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Chapter9:Defects
Step9:SelectDefects
Defectsaredisadvantagesthroughwhichyourcharactermustsufferinordertoovercomethe
hardshipsofdaytodaylife.Defectsserveasanexcellentandoftencomicalroleplaying
opportunity.Theyonlyimpedeyourcharactertoalimitedextentandarenotintendedtototally
negatehisorhermanyabilities.
TheDefectsthathaveLinkedtoAttributeintheirdescriptionaredirectlimitationsonyour
charactersAttributes,ratherthanmoregeneraldisadvantages.ThecombinedCharacterPoints
andBonusPointsassociatedwiththeAttributecannotbelowerthan1.Forexample,ifa
charactersRank1Teleport(5CharacterPoints)isrestrictedwitha9BPLimitedUse,
InstantaneousDefect,theDefectactuallyonlyreturns4BPtothecharacter(sinceTeleportcosts
atleast1Point).
BytakingacharacterDefectyoucangainuptothree(oroccasionallymore)BonusPoints
(BP)toincreaseAbilityScoresorAttributesRanks,orselectadditionalAttributes.Thenumber
ofPointsyoureceiveisdirectlyproportionaltohowmuchtheDefecthindersyourcharacter;
Defectsthatdonotinflictasignificantdisadvantage(suchasaweaknesstobulletsmadefrom
theearthofplanetNeptune)arenotworthanyBP.Afteryouhaveselectedyourcharacters
Defects,returntothepreviousstepstouseyourBonusPoints(treatBonusPointsasextra
CharacterPoints).
ItisrecommendedthatyouassignnomorethaneightDefectstoyourcharacter.Inmost
casestwofiveDefectsareappropriate.
Table91:Defects
Defect
AchillesHeel
ActivationTime
Backlash
Bane
BlindFury
Concentration

ConditionalOwnership
ConfinedMovement
Cursed
Dependent
Detectable
EasilyDistracted
Famous
Girl/GuyMagnet
IncompleteTraining
IneptAttack
IneptDefence
InvoluntaryPhysicalChange
Ism
LimitedUse,Instantaneous
LimitedUse,Ongoing
MagicalRestrictions
Marked
MaximumForce
Nemesis
NotSoTough
OneWayTransformation
Owned
PartofBody
Permanent
Phobia
PhysicalImpairment
RecurringNightmares
RedTape
Reduction
Restriction
SensoryImpairment

SignificantOther(S.O.)
SkeletonintheCloset
SpecialRequirement
UniqueDefect
UnreliablePower
Unskilled
Vulnerability
Wanted
WeakPoint
AchillesHeel
ThecharacterlosestwiceasmanyHitPointsasnormalfromaparticularattackform,which
mustfitwiththecharacterconcept.Itmightbesomethingwithappropriatemysticresonance,
suchaswoodenstakesforvampiresorsilverforwerewolves.Itcouldalsoreflectthecharacters
naturesuchasarobottakingextradamagefromwater(asitcausesshortcircuits),oranaliens
weaknesstoweaponsfromhisorherhomeplanet.TheGMmustapproveanyAchillesHeel
Defects.AcharactermayhaveanAchillesHeeltoeitheracommon,uncommon,orrareattack
form(inthecontextofthecampaign).
1BP

Theattackformisrare.

2BP

Theattackformisuncommon.

3BP

Theattackformiscommon.

ActivationTime
LinkedtoAttribute.AcharacterwiththisDefectcannotuseoneofhisorherAttributes
wheneverdesiredbecauseitrequiresashorttimetoactivate.Onceactivationhasstarted,only
thecharactercanstopitfrombecomingactivewhentheappropriatetimeisup.Thiscould
representaphysicalchangethatisnotinstantaneous,thecollectionofspiritualenergiesto
performatask,adevicethattakestimetopowerup,oranAttributethatonlyworkswhenthe
characterismentallyprepared(orangry,orovercomewithanotheremotion).
OneadditionalBPisgrantediftheactivationcanbeinterruptedtemporarily,butrestarted
whereitleftoff.OneexampleofthisisanItemofPowerbodysuitthatthecharactermustput
on.IfthecharacterstopsactivatingthePower(i.e.stopsdressing)tomakeaphonecall,heorshe
cancontinueafterwards.2additionalBParegrantediftheactivationmuststartagainfromthe
beginningifitisinterruptedbeforetheActivationTimehaselapsed.Anexampleofthisisa
spellthatmustbechantedcompletelybeforethePoweractivates;ifitisinterrupted,thespell
mustbestartedagainfromthebeginning.TheConcentrationDefectisoftenlinkedtothesetwo
applicationsofActivationTime.
1BP

TheAttributerequiresaroundtoinitiate.

2BP

TheAttributerequiresaminutetoinitiate.

3BP

TheAttributerequiresanhourtoinitiate.

Backlash
LinkedtoAttributethatrequiresachecktoactivate(GMsdiscretion).Thecharactersuffers
fromanunfortunatesideeffectwheneveranassociatedAttributefailstowork.Ifthecharacter
failshisorhercheckwhenusingtheAttribute,thecharacterishitwiththeenergyoressencethat
wouldhavepoweredtheAttributesuse.TheBacklashcouldbephysicaldamage,memoryloss,
AbilityScoredrain,disorientation,ormanyothereffectsthatmakethecharacterslifemore
difficult.TheplayerandGMshoulddeterminethegameeffectoftheBacklash.
1BP

Thebacklashoccursifthecharacterfailsthecheckby6ormore.

2BP

Thebacklashoccursifthecharacterfailsthecheckby3ormore.

3BP

Thebacklashoccursifthecharacterfailsthecheckby1ormore.

