that this
team has a "silent member," so the next time they go up against
that team, they'll be prepared. They'll sneak up on the little
bastard, sitting in their comfy little café, and bonk them on the
head. Judicious use of Metapowers can be a real help here, too.
Suppressing or even stealing their powers really puts the shoe on
The Speedster
Characters who are built for speed usually employ a
particular strategy: run into combat, deliver a series of attacks in

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210 Chapter 8: Game Mastering
a single round (using Bonus Actions), and then run out of the
combat entirely (using Spring Attack). Doing this almost
guarantees that the speedster can never even be targeted, let alone
hit. Simply running around a corner can keep them from taking
damage at all. The solution to this is extremely simple. Sacrifice
an action and Ready an attack against the speedster. No matter
how fast a character moves, you can still Ready an action for "the
next time that little bastard tries to kick me in the neck." Feel free
to Ready the NPC's nastiest attack. Putting up a good fight
makes the PC's victory that much sweeter.
Villains Cheat
The last thing to remember when facing players who seem to
think they have the system all figured out is simple: villains
cheat. That means that you should feel free to have them dangle
old ladies and school-children off the edges of suspension
bridges to get the upper hand on your heroes. Superheroes have
to follow certain basic moral principles. Villains don't. There
is a danger, of course, that the old ladies actually fall in the water,
but instead of holding back, not actually dropping the ladies into
the water, use it to up the ante. If you drop them, the heroes now
have a search-and-rescue job on their hands, and then they have
to do triage, and then they becomes an impromptu ambulance
service, and on it goes. Meanwhile, the villain is long gone.
In the same vein, allow villains to break the actual rules of
the game every so often. Give them enhancements or even
whole powers that aren't in the system. Allow them to do things
that they're not supposed to be able to and don't feel that you
have to make any excuses for it. Make a sniper whose bullets
pass through DR, just because it'll scare the bejezuss out of the
players. It's not cheating because as the GM, it's not your job
to win. It's your job to make the game as fun as possible , and
a big part of that is maintaining a threat level that gives the
players a feeling of accomplishment. Don't go over-board, of
course. If the players get the sense that they can't rely on the
rules at all, they'll start to not have fun any more, but having one
element in every game that's simply outside the rules is fine.
Power Levels
If you choose to give out a different amount of CPs at
character creation and/or per level, that has a effect on the
general power level of the game. You are by no means required
to give exactly the amounts described below, but they will give
you a general idea of what to expect.
Street Level
For 40CP, you can buy a power and a few enhancements, a
respectable Energy Attack, for example, a very good Flight
package, or a single ability in the super range (25 or more). You
could also forgo powers and buy an entire feat tree. Heroes of
this power level patrol the city looking for muggers and are
probably well-known in their neighbourhoods.
City Wide
For 100CP, you can buy two power suites, or really load up
on feats. You're a major hero in a major city, taking on infamous
crime bosses and occasionally getting national attention.
210 Phoenix v10 (draft)
National
For 150CP, you can diversify, buying several smaller powers,
like Amazing Leap and Amazing Combat Skill, as well as a
couple of major power suites, and a feat tree on the side. You are
nationally recognized, and probably have an international
reputation, too.
Global
Once you get to 200CP, you can buy several major suites,
many minor powers, a couple of feat trees, and you're globally
recognized. You might even have honorary citizenship in other
countries or be considered a "citizen of the world."
Legendary
Once you reach 300CP, you are a living force of history,
moving mountains and deciding the fate of the world. Your
powers rival those of Hercules or the Monkey King. There are
probably cults that worship you and great epics written about you
(or the pop culture equivalent). Citizenship is a trivial matter.
Mythic
Beyond the 400CP range, worlds tremble at your anger. Your
abilities are genuinely god-like. You treat the reaches of space or
the dimensions of reality as your playground and you probably
shed the last vestiges of humanity a long time ago.
Styles of Play
There are several sub-genres within superhero and pulp
stories, and if you want to give your games a particular kind of
feel, you can use one of them. They tend to match up with
particular eras in comics, science fiction, and fantasy, but the
actual era of the setting is entirely up to you.
Fun
Fun stories are the most commonly recognized sub-genre of
superheroism. Nobody ever gets killed. Heroes and villains alike
are just "knocked out" and always eventually wake up. Villains,
though reviled by society, seem to go into and get out of jail
without much explanation, and have a seemingly never-ending
budget to build elaborate hide-outs and cartoony props. In Fun
stories, the cops are never corrupt, the heroes' vigilante behaviour
is never questioned, and general tone is downright silly.
You can institute a rule that whenever someone would
normally kill a character, they can instead bring that character to
-1 hit points, stabilized. That way, people don't die but they are
solidly defeated. You can also make a rule that, though nobody
consciously knows it, guns simply don't hit people or do damage.
People can be shot and killed in other places, foreign wars or
tragic back-stories, but within the game, it just doesn't happen.
Superheroes and supervillains realize this, on some unconscious
level, and that's why they don't bother using guns.
The most common Origins in Fun games are Supertech and
Cosmic. Technology is, of course, a sign of the inevitable
progress of humanity. It's the triumph of civilization over nature,
a sign of our collective sophistication. By the same token,
Cosmic origins are usually related to accidents with science in
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Chapter 8: Game Mastering
which radiation energy is actually quite likely to grant powers,
instead of, you know, leukaemia.
Galactic
Galactic stories put heroes out in space, dealing with entities
so powerful, so primal, that they might as well be gods. Galactic
stories aren't explained in terms of mysticism, and they're
assumed to be based in science of a kind, but that science is so
far beyond human knowledge that the whole feel of it becomes a
sci-fi form of mythology.
The violence level in Galactic stories is relatively low. When
people die, they die "clean." Their bodies are consumed in
energy effects or burned up in swirling maelstroms of Cosmic
forces. The weapons in Galactic stories are just as often fantasy-
based—swords, axes, and such—as they are firearms, but in
either case, they're very high-concept: ray guns, blasters, laser
swords, lightning whips, etc. The most common Origins in
Galactic games are, like Fun games, Supertech and Cosmic.
Gritty
Gritty stories are ultra violent. Death lies around every
corner, and they're usually filled with people who have a grim
enjoyment of killing. Villains are killed routinely and heroes die
regularly, though they are just as often brought back as hideous
cyber-creatures, or undead monsters possessed by the dark forces
of Hell, or a little of both.
The most common Origins in in Gritty stories are Supertech
and Mystic. Cyborgs and undead are particular favourites, but
any power that takes over a hero or villain and enslaves them to a
cursed existence of some kind will do th ejob. A sentient parasite
that attaches itself to a player and grants vicious fighting abilities
(Biological) or a weakened death god that needs a place to hide
and chooses a human host (Mystic), or even both, are entirely
appropriate. Guns are everywhere in Gritty stories, and they're
usually big, shiny, and highly phallic . Just go with it, if that's
what you're into.
Pulp
Pulp adventures are based on the Golden Age of American
comics, the 30s and 40s. The most common Origins are Mystic
and Supertech. The Mystic powers are steeped in ancient rites
and usually have a culturally exotic feel. Be careful about
propagating ethnic stereotypes of spiritualism in Asia, the Middle
East, and among Aboriginal peoples, but also feel free to have
fun with the generic types of the era: Noirish detectives, sci-fi
supermen, mad scientists, and stage magicians who have real
magic. Supertech powers in Pulp games are usually based in
extremely hazy pseudo-science, like harnessing the power of
moonbeams. Supertech in this style appears almost identical to
Mysticism, so taking Esoteric Items with Supertech Origins is
quite appropriate.
The violence level of Pulp stories is actually quite high.
Powers can accidentally kill people. The police shoot criminals
regularly, and criminals have no qualms about shooting right
back. Guns are fairly common. The "urban jungle" is a dangerous
place, and Pulp stories can have a distinctly Noir and/or horror
tone. Feel free to get a bit creepy.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
211
Space Opera
Space Opera is science fiction where dashing heroes rescue
scantily-clad women from bug-eyed monsters. There were often
serious problems with how women were treated in Space Opera
and with how much the bug-eyed monsters resembled the ratial
other du jour. However, like Pulp, if you keep those problems in
mind, you can still have great fun. Some of the best science
fiction plays with those old clichés, turning the galactic princess
into a gun-totting ass-kicker, for example.
Heroes and villains don't often have powers in Space Opera.
It's a sci-fi genre, so people use technology instead. They will
have a lot of Gadgets and you can build things like blasters out
of the Gadget rules. A hand-held Energy Attack Gadget is
basically a blaster. A Gadget loaded with Flight could be a jet-
pack. Deaths of named characters are rare in Space Opera.
Villains are killed at the ends of long stories, heroes just don't
die, and the nameless, faceless, bug-eyed aliens drop like flies.
Wuxia
Wuxia is the name of a Chinese genre of high-fantasy martial
arts. It's popular in both novels and cinema. For our purposes, we
apply it (spuriously!) to all high-fantasy martial arts, including
works from Korea, Thailand, Japan, etc.
Powers in Wuxia are always Mystical. They come straight
out of the discipline and spiritualism of the martial arts. Having
strong Kung Fu is this genre's universal explanation for powers,
including Ability Enhancement, Flight, Amazing Leap, etc.
Wuxia showcases physical abilities like leaping and fighting.
Flashy powers like Energy Attacks are rare.
Death is pretty common in Wuxia; it's generally set in a
version of Imperial or Ancient China in which law-enforcement
is lax at best. It's a bit like the Chinese equivalent of the Old
West or barbarian Europe. None of these settings are accurate to
their historical period, of course, but that doesn't need to stop you
from having fun in them. In modern Wuxia-style stories, set in
big cities like Hong Kong or Kyoto, characters have to deal with
legal consequences of death and killing, but those deaths will
probably happen. Guns are at a real minimum in Wuxia because
the whole point is to show off fancy martial arts moves. Exotic
Asian weapons are entirely appropriate, of course.
Putting It All Together
These styles should, just like the descriptions of standard
superheroes in Chapter 1, be taken with a handful of salt. Never
forget that it's your game, that it's up to you to decide exactly
what kind of feel you're going for, and that you are not bound by
genre. Instead, you should think of genres as opportunities, little
prepared sets of storytelling conceits that you can whip out when
you need to. Feel free, for example, to combine genres if you
want to. A Gritty Space Opera that takes place on the Moon
could be quite fun, or Wuxia Mystery Men leaping and springing
around New York, or a Fun adventure that's played at the Cosmic
level, with evil demi-gods gnashing their teeth and complaining
that they "would have got away with it, too, if not for you kids!"
Whatever you choose to do, though, talk to your players.
Don't just make decisions by fiat. Ask them what kind of game
211
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they want, listen to what they think will be fun, and try to
amalgamate it all into one story. It's not easy, and you can't
satisfy everyone all the time, but the more you and your players
can agree one what style of gaming you're looking for, the more
fun everybody gets to have, and fun is the real point, after all.
Optional Rules
awesome forces you to stand up and applaud whomever thought
of it. Awesome bonuses can be applied cross-player. If for
example the team Sneak comes up with a brilliantly ridiculous
tactic for the team Blaster to employ, the Blaster might get the
bonus because she's performing the action, although the Sneak
gets the bragging rights.
CP Distribution Methods

There are several optional rules that we thought up while we The standard rules for Phoenix state that characters get 10CP
created this game, different ways of doing things that we liked per level and they start at 4 th level, which means they start with
but that didn't quite fit the rest of the system. They're all good 40CPs. However, CPs are a very fluid game mechanic, so there
ways of running the game, but some of them didn't make it are other ways to distribute them in your games: Front-Loaded,
because one particular policy was decided upon early or just Lump Sum, XP Debt, and The One-Shot.
because there needs to be one official way to do things and we GMs are, of course, free to mix and match any aspects of
had to pick one. these systems or to adjust the exact numbers of CPs they give out
Most of our optional rules are in the chapters that they pertain (either at character creation and/or per level). Once you start
to. The following list shows all the optional rules that are not in running the game, these things are all up to you. The distribution
this chapter: methods we've presented here give you a set of trustworthy
• Rolling for Ability Scores , p2 defaults, but in the end, it's your game. Never feel you're so
• F/X Classes, p38 bound to the rules that you can't use your own judgement.
• Generic Superhero, p42
Lump Sum
• Other Class Options (Modern Classes, Mixed Classes,
At character creation, the PCs receive a sum of character
and Omega Levels), p43
points, usually between 40CPs and 80CPs, depending on the
• The Synergy Roll, p51
GM's preference. This system most closely mimics the way that
• Tongue-In-Cheek Feats, p77 superhero comics actually work. In theory, superheroes get
• The Act-Roll System, p162 powers at the beginnings of their careers and then, after that, they
gain experience, but their powers stay basically the same.
The rest of this section details several optional rules that for
Phoenix, listed in alphabetical order: the Awesome Bonu, Front-Loaded
alternative CP Distribution Methods, Variable Negative HPs, and At character creation, the PCs receive between 20CPs and
the Vitality/Wounds system, slightly altered for Phoenix. 60CPs, but at every level thereafter, they get only 5CPs. This
system is a compromise between the standard 10CP per level and
Awesome Bonus the Lump Sum method.

As a bit of good-natured goofiness, you and your gaming

group can decide to play by the Awesome Rules, which pair up
with the Tongue-In-Cheek Feats feats (see Chapter 4: Feats). At
any time, the GM can grant a PC, and potentially even an NPC, a
bonus to an action that is deemed, by a loose consensus at the
table, to be awesome. This bonus is minimum +2 and maximum
+10, although a +10 bonus must be an act that is truly and deeply
awesome on a spiritual level. GMs have the final call on what
gets an Awesome bonus, of course, but the will of the group
should be taken into account. Only a gaming group that is not
prone to extended bouts of rules lawyering should take on these
rules, as they can create bad feelings at the gaming table if
they're taken too seriously. Some of the Tongue-In-Cheek rules,
specifically the verbal feats, grant awesome bonuses as well, but
remember that like bonuses don't stack.
As a very general rule of thumb, a +2 bonus is appropriate for
something that makes you grin and say "sweeeeeet." A +4 is
more appropriate for something that makes someone at the table
cackle. For a +6, someone will probably giggle through a whole
round of combat, just waiting for the turn in which the awesome
thing will happen. A +8 must be so awesome that you would
actually feel comfortable telling a non-gamer about it a later date.
Finally, a +10 should be handed out only if the sheer level of
XP Debt
PCs start play at 4 th level and get 20CPs to start. They can
then "borrow" character points against their future experience
points. For every 10CPs they borrow, they must pay it back in the
form of a 50% experience penalty for one level. This means that,
for example, in exchange for 20CPs, a character must spend two
levels earning half as much XP as she should. When she pays off
the XP debt, she can then either start earning levels at the normal
rate, or go back into debt. In this system, PCs do not get any
character points per level at all.
The One-Shot
Sometimes, you might want to play a one-shot game, a single
adventure after which the characters will never be used again and
the GM will never have to worry about awarding experience. For
games like these, GMs can simply award a Lump Sum of
Character Points, and PCs can take the Highly Experienced Ad to
buy levels as well as powers. If you give the players 50 CP, then
they can buy 4 levels and 10 CPs worth of powers, or 5 levels
and no powers, or whatever combination they like. The power
levels within your team will be about the same, despite different
levels and different powers. In One-Shot games, this method
creates a great deal of variety and flexibility among the players,

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 Chapter 8: Game Mastering 213

which simulates the feeling of playing characters who developed You gain Vitality points exactly the same way you gain Hit
on their own rather than just having been created. Points: at every level, you roll your Hit Die, as designated by
your class (or your "Vitality Die" if you prefer) and add your
Hit Points Constitution bonus (you get at least 1 Vitality point regardless of
penalties to your roll); for your first level, you gain maximum
In concrete terms, HPs are a very abstract game mechanic. Vitality points on the die.
They're so abstract, in fact, that you and your players can Wound points represent how much true physical damage you
conceive of them in many ways. The mechanic remains can withstand. You always have a number of Wound points
consistent, of course, but you can describe taking damage in equal to your Constitution score. If your Constitution goes up
different terms. The most obvious conception is that HPs or down, then your Wound points go up and down with it. Once
represent the characters taking physical damage, and when they you lose all your Vitality points, damage applies directly to your
are sufficiently injured, they pass out and fall down. You can also Wound points.
think of HPs as a measure of pain and shock. In this version,
taking damage is about being rendered unable to think clearly Critical Hits
enough to be considered conscious. HPs, earned by level, could Critical hits bypass your Vitality and apply directly to
represent the characters' increasing ability to reduce in- your Wounds. They do not get multiplied, as under standard d20
coming damage, shifting their stance or posture such that they rules. Critical Multipliers on weapons do not exist in the Vitality/
turn a potentially fatal blow into a "mere flesh wound." There are Wound system.
many options. Weapons and attacks gain a +1 to their critical threat for
The next two sections detail actual rule changes to HPs and every x2 multiplier after the first one . Thus, x3 grants a +1 to
how they work; one is very minor, and the other is a full-blown the range (e.g., 20 becomes 19-20), and x4 grants a +2 (e.g., 20
overhaul of the damage system. becomes 18-20), and x5 grants a +3 (e.g., 20 becomes 17-20).
Variable Negative HPs Please do all of this math before you get to the gaming table. 39

Instead of the standard 10 negative HPs, you can rule that
your negative HPs equal your Constitution score. In this
system, you don't die until you reach a number of negative HPs
equal to your Constitution. You can now potentially lie on the
ground "dying" for a lot longer, which means your team mates
don't have to run and save you right away.
This rule changes Phoenix a lot considering that it's possible
to pump your Constitution up into the 20s or 30s using Ability
Boost and Ability Enhancement. It creates a situation in which
those who have high Constitution scores and take the Dieheard
feat are nigh unkillable. The corollary is that high Constitution
scores become far more valuable.
Vitality/Wounds
The Vitality/Wounds system is a published, open-gaming
option that fits quite well with a modern, fantastic game like
Phoenix. It creates a system in which you can take a great deal of damage, whichever comes first. Additional Wound damage
damage, in the form of Vitality, and regenerate it very quickly
between encounters, but you also run the risk of taking Wounds
that could put you down for the count quickly. It increases your
ability to keep playing without the aid of supernatural healing,
which is not in great supply in Phoenix, but it also means that
you can get smacked down by a lucky hit. The combination
works well for the cinematic/fantastic action-based genre on
which this game is based. The following text is slightly altered
from the original source, Monte Cook's Unearthed Arcana, in
order to fit the Phoenix system and the superhero genre.
Vitality Points and Would Points
Vitality points are a measure of your ability to turn a direct same effects as "Taking Wound Damage" (above), but your
hit into a graze or a glancing blow with no lasting damage. Like
hit points in the standard d20 rules, Vitality points go up with
level, giving you a greater ability to shrug off attacks at high
levels. Most types of damage reduce Vitality points.
Non-Lethal Damage
This system obviates the need to separate non-lethal and
lethal damage because Vitality is in effect non-lethal and Wounds
are lethal. Attacks that normally deal non-lethal damage instead
deal Vitality damage, except in the case of a critical hit.
Zero Vitality Points
At 0 Vitality, you can no longer avoid taking real physical
damage. Any additional damage you receive reduces your
Wounds.
Taking Wound Damage
The first time you take Wound damage you become
fatigued, even if it's only a single point. You can't Run or Charge,
and you take a -2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity. These effects
last until you have rested for 8 hours or until you heal the Wound
doesn't make you exhausted.
In addition, when you take Wound damage, you must roll
a Fortitude save (DC 5 + Wound damage). If you succeed,
nothing happens. If you fail, you are stunned for 1d4 rounds.
During that 1d4 rounds, anyone can expend a Standard action to
relieve your stunned condition by giving you a slap on the face,
splashing you with cold water, yelling "WAKE UP DAMN
YOU!", or the like.
Zero Wound Points
There is no such thing as negative Wound points. They get to
0 and then stay there. Any additional Wound damage triggers the
Wounds stay at 0, regardless. At 0 Wound points, you are
39 Under the standard Vitality/Wounds rules, critical hits ignore Damage
Reduction, but given how common and cheap DR is in Phoenix, we feel this
would be inappropriate to our game.

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214 Chapter 8: Game Mastering

disabled and must make a Fortitude save (DC 15). If you Recovering with Help
succeed, you remain disabled. If you fail, you fall unconscious When you're dying, someone can make a Treat Injury
and start "Dying" (see below). check (DC 15) to render you stable (this requires a standard
action and provokes and attack of opportunity). Even if that
Disabled check fails, one hour later, you become stable and you have a
When you are disabled, you are conscious, but you can take 10% chance of regaining consciousness , at which point you
only a single move or standard action each turn , but not both, become disabled. If you remain unconscious, you have the same
nor can you take full-round actions. You move at half speed. chance to regain consciousness every hour. Even while you're
Taking move actions doesn't risk further injury, but performing unconscious, you recover Wounds naturally, becoming conscious
any standard action automatically shift your condition to and resuming normal activity when your Wound points rise to 1
"Dying"; this includes any action the GM deems strenuous, or higher.
including some free actions such as casting a quickened spell.
Natural Healing
Dying You recover Vitality at a rate of 1 point per hour per
When you are dying, Table 8-1 Dying character level.
you are unconscious and Failure/Success Results With a full night’s rest, you recover 1 Wound point per
near death. Each round, character level (minimum 1 per night), or twice that amount
Fail dead
on your turn, you make with complete bed rest for 24 hours. Any significant interruption
a Fortitude save (DC 10, Succeed dying during the rest period prevents the you from healing that night.
+1 per turn after the first) Succeed by 5 – 10 stable
to become stable. If if conscious, Assisted Healing
Succeed by 10 or more
you fail this save, you disabled Long-term care (see the Treat Injury skill) doubles the rate at
die. If you succeed on which you recover lost Vitality/Wounds.
this save by less than 5, you do not die but also do not improve.
You are still dying and you must continue to make Fortitude Supernatural Healing
saves every round. If you succeed on the save by 5 or more but Powers that heal hit point damage work somewhat differently
by less than 10, you become stable but remain unconscious. If in this system. Apply the dice of healing to your Vitality points,
you succeed on the save by 10 or more, you become conscious and apply the number of dice to your Wounds.
and disabled. See Table 8-1 for quick reference. For example, Healing Touch at 10 ranks would grant 10d6
When you are dying, anyone can make a Treat Injury check Vitality and 10 Wounds.
(DC 15) to render you stable. This check requires a standard Effects that return a number of hit points not based on a die
action and provokes an attack of opportunity. roll, such as Heal, apply the healing to lost Wound points first,
then to lost Vitality. For example, an 11th-level Mystic casting
Stabilising Heal has 110 points of healing to apply. If the target has taken 12
If you are stable, then points of Wound damage and 104 points of Vitality damage, the
you are unconscious. Table 8-2 Stabilising spell heals all the Wound damage and 98 points of the Vitality
Every hour, you must roll Failure/Success Results damage, leaving you with only 6 points of Vitality damage
a Fortitude save (DC 10, Fail dying remaining.
+1 per hour after the Succeed stable
first). If you succeed, you Fast Healing
remain stable. If you conscious, Fast healing, either the species trait or the power, restores
Succeed by 5
succeed by 5 or more, you disabled Wound points first, and then Vitality points . For creatures that
regain consciousness but you're still disabled. have no Constitution score (e.g., undead or constructs), fast
If you fail the save, you are now dying. If you succeed by healing restores Wounds instead of Vitality.
less than 5, you remain stable and your condition does not get
worse. You are stable and unconscious and you must continue to Regeneration
make Fortitude saves every hour. If you inflict damage onto an NCP with regeneration, the
If you are unaided, stable, and conscious, and have 0 damage goes only to Vitality, even in the case of critical hits.
Wound points, you have a 10% chance to start recovering Anyone with regeneration who runs out of Vitality points
Wound points naturally, starting that same day. Once you start becomes fatigued as if they had taken Wound point damage.
recovering Wound points naturally, unaided, you are no longer in Excess damage, however, does not affect their Wounds.
danger of dying. Certain attack forms automatically deal Wound damage
to a regenerating NPCs, typically fire and acid (see their
Healing and Recovery individual descriptions), although they can attempt a Fortitude
After taking damage, you can recover Vitality and Wounds save (DC 10 + damage) to convert this to Vitality damage, which
through natural healing (over the course of hours or days) or by they can then regenerate normally. Otherwise, regeneration
supernatural means. functions as described in the standard rules and in individual
NPC descriptions.

214 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 8: Game Mastering 215

Villains without Con Scores

Special Effects Some characters, such as undead and constructs, do not have
The Vitality/Wound-point system changes the way some Constitution scores, and therefore they have no Vitality points.
special damage/defence effects work. Instead, they have Wound points equal to their listed HP total.
They are never fatigued or stunned by Wound damage.
Bonus Hit Points
Bonus hit points apply to your Wound-point total . This Challenge Ratings
includes both permanent effects, including the Toughness feat, Increase the CR of any Gargantuan or Colossal
and short-term effects, but it does not include raising your villain/monster by +1, and any Ginormous villain by +2, unless
Constitution score, which both raises your Wound-point total and the creature does not have a Constitution score. Its size grants it
your Vitality-point total by virtue of how the system works. more Vitality, therefore it's tougher to defeat. Villains/monsters
with fractional CRs move up to the next highest fraction. The
Coup de Grace kobold (ordinarily CR 1/4) becomes CR 1/3, for example, while
A coup de grace functions normally in that it automatically the goblin (normally CR 1/2) becomes CR 1.
hits and scores a critical hit (and thus the damage dealt applies to
the target's Wound points). If a defender survives the damage, he/ Metagame Analysis
she/it must make a Fortitude save (DC 10 + damage) or die. Characters using this system should be more wary in combat,
which can turn deadly in the space of a few lucky rolls. But they
Massive Damage can also bounce back from a fight much more quickly. For that
The Vitality/Wounds system obviates the need for Massive reason, this variant is an ideal system for the modern world,
Damage rolls. where healing is rare and slow.
A very weak character in this system tends to be tougher to
NPCs and Villains kill than in a standard d20 game, since its Constitution score is
Generally speaking, having levels in a class grants Vitality. often higher than the number of hit points it might have had.
Everyone else has only Wounds. In effect, hero levels grant the Very big creatures are also more durable, due to their size
uncanny ability to shrug off damage, turn fatal attacks into "flesh modifier. The CR adjustments reflect this shift in the system.
wounds" and such. Heroic PCs and villainous NCPs all have both Characters capable of dealing a large amount of damage on a
Vitality and Wounds. Most monsters, from fantasy-based d20 single hit become significantly more deadly in this system,
games, have both Wound points and Vitality points, as well. because a lucky attack roll can give a deadly blow to almost any
character.
Vitality and Size For critical hits, consider reducing the additional damage
A monster's Vitality point total is Table 8-3 Vitality
and Size from bonus damage dice, such as sneak attack damage, to only 1
equal to the number of hit points it point per die. (Such attacks deal normal damage on non-critical
would normally have, based on its type Vitality
Size hits.) That's still pretty scary when fighting a high-level rogue,
and Constitution score. The GM may Modifier
but not quite as terrifying as facing the possibility of an extra 5 or
choose not to assign Vitality points to Fine x1/8 10 dice of Wound point damage with a successful critical hit on a
creatures that pose little or no threat to Diminutive x1/4 sneak attack. You may find other places where damage needs
PCs. The sheer size of a villain or adjustment in this system as well; don't be afraid to tinker when
monster affects its Wound point total Small x1
needed to keep your game fun and exciting.
(see Table 8-3). Multiply the character's Medium x1
Constitution damage is especially deadly under this variant,
total hit points by the number listed in Large x1 since every point of Constitution damage reduces Wound points
the column according to its size Huge x2 by 1 and every 2 points of damage reduces Vitality by a number
category (hint: for the fractions, you can of points equal to the character's HD. Remember that if your
divide by the denominator). Gargantuan x4
Constitution is reduced to zero, you die regardless of whether
Colossal x8
you have Vitality/Wound points remaining.
Ginormous x16

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216 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010


Templates
The following is a list of templates. Templates in Phoenix
function as they normally do in d20, with one addition. They also
have an optional CP Cost. This means if you take, for example,
the Atlantean template, you can either "pay" with two levels (and
thus start as a 2 nd-level PC), or you can buy the template for
20CPs (10 CP per level, as per the Highly Experienced
advantage). Species bonuses to ability scores are traits and not
powers, because they are fundamental to physiology of the
species.
Aliens
Greys
Grey aliens are short creatures with large heads and big eyes.
They are often blamed for everything from crops circles, to cattle
mutilation, to abductions and anal probes, but their actual
culpability in these events is still in question. Whether these
events even take place is still in question. What we do know,
however, is that Grey technology is centuries ahead of the most
advanced human technology, but they are physically much
weaker and smaller than humans.
Type: Humanoid.
Physical Description: Greys are less than half the height of
the average human, have skin tones that range from greyish-
white to eraser-pink. Greys have heads so large that their necks
have to move very slowly to support the weight, and long, thin
arms with almost no muscle tissue. Their legs are short and
stumpy. Under Earth's gravity they do not walk so much as
waddle. The Grey home planet, where ever it might be, probably
has much lower gravity, although no human has ever been there
and come back. To human eyes, Greys have no gender.
Size: Small.
Height/Weight:
Speed: 15 ft. (waddling).
Ability Scores: Greys have little upper-body Strength and
have almost not leverage on their stumpy legs. They are,
however, highly intelligent and wise, and surprisingly charming
to humans.
• Strength -8
• Dexterity -8
• Constitution -8
• Intelligence +8
• Wisdom +8
• Charisma +8
Starting Occupation: Greys might very well have
occupations where they come from, but they would be a total
mystery to humans. Thus, Greys have no Occupation, per se: no
bonus skills, feats, or Wealth increases.
Mental Powers: Greys display amazing cognitive abilities
and/technological prowess. As such, they receive, for free, on of
the following four powers:
Supertech Invention with Increased Power rnk 1
Telekinesis with Mental Muscle
Telepathy with Broadcast and Relay
Repairing Touch rnk 8 with Ranged Repair rnk 1
CHAPTER 9: HEROES AND VILLAINS
Skills: Knowledge (technology) +4, Repair +8, Supercraft
+8, Use Device +4
Languages: Greys speak their own language, which sounds
to humans like melodic humming, and can know other languages
as per their Intelligence scores, but they would not necessarily
speak any terrestrial language unless they learned it on purpose.
Even when they do, they almost always have a melodic, slightly
softened accent because of their oral anatomy.
Level Adjustment: +1
CP Cost: 10CP
Fantasy Species
The SRDs detail several fantasy races (dwarves, elves, half-
elves, half-orcs, and gnomes), and there are dozens of options in
other published sources. Any pre-existing race will either be
balanced so that you can take it at first level or it will have a
Level Adjustment. In addition to those published races, we
provide eight new ones: Aerials, Atlanteans and Half-Atlanteans,
Brutes, Cat People, Mole People, Rock People and, Tomorrow
People. These new species are written with a minimal amount of
biographical/cultural detail so that you can alter them to fit your
own game world. Feel free to add or remove powers as well, in
order to further tailor them to your game. Just make sure to alter
their Level Adjustment/CP Cost accordingly.
Aerials
Aerials are people who, for one reason or another, have
wings. They can be descendants of an ancient race that cloisters
itself on mountaintops, or members of an alien species that
happened to evolve wings. Remember that they're not just
humans with wings; they're a species that integrates wings into
otherwise humanoid physiology, which is why they have great
upper-body strength (they need it to flap their wings) and are
relatively frail physically (because they have light bones, like
birds).
Type: Humanoid.
Physical Description: Aerials have a large pair of feathery
wings sprouting out of their shoulder blades. Their wing span is
about 1.5 times their height, and when folded into their backs, the
wings extend above their heads and hang down to their calves.
Logically, their feathers should be of similar colouring to the
Aerial's hair, brown feathers for brown hair, gold feathers for
blond hair, etc. However, you can certainly designate a more
fanciful colour or pattern, with your GM's approval.
Size: Medium.
Height/Weight: Aerials tend to stand taller than humans, by
about 6", and their wings give the illusion of even greater height
because they extend well above their shoulders when pulled in.
Ironically, they weigh about 50 lb. less then humans because of
their bird-like bone structure.
Speed: 20 (walking). 60 (flying), average manoeuvrability.
Ability Scores: Aerials need great upper-body strength to
keep themselves aloft. Out of sheer necessity, their pectorals are
extremely well developed. They also have very fine balance and
coordination, which they need to be able to fly at all. However,
their bird-like bones are slightly easier to break than human
bones, so they're not quite as robust.
• Strength +4
• Dexterity +4
218 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

