Transform into Element

[77odinson77]

I'm really not sure how to handle the Transform option for masteries. I know what is literally implied by transforming into a given element, but I really doubt that's how the rule is intended to be arbitrated in the game.

Human Torch can "transform" into fire. Sure, okay. If he really is transformed into fire, though, how is he always getting punched and knocked around in the comics? Fire isn't made out of bone, muscle, and skin; it's made out of fire! So it seems to me that he's not literally transformed into his element at all, but rather that he gets covered in fire (in which case it's really only his epidermis that transforms).

The reason I'm griping about this right now is that a character in my current game is an electricity master, and he just took Transform. I didn't really think anything of it until, upon my telling him he was taking damage from being shot at, he countered that he was transformed and therefore was pure electrical energy (no flesh and bone to get bullet-riddled).

Is that really how it's supposed to work? I really don't think so. In the meantime I'm thinking of not allowing this kind of logic and instead giving him Electrification at AN, but I'd really like to know where you guys stand on the situation.

[Brainstem]

No. It's a +1 option and it shouldn't be able to grant you any kind of invulnerability at all. The only way I've ever seen Transform used beyond just saying "Now I look like I'm made of fire/electricity/plants" is as a way to reduce some Modifiers and the like with the Disadvantage that they only work while you're transformed.

And if he really wants to be a jerk, just say all of the enemies have rubber bullets and every shot starts to dampen him. Or you could just say "Yeah, electricity is pure energy but you forget that this is a comic book and not real life" and then proceed to have the bullets still hurt him.

[midgardain]

When you look at the comics with Electro. When the cops shoot at him the bullets do go through him. But he still looks like he is in pain. So yes the bullets do go though him but the living energy his body is made of is disrupted and he takes damage

[doctordyl]

Well said, Brainstem. I'd say go with the human torch angle. Transform self into element is another cool way of controlling that element. He isn't an ethereal being like Wonder Man. Theoretically he could be if:

A. You approve it.
B. He pays way more than +1

If your player wants "UNLIMITED POWER!!!", he'd better expect to pay for it.

[Brainstem]

Right. And by all means allow it if he's willing to, just make sure he knows he has to pay for it. What you're really looking at is that I'm guessing he wants physical invulnerability and electrocution, right? So I would price the Electrocution the same as it costs for PA (assumed that PA gives price cuts to Modifiers) and Physical Invulnerability at 15w (I think? It's normally 20w, right? Basic logic is that 20w=CL11, so you drop the CL down by 1 pursuant to it being unable to be used while not transformed). Most other abilities wouldn't be decreased based on his being transformed. If he wants to phase, that would just get the standard -1CL for being Elemental Movement (as would traveling through circuits).

Also I would argue that he shouldn't be able to manipulate electronic devices (essentially as Telekinesis) unless he either pays for Unlimited Create/Manipualte or buys Telekinesis without some major negative sit mods. Think about how easily he'd be able to take over Dr. Doom, otherwise.

[doctordyl]

A-men, Brainstem.

[Brainstem]

[Manah]

Indeed. Being able to transform into elements isn't a free pass to free powers, it's a good reason/explanation for buying them.

I do allow some 'special' tricks to my players when they pay for that option, but nothing too fancy. For example, a person with Mastery of Fire with Transform into Elements is able to set objects aflame by merely touching them (if the character wants, of course. Otherwise, it'd suck, lol). A person with Mastery of Electricity with the same option could recharge a battery just by holding it for a couple of seconds, etc. Most of those things can be done with Create/Manipulate, but hey, it's still cool.

But as soon as it's bigger than those things, player gotta pay for it, gaining a -1 to CL due to the related powers being unusable when not transformed.






...So, yeah, in short, what they said. ;D

[77odinson77]

I appreciate all the feedback, and I'm so glad you guys are all saying the things I was thinking on the matter. Funny story though, the guy's not even in the group anymore. He turned into a major D-bag and it wasn't even a result of my ruling, so we kicked him out. All the same, it's good to know for any new players with similar ideas.