Bane
AcharacterwiththeBaneDefectisvulnerabletoanotherwisenondamagingsubstancesuch
aswater,sunlight,oraspecificelement,material,orobject.TheBaneshouldrelatetothe
charactersbackgroundorpowersinsomeway.Forexample,afiredemonsbanemightbe
water,whilemythsindicatethatavampiresuffersdamagewhentouchedbyacrucifix.
ThecharactersuffersdamageifhisorherskinisphysicallytouchedbytheBane.IftheBane
doesnotrequiredirectphysicalcontact(suchassunlight,seeingonesreflection,hearingthe
noiseofachurchortemplebell,orhavingtheBaneincloseproximity),thedamageishalved.
Alternatively,iftheBaneonlyaffectsthecharacterwheningested,thedamageisdoubled.
Finally,thedamageratingassumesthattheBaneiscommon,suchaswater,sunlight,steel,or
wood.Ifitislesscommonsuchasaholysymbol,Buddhistscripture,orrareelement,the
damageisalsodoubled.Ifitisevenmorerare,suchasoneparticularartefact,thedamagemay
betripledorquadrupled.
1BP

TheBanecausesminordamage(1d6/roundofexposure).

2BP

TheBanecausesmoderatedamage(2d6/roundofexposure).

3BP

TheBanecausesseveredamage(3d6/roundofexposure).

BlindFury
Underspecificconditionsselectedbytheplayer(andapprovedbytheGM),thecharacter
willenterastateofunbridledanger.Whileenraged,thecharacterwillfuriouslyattacktheclosest
person,whetherthatindividualisafriendorfoe.Oncethatpersonisdefeatedorflees,the
berserkcharacterwillattackthenextclosestthreat.Examplesofconditionsthatmightinitiate
BlindFuryinclude:receivingacertainamountofdamage,sightofblood,aspecificsoundor
smell,beingoutnumberedincombat,seeingafriendinmortaldanger,confrontationwitha
specificopponent,etc.
Thecharactercanonlyreturntoanormalemotionalstateunderanotherspecificcondition.
ThisreturncouldinvolveaWillpowersave,orcouldbeanautomaticreversion.Examplesof

returnconditionsinclude:noopponentsinthevicinity,aspecificcalmingtechniqueperformed
byanally,solitude,injectionofaparticulardrug,beingknockedunconscious,etc.
1BP

InitiatingtheBlindFuryisdifficult;revertingtonormalemotionalstateiseasy.

2BP
InitiatingtheBlindFuryandrevertingtoanormalemotionalstateareboth
moderatelydifficult.
3BP

InitiatingtheBlindFuryiseasy;revertingtonormalemotionalstateisdifficult.

Concentration
LinkedtoAttribute.ThecharactermustconcentratewhileusingaspecificAttributethat
functionsoveraperiodoftime;itdoesnotapplytoAttributeswithaninstantaneouseffect.Ifthe
charactersconcentrationisinterruptedvoluntarilyorbyanoutsideevent,theAttributeceasesto
function.
1BP
TheAttributerequiresslightconcentration.Thecharactercanstillperformother
noncombatactions,butcannotengageincombatoruseotherAttributesthatalsorequire
Concentration.
2BP
TheAttributerequiresintenseconcentration.Thecharactercanmoveataslow
speedandtalkwithotherswhileusingtheAttribute,butcannotperformanycomplexactionsor
useanyotherAttribute.
3BP
TheAttributerequiresfullconcentration.Thecharactercannotdoanythingelse
whileusingtheAttribute;heorshemustremainstillanddevotefullattentiontothePower.
ConditionalOwnership
LinkedtoAttribute.OnlyacharacterwhopossessestheItemofPower,OwnaBigMecha,or
PersonalGearAttributescanacquirethisDefect.Thecharacterspossessionsgrantedbythose
Attributesactuallybelongtoanotherpersonororganisation.Theyareissuedtothecharacter,but
theagencyimposesmild,strict,orsevereconditionsontheiruse.
Mildconditionsindicatethatthecharactercanusetheobjectsforsomepersonalbusiness
(suchastravelling),butifheorsheisreleasedfromtheorganisationordisobeysdirectorders,
theobjectscanbetakenaway.Thecharactercanalsobeassigneddifferentobjectsatanytime.
Forexample,apolicedetectivemighthaveconditionaluseofanunmarkedpolicecar.
Strictconditionsindicatethatthecharacterisonlypermittedtousetheobjectsforactivities
asorderedbytheorganisation.Thisisthewaymostmilitaryandpoliceequipmentisissued.If
thecharacteriscaughtusingtheobjectsforpersonalactivities,heorshewillreceiveasevere
reprimand.
Severeconditionsindicatethatthecharactercanonlyusetheobjectsunderspecificorders.
Agovernmentownedtimetraveldevicewouldprobablyfallundertheseconditions.Usingthe
objectsatanyothertimeresultsinincarceration,physicalpunishment,orevendeath.
1BP

Mildconditionsareimposedontheobjectsownershipandusage.

2BP

Strictconditionsareimposedontheobjectsownershipandusage.

3BP

Severeconditionsareimposedontheobjectsownershipandusage.

ConfinedMovement
ThisDefectpreventsthecharacterfromleavinganarrowlydefinedarea.Thismayrepresent,
forexample,anundeadvillainthatiscursedtohauntaparticularplace,anandroidthatis
programmedtofollowaspecificguardroute,oragovernmentlicensedmagicalgirlthatisonly
registeredfortravelinaspecificregion.
2BP

Restrictedtoalargearea(100mileradius),suchasasinglecountyorlargecity.

4BP
Restrictedtoasmallarea(1mileradius),suchasasmalltownorlarge,multi
structurecomplex.
6BP
building.

Restrictedtoatinyarea(300footradius),suchasasmallvillageorsingle

Cursed
ACursedcharacterhaslikelyoffendedagreatbeingofpowerinhisorherpast,oristhe
directdescendentofsomeonewhodid(Cursesoftenpassthroughbloodlines).TheCursecan
takeanearlimitlessnumberofforms,butshouldnotprovideacharacterwithanobvious
advantage(remember,itsacurse!).Theexactnature,background,andlimitationsoftheCurse
shouldbediscussedwiththeGM.
1BP

Thecharactersuffersfromaslightdisadvantage.