• Constitution -2 undersea-city version. Their Wealth is based on currency and

objects of trade from their Atlantis, like precious stones and
Starting Occupation: Aerials can, theoretically, have any metals, so their Occupation's Wealth Bonus is halved at character
occupation. They just have the equivalent of their native culture, creation.
whether that's a remote city in the Andes or an alien civilization. Telepathy: Base Power, limitation: Monoglot.
Their Wealth is based on currency and objects of trade from their Atlanteans have no verbal language (although they do have a
home communities, including precious stones or metals as well written one that is distantly related to Ancient Greek with a hint
as alien currency, so their Occupation's Wealth Bonus is halved at of Sumerian). In fact, they regard the practise of communication
character creation (round down). through vocalized noises to be very strange indeed. Most
Flight: Base Power, enhancements: 60 feet/MPH speed, Atlanteans never train their telepathy past the equivalent of the
Good manoeuvrability; limitations: Wings base power, but some develop their minds enough to gain its
Eyesight: +4 Observe (visual), +2 Search. Double sight enhancements. It's about as common as someone working hard to
range. Aerials have keen eyesight that allows them to identify develop singing skills.
objects on the ground from great heights. Mute: Atlantean physiology is not capable of producing
Speed: Aerials walk more slowly than equivalent-height coherent speech. The vocal cords and diaphragm simply aren't
humans because their legs are slightly less developed. They're evolved to do it. They can make some noises when exposed to
built for flying. the air, glottal stops and hissing mostly, but by the time they've
Skills: Bonus to Jumping as per the Flight (wings) power, but been in the air long enough to make those noises, they're usually
also -4 to Jump without wings due to their underdeveloped asphyxiating.
lower-body muscles. Aural Sensitivity: Atlantean ears have developed for the
Languages:Aerials speak their own language, which oceans, so in air environments their hearing is not just acute, but
resembles a collection of squawks and bird calls. painfully sensitive. They do not receive a bonus to Listen checks.
Level Adjustment: +3 The surface world, even outside of a major city, is to them like
CP Cost: 30CP. playing static at a rock concert. Industrial ear protection
(Purchase DC 4) is necessary for them to function outside of the
Atlanteans water, and that works only because it blocks out all sound. The
Atlanteans are the people of the fabled lost city of Atlantis, an noise doesn't do HPs of damage, but it is so intense that they are
ancient civilization that sank beneath the Atlantic ocean. In rendered helpless without ear protection.
comics and fantasy fiction, Atlanteans are almost universally Pressure Adaptation: Base Power.
water-breathers who possess ancient and powerful magic, but Atlanteans live at the bottom of the ocean and are therefore
sometimes it's an ancient form of technology. The specifics are immune not just to the crushing pressure of the depths but to
flexible and the individual interpretations of the myth are many decompression, "the bends," as well.
and varied. Amphibious: Base Power
Although individuals are as varied as any other member of a Atlanteans can draw oxygen from water. They cannot,
culture, Atlanteans are typically (some might say stereotypically) however, breath air. They suffer all the consequences of
depicted as haughty and distant, thinking of themselves as asphyxiation when they are outside of a water environment.
superior to the "surface dwellers," but they can just as easily be Darkvision (Super Senses): Atlanteans can see to the length
gentle and wise, looking to help humanity. of their vision in total darkness. Living at the bottom of the sea
means that they function in nearly total darkness most of the
Type: Humanoid. time, although they do have artificial light sources. Atlanteans
Physical Description: Atlanteans resemble humans in most see only in black and white, though. Colour variation is simply
way, but their skin takes a blue and/or green tinge and they have lost on them.
visible gills under their chins and on their necks. They tend to Light Sensitivity: Full, surface-world daylight is practically
have curly hair and always have epicanthic folds, although there blinding to Atlanteans. Without custom-made eye protection
is a great deal of ethnic variety among them and some features (Purchase DC 5), they are effectively blind in any light brighter
are more pronounced in individuals than others. than a night with the moon out.
Size: Medium. Skills: +10 Swim. Atlanteans are natural-born swimmers.
Height/Weight: Atlanteans are typically slightly taller than Languages: None. Not only are Atlantean vocal cords not
humans (add 4" on average), and due to their dense physiology, capable of producing speech (they're just not evolved for it), they
are twice as heavy. also find human thought patterns to be so alien that they cannot
Speed: 30 (hustle), 60 (swim) communicate with them through telepathy. Atlanteans effectively
Ability Scores: Atlanteans are extremely tough and strong have to learn human languages individually in order to learn how
because they have to withstand the pressure of the ocean depths. we arrange our thoughts.
• Strength +8 Feats: Environmental Combat Speciality (ocean).
• Constitution +8 Level Adjustment: +4
Starting Occupation: Atlanteans can have basically the CP Cost: 40CP
same range of occupations as humans, they just have the ancient-

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 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains
Half-Atlanteans
Occasionally, humans and Atlanteans have children who have
some but not all of their ocean-dwelling parent's physical
characteristics. Some Half-Atlanteans are the product of a chance
meeting between an Atlantean and a human, but there are also
occasionally very small communities of them, usually living on
coastal villages that happen to be along the travelling routes that
exist, secretly, between Atlantis and the surface world.
Type: Humanoid.
Physical Description: Half-Atlanteans have some of their
Atlantean parents' colouring, which results in blue or greenish
highlights in parts of the body that have little pigment (around
the eyes and ears, on the palms, and of course the lips and
tongue). This effect is less pronounced the darker the skin of the
human parent. A Half-Atlantean of, for example, North-African
descent will have blue/green tones on the lips and tongue and
palms of the hands, but it will be very hard to see on the face. A
Half-Atlantean of Scandinavian descent will have a distinctly
blue/green tone because their skin is naturally that much lighter
and lets the Atlantean colouring show through.
Size: Medium.
Height and Weight: Half-Atlanteans are about the same
height as humans but tend to be quite broad and muscled, so
they're heavier, on average, about 1.5 times a human.
Speed: 30 (hustle) 30 (swim)
Ability Scores: Half-Atlanteans have some of their Atlantean
parent's strength and robustness but they very rarely live deep
underwater full-time, so they're not forced to develop that
strength.
• Strength +4
• Constitution +4
Starting Occupation: In theory, Half-Atlanteans have the
full optional range of occupations, but they tend to live on the
fringes of society, because neither humans nor Atlanteans are
very comfortable around them, so they also tend to take
occupations that reflect that. They are rarely, for example,
Celebrities or Entrepreneurs.
Telepathy: Base Power, limitation: Empathy.
If they are part of a Half-Atlantean community, they have a
tendency to speak in less nuanced language because they are
accustomed to feeling each other's emotions while talking.
Speech: Half-Atlanteans are capable of speech, but only in
relatively quiet, breathy voices. They cannot sing loudly or make
vocal noises that are any louder than regular conversation. Their
vocal cords are just not as developed as a human's.
Aural Sensitivity: Half-Atlanteans receive a +2 to Observe
(aural) checks because they've developed the ability to actually
use sound as a sense, as opposed to their Atlantean parents, but
they also take a -4 against all forms of sonic attack that target
hearing. They are more easily deafened, for example, or
distracted by noise in general.
Although not as sensitive as their Atlantean parents, Half-
Atlanteans still find loud sounds very bothersome. They can
function in the noise of the surface world, but they crave quiet as
much as possible. Living in an urban centre would be extremely
difficult for them, but if they take time every day to be in a
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
219
totally quiet environment and wear commercially-available
earplugs most of the time, they can manage.
Pressure Adaptation: Base Power
Half-Atlanteans can survive living at practically the bottom
of the sea, but they find it about as physically unpleasant as
living in a noisy, surface-world environment, so they rarely live
down there full-time.
Amphibious (Aquatic): Base Power
Half-Atlanteans can draw oxygen directly from the water.
They have their Atlantean parent's gills, but they are less
pronounced and could be covered by up a scarf or high collar.
Low-Light Vision (Super Senses): Enhancement.
Half-Atlanteans can see twice as far as humans in low-light
conditions and can distinguish colour, though at a muted
intensity than a human can. They do not see subtle colour
variation and blue/green colour blindness affects about about
50% of all Half-Atlanteans.
Visual Sensitivity: Like their aural sensitivity, Half-
Atlanteans are not as bad off as their Atlantean parents. If they
wear commercially-available sunglasses in the daytime, they can
function without much trouble. At night, they can go without
them.
Skills: +5 Swim. Half-Atlanteans are not as good at
swimming as their Atlantean parents, but they still have a real
knack for it.
Languages: Half-Atlanteans have an intuitive sense of
Atlantean thought patterns, and therefore can have complex,
meaningful communication via telepathy with their undersea
parents even though they have only an empathetic sense with
humans. However, Atlanteans usually find Half-Atlantean
thought communication to be clunky and simplistic. Their
thoughts have a strong human "accent."
Feats: Environmental Combat Speciality (ocean).
Level Adjustment: +3
CP Cost: 30CP
Brutes
Brutes are a semi-evolved, ape-like form of human that,
though not naturally violent, is fairly quick to anger if provoked.
Actual Brutes don't exist in the modern world, of course, but they
can get here by a variety of methods, like accidental time travel
and de-evolution effects.
Type: Humanoid.
Physical description: Brutes tend to be shorter and broader
that modern humans, have longer arms that hang down past the
knees, walk with a stoop, and have thick brows and prominent
jaws. Brutes can be of all skin tones, from pale to dark, but their
features are uniform.
Size: Medium.
Speed: 40
Ability Scores: Brutes are surprisingly tough and strong, but
not too swift in the brains department, and they're not real
charmers, generally speaker.
• Strength +8
• Constitution +8
• Intelligence -4
219
220 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

• Wisdom -4 Mole People

• Charisma -4
Starting Occupation: None. Within their communities,
Brutes have positions within the pack hierarchy, but not
occupations per se. They have Wealth scores only if they
integrate into modern society.
Skills: no bonuses.
Feats: Animal Affinity, Brawl, Improved Brawl, Sucker
Punch, Improved Sucker Punch, Endurance, Run, Fast Move,
Standing Jump.
Height/Weight: Brutes are shorter than modern humans by
about 4", and heavier than modern humans by about 40 lbs.
Level Adjustment: +1.
CP Cost: 10CP
Cat People
Cat People are a cross-breed of humans and felines. There are
no Cat People in the modern world, but they can be the results of
genetic experiments gone wrong, travellers from a fantasy-based average human, but seem much more so because they hunch.
world, or aliens.
Type: Humanoid.
Physical Description: Cat People are about three parts
people and one part cat. They have retractable claws on their
fingers and toes, a thin layer of fur that can be in a variety of objects of trade from that community, however, so their
colours and patterns, pointed ears that move when they're
listening and flatten when they're angry, long tails, and cat-like
legs. As a result of the physiology of their legs, they stand
slightly shorter than humans even though their limbs are of the
about the same length, and they can make leaps of great height.
Size: Medium
Speed: 60 feet (hustle) (Fast Move plus species bonus).
Ability Scores: Dexterity +6.
Starting Occupation: Cat People who are from a community darkness most of the time, although they do have artificial light
of Cat People will have an equivalent occupation from that
community. Their Wealth is based on currency and objects of
trade from that community, however, so their Occupation's
Wealth Bonus is halved at character creation.
Amazing Leap: enhancement: Powered Leap 2 levels
Catfall: Base Power.
Animal Affinity: Base Power, but applies only to felines.
Natural Weapons: Two claws and one set of fangs
(1d6/2d4). They have retractable claws on their toes that are not
combat-effective, but they do enhance their ability to Climb.
Climb: +5 because of their claws. They can also Take 10
when climbing, because their claws are strong enough and
they're agile enough to just kinda, you know, hang out.
Super Senses: Base Power, enhancements: Super Hearing,
Super Scent.
Feats: Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Light-Footed, Lightning
Reflexes, Run, Fast Move, Standing Jump, Track, Two-Weapon granite thumbs.
Fighting (claws).
Level Adjustment: +4
CP Cost: 40CP.
Mole People usually live in vast, mobile kingdoms that roam
just below the surface of the modern world. They are not actually
related to moles, but their small stature, dim eyesight, and natural
burrowing abilities make the comparison obvious (the little,
twitchy noses don't help either). They rarely call themselves
"mole people," of course (their name for themselves in their
language usually just means "the people"), but surface dwellers
do and the name usually sticks.
Type: Humanoid.
Physical Description: Mole People are shorter than humans
(4'6" or less), have long sharp claws that they use for burrowing,
and usually fairly long, almost snout-like faces. Their eyes
sparkle black and their shuffling gate reveals that they're more
accustomed to digging and tunnelling than walking.
Size: Small.
Height/Weight: Mole People are slightly shorter than the
They are about the same weight.
Speed: 20 (hustle), 10 (burrow).
Starting Occupation: Mole People who are from a
community of Mole People will have an equivalent occupation
from that community. Their Wealth is based on currency and
Occupation's Wealth Bonus is halved at character creation.
Burrow: Mole People can burrow through earth at a speed of
10 feet per round. They can also claw through concrete far more
slowly; their claws do double damage against concrete or other
soft stone.
Super Senses (Darkvision): Base Power
Mole People can see 60 feet in total darkness. Living
underground means that Mole people function in nearly total
sources. Mole People see only in black and white. Colour
variation is simply lost on them.
Light Sensitivity: Full, surface-world daylight is practically
blinding to Mole People. Without custom-made eye protection
(Purchase DC 5), they are effectively blind in any light brighter
than a night with the moon out.
Natural Weapons: two claws (1d6/1d6)
Feats: Environmental Combat Speciality (underground).
Level Adjustment: +1
CP Cost: 10CP
Rock People
Rock People are usually from deep below the Earth, and
evolved or were created out of the stone itself. They are much
bigger, tougher, and stronger than humans. They only rarely visit
the "surface world," but when they do, they stand out like giant,
Type: Humanoid.
Physical Description: Rock People are a good 2' taller than
the average human. Their skin can have a range of tones, all of
them corresponding to a kind of stone: granite grey, limestone
green, rippled marble, etc. Rock People's eyes have no pupils,

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and instead have solid-coloured eyes that are a few shades darker
than their skin.
Size: Large.
Height/Weight: Rock People are about a half-a-head taller
than the average human, and they weigh about 3000lbs on
average.
Speed: 20 feet hustle. They're strong, but slow.
Ability Scores: Rock People are extremely strong and very
tough, but not necessarily off-putting or stupid.
• Strength +10
• Constitution +4
Starting Occupation: Rock People who are from a
community of Rock People will have an occupation from that
community. Their Wealth is based on currency and objects of
trade from that community, mostly various kinds of stone,
however, so their Occupation's Wealth Bonus is halved at
character creation.
Damage Reduction: DR 5, limitation: Density Increase (x6
to weight).
Natural Defence: +5 to Defence.
Knockback: Rock Creatures provoke Knockback
automatically, even if their Strength scores are not Super.
Pressure Adaptation/Vacuum Adaptation : Base Powers.
Rock People can effectively survive in space or at great ocean
depths 'cause, like, they're made of rock.
Skills: +5 to all Knowledge or Craft checks relating to stone,
rock, or geology. They know this intuitively and through
experience, but not necessarily as scientific knowledge.
Feats: Combat Martial Arts, Improved Unarmed Strike
Damage x3 (1d8 damage).
Level Adjustment: +4
CP Cost: 40CP
Tomorrow People
Tomorrow People are big-headed telepaths. They are usually
either from the future, or a genetic anticipation of a possible
evolutionary path. They can also be straight-up mutants.
Type: Humanoid.
Physical Description: Tomorrow People are shorter in
stature than the average human, but make up for it by having big,
giant heads, which puts them at about the human average. Their
heads really are huge, like beach balls.
Size: Medium.
Height/Weight: Tomorrow People average about the same
height as humans, but their bodies are about two-thirds the size
of a human's, while their heads are several times larger.
Speed: 20 foot hustle. Their big, giant heads hinder them.
Ability Scores: Tomorrow People are immensely intelligent
and insightful, but also sickly and weak.
• Strength -8
• Constitution -8
• Intelligence +8
• Wisdom +8
Starting Occupation: Tomorrow People are not limited in
their Occupations, but they are incapable of doing anything that
requires physical exertion. Have we mentioned the giant heads?
Amazing Diplomacy: +10 to Diplomacy
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221
Telekinesis: Base Power, enhancements: Mental Muscle,
Extra Hands x2, Increased Range x2.
Telepathy: Base Power, enhancements: Listen In, Short-
Term Reading, Long-Term Reading, Telepathic Influence (x3)
Skills: Tomorrow people can make Knowledge checks in any
field, even if they have no ranks in the specific skill. Their
memories and powers of observation are so strong that they don't
need to "study" things to know about them.
Feats: Negotiator.
Level Adjustment: +4
CP Cost: 40 CP
Mechanoids
Mechanoids are a creature type, like Constructs, but in a
science-fiction vein instead of a fantasy motif. Mechanoids are
physically machines in every sense, but for some reason, they
have as much free will and self-conscious thought as any
intelligent, organic creature. The explanation for a Mechanoid's
free will can include anything from highly-sophisticated
programming to a random act of God. They can be a happy
accident of human invention or a visitor from space. They can be
part of a species of intelligent machines or a one-in-a-million
individual.
Abilities: Mechanoids have no Constitution score, because
they are not organic creatures. They do not get a HP bonus for
levels or hit dice, nor do they get a bonus to their Fortitude Saves
or to Constitution-based skills. Nothing short of transformation
into an organic creature can grant a mechanoid a Constitution
score.
Immunities: Mechanoids are immune to mind-influencing
effects, poison, sleep, paralysis, stunning, disease, necromancy
effects, and any effect that requires a Fortitude save unless the
effect also works on objects or is harmless. They are not subject
to non-lethal damage, ability damage, ability drain, energy drain,
or the effects of massive damage. They cannot be raised from the
dead through mystical means.
Repairing and Healing: Mechanoids do not normally "heal"
as part of a natural process, although mechanoids can have the
Fast Healing power, in which case they have a self-repairing
system of some kind (nanobots, internal servos, etc.). Instead of
traditional healing, they must be repaired using either the Repair
skill or Supercraft. Each mechanoid has a Repair DC. A
successful Repair check against this DC "heals" the mechanoid
of the listed amount of damage (in dice). This takes a half-hour.
If you use the Supercraft skill instead, you get a +10 on this
check. Mechanoids are all Supertech. The power Repairing
Touch restores HPs to Mechanoids, as well.
Battlefield Repair: You can also do a Battlefield Repair job
as a move action. This uses the same DC and heals the
mechanoid for half the HPs (rounded down). However, that
repair job is very quick and dirty and the mechanoid will lose
those HPs again after a number of rounds equalling your
Supercraft or Repair roll, divided by 4 (round down). At the end
of this time, the mechanoid will catastrophically fail, usually in a
shower of sparks. At this point, he/she/it loses the HPs gained
from the Battlefield Repair, plus an additional 2d6 points. Due to
the damage done, the mechanoid cannot be Battlefield Repaired
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again until after a normal repair session undoes the damage done on attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and saving throws
by the Battlefield Repair. each day until they can rest.
Repairable:
Androids • Supercraft DC 30, 3d6 repaired
Androids are designed to look just like humans, and with a • Repair DC 40, 3d6 repaired
great degree of success. They have flexible skin and naturalistic Each skill check to repair an Android represents 10 minutes
movement. Their skin and hair can replicate the whole range of of work. Androids with half or more of their HPs left can repair
human tones, from mahogany browns to ruddy pinks, and pale themselves, but with a -5 to the check because of the awkward
blond to deep black. Their eyes move very much like a human's angles. The power Repairing Touch restores HPs to Androids the
would and they even display emotion. Very close inspection, same as if they were mundane machines.
however, reveals that they are created by human (or other) hands. Sensors: Android's personal sensor systems include
Their hair follicles might be placed a little too regularly, for extremely sensitive audio/video sensors and a chemical vapour
example, or their eyes might be a slightly wrong shade of brown. scanner that allows them to see, hear, even smell and taste with
Something about them isn't quite right, if you look close enough. the same acuity as an organic person. They also have pressure
Androids are even more unusual than Robots in the modern sensors on their "skin" and joints that allow them to manipulate
world, but for some inventors, replicating the human form is the objects and perform other acts of manual dexterity. They have a
ultimate technological feat, and a very small few actually +2 equipment bonus to Listen and Spot checks because of their
succeed at it. highly acute and precise sensors. All other skills are unmodified
by the android's sensors.
Type: Mechanoid. Skills: Androids get one less skill rank per level than other
Physical Description: Androids resemble humans right down characters, and four less at character creation (i.e., -1 to the
to the action of muscles under their skin. number of ranks granted by their class). Their Constitution-based
Size: Medium by default, but they can be larger or smaller if skills receive no ability modifier, penalty or bonus.
you apply the appropriate Complications. Free Language Skills: None.
Speed: 30 (hustle) Feats: Androids receive no feats at 1 st level, unless they're
Ability Scores: Androids start with lower Charisma scores class features. After that, they gain feats normally (1 every 3
because, even with all the work put into them, they're still not levels, and as part of their class features). They can also buy feats
quite right and people can tell that kind of thing. with Character Points.
• Charisma -4 Size: Medium.
Starting Occupation: Androids do not have starting Height/Weight: Androids have the same height range as
occupations. Starting occupations represent life experiences normal humans.
gained before becoming a hero, but robots have no such life Level Adjustment: +2
experiences. CP Cost: 20CP
Hit Points: Androids get +10 HPs at first level, due to their
sturdy construction, but their hit dice are determined by class and Robots
they never get a Constitution modifier to their HPs because they Robots roughly duplicate the appearance and bodies of their
do not have Constitution scores. creators. However, their bodies are visibly machine-like in some
Massive Damage: Androids do not have a Massive Damage way. They have blank eyes, visible hinges and servos, gleaming
Threshold. They do not have to make Massive Damage rolls. silver skin, or the like. Robots, no matter how intelligent,
Armour: Androids can wear any protective gear that a sensitive, and even downright soulful, will just never look
human could. human.
Critical Systems: Although they are constructs, androids Sophisticated, self-aware robots are extremely rare in the
have vital areas and critical systems. Consequently, they are modern world, but the occasional mad scientist or visionary
subject to critical hits. inventor manages to combine just the right hardware and
Lifelike Appearance: Only very close inspection reveals that software to make something that, for all intents and purposes, is
Androids aren't human: a Spot (DC 30) or a physical Search (DC alive. Alien robots occasionally visit the Earth, but it's rare.
25). They can increase their human-like appearance by using the
Disguise skill. Type: Mechanoid.
Rest Cycle: Androids need to rest for 8 hours a day, just like Physical Description: Robots are built to roughly resemble
most humans. Either they have a recharge cycle or they must humans. They have one head, two arms, two legs, between six
spend several hours 'decompiling' all the data they collect every and a dozen fingers, depending on the whims of the creators, and
day, or they just have to plug into WoW every night and hunt feet with optional toes. Robots are visibly non-human, however.
vore. In any case, in every 24-hour period, they shut down for 8 Their bodies are usually made of metal plates, and they aren't
hours. During their rest cycle, they are immobile and unaware of built to wear clothing, so if they do, it has to be custom tailored
their surroundings. Sufficient noise or physical jostling can shock (Purchase DC +1).
them into awareness, much like if they were sleeping. If they Size: Medium.
cannot enter their rest cycle, they suffer a cumulative -1 penalty

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Height/Weight: Because they're built to look humanoid,
Robots are usually the same size as humans, although they can be
larger or smaller, if the player chooses.
Speed: 30 (hustle)
Ability Scores: Robots cannot purchase a natural Charisma
score of more than 8.
A robot's low Charisma is not a result of their machine-like
appearance. A high-Charisma robot looks just as machine-like,
but its mannerisms—the way it talks and stands, its
understanding of how to communicate with and behave around
biological creatures—are just that much more sophisticated or
honed. They can also be just plain pretty, all gleaming metal and
art-deco lines. A high-Charisma Robot is entirely possible. It'll
just never look human.
Starting Occupation: Robots do not have starting
occupations. Starting occupations represent life experiences
gained before becoming a hero, but robots have no such life
experiences.
Hit Points: Regardless of class, robots gain 1d10 HPs per
level. At character creation, they get maximum hit points (10).
They do not apply a Constitution modifier to their HP rolls, but
instead gain a number of bonus hit points at character creation
based on their size: Small +5 HPs, Medium-size +10 HPs, Large,
+20 HPs.
Massive Damage: Robots do not have a Massive Damage
Threshold. They do not have to make Massive Damage rolls.
Armour: Robots can wear protective gear, but the Purchase
DC is +1 because it has to be specially fitted. They can also take
powers and traits that grant Defence bonuses, of course.
Critical Systems: Although they are constructs, robots have
vital areas and critical systems. Consequently, they are subject to
critical hits.
Rest Cycle: Robots need to rest for 8 hours a day, just like
most humans. They have a recharge cycle, or they must spend
several hours 'decompiling' all the data they collect every day, or
they just have to plug into WoW every night and hunt vores. In
any case, in every 24-hour period, they shut down for 8 hours.
During their rest cycle, they are immobile and unaware of their
surroundings. Sufficient noise or physical jostling can shock
them into awareness, much like if they were sleeping. If they
cannot enter their rest cycle, they suffer a cumulative -1 penalty
on attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and saving throws
each day until they can rest.
Repairable:
• Supercraft DC 30, 3d6 repaired
• Repair DC 40, 3d6 repaired
Each skill check to repair a Robot represents 10 minutes of
work. Robots with half or more of their HPs left can repair
themselves, but with a -5 to the check because of the awkward
angles. The power Repairing Touch restores HPs to Robots the
same as if they were mundane machines.
Robot Resurrection: A robot reduced to 0 hit points is
effectively dead. They do not have negative HPs. They can,
however, be 'resurrected' by transferring a few key components,
usually part of the memory module (i.e., the brain) into an
entirely new body.
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223
This requires two full days of uninterrupted work. The
process is labour-intensive, rescuing as many old parts as
possible and scrabbling together new parts. The Purchase DC of
the new robot body is 10, but increases by +2 for every Effective
Character Level that the robot had when it 'died.' At the end of
the 48 hours, make a Supercraft check (DC 20) but +1 per PL or
a normal Repair check (DC 30) +1 per PL. If the check fails, then
you have to attempt the whole process again, but this time the
Purchase DC is lowered by 10.
If/when the repair check succeeds, the robot is essentially
back to 'life,' but he, she, or it takes a permanent -1 to Charisma.
Either the whole experience was so traumatizing that the robot is
simply 'never quite the same again,' or the old sense of human
interaction just doesn't quite work in the new body.
Sensors: Robot personal sensor systems include audio/video
sensors and a chemical vapour scanner that allows them to
effectively see, hear, even smell and taste with the same acuity as
an organic person. They also have pressure sensors on their
"skin" and joints that allow them to manipulate objects and
perform other acts of manual dexterity. They have a +2
equipment bonus to Listen and Spot checks. All other skills are
unmodified by the robot's sensors.
Skills: Robot get one less skill rank per level than other
characters, and four less at character creation (i.e., -1 to the
number of ranks granted by their class). Their Constitution-based
skills receive no ability modifier, penalty or bonus.
Free Language Skills: None.
Feats: Robots receive no feats at 1 st level, unless they're class
features. After that, they gain feats normally (1 every 3 levels,
and as part of their class features). They can also buy feats with
Character Points.
Level Adjustment: +1.
CP Cost: 10CP.
Power Suites
Power suites are groups of pre-bundled powers, feats, and
advantages/complications with a CP cost attached so that you can
simply buy the suite and apply it to your character. The suites are
worth 40CP each, and also include suggestions for additional
enhancements and/or feats you might take at later levels. The
costs of the suites are also broken down by individual items
(power, ad/comp, feat, etc.) so that you can add, change, or
remove those items as you see fit. Each suite has a recommended
class attached, and even some suggestions about tactical
application.
Acrobat
Acrobats specialise in movement skills—climbing, jumping,
tumbling—and thus make great sneak-attackers or pursuit
specialists. An Acrobat's "powers" mostly take the form of
enhanced Dexterity, Constitution, and skills.
Acrobats tend to stay on the periphery of fights, using their
skills to stay on the defensive and dodge most attacks, until they
tumble in attack when their targets aren't looking. They're
especially good at navigating through rough terrain, leaping
across rooftops and sliding down fire-escapes to get the drop on
fleeing villains.
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The best classes for Acrobats are Sneaks (for the skill points
and the sneak attack damage), Adventurers (for the devil-may-
care attitude), Sidekicks (for the defensive abilities), and Martial
Artists (for their combat abilities).
Powers
Ability Enhancement : Dexterity +5 10CP
Amazing Leap (Powered Leap) +40 ft. 4CP
Catfall II, 60 ft. 4CP
Feat Tree: Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack 6CP
Feat Tree: Skill Aptitude (Tumbling), Awesome Aptitude,
Supreme Aptitude 6CP
Skill Points: +40 10CP
Recommended Feats
Acrobatic, Error: Reference source not found, Astrobatics,
Combat Reflexes, Combat Swinging, Combat Throw, Defensive
Martial Arts (Deflect Arrows, Improved Deflect Arrows, Dodge
Bullets, Lightning Reflexes, Catch Bullets), Dextrous Sneak
Attack, Fast Move, Improved Feint, Improved Initiative
(Awesome, Supreme), Light-Footed, Nimble, Quick Draw, Quick
Sheath, Run (Endurance), Standing Jump
Blaster
Blasters hit targets from a distance using Energy Attack. This
suite therefore includes one big-ass ranged attack power and
some ranged-attack feats.
Blasters tend to be calculating fighters. They don't get their
hands dirty in mêlée but instead sit calmly back (or hide, or float)
and blast enemies as the whim strikes them. Blasters who can fly,
hide, or turn invisible are extremely good at whittling down the
enemy and can make great field commanders because they're
always in a position to observe the big picture.
The most appropriate Blaster classes grant the maximum BA
progression (Champion, Martial Artist, Soldier, Warrior) and/or
those grant sneak attacks, to enhance sniping damage (Sidekick,
Sneak, Soldier). A high Dexterity score is extremely helpful
because it grants a ranged attack bonus.
Powers
Amazing Accuracy 5 levels 10CP
Ranged Energy Attack (any energy type)
50-foot range increment, 10d6 damage 20CP
Improved Critical Range 2CP
Improved Critical Damage 2CP
Touch Attack 4CP
Knockback 2CP
Recommended Feats
Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot , Improved Precise Shot,
Deadeye, Rapid Shot, Manyshot, Greater Manyshot, Skip Shot.
Brainiac
A Brainiac's most potent arsenal is his mind. They either
think their way out of dangerous situations or build their way out.
Brainiacs look at the big picture and try to find a resolution to the
whole situation, rather than attacking individual opponents. On
224 Phoenix v10 (draft)
the flip side, a Brainiac who finds himself surrounded by hostile
individuals or forces might prudently seek his own safety rather
than even engaging with those hostiles. Brainiac's tend to rely on
Super Intelligence and Supertech Invention, if they are tech-
oriented.
The best Brainiac classes are Inventors and Thinkers because
those classes can take the greatest advantage of a high
Intelligence score. Thinkers take advantage of sheer volume of
knowledge and tactics, while Inventors are particularly oriented
towards Supertech Invention; however, a Thinker with Supertech
Invention as a power might cover both areas nicely.
Brainiacs try not to get into fights at all, either wiping out
their opponents before the fight starts, or, when mired in an
unexpected conflict, ending it quickly from a safe position or
simply removing themselves from it. Brainiacs are not forbidden
to pick up some combat abilities, of course, but it's not where
their true strength lies.
Powers
Ability Enhancement : Intelligence +10 20CP
Supertech Invention 19CP
Increased Power II
Multiple Activations
Recommended Feats
Invent Super Equipment (Invent Super Armament, Invent
Superchemical, Invent Doohicky, Invent Ray Gun, Invent
Improved Ray Gun, Invent Gizmo), Mastercraft (Advanced
Mastercraft)
Tongue-In-Cheek: Plot Device (Equipment Cache),
Technobabble
Charmer
Charmers use their Charisma as their primary weapon, but
their foes often don't even realise they've been "defeated"
because the Charmer makes them think they're acting voluntarily,
or in their own interest, or that they thought of it themselves. The
ultimate victory for a Charmer is to walk away with a smile on
her face knowing that she just made an ally, inverted a defeat into
a victory, fell into a pile of shit and came out smelling like a rose.
Mental-manipulation powers, like Charismatic Aura, are the
main powers of a Charmer, but a combination of Amazing
Diplomacy and the Skill Aptitude feat tree can produce a
character who is so "diplomatic" that as soon as she opens her
mouth, the battle is over. If your GM allows Tongue-In-Cheek
feats, a Charmer can effectively buff herself and debuff her
enemies on a regular basis.
Charmers try to do everything they can to avoid combat, not
necessarily because they have low or no combat abilities, but
instead because a verbal victory is more efficient. When push
comes to shove, a combat-skilled Charmer will defend herself,
but even getting to the point where violence is necessary is a bit
of a defeat in and of itself, for a true Charmer.
The best classes for your Charmer are those that rely on
Charisma anyway, such as the Champion or the Mastermind,
although if you have the points to spend, a "Charming Thinker"
can be very powerful indeed: a brain to think your way out of
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 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains
difficult situations and the mouth to talk your way out. Such a
character might never have to even throw a punch.
Powers
Ability Enhancement : Charisma +7 14CP
Amazing Diplomacy 8 Ranks (+16 Diplomacy) 8CP
Charismatic Aura: Charm 18CP
Move Action
10 ft. radius
Variable Aura: Repulsion
Recommended Feats
Attentive, Deceptive, Frightful Presence, Persuasive, Poker
Face, Renown or Low Profile, Skill Aptitude (Amazing,
Supreme), Super Style, Trustworthy, Unshakable (Fearless);
Tongue-In-Cheek Feats feats: Battle Cry,Heroic Comeback,
Moral Authority, Parley (Improved Parley), Verbal Riposte
Duelist
Duelists are experts with a particular weapon and specifically
trained to use that weapon against a similarly equipped opponent.
Nothing gives a Duelist more pleasure than facing down a
combatant skilled in the very same weapon. Duelists are mostly
experts in mêlée weapons, specifically swords, but can also be
trained in the subtleties of a gun fight or even combat. The
primary powers of a Duelist are Strength and/or Dexterity, so that
they can wield their chosen weapon with the greatest
effectiveness, follow by Constitution, to survive long enough to
win their duels, or Intelligence, so that they can take the
Intelligence-based feats that aid in duels (see below). Although
the typical Duelist isn't a high-powered character, it is perfectly
feasible to build a superhero who's chosen duelling weapon is a
telephone pole or Energy Attack.
The best classes for Duelists have high BA and HPs, so
Champion and Warrior. Soldiers, who are more focused on
tactical victory than "honourable" duels, are not as suited to
being Duelists, although it is conceivable that the particular
expectations of a given duelling style might be that you to catch
your opponent off-guard, in which case the Soldier's sneak
attacks might come in handy. Martial Artists have lower HPs
than Champions, Warriors, or Soldiers, but their BA is just as
high, and they have access to special abilities relating to unarmed
combat that could be directly applicable to a specific kind of
duel.
Duelists stride into combat and face their opponents head on.
They dispatch with untrained opponents quickly and with little
joy, unless the challenge is truly interesting (e.g., fighting five
armed combatants while hanging from a chandelier and drinking
a glass of wine). Any opponent they deem to be suitably trained,
Duelists will approach and challenge openly. From then on,
Duelists will concentrate on only that opponent, engaging with
others only in order to get closer to and defeat that opponent.
They consider it gauche and potentially even dishonourable to
interrupt such a fight. Arch-enemies stick to duelists like cat hair
on wet shoes.
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225
Powers
Ability Enhancement : Strength or Dexterity +5 10CP
Amazing Accuracy or Amazing Fighting +10 20CP
Amazing Initiative +10 10CP
Recommended Feats
Action Hero, Combat Expertise (Awesome, Improved),
Improved Critical Damage (Improved Critical Range), Holdout,
Improved Initiative (Awesome, Supreme), Merciful Mauler,
Mercy Blow, Weapon Focus (Greater Weapon Focus, Weapon
Specialisation, Greater Weapon Specialisation), Quick Draw,
Quick Sheath.
Mêlée: Blind Fight, Cleave (Great Cleave), Improved Staple,
Improved Disarm, Improved Feint, Improved Sunder (Precise
Sunder), Super Strike, Two-Weapon Fighting (Improved Two-
Weapon Fighting, Mixed Two-Weapon Fighting, Two-Weapon
Defence), Weapon Finesse
Ranged: Combat Shot, Lethal Hurling, Point-Blank Shot
(Precise Shot, Deadeye, Rapid Shot, Manyshot, Greater
Manyshot, Shot on the Run)
Tongue-In-Cheek: Tactical Nude Advantage
Flyer
Flyers can do many things. They're great look-outs or pursuit
specialists. They can pick off earth-bound targets, either in m êlée
or with ranged attacks. The following suite gives you the powers
and feats for a mêlée-based Flyer, but you can easily sub-out or
expand to include Blaster powers. The primary power of the
Flyer is, of course, Flight, and you can supplement that with the
Aerobatics feat as well as vision powers.
In combat, Flyers float just out of range of the fight and take
pot-shots, similar to the Acrobat's tactics, either using Fly-By
Attack or ranged attacks. A Flyer with a good sniper rifle is a
powerful character indeed.
The best classes for the Flyer grant a high BA, like the
Soldier, which also grants a Sneak Attack. The Martial Artist is
also a good choice if you want a physical Flyer. But if you're not
interested in a combat-oriented Flyer, you can take a Sneak for
the skill points, which you can use to enhance physical skills, or
a Sidekick, for their ability to contribute to a fight without quite
getting into the fight.
Ability Enhancement : Dexterity +4 10CP
Flight (Excellent Skill, Fast Cruising, Flight Speed III) 24CP
Feat Tree: Dodge, Mobility, Flyby Attack 6CP
Option: Energy Attack: Ranged 50 ft, 5d6 10CP
Option: Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Sharpshooter,
Deadeye, Sniper 10CP
Option: Dodge, Mobility, Flyby Attack, Brawl,
Knockout Punch 10CP
Recommended Feats
Astrobatics, Far Shot (Dead Aim), Deadly Precision,
Dextrous Sneak Attack, Power Attack,
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Magician Optional: Feat Tree (Improved Initiative, Dodge, Mobility,

