[NetEpic ML] Re: Psyker System for consideration

From: Andy Michaud <amichaud_at_...>
Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2000 09:35:11 +0000

Kenneth wrote:

> Psykers will be rated in Mastery Levels 1 to 4. These levels will be
> familiar with anyone who has played older Warhammer games.
>
> Psyker powers are rated in a difficulty from 1 to 6.
>
> During each psyker activation the psyker may use as many powers as he
> wishes, allocating a number of dice equal to his mastery between them, with
> a minimum of one die being necessary to activate the power.
>
> The player can resolve the powers in any order he wishes, for rules purposes
> they are assumed to be separate entities. If the psyker used three powers
> and was destroyed in some manner by using the first power then the others
> fizzle. All targets for the powers must be declared at one time. You cannot
> use a power, see its effects, then target another one.
>
> The psyker player then rolls the number of allocated dice and counts each
> die that equals or exceeds the powers difficulty. Each die that does so is a
> "success". Each success on a power increases it's range and effect.
>
> Optional Rule: Backlash
> Each die that comes up a 1 counts a point of backlash. If the number of
> backlash points exceed the psykers mastery level then he is removed from the
> game and his victory points are applied to the opponent.
>
> Eldar do not suffer from backlash effects due to their use of runestones
> while Ork psykers suffer backlash effects if the number EQUALS their
> Mastery. Being an ork psyker is not a healthy occupation.
>
> Psychic Contests
> Some psyker powers require a contested psyker battle. For example, Purge
> Daemon.
>
> In this case each unit rolls its full mastery die total against a target
> number equal to the opponents Mastery Level. Each success is counted and the
> side with the most successes is the winner, usually resulting in the others
> destruction. In a case where neither side scores any successes the contest
> is a draw.
>
> Special Rule: Grey Knights
> For purposes of Purge Daemon each surviving stand gives a bonus d6 for this
> test. Unfortunantely, each success above the number scored by the Knights
> results in a stand (Knight players choice) being destroyed.
>
> Dispelling
> All psykers may attempt to dispel powers targeted within 25cm of them. In
> this case they must allocate unused Mastery dice and roll vs the opponents
> Mastery level (just as for an opposed test). Each allocated die that equals
> or exceeds the opponents Mastery cancels one success for the targeted power.
> If the number of successes is reduced to zero then the power fizzles.
>
> Integration into current system
> This system does require some modification to the current game, notably
> special cases like ork psykers. In this case usuallty it's pretty
> straightforward. For orks instead of getting power points the psyker gets a
> number of extra mastery dice (which also increases the potential for
> backlash destruction). Units with special psyker gear (force swords, Nemesis
> weapons) get bonus Mastery dice or die roll bonuses depending on the gear.
> Psi-titans could get reductions on power difficulty (resulting in more
> successes with the same 1-4 Mastery Levels).

I like this idea..It adds some rules but keeps them simple enough to be quick.
I always did enjoy using psykers. Especially in the old Space Hulk game :)

Andy
Received on Tue Jan 11 2000 - 09:35:11 UTC