2BP

Thecharactersuffersfromamoderatedisadvantage.

3BP

Thecharactersuffersfromaseveredisadvantage.

Dependent
LinkedtoAttribute.ThecharactercannotusethechosenAttributewithoutfirstusinga
second(ormore)Attribute.IfthecharacterfailstoactivatethesecondAttribute,heorshecannot
usetheotheroneeither.ExamplesoftheDependentDefectinclude:acharacterwhocanflyafter
activatinghisForceField(FlightdependentuponForceField),acharacterwhogainsadditional
Armourwheninvisible(ArmourdependentuponInvisibility),acharacterthatcanrunmuch
morequicklyafterstretchinghisorherlegsandgrowing(SpeeddependentuponElasticityand
SizeChange),etc.TheplayermustjustifytheDependentDefecttotheGMtoavoidsilly
combinations.
1BP

TheDependentAttributecannotworkuntil1otherAttributeisactivated.

2BP

TheDependentAttributecannotworkuntil2otherAttributesareactivated.

3BP

TheDependentAttributecannotworkuntil3otherAttributesareactivated.

Detectable
LinkedtoAttribute.WhileusingaspecificAttribute,thecharactercanbepinpointedand
possiblyidentifiedbyotherswhohavespecificdetectiontechniques.Forexample,the
Attributesusemaymakealoudnoiseorabrightflash,sendvibrationsthroughtheground,or
emanatementalshockwaves.Detectiontechniquesinclude:astral;ethereal;humansight,
hearing,orsenseofsmell;infrared;mental;radar;radiation;sonar;spiritual;ultraviolet;

vibration;andothers.TheSpecialAttackAttributeisanexceptiontothisDefectcharacters
mustacquireanAttackAbilitytomaketheattackundetectable.
1BP

TheAttributesusecanbedetectedusing12methods.

2BP

TheAttributesusecanbedetectedusing35methods.

3BP

TheAttributesusecanbedetectedusing69methods.

EasilyDistracted
SomecharactersareEasilyDistractedbyevents,objects,people,orideas,whichare
collectivelyknownastriggers.Notableexamplesoftriggersincludeattractivemembersofthe
opposite(orsame)sex,wealth,food,moviestars,hobbies,gossip,hotcars,music,onesown
looks,booksorscrollsofancientlore,andmagicalitems.AcharacterwiththisDefectwill
becomeenthralledwiththetriggeruntilitcannolongerinfluencehimorher.Manycharacters
haveinterestsinavarietyoftriggersbutdonotpossessthisDefectbecausetheirinterestis
moderatedbytheirsenseofjudgement.
1BP

Thecharacterisdistractedbyatriggerthatisencounteredinfrequently.

2BP
Thecharacterisdistractedbyafewinfrequenttriggers,orbyonetriggerthatis
encounteredfrequently.
3BP
Thecharacterisdistractedbyseveralinfrequenttriggers,orbyonetriggerthatis
encounteredconstantly.
Famous
Thecharacterisrecognisablebymanypeople,andthusitisdifficultforhimorhertokeep
secretsormaintainaprivatelife.Journalistsandphotographersmayhoundthecharacter
regularly,andreporthisorheractionsontelevision,innewspapers,andonwebsites.While
beingFamousmayhavesomeprivileges(preferredseatingatrestaurants,dailyspecialtreatment,
etc.),itisasignificantdisadvantageforacharacterthatmaintainsasecretidentity(suchasa
magicalgirl).
1BP

Thecharacterhasregionalfame.

2BP

Thecharacterhasnationalfame.

3BP

Thecharacterhasinternationalfame

Girl/GuyMagnet
Thecharacterattractssusceptiblegirls(orguys,orevenbothsexes)likebeestonectar.For
somereasontheyarejustdrawntothecharacter,fallhelplesslyinlove(orlust),andwillnotlet
gonorgivethecharacteraminutespeace.Evenworse,theywillfighteachotheroverthe
charactertokeeponeanotherfromconsummatingtherelationship.TheGirl/GuyMagnetdoes
notrepresentsomeunusualcharismaonthepartofthecharacterbutratherhisorherfateto
constantlymeetobsessedpeople.
1BP

Onlyacoupleofgirl/guycharactersareactivelychasingthecharacter.

2BP

Severalgirls/guysareactivelychasingthecharacter.

3BP
Swarmsofgirls/guysareactivelychasingthecharacter;anewoneappearsevery
adventureortwo.
IncompleteTraining
ThisDefectrequiresGMpermission.Thecharacterstraininganddevelopmentinhisorher
classwasnotasextensiveasitshouldhavebeen.Thecharacterdoesnotgainoneormore
SpecialbenefitsassociatedwithclassprogressionupongaininganewRank.TheBonusPoints
returnedbythisDefectisequaltotheCharacterPointcostofthespecificbenefit(thoughthe
GMmaypenalisethecharacterbyreturningonelessPoint).TheBonusPointsreturnedare
typicallyusedtoacquirealternativeAttributes.
IneptAttack
ThisDefectreflectsacharacterspoorjudgementinoffensivecombatsituations,which
makesitmuchmoredifficulttostrikeanopponentsuccessfully.AcharacterwiththeInept
AttackDefectsuffersapenaltytohisorherbaseattackbonus.
3BP

ThecharactersBaseAttackBonusisdecreasedby1.

6BP

ThecharactersBaseAttackBonusisdecreasedby2.

9BP

ThecharactersBaseAttackBonusisdecreasedby3.

IneptDefence
ThisDefectreflectsacharacterspoorjudgementindefensivecombatsituations,whichcan
oftenplacehimorherinprecariouspositions.AcharacterwiththeIneptDefenceDefectsuffers
apenaltytohisorherArmourClass.
2BP

ThecharactersArmourClassisdecreasedby1.