Magicians employ magic, usually a variety of spells and other Super Strike) 8CP
incantations rather than single, consistent suite of magic powers.
Magicians can do practically anything at any time. As such, they Recommended Feats
can specialise in almost anything; they're unlikely to be mêlée Combat Reflexes, Dodge (Combat Expertise, Mobility,
brawlers, but they can potentially be almost anything else. A Spring Attack, Whirlwind Attack), Endurance, Improved
Magician's primary power is Mystic Spell-Casting , and they can Initiative (Awesome, Supreme, Combat Nerves), Lightning
compliment that by taking either Metamagic or Item-Creation Reflexes (Awesome, Supreme), Quick Change, Quick Draw,
feats. Quick Reload, Quick Sheath, Run (Fast Move), Swift Power-
The best classes for Magicians are either Mystics, because Point Recovery
that's what they specialise in explicitly, or some other class that
fits the Magician's chosen specialisation. A Magician who Tank
specialises in mesmerising can take a Socialite or one who Tanks specialise in soaking up damage, either to get close
specialises in divination might compliment that with the skills of enough to smack the heck out of their targets, or distract targets
a Sleuth. so that Blasters can fire into battle with a degree of impunity.
How Magicians behave in a fight has everything to do with Tanks focus on defensive powers like Amazing Defence and
their speciality, but the one thing they're unlikely to do is wade Damage Reduction, or Super Constitution (Ability Enhancement)
into combat. Mystic spells largely reward staying out of battle for the Hit Points and increased Saves. They also tend to take
and attacking from a safe position as well as protecting the one, solid, mêlèe attack, such as Energy Strike: Concussive or
Magician, either physically protecting, achieving a safe position, Natural Weapons, the latter of which is arguably preferable
or obscuring the Magician. because it cannot be affected by the metapowers.
The best Tank classes offer maximum HPs and/or other
Mystic Spell-Casting III (1st, 2nd, 3rd level spells) 40CP defensive abilities as well as some access to m êlèe weapons and
Greater Caster Level II attack forms. The Champion is the obvious choice, with a d12 for
its Hit Die, its Iconic Attack, and Bombastic Aura, although that
Recommended Feats class requires that you increase your Charisma to take maximum
Arcane Armour Mastery, Augment Summoning, Brew advantage. The Warrior or Soldier's strong combat attributes are
Potion, Combat Casting (Improved), Craft Mystic Armament, also attractive: d10 for Hit Dice, good BA, access to many
Craft Wand, Power Focus (Greater, Improved), Power proficiencies, and bonus feats (from the Warrior) or Sneak
Penetration (Improved), Scribe Scroll, Empower Spell, Enlarge Attacks (from the Soldier). An overlooked option for a Tank is
Spell, Extend Spell, Heighten Spell, Maximise Spell, Quicken the Martial Artist, who specialises in m êlèe attacks, and therefore
Spell, Silent Spell, Still Spell, Widen Spell might not even need Natural Weapons or an Energy Strike and
can thus put more resources into defensive abilities, although
Speedster they also require a high Wisdom to take advantage of their
Speedsters specialise in moving fast, which can have a lot of defensive abilities.
applications. They're great for pursuit, for scouting, and they Tanks wade right into fights, accepting that it's their job to
have very strong combat abilities. A Speedster's primary power is take damage. They lay the smack on anything that gets in arm's
Super Speed, of course, but they usually supplement with combat reach and they give other, less rugged characters the room to
powers (offensive and defensive), as well as feats that aid their operate unaffected by combat. It's a dirty job, but somebody gets
ability to get into and out of dangerous situations. to do it!
The best class for your Speedster depends on what
application you're looking for. A combat Speedster needs strong Powers
BA and other offensive abilities, so a Champion, Soldier, or Ability Enhancement : Constitution +5 10CP
Warrior would work. A Sneak, Soldier, or Sidekick, however, can Amazing Defence V (+10 Defence) 5CP
make great use of both Sneak Attack and skill points. Thick Skinned 10CP
Speedsters in combat have one great trick when it comes to Natural Weapons 3d6 5CP
combat: run in, slam the target with a series of bonus action Improved Damage II 3d6
attacks, and then run out. This way, they never get hit and they Single Natural Weapon
do maximum damage. Super Natural Weapon

Powers Recommended Feats

Danger Sense 3CP Combat Expertise (Improved), Defensive Martial Arts,
Super Speed (Bonus Actions II, Full-Round Bonus Action, Endurance (Diehard), Great Fortitude (Awesome, Supreme),
Fast Move x4, Nimble Runner) 28CP Light Knockback, Origin Resistance (Greater), Super Strike,
Optional: Fast Healing (Regeneration III) 8CP Toughness (Hard to Kill, Swift Healing), Unshakable (Fearless)
Optional: Amazing Dodge +4 8CP

226 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 227

NPCs contact with non-human species. He is sometimes referred to as

the only superhero who never throws a punch.
The following section contain descriptions and stats for Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
heroes and villains. We provide this information as a convenient Power Theme: Adonis' powers are all based on his Super
way to pack your game with side characters without having to Charisma and Intellect. When he can't charm his way out of a
design them all yourself. You are, of course, free to use these situation, he thinks his way out, and vice-versa. In addition to the
numbers, names, and personalities in your games any way you sheer power of his charm and brains, he has spent years honing
see fit. If you want to change a signature weapon/attack, or alter his skills to make the most of those basic abilities. Adonis has
someone from supertech to mystical, or even change a hero into a little to no combat skills. He doesn't believe they're nearly as
villain because you're short on villains, then please fee free to douseful. He has, however, recently learned certain esoteric
so. This information is for you, to make running your game techniques that allow him to stimulate the pleasure centres of the
easier. Go nuts. brain by touching specific nerve clusters on the surface of the
body. Making people pass out from sheer bliss is as close as he
Adonis ever gets to committing violence on his fellow human being.
(created by Orion Ussner Kidder) Combat/Tactics: Adonis always talks first—reasoning, then
charming, then intimidating, depending on the circumstance—
Full Name: Dale Muramoto and only rarely resorts to physical means. In dire circumstances,
Appearance: Adonis is, as his name suggests, is one of the he prefers to surrender because that gives him a chance to
most mind-numblingly gorgeous men on Earth. He is always 15 establish a new discourse later. He will defend himself if
minutes ahead of the fashion curve, which means he wears no absolutely necessary, but the majority of the time, talking is his
consistent costume, but he does favour light-coloured suits (blues best defence. In situations of real desperation, Adonis has
and greens) with white and off-white shirts and socks. He wears recently started immobilising dangerous opponents by triggering
his hair rakishly messy and just a little bit long. His body their pleasure response, a skill he picked up for personal use
language and facial expressions continuously communicate warm somewhere in his mid-twenties and only recently thought to
friendliness, with just a hint of sex. Men and women universally apply anywhere outside of intimate situations.
find him attractive, often a lot more so than they would normally
expect to. Class Thinker 5 / Socialite 5
Personality/History : Dale grew up shy and unassuming, not Species Human
a charming student or a popular boy. He never felt comfortable in Ethnicity Japanese
crowds, and was completely baffled by any form of romantic Nationality Canadian
situation. At the age of 22, still very much alienated from social ECL 10 (10 levels + 99CPs)
interaction in general, Dale was diagnosed with a what appeared Hit Dice 5d6 / 5d4 (18 + 12 + Con
to be a brain tumour. During the exploratory operation to Mass. Damage 50
investigate the tumour, it turned out to be a gland of unknown Initiative +0
function or origin lodged in his brain. After the operation, it Speed 30 ft.
started acting on his neurons in such a way as to rapidly build Defence 15 +13* (Soc +4, Thk +1, *Bomb. Aura +13)
pathways in exactly those places that govern facial recognition, Knockback 14
empathy, logic and recall, and, apparently, sexuality. Where Dale Base Attack +5 (Soc +3 Thk +2)
previously had been anxious about social interactions, he Attacks Unarmed Strike +5 (1d3NL, untrained)
suddenly became the life of the party. Where he was confused by Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 10, Con 14 +2
romantic signals, he became graceful and alluring. Nothing of his Int 38 +14, Wis 12 +1, Cha 36 +13
physical appearance changed in the slightest; he could simply Natural: Int 18 +3, Cha 16 +4
start to sense what to do to make people calm and comfortable Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
around him, to engender their trust, and to present himself in Allegiance Honesty
such a way that they wanted to be his best friend and/or his lover. Saves Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +9 (+8 vs. Fear)
Although these new-found abilities were clearly extra-normal Action Points 10AP
in origin, Dale realised that, to a limited degree, he could teach Reputation +15
them to other people. He soon took the name Adonis, and started Occupation Celebrity
running classes on everything from high-stakes negotiation to the Skills
art of the pick-up. Adonis' central principle of social interaction Appraise +27 (rnk 13), Bluff +30 (rnk 13), Climb +13 (rnk 13),
is honesty—acting and speaking in good faith—and that only Computer Use +27 (rnk 13), Cr: Chemical +0 (w research +4),
people who are honest with themselves can be honest with Cr: Electronic +0 (w research +4), Cr: Mechanical +0
others. He does not teach manipulation or seduction, but instead (w research +4), Cr: Pharmaceutical +26 (w research +4),
direct, honest interaction, and most of all, empathy. Although not (rnk 12), Cr: Structural +0 (w research +4), Cr: Visual Art +27
a crime-fighter per se, Adonis' astounding professional success (w research +4), (rnk 13), Cr: Writing +27 (w research +4)
lead to a side-line career as a negotiator in high-pressure (rnk 13), Decipher Script +20 (rnk 6), Diplomacy +30 (rnk 13),
situations, including internal hostage-taking and even first Disable Device +0 (electronics +4), Disguise +23 (rnk 6),

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228 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

Drive +6 (rnk 6), Escape Artist +6 (rnk 6), Forgery +20 (rnk 6), Hero's Code: Honesty +2CP
Gamble +18 (rnk 13), Gather Info +30 (rnk 13), Handle Animal Glass Jaw (Ranks 1) +2CP
+19 (rnk 6), Intimidate +30 (rnk 13), Investigate +27 (rnk 13), Monologuer (Rank 1) +4CP
Kn: Art +27 (w research +4) (rnk 13), Kn: Behavioural Sciences
+27 (w research +4), (rnk 13), Kn: Business +27 (w research +4), The Batter
(rnk 13), Kn: Civics +27 (w research +4) (rnk 13), Kn: Current (created by Orion Ussner Kidder)
Events +27 (w research +4) (rnk 13), Kn: Earth/Life Sciences
+27 (w research +4) (rnk 13), Kn: History +27 (w research +4) Full Name: Alexandra Krakus
(rnk 13), Kn: Physical Sciences +27 (w research +4) (rnk 13), Appearance: The Batter is an attractive woman in her mid-
Kn: Popular Culture +27 (w research +4) (rnk 13), Kn: Tactics 20s with bleach-blond hair. She wears a costume that looks like a
+0 (w research +4) Kn: Technology +27 (w research +4) white and purple baseball uniform reminiscent of the Yankees in
(rnk 13), Kn: Theology/Philosophy +27 (w research +4) (rnk 13), the 1920s, complete with a batter's helmet and bat (both made of
Observe +14 (rnk 13), Perform +19 (rnk 6), Profession +7 polished steel) and a satchel full of "baseballs" (grenades) slung
(rnk 6), Psicraft +0 (address powerstone +4), Repair +20 over her shoulder. In cold or wet weather, she wears a long
(art/paintings +4, electronics +4, supertech +4) (rnk 6), Researchpurple leather coat.
+27 (w research +4) (rnk 13), Ride +15 (rnk 13), Search Personality/History: No one knows that much about The
+27 (rnk 13), Sense Motive +14 (rnk 13), Sleight of Hand +10 Batter because she doesn't stick around long enough for people to
(rnk 6), Spellcraft +0 (decipher scrolls +4), Stealth +6 (rnk 6), ask questions. She was born in Poland but immigrated at a young
Survival +0 (tracking +4), Supercraft +0 (fiddle with the knobs age, and at some point she gained the ability to run at several
+4), Swim +13 (rnk 13), Treat Injury +11 (rnk 6), Tumble +6 hundred miles an hour. These abilities seem to be inherent to her
(rnk 6), Use Device +26 (scrolls +2, supertech +4) (rnk 13), Use body and not the product of technological or mystic
Rope +6 (bindings +2) (rnk 6), enhancement.
Languages English, French, Spanish, Japanese, Cantonese, The Batter tends to choose her own safety above all else. As
Korean, Cree, Polish, Portuguese, Ojibwa, hired muscle, she does an impeccable job of never getting
Swahili, Mandarin, Russian, Vietnamese caught, which is a plus, but it means that she abandons jobs when
Feats Unshakable (Fearless), Battle Cry, Moral the threat level gets too high. If she perceives that she can't win,
Authority, Skill Aptitude, Diplomacy she runs away, with no compunctions. She seems to have no
(Amazing, Supreme), Skill Aptitude, Sense sense of embarrassment and has even gloated about it on the rare
Motive (Amazing, Supreme), Skill Aptitude, occasions she's stayed in one place long enough to have a
Behavioural Sciences (Amazing, Supreme), conversation. She is neither a major threat nor a push-over. She
One-Liner (Verbal Riposte), Parley (Improved remains a very effective professional mercenary by avoiding
Parley) putting herself in a position of real risk.
Power Die 5d12 / 5d6 (50) Location: Western Canada/Pacific North-West USA
Origin Bio Combat/Tactics: Instead of putting herself in fights, The
Powers Batter runs in from a safe position using Super Speed, delivers a
Ability Enhancement , Int rnk 10, Cha rnk 10 series of devastating attacks with her bat, using Bonus Actions,
40cp
Amazing Initiative: Initiative +20, Power and then retreats to another safe position, usually somewhere out
10CP
Cause Pleasure of sight. She employs her signature weapons, a solid steel bat
37CP
Debilitating Pleasure rnk 3, Enhanced Pleasure rnk 3, polished to a gleaming shine, and a bag of custom-made baseball
Extended Duration rnk 3, Fatiguing Pleasure grenades.
She will start a fight by either hitting the baseball grenades at
Special Abilities her opponents to throw them off-guard, or threatening innocent
Socialite Comfortable Lifestyle], Reputation +3, bystanders (thereby occupying hero-types). Sometimes, if she's
Perks: Ally, Rank 3 (Editor, Toronto Star) feeling cheeky, she'll just drop a half-dozen grenades at her
Cross-Trained, Bombastic Aura, Swaggering opponent's feet, but usually only if she knows that particular
Bravado target is a genuine threat, like a brick, a tank, or another
Thinker Jack of All Trades, Renaissance Man, Special speedster. The Batter will usually withdraw from a fight if she's
Ability: Skill Mastery (Diplomacy, reduced to less than ¼ of her hit points or she is outnumbered
Intimidation), Plot Device, Sixth Sense more than 4 to 1. She has no interest in fighting to the death, and
Wealth 22 neither is she particularly interested in the legal consequences of
Equipment +12 killing anyone.
Ads Feat x11: Skill Aptitude, Diplomacy (Amazing, Baseball Grenades: the Batter's baseball grenades look just
Supreme), Skill Aptitude, Sense Motive like regular baseballs but are rigged to denote when they take an
(Amazing, Supreme), Skill Aptitude, initial hit, and explode one a second. That way, she can launch
Behavioural Sciences (Amazing, Supreme), them with her bat, and they explode on contact with the ground
Verbal Riposte (Improved Parley) 22cp or her hapless target. She also has had them rigged with special
Comps Forsworn From Firearms (Rank 1) +2CP explosives and soft shrapnel, which makes them cause only non-

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 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 229

lethal damage. She enjoys creating chaos by blowing up innocent Skill Points 4cp
bystanders, but there's no reason to have murder charges Equipment Baseball Bat (steel) 1d8 20/x2, Batter's Helmet
following her around. (steel), Baseball Grenades (20-ft burst, 4d6
non-lethal, 10-ft RI, custom made),
Class Sneak 6 Undercover Vest, Long Leather Coat (purple)
Species Human
Ethnicity Polish Bengal
Nationality Polish (resident of America and Canada) (created by Jen Starling)
ECL 6 (6 levels + 63cp)
Hit Dice 6d6 (33 + Con) Full Name: Adwitiya "Addie" Mukerji
Mass. Damage 50hp Appearance: Bengal is over six feet tall and has a lean,
Initiative +11 muscular frame. She sports punky hair cuts and changes her hair
Speed 120 ft. colour on a semi-regular basis. Her dark skin sets off her
Defence 34 +2* (Class +3, Dex +4, Amazing Dodge +5, gleaming white teeth (not quite fangs), which she often bears in
Amazing Deflection +5, Long Coat +2, battle just before leaping on her targets.
Undercover Vest +3, Helmet +2, *Dodge +2) Personality/History : Bengal's charismatic presence is not the
Touch: 22 +2*, Flat-Footed: 25 result of a sly wit or keen fashion sense. When her powers
Knockback 17 appeared, one of the side effects was an increase in her self-
Base Attack +4 (mêlée: +7, ranged: +8) confidence which resulted in the emergence of a jovial,
Attacks Bat +7 (1d8nl +3 20/x2) magnanimous personality, a part of herself that had always been
Baseball Grenades +8 (4d6 non-lethal) hidden before.
Unarmed Strike +8 (1d6nl, 20/x2) Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Ability Scores Str 16 +3, Dex 18 +4, Con 14 +2, Power Theme: Bengal possesses the strength, reflexes, and
Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 12 +1 super-acute senses of the Indian tiger that she named herself
Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft. after. Her height and weight increased out of proportion with the
Allegiance Survival average girl. She was over six-foot and 200 pounds (all of it
Saves Fort +4, Ref +9 Will +2 muscle) by the age of 16. Although she took some early abuse
Action Points 6 from her peers for this, she quickly realized just how much
Reputation +1 confidence her size and physical strength could lend her. She is
Occupation Criminal not one to threaten to get her way. Instead, she possesses the
Skills quiet confidence of someone who who doesn't have to.
Appraise +9 (rnk 9), Climb +12 (rnk 9), Cr: Chemical +5 (rnk 5), Combat/Tactics: Bengal leaps into battle with the
Cr: Structural +5 (rnk 5), Demolitions +6 (identify weak points enthusiasm of pouncing cat, relying on her strength and speed.
+2) (rnk 4), Disable Device +9 (rnk 9), Escape Artist +13 (rnk 9), She doesn't have formal combat training and doesn't often find
Investigate +0 (crime scene analysis +2) (rnk 0), Jump +14 (rnk that she needs it. She prefers to knock out her opponents rather
9), Kn: Current Events +9 (rnk 9), Kn: Popular Culture +4 (rnk than killing them, but has a tendency to bat them around a little
4), Repair +0 (buildings +2, locks +2) (rnk 0), Search +0 (secret first.
doors +2) (rnk 0), Sleight of Hand +13 (rnk 9), Stealth +13 (rnk
9), Tumble +15 (rnk 9), Use Rope +4 (bindings +2) (rnk 0), Class Warrior 6
Languages English, Polish Species Human
Feats Brawl, Dodge (Lightning Reflexes, Mobility, Ethnicity Indian
Spring Attack), Improved Initiative, Super Nationality American
Strike, Undercover Vest (Focus/Specialise), ECL 6 (6 levels +55cp)
Merciful Mauler Hit Dice 6 d10 (72HPs)
Proficiencies Armour (light, medium, heavy), Firearms Mass. Damage 50hp
(personal, advanced), Weapons (simple, Initiative +12
archaic, improvised) Speed 40 feet
Power Die 6d6 (21pp) Defence 24 (Dex +4, Class +5, Amazing Dodge +5)
Origin Biological Touch: 24, Flat-Footed: 15
Powers Total 42CP Knockback 21
Super Speed Run rnk 4, Speed rnk 3, Bonus Actions rnk 3 22cp Base Attack +6/+1 (mêlée: +13, ranged +10)
Amazing Dodge rnk 5 (+5) 10cp Attacks unarmed strike +20/+15 (1d3 + 1d6 +7)
Amazing Deflection rnk 5 (+5) 10cp Ability Scores Str 25 +7, Dex 19 +4, Con 22 +6,
Special Abilities Sneak Attack (+3d6), Evasion, Uncanny Dodge Int 12 +1, Wis 15 +2, Cha 15 +2
(Improved), Bonus Feat (Dodge) Normal: Str 9, Dex 11, Con 9, Cha 12
Wealth +8 Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
Ads Feats x12 12cp Allegiance

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230 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

Saves Fort +11, Ref +7, Will +4 Mr. Mind's tutelage, learned to deflect objects, and even raise
Action Points 9 himself into the air. Since Mr. Mind's death, he has developed a
Reputation +3 bit of a nervous Telekinetic tick. Whenever a threat gets within 10
Occupation Athlete feet of him, he reflexively blasts his Telekinetic energy in all
Skills 45 directions. He has learned to restrain himself to the point where
Climb +16 (rnk 9), Diplomacy +2 (rnk 0), Gather Info +2 (rnk 0), these blasts are not lethal, but without Mr. Mind to train him, he
Intimidate +11 (rnk 9), Jump +39 (rnk 0), Ride +2 (rnk 0), Sense doesn't know how gain more control over this potentially useful
Motive +11 (rnk 9), Stealth +13 (rnk 9), Tumble +13 (rnk 9), ability.
Languages English, Hindi Combat/Tactics: Brainchild's grasp of combat is somewhat
Feats limited. He was trained up as a fighter by Mr. Mind, but has little
Wariness, Athletic, Brawl, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Mobility, grasp of actual strategy. When his back is to the wall and he feels
Spring Attack, Agile Riposte, Improved Initiative (Awesome he needs to fight for his life, he tends to simply throw a dumpster
Initiative), Combat Nerves, Light-Footed, Lightning Reflexes at his attacker, but usually just after Flying to a safe position,
(Awesome), Merciful Mauler, Power Attack, Improved above and away from the fight. However, if he is not directly
Knockback, Vicious Knockback, Run, Fast Move, Standing threatened and can keep his wits about him, he will initiate a
Jump, Track Telekinetic grapple and simply remove his enemies from the
battlefield. Based on his study of architecture, Brainchild is also
Proficiencies Armour (light, medium, heavy, archaic),
good at (but reluctant to) do strategic damage to buildings such
Weapons (simple, archaic, improvised, over-
that they fall down on people. Like dropping heavy weights on
sized), Firearms (personal, advanced)
them, this is a last-ditch effort on his part as he is not comfortable
Power Die d6 (21pp)
doing serious bodily harm to anyone. This is not a moral stance,
Origin Biological (spontaneous mutant)
per se, so much as an unwillingness to have it on his conscience.
Powers
Amazing Dodge +5 Dodge bonus 10cp
Class Soldier 6
Amazing Leap, Powered Leap rnk2 (+30) 3cp
Species Human
Super Senses +4, Low-Light Vision 9cp
Ethnicity Ukrainian
Special Abilities Natural Aptitude (+2 Intimidate/Diplomacy)
Nationality American
Cross-Trained (Balance, Move Silently)
ECL 6 (6 levels + 60cp)
Wealth +8
Hit Dice 6d10 (35hp)
Brainchild Mass. Damage 50hp
(created by Orion Ussner Kidder) Initiative +1
Speed 30 ft.
Full Name: Kyle Uszkalo Defence 21 (Class +5, Dex +1, Amazing Deflection +5)
Appearance: Brainchild wears a light jacket with a white T- Touch 16; Flat-Footed 20
shirt that has a cartoony brain stencilled on the front, as well as Knockback 15
beige cargo pants (or shorts, if it's warm), and army boots. Back Base Attack +6/+1 (mêlée: +6/+1, ranged +7/+2)
when he was Jr. Mind (see below), he had an Amazing Costume Attacks Unarmed Strike +0 (1d3nl, provokes)
coloured in blue and purple that matched Mr. Mind's, but those TK Throw 90 ft. +8/+3 (by weight, 20/x2)
days are long gone. TK Slam 90 ft. +17/+12 (by weight, 20/x2)
Personality/History : Kyle was a child prodigy whom Mr. TK Burst (kinetic, non-lethal) 10-ft. burst
Mind, a telepathic superhero, identified early on and trained to be (5d6, +4 to knockback)
his sidekick (with Kyle's parents' permission). While Mr. Mind Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 12 +1, Con 10,
specialised in mental communication and projecting illusions, Int 30 +10, Wis 12 +1, Cha 10 +26cp
Kyle's ability was geared towards sheer Telekinetic strength. By Normal: Int 14 +1
the age of 12, he could throw a car, if needs dictated. His Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
incredible Telekinetic power was only rivalled by his once Allegiance Slacker
bottomless intellect. Sadly, when Mr. Mind was killed in action, Saves Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +5
Kyle, only 15 at the time, became embittered. He ignores his Action Points 6
intellect as much as possible and long since dropped his flashy Reputation +3
superhero costume. He can't quite kick the habit, though, and Occupation Adventurer
although he denies that he has any interest in heroism as such Skills 144
(claiming that he "only does it ironically"), the fact is that he's Climb +4 (rnk 4), Computer Use +14 (rnk 4), Cr: Mechanical
still out there, risking life and limb. He's not really sure why he +16 (rnk 6), Cr: Structural +14 (identify weak points +2) (rnk 4),
does it either. Demolitions +19 (rnk 9), Disable Device +14 (rnk 4), Drive 3
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA (rnk 0), Escape Artist +5 (rnk 4), Gather Info +6 (rnk 4),
Power Theme: Brainchild's powers are all Telekinetic. He Intimidate +9 (rnk 9), Investigate +14 (rnk 4), Kn: Earth/Life
started with simply lifting and manipulating objects, but under Sciences +12 (rnk 0), Kn: History +19 (rnk 9), Kn: Popular

230 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 231

Culture +14 (rnk 4), Kn: Tactics +19 (rnk 9), Navigate +19 before it blossomed into full-blown telepathy. Then he spent the
(rnk 9), Observe +10 (rnk 9), Pilot +10 (rnk 9), Psicraft +14 next few months learning how to turn it off.
(rnk 4), Repair +19 (engines/machines +2) (rnk 9), Search +14 After being in private practise for several years, he began to
(rnk 4), Stealth +10 (rnk 9), Survival +10 rnk 9), Treat Injury +5 see the possibilities of introducing his keen insight and telepathic
(rnk 4), Use Device +4 (rnk 4) powers to world at large, intervening in dangerous situations with
Languages English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, his mind, ending violent confrontations not with a fist or a gun,
Czech, Polish, Ukrainian, Norwegian, Swedish but with a thought.
Feats Merciful Mauler, Lightning Reflexes, Weapon Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Focus (Telekinetic Throw), Iron Will, Great Power Theme: Brain Doctor's powers are all telepathic in
Fortitude, Stealthy nature. He can read minds and sense emotions, nudge people's
Proficiencies Armour (light, heavy), Firearms (personal, thoughts into particular directions, and even perform instant
advanced), Shields, Weapons (simple, archaic, psychotherapy. He doesn't just fight crime, nor does he just stop
improvised) criminals. He stops criminality itself.
Power Die 6d6 (21pp) Combat/Tactics: Brain Doctor rarely raises his fists in anger
Origin Psionic or has to shield himself from danger, although it has happened
Powers just often enough that he protects himself from accidental harm.
Ability Enhancement , Intelligence +16 32cp He first engages a dangerous person in dialogue, employing his
Amazing Deflection +5 (power) 7cp highly trained skills (Sense Motive, Bluff, Diplomacy) in concert
Flight, Speed 30 ft., Average Skill, Air Lift +2000lbs 10cp with his Telepathy (Listen, Long-Term Reading) to "talk" the
Energy Attack, Burst (kinetic), 10 ft. radius, 5d6, 8cp person down, get them to resolve the situation voluntarily.
Knockback, Non-Lethal, Maximum Power Failing that, he will resort to more manipulative means
Telekinesis, Mental Muscle (532/1064/1600 lb.) 32cp (Diplomacy and Telepathic Influence). Once that happens, he
Extra Hands rnk 2, Imbue Hardness rnk 6, then continues the dialogue and uses Instan Therapy to help
Max Power (Limitation) Total 89cp alleviate the negative feelings and traumas that lead the
Special Abilities Evasion, Sneak Attack (+2d6) individual to such dangerous activities to begin with.
Wealth +8
Comp Anxious Activation: Proximity rnk 1 +3cpClass Socialite 10
(Burst Energy Attack) Species Human
Ethnicity Trinidadian
Brain Doctor Nationality Canadian
(created by Orion Ussner Kidder) ECL 10 (10 levels + 100CPs)
Hit Dice 10d6 (50HPs)
Full Name: Jamal Carver, MD/PhD Mass. Damage 50
Appearance: Jamal Carver is a Black man in his 30s. At 5'9" Initiative +13 (Dex, Feat)
and 170 lb., he's not especially imposing, but what he lacks in Speed 30 ft.
bulk he makes up for in presence. His eyes can just as easily bore Defence 25 +8* (Cls +7, Dex +1, *Bombastic Aura +8,
into your soul as they can fill you with a sense of safety. In his Heavy Inserts +3, Undercover Vest +3)
every-day life, Carver dresses the part of the medical Touch: 17 +5*, Flat-Footed: 24 +5*
professional: slacks and a tie, lab-coat when called for. In his Knockback 13
other life, Brain Doctor wears a long leather coat and form- Base Attack +7/+2
fitting body-armour underneath, both in shades of blue, the most Attacks Brawl +8/+3 (1d6 non-lethal)
calming colour. Psychic Scream DC 22 (stunned, 3PPs)
Personality/History : Jamal Carver was always the kid that Telepathic Influence DC 22 (Diplomacy, 2PPs)
other kids went to with their problems. He listened. He didn't Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 12 +1, Con 10
actually say much, but the few words he did speak were enough Int 14 +2, Wis 16 +3, Cha 27 +8
to make people feel better. He was always listening, always Natural: Cha 20 +5
concentrating on what people had to say. A career in Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
psychotherapy simply made sense, to him and everyone who'd Allegiance The Canadian Medical Association
known him. Saves Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +11
He wrote his doctoral dissertation in how micro-expressions Action Points 10AP
are controlled by the motor-centres of the brain, and at some Reputation +13
point during one of his half-awake nights of writing and research, Occupation Doctor
something in him clicked into place. He no longer had to listen to Skills 104
hear what people were thinking. Body language, tone of voice, Bluff +25 (rnk 13), Cr: Chemical +0 (w research +4) (rnk 0),
even just the way someone breathed was enough to open their Cr:Electronic +0 (w research +4) (rnk 0), Cr: Mechanical +0
minds to him. He spent the first several months learning to hone (w research +4) (rnk 0), Cr: Pharmaceutical +0 (w research +4)
this skill, which started as extremely fine-tuned observation (rnk 0), Cr: Structural +0 (w research +4) (rnk 0), Cr: Visual