4BP

ThecharactersArmourClassisdecreasedby2.

6BP

ThecharactersArmourClassisdecreasedby3.

InvoluntaryPhysicalChange
ThisDefectisonlyavailabletocharacterswhohavetheAlternateFormAttribute.The
charactermayaccidentallychangefromnormalformtotheAlternateForm(orviceversa),oran
externaltrigger(coldwater,naturalforce,etc.)mayinducethechange.ThisDefectmay
representacharacterwho:transformsbetweenidentitiesuponhearingorutteringaspecific
soundorword,revertstonormalformwhenaparticularchemicalinthebodyisinlowquantities
(suchassugarorsalt),transformswhenabuttononagadgetorItemofPowerispushed,
transformsintimesofstress,etc.
ThisDefectisassignedoncetoindicatethecharactercanaccidentallychangefromnormalto
AlternateFormorfromAlternateFormtonormalform.TheDefectisassignedtwiceifthe
charactercantransformbothwaysunintentionally.
1BP

ItisdifficulttotriggertheInvoluntaryChange.

2BP

ItismoderatelyeasytotriggertheInvoluntaryChange.

3BP

ItiseasytotriggertheInvoluntaryChange.

Ism
Ismisdiscriminationbasedsolelyononeparticularaspectofacharacter.ExamplesofIsm
include:ageism,elitism,racism,sexism,ordiscriminationbasedoneducation,species,genetics,
sexualpreference,occupation,religion,physicalfeatures,etc.TheplayersandGMarestrongly
encouragedtodiscussthesecontentiousdiscriminationissues,andtheirroleinthegame,before
playbegins.
1BP

Thecharacterexperiencesasmalldegreeofdiscrimination.

2BP

Thecharacterexperiencesalargedegreeofdiscrimination.

3BP

Thecharacterexperiencesaseveredegreeofdiscrimination.

LimitedUse,Instantaneous
LinkedtoAttributewithaninstantaneouseffect.Thecharactercanonlyuseaspecific
Attributeoccasionally.ThismayresultfromaneedtorechargetheAttribute(oradevice),an
incredibledrainonthecharactersinternalreserves,oradifferentformoflimitation.Onlyunder
exceptionalcircumstances(andatagreatsacrifice)canthecharacterusetheAttributemoreoften
thanindicatedbythisDefect.
3BP

ThecharactercanonlyusetheAttributethreetimesaday.

6BP

ThecharactercanonlyusetheAttributetwiceaday.

9BP

ThecharactercanonlyusetheAttributeonceaday.

LimitedUse,Ongoing
LinkedtoanAttributethatcanbeusedonanongoingbasis.Afterthecharacterusesa
specificAttribute,heorshecannotuseitagainforaspecificperiodoftime;thelongerthe
Attributeisused,thelongertherestperiodmustbe.Forexample,themusclesofacharacterwith
Superstrengthmayneedtimetorecuperateafteruse,oranItemofPowerthatgrantsFlightmay
needtoberechargedbetweenuses.Onlyunderexceptionalcircumstances(andatagreat
sacrifice)canthecharacterusetheAttributeagainbeforethewaitingperiodhaselapsed.
1BP
ForeveryminutethecharacterusesthePower,heorshemustwait1minute
beforetheAttributefunctionsonceagain.
2BP
ForeveryminutethecharacterusesthePower,heorshemustwait5minutes
beforetheAttributefunctionsonceagain.
3BP
ForeveryminutethecharacterusesthePower,heorshemustwait10minutes
beforetheAttributefunctionsonceagain.
MagicalRestrictions
OnlysomeonewiththeDynamicSorceryorMagicAttributescantakethisDefect.The
charactersmagiciseitherdifficulttoperformoroccasionallyceasestofunctionorboth.
Magicalrestrictionscanbeminorormajor.
Someexamplesofminorrestrictionsare:

 Thecharactermustalwaysdressinapeculiarsetofritualclothing(orbodypaint,or
whatever)tousemagic.
Thecharactermusttransformintoaspecialcostumeinordertousehisormagic.Thisis
verycommonformagicalgirltypecharacters.
Thecharactersmagicworksatthepleasureofapatronspirit,god,goddess,ordemon
andmayceasetofunctionifthecharacterdisobeysthepatronscommandsorviolatesparticular
religiousorotherstrictures.

Thecharactersmagicislimitedifthecharacterviolatescertainminortaboos.

Abouthalfofthecharactersmagicpowersaredependentonpossessionofaparticular
item,whichmayormaynotalsobeanItemofPower.Shouldthecharactereverloseormisplace
theitem,heorshecannotaccessthesepowers.
Someexamplesofmajorrestrictionsare:
Thecharactersmagicceasestofunctionifheorsheisincontactwithmetal,carryingit,
orwearingitonhisorherbody.

Thecharactermustperformbloodsacrificesforhisorhermagictowork.

Thecharactersmagiconlyfunctionshalforlessofthetime;forexample,itmaynot
workduringdaylightoronlyworkwhenthemoonisvisible.
Nearlyallthecharactersmagic(exceptpossiblyaminorpowerortwo)isdependenton
possessionofaparticularitem,whichmayormaynotalsobeanItemofPower.Shouldthe
charactereverloseormisplacetheitem,heorshecannotaccesstheitemdependentpowers.
MagicalRestrictionsofthissortareagoodwaytoestablishthenatureofaparticularformor
schoolofmagic.ThisDefectcannotbetakenifitsBPvaluewouldbeequaltoorgreaterthanthe
PointsthecharacterspenttoacquireMagicorDynamicSorcery.
1BP

Thecharactersmagicsuffersfromoneorafewminorrestrictions.

2BP

Thecharactersmagicsuffersfromamajorrestriction.

3BP

Thecharactersmagicsuffersfromseveralminorand12majorrestrictions.

Marked
AcharacterisconsideredMarkedifhisorherbodyhostsapermanentanddistinguishing
designthatmaybedifficulttoconceal.Thedesignmaybeafamilysymbol,anidentifying
birthmark,apermanentscar,orauniquetattoo.Ifthemarkisnotconsideredoutoftheordinary
(suchasfrecklesoracommontattoo),thisDefectdoesnotapply.Characterswhoareobviously
nonhuman(robotic,demonic,alien,etc.)inasettingwheremostpeoplearehuman(orvice
versa)wouldalsohavetheMarkedDefect.Inastandardhighfantasysetting,noneofthetypical
races(dwarves,elves,halflings,etc.)havethisDefect.
1BP

Themarkiseasilyconcealablebecauseitissmallorinaninconspicuouslocation.

2BP
location.

Themarkcanbeconcealed,butthisisdifficultbecauseitislargeorinanobvious

3BP
Undermostcircumstances,themarkcannotbeconcealedbecauseitaffectsthe
charactersentirebody.
MaximumForce
LinkedtoAttribute.ThecharactercannotuseaspecificAttributeatthelowestendofits
powerrange.Thiscouldrepresentacharacterwhoistootalentedforhisorherowngood,an
itemthatonlyfunctionswithincertainparameters,apowerfulcharacterwhopushesthe
AttributeslimitssooftenthatheorshehasforgottenhowtouseitatalowRank,orsomething
different.
ThisDefectisonlyappropriateforthefollowingAttributes:Elasticity,Flight,Insubstantial,
Jumping,Projection,SizeChange,SpecialAttack(appliestodamageonly),Speed,Teleport,
Transmutation,andWaterSpeed.
MaximumForceextendstoRank6,providing1BPeachRank.Therestrictiononan
Attributesuseisgivenbelow,whereXisthenumberofBonusPointsgrantedand(X+1)isone
RankhigherthantheBPRank.
XBP
ThecharactercannotuseuptoRankXoftheAttribute.TheAttributemustbeat
Rank(X+1)orhigher.
Nemesis
Thecharacterhassomeoneinhisorherlifethatactivelyinterfereswithgoalachievementon
aregularbasis.ThisNemesiscantakeseveralforms.Heorshecouldbeaprofessionalrivalsuch
assomeonecompetingforthefavourofthecharactersboss.TheNemesiscouldalsobe
personal;forexample,athiefmaybepursuedbyacopwhodevoteshisorherexistenceto
puttingthecharacterbehindbars.TheNemesismayevenbearomanticrivalsuchassomeone
chasingthesamepersonthecharacterispursuing.
TheNemesisshouldbesomeonewhomakesthecharacterslifedifficultfrequently(and
cannoteasilyberemoved),buttheNemesisdoesnotneedtobeamortalenemy.Itmightbe
someonethecharacterlovesverymuch,butonewhomtheycannotavoid.Anoverbearingparent
wholivesathomeisanexampleofthis.IfforanyreasontheNemesisisdefeatedorgoesaway,
theGMshouldcreateanotherNemesis,unlesstheplayeralsowishestousePowerPointsgained
throughadvancementtoeliminatetheDefectpermanently.
1BP

TheNemesisismerelyannoyingand/orinterferesinfrequently.

2BP

TheNemesismayactivelytrytoharmthecharacterand/orinterferesfrequently.

3BP
TheNemesiswillalwaysharmthecharactergiventheopportunity,and/or
interferesconstantly.
NotSoTough
ThecharacterislessdurablethanhischaracterLevelwouldotherwisesuggest.ThisDefectis
appropriateforcharacterswithaglassjaw,orthosewhosuccumbtophysicaltraumaeasily.A
charactermaynottakethisDefectifitwouldreducehisorherHitPointsbelow1.

1BP

ThecharactersHitPointsaredecreasedby5Points.

2BP

ThecharactersHitPointsaredecreasedby10Points.

3BP

ThecharactersHitPointsaredecreasedby15Points.

OneWayTransformation
LinkedtoAttribute.ThisDefectisusuallyonlybetakeninconjunctionwiththeAlternate
Form,Elasticity,Insubstantial,Invisibility,or,SizeChangeAttributes.Oncethecharacterhas
transformedfromanormalstate,heorshecannottransformbacktoapriorformwithout
meetingcertainconditions.Thismightincludeamagicalritual,workbymechanicsorlab
technicians,consumingaspecificsubstance,orsimplythepassageoftime.
1BP
Ittakesseveralhoursofworkorspecialcircumstancestoenablethecharacterto
transformbacktoanearlierform.
2BP
As1BP,buttheprocessrequiresexpensive(orhardtofind)replacement
components,ingredients,orotherprerequisites.
3BP

As2BP,buttheprocesstakesseveraldays.

Owned
FreewillhaslittlemeaningforacharacterwhoisOwnedbyacorporation,government,
crimering,orotherorganisationorindividual.Controloverthecharactercanbeexertedthrough
avarietyofmethodsincludingblackmail,brainwashing,legalcontract,technology,orjusthighly
effectivepropaganda.Direconsequencesawaitacharacterwhoseactionsconflictwiththe
mandateoftheowningbody.
1BP
Theorganisationhaspartialownershipofthecharacter;thecharacterissubjectto
slightpunishmentforopposingtheowners.
2BP
Theorganisationhassignificantownershipofthecharacter;thecharacteris
subjecttomoderatepunishmentforopposingtheowners.
3BP
Theorganisationhastotalownershipofthecharacter;thecharacterissubjectto
severepunishmentforopposingtheowners.
PartofBody
LinkedtoAttribute.OnlypartofthecharactersbodyisaffectedbyaspecificAttribute,most
commonlyusedfor:Adaptation,AlternateForm,Armour,Invisibility,andSuperstrength.For
example,acharactermightonlyreceiveArmourbenefitsagainstabdominalattacks,possessthe
abilitytoturnhisorherleftarminvisible,orhavebioniclegswithSuperstrength.
1BP

TheAttributeaffectsalargepartofthebody(torso,bothlegs,botharms,etc.).