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232 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

Art +0 (w research +4) (rnk 0), Cr: Writing +8 (w research +4) Chaingun Sally
(rnk 6), Diplomacy +45 (rnk 13), Disguise +12 (rnk 0), (created by Orion Ussner Kidder)
Intimidate +18 (rnk 6), Kn: Art +0 (w research +4) (rnk 0),
Kn: Behavioural Sciences +15 (w research +4) (rnk 13), Full Name: Sally Fjelgard
Kn: Business 0 (w research +4) (rnk 0), Kn: Civics +0 Appearance: Chaingun Sally dresses in black fatigues
(w research +4) (rnk 0), Kn: Current Events +2 (w research +4) reminiscent of a SWAT uniform, complete with visored helmet
(rnk 0), Kn: Earth/Life Sciences +0 (w research +4) (rnk 0), and bullet-proof vest. Her hair is usually tied in a loose pony tail
Kn: History +0 (w research +4) (rnk 0), Kn: Physical and hangs behind her helmet. Her real "uniform" is the, on
Sciences +0 (w research +4) (rnk 0), Kn: Popular Culture +2 average, dozen firearms she has on her person at any given time,
(w research +4) (rnk 0), Kn: Tactics +0 (w research +4) (rnk 0), all of them either custom-made or heavily altered.
Kn: Technology +0 (w research +4) (rnk 0), Kn: Theology/ Personality/History : Sally Fjelgard spent several years in the
Philosophy +0 (w research +4) (rnk 0), Observe +11 (rnk 8), Canadian military where she excelled at target shooting,
Profession +16 (rnk 13), Research +15 (w research +4) (rnk 13), electrical engineering, and ballistics. She left the military under
Sense Motive +36 (rnk 13), Sleight of Hand +5 (rnk 0), Treat somewhat mysterious circumstances with an honourable
Injury +9 (rnk 6) discharge and full pension, but her records are sealed past that.
Languages English, French Subsequently, in need of a job but not an income, she
Feats Brawl, Improved Initiative (Awesome, consciously chose the life of a vigilante and assembled a
Supreme), Power Focus Telepathy (Improved, "costume" based entirely on practical necessity. In Edmonton,
Greater) she teamed up and soon began dating Whip Lass, becoming one
Proficiencies Armour (light, medium, heavy), Shield, of Canada's few out superhero couples. As a duo, they are
Weapons (simple, improvised) jokingly, but fondly, known as "Whips and Chains."
Power Die 10d6 (65PPs) Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Origin Psionic Power Theme: Chaingun Sally doesn't have any overt
Powers powers, but her technical expertise runs distinctly into the realm
Ability Enhancement , Charisma +5 10cp of the fantastic. Unlike many super-scientists, she also has a firm
Amazing Diplomacy rank 20 20cp grounding in traditional engineering and hard science. She
Diplomacy +10 combines power-enhanced firearms with her own skills, honed
Amazing Scrutiny rank 20 20cp over years of training and practise. Since teaming up with Whip
Sense Motive +40 Lass, she has significantly expanded her repertoire of non-lethal
Resist Powers (PR 33) 25cp weapons, starting with rubber bullets and bean-bag rounds, but
Telepathy Save DC +6 (feats) 29cp working her way up to various kinds of launchers for hand-cuffs
Listen In, Psychic Scream, and bolas-like entanglers. She carries conventional firearms as
Short-Term Reading, Long-Term Reading, well, of course, for those situations where only lethal stopping
Swift-Action Telepathy, Instant Therapy power will do the job. She tends to travel in an armoured SUV
Telepathic Influence rnk 4 Total 104cp with a full toolkit and fold-out gun racks in the trunk. At any
Special Abilities given time, Sally also carries 20CP-worth of Inventions that she
Comfortable Lifestyle, Reputation +5, Perks (8CP), Cross- has created using Supertech Invention power, some examples of
Trained (Kn [behavioural sciences], Profession [therapist], which are below under "equipment."
Research), Bombastic Aura, Swaggering Bravado, Rakish Charm Sally's Chainguns are mini machine pistols designed to take
+4, Connection (4CP), Chutzpah! +2, Bonus Feat x2 linked ammo that feeds from Sally's backpack. As such, she
almost never runs out of bullets. Sally follows the "lefty-lethal"
Wealth +15 rule. All guns she fires from the right hand are loaded with non-
Equipment Long Coat (Heavy Inserts), Undercover Vest lethal rounds, which use a custom-made polymer that is
Ads Good Rep rnk 4 (Rep +4) 4cp extremely unlikely to ever cause permanent injury, but
Perks: Database/Library rank 2 free everybody knows that her left-hand gun fires lethal rounds.
Good Rep rank +4 free The Cuff Gun is a forearm-mounted launcher that fires a pair
Connection of locking rings connected to a chain. Resembling a bolas more
Rank 3: Chief Editor, Halifax Gazette than actual hand-cuffs, the rings spin in a circle until they hit
(Government, Local History/Pop Culture) something, usually the legs or arms of someone trying to run
Rank 1: Human-Rights Lawyer away, and then wrap tight and lock.
(Law/Legal History, Law Enforcement) free The Net Launcher fires a human-sized net made of high-
Comps Hero's Code: Mercy, Extreme Mercy +8cp tension plastic that opens and then envelopes the target. The
edges of the net have small, smooth hooks that latch onto the net
itself, thus wrapping the target up tightly. The Net Launcher is
still in the development phase, however, since it's hard to aim and
has a very short range.

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 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 233

Combat/Tactics: Sally very much enjoys sneaking up on her Supercraft +25 (fiddle with the knobs +2) (rnk 17),
targets and hitting them before they have a chance to fight back. Use Device +9 (supertech +6) (rnk 8)
Ending the fight quickly is her way of keeping casualties to a Languages English, Urdu, Arabic, Pashto
minimum. She has a strict policy of meeting force for force. She Feats
is perfectly willing to go easy on targets who don't employ Mastercraft (Advanced), Invent Super Equipment (Invent Super
deadly force, but once they show intent to do real harm, she does Armament, Invent Doohicky, Invent Ray Gun [Improved Ray
not see any reason to hold back. Gun], Invent Gizmo, Invent Superchemical), Improved Critical
Damage (Range), Improved Initiative, Point-Blank Shot (Precise
Class Soldier 14 Shot, Combat Shot, Grazing Shot, Deadeye, Sharpshooter,
Species Human Sniper, Rapid Shot, Many Shot, Shot on the Run, Blazing
Nationality Canadian Charge, Skip Shot), Two-Weapon Fighting (Improved x2,
ECL 14 (14 levels + 140CP) Mixed), Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus: chaingun (Weapon
Hit Dice 14d10 (77HPs) Specialisation, Greater Focus, Greater Specialisation)
Mass. Damage 50HPs
Proficiencies Armour (light, medium, heavy, archaic),
Initiative +8
Shields, Firearms (personal, advanced, exotic
Speed 30 ft.
[chaingun, cuff gun, net launcher]), Weapons
Defence 27 (Class +9, Dex +2, Tactical Vest +6)
(simple, archaic, over-sized)
Touch: 21, Flat-Footed: 25
Power Die 14d6 (51PPs)
Knockback 20 HPs
Origin Supertech
Base Attack +14 / +9 / +4
Powers 100cp
Mêlée: +14/+9/+4, Ranged: +21/+16/+11
Ability Enhancement : Intelligence +6 12cp
Attacks
Mighty Lifting rnk 4 (x4) 8cp
Chaingun +26/+21/+16 (2d6 19-20/x3 )
Supertech Invention 72cp
Dual Chainguns +24/+24/+19/+19/+14/+14 (2d6 19-20/x3 40 ft.)
Increased Power rnk 10 (20cp cap),
Chaingun Rapid Shot +24/+24/+19/+14 (2d6 19-20/x3 40 ft.)
Multiple Activations, Sustain Power
Dual-Chaingun Rapid Shot +22/+22/+22/+17/+17/+12/+12
Esoteric Item: Chainguns (pair) 24cp
(2d6 19-20/x3 40 ft.)
custom heavy machine pistols (see below)
Chaingun Many Shot +22/+22 (6d6 19-20/x3 40 ft.)
attack/damage +10, DNA Key +2
Heavy Rifle +18/+13/+8 (2d12, 20/x2, 180 ft.)
Special Abilities Bonus Feats x7 (ranged, saves, vehicle), Sneak
Heavy-Rifle Rapid Shot +16/+16/+11/+6 (2d12, 20/x2, 180 ft.)
Attack (+4d6), Protective Instincts x2 (Great
Heavy-Rifle Many Shot +14/+14 (6d12 20/x2, 180 ft.)
Fortitude, Iron Will), Evasion, Cross-Trained
Bean-Bag Gun +18/+13+/+8 (2d8 NL, 20/x2)
(Cr: Electronic, Supercraft).
Cuff Gun +18/+13/+8 Touch attack (20 ft.)
Wealth +20
Net Launcher +18/+13/+8 Touch attack (10 ft.)
Ads Feat x20 40cp
Baton +18/+13/+8 (1d6 20/x2)
Comps Favours Owed +9cp
Dual Batons +16/+16/+11/+11/+6/+6 (1d6 20/x2)
General Paul St. Pierre CAF
Special Attacks Blazing Charge: full-attack while charging
Insatiable Curiosity +2cp
Grazing Shot: non-lethal firearm attacks
Notoriety (Violent Rep) +5cp
Skip Shot: ignore cover, -2 attack, -1 die
Equipment
Sneak Attack: +4d6
Tactical Vest Armour +6, MD +2,
Sniper: sneak attack beyond 30'
Bean-Bag Shotgun 2d8NL, 20 ft., S, 4 internal, B-rounds
Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 18 +4, Con 14 +2,
Sleepy Stick 1d6L/NL, mêlée, 1d6, 19-20/x2
Int 22 +6, Wis 10, Cha 13 +1
Heavy Rifle scope (Range x1.5) 2d12, 180 ft., S, 12 clip, L3
Size/Reach Medium / 5-foot
Chainguns heavy machine pistols (2d12, 20/x2, 40 ft.)
Allegiance Whips and Chains
customised: linked ammo
Saves Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +10
left hand: lethal rounds, right hand: rubber
Action Points 14 APs
Cuff Gun touch attack, -4 attack (must hit legs), 20 ft.
Reputation +6
impedes movement faster than 5 ft.
Occupation Technician
hit while running, Reflex (DC 20) or fall/trip
Skills 108
Net Launcher touch attack, 10 ft. range or entangled
Cr: Electronic +23 (rnk 15), Cr: Mechanical +16 (rnk 10),
Cr: Structural +6 (identify weak points +4) (rnk 0), Demolitions
Sally's Inventions:
+21 (rnk 15), Drive +22 (rnk 15), Kn: Technology +12 (rnk 6),
Craft +6 (address power stone +2) (rnk 0), Repair +23
The Amazingly Accurate Maglight is one of Sally's favourite
(electronics, machines/engines, supertech +6) (rnk 17),
Inventions: a flashlight loaded with Amazing Accuracy (as a
Spellcraft +6 (decipher scrolls +2) (rnk 0), Stealth +12 (rnk 5),
power). She holds the flashlight with one hand, over the barel of
her gun, and fires with the other hand. Turning the flashlight on

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234 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

activates the power. It grants her ranged attacks a +10 to her The Web Sprayer is a small fire-extinguisher that Sally
ranged attacks. (Amazing Accuracy: CP 15, Activate: 1pp per altered and filled with a liquid polymer that sprays out in the
round per rank (By CL); use-activated [ranged attack]). form of many thin strands; it appears and behaves like silk
The Amazing Combat Gloves are a pair of black, leather, webbing, although it has the oily texture of plastic. The Webbing
fingerless gloves that, to most people, would look like driving has an effective Strength of 18, and anyone who is entangled by
gloves. Instead, they are a form-fitting pair of flexible circuit- it takes a -8 to attack, -16 to Dexterity, and cannot move,
boards that wirelessly interface Sally's guns with her optic although they can take move actions. ( Webbing, CP 14, Activate:
nerves. The upshot is that, when she wears the gloves, they 1pp per 50 ft. (By CL); standard action.)
increase her BAB by +5 (to +19/+14/+9), and grant an additional
iterative attack. For the gloves to work, both must be in contact Cyrus Samedi
with the weapon she fires, and so she cannot use them to wield (created by Orion Ussner Kidder)
two weapons at once. (Amazing Combat Skill: CP 20, Activate:
1pp per round per rank (By CL); use-activated [attack]). Full Name: Cyrus "Saturday" Graham
The Amazingly Deflective Riot Shield is the equivalent of a Appearance: Cyrus is a tall, African-American man who
small shield made of clear plastic. It projects a force field that stands at just a hair over six feet, has dark brown eyes that seem
repels physical objects, thus granting Sally a +5 Deflection bonus black, and black curly hair. He typically dresses in dark colours,
to Defence. There is a small activation stud on the handle. the only exception being the occasional splash of a crimson or
(Amazing Deflection, CP 8, Activate: 1pp per round per rank [By darker red. He almost always also wears a black leather longcoat
CL]; free action.) which is reinforced with armouring plates. Despite his good
The Sleepy Stick is a standard, telescoping stun baton, the looks, the force of his personality is what really makes him
likes of which Sally regularly carries anyway, which delivers a noticeable. He exudes a feeling of power and competence, and
special nerve-scrambling signal from its tip. Anyone hit by the his eyes seem to pierce into your soul, seeking your fears and
baton (either hit for damage or hit as a touch attack) must roll a secrets. Being in his presence is definitely unsettling.
Fort save (DC 18) or fall unconscious for 1d4 rounds. ( Cause Personality/History : Cyrus Graham was born in New
Unconsciousness: CP 12, Activate: 2pp; use-activated [attack]) Orleans, Louisiana 42 years ago. His parents were married early
—too early—and had fallen out of love by the time Cyrus was 3.
The Bubble Blower looks like a handle with a button on top. While they tried to show their son their love for him, their
When Sally presses the button, a barely visible sphere inflates indifference towards each other made this difficult. Therefore
and surrounds her at a range of about 2 feet. The bubble blocks Cyrus found the bulk of love and friendship in the family dog.
all physical contact and contains about 4 hours-worth of air. Unfortunately, the dog died in Cyrus' 14 th year, devastating the
Damage to the bubble invokes a Will Save from the invention young man.
(which has an effective Will of +14 because of the Tough Bubble It was then that Cyrus' affinity for the dead became apparent.
enhancement). The DC equals the damage of the in-coming One night, a week after the dog had been buried in the small back
attack. Attacks that bring down a bubble do not automatically yard, Cyrus awoke to find his dead friend curled up in its usual
strike Sally. See the power description for more details. ( Force spot at the foot of his bed, its dead eyes watching him as if
Field: CP 10, Activate 1pp per round/hour; move action). waiting for something. The boy was understandably startled, but
The Big Clunky Aviators are a large pair of glasses that bend felt that the creature meant him no harm.
light around Sally and funnel a small cone of it into the lenses, Cyrus sought advice from the neighbourhood “wise
thus rendering her invisible but still able to see. The glasses woman,” who, while never having seen one herself, told the boy
require constant, manual adjustment in order to keep the light- the stories of Vaudun high priests that were said to have the
well properly aligned; Sally has to keep one hand on the glasses power to raise the dead and summon spirits to do their bidding.
at all times. Fortunately, she has mastered the art of holding the Hearing this, Cyrus was excited, if somewhat reticent. He would
glasses and wielding a firearm at the same time. (Invisibility, CP never have to lose a friend again.
14; Activate: 1PP; full-round action.) Cyrus since has studied much in the realm of death magic,
Sally built the Power-Seeking Phone out of the shell of an old starting with Louisiana Voodoo/Vaudun, and going back to some
cell phone, using its buttons and most of al its screen. The phone of the "root" belief systems from west Africa. This earned him
can sense the activation of powers, including Inventions or the nickname "Saturday," meant derisively, but when he built a
Gadgets/Power Armour, within 90 ft. (Power Detection, CP 9, reputation as a real practitioner of the dark arts, that name faded
Activate: 1pp; move action.) and he started going by Cyrus Samedi, so named after the loa,
The Power Jammer is built out of the shell of an MP3 player. Baron Samedi. Cyrus' main preoccupation is understanding
It generates a very short-range signal that disrupts the natural Vaudun on the deepest possible level. He sells his services to the
energies that some people seem to use to create super-power highest bidder in order to fund his curiosity.
effects, although it so far has no effect on mysticism and psionics Location: Unknown, Louisiana, USA
(which Sally only just barely believes in). The upshot is that the Power Theme: Cyrus is a Necromancer. His entire power set
Power Jammer grants Sally a PR score of 19. (Resistance: is based around death and the dead, whether he is creating death,
Power, CP 11, Activate: none; use-activated.) or controlling it.
Combat/Tactics: Since Cyrus is not as adept in direct combat

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 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 235

as those he may face, he will generally stand back and direct his 8th-level caster
minions from relative safety. He will cast any appropriate Special Abilities Imposing Presence (+4), Tactical Genius (+4),
defensive spells (that aren't already active) such as Greater Reassuring Presence (+4), Bombastic Aura,
Invisibility and Protection from Arrows/Bullets , and use his Cross-Trained (Concentration), Inflexible Will,
offensive spells as needed. Favoured spells are ranged damage Mind Expansion (Cha +1), Chutzpah!
spells, such as Flame Strike and Ray of Enfeeblement and ranged Wealth 22
touch spells via Spectral Hand. When confronted in his lair, he Equipment Dagger, Bane "good" (1d4, 19-20/x2)
usually has multiple spells cast on the area, such as Desecrate Spells
and Unhallow. 0th All
1st Bless, Burning Hands, Cause Fear (N), Charm
Class Mystic 14 Person, Chill Touch (N), Deathwatch, Detect
Species Human Undead, Mage Armour, Magic Weapon, Ray of
Ethnicity Black Enfeeblement
Nationality American 2nd Command Undead, Cure Moderate Wounds,
ECL 12 (14 levels + 98 CPs) Death Knell, Desecrate, Gentle Repose, Ghoul
Hit Dice 14d6 (71hp) Touch, Protection from Arrows / Bullets, Resist
Mass. Damage 50 Energy, Scorching Ray, Spectral Hand
Initiative +3 3rd Animate Dead, Bestow Curse, Contagion,
Speed 30 ft. Dispel Magic, Halt Undead, Neutralize
Defence 23 (Dex +3, Class +7, Bombastic Aura +3) Poison, Ray of Exhaustion, Searing Light,
Knockback 20 Speak with Dead, Vampiric Touch
Base Attack +11 4th Cure Critical Wounds, Death Ward, Dismissal,
Attacks Unarmed Strike +11 (1d3NL, untrained) Enervation, Fear, Flame Strike, Greater
Bane Dagger +11 (1d4, +2d6 "good") Invisibility, Greater Magic Weapon,
Darkwood staff +11 (1d6/1d6 dmg) Restoration, Stoneskin
Medium Pistol +14 (2d6 dmg, 30’ range, 7 5th Disrupting Weapon, Mage's Private Sanctum,
round clip, armour-piercing rounds -2 DR) Nightmare, Permanency, Raise Dead, Scrying,
Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 16 +3, Con 12 +1 Symbol of Pain, Teleport, Unhallow, Waves of
Int 16 +3, Wis 20 +5, Cha 20 +5 Fatigue
Natural: Wis 16 +3 6th Antilife Shell, Circle of Death, Contingency,
Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft. Create Undead, Dispel Magic, Greater,
Allegiance None Eyebite, Globe of Invulnerability, Symbol of
Saves Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +18 Fear, Undeath to Death, Word of Recall
Action Points 10AP 7th Arcane Sight, Greater, Control Undead,
Reputation +11 Finger of Death, Heal, Resurrection,
Occupation Criminal Restoration, Greater, Sunbeam, Symbol of
Skills 102 Stunning, Symbol of Weakness, Waves of
Autohypnosis +11 (rnk 0), Bluff +10 (rnk 5), Concentration +16 Exhaustion
(rnk 15), Cr: Visual Art +10 (rnk 7), Diplomacy +12 (rnk 5),
Disguise +7 (rnk 0), Gamble +7 (rnk 0), Intimidate +7 (rnk 0), Deadline
Kn: History +8 (rnk 5), Kn: Tactics +8 (rnk 5), Kn: Theology/ (created by Charlie Dunn)
Philosophy +8 (rnk 5), Observe +20 (rnk 15), Repair +18 (art +2,
supertech +6) (rnk 15), Search +13 (rnk 10), Spellcraft +18 (rnk Full Name: Jack Dupp
15), Survival +5 (tracking +2) (rnk 0), Use Device +5 (supertech Appearance: Deadline wears a porcelain mask and a black
+6) (rnk 0) trench coat and fedora. Those who have seen under the mask
Languages English, Latin, French, Haitian, Bantu know that his face is severely burned and unrecognisable. He
Feats doesn't wear it to keep his identity secret. The mask and coat are
Arcane Armour Mastery, Combat Casting, Great Fortitude, Iron in fact manifestations of pure will. They will dissipate on the day
Will (Awesome), Lightning Reflexes, Mystical Aptitude, Power he dies.
Penetration, Extend Spell, Spell Focus (Necromancy) Personality/History : Ace reporter Jack Dupp was
incorruptible. Time after time, he published the dirty laundry of a
Proficiencies Armour (light, medium, heavy), Firearms dark and heartless city. He scoured the underworld to expose the
(personal, advanced), Weapons (simple, worst of humanity to the light of day. This insatiable desire to
archaic, improvised) meet out justice was his undoing.
Power Die 14d10 (92) Following a lead from an anonymous source, Jack followed
Origin Mystic the right-hand man of Vinnie "The Nose" Scarpitelli deep into
Powers Ability Enhancement , Wisdom +4 8CP the warehouse district. He snuck into the abandoned warehouse
Mystic Spell-Casting rnk 8 (0th to 8th) 90CP

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236 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

with only his courage and his video camera to protect him. Inside Skills 41 points
he found barrels and barrels of toxic waste. Rather than properly Climb +7 (rnk 7), Computer Use +6 rnk 3), Cr: Writing +6
dispose of the sludge that was produced by the city's chemical (rnk 3), Disable Device +10 (rnk 7), Investigate +10 (rnk 7),
factories, The Nose took the money for the disposal contracts and Kn: Current Events +6 (rnk 3), Observe +10 (rnk 7), Repair +3
stored it temporarily before pouring into the sewers. (locks +2) (rnk 0), Search +10 (rnk 7), Sense Motive +10 (rnk 7),
Jack had just finished collecting enough evidence to put The Stealth +9 (rnk 7), Survival +3 (tracking +2) (rnk 0), Treat
Nose away for good when he began to smell an acrid burning. As Injury +4 (rnk 1)
he burst out of the warehouse office he saw the cavernous space Languages English, Spanish, German
filled with smoke and the fierce orange glow on all sides. Feats Brawl, Double Tap, Holdout, Point Blank Shot
Seconds later the warehouse exploded with enough force to level Proficiencies Armour (light), Firearms (Personal, Advanced)
all the surrounding structures, spreading a toxic cloud over the Weapon (Improvised)
area. Jack Dupp had only enough time to try to shimmy down the Class Features: Connection (4CP), Investigative Knack,
floor drain when the building went up, but not before he was Bonus Feat: Iron Will, Slippery Mind,
horribly scarred and changed for life. Sharp Eyes I, Sixth Sense
Regaining consciousness on the banks of the river, a shadowy Powers 35cp
figure rose up, a force of justice and vengeance. Having no Amazing Accuracy +10 20CP
fingerprints, no face and no identity, he took the name Deadline. Amazing Initiative rnk 5 (Initiative +5) 5CP
He dons a white porcelain mask, a symbol of the empty page yet Amazing Leap, Wall Spring 3CP
to be printed, and travels the darkened streets in a black suit, Catfall rnk 2 4CP
trench coat and fedora. His weapon is the gun, his justice is final, Danger Sense 3CP
and his mission is to wipe the city clean once more. Advantages 7cp
Location: New York, NY, USA Amazing Costume 2CP
Power Theme: Deadline's powers are, like his costume, Database/Library rnk 2 4CP
manifestations of pure, angry will power, awakened by the Fearless 3CP
accident that cost him his face. They give him an unusual Skill Points rnk 4 (16 points) 2CP
sensitivity to danger as well as physical toughness. Comps +4cp
Combat: Deadline prefers to get the drop on his opponents, Calling Card +2CP
hitting them hard so they never get a chance to hit back. He Insatiable Curiosity +2CP
sneaks up on them, often counting on his high initiative to get the Wealth +9
first blow, and then unloads his pistol. Deadline is very careful Equipment Amazing Costume (black trench-coat and two-
about who he kills, though, and so he's trained himself to hold his piece suit, white featureless mask)
own in a fist-fight without doing permanent harm. His justice Medium Pistols (2) "Colt 1911"
may be blind, but it's not without mercy. Hand-Held Digital Video Camera (30 minutes
of memory)
Class Sleuth 4
ECL 4 (4 levels + 40cp) Doc Sprocket
Species Human (created by Jan-Carlo "Jay" Garcia)
Ethnicity White
Nationality American Full Name: n/a
Hit Dice 4d6 HP (16) Appearance: Doc Sprocket is an intricately worked, well-
Power Points 6+3d6 (16) articulated bronze-and-steel robot dressed in a snappy, but
Origin Psionic somewhat worse-for-wear, pin-stripe suit and top-hat. The Doc's
Initiative +7 immobile face is decorated with precious metals, gold and silver,
Speed 30ft its fingers are tipped with soft leather, and its feat covered in
Defence +17 (Class +2, Dex +2, Danger Sense +3) rubber treads, although it insists on wearing size-16 wing-tips
Touch +17; Touch: +17 , Flat Footed: N/A with spats. When it goes out in public, it tends to wear its suit
Base Attack +3 (mêlée: +3, ranged +13) and top hat, black gloves, a thick scarf wrapped around its lower
Attacks Fist +4 (1d6 non-lethal) face, and large sunglasses over its "eyes." Its voice emanates
Medium Pistol +15 "Colt 1911" (2d6 ballistic) from its head, but its lips do not move, and it sounds like a
Double Tap Colt 1911 pistol +13 (3d6 ballistic) record-player from the 1890s. The Doc has never allowed anyone
Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 14 +2, Con 10, to open it and inspect its inner workings. However, passive
Int 16 +3, Wis 16 +3, Cha 8 -1 observation indicates that it contains technology and materials
Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft. from a variety of historical eras, including Hellenic mechanics,
Saves Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +9 Medieval metallurgy, Victorian steam power, automobile parts,
Reputation +0 and modern electronics.
Action Points 8 Personality/History : As part of an estate salvage sale,
Occupation Investigative carnies from one of America's great travelling carnivals

236 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 237

purchased an odd item quite cheaply: an ancient-looking steamer Attacks Unarmed Strike +19/+14 (d6 +8 NL,
trunk with the words "Doc Sprocket" stencilled in fading black Knockback +8); Pugilism Mode +19/+14 (6d6
ink on the side. Locked within was the folded form of the Doc +8 NL, Knockback +8)
himself. Padded around this "statue" were decaying clothes from Ability Scores Str 26 +8, Dex 25 +7, Con n/a (Robot),
a variety of eras; ancient Greek togas, Renaissance doublets and Int 10, Wis 8 -1 , Cha 26 +8
hose, Victorian gentlemen's evening-wear, and (the last being the Natural: Str 18 +4, Dex 17 +3, Cha 20 +5
least ruined) a dark blue threadbare suit with matching top hat. Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
The statue was dressed in the suit and hat and put on display in Allegiance Strangeness
their Gallery of Curiosities. The day after it went on display, it Saves Fort +9, Reflex +12, Will +4
went missing. Action Points 10 AP
Doc Sprocket no longer remembers for what reason it was Reputation +9
created. All it knows is that it seeks to find and protect Occupation none (Robot)
"strangeness." Thankfully for the world, it finds most humans Skills 52
"strange." Climb +18 (rnk 10), Intimidate +15 (rnk 10), Jump +20 (rnk 10),
Delusions of Humanity (Custom Mental Comp): Doc Observe +4 (rnk 5), Repair +10 (rnk 10), Treat Injury +4 (rnk 5),
Sprocket is (apparently) a clockwork and steam-driven robot that Tumble +16 (rnk 5)
thinks that it is human. Nothing that anyone can do or say will Languages English
dissuade it from believing this fact. It does realise that even for a Feats Brawl (Knockout Punch), Great Fortitude
human, it is rather unusual, but highly unusual humans are all (Awesome), Power Attack (Improved
over the place. The Doc believes in its humanity so strongly that Knockback, Awesome Knockback), Standing
it reacts "appropriately biological" even when it shouldn't. If it Jump, Toughness x4
becomes aware of an effect that should harm a human, it will Proficiencies Armour (light, medium, archaic), Shields,
mimic whatever it thinks a human reaction would be, "drowning" Weapons (archaic, simple, improvised, over-
underwater, "asphyxiating" from lack of oxygen, making sized), Firearms (personal, advanced)
coughing noises in smoke, or even suffering from a Power Die 35 PPs
psychosomatic flu. For game purposes, this means that Doc Origin Supertech
Sprocket rolls a Will save (instead of a Fortitude save) against Powers 100cp
any such effects once it becomes aware of them, and it suffers the Ability Enhancement , Str +8, Dex +8, Cha +8 48cp
appropriate consequences. If it doesn't know the appropriate Amazing Leap, Powered rnk 4 (Jump +50) 5cp
consequences, the Doc will fake them. Catfall 60 ft. 4cp
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Damage Reduction, DR 30, Density Increase x4 30cp
Power Theme: Doc Sprocket's "powers" are all the results of Mighty Lifting 2 Ranks (x3 to lift) 4cp
its robotic body, as such it's tougher and faster than humans, and Natural Weapons "Pugilism Mode" 9cp
surprisingly agile. Its main weapons are two ratcheting, steam- Improved Damage 6d6, Retractible
impact fists. When "the gloves come off," his forearms revolve
outwards and expand, steam hisses from artfully-concealed Special Abilities Swaggering Bravado, Iconic Attack +3,
brass-and-steel fittings, and the fingers of its hands telescope Chutzpah!, Iconic Presence +1, Bombastic
outward and lock into "Pugilism Mode." Aura I, Bonus Feat (Brawl, Knockout Punch,
Combat: The Doc is a speedy, hand-to-hand brawler who Power Attack), Unshakable Resolve
leaps into the fray with simulated gusto. It is seemingly incapable Ads Highly Experienced (Robot LA +1) 10cp
of deliberately harming an innocent human, but anyone it Skill Points rnk 1 1cp
identifies as a "villain" or "monster" will receive a good Comps Bizarre Area Effect 2 Ranks +4cp
thrashing. Doc Sprocket has little technique and no panache, but Delusions of Humanity (custom) +6cp
it makes up for that with single-mindedness. Wealth +10