2BP
head,etc.)

TheAttributeaffectsasmallpartofthebody(oneleg,onearm,abdomen,chest,

3BP
etc.).

TheAttributeaffectsatinypartofthebody(onehand,face,onefoot,groin,knee,

Permanent

LinkedtoAttribute.AspecificAttributeisalwaysfunctioning,andthecharactercannotturn
itoff.ThisDefectonlyappliestoAttributesthatwouldinconveniencethecharacterifthePower
werealwaysactive,suchas:ForceField,Invisibility,orSizeChange.TheplayerandGMshould
discusstheproblemsandlimitationsassociatedwithaneternallyactivePower.
1BP

TheAttributeisaslightinconveniencetothecharacter.

2BP

TheAttributeisamoderateinconveniencetothecharacter.

3BP

TheAttributeisasevereinconveniencetothecharacter.

Phobia
APhobiaisafear(oftenirrational)ofanevent,object,orpersonthatcanlimitacharacters
choiceofactions.Avoidingsituationsthatcouldtriggerthephobiamaytakeahighpriorityin
thecharacterslife.NotethataPhobiathateffectivelycripplesthecharacterwithfeardoesnot
addconstructivelytotheroleplayingexperience.
1BP

Thecharacterhasaslightphobiaoronethatisencounteredinfrequently.

2BP

Thecharacterhasamoderatephobiaoronethatisencounteredfrequently.

3BP

Thecharacterhasaseverephobiaoronethatisencounteredconstantly.

PhysicalImpairment
Thecharacterhasaphysicalimpairmentthatmakesaspectsofdailylifemorechallenging.
Possibleimpairmentsinclude:oneormoremissing(orunusable)limbs,lossofspeech,constant
sickness,nagginginjury,severeheadaches,anandroidthatrequiresfrequentrepairs,etc.The
playerandGMshoulddiscusstheproblemsandlimitationsassociatedwiththeimpairment.
1BP

Theimpairmentisaslightinconveniencetothecharacter.

2BP

Theimpairmentisamoderateinconveniencetothecharacter.

3BP

Theimpairmentisasevereinconveniencetothecharacter.

RecurringNightmares
WhentheRecurringNightmareDefecthauntsacharacter,heorshehastroublesleepingat
nightsandfunctionsatlessthanoptimumperformanceduringtheday.Thenightmarecanbea
memoryofatragiceventortraumaticexperience,oritmightbesomethingelsesuchasa
propheticvisionorwarning.Thenightmaremaynotoccureverynightbutitwillhauntthe
characteronaregularbasis.Additionally,thenightmaresdonotneedtoportraytheexactsame
eventsrepeatedly,butthevisionsshouldberelatedinsomeway.Thedetailsconcerningthe
subjectmatterofthenightmaresandwhytheyoccuristheresponsibilityoftheGMandthe
playertocreate.
1BP
lifestyle.

Thenightmaresoccurinfrequentlyandhaveaslighteffectonthecharacters

2BP
lifestyle.

Thenightmaresoccurfrequentlyandhaveamoderateeffectonthecharacters

3BP
lifestyle.

Thenightmaresoccurconstantlyandhaveasevereeffectonthecharacters

RedTape
Thecharactermustnegotiatehisorherwaythroughacomplicatedbureaucracyinorderto
accomplishtasks.ThisDefectisoftenassociatedwithcharacterswhoaremembersoflaw
enforcementorganisationsorsimilargovernmentagenciesthatrequirepaperwork.Alarge
criminalorganisation,however,mayalsorequireacharactertoreceivepermissionfromseveral
levelsofbossesbeforeundertakingcertainhighprofilejobs.
RedTapealsoincludeswhatevermeasuresthecharactermusttakeafterthefacttoappease
theorganisationtowhichheorshebelongs.Forexample,acopmayneedtofilloutareport
everytimehisorherweaponisfiredormayhavetofollowacomplicatedseriesofstepsto
obtainasearchwarrant.Acriminalmayberequiredtopayapercentageofhisorhertaketothe
localcrimebossorfacesomeverystrictpenalties.
TheRedTapeDefectisusuallyinappropriateforcharacterscreatedviatheFlunkiesor
ServantAttributes.
1BP
TheRedTapeonlyimpedesthecharacterbeforeorafteramajoraction(butnot
both)and/ortheRedTapeiseasytomanagemostofthetime.
2BP
TheRedTapeimpedesacharacterbothbeforeandafteramajoraction,and/oris
difficulttomanagemostofthetime.
3BP
TheRedTapeimpedesacharacterbefore,after,andduringamajoraction,and/or
isextremelydifficulttomanagemostofthetime.
Reduction
LinkedtoAttribute.OneofthecharactersAttributesislimitedgreatly,resultingina
ReductionofitsPointcostperRank.ThisDefectoffersanearendlessnumberoflimitations,
andconsequentlytheplayerandGMshoulddiscussthegameramificationsandtheAttributes
newRankcosts.
UnlikeotherDefects,ReductiondoesnotreturnBonusPointstothecharacter;theAttribute
costchangesinstead.ThePointcostchangeisdirectlyrelatedtotheoriginalcostofthe
Attribute.Forexample,aReductionthatlimitsa4Points/RankAttributetohalfofitspower
mightbea2Points/RankReduction;thesamelimitationona10Points/RankAttributecouldbe
a5Points/RankReduction.ThisDefectisnotusuallyappropriatefor1Point/RankAttributes.
AlistofsuggestedReductionsareshowninTable92:SampleReductions.
Table92:SampleReductions
Attributealwaysusedinsameway
FewersubPointsawarded
Lessfrequentusage

Limitedcontrol
Oneaspect
Partialeffectiveness
Smallertargetgroup
Veryspecificutility
Restriction
LinkedtoAttribute.OneofthecharactersAttributesisassociatedwithoneormore
disadvantagesthatlimititsuse.ThisDefectoffersanearendlessnumberoflimitations,and
consequentlytheplayerandGMshoulddiscusstheramificationsoftheselectedRestriction.A
listofsuggestedRestrictionsareshowninTable93:SampleRestrictions.
TheGMmayincreasetheBonusPointsreturnedtothecharactertoanalternateprogression
(suchas2BP,4BP,6BP;or3BP,6BP,9BP)iftheAttributethisDefectisrestrictinghasa
highCharacterPointcostateachRank(seeDynamicSorceryorExtraAttacksforexamples).
SeverelimitationsonanAttribute,whichwillaffectthePointcostperRank,arecoveredbythe
ReductionDefect.
1BP

TheAttributehasaminorRestriction.

2BP

TheAttributehasamoderateRestriction.

3BP

TheAttributehasamajorRestriction.

Table93:SampleRestrictions
Cannotuseononeself
Checkneededtomaintaincontrol
Duringspecifictimesoftheday
Easytocounteract
Flawedresults
Inparticularlocations
Initiativepenaltytouse
Limitedfunctioning
Lossofspecificeffect
Nakedformonly
Requiresconsumablefocus
Requiresmaintenance
Requiresspecialequipment

RequiresAbilitychecks
Restrictsmovement
Specifictargets
Timelimit
Undercertainconditions
Usageinflictspain
Useweakenscharacter
SensoryImpairment
Oneormoreofthecharacterssenses(sight,hearing,taste,touch,smell)areeither
diminishedorlost.Anexampleofadiminishedsenseisbeingnearsightedorhardofhearing;
theGMshouldtaketheimpairmentintoconsiderationwhendecidingwhatthecharacterisable
toperceive,andmayapplya4penaltyoncheckstonoticethingswiththatsense.Anexample
ofalostsenseisblindnessordeafness.Anydiminishmentorlossisbasedonthecharacters
statusafterbenefitingfromanytechnologicalaidssuchaseyeglassesorhearingaidsinthe
setting.Forexample,ifacharacterhasahearingaidbutisstillhardofhearing,heorshehas
SensoryImpairment(DiminishedHearing,1BP).Inasettingwhereahearingaidwas
unavailableorcouldnotcorrecthisorherparticularimpairment,heorshewouldhaveSensory
Impairment(Deaf,2BP)instead.
1BP
BP
Thecharacterhasadiminishedprimarysense(suchasshortsightedness
orbeinghardofhearing),orhaslostasecondarysense(suchastasteorsmell).
2BP
Thecharacterhascompletelylostaprimarysense(sightorhearing),orhastwo
diminishedprimarysenses,orhascompletelylostmultiplesecondarysenses.
3BP
Thecharacterhascompletelylostaprimarysense(sightorhearing)andmultiple
secondarysenses.
SignificantOther(S.O.)
AcharacterwiththisDefecthassomeoneforwhomheorshemustgotoanylengthstokeep
safefromharm,evenattheriskofhisorherownlife.TheS.O.shouldbearegularfixtureinthe
campaign.Aonenightstand,oracousinvisitingfortwoweeksisaplotcomplicationandnotan
appropriateS.O.ThecharacterssenseofobligationtowardstheS.O.isenoughthatthecharacter
willtakegreatpainstoensurehisorhersafetyandwellbeing.Examplesincludespousesand
steadyboyorgirlfriends,immediaterelatives(parentsandgrandparents,brothersandsisters,
perhapsveryclosecousins),andclosecoworkers(suchasacopspartner).Itisacceptablefora
charactertotakeanothercharacterasanS.O.,providedtheplayersroleplaythisrelationship
appropriately.Inthiscase,theS.O.relationshipisalwaysworthjust1BPbutistreatedasa3BP
DefectbytheGMintermsofthefrequencywithwhichitaffectsthegame.
S.O.isinappropriateformostFlunkiesandServantcharacters.
1BP

TheS.O.israrelyplacedingravedangerandappearsinfrequently.

2BP

TheS.O.isoftenplacedingravedangerandappearsfrequently.

3BP

TheS.O.isalwaysplacedingravedangerandappearsconstantly.

SkeletonintheCloset
Thecharacterhasadarksecret.Exposureofthissecretcouldcauseharmtothecharacterin
theformofpublichumiliation,lossofajob,arrest,injury,orevendeath.ThenumberofBP
gainedfromthisDefectisbasedontheseveritytheconsequencesifthesecretisrevealed.The
secretmustbeimportantenoughthatthecharacterwillactivelytakestepstokeepothersfrom
learningofit.IftheSkeletoniseverrevealed,thecharacterwillsuffertheassociated
consequences,andtheGMshouldreplaceitwithanappropriateDefectorDefectsworthatleast
asmanyBPasSkeletonintheCloset.SkeletonintheClosetisinappropriateformostFlunkies
andServantcharacters.
1BP
TheSkeletonisdifficulttodiscover,and/ortheconsequencesofdiscoveryare
slight,and/orthecharactersreputationwillbeimpactedslightly.
2BP
TheSkeletonisrelativelyeasytodiscover,and/ortheconsequencesofdiscovery
aremoderate,and/orthecharactersreputationwillbeseriouslyimpacted.
3BP
TheSkeletonisveryeasytodiscover,and/ortheconsequencesofdiscoveryare
severe,and/orthecharactersreputationwillbedevastated.
SpecialRequirement
ThisDefectforcesthecharactertomeetaSpecialRequirementbeforeanactionortaskcan
becompleted.TheSpecialRequirementmayinvolveaphysicalobject,anevent,anaction,an
environmentalcondition,orevenastateofmind.Everydayactivities,suchaseatingand
sleeping,arenotconsideredtobeSpecialRequirementsunlesstheymustbecarriedoutunder
unusualconditionsormorefrequentlyforsomereason.ThisDefectcoversawiderangeof
possibilities,andthusthedetailsshouldbediscussedwiththeGM.
1BP

TheSpecialRequirementiseasytoobtainand/orneededinfrequently.