Class Champion 10 Dr. Byrdapak

Species Robot Full Name: unknown
ECL 10 (10 levels + 101 CPs) Appearance: Dr. Byrdapak appears as a very old man with
Hit Dice 10d10 (89 HPs) pale skin and long gray hair. He dresses as an Eastern-European
Mass. Damage n/a (Robot) count, in a flowing red cape and ornate walking stick.
Initiative +7 Personality/History : The being known as "Dr. Byrdapak" is
Speed 30 ft. shrouded in mystery, his past largely unknown. He first appeared
Defence 30 (Class +5, Dex +7, Cha +8); DR 30 to the modern world in Romania, displaying an encyclopaedic
Touch: 30, Flat-Footed: 23 knowledge of the past. In the 1990s, Byrdapak left Europe for
Knockback 13 New York City and began working with a small group of heroes.
Base Attack +10 / +5 He has served as a mentor for that group since.
Mêlée:+18 / +13, Ranged: +17 / +12 Location: New York, NY, USA

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238 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

Power Theme: Byrdapak's abilities are all necromantic in 4cp

nature. His very presence can inspire great fear and his touch Proficiencies Weapons (simple, archaic), Armour (light),
drains subjects of their life force. Although he appears ancient, Firearms (personal)
Byrdapak has not aged since he moved to New York and no one Power Die 10d12 (65)
has ever seen him eat or sleep. He has not once turned Origin Mystical
Combat/Tactics: At will, the Doctor sprouts long fingernails Powers Amazing Defence rnk 3 Defence +3 3cp
he can use as claws, though he prefers to let the younger heroes Cause Fear, ranged 10cp
engage in battle while he coordinates from the sidelines. Damage Reduction 6cp
Energy Resistance: Cold rnk 5 10cp
Class Thinker 10 Life Leech, 2d6 6cp
Species unknown Longevity 8cp
Ethnicity Russian Natural Weapons, claws 2d6 3cp
Nationality none Need Not Breath 4cp
ECL 10 (10 levels + 10 levels) Need Not Eat 1cp
Hit Dice 10d4 65) Need Not Sleep 2cp
Mass. Damage 50HPs Power Leech: Offensive 3d6 6cp
Initiative +7 Special Abilities Jack of All Trades, Renaissance Man, Plot
Speed 30 ft. Device, Sixth Sense, Slippery Mind,
Defence 19 (Dex +3, Class +3, Amazing Defence +3) Encyclopaedic Memory, Inflexible Will,
Touch: 19, Flat-Footed: 16, DR 3/super Tactical Genius +2, Mind Expansion, Learn
Knockback 15 From Your Mistakes, Bafflegab
Base Attack +5 Wealth +12
Mêlée: +6, Ranged: +8
Attacks Claws +6 (2d6, 20/x2) Force Majeure
Power Leech +6 (3d6 HPs) Full Name: Major Guy le Duc
Ability Scores Str 12 +1, Dex 16 +3, Con 18 +4 Appearance: Guy le Duc is a lanky man with a large frame.
Int 20 +5, Wis 18 +4, Cha 16 +3 He wears his dark hair short and, off-duty, permits himself the
Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft. affectation of a pair of sun glasses. He dresses immaculately but
Allegiance is perpetually two years behind the current fashion. While he is
Saves Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +11 on base or performing duties as a soldier, he wears his fatigues,
Action Points 10 APs but on-mission, he is usually undercover, wearing whatever he
Reputation +6 needs to in order to blend in with local fashion.
Occupation Religious Personality/History : Guy le Duc joined the French army
Skills 195 when he came of age and was immediately drafted into the
Bluff +5 (rnk 0), Computer Use +12 (rnk 5), Cr: Chemical +12 psionics division after having scored extremely high on a series
(rnk 5), Cr: Electronic +12 (rnk 5), Cr: Mechanical +12 (rnk 5), of military tests designed to reveal any and all supernatural
Cr: Pharmaceutical +10 (rnk 5), Cr: Structural +12 (rnk 5), abilities. Le Duc dutifully served his country, often performing
Cr: Visual Art +10 (rnk 5), Cr: Writing +10 (rnk 5), Decipher seemingly innocuous tasks such as delaying a subject for a
Script +10 (rnk 5), Demolitions +7 (identify weak points +2) specific amount of time, implanting simple suggestions in a
(rnk 0), Diplomacy +5 (rnk 0), Disable Device +19 (electronics mind, making people turn left when they would have turned
+2) (rnk 14), Forgery +7 (rnk 0), Gather Info +5 (rnk 0), right, and so on. It was five years before he even began to think
Intimidate +5 (rnk 0), Investigate +19 (crime scene analysis +2) about questioning his loyalty, of investigating the consequences
(rnk 14), Kn: Art +10 (rnk 5), Kn: Behavioural Sciences +10 of his activities.
(rnk 5), Kn: Business +10 (rnk 5), Kn: Civics +10 (rnk 5), He discovered that he had, without his knowledge, been
Kn: Current Events +10 (rnk 5), Kn: Earth/Life Sciences +10 transferred to a top-secret French intelligence division called Les
(rnk 5), Kn: History +10 (rnk 5), Kn: Physical Sciences +10 Horlogeries. Operating under little if any oversight, "the
(rnk 5), Kn: Popular Culture +10 (rnk 5), Kn: Tactics +10 Clockworks" had put him to work sabotaging good deeds:
(rnk 5), Kn: Technology +10 (rnk 5), Kn: Theology/Philosophy preventing human-rights activists from arriving for court
+10 (rnk 5), Navigate +19 (rnk 14), Psicraft +10 (power stones appearances, stalling high-level bureaucrats during international
+4) (rnk 5), Repair +5 (machines, electronics, buildings, art, crises, scrambling the minds of ambassadors on peace missions.
locks/security, supertech +2) (rnk 0), Research +13 (rnk 8), By his own count, le Duc was responsible for the deaths of
Search +5 (hidden compartments +2) (rnk 0), Spellcraft +10 thousands and the suffering of tens of thousands. Knowing that
(scrolls +4) (rnk 5), Supercraft +17 (knobs +4) (rnk 10), there was no way to officially leave the agency without fear of
Treat Injury +16 (rnk 10), Use Device +15 (rnk 10) reprisal, he simply disappeared. He has worked tirelessly since,
Languages English, French, German, Rumanian, Russian undoing his own bad deeds and subverting Les Horlogeries in
Feats Toughness, Improved Initiative, Cloak Fall, any way he can.
Diehard, Hostile Mind, Surgery, Swift Healing Location: Paris, France

238 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 239

Power Theme: Force Majeure is conversant in a great Origin Psionic

number of psionic techniques, concentrating on low-key combat Powers 18cp Psionic Manifestation rank 4 17cp
and stealth. He chooses not to study any technique (i.e., psi- Increased Manifester Level rank 1
power) that has a visual effect, anything that advertises itself as 1st Level Burst, Chameleon, Empathy, Far Hand, Force
F/X, but instead focuses on those abilities that enhance his ability Screen, Hammer, Know Direction and
to survive a fight, sneak past wary opponents, or simply survive Location, Missive, Telempathic Projection ,
his espionage-oriented lifestyle. He also maintains a small Thicken Skin
number of mind-affecting powers that he uses to cover his tracks, 2nd Level Body Adjustment, Body Purification, Cloud
such as Mindwipe. Mind, Darkvision, Psionic Knock, Psionic
Combat/Tactics: Force Majeure does not engage in direct Levitate, Mental Disruption , Sustenance,
combat if he can instead distract or evade his opponents using his Psionic Tongues, Wall Walker
psionic techniques. He will sneak past, distract, or confuse, if 3rd Level Dimension Slide, Empathic Feedback,
possible, and engage in direct combat only when absolutely Eradicate Invisibility, Mental Barrier, Mind
necessary. Even then, he usually seeks to escape the combat and Trap, Psionic Blast, Forced Share Pain,
achieve his primary goals rather than stick around and "win." He Telekinetic Force, Time Hop, Touchsight
utterly refuses to use deadly force against non-combatants of all 4th Level Correspond, Psionic Dimension Door, Psionic
kinds, including low-level hired muscle who have no actual stake Divination, Empathic Feedback, Energy
in the larger game. Adaptation, Psionic Freedom of Movement,
Inertial Barrier, Mindwipe, Personality
Class Mentalist 6 Parasite, Psychic Reformation
Species Human Special Abilities Psionic Meditation, Narrow Mind, Bonus Feat
Ethnicity Occitan Wealth +9
Nationality French Equipment Leather Jacket (Armour +1), Inserts
ECL 13 (6 levels + 17CP) (Equipment +4), Heavy Pistol
Hit Dice 6d4 (14HP + Con) Ads Additional Identity Rank 3 (DC 25) 3cp
Mass. Damage 50HPs Protected Identity Rank 2 (DC +30) 2cp
Initiative Dex +2 Skill Points rnk 1 1cp
Speed 30 ft. Comps Nemesis: Les Horlogeries +5cp
Defence 18 +2* (Dex +2, Cls +2, Leather Jacket +1, Frequency Rank 2 (30%)
Heavy Inserts +4, *Dodge +2) Strength Ranks 3 (100%)
Touch: 14, Flat-Footed: 16
Knockback 15 Little Dragon
Base Attack +3 (created by Orion Ussner Kidder)
Mêlée: +3, Ranged: +5
Attacks Combat Martial Arts +3 (1d4 L/NL) Full Name: Ben Fong
Heavy Pistol +5 (2d8, 40 ft., S) Appearance: Little Dragon is a Chinese man in his late 20s
Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 14 +2, Con 16 +3 with short hair and a long face. Little Dragon wears a variety of
Int 12 +1, Wis 10, Cha 19 +4 outfits, all of them are vaguely reminiscent of 1970s fashion, and
Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft. all of them enhance his natural resemblance to the late, great
Allegiance La France Bruce Lee.
Saves Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +5 Personality/History : Ben Fong was a normal guy, once upon
Action Points 6 APs a time, but walking home from his first kung fu class, he
Reputation +1 encountered a mugging in progress. Despite his almost complete
Occupation Military lack of training, he managed to defend the victims of the
Skills 40 mugging, two teenaged boys, long enough for the mugger to flee.
Autohypnosis +2 (rnk 0), Bluff +9 (rnk 5), Concentration +8 (rnk In the version of the story that the two boys told, they
5), Diplomacy +11 (rnk 5), Gather Info +11 (rnk 5), Psicraft +8 exaggerated Fong's fighting prowess, not consciously but
(power stones +2) (rnk 5), Sense Motive +5 (rnk 5), Spellcraft +3 because that's how they saw him, as their protector.
(scrolls +2) (rnk 0), Stealth +7 (rnk 5), Supercraft +3 (knobs +2) As the story of the foiled mugging travelled, Fong found that
(rnk 0), Use Device +9 (psionic +2) (rnk 5), he started to take on the action-hero proportions that the boys had
Languages French, German attributed to him, which lead him to larger and larger heroic
Feats Combat Martial Arts (Blinding Strike), deeds, which lead to more stories. Nicknamed "Little Dragon"
Defensive Martial Arts, Improved Initiative, because of his resemblance to Bruce Lee, Fong started patrolling
Daredevil Driver Chinatown, usually just showing his face and telling kids to stay
Proficiencies Firearms (personal, advanced), Weapons in school, but as his legend grew, so did his powers. Soon, he
(simple, archaic) was no longer the protector of just Chinatown, but the whole city
Power Die 6d12 (42) of Vancouver.

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240 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Int 11, Wis 11, Cha 12 +1 +20CP
Power Theme: Little Dragon's powers are all based in the Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
martial arts, but they long ago took on almost mythic proportion. Allegiance Vancouver, BC, Canada
He can punch through solid steel, run through the air, deflect Saves Fort +13, Ref +20, Will +13
bullets with the flat of his hand, and hurl bolts of pure energy. Action Points 20
Combat/Tactics: Little Dragon prefers not to fight. He goes Reputation +14
out of his way to offer non-violent options whenever a fight Occupation Adventurer
starts and keeps offering those non-violent options while he Skills 164
fights. When he has to defend his own life or someone else's, he Diplomacy +20 (rnk 10), Gather Info +20 (rnk 10), Intimidate
uses the minimum force that he deems necessary. He often puts +16 (rnk 10), Jump +59 (rnk 20), Kn: Civics +14 (rnk 10), Kn:
himself at a serious disadvantage and has occasionally been Theology/Philosophy +14 (rnk 10), Observe +15 (rnk 10),
seriously injured as a result, but he is simply not one to raise his Profession +25 (rnk 20), Ride +10 (rnk 0), Sense Motive +15
fists in anger if there is any other option. (rnk 10), Swim +21 (rnk 20), Treat Injury +15 (rnk 10), Tumble
That said, when he does choose to fight, he is fully capable of +34 (rnk 24)
wreaking monumental destruction. He is reluctant to use his Languages English, Cantonese
powers partly because he knows just how strong he is, but when Feats
he does, he single-mindedly and without hesitation poors all of Action Hero, Blind Fight, Combat Expertise, (Improved Disarm,
his strength and will into subduing the target. This often means Improved Trip), Combat Martial Arts (Improved, Advanced),
rendering that target unconscious or otherwise unable to do harm, Endurance (Diehard), Improved Unarmed Damage ( Pressure-
but it has occasionally meant that target's utter and complete Point Attack, Crippling Blow, Stunning Fist), Combat Reflexes,
destruction. Little Dragon has a long, long fuse, but when he Cooperative Attack (Improved), Defensive Martial Arts (Combat
goes off, the results are mythic. Throw [Improved], Deflect Arrows [Improved]), Dodge (Agile
Riposte, Mobility, Spring Attack, Whirlwind Attack), Heroic
Class Martial Artist 10 / Champion 10 Intervention, Improved Initiative, Light-Footed, Lightning
Species Human Reflexes, Power Attack (Cleave), Quick Change, Run (Fast
Ethnicity Chinese Move), Standing Jump, Super Strike, Toughness (Hard to Kill,
Nationality Canadian Swift Healing), Weapon Finesse
ECL 20 (20 levels + 202CP)
Proficiencies Armour (light, medium, heavy), Firearms
Hit Dice 10d8 + 10d12 (177HPs)
(personal, advanced), Shields, Weapons
Mass. Damage 50HPs
(simple, archaic, improvised, over-sized)
Initiative +12
Power Die 10d8 / 10d6 (84)
Speed 40 ft.
Origin Mystical
Defence 39 +71 +22 (Dex +7, MA +5, Chp +5,
Powers 176cp
Bombastic Aura +7 1, Dodge +22, Defensive
Ability Enhancement 70cp
Martial Arts +2, Amazing Deflection +5,
Con +4, Dex +12, Int +2, Wis +5, Cha +12
Amazing Dodge +5)
Amazing Deflection rnk 5 (+5) 10cp
Touch: 33 +71, Flat-Footed 32
Amazing Dodge rnk 5 (+5) 10cp
Combat Expertise: up to +5 to Defence
Amazing Leap Powered rnk 2 (Jump +30) 0cp
Knockback 25
Damage Reduction, 20/super, active, automatic 33cp
Base Attack +20/+15/+10/+5
Energy Attack: Concussive, ranged 100 ft., 10d6, 38cp
Mêlée: +22/+17/+12/+7,
non-lethal, touch attack, improved critical damage/range
Ranged: +28/+23/+18/+12
Catfall 30 ft. (class feature)
Attacks
Flight 30 ft (average) 5cp
Unarmed Strike +28/+23/+18/+13
Thick Skinned 10cp
(1d10 + 2, 19-20/x3, lethal/non)
Special Abilities
Energy Strike +28/+23/+18/+13
Martial Artist: Combat Martial Arts, Improved Unarmed
(1d10 +10d6 19-20/x3, mêlée,concussive, non-lethal)
Damage I, Evasion, Defensive Awareness,
Energy Attack +28/+23/+18/+13
Uncanny Dodge (Improved), Bonus Feats x4,
(10d6, 19-20/x3, 100' range, concussive, non-lethal)
Float Like a Butterfly, Protective Instincts
Special Attacks
Champion: Swaggering Bravado, Iconic Attack,
One-Inch Punch (Iconic Attack) +3 hit/dmg
Chutzpah!, Iconic Presence, Bombastic Aura,
Pressure-Point Attack (-1 Attack, -2 Defence)
Bonus Feats (x3), Unshakable Resolve
Crippling Blow (-1 Strength or Dexterity)
Ads Feat x17 34cp
Comps Hero's Code: Mercy, Extreme Mercy +8CP
Ability Scores Str 14 +2, Dex 26 +8, Con 16 +3,
Wealth +16
Int 14 +2, Wis 16 +3, Cha 26 +8
Equipment Yellow Track Suit
Natural: Dex 14 +2, Con 12 +1,
'71 Buick (w fuzzy dice/ seats)

240 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 241

Big Sunglasses Languages English

Nunchaku x2 Feats Action Hero, Combat Martial Arts, Improved
Tao of Jeet Kun Do Unarmed Damage rnk 3 (1d10), Heroic
(two copies, one to give away) Intervention, Quick Draw, Quick Reload
Proficiencies Armour (light, medium, heavy), Firearms
Lone Star (personal, advanced), Weapons (simple,
improvised, exotic [chain, chainsaw, grenade
Full Name: Jackston Walker launcher)
Appearance: Lone Star is a tall, wiry man with a head of Power Dice 8d6 (24 PP)
blond hair under a white Stetson. He favour button-up shirts and Origin Cosmic
bolo ties. Lone Star is every bit the smiling cowboy, head to foot. Powers 89cp
Personality/History : Lone Star is an honest-to-goodness Ability Enhancement : Strength +6, Ability Trait rnk 6 18cp
Texas Ranger, and he insisted on being posted to remote areas of Amazing Combat Skill rnk 4 (BA +4), Power rnk 4 12cp
the state so that he could patrol them on a horse. After 10 years Amazing Leap +10 Jump 8cp
as a ranger, he found that the wilderness made him tough and Powered Leap rnk 3 (Jump +30),
fast, like a mountain lion. Seven-League Leap, Wall Spring
Location: Texas, USA (the whole state, darnit!) Amazing Scrutiny rnk 2, (Sense Motive +4) 2cp
Power Theme: Lone Star's powers are all related to the Catfall rnk 2 ( all 60 ft.) 4cp
animals of the great wilderness he patrols. He can leap like the Mighty Lifting rnk 4 (weight x4) 12cp
mountain lion, has hide as tough as the armadillo, fights like a Thick Skinned Resistant Skin, Super Skin 20cp
bear, and sees with the eyes of an eagle. Special Abilities Bonus Feats x8, Natural Aptitude
Combat/Tactics: Lone Star leaps into fights with a rough- (Bluff/Diplomacy +4), Cross-Trained
and-tumble enthusiasm, punching jaws and rasslin'. When he Ads Skill Points rnk 3 3cp
pulls his guns, he aims to wound. Equipment Walkie-Talkie, Hip Holster (Revolver), Cell
Phone, Zip-Tie Handcuffs (x25), Flashlight,
Class Warrior 8 Shotgun: 8 S-type magazines
Species Human Police Cruiser Ford Crown Victoria
Ethnicity White Revolver Medium, Mastercraft +1
Nationality American speed loaders (x4), P2 bullets (x30)
ECL 9 (8 levels + 77cp) Tactical Vest Armour +6, Max Dex +2, Check Pen. -5,
Hit Dice 8d12+16 (64 HP) Speed 25 ft., 10 lb.
Mass. Damage 50
Initiative +2 The Mad Engineer
Speed 25 ft (created by Orion Ussner Kidder,
Defence 22 (Class +4, Equip +6, Dex +2) with special thanks to the real Dr. David Tsang)
Touch: 16, Flat-Footed: 20
Knockback 24 Full Name: David C. Tsang, PhD (Engineering)
Base Attack +12/+7/+2 Appearance: Dave is a friendly Chinese man in his 30s who
Mêlée: +19/+14/+9; Ranged: +14/+9/+4 usually wears a very lived-in lab coat. He isn't built like a
Attacks Unarmed +19/+14/+9, 1d8+8, 20/x2 superhero because he's not one. He's not a supervillain, either.
Shotgun +14/+9/+4, 2d8, 20/x2, 30ft He's an engineer, with the messy hair and black-frame glasses to
Revolver +14/+9/+4, 2d6, 20/x2, 30ft prove it.
Abilities Str 26 +8, Dex 14 +2, Con 15 +2, Personality/History : Dave always loved taking things apart
Int 10 +0, Wis 14 +2, Cha 12 +1 and putting them back together. At a very early age, he
Natural: Str 20 +5 discovered that if you get your hands on some simple tools and a
Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft. piece of technology, you can reduce it to bits within minutes. If
Allegiance Texas you're really clever, you can use the bits for other things, things
Saves Fort +6 +2 Ref +4 +2 Will +2 +2 other than what they're normally used for , things not intended by
Action Points 8 AP their manufacturers. His parents were not amused by this almost
Reputation +7 pathological practise, but he didn't particularly care. As he grew
Occupation Law Enforcement up, Dave got better and better at it until he started building things
Skills 56 that even he knew really shouldn't be able to work, things that
Climb +6 (rnk 5), Diplomacy +8 (rnk 0), Gather Info +10 (rnk 0), violated the most basic laws of physics. That's when he, along
Intimidate +16 (rnk 10), Jump +11 (rnk 10), Kn: Civics +5 with a lot of other quasi-sane people working in basements and
(rnk 1), Observe +10 (rnk 5), Ride +12 (rnk 10), Sense attics across the world, discovered supertechnology. He pursued
Motive +10 (rnk 5), Swim +6 (rnk 5), Treat Injury +10 (rnk 5), his work first as an amateur and then as an academic, earning a
Tumble +6 (rnk 0) Bachelor's degree and then a PhD. Along the way, he started

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242 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

calling himself the Mad Engineer, because he's not a mad Action Points 20APs
"scientist." He's an engineer. He builds things. Things that work. Reputation +6
The Mad Engineer largely builds things out of interest, Occupation Technician (Comp Use, Craft [chemicals,
sometimes just assembling parts until they become something, electrical, mechanical, structural], Knowledge
almost as if the parts have a mind of their own. He becomes [business, earth/life sci, physical science, tech],
instantly uninterested in them as soon as they're done, and he has Repair, Research
seemingly no awareness that some of them are quite dangerous, Skills 414
but neither is he interested in hurting anyone. The inventions are Computer Use +35 (rnk 20), Cr: Chemical +27 (rnk 20),
their own reward. He sells whatever he makes in order to buy Cr: Electronic +35 (rnk 20), Cr: Mechanical +35 (rnk 20),
more parts to make more inventions, and he's both very happy Cr: Pharmaceutical +27 (rnk 20), Cr: Structural +35 (identify
and very rich as a result. weak points +8) (rnk 20), Demolitions +35 (identify weak points
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada +8) (rnk 20), Disable Device +27 (electronics +8) (rnk 20),
Power Theme: The Mad Engineer's main powers are Super Drive +14 (rnk 10), Investigate +7 (crime scene analysis +8)
Intelligence and Supertech Invention. He uses those powers to (rnk 0), Kn: Business +27 (rnk 20), Kn: Earth/Life Sciences +27
build Supertech devices and very little else. (rnk 20), Kn: Physical Sciences +27 (rnk 20), Kn: Popular
Note to GMs: the Mad Engineer is a great justification for the Culture +12 (rnk 5), Kn: Technology +27 (rnk 20), Navigate +17
presence of Wondrous Supertech to your game. Anyone who (rnk 10), Pilot +10 (rnk 10), Profession +20 (rnk 20),
takes an Item power (Esoteric Items, Gadgets, Iconic Items, and Psicraft +12 (rnk 5), Repair +31 (electronics, engines/machines,
Power Armour) but doesn't have a good reason to have made buildings, locks +8; supertech +14) (rnk 24), Research +27
such an Item him/her/itself could have simply purchased it from (rnk 20), Search +7 (secret doors/compartments +8) (rnk 0),
the Mad Engineer. Spellcraft +12 (scrolls, power stones, knobs +4) (rnk 5),
Combat/Tactics: The Mad Engineer does not often get into Supercraft +50 (rnk 35), Treat Injury +28 (rnk 20), Use
fights. He has almost not combat skills, and anybody who knows Device +10 (supertech +14; psionic, mystic +4) (rnk 10),
him either wants to do business with him at some point in the Languages Cantonese, Czech, English, French, Japanese,
future or is afraid of that he might have rattling around in his Latin, Mandarin
pockets. If and when the Mad Engineer ends up in the middle of Feats
a skirmish, he touches a button on his watch and it expands into a Control Anything Mastercraft (Advanced), Invent Super
suit of full-body armour. Equipment (Invent Super Armament, Invent Doohicky, Invent
Ray Gun, Improved Ray Gun, Invent Gizmo, Invent
Class Inventor 20 Superchemical), Skill Aptitude x3: Supercraft
Species Human
Proficiencies Armour (light, heavy)
Ethnicity Chinese
Power Die 20d12 (135PPs)
Nationality Canadian
Origin Supertech
ECL 20 (20 levels + 200CPs)
Powers Supertech Invention free
Hit Dice 20d4 (51.5 HPs)
Increased Power rnk 18 64cp
Mass. Damage 50
Multiple Activations, Sustain Power
Initiative +0
Special Abilities Bonus Feats x5 (General, Supertech, Vehicle),
Speed 30 ft.
Supertech Invention (I, II, III), Special Ability
Defence 16 (Cls +6)
(Delay Disaster, Encyclopaedic Memory, Jack
Armoured 35 (Cls +6, Plate Mail +19)
of All trades, Learn From Your Mistakes,
Touch: 16, Flat-Footed: 35
Steady Hands, Rapid Deployment Cycle, Plot
Knockback 16 HPs
Device, Bafflegab), Invent Nullifier
Base Attack +10 / +5
(Penetration, Ranged 25 ft.)
Mêlée: +10 / +5, Ranged: +10 / +5
Wealth +30
Attacks
Ads Database/Library rnk 2 4cp
Blaster: Ranged 100 ft. +10+/5 ray,
Comps Glass Jaw rnk 2 (Crit x4) +4cp
(6d6, cold, lethal/non-lethal, 19-20/x3)
Insatiable Curiosity +2cp
Blaster: Cone 40 ft., (6d6, cold, lethal/non-lethal, Ref. 20 [half])
Magnetic Signature +2cp
Wrap In A Can, Ref. DC = Attack Roll,
Equipment
5-ft. Spread DC = ½ Attack Roll
Healing Gloves, move-action touch +10/+5 (10d6 healing)
Instant Armour Plate Male, Armour +9, Max Dex +4, Equip
Penalty -4, Hardened (Armour +1), Ultra-Light
Ability Scores Str 11, Dex 11, Con 11
(Max Dex +3, Equip Penalty +2, Speed +10 ft.,
Int 24 +7 (natural), Wis 11, Cha 11
Weight -75%), Enhancement (Supertech) +10,
Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
DR 7/Super, Retractible (wristwatch)
Allegiance Science!
Saves Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +2

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 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 243

The Mad Engineer built the Instant Armour as his first line of Restoration [6pp Full-Round Action], CP 20, Activate: 1pp per
defence in case he ends up in a the midst of a fight. He is quick 1d6 (By CL))
to activate it and then remove himself from a fight or simply hide
somewhere safe. When it's retracted, the Instant Armour takes Wrap In A Can is a cylindrical device that shoots out a sheet
the form of an expensive-looking wristwatch. of what looks like plastic-wrap but is far stronger. It instantly
sticks to almost anything, most especially itself, which in effect
The Mad Engineer's Inventions means that it tends to wrap itself around whatever it touches. The
The Inventions that Tsang carries with him tend to be non- Mad Engineer uses Wrap In A Can when he wants to capture
lethal and highly functional. He machines his own parts, which someone and talk to them; all he has to do is cut a hole in the
costs more but produces more attractive and convenient Wrap, which also helps the subject breath. He has improved the
Inventions, and they tend to have an aesthetic that incorporates design over the years so that the Wrap seriously debilitates its
rounded corners and chrome: Space Opera meet fifties American targets' ability to move (Improved Entangling rank 2), and it
automobiles. He carries 40CP worth of Inventions at any given spreads outwards from its target (Expanded Entangling). If his
time, to be selected from the following list. GMs can also, of targets are clumped in a small area, he can also simply empty the
course, give him any new Invention that they might think of. can into the area (Voluminous Entangling). The Mad Engineer
has works for years to make the Wrap nearly unbreakable
The Anti-Gravity Rod renders the wielder's body imune to the (Strength 24). (Webbing, 50 ft. range, Str 24, Improved
effects of gravity and inertia. By also emitting powerful bursts of Entangling rnk2, Expanded Entangling, Voluminous Entangling,
kinetic energy, it allows the Mad Engineer to fly through the air CP 14, Activate: 1pp per 50 ft. [By CL]; use-activated [attack].
with extreme precision and speed. He usually uses it to simply
remove himself from a dangerous situation, if at all possible. Minion
(Flight, Flight Skill Excellent, Speed 160 ft/mph, CP 24, Minions are low-level, quasi-loyal followers who do the
Activate: free; free) bidding of a leader, often a Mastermind or a Champion. They are
non-combat characters, but they can have a variety of uses.
The Blaster emits inverse microwaves which instantly freeze Minions can, for example, do bank runs, perform mundane
whatever they're pointed at, and when in non-lethal mode, they labour, answer phones, relay information, act as spies, or even
simply render the targets so numb that they fall to the ground. It parley with the enemy. They do not, however, have any combat
looks like a prop from a 60s science-fiction TV show, with a abilities. They cower and surrender at the first sign of violence.
small radar dish at the tip and a rounded, oblong grip. The Mad They have no feats and certainly not powers. They don't even
Engineer almost always uses it in non-lethal mode, but he will have a BAB.
defend himself with deadly force if he deems it necessary. He
will use the Cone mode if his attackers are within its radius, and Class n/a
the Ranged mode if they are not. He doesn't mind hitting Species any (without special abilities)
bystanders, but only if the Blaster is in non-lethal mode. (Energy ECL ½
Attack, Cone or Ranged, 6d6, Cold, Touch Attack, Improved Hit Dice 1d4 (2HPs)
Critical Damage/Range, Knockback, Controlled Damage; CP 35, Mass. Damage 10
Activate: 1pp per 1d6 (By CL)) Initiative +0
Speed 30 ft.
The Force Shield is a small, shield-shaped disk that the Mad Defence 10
Engineer grips in his hand. The edges of the disk project a globe Touch: 10 , Flat-Footed: 10
of agitated molecules that react to physical force or powerful Knockback 0
energy by swirling close together and thus protecting whomever Base Attack n/a
is within the globe. If the Mad Engineer has to remain mobile or Attacks none (cower in fear at any sign of danger)
agile, he uses the Force Shield rather than his Instant Armour. Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 10, Con 10
(Force Field, Tough Bubbles (Will +20), CP 36, Activate: 1pp Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 10
per 1d6; move action, Sustain: per round/hour; free action) Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
Allegiance Leader
The Healing Gloves are covered with micro-needles at the Saves Fort +0, Ref +0, Will +0
fingertips and those needles deliver a short-living retrovirus that Action Points n/a
both supplies nearby cells with calories and instructs them to Reputation +0
devote all their energy to healing process. The upshot of the Occupation none
effect is that subjects heal as they would normally but at a highly Skills none
accelerated pace. The backs of the gloves are covered with a Languages a single language (Leader's choice)
series of chambers, delivery tubes, and a delicate sensory web Feats none
that maintains just the right levels of retroviral matter so as not to Proficiencies none
inadvertently give the patient cancer. ( Healing Touch, Move- Power Die n/a
Action Healing, Full-Attack Healing, Lesser Restoration rnk I, Origin n/a