2BP

TheSpecialRequirementisdifficulttoobtainand/orneededoften.

3BP
constantly.

TheSpecialRequirementisextremelydifficulttoobtainand/orneeded

UniqueDefect
ThissectioncoversanyandallpossibleDefectsthatacharactermightpossessbutarenot
detailedintherules.TheboundariesandlimitationsoftheDefectshouldbediscussedwiththe
GM.
1BP

TheDefectoccursinfrequentlyand/orhasaslighteffect.

2BP

TheDefectoccursfrequentlyand/orhasamoderateeffect.

3BP

TheDefectoccursconstantlyand/orhasasevereeffect.

UniqueDefectExample:AttackRestriction

AcharacterwiththeAttackRestrictionDefecthaslimitationsonwhomheorshecanattack
duetoareductionoffreewill(suchashardcodedcommands).Theattackrestrictioncanonly
beovercomeduringexceptionalcircumstancesandmayresultinharshconsequences,including
unbearableguiltorpunishmentbysuperiors.ThisDefectobviouslydoesnotapplytoheroic
characterswhocannotattackinnocentpeople.
1BP
Thecharactersrestrictionappliestoveryfewpeople,orthecharacterhasslight
reservations.
2BP
Thecharactersrestrictionappliestomanypeople,orthecharacterhasstrong
reservations.
3BP
Thecharactersrestrictionappliestoalargegroupofpeople,orthecharacterhas
extremelystrongreservations.
UnreliablePower
LinkedtoAttribute.OneofthecharactersAttributesfrequentlydoesnotfunctionwhen
desired.BeforethecharactercanusetheAttribute,heorshemustmakeasuccessfulAbility
check.IftheAttributedoesnothaveaRelevantAbilityentry,thecharactersWisdomshould
beusedasadefault.IftheAbilitycheckfails,thecharactercantrytousetheAttributeagain
duringthenextround(whenthecharacterisincombat),orinashortperiodoftime(whenthe
characterisnotincombat).
AttheGMsandplayersdiscretion,UnreliablePowercanalsorepresentanAttributethat
doesnotalwaysfunctioninthemannerdesired.Forexample,acharacterwithSizeChange
mightnotalwaysgrowtothedesiredsize,oraForceFieldmightnotalwaysappearinthe
correctplace.Forthisalternative,theAbilitycheckdeterminesiftheAttributeoperatesproperly;
afailedcheckindicatesthatitactivatesinanunexpectedmanner.
1BP
ThecharactermustmakethecheckagainstDC14.Innoncombatsituations,the
charactercannotattempttousetheAttributeagainfor1to10minutes.
2BP
ThecharactermustmakethecheckagainstDC17.Innoncombatsituations,the
charactercannotattempttousetheAttributeagainfor10to30minutes.
3BP
ThecharactermustmakethecheckagainstDC20.Innoncombatsituations,the
charactercannotattempttousetheAttributeagainfor30minutesto2hours.
Unskilled
AnUnskilledcharacterstartswithlessthantheusualnumberofSkillPoints.ThisDefect
cannotbecombinedwiththeHighlySkilledAttribute.Additionally,charactersmaynottakethis
DefectifitwouldreducehisorherSkillPointsbelowzero.
1BP

Thecharacterhas4fewerstartingSkillPoints.

2BP

Thecharacterhas8fewerstartingSkillPoints.

3BP

Thecharacterhas12fewerstartingSkillPoints.

Vulnerability

Thecharacterhasacriticalweaknesstoaspecificobject,environment,thought,activity,or
condition.WhenincloseproximitytotheVulnerability,itcantemporarilystripthecharacterof
someofhisorherAttributes(GMdetermineswhichAttributesareaffected).TheVulnerability
shouldonlyaffectthecharacterrarely,however,sinceitimpactshimorhersoseverely.
1BP
ThecharactersaccessibleAttributeRanksalldropbyupto2Rankswhen
affectedbytheVulnerability.
2BP
ThecharactersaccessibleAttributeRanksalldropbyupto4Rankswhen
affectedbytheVulnerability.
3BP

ThecharactercannotuseanyAttributeswhenaffectedbytheVulnerability.

Wanted
Thecharacteriswantedbythelaw,apowerfulcriminal,orprivateorganisationthathas
placedapriceonhisorherhead.BeingWantedisdifferentfromhavingaNemesis;thereisno
singlepersondevotinghisorherlifetoannoyingorhuntingdownthecharacter.Thecharacter
willneedtoconcealhisorheridentityormovearoundregularlytoavoidhavingcomplete
strangerscallingthepoliceorpursuingthecharacter(dependingonthecircumstances).
1BP
Theincentivetohuntthecharacterisminor.Forexample,heorshemaybe
wantedonoutstandingwarrants,buttheremaybenoactualrewardposted,ortherewardisfairly
small.
2BP
significant.
3BP

Thereward,contract,orotherincentiveofferedtohuntthecharacteris
Thereward,contract,orotherincentiveofferedtohuntthecharacterisextreme.

WeakPoint
Thecharactersbodypossessesanabnormalweakpoint(inadditiontothenormalhuman
weakpoints,liketheheartandhead).IftheweakpointiseverhitduringcombatwithaCalled
Shot,theresultisanautomaticcriticalhit.Iftheattackerrollsanaturalcriticalhit(anatural20),
thetargetisimmediatelyreducedto0HitPointsandfallsunconscious.Theopponent,oreven
thecharacter,maynotbeawaretheweakpointexists,however,untilitspresenceisdiscovered
byaccidentorthroughcarefulstudy.
1BP

Theweakpointistiny(6CalledShotattackpenalty).

2BP

Theweakpointissmall(4CalledShotattackpenalty).

3BP

Theweakpointislarge(2CalledShotattackpenalty).