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 243

244 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

Powers none a perceived villain. When attacking a villain is the quickest way
Special Abilities none to solve a problem, however, she leaps into action, first using her
Wealth +0 Comet Collision (Iconic Attack) against the most powerful
Equipment provided by Leader opponent, and then slugging it out with anyone left standing.
Ads none
Comps none Class Charismatic 2 / Strong 4 / Champion 6
Species Human
Ms. Comet Ethnicity Jewish
(created by Randall "Rando" Donaldson) Nationality American
Mixed-Class Sample Character ECL 12 (12 levels + 121CPs)
Hit Dice 2d6 Charismatic / 4d8 Strong /
Full Name: Carol Moritz 6d12 Champion (106HPs)
Appearance: Carol is a tall, striking woman with a head of Mass. Damage 50 HPs
curly black hair and nearly olive-toned skin. Her brown eyes Initiative +2
have been known to make grown men, and none too few women, Speed 30 ft.
weep. She stands proudly, feet planted and shoulders level. She is Defence 22 +8* (Dex +2, Class +6, Amazing
covered in muscles from neck to ankles, although she hides it Defence +4, *Bombastic Aura +8)
well with creative tailoring. Ms. Comet wears a red-and-yellow Touch: 22, Flat-Footed: 20, DR 5/super
costume with a flaming comet on the chest, and when Carol Knockback 29
invokes any of her powers, her hair turns bright red and her body Base Attack +11/+6/+1
becomes engulfed in a very small aura of flame which radiates a Mêlée: +21/+16/+11, Ranged: +13/+8/+3
small amount of heat, but not enough to do damage. Attacks Unarmed Strike +23/+18/+13 (1d8 +10 NL)
Personality/History : Carol Moritz was born in Manhattan's Energy Attack +22/+17/+12 (6d6 +1 cold)
Lower East Side, the daughter of progressive Jewish parents who Special Attacks Iconic Attack "Comet Collision" (charge +4)
had a life-long in social justice. Upon graduation from Yeshiva Ability Scores Str 30 +10, Dex 14 +2, Con 14 +2,
University, she became a career and academic councillor. After a Int 16 +3, Wis 14 +2, Cha 26 +8
series of brief positions at various universities, she found herself Natural: Str 18, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 16
in Honolulu, counselling students at the University of Hawaii at Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
Manoa. Allegiance Social Justice
On a hike near a dormant vulcano, Carol slid into a lava Saves Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +8
outlet and found herself trapped in the heart of the ancient Action Points 12
mountain. She followed the only path available to her, which Reputation +8
only lead her deeper into the vulcano. After a whole day of Occupation Academic (Comp, Kn [bus, civics])
following the caverns, she found a chamber deep underground. Skills 132
The chamber glowed with a dull blue light. With nowhere else to Bluff +17 (rnk 7), Cr: Chemical +3 (research +2) (rnk 0),
go, she pushed on but soon passed out from exhaustion. When Cr: Electronic +3 (research +2) (rnk 0), Cr: Mechanical +3
Carol woke up, she felt not only refreshed but invigorated. She (research +2) (rnk 0), Cr: Pharmaceutical +3 (research +2)
kept moving until she came to a point from which she could see (rnk 0), Cr: Structural +3 (research +2) (rnk 0), Cr: Visual Art +3
daylight a hundred feet above her. Frustrated, she reached for the (research +2) (rnk 0), Cr: Writing +3 (research +2) (rnk 0),
light only to find herself floating upward toward it. She flew into Diplomacy +29 (rnk 15), Disguise +10 (rnk 0), Gather Info +29
the air above the vulcano and found she could control her ascent (rnk 15), Intimidate +25 (rnk 15), Kn: Art +3 (research +2)
and descent with a thought. Over the next few weeks, Carol (rnk 0), Kn: Behavioural Sciences +10 (research +2) (rnk 7),
discovered that the mysterious radiation had also toughened her Kn: Business +3 (research +2) (rnk 0), Kn: Civics +10
body, making her strong and tough, and even able to survive (research +2) (rnk 7), Kn: Current Events +10 (research +2)
without oxygen and in the vacuum of space. (rnk 7), Kn: Earth/Life Sciences +3 (research +2) (rnk 0),
Location: Hawaii, USA Kn: History +3 (research +2) (rnk 0), Kn: Physical Sciences +3
Power Theme: Ms. Comet's powers are heat-based, despite (research +2) (rnk 0), Kn: Popular Culture +3 (research +2)
the fact that comets are balls of frozen gas. The radiation caused (rnk 0), Kn: Tactics +3 (research +2) (rnk 0), Kn: Technology +3
her body to absorb some of the Earth's volcanic heat, which she (research +2) (rnk 0), Kn: Theology/Philosophy +10
can release upon command (Energy Attack). It also made her (research +2) (rnk 7), Observe +17 (rnk 15), Repair +3
body strong and her mind keen, a combination which also made (research +2) (rnk 0), Research +10 (rnk 7), Sense Motive +17
her inhumanly charismatic. (rnk 15), Treat Injury +17 (rnk 15),
Combat/Tactics: Ms. Comet always works, first, to clear any Languages English, Hebrew, Arabic
endangered bystanders from an area, often carrying them to Feats Windfall x2, Skill Aptitude (Diplomacy),
safety in her arms, on her back, or in a convenient vehicle which Brawl (Improved), Iron Will, Point-Blank Shot,
she can fly to safety. She does not consciously prioritise; it is Power Attack, Weapon Focus (Energy Attack)
simply part of her personality that she gives aid before attacking Proficiencies Weapons (simple, archaic, over-sized), Shields,

244 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 245

Armour (light, medium, heavy, archaic), relying on his luck and agility to dodge bullets and other
Firearms (personal, advanced) projectiles. Although the loa does not fear death, Calvi does, and
Power Die 2d6 Charismatic / 4d6 Strong / he will reassert his will and flee the scene if he senses he is in a
6d6 Champion (78PPs) hopeless situation.
Origin Cosmic
Powers 131cp Class Champion 5
Ability Enhancement 68cp Species Human
Str +12, Dex +4, Int +4, Wis +4, Cha +10 Ethnicity Black
Amazing Defence rnk 4 Defence +4 4cp Nationality Canadian
Damage Reduction rnk 6 12cp ECL 6 (10 levels + 53CP)
Energy Attack: Ranged, 50 ft., 6d6, heat (lava blast) 12cp Hit Dice 5d12 (41hps)
Flight, Flight Skill rnk 1, Good, Flight Speed rnk 4, 120 ft. 25cp Mass. Damage 50hp
Cruising Speed rnk 2, 360 ft., Vacuum Flight Initiative +6
Mighty Lifting rnk 3 6cp Speed 30 ft.
Need Not Breath 4cp Defence 21 (Class +4, Dex +2, Bombastic Aura +5)
Special Abilities Touch: 21, Flat-Footed: 19
Talents Coordinate, Ignore Hardness (Improved) Knockback 14
Class Features Swaggering Bravado, Iconic Attack +4 (Comet Base Attack +5 (mêlée +5, ranged +7)
Collision), Chutzpah! +2, Iconic Presence +2, Attacks Bladed Top Hat (ranged) +13 (1d4 +5)
Bombastic Aura I, Bonus Feat Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 14 +2, Con 16 +3,
Wealth +18 Int 12 +1, Wis 10, Cha 21 +5
Ads Field Commander rnk 2 6cp Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
Windfall rnk 2 4cp Allegiance The Lower-East Side
Comps Bizarre Area Effect rnk 2 (fire aura) +4cp Saves Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +5 (-2 save vs. magic)
Hero's Code: Loyalty, Mercy +6cp Action Points 5
Monologuer rnk 2 +6cp Reputation +6
Occupation Criminal
Mistah Two Hatz Skills 32
(created by Scott Sharplin) Bluff +12 (rnk 7), Diplomacy +12 (rnk 5), Gather Info +12
(rnk 5), Intimidate +15 (rnk 8), Kn: Popular Culture +3 (rnk 1),
Full Name: Calvin Williams Sense Motive +5 (rnk 5), Sleight of Hand +5 (rnk 1),
Appearance: Mistah Two Hatz’s features suggest African Langauges English, French
descent, yet his skin is chalky white. He dresses eccentrically but Feats Home Turf Advantage, Improved Initiative,
immaculately, his long, dark coat and suit suggestive of a Iron Will
colonial past. However, his defining feature is always his hat: Proficiencies Armour (light, medium, heavy), Firearms
either a gleaming black silk top hat, or (when the top hat is (personal, advanced), Shields, Weapons
removed) a writhing mass of red, snakelike horns. (simple, archaic, improvised, exotic [Bladed
Personality/History : Calvin was a leg-breaker for a black- Top Hat])
market antiques trader until he happened to find a top hat Power Die d6 (17pp)
possessed by an ancient voodoo loa spirit. The loa now inhabits Origin Mystic
Calvin's body, merging with his personality to create a chaotic Powers
cocktail of greed, pride, and twisted self-righteous justice. While Amazing Accuracy rnk 5 (Ranged +5) 10cp
Calvin’s old personality occasionally becomes dominant, the Amazing Dodge rnk 5 (Dodge +5) 10cp
confident loa has much more power. Charismatic Aura 15-foot range, Variable (charm or repel) 22cp
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada (Lower-East Side) Move-Action Activation
Power Theme: The loa’s power seems like luck to outside Esoteric Item "Bladed Top Hat" 12CP
observers, but in reality, it stems from a heightened awareness +5 hit/damage, Returning (+1)
and dexterity. Mistah Two Hatz also radiates preternatural Special Abilities Swaggering Bravado, Iconic Attack (Hat
emotional energy, alternately charming or terrifying his foes into Trick), Chutzpah!, Iconic Presence, Bombastic
submission, depending on which hat is visible (the 'terror' hat Aura, Bonus Feat (Iron Will)
hides beneath the 'charm' hat, leading his enemies to advise, Ads Amazing Costume 2cp
'Don’t make him take off his hat!'). Good Rep rnk 2 (Rep +2) 2cp
Combat/Tactics: Mistah Two Hatz tends to rely on his Comps Animal Antipathy rnk 2: Hostility +3cp
emotional powers to forestall combat as long as possible, but Vulnerability (Mystic) rnk 2 +2cp
once committed, he fights with fierce delight and rarely shows Wealth +8
mercy. If his terror compulsion fails to deter foes, he will retreat Equipment Bladed Top Hat (Esoteric Item)
to a greater distance and launch his top hat as a ranged weapon,

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 245

246 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

Monkey Queen Initiative +4

(created by Orion Ussner Kidder) Speed 40 ft.
Defence 23 +2* (Class +4, Dex +4, Amazing Dodge +5,
Full Name: Hu Xia-Fan *Dodge +2)
Appearance: The Monkey Queen wears a classical Chinese Touch: 23, Flat-Footed: 14
Monkey mask, altered slightly to appear more feminine, and Knockback 20
18th-century Chinese 'adventurer' clothes straight out of a Wuxia Base Attack +8 /+3 (mêlée: +9, ranged: +12)
film. No one has yet seen her face. Attacks Unarmed Strike +12/+7 1d8 (19-20, x2)
Personality/History : Hu Xia-Fan was inducted into the Triad Energy Attack: kinetic strike +12/+7 (1d8
very young and trained as a cat burglar and fighter. Her skills +6d6)
quickly reached supernatural proportions. She grew up in Special Attacks Disarm, Feint, Trip +4 (as mêlée attack)
Southern China and has lived in Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Knockback (+4 to confirm)
Kong working for the syndicate. She finally moved to Vancouver Pressure-Point Attack +12/+7
several years ago and, for whatever reasons, decided she was (-1 attack, -2 defence, 1d6 rounds)
done working for the Triads. With her physical abilities, very few Ability Scores Str 13 +1, Dex 18 +4, Con 16 +3,
non-powered Triad gangsters could stop her from leaving, so Int 13 +1, Wis 16 +3, Cha 8 -1
that's what she did. Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
She now works as a free-lance mischief maker and occasional Allegiance The Job
high-class burglar around the city. If she works for other people, Saves Fort +7, Ref +9, Will +7
it's because the job is particularly interesting, but she has a Action Points 8
tendency to ignore the mission and pursue her own sense of fun. Reputation +4
Some members of the Chinese community, especially little girls, Occupation Criminal
think of her as a Robin Hood figure, and indeed Monkey Queen Skills 77
has occasionally stopped in mid-fight (or mid-flight) to give a Climb +11 (rnk 10), Drive +9 (rnk 5), Jump +16 (rnk 11),
little girl a toy and a pat on the head. The fact that she then leaps Kn: Current Events +6 (rnk 5), Kn: Popular Culture +6 (rnk 5),
away from a gang of pursuers or goes back to a fight only makes Observe +8 (rnk 5), Ride +13 (rnk 5), Search +6 (rnk 5),
the moment more exciting. Parents of little girls are not as happy Stealth +14 (rnk 10), Survival +3 (tracking +2) (rnk 0), Swim +6
about their daughters' new-found hero, and among adults in (rnk 5), Tumble +19 (rnk 11)
general, she's usually thought of as entertaining but ultimately Languages English, Cantonese
dangerous. Since she arrived in Vancouver, Monkey Queen has Feats
killed three men, all Triad members, all of whom had powers. Athletic, Run (Fast Move), Dodge (Mobility, Spring Attack),
Location: Singapore; Taiwan; Hong Kong, PRC; and Combat Expertise (Imp Disarm, Imp Trip,), Knockback
Vancouver, BC, Canada (Improved, Awesome, Supreme, Distance), Weapon Finesse,
Power Theme: Monkey Queen's physical skills are the result Improved Critical Range (unarmed strike), Improved Critical
of many years of training and experience, but the extent of her Damage (unarmed strike), Pressure-Point Attack, Standing Jump
abilities is quite literally supernatural. She has been observed
jumping to the top of a two-story building from the ground, Proficiencies Armour (light), Weapons (simple, archaic,
routinely leaps across roof-tops as a matter of transportation, and exotic [nunchaku, three-section staff, kama])
can fend of the attacks of a dozen people at once. Her punches Power Die 8d8 (36pp)
and kicks can crack concrete, and she routinely shrugs off blows Origin Mystic
from fists and knives, although she has been shot on two Powers Amazing Dodge +5 10cp
occasions. Amazing Leap Jump +30 ft. 3cp
Combat/Tactics: Monkey Queen's fighting style is not Powered rnk 2
graceful, but instead totally unpredictable, arms and legs Catfall I 6cp
snapping out of her whirling body at unexpected moments. She Damage Reduction DR 10/Ballistic 30cp
rolls around on the floor tripping her opponents one moment and Energy Attack: kinetic strike 6cp
then dances on their heads the next. Literally dances. The 6d6, Knockback, Non-Lethal 55cp
Monkey Queen has also taken to carrying a bag of gas grenades Special Abilities Evasion, Defensive Awareness, Uncanny
for when she doesn't feel like being lethal. Dodge (Improved), Bonus Feat (Merciful
Mauler), Combat Martial Arts, Improved
Class Martial Artist 8 Unarmed Damage rnk 2 (1d8), Lightning
Species Human Reflexes
Ethnicity Chinese Wealth +9
Nationality Singaporean (Canadian resident) Ads Feat x12
ECL 8 (8 levels + 79cp) Equipment Throwing Knives (lots), Collapsable Quarter
Hit Dice 8d8 (36hp) Staff, Nunchaku, Throwing Stars (lots),
Mass. Damage 50hp Monkey-Girl Dolls (to give away)

246 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 247

Officer X-Ray Mass. Damage 50HPs

Initiative +4 (Boosted +9)
Full Name: Raymond Cortez Speed 45 ft.
Appearance: Officer X-Ray wears a SWAT uniform with a Defence 23 (Class +5, Dex +4, Amazing Defence +4),
radiation symbol stylised to look like an X. His uniform is less Touch: 19, Flat-Footed: 19
bulky (it doesn't have the vest and the helmet is more sleek) Boosted: Defence 28 (Dex +9); Touch: 24
because X-Ray doesn't need the protection. He wears the uniform Knockback 18 (Boosted 23)
out of solidarity with his fellow officers. Base Attack +7/+2; Mêlée: +7/+2, Ranged: +11/+6
Personality/History : Ray is a Police Officer, the son of a Boosted: Mêlée: +13/+8, Ranged +16/+11
Police Officer who was the son of an immigrant... who was a Attacks
police officer in Spain. Upholding the Law is in his blood. He Ranged Energy Attack "X-Ray Shot" +16 (+21 Boosted)
practised every day with his service pistol, he read every manual (10d6 heat, 19-20/x3)
and attended every seminar. He made his way into the elite ranks Medium Pistol "Glock 9mm" +17 (+22 Boosted)
of SWAT, the city's Special Weapons And Tactics unit. Then (2d6 ballistic, 20/x2)
came the day that life changed for Ray Cortes. He responded to a Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 18 +4, Con 12 +1,
break-in and hostage situation at GlobalDynaBio Corp. Leading Int 14 +2, Wis 16 +3, Cha 10
the assault team into the research wing, Ray was caught in the Boosted: Str 20 +5, Dex 28 +9, Con 22 +6
crossfire between Super Powered Criminals and a Super Powered Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
Vigilante called OmniMAX. It seems that discharging high Allegiance Police Department
energy weapons inside a lab with biological and chemical Saves Fort +8, Ref +11, Will +10
experiments could prove dangerous (what are the odds, right?). Boosted: Fort +13, Ref +16
Well, after clearing the rubble, rescuers discovered most of Action Points 11
the pieces of OmniMAX and an apparently unharmed Raymond Reputation +9
Cortes. As such things tend to happen, Raymond had his own Occupation Law Enforcement
super powers now. He is left with the power to project high Skills 78
energy bolts of X-ray radiation as well as use low levels of x-rays Climb +10 (rnk 10), Cr: Mechanical +7 (rnk 5), Drive +18
to peer through most materials. His high energy state also allows (rnk 10), Jump +10 (rnk 10), Kn: History +7 (rnk 5), Kn: Tactics
him to greatly improve the efficiency of his own body boosting +7 (rnk 5), Observe +8 (rnk 5), Pilot +17 (rnk 13), Repair +7
his strength, toughness and neurological responses. Loathing the (engines +2) (rnk 5), Swim +5 (rnk 5), Treat Injury +8 (rnk 5),
vigilantism that precipitated his condition and owing to his own Feats Dodge (Fast Move, Mobility), Great Fortitude,
history, Ray elected to remain in the police department and is Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Plot Device,
now a very special part of the SWAT team. For far too long, the Point Blank Shot (Precise Shot, Shot on the
city has been helpless in the face of super powered threats except Run)
to call upon unknown and unpredictable "Heroes." Now, Officer Proficiencies Simple Weapons, Personal Firearms, Advanced
X-Ray is on the job. Firearms, Light Armour, Medium Armour,
Location: Detroit, Michigan, USA Heavy Armour, Shields
Power Theme: Officer X-Ray's powers are all based on x- Power Die 45PPs
rays. He projects powerful blasts of radiation as his Energy Origin Cosmic
Attack, deflects blows and projectiles by melting them in the air, Powers 83cp
super-heats the air in order to create small gusts of wind that aid Ability Boost: Physical rnk 10 (+10) 20CP
his jumping distance, and of course he can project x-rays through Amazing Accuracy rnk 5 (Ranged +5) 10CP
his eyes and render solid objects temporarily transparent, but Amazing Deflection rnk 4 (Defl. +4) 8CP
only to him. Temporary infusions of x-rays can also increase his Amazing Leap Jump +10 1CP
heart-rate and blood flow, thus granting him increased strength, Energy Attack: Heat 36CP
speed, and physical durability. 10d6,100 ft., Improved Crit Range/Damage
Combat/Tactics: X-Ray likes to enter combat by the book, Penetrating Vision 8CP
first announcing his presence and offering his opponents the Special Abilities Law-Enforcement Powers, Lucky Item, Jack of
chance to give up, and then after an appropriate amount of time, All Trades, Uncanny Dodge, Fabled Luck,
storming the area with the maximum force required to subdue his Evasion
opponents but without risking civilian casualties. Wealth +10
Equipment Lucky Item: father's brass police badge
Class Adventurer 10 Glock 9mm
Species Human
Ethnicity Puerto Rican Phoenix Maximus
Nationality American (created by Orion Ussner Kidder,
ECL 10 (10 level + 100CPs) with help from James Gifford and Lindsay Parker)
Hit Dice 10d10 (59HP, Boosted 109HP) Omega-Class Sample Character

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248 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

will always, always, rise from his own corpse to finish the battle.
Full Name: Nεστορ Κατσυφρακις (Nestor Katsufrakis) He always activates his armour, regardless of threat level, and
Appearance: Nestor is a tall, powerful man with dark hair, then usually employs Intimidation to scare his enemies into
olive skin, and deep, brown eyes. He dresses in modern Greek submission. If that does not work, he gauges the enemy's strength
clothing, but when he operates as Phoenix Maximus, he changes and decides how much force is necessary to neutralise them. He
into the mystical armour that his father gave him: helm, has, on a few occasions, simply employ blinding, deadly force
breastplate, shield, grieves, and bracers. Under his armour, he upon first encountering a dangerous opponent, but for the most
wear a modern bodysuit, decorated in a pattern of reds and part, he matches force for force, first non-lethal hand-to-hand
oranges, and modern footwear, usually a heavy boot. combat, then low-powered but lethal flame strikes ( Energy
Personality/History : Nestor is a native of Kerkyra ("Corfu") Attacks), and finally, high-powered flame strikes. Phoenix
who joined the Greek army as soon as he was old enough and Maximus does not shy away from deadly force because he is
was killed in action very soon after. On the day of his own squeamish or even out of a simple moral injunction against
funeral, he returned wearing Ancient Greek armour and killing. Instead, he merely believes that killing is unnecessary
surrounded by divine flame. He explained that he was, in fact, and counter-productive to his ultimate goal of creating stable,
the most recent mortal son of Ares, whom most think of only as global, peaceful order.
the god of war, but also the god of civil order and courage. Ares
took pity on his dead son and granted him a form of immortality. Class Soldier 20 / Mastermind 20
Like the Phoenix, whenever Nestor dies, he rises from his own Species Human/Olympian
corpse. Ethnicity Phaiakes (Kerkyran)
Nestor took the name "Phoenix Maximus" and started Nationality Greek
operating as Greece's national defender. Despite his father's thirst ECL 40 (40 levels + 403 CPs)
for war, Phoenix Maximus believes that global peace is in Hit Dice 20d10 + 20d6 (340 HPs)
Greece's best interests, so he consistently fights for peace rather Mass. Damage 50HPs
than military dominance, much to the disappointment of certain Initiative +4
members of the Greek government. The EU granted him special Speed 30 ft.
law-enforcement powers only a few years after his debut as a Defence 45 +21 +72 (Sld +12, Mst +9, Dex +4, Power
hero, and he joined the Global Guardians during the most recent Armour +10, Armour Specialisation +1,
attempted extra-terrestrial invasion of Earth. 1
Dodge +2, 2Bombastic Aura +7)
Since his rebirth, he has also become a pious worshipper of Touch: 31 +7*, Flat-Footed: 36 +7*
the Ancient Greek Pantheon, and he accepts the prayers of many Knockback 39
around the globe because he considers himself to be at a demi- Base Attack +35/+30/+25/+20/+15
god. Many of his fellow Greeks do not believe his story of divine Mêlée: +42/+37/+32/+27+22
progeny, however—it's a majority Christian nation—and Ranged: +39/+34/+29/+24/+19
therefore they strongly object his pretension to god-like status. Attacks
Phoenix Maximus is a collection of philosophical paradoxes. Unarmed Strike +43/+38/+33/+28/+23 (1d4 +7 20/x2)
He believes that only strength of arms can guarantee global Medium Pistol +40/+35/+30/+25/+20 (2d6 20/x2)
peace, and he occasionally implies that a global, fascist state with Rapid Shot +38/+38/+33/+28/+23/+18 (2d6 20/x2)
himself as the leader would guarantee freedom and social order Manyshot +36/+36 (2d6 20/x2)
throughout the world. When asked about this position, he has Flaming Spear (Ranged Energy Attack) 100 ft. / ranged touch
answered, "Wouldn't the world be better with me in charge?" +43/+38/+33/+28/+23 (1d6 – 10d6 19-20/x2)
Location: Kerkyra, Greece Rapid Shot +41/+36/+31/+26/+21 (1d6 – 10d6 19-20/x2)
Power Theme: Phoenix Maximus's powers all derive either Manyshot +39/+39 (1d6 – 10d6 19-20/x2)
from his father's gift of pseudo-immortality or the mystical Special Attacks
armour that he gave his son after his rebirth. His skin is Sneak Attack +5d6
supernaturally tough. He also heals at a fantastic rate and even Energy Aura touch, 1d6 – 10d6, +1d6 for 10 rounds
returns from death, if anyone does manage to kill him. His Energy Burst 20 ft. radius Reflex DC 34 (1d6 – 10d6)
armour is infused with the ashes of the Phoenix, and thus it
allows him to fly, the shield generates a Force Field of Ability Scores Str 25 +7, Dex 18 +4, Con 18 +4,
impenetrable heat, the right bracer produces a spear made of Int 12 +1, Wis 16 +3, Cha 25 +7
divine flame, and the thorax can radiate heat on command and Natural Str 16 +3, Dex 12 +1, Con 14 +2,
protects him from all forms of burning or fire. Wis 10, Cha 18 +4
Combat/Tactics: Phoenix Maximus enters battle with a Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
steely resolve that is terrifying to behold. He usually flies in at Allegiance Ares / The Pantheon
full speed, slamming into the ground, surrounded by a ball of Saves Fort +22, Ref +21, Will +23
godly flames. If innocent bystanders are in danger, his first Take 10 Will and Fort; -6 vs. Cold
priority is to evacuate, but while in a "war zone," he takes his Action Points 40 APs
time because he knows that his body is nigh indestructible and he Reputation +21

248 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 249

Occupation Military Power Armour: Force Field 85cp

Skills 478 (Left Arm, manifests as a feathered shield)
Appraise +14 (rnk 10), Bluff +15 (rnk 0), Climb +17 (rnk 10), Tough Bubbles rnk 100
Cr: Chemical +18 (rnk 10), Cr: Electronic +6 (rnk 0), Power Armour: Energy Attack (Breast Plate) 26cp
Cr: Mechanical +18 (rnk 10), Cr: Structural +18 (rnk 10), Burst, 20 ft., 10d6, Knockback
Demolitions +8 (identify weak points +4) (rnk 0), Diplomacy Power Armour: Energy Attack (Belt) 26cp
+30 (rnk 15), Disable Device +14 (rnk 10), Drive +14 (rnk 10), Aura, 10d6, Lingering Damage rnk 10
Gather Info +30 (rnk 15), Handle Animal +17 (rnk 10), Space Adaptation 4cp
Intimidate +38 (rnk 23), Investigate +4 (crime-scene analysis +4) Thick Skinned Resistant Skin, Super Skin 20cp
(rnk 0), Jump +30 (rnk 15), Kn: Behavioural Sciences +24 Special Abilities
(rnk 20), Kn: Civics +14 (rnk 10), Kn: Current Events +24 Soldier Bonus Feats x10 (Ranged, Save, Vehicle),
(rnk 20), Kn: Earth/Life Sciences +14 (rnk 10), Kn: History +24 Sneak Attack (+5d6), Protective Instincts x2,
(rnk 20), Kn: Physical Sciences +14 (rnk 10), Kn: Popular Evasion, Skill Mastery x2 (Diplomacy,
Culture +19 (rnk 15), Kn: Tactics +24 (rnk 20), Intimidate), Cross-Trained (2 class skills),
Kn: Technology +9 (rnk 5), Kn: Theology/Philosophy +24 (rnk Favoured Save
20), Navigate +14 (rnk 10), Observe +23 (rnk 20), Repair +24 Mastermind Imposing Presence (Bluff, Dipl, Intim. +8),
(engines/machines, buildings, locks +4; electronics, Tactical Genius (skills/attacks w/in 50' +8) ,
supertech +2) (rnk 20), Ride +32 (animals +4) (rnk 20), Special Ability (Opportunist, Scare Tactics,
Search +14 (secret doors +4) (rnk 10), Sense Motive +23 Bonus Feat x3), Inspiring Presence
(rnk 20), Spellcraft +14 (rnk 10), Survival +13 (tracking +8) (attack/damage/saves +8) , Bombastic Aura,
(rnk 10), Supercraft +6 (rnk 0), Swim +27 (rnk 20), Treat Bonus Feats x4 (Def. Save, Skill), Cross-
Injury +17 (rnk 10), Tumble +30 (rnk 20), Use Device +7 Trained, Inflexible Will: Take 10 on Will, Mind
(supertech +2, mystic +4), Use Rope +24 (rnk 20) Expansion x3, Chutzpah! +6
Languages Arabic, English, Greek, Ancient Greek Wealth 30
Feats Equipment
Armour Focus: Phoenix Armour (Specialisation), Combat Medium Pistol 2d6, 30 ft., S, 10 clip, P2
Expertise (Improved, Awesome), Combat Martial Arts Phoenix Armour Mystical Power Armour (effectively half-plate)
(Improved, Advanced), Dodge, Improved Damage Threshold, Ads 31 Amazing Costume 2cp
Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Point-Blank Shot (Precise Shot, Ally rnk 4 8cp
Rapid Shot, Manyshot, Greater Manyshot, Long Shot), Power Field Commander rnk 5 15cp
Attack (Cleave), Quick Reload, Run (Fast Move), Shield Focus: Law-Enforcement Powers rnk 3 6cp
Phoenix Shield (Specialisation), Toughness (Hard to Kill, Swift Comps +21 Bizarre Area Effect rnk 2 +4cp
Healing), Weapon Familiarity, Weapon Focus: Ranged Energy Favoured Owed rnk 3 +9cp
Attack (Greater Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialisation , Greater Hero's Code: Loyalty +2cp
Weapon Specialisation), Weapon Parry, Weapon Speed) Vulnerability: Cold rnk 6 +6cp
Proficiencies Armour (light, medium, heavy, archaic, Rage
powered), Firearms (personal, advanced),
Shields, Weapons (simple, archaic, improvised, Full Name: Jose Gonzalez
over-sized) Appearance: Rage and Fury (Jose and Jaime) are both burly
Power Die 20d10 + 20d6 (180PPs) lads, with great strapping chests that look like bags full of
Origin Mystical bowling balls. When Fury was alive, they dressed in fighting
Powers 393cp trunks, lace-up shoes and made a show of tag-team fighting, but
Ability Enhancement Str +7, Dex +4, Con +4, Wis +3 36cp since Rage was left on his own, he has fallen back on a more
Fast Healing, Cling to Life, Regeneration rnk 10 44cp subdued combination of jeans and a red T-shirt with the duo's old
Resurrection, Purification, Ability Point Regeneration rnk 5 red fist logo. When he's especially mad, he rips the shirt off.
Mighty Lifting rnk x4 (1064/2132/3200) 8cp Personality/History : Rage and Fury were twin brothers, born
Power Armour: Ancient Greek 52cp with the same powers. They used to be a somewhat hot-headed
Armoured rnk 4, Increased HPs rnk 30 (+90HPs), by loveable "dynamic duo," who made a show of being angry at
Self-Repairing 2HP/round, Power Armour Resurrection villains but always with a chuckle and a wink. When Fury was
Power Armour: Energy Resistance (Helm) rnk 20 32cp killed by a supervillain, Rage was left alone. He now rides a fine
Power Armour: Energy Attack 32cp line between hero and bully. He spends most of his time on the
(Right Glove, manifests as a flaming spear) side of the angels, but even his friends worry about letting him
Ranged 100 ft., 10d6, Improved Crit/Range, Touch Attack loose.
Power Armour: Flight 29cp Location: Mexico City, Mexico
(Back Plate, manifests as flaming wings) Power Theme: Rage and his brother were born with their
Air Lift rnk 6 (3000 lb.), Cruising Speed rnk 2 (420 mph), powers, and although they don't have a theme per se, the two
Flight Speed rnk 4 (140 mph), Flight Skill (perfect)

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brothers built their personae as "fightin' mad" heroes. That anger Ads Feat x2 4cp
wasn't real, of course, until Fury's death. Skill Points x17 (68 points) 17cp
Combat/Tactics: As his name suggests, Rage tends to bound Special Abilities Combat Martial Arts, Improved Unarmed
into fights, counting on his strength and ferocity to see him Damage, Cooperative Attack, Improved
through. Although he is a skilled fighter, from years of practise Flanking I, Armour of Obscurity, Sneak
with Fury, you'd never tell from the way he barrels in to every Attack I, Heroic Intervention, Bonus Feat
confrontation. Since Fury died, Rage started carrying an over- Equipment War Axe
sized axe. So far, he uses it only on those villains that he knows
can't be seriously injured by it. Sharky
(created by Orion Ussner Kidder)
Class Sidekick 4 / Martial Artist 1
Species Human Full Name: Leonard Calvino
Ethnicity Mexican Appearance: Sharky appears to be a handsome, burly young
Nationality Mexican man in his 20s. He favours suits of a cut and style that went out
ECL 4 (5 levels + 51cp) of fashion in the 1950s and overindulges in gaudy rings, but he
Hit Dice 5d6 (44hp) makes it look good. When he activates his cyberwear, two long,
Mass. Damage 50hp curved blades extend from his wrists and out about a foot, which
Initiative +3 slices his sleeves (and he always complains when someone
Speed 30 ft. "makes" him do that), and a large steel "fin" pops out of the top
Defence 23 (Dex +3, Natural Defence +5), of his head.
Touch 23, Flat-Footed 15 Personality/History : Leonard "Sharky" Calvino retired from
Knockback 15 (Boosted 20) a life of crime at the age of 70 and his nephew and namesake,
Base Attack +4 Leonard Jr., took over. Leonard Sr. had been a loneshark in San
Attacks Unarmed +13 (1d6 +9 super) Francisco for many years and learned to be not only a sneaky
War Axe +13 (1d12 +9 super) bastard, but also, eventually, a leader of men. When he stepped
Sneak Attack +1d6 down as local boss for the Calivetti family, he thought he was
Ability Scores Str 18 +4, Dex 14 +2, Con 16 +3 done, but then superheroes started showing up in his town, and
Int 12 +1, Wis 10, Cha 10 he wasn't having it. He spent his remaining years using up family
Boosted: Str 28 +9, Dex 24 +7, Con 26 +8 resources harrying and annoying any superhero he didn't like.
Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft. His nephew didn't like giving up the money, he didn't feel like he
Allegiance none currently (formerly "Rage and Fury") could say "no." When Sharky died of a combination of physical
Saves Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +3 injury and being way too old to get into a fight with a bunch of
Boosted: Fort +9, Ref +12 superheroes, a plan he had instigated years before went into
Action Points 5 action. His poor schmuck of a nephew was killed, and Sharky's
Reputation +1 brain was put into his young body, along with a whole pile of
Occupation Celebrity cybernetic enhancements that made him a real shark. Sharky
Skills 127 knows very little about how these cybernetics work and often is
Bluff +10 (rnk 8), Climb +12 (rnk 8), Diplomacy +2 (rnk 0), delighted to find he can do something or wreak havoc in a way
Disguise +2 (rnk 0), Drive +10 (rnk 8), Escape Artist +10 he hadn't previously anticipated. The doctor who installed it all
(rnk 8), Gamble +2 (rnk 0), Gather Info +10 (rnk 8), and killed his nephew (who soon after became his lover), fixes
Intimidate +10 (rnk 8), Jump +14 (rnk 8), Kn: Popular him when he gets damaged.
Culture +9 (rnk 8), Observe +8 (rnk 8), Perform +8 (rnk 8), Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Repair +5 (rnk 4), Ride +4 (rnk 0), Search +9 (rnk 8), Sense Power Theme: Sharky's cybernetics are loosely based on his
Motive +8 (rnk 8), Sleight of Hand +12 (rnk 8), Stealth +10 nickname, specifically the wrist blades, which faintly resemble
(rnk 8), Survival +0 (tracking +2) (rnk 0), Swim +12 (rnk 8), fins, and of course his functionless head fin. The energy blasters
Treat Injury +8 (rnk 8), Tumble +12 (rnk 8), Use Rope +9 in his forearms and his ability to Fly are in no way shark-like, but
(bindings +2) (rnk 7), he thinks they're pretty cool anyway.
Feats Improved Grapple, Defensive Martial Arts, Combat/Tactics: If he's alone, Sharky stays above fights and
Combat Throw, Skill Aptitude (intimidate, use fires at his enemies, and will only physically enter a fight if he
rope), has no choice. If he's in a group, which he prefers, he will have
Proficiencies Firearms (personal, advanced), Armour his underlings flank his opponents so that he can stab them from
(simple, light, medium), Weapons (simple, behind (i.e., sneak attack). He uses his ability to inspire his
improvised, archaic) underlings immediately, and although he's not much of a
Power Die d6 (18pp) strategist, sheer guts and bravado can count for a lot.
Origin Biological (mutant)
Powers Ability Boost: Physical rnk 10 (+10) 20CP Class Mastermind 5 / Sneak 5
Natural Armour rnk 5 (Natural +5) 10CP Species Human

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 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 251

Ethnicity Italian
Nationality American Silver Sabre
ECL 8 (10 levels + 60cp) (created by Orion Ussner Kidder
Hit Dice 10d6 (75hp)
Mass. Damage 50hp Full Name: Joyce Gigliotti-Chiang
Initiative +0 Appearance: Silver Sabre rarely dresses in exactly the same
Speed 30 ft. costume twice, but her theme is consistently somewhere between
Defence 26 +4* (Class +6, Amazing Deflection +5, Musketeer and Zorro, complete with hose, lace, buckles, long
Natural Armour +5, Bombastic Aura +4*) coat, rapier dangling from her hip, and a bandolier of throwing
Touch: 26 +4*; Flat-Footed: 26 daggers. She is every bit the swashbuckler, from top to bottom. A
Knockback 19 colour-coordinated Carnivale-style domino mask covers her face,
Base Attack +6/+1 (mêlée: +9/+4, ranged: +6/+1) and she rotates through several wigs of long black hair, some
Attacks Natural Weapons (fins) +9/+4 (2d6 +3), straight, some curly, some wavy, etc. Although Silver Sabre is a
Energy Attack +6/+1 (5d6, conc., non-lethal) bit of a clothes horse at the best of times, she also uses her
Unarmed Strike +9/+4 (1d6 +3, non-lethal) rotating costumes and wigs to hide her height, her exact features,
Special Attacks Cause Fear 30 ft. (Will DC 19) even her ethnicity, which is half-Italian and half-Chinese.
Sneak Attack +3d6 Personality/History : Joyce never quite fit anyone's
Ability Scores Str 16 +3, Dex 10, Con 14 +2, expectations. She was part tom-boy and part girly-girl, so when
Int 12 +1, Wis 10, Cha 18 +4 she discovered swashbucklers in old movies, she found her
Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft. happy middle-ground. It turned out that you can wear lace and
Allegiance The Calivetti Family wigs and kick ass. She quickly appointed herself protector of the
Saves Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +5 playground and became very, very good with a pointed stick.
Action Points 10 When she was 18, she started venturing out in a much simpler
Reputation +4 version of her present costume, and she has never stopped.
Occupation Criminal Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Skills 147 Power Theme: Silver Sabre has no powers but instead has
Appraise +6 (rnk 5), Bluff +17 (rnk 13), Diplomacy +13 (rnk 5), trained her fighting skills to their peak. She specialises in the
Disguise +8 (rnk 0), Drive +5 (rnk 5), Forgery +6 (rnk 5), rapier, and although she has trained with it as a duelling weapon,
Gamble +6 (rnk 6), Gather Info +18 (rnk 10), Intimidate +21 she concentrates on non-lethal applications.
(rnk 13), Profession +7 (rnk 7), Sense Motive +10 (rnk 10), Combat/Tactics: Silver Sabre usually tumbles into combat
Sleight of Hand +4 (rnk 0), Stealth +10 (rnk 10), with a hearty "ha HA!" and displays her weapon(s). She is
Languages English, Italian pathologically incapable of not talking while fighting, and she
Feats Brawl, Co-operative Attack (Improved Co- usually starts with an encouragement to surrender, in the form of
Operative Attack), Dodge (Riposte), Stick-Up an Intimidate check. If that fails, she proceeds to disarm, trip, and
Artist, Quick Draw generally embarrass her opponent(s). She's particularly fond of
Proficiencies Armour (light, medium), Firearms (personal, slicing off men's clothing (Sunder) and nailing them to walls
advanced), Weapons (simple, archaic, (Staple). Once she feels she has to hammer the moral lesson
improvised) home, she'll use her Sword Spank attack, in which she allows her
Power Die 5d10 + 5d6 (75pp) attacker to approach, spins around behind them, and then literally
Origin Supertech spanks their butt with the flat of her rapier (hence the non-lethal
Powers damage).
Ability Enhancement , Constitution +4 8cp
Amazing Deflection (power) +5 7cp Class Champion 4
Cause Fear 30ft, Will 6cp Species Human
Energy Attack: Concussive, 50 ft. ranged 5d6, Non-Lethal 8cp Ethnicity Chinese-Italian
Fast Healing 12cp Nationality Canadian
Regeneration, Cling to Life, Back From the Dead ECL 4 (4 levels + 41 CPs)
Flight Speed 40 ft., Average Skill 6cp Hit Dice 4d12 (31)
Natural Armour +5 (power) 7cp Mass. Damage 48
Natural Weapons Improved Damage rnk 2, Retractible 6cp Initiative +12
Total 60cp Speed 35 ft.
Special Abilities Sneak Attack +3d6, Uncanny Dodge, Evasion Defence 18 +41 +22 +23 (Cls +2, Dex +4, Leather
Imposing Presence, Tactical Genius, Armour +2, 1Bombastic Aura +4, 2Dodge,
Reassuring Presence, Bombastic Aura
3
Two-Weapon Defence +2)
Wealth +10 Touch: 16 +4 1 +22 +23, Flat-Footed: 14 +4 1
Equipment Pin-Stripe Suit, SUV (Black), at least three Knockback 14
Grunts, Mobile Phone Base Attack +4

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252 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

Mêlée: +4, Ranged/Finessed: +8 Slag

Attacks (created by Scott Sharplin)
Rapier +9 (1d6 18-20/x2)
Dual Rapiers +7 (1d6 18-20 x2) Full Name: Dr. Martin Grosvener
Dagger +8 (1d4 19-20/x2) Appearance: Slag can transform from a lean, unathletic man
Dual Daggers +6 (1d4 19-20/x2) in his mid-20s to a hulking mass of molten steel. To an outside
Thrown Dagger +8 observer, this form appears unstable, as Slag’s skin is constantly
Brawl +10 (1d8NL 20/x2) roiling with heat and liquid metal. However, his body is
Special Attacks Disarm +12 (Dual +10) incredibly dense, weighing over 700 lbs. Heat waves constantly
Staple +12 (Dual +10) distort the air around him.
Sunder +12 (Dual +10) Personality/History : Grosvener injected himself with an
Iconic Attack Sword Spank +11 experimental drug while running from corrupt corporate
(1d6 +2NL 18-20) scientists. His reluctance to surrender the compound has made
Sucker Punch: 20/x3 him powerful enemies, so he remains a fugitive, and a somewhat
Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 18 +4, Con 12 +1 reluctant hero. His body has also become addicted to the drug,
Int 15 +2, Wis 10, Cha 18 +4 and he requires higher doses each time in order to activate his
Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft. transformation.
Allegiance Poetic Justice Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Saves Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +2 Power Theme: Slag’s powers are elemental, channelling the
Action Points 4APs magnetic power of mineral alloys in order to perform feats of
Reputation +5 daunting strength. He can also control earth from a distance,
Occupation White Collar hurling chunks of stone at his enemies, or trapping them beneath
Skills 42 the ground. His transformed body radiates corrosive heat, but
Climb +7 (rnk 7), Computer Use +3 (rnk 1), Diplomacy +7 through force of will, he is able to control these emissions to an
(rnk 3), Diplomacy +7 (rnk 3), Escape Artist +7 (rnk 3), extent, so that he is not a threat to those he would rescue.
Gather Info +7 (rnk 3), Intimidate +7 (rnk 3), Jump +9 (rnk 7), Combat/Tactics: Grosvener tends to be cautious in battle,
Kn: Popular Culture +4 (rnk 2), Sleight of Hand +7 (rnk 3), aware of the damage his strength may inflict. He uses the first
Tumble +13 (rnk 7) few rounds of combat to assess his foes (and, often, to inject
Languages Cantonese, English, Italian himself with his transformative drug), then attacks enemies who
Feats he thinks pose the greatest threat to innocent bystanders.
Action Hero, Brawl (Improved), Cross-Trained (tumble, use Grosvener is paranoid about having his secret identity exposed,
rope), Combat Expertise (Improved Staple, Improved Disarm, so he sometimes needs to withdraw from combat before he
Improved Feint, Improved Sunder), Dodge, Fast Move, reverts to his normal, human form.
Improved Initiative (Awesome, Supreme), Merciful Mauler,
Mercy Blow, Quick Draw, Quick Sheath, Skill Aptitude Class Mastermind 5
(Tumble), Super Strike, Two-Weapon Fighting (Defence), Species Human
Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (rapier), Ethnicity White
Nationality Canadian
Tongue-In-Cheek: Parley, One-Liner ECL 5 (5 levels + 50cp)
Proficiencies Armour (light, medium, heavy), Firearms Hit Dice 5d6 (25hp normal, 65hp super)
(simple, advanced), Shields, Weapons (simple, Mass. Damage 60hp
archaic, exotic, over-sized) Initiative +1
Power Die - Speed 30 feet
Origin n/a Defence 14 (Class +3, Leather Jacket +1)
Powers none Boosted 22 (Cls +3, Natural Armour +10,
Special Abilities Swaggering Bravado, Iconic Attack, Chutzpah! Size -1)
II, Iconic Presence, Bombastic Aura Knockback Normal: 15; Activated: 22
Wealth +8 Base Attack +3; Mêlée: +3, Ranged: +3
Equipment Rapiers (x2), Leather Armour, Zip-Tie Activated: Mêlée: +10
Handcuffs, Throwing Daggers (x6) Attacks unarmed strike (normal) +3 (1d3nl)
Ads Fearless 3cp unarmed strike (super) +10 (2d8 +7nl)
Feats x23 46cp Touch Energy Attack: Acid +10 (10d6, 20/x2)
Comps Hero's Code: Fair Play +4cp TK Slam +7 (up to 100lbs) (1d6 +4 20/x2)
Monologuer +4cp TK Throw +6 (up to 100lbs) (1d6 +4 20/x2)
Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 10, Con 14 +2
Int 19 +4, Wis 16 +3, Cha 12 +1
Activated: Str 25 +7, Dex 25 +7 Con 29 +9

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 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 253

Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft. Personality/History : Haroldine grew up in the Mid-West a

Allegiance Science! very happy and well-adjusted child, but at age 13, she came
Saves Fort +9, Ref +2 Will +4 down with a still unidentified infection that sapped her energy to
Activated: Fort +13, Drugs/Poisons -2, Ref +9 the point where just walking for more than a few minutes
Action Points 5 exhausted her. An as-yet misunderstood combination of this
Reputation +4 infection, her own unique body chemistry, and a collection of
Occupation Technician experimental drugs granted her the ability to Leech the vital
Skills 80 energies of super-powered humans. Unfortunately, paying for her
Bluff +5 (rnk 4), Computer Use +8 (rnk 4), Cr: Chemical +6 medical treatment bankrupted her parents, and so she turned to a
(rnk 0), Diplomacy +9 (rnk 8), Disguise +3 (rnk 2), Gamble +7 life of crime. Starting out very young, 14 years old, and never
(rnk 4), Gather Info +9 (rnk 8), Intimidate +5 (rnk 4), particularly interested in the spotlight, she became a professional
Kn: Current Events +8 (rnk 4), Kn: Earth/Life Sciences +12 sidekick, teaming up with an older and flashier villain so that she
(rnk 8), Kn: Physical Sciences +8 (rnk 4), Observe +11 (rnk 8), could stay hidden in his, her, or its shadow. Now in her mid-20s,
Profession +9 (rnk 6), Repair +6 (supertech +2) (rnk 2), Sponge is a career criminal. She long since saw to her parents
Search +6 (rnk 2), Stealth +4 (rnk 4), Supercraft +12 (rnk 8), financial comfort, which they accepted only reluctantly although
Treat Injury +5 (rnk 0), Use Device +1 (supertech +2) (rnk 0), they do stay in touch with her, and she makes just enough money
Languages English, Latin, French, Cantonese in theft or mercenary pay to support herself.
Feats Combat Expertise, Brawl (Improved) Location: the American Mid-West, USA.
Proficiencies Armour (light, medium, heavy, archaic), Power Theme: Sponge's powers are all based on sapping the
Shields, Weapons (simple, improvised), vital energies of super-powered people. She can actively Leech
Firearms (personal) other people's power points with a touch, but she can also
Power Die 5d10 (27pp) attempt to convert energy-based attacks into PPs or just Reflect
Origin Supertech them back at her attacker(s). She does not have a great deal of
Powers fine control over her powers, though; just brushing up against her
Ability Boost, Physical rnk 15 (+15) 30cp can accidentally set them off.
Natural Armour rnk 10 (Natural +10) 10cp Combat/Tactics: She prefers to stay hidden for as long as
Active Natural Armour possible, using Stealth, but once she's cornered, she will first
Size Shift 6cp attempt to actively Leech her opponent's PPs in order to render
Increase Size rnk 1 (one size category), Retain Attack Bonus them powerless, and she will, of course, attempt to Leech and/or
Energy Attack: Touch (acid) 10cp Reflect any attacks that are thrown at her. Her primary goal is
Telekinesis Elemental Telekinesis: Stone 4cp rarely to beat an opponent, though. Given the choice, she would
Mental Muscle: Str 18 +4, Dex 16 +3 Total 60cp rather escape than fight.
Special Abilities Imposing Presence, Tactical Genius,
Encyclopaedic Memory, Reassuring Presence, Class Sidekick 6
Bombastic Aura, Cross-Trained, Plot Device Species Human
Ads Connection rnk 2 (sci/tech, government) 2cp Ethnicity White
Feat 2cp Nationality American
Comps Chemical Activation (injection) +4cp ECL 6 (6 levels + 60 CP)
Chemical Dependency rnk 2 +4cp Hit Dice 6d8 (27 + Con mod)
Power Linked +2cp Mass. Damage 50
Nemesis: Frequency rnk 2, Power rnk 1 +3cp Initiative +4
Wealth +8 Speed 30 ft.
Equipment Leather Jacket, Brief Case, Mobile Phone, Pen Defence 21 (Class +5, Dex +4, Leather Armour +2)
Light, Notepad, Chemical Kit, PDA, Jack plus Armour of Obscurity
Knife, Chemical Activation (x10) Touch: 19, Flat-Footed: 16
Knockback 15
Sponge Base Attack +4; Mêlée: +4, Ranged: +8
(created by Orion Ussner Kidder, Attacks Unarmed Strike +9 (1d6NL 20/x2)
with special thanks to Scott Sharplin) Power Leech: Offensive touch +9 (4d6 PPs)
Sneak Attack +1d6
Full Name: Haroldine Kowarthy Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 18 +4, Con 16 +3
Appearance: Sponge wears a yellow leather jacket over Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 14 +2
black and yellow tights. When she is flush with other people's Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
power, her skin is a ruddy pink, but when we is low on power, Allegiance
she takes on a sickly, sallow tone. S he also loses her hair when Saves Fort +2 +3, Ref +5 +4, Will +3
she has no Leeched power, so it rarely gets longer than an inch or Action Points 6
so, and she is often completely bald. Reputation +1

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254 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

Occupation Criminal duplicates surround a target and stab it repeatedly while he

Skills 45 shoots out his 20-foot tongue and drains the victim of their
Bluff +11 (rnk 9), Climb +5 (rnk 5), Diplomacy +4 (rnk 0), power.
Disable Device +5 (rnk 5), Gamble +2 (rnk 0), Intimidate +4 (rnk
0), Jump +7 (rnk 5), Kn: Popular Culture +4 (rnk 4), Repair +0 Class Soldier 8
(locks +2) (rnk 0), Ride +6 (rnk 0), Search +5 (rnk 5), Sleight of Species Human
Hand +8 (rnk 2), Stealth +9 (rnk 5), Survival +0 (tracking +2) Ethnicity White
(rnk 0), Tumble +11 (rnk 5) Nationality American
Languages English ECL 8 (8 levels +80cp)
Feats Armour Focus (Specialisation), Brawl, Dodge Hit Dice 8d10 (96hp)
(Mobility, Spring Attack), Weapon Finesse Mass. Damage 50hp
Proficiencies 6 + Proficiency: Firearms (personal) Initiative +1
Power Die 6d8 (52 PPs) Speed 40 ft. (Fast Move)
Origin Bio Defence 22 (Class +6, Dex +3, Dodge *+2, Amazing
Powers Dodge +4)
Resist Powers: PR 33 30cp Knockback 19
Increased PD rnk 10, Reflect Power Base Attack +8/+3 (mêlée: +11/+6, ranged: +11/+6)
Power Leech Offensive rnk 4, Defensive rnk 6 42cp Attacks
Non-Lethal Defensive Leech rnk 6 Total 72 Unarmed Strike +11/+6 (1d3, non-lethal)
Special Abilities Restore Confidence, Cooperative Attack Switch Blade +11/+6 (1d4 +3, 19-20)
(Improved Cooperative Attack), Improved
Flanking I, Heroic Intervention, Sneak Attack Special Attacks
(+1d6), Armour of Obscurity, Evasion, Bonus Power Leech (20-ft. tongue) +11/+6 (2d6 PPs, touch attack)
Feat Power Nullification (20' tongue) +11/+6 (3d6 PPs, touch attack)
Wealth +12
Equipment Leather Armour Ability Scores Str 16 +3, Dex 16 +3, Con 19 +4,
Comps Touch-Activated Power rnk 4 +8cp Int 10 +1, Wis 12 +1 , Cha 6 -2
Size/Reach Medium / 5 ft.
Tim Toady Allegiance Self
(created by Dan "Danderson" Anderson) Saves Fort +8, Ref +9, Will +5
Action Points 4AP
Full Name: Timothy Towdti Reputation +4
Appearance: Tim Toady tends to walk with a bit of a stoop Occupation Criminal
and has green, rubbery skin and bug-eyes every since his powers Skills 77
manifested at puberty. He has no one costume, but he tends to Climb +8 (rnk 5), Cr: Mechanical +6 (rnk 5), Escape Artist +8
dress in dark greens and browns, often with a long coat over top. (rnk 5), Gather Info +2 (rnk 0), Intimidate +8 (rnk 10), Jump +15
He often dramatically drops the coat when he leaps into a fight. (rnk 10), Kn: Earth/Life Sciences +3 (rnk 0), Observe +11 (rnk
Personality/History : Timothy grew up Baton Rouge, but he 10), Ride +5 (rnk 0), Stealth +13 (rnk 10), Survival +8 (rnk 7),
always hated the swamps that surround the city. He got the name Swim +13 (rnk 10), Tumble +12 (rnk 5), Use Rope +3 (bindings
"Toady" in elementary school, where he was mercilessly teased +2) (rnk 0)
for his frog-like appearance. That's also where he got his violent Feats Dodge (Agile Riposte), Iron Will, Lightning
streak and his mean attitude. He severely beat two of his Reflexes (Awesome, Supreme), Run (Fast
tormenters when he was 14 years old and over the next few Move, Standing Jump, Weapon Finesse
years, he transformed himself from victim to bully. He led a Power Die 8d6 (28pp)
small gang in downtown New Orleans, but since the floods, the Origin Biological (mutant)
gang broke up and when there separate ways. He has been Powers
moving from town to town ever since, mugging when he needs Amazing Dodge rnk 4 (Dodge +4), Power 4CP
the money and selling his services when the opportunity arises. Amazing Leap (Jump +40) 8CP
Location: Baton Rouge/New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Powered Leap rnk 3, Seven-League Leap, Wall Spring
Power Theme: Tim Toady leaps around like a frog and can Duplicate Self rnk 3 32CP
drain his opponents of their vital energies through his extending Dupe Traits, Dupe Powers
tongue. He can also reproduce himself on command. Power Leech rnk 2, Ranged (20 ft.) 7CP
Combat/Tactics: Tim Toady likes to leap into battle, catching Power Nullification (Bio) 32CP
victims unaware, and then replicate himself immediately. When Ranged (20 ft.), Enhanced Nullification rnk 2
he fights normal people, this is usually enough to scare people Origins (Cosmic, Mystic, Psi),
into giving him all their money, but against more powerful Variable Null rnk 3 (Cosmic, Mystic, Psi)
opponents, he is forced to follow through by having his Special Abilities Sneak Attack +2d6, Evasion, Protective

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 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains 255

Instincts solar flame and he full-body tackles his opponents. He is also

Ads Feat: Weapon Finesse quite adept at dropping large things onto people's heads.
Comps Light Sensitive (+2CP), Phobia (fire, public
knowledge) (+4CP), Bizarre Area Effect (4CP, Class Champion 20
amphibious appearance) Species Human
Wealth +9 Ethnicity White
Equipment Switch Blade Nationality American
Toady's Dupes 48HPs, no PPs ECL 20 (20 levels + 200 CPs)
-all powers except Duplicate Self , Hit Dice 20d12 (301HP)
Mass. Damage 50HPs
Titan Omega Initiative +0
(created by Charlie Dunn) Speed 30 ft (move), 960ft/mph (fly)
Defence 18 (Champ +9, Large -1)
Full Name: Major Ted Nelson, USAF Touch: 18, Flat-Footed: 18
Appearance: In human form, Ted Nelson had dark hair, dark Knockback 37
eyes, and olive skin. He was a lean, wiry man. Since his Base Attack +20/+15/+10/+5 (-1 Large-sized)
transformation, however, he grew to nearly 8-feet tall and he lost Mêlée: +36, Ranged: +20, Grapple: +40
all his wiriness in exchange for sheer bulk. His body is also now Attacks Unarmed Strike +36/+31/+26/+21 (1d8 +17)
sheathed in pure, white light, with a yellow-and-red sunburst on Special Attacks Energy Attack: Aura (heat) 5d6
his chest (Amazing Costume). Re-Entry (Iconic Attack):
Personality/History : Air Force Major Theodore Nelson was charge while flying, unarmed strike
exactly where he wanted to be: alone in a space capsule getting +5 hit/damage (19-20/x2)
ready to be the first man to perform a high orbit over the earth. Ability Scores Str 27 +8, Dex 10, Con 24 +7,
But unseen and unknown gravitational fields cast his Mercury Int 14 +2, Wis 10, Cha 15 +2
pod far off the planned trajectory. He veered off course and with Natural: Str 24 +7, Con 18 +4
little power to correct it, Major Nelson watched helplessly as the Size/Reach Large / 5 ft.
Earth got smaller and the Moon grew larger in his porthole. His Allegiance Earth
fears of a slow death followed by a sudden stop were interrupted Saves Fort +20, Ref +9, Will +11
by a solar flare which washed over the Moon and Major Nelson's Action Points 20APs
poorly protected Mercury capsule. It was destroyed instantly, but Reputation +15
Major Nelson was infused with the power of the Sun. Blown Occupation Military
back, he slammed into the Moon's surface and slept. Skills 138
Meanwhile, the very same gravitational disturbance that cast Climb +28 (rnk 20), Diplomacy +30 (rnk 20), Gather Info +18
Major Nelson's mission astray began to enter Earth's atmosphere: (rnk 8), Intimidate +22 (rnk 20), Jump +18 (rnk 10),
an alien spacecraft. Though invisible, its super-sonic wake Observe +20 (rnk 20), Profession +20 (rnk 20), Sense Motive
alerted the American Air Force, which ordered troops and planes +20 (rnk 20), Tumble +2 (rnk 0)
to converge at the ship's landing site. Upon spotting them, the Feats Astrobatics, Combat Martial Arts (Improved
alien ship opened fire with its advanced weapons, but it was Unarmed Damage x3), Improved Damage
ultimately outgunned and outnumbered. That lone scout never Threshold, Cooperative Attack, Toughness
managed to report to its masters, but Air Force intelligence did (Hard to Kill, Indomitable), Great Fortitude
discover that this ship was only the first of many. (Awesome), Power Attack, Super Strike
Major Nelson awoke deep in a crater on the far side of the Power Die 20d6 (73PP)
moon, his body infused with raw solar power. With little effort, Origin Cosmic
he lifted from the surface and went seeking answers in the only Powers
place he knew... Home. Ability Enhancement 18cp
Location: Somewhere over the Central United States. Strength +3, Constitution +6
Power Theme: Titan Omega is an ex-astronaut who now Damage Reduction 20, Density Increase 20CP
serves as the Earth's primary planetary defence against extra- Energy Attack: Aura (heat) 5d6 15CP
terrestrial threats, be it from invading forces from space or Reduced Power Drain rnk 10 (-10PPs)
world-killing asteroids. Titan nigh indestructible and can Fast Healing, Regeneration, Cling to Life, Resurrection 8CP
pulverise granite with his mighty fists. Flight, Perfect Manoeuvrability, Air Lift: 2000 lbs. 51CP
Combat/Tactics: Since his transformation, Titan (as he now Flight Speed rnk 10, Sublight Flight 0.9C, FTL 100C
calls himself) has stalwartly ignored his military training and Mighty Lifting rnk 10 (weight x10) 18CP
instead embraces an exceedingly direct approach in combat: he Space Adaptation 4CP
flies strait at the target and hits it with his fists until it doesn't get Thick Skinned, Resistant Skin, Super Skin 20CP
up any more. During his Re-Entry attack, his body engulfed in Total 154cp
Special Abilities Swaggering Bravado, Iconic Attack "Re-

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256 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains

Entry," Iconic Presence, Bombastic Aura, flat on their backs. When desperate, she can repeat one of her Per
Unshakable Resolve, Inflexible Will Day abilities, and she often converts her inner strength into
Ads Amazing Costume: solar suit 2CP death-defying feats of acrobatics or combat skill (using the
Law Enforcement Rank 2 (National) 4CP Action Hero feat).
Large Size 2CP
Comps Bizarre Area of Effect Rank I: radiant +2CP Class Mastermind 7 / Warrior 7
Magnetic Signature +2CP Species Human
Wealth +16 Ethnicity Ukrainian
Nationality Canadian
Whip Lass ECL 14 (14 levels; 142CP)
(created by Orion Ussner Kidder) Hit Dice 7d6 + 7d10 (87 HPs)
Mass. Damage 50HPs
Full Name: Diane Kovalevsky Initiative +16
Appearance: Whip Lass wears an Old-West-themed Speed 40 ft.
costume, with jodhpurs and a button-up tunic in shades of dusty Defence 34 +21 +22 +43 ; DR 16 (super)
brown leather. She keeps her curly hair cut short and almost (Mst +3, Wrr +3, Dex +4, Bombastic Aura +4,
always wear shades. The faster her whips flash, the more calm Two-Weapon Defence +2, 1Dodge +2, 2Def.
her expression becomes until it's almost blank, her eyes hidden Martial Arts +2 in mêlée, 3Elusive Target +4
from view. vs. ranged when in mêlée, Light Helmet +2,
Personality/History : Diane discovered a talent for whips and Leather Armour +2 [Heavy Inserts +3, Armour
ropes at an early age. She used them for utility, art, and also just Specialisation +1])
for fun. As a teenager, she happened to have been carrying one of Touch: 20, Flat-Footed: 24
her whips when she witnessed a gang of boys about to beat up a Knockback 20
young woman. Acting on instinct, she scared them off with the Base Attack +12/+7/+2
crack of her whip and a few stern words. She learned two things Mêlée: +12, Ranged: +16
that day. First, it doesn't take much to scare the bejezus out of Attacks Whip +19/+14/+9 (1d3 +1 super)
bullies. Second, she liked saving people. She's been doing it ever Dual Whips +17/+17/+12/+12/+7/+7
since. In Edmonton, she teamed up with and then began dating Whip Disarm/Trip +12 to opposed tests
Chaingun Sally, which made them one of Canada's few out Special Attacks Attacks of Opportunity: 4 per round
superhero couples. As a duo, they are jokingly, but fondly, Ability Scores Str 10, Dex 19 +4, Con 14 +2,
known as "Whips and Chains." Int 12 +1, Wis 10, Cha 18 +4
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Size/Reach medium/5 ft.
Power Theme: Whip Lass has no powers, but she has honed Allegiance Whips and Chains
her physical abilities and transformed herself into an extremely Saves Fort +10, Ref +9, Will +7 (-5 vs. Mysticism)
capable fighter. She has trained specifically in non-lethal combat Action Points 14 APs
with a whip and in psychological confrontation, either Reputation +10
intimidating opponents into leaving or just reasoning with them, Occupation Technician
as the circumstances require. Skills 105
Whip Lass's Whips were designed and built by Chaingun Bluff +23 (Feint +34) (rnk 15), Diplomacy +25 (rnk 15),
Sally (after she promised not to mount firearms on them). They Disguise +10 (rnk 0), Escape Artist +14 (rnk 10), Intimidate +23
are made from metallic fibres that, at the press of a button, can (rnk 15), Jump +21 (Swing +17) (rnk 15), Kn: Behavioural
tightly curl on the end, thus locking the whip onto anything from Sciences +11 (rnk 10), Profession +5 (rnk 5), Ride +25 (rnk 15),
a low-hanging branch to someone's legs. The whips combine all Sense Motive +10 (rnk 10), Sleight of Hand +15 (rnk 5),
the functionality of weapons and tools. Whip Lass rides a speed Treat Injury +11 (rnk 11), Tumble +25 (rnk 15), Use Rope +4
bike and has trained to drive it one-handed so that she can use (bindings +4 (rnk 0)
her free hand to swing a whip. Feats
Combat/Tactics: Whip Lass first and foremost employs her Action Hero, Armour Focus (Armour Specialisation ), Combat
ability to reason with or scare off any would-be combatants. Her Diagnosis, Combat Driving, Combat Expertise (Improved,
ideal fight never starts. When it does, however, she employs non- Awesome, Improved Trip, Improved Disarm, Improved Feint,
lethal combat manoeuvres—tripping, disarming, entangling—to Turnabout Disarm, Third Hand), Daredevil Driver, Dodge (Agile
render her opponents unable to fight back, and then she once Riposte, Mobility, Spring Attack, Whirlwind Attack), Defensive
again attempts to convince them to disengage entirely. She can Martial Arts (Elusive Target), Evasive Manoeuvres (Improved),
make multiple attacks of opportunity per round, and she often Run (Fast Move, Sprint), Great Fortitude (Awesome, Supreme),
uses them to make Opportunist attacks against opponents who Improved Initiative (Awesome, Supreme), Iron Will (Awesome,
take damage from her partner, Chaingun Sally. She can also Supreme), Last Desperate Trick, Lightning Reflexes (Awesome,
immediately attack anyone whom she disarms, so she often Supreme), Merciful Mauler, Mounted Combat (Ride-By Attack),
disarms and then trips opponents, leaving them weaponless and Quick Draw, Standing Jump, Super Strike, Super Style,

256 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains
Improved Swinging (Combat Swinging), Toughness x5, Swift
Healing, Hard to Kill, Two-Weapon Fighting (Improved x2,
Two-Weapon Defence), Vehicle Focus (Greater), Weapon
Finesse, Weapon Focus (Weapon Specialisation )
Proficiencies Armour (light, medium, heavy, archaic),
Shields, Weapons (simple, archaic, exotic
mêlée [whip], over-sized, improvised)
Power Die 7d10 + 7d6 (59PPs)
Origin - leaders of his local group, one David Miller, and that man gave
Powers Esoteric Item: The Whips (x2) +1 8cp
Super +1
Trip/Disarm +8
Latches to targets with a Touch Attack
Esoteric Item: Leather Armour DR 16 16cp
Special Abilities
Mastermind Imposing Presence, Opportunist, Bonus Feat
(Dodge), Reassuring Presence, Bombastic
Aura, Bonus Feat, Cross-Trained
(tumble/escape artist)
Warrior Bonus Feats, Combat Diagnosis, Combat
Expertise (Improved, Awesome, Supreme)
Natural Aptitude, Cross-Trained x2 (move
silently/research, tumble/use rope )
Ads Database rnk 2 2cp
Knowledge, Profession, Craft (all) +2
Feat x66 112cp
Skill Points x9 36cp
Comps Forsworn From Firearms Rank 1 +2cp
Hero's Code: Loyalty, Extreme Mercy +6cp
Origin Vulnerability +5cp
rnk 5: -5 vs. Mysticism
Wealth +12
Equipment Whips (x2), Leather Armour (Heavy Inserts,
DR 16 [supertech]), Light Helmet, Motorcycle
Motorcycle Racing Bike, Init. +0, Man. +1, Speed 370
(37), Def. 14, Hard. 10, HPs 18, Size: L
Armour Plated (Def. +4), Hardness 10, Man. -2
White Knight
(created by Orion Ussner Kidder)
Full Name: Jesse McGovern
Appearance: Out of armour, Jesse is the embodiment of the
cliché of a Neo-Nazi skinhead: 6'2", muscles on top of his
muscles, a patchwork of tattoos that combine various types of
swastikas and other imagery that he thinks represents the Third
Reich. He consistently wears a self-righteous expression that is
simultaneously scowl and sneer.
In his power armour, White Knight looks like an idealised
vision of a medieval chevalier, the kind of imagery only available
in children's books or historically inaccurate films. His armour is
painted to resemble a Crusader's tabard, with white tunic and red
cross on the chest.
Personality/History : Jesse grew up exceedingly poor in
Alabama and was rased in racism from an early age. He was
taught to blame his inability to find a girlfriend on gay people,
his poverty on liberal governments, lack of what he perceives as
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
257
appropriate political leadership on Muslims (whom he spuriously
believes are a race), and everything else on a dimly-conceived
cabal of Jews, African-Americans and assorted "foreigners." In
fact, he thinks that anyone who is not White is a "foreigner" and
that anyone who is not a Neo-Nazi is a "traitor." He
unproblematically equates being White with being American and
being a racist. In his teens, Jesse gravitated to the Neo-Nazi
movement. His killer instinct was noticed by one of the wealthier
Jesse the White Knight armour. Miller continues to be Jesse's
patron, although he has displayed little ability or desire to
actually control him. Jesse has spent a significant amount of his
adult life in jail, but thus far, Miller has managed to use the
White Knight armour to break him out. The two remain at large,
hiding in the homes of various Neo-Nazi sympathisers around
the US and occasionally in Canada.
Location: Alabama, USA
Power Theme: Jesse's powers are all built into his White
Knight armour, which is built around the theme of a mediaeval
knight, complete with sword and shield. Even without the
armour, however, Jesse's most powerful offensive weapon is his
pathological (and highly illogical) hatred of anything that does
not conform to his exceedingly narrow definition of "normal."
Combat/Tactics: Jesse has very little sense of strategy, but
makes up for it in ferocity. He dives straight for his target and
commits as much grievous bodily harm as he can until that target
drops, at which point he moves to the next target. Working in this
way, Jesse can do a great deal of damage before police or
superheroes arrive and attempt to subdue him. At that point, he
starts attacking them.
Class Warrior 10
Species Human (barely)
Ethnicity Very, very White
Nationality American
ECL 10 (10 levels + 99cp)
Hit Dice 10d10 (85HPs, Boosted 135HPs)
Mass. Damage 50HPs
Initiative +3, Boosted +7
Speed 30 ft.
Defence 21 (Class +7, Dex +5, Size -1)
Flat-Footed: 16, Touch: 14
Power Armour 37 (Class +7, Dex +5, Size -1, Armoured +8,
Shield +7); Flat-Footed: 32, Touch: 22
Knockback 24 (Boosted 29)
Base Attack +10 / +5; Mêlée: +13/+8, Ranged: +11/+7
Boosted: Mêlée: +18/+13, Ranged: +16/+12
Attacks Unarmed Strike +13/+8 (1d3 +4)
Medium Pistol +12/+7 (2d6 +2)
In Armour Unarmed Strike +13/+8 (1d3 +4)
Boosted: +18/+13 (1d3 +9, super)
Greatsword (over-sized) +16/+11 (3d6 +4)
Boosted: +21/+16 (3d6 +12, super)
Shield Bash (over-sized) +13/+8 (1d6 +4)
Boosted: +18/+11 (1d6 +9, super)
Special Attacks Knockback: +4 to provoke
257
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Ability Scores Str 18 +4, Dex 14 +2, Con 16 +3 Origin Supertech

Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 12 +1 Powers 87cp
Boosted: Str 28 +9, Dex 24 +7, Con 26 +8 Power Armour, Armoured rnk 2, Large-Sized, 50HPs 55cp
Size/Reach Large / 10 ft. Power Armour: Ability Boost, rnk 20 (+20)
Allegiance David Miller/American Neo-Nazi Movement Power Armour: Flight, Flight Speed rnk 4, Flight Skill "good"
Saves Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +3 Esoteric Item: Sword, Supertech +8, 16cp
Boosted: Fort +15, Ref +12, Will +3 Energy (+1), Retractible (+1)
Action Points 10AP Esoteric Item: Shield, Supertech +9, Retractible (+1) 16cp
Reputation +5 Special Abilities Bonus Feats x10, Natural Aptitude +4, Cross-
Occupation Criminal Trained (Knowledge theology/philosophy,
Skills 52 Escape Artist), Armsmaster
Climb +9 (rnk 5) Boosted +14, Escape Artist +12 (rnk 10) Equipment Medium Pistol (2d6, 30 ft., P2 Magazine)
Boosted +17, Gather Info +15 (rnk 10), Intimidate +11 (rnk 10), Power Armour Armour +6, Check Penalty -3, Max Dex +6,
Kn: Philosophy (Nazism) +5 (rnk 5), Repair +10 (rnk 10), Large-Sized (Attack -1, Defence -1, Grapple
Use Rope +4 (bindings +2) (rnk 2) Boosted +9 +4, Stealth -4, 12-ft. tall)
Feats Greatsword sized for Large wielder, 3d6 19-20/x2 (+8
Armour Focus (Armour Specialisation ), Cleave, Blind Fight, supertech), Energy Weapon (electricity),
Endurance (Diehard) Improved Critical Range (Damage), Power Retractible (extends from right gauntlet)
Attack (Improved Knockback), Improved Shield Bash, Weapon Heavy Shield sized for Large wielder, Shield Bonus +2 (+9
Focus: Supertech Sword (Weapon Specialisation , Greater Focus) supertech), Retractible (unfurls from left
forearm)
Proficiencies Armour (light, heavy, archaic, powered),
Wealth +9
Shields, Firearms (personal, advanced),
Comps Favours Owed rnk 3 (David Miller) +9cp
Weapons (simple, improvised, archaic, over-
sized)
Power Die 10d6 (34)

258 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010


Game Terms
Action Points (APs)
APs add dice to any d20 roll (depending on your level), as
well as a Power Stretch, Damage Negation, or a Death Retcon.
You earn a number of APs equalling 6 + ½ your character level
at every level-up. See Chapter 1: Character Creation.
Activate
The action type and PP cost to use a power. The entry is listed
as "action type; PP cost." The action type of a power indicates
whether it provokes attacks of opportunity. See Chapter 5:
Powers, "Power Descriptors."
Advantages (Ads)
Little things that make life easier. You can purchase them
with CPs. See Chapter 1: Character Creation, "Advantages and
Complications."
Adventurer
Restless thrill-seekers who live on luck. See Chapter 2:
Classes.
Aerials
Humanoid creatures with wings. See Chapter 9: Heroes and
Villains, "Templates."
Ammo Capacity
The number of bullets a given firearm can normally house.
See Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment, "Generic Firearms."
Ammo Type
The kind of bullets a given firearm requires. See Chapter 7:
Combat and Equipment, "Generic Firearms."
Rock People
Mechanoids fashioned to look like humans. See Chapter 9:
Heroes and Villains, "Templates."
Atlanteans
Humanoid creatures who live near the bottom of the ocean.
They breath water and communicate telepathically. See Chapter
9: Heroes and Villains, "Fantasy Species."
Biological (Bio)
This Origin designates powers that come from your generic
structure, physiology, or anatomy. See Chapter 5: Powers,
"Origins."
Androids
Large, strong, dumb humanoids. See Chapter 9: Heroes and
Villains, "Mechanoids."
Cat People
Humanoids with cat-like features, including claws, fangs,
tails, and fur. See Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains, "Fantasy
Species."
Champion
Charismatic heroes for a cause. See Chapter 2: Classes.
APPENDICES
Character Points (CPs)
With CPs, you can buy almost anything in the game,
including advantages/complications, skills, feats, powers, and
species templates. You get 10CP per level (standard). See
Chapter 1: Character Creation, "Character Points."
Complications (Comps)
Little things that make life harder. These grant you CPs. See
Chapter 1: Character Creation, "Advantages and Complications ."
Cosmic
This Origin designates powers that come from forces beyond
human understanding, including galactic entities of god-like
power or bizarre accidents of physics. See Chapter 5: Powers,
"Origins."
Negate Damage
If you declare a Damage Negation after a hit is announced by
before damage is announced, you can avoid the damage
altogether. Doing so costs 2APs. See Chapter 1: Character
Creation, "Action Points."
Death Retcon
If you die from a single blow, you can return to life by the
power of retroactive continuity. You return to your level of HPs
before you died. Doing so costs 3APs. See Chapter 1: Character
Creation, "Action Points."
Debris Damage
If you are inside a building and that building collapses on top
of you, you take damage. See Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment,
"Building Damage."
Derringers
Extremely small pistols that carry only 1 or 2 bullets. See
Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment, "Generic Firearms."
Devices
Supertech items in general, which includes Doohickies, Ray
Guns, Gizmos, Superchemicals, Gadgets, and Power Armour.
See Supertech Inventions in Chapter 6: F/X.
Doohickies
Single-use, single-power devices. See Chapter 6: F/X,
"Supertech Inventions."
Effective Character Levels (ECL)
This number almost always equals your straight-up Character
Levels, unless you have more or less than 10CPs per level. You
can calculate your ECL with the following formula:
(CL + [CPs / 10]) / 2 = ECL
Thus, a 5th-level character with 90CPs worth of feats, powers,
etc. has a Power Level of 7. See Chapter 8: Game Mastering.
Energy
This game term refers to one of the five energy types: cold,
corrosion, electricity, heat, sonic/concussive.
260 Appendices

Energy Resistance (ER) Metapowers

Listed as "ER: X" where "x" is a number that you subtract
from any single energy effect that causes you damage. Energy
Resistance usually applies to only one of the five energy types.
See the power Resist Energy in Chapter 5: Powers.
Feats, Tongue-In-Cheek
Feats that break not only the bounds of reality and physics,
but logic and sense. They often involve Awesome bonuses/
penalties. See Chapter 4: Feats.
Gadgets
Items that generate the effects of a power. See Chapter 6: F/
X, "Supertech Inventions."
Powers that affect other powers: Power Absorption, Power
Duplication, Power Leech, Power Nullification, Power
Resistance. See Chapter 5: Powers, "Power Descriptors."
Mole People
Humanoids with mole-like qualities, including claws for
digging and poor eyesight. See Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains,
"Fantasy Species."
Mystical
This Origin designates powers that come from blind forces of
the universe and divine entities. See Chapter 5: Powers,
"Origins."

Gizmos Origins
Multiple-use, multiple-power, supertech devices. See Chapter The source of your powers. The five Origins are: Biological,
6: F/X, "Supertech Inventions." Cosmic, Mystic, Psionic, and Supertech. See Chapter 5: Powers.

Items Pistols
Powers that are physical objects: Esoteric Items, Gadgets, Handguns that automatically cock themselves and take box-
Iconic Items, and Power Armour. See Chapter 5: Powers, "Power type ammunition. See Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment,
Descriptors," "Generic Firearms."

Knockback Power Dice

If you are hit by (a) someone with Super Strength, with (b) a The die you roll at every level to determine how many PPs
blunt attack, that (c) does more damage than your Knockback you get. See Chapter 2: Classes, "Superhero Classes."
Threshold, then you fly backwards through the air a number of
feat equal to half that damage (i.e., 1/10th the total damage in Power Points (PPs)
squares). See Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment, "Knockback." The energy source you use to fuel your powers. See Chapter
5: Powers.
Knockback Threshold
The damage that Super-Strength, blunt attacks have to exceed Power-Point Deficit
in order to provoke Knockback. Your Knockback Threshold In dire emergencies, you can trade 1 point of Constitution for
equals 10 + your Fort save + your Strength modifier. See Chapter a single PP. See Chapter 5: Powers, "Power Points."
7: Combat and Equipment, "Knockback."
Power Stretch
Machine Pistols When you use a power for something it's not strictly designed
Handguns that are capable of Burst fire. See Chapter 7: to do, but could plausibly do. Power Stretching costs 1AP. See
Combat and Equipment, "Generic Firearms." Chapter 5: Powers, "Power Stretch."

Martial Artist Power Resistance (PR)

Masters of exotic fighting systems. See Chapter 2: Classes. Listed as "PR: X" where "x" is a number that you subtract
from any single power effect that causes you damage. Power
Massive Damage Resistance usually applies to only one of the five Origins types.
The amount of damage you can take before you have to make See the power Resist Powers in Chapter 5: Powers.
a Fortitude save (DC 15) or drop to -1 HPs, and stabilised. See
Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment, "Massive Damage." Powers
Special supernatural, paranormal, or science-fictional abilities
Mastermind that you can buy with CPs. This includes Traits, Psi-Powers,
Forceful tacticians and leaders. See Chapter 2: Classes. Spells, and Items. See Chapter 5: Powers.

Mechanoids Psi-Power Resistance (PsR)

Sentient machines with more-or-less humanoid appearance. A
new creature type in Phoenix. See Chapter 9: Heroes and
Villains, "Fantasy Species."
Listed as "PsR: X" where "x" is a number, usually between
10 and 20. Attackers using psi-powers must make a manifester
check against your PsR score. If they fail, the psi-power does not
affect you at all. See the power Resist Psi-Powers in Chapter 5:
Powers.

260 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010

 Appendices
Psionic (Psi)
This Origin designates powers that come from the force of
your mind and your will. See Chapter 5: Powers, "Origins."
Rates of Fire
The number of times you can fire a given firearm in a round.
See Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment, "Generic Firearms."
Ray Guns
Single-power, multi-use devices. See Chapter 6: F/X,
"Supertech Inventions."
Revolvers
Handguns that employ a spinning barrel to advance bullets
into the chamber. See Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment,
"Generic Firearms."
Robots
Mechanoids that are humanoid but appear distinctly
mechanical. See Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains, "Mechanoids."
Rock People
Humanoids whose physiology is based on stone and minerals.
See Chapter 9: Heroes and Villains, "Fantasy Species."
Sidekick
Highly-trained team players. See Chapter 2: Classes.
Sleuth
Addicted to mysteries and not afraid to swing their fists. See
Chapter 2: Classes.
Sneak
The ever-lovin' masters of being sneaky. See Chapter 2:
Classes.
Socialite
Rich and motivated. See Chapter 2: Classes.
Soldier
Military-trained professionals who get the job done . See
Chapter 2: Classes.
Spell Resistance (SR)
Listed as "SR: X" where "x" is a number, usually between 10
and 20. Attackers using spells or spell-like effects against you
must make a caster check against your SR score. If they fail, the
spell does not effect you at all. See the power Resist Spells in
Chapter 5: Powers.
Stapling
Using a piercing weapon, mêlée or ranged, to pin someone by
their clothes to a wall or other surface. See Chapter 7: Combat
and Equipment, "Stapling."
Super Ability Scores
Any ability score that is 25 or greater is Super. Any attack
that uses a Super Ability Score is automatically considered
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
261
"super" for the purposes of bypassing Damage Reduction. See
Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment, "Super Attacks."
Super Attacks
Any attack modified by a Super Ability Score (i.e., a score of
25 or more. See Chapter 7: Combat and Equipment, "Super
Attacks."
Superchemicals
Single-use supertech substances that anyone can use by
ingestion or injection. See Chapter 6: F/X, "Supertech
Inventions."
Supertech
This Origin designates powers that come from advanced
technology. See Chapter 5: Powers, "Origins."
Error: Reference source not found
The action type and PP cost of maintaining a continuous
power. It is listed as "action type; PP per unit of time." Powers
with units of time with slash marks, like "2PPs per round/
minute" cost that number of power points per round in combat,
and per the second unit out of combat. See Chapter 5: Powers,
"Power Descriptors."
Thinker
Cerebral ponderers who think before they act. See Chapter 2:
"Classes."
Tomorrow People
Humanoids with big heads and telepathic powers. Really big
heads. Like beach-balls, man. See Chapter 9: Heroes and
Villains, "Fantasy Species."
Traits
Powers that are indistinguishable from your your genetic
code, physiology, or spiritual essence, and therefore are not
affected by the metapowers and do not cost PPs to fuel. See
Chapter 5: Powers.
Warrior
Devotees of the sweet science of kicking ass. See Chapter 2:
Classes.
Modifier Types
The d20 system has quite a few kinds of modifiers, and
Phoenix adds a few of its own. Knowing the bonus types is
important because with the exception of Dodge and
Circumstance bonuses, they do not stack. The following list
includes all modifier types in the Phoenix role-playing game.
Ability Modifier
[Various]
The bonus or penalty attached to your ability scores are
ability modifiers. They apply to various die rolls (attack, save,
skill, etc.) and character stats (e.g., Defence, Knockback
Threshold, etc.) according to the individual ability score
descriptions.
261
262 Appendices
Armour Bonus
[Defence]
Armour grants an armour bonus, and this bonus applies to
your Defence score. Physical armour, the Armoured
enhancement of Power Armour, and the power Natural Armour
all grant an armour bonus. Armour bonuses do not stack with
other armour bonuses. They do not apply against touch attacks.
An armour bonus that is granted by a power or power-like effect
does apply to touch attacks made by incorporeal creatures.
Awesome Bonus
[Any]
Awesome Bonuses are part of a linked set of optional rules
under which the GM can decide that a player has done, or is
about to do, something that is just so damn clever that the player
deserves a bonus for even thinking of it. Awesome Bonuses can
theoretically apply to any roll, but primarily apply to attacks or
skill checks, which is to say, rolls that require a direct effort and/
or some show of skill on the part of the PC.
Circumstance Modifier
[Any]
Circumstance modifiers (bonuses or penalties) result from a
specific conditional factor that impacts the success or failure of a
task at hand. Circumstance bonuses stack with themselves as
well as other bonuses.
Competence Modifier
[Attack, Save, Skill, Caster/Manifester Check]
Competence modifiers (bonuses or penalties) affect your
ability to perform a particular task. They can apply to attack
rolls, saving throw, skill checks, caster/manifester checks, or any
other check that might normally be affected by your level or skill
ranks. It cannot apply to ability checks, damage rolls, initiative
checks, or any other rolls that aren't related to level or skill ranks.
Competence modifiers do not stack with themselves.
Deflection Bonus
[Defence (touch)]
Deflection bonuses are powered effects that make attacks
rebound or veer away from the target harmlessly. They apply to
your Defence score. Deflection bonuses do not stack with
themselves. They do apply to touch attacks.
Dodge Bonus
[Defence (touch)]
Dodge bonuses represent your ability to evade an attack
entirely. They apply to your Defence score, and very
occasionally to a Reflex save. Any situation or effect (other than
wearing armour or other protective gear) that negates your
Dexterity also negates a Dodge bonus, like being caught flat-
footed, for example. Dodge bonuses do stack with themselves,
and they apply to touch attacks.
Enhancement Bonus
[Ability Score, Attack, Damage, Defence]
262 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Enhancement bonuses arise from powered effects only, so
they always have an Origin. Enhancement bonuses do not stack
with themselves. However, enhancement bonuses on protective
gear (including armour or shields) effectively raise the bonus on
the gear, so you can wear armour +2 and carry a shield +2 and
both +2's count towards your total Defence score. Enhancement
bonuses count against touch attacks only if they enhance
something that counts against touch attacks (e.g., a shield).
Equipment Modifier
[Skill, Save]
Equipment modifiers (bonuses or penalties) represent the aid
that tools or machines grant in performing a certain task. They do
not stack with themselves. They apply to skill checks, and very
occasionally to saving throws.
Insight Bonus
[Any]
Insight bonuses represent an instinct for a certain task that
borders on precognition. Insight bonuses do not stack with
themselves.
Luck Modifier
[Any]
Luck modifiers (bonuses or penalties) represent a tendency to
either benefit from, or be penalised by, random events. Luck
modifiers do not stack with themselves.
Mastercraft Bonus
[Attack, Defence, Skill]
Mastercraft bonuses result from the specialised modifications
to tools, arms, and machines that increase their effectiveness.
They usually represent things like superior materials or delicate
weighting. Mastercraft items are either speciality brands or
custom made. Mastercraft bonuses do not stack with themselves,
and they count against touch attacks only if they enhance
something that counts against touch attacks (e.g., a shield).
Morale Modifier
[Will Saves]
Morale modifiers (bonuses or penalties) result from greater
than normal hope (or despair), courage (or cowardice), and
determination (or apathy). Morale modifiers do not stack with
themselves. Morale modifiers have no effect on non-intelligent
creatures (those that have an Intelligence score of 0).
Natural Defence Bonus
[Defence]
Natural Defence bonuses result from the toughness or density
of your hide. They apply to your Defence score. Natural Defence
bonuses do not stack with themselves. Natural Defence bonuses
do not apply against touch attacks.
Species Modifier
[Any]
Species modifiers (bonuses or penalties) result from a certain
cultural context you were raised in and/or an innate characteristic
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Appendices 263

of your physiology. Species modifiers do not stack with entirely tangible field of force that hovers in front of you. Shield
themselves. bonuses do not apply against touch attacks.

Resistance Bonus Size Modifier

[Saves]
Resistance bonuses affect your saving throws. Unless
otherwise stated, they apply to all three saves. Resistance
bonuses do not stack with themselves.
Shield Bonus
[Defence]
Shield bonuses result from carrying a shield or other item that
blocks an opponent's ability to harm you. They apply to your
Defence score. Shield bonuses do not stack with themselves.
Powered shield bonuses usually manifest as a barely visible but
[Attack, Defence, Grapple, Stealth, Various]
Size modifiers (bonuses or penalty) represent the logical
consequences of being larger or smaller than Medium-sized. You
can be only one size at any given time, so size modifiers can't
stack by nature.
Synergy Bonus
[Skills]
The bonus you get to use one skill when you have more than
5 ranks in another, related skill. The bonus to a primary skill
equals +2 for every 5 ranks you have to the secondary skill.
Synergy Bonuses do stack with themselves.

© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft) 263

264 Appendices
The following four pages contain character sheets for
Phoenix. The first three are an expanded sheet for PCs, and the
last one is a condensed sheet that's useful for GMs. The sheets
aren't entirely self-explanatory.
On the PC Record Sheet, we've tried to provide not just
space to write down your character's stats, but space to list all the
bonuses and/or penalties you're likely to have so that at any time,
if you lose one of those bonuses or penalties, you can redo the
math on the fly. There are three Ability Score columns. The first
column is your Natural Scores (before they are altered by any
powers), the middle common is your bonus or penalty (ranks in
Ability Enhancement or Ability Boost), and the last column is
your modified score. This arrangement means that if you ever
have your powers taken away or you don't have them activated,
then you can tell at a glance how to adjust your Saves, Defence,
HPs, Attacks, and etc.
We've left you a large box to write down your PPs because
they change amounts all the time, and we've separated Hit Points
into two boxes, lethal and non-lethal, because in the modern
world, a lot more people make non-lethal attacks for legal
reasons (why get hung up for murder when you can avoid it?)
and because fewer people are trained to actually kill. Under your
HPs, there's a line for DR. Damage Reduction is a relatively
cheap power in Phoenix, so having room to list it is useful.
Remember that the formula is that the first space indicates what
specific materials the DR does apply to, the second indicates the
actual reduction value, and the third space (after the slash)
indicates what the DR is vulnerable to. The first and third spaces
aren't necessary, but they're common.
There are also small boxes next to Defence (the hexagon) and
under your Saves so that you can list all the things that contribute
to those scores, as well. For your attacks, if you fill in all four
types (BA, Mêlée, Ranged, and Grapple), you should be able to
sort out your attack rolls relatively quickly for anything that's not
already listed in the Attacks area. In that Attacks area, though,
264 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Character Sheets
you have 8 lines to list your most common attacks—weapons,
powers, special attacks, etc.—and all the room you'll need to list
all the bonuses and/or penalties that apply, including your full-
attack sequence and all your damage bonuses. Each separate set
of boxes works as a tally. Fill in all the values and add them up in
the last box. In the case of the attack sequence, the numbers add
up to your hight attack bonus, and then you can calculate your
iterative attacks (if any) from there.
Finally, below the Attacks area, you have room to list your
powers. If you have more than four powers, then you can print
the optional third page of the PC Record Sheet, which has room
for another 16 powers. With all three sheets, you have room for
20 different powers. That ought to be enough. In each power box,
you have room for all the standard stats (CP Cost,
Activation/Sustain, and Saves) and a large empty space for any
of the more complicated notes you might need to write down.
Most powers have their own, unique qualities, and empty space
is the best way to note that kind of thing.
On the second page, you have room for all your skills, and
three large areas for class feature and feats, Ads and Comps, and
equipment, respectively. Again, we've left these spaces basically
blank because what you put in them is so varying that trying to
squish you into specific boxes would be counter-productive.
The NPC Record Sheet is for GMs. It holds space for 3
characters, and rather than leaving space for all your calculations,
it is compact for the sake of convenience; shuffling through a
stack of a half-dozen villains, all with their own character sheets,
gets annoying very quickly. The spaces are basically self-
explanatory. The one piece of advice we will give you is that you
might want to use a full PC Sheet for your Big Bad because
often, these compact sheets just don't have enough room, and you
will want to list all of your Big Bad's abilities to give the PCs the
fight that they deserve. For lieutenants and minor villains, the
compact sheet saves a lot of space and confusion.
© Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 PhoenixAppendices
PC Record Sheet 265
Personal Details Points and Stats Defence Score Defence Bonuses Defence Stats
Name Reputation Action Points Size Dex Check Pen.
PC Record Sheet, p1
Species Hair Natural Enh. Max Dex
Gender Eyes Speed Mass Dmg Dodge Equip. Touch
Allegiance Height Class Flat-Footed
Occupation Weight Initiative Knockback Hit Points Lethal Damage Non-Lethal Damage
Class Level Class Level Lethal Non-Lethal
Power Points

Current XP Next Level DR /

Abilities Natural Scores Bonus/Penalty Adjusted Score Saving Throws Attack Bonuses
Base Attack
STR Fortitude
Con Class Feat Power Misc
DEX Mêlée Attack

CON Reflex
Dex Class Feat Power Misc Ranged Attack
INT

WIS Will
Grapple
Wis Class Feat Power Misc
CHA

Hit Bonuses Damage Bonuses Damage Stats

Ability

Ability
Power

Range/ Power Crit Crit

Misc.

Misc.
Damage
Feat

Feat

Attacks Reach
AttackSequence Total Die Range Mult

Powers Origin(s):
Power CP Cost Power CP Cost
Activate Activate
Sustain Sustain
Save Save
Range Range

Power CP Cost Power CP Cost

Activate Activate
Sustain Sustain
Save Save

©Range
Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Range
Phoenix v10 (draft) 265
266 Appendices
Occupation Bonuses, Species Features, Class Features, Feats

"T" This skill is trained only; "E" This skill takes an equipment penalty; "E2" This skill doubles the equipment penalty
Synergy
Ability

Penalty
Ranks

Total
Misc.
Skills
PC Record Sheet,
Autohypnosis Wis
p2
Bluff Cha

Climb E Str

Concentration Con

Craft Int

Craft Int

Craft Int

Decipher Script T Int

Demolitions T Int

Diplomacy Cha

Disable Device T Dex

Disguise Cha

Drive Dex

Escape Artist E Dex

Forgery Int

Gamble Wis

Gather Information Cha

Handle Animal T Cha

Hide E Dex

Interrogate Cha

Intimidate Cha Advantages Complications

Jump E Str

Kn: T Int

Kn: T Int

Kn: T Int

Kn: T Int

Kn: T Int

Move Silently E Dex

Navigate Int

Observe Wis

Perform Cha

Perform Cha

Pilot T Dex

Profession Wis

Psicraft Int

Repair T
Int Equipment Wealth:
Research Int

Ride Dex

Search Int

Sense Motive Wis

Sleight of Hand TE
Dex

Spellcraft Int

Survival Wis

Swim E2 Str

Treat Injury Wis

Tumble TE
Dex

Use Esoteric Device TE Cha

266
Use Rope Dex Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010
 Appendices
Powers 267

PC
Power Record Sheet, p3 CP Cost Power CP Cost
Activate Activate
Sustain Sustain
Save Save
Range Range

Power CP Cost Power CP Cost

Activate Activate
Sustain Sustain
Save Save
Range Range

Power CP Cost Power CP Cost

Activate Activate
Sustain Sustain
Save Save
Range Range

Power CP Cost Power CP Cost

Activate Activate
Sustain Sustain
Save Save
Range Range

Power CP Cost Power CP Cost

Activate Activate
Sustain Sustain
Save Save
Range Range

Power CP Cost Power CP Cost

Activate Activate
Sustain Sustain
Save Save
Range Range

Power CP Cost Power CP Cost

Activate Activate
Sustain Sustain
Save Save
Range Range

Power CP Cost Power CP Cost

Activate Activate
Sustain Sustain
Save Save
©Range
Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010 Phoenix v10 (draft)
Range 267
268 PhoenixAppendices
NPC Record Sheet
Name HP Init PP Str Dex Con Int Wis Cha
Class Rep Origin Spd AP
NPC Record Sheet, p1
Def. Tch FF BA Knock. Mass. Fort Ref Will
Attacks Range +att +dmg die crit Attacks Range +att +dmg die crit

Physical Description :
Skills, Profi ciencies, Special Abilities, Feats, Powers :

Name HP Init PP Str Dex Con Int Wis Cha

Class Rep Origin Spd AP
Def. Tch FF BA Knock. Mass. Fort Ref Will
Attacks Range +att +dmg die crit Attacks Range +att +dmg die crit

Physical Description :
Skills, Profi ciencies, Special Abilities, Feats, Powers :

Name HP Init PP Str Dex Con Int Wis Cha

Class Rep Origin Spd AP
Def. Tch FF BA Knock. Mass. Fort Ref Will
Attacks Range +att +dmg die crit Attacks Range +att +dmg die crit

Physical Description :
Skills, Profi ciencies, Special Abilities, Feats, Powers :

268 Phoenix v10 (draft) © Copyright Orion Ussner Kidder 2010


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The owner of any Product Identity used in Open
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8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game
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the work that you are distributing are Open Game
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9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated
Agents may publish updated versions of this License.
You may use any authorized version of this License
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10. Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy
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Content You Distribute.
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respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due
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OPEN GAMING LICENSE
then You may not Use any Open Game Material so
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13. Termination: This License will terminate
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15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Open Game License v 1.0 Copyright 2000, Wizards
of the Coast, Inc.
d20 System rules and content Copyright 2000,
Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
Deeds Not Words Copyright 2003, Scott Thomas
Lynch
All Rights Reserved
“d20 System" is a Trademark owned by Wizards of
the Coast and is used according to the terms of the
d20 System License version 3.0. A copy of this
License can be found at www.wizards.com/d20
All other content is © 2007, 2008, 2009 Orion Ussner
Kidder. The Phoenix Project RPG is a trademark
owned by Orion Ussner Kidder. All rights reserved.
This document is produced under version 1.0, 1.0a,
and/or draft versions of the Open Game License, the
d20 System Trademark Logo Guide, and the System
Reference Document by permission of Wizards of the
Coast. Subsequent versions will incorporate final
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Subject to the Product Identity designation above, the
following portions of this document are designated as
Open Game Content: All feats, super-powers, classes,
origins, complications, advantages and new d20
game mechanics and their descriptive titles, all text
and numerical information referring to any of the
above, and anything else contained herein which is
already Open Game Content by virtue of appearing in
the System Reference Document or some other Open
Game Content source.
Some portions of this promotional document which
are Open Game Content originate from the System
Reference Document and are ©1999, 2000, 2001, and
2003 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
The remainder of these OGC portions of this book
are hereby added to Open Game Content and if so
used, should bear the COPYRIGHT NOTICE
"Phoenix Project RPG © 2009 Orion Ussner Kidder."
This material is protected under the copyright laws of
the Dominion of Canada. Any reproduction,
retransmission, or unauthorized use of the artwork or
non-Open Game Content herein is prohibited without
express written permission from Orion Ussner
Kidder, except for purposes of review or academic
scholarship, or use of Open Game Content consistent
with the Open Game License.