(M&M 3e) Deflect PL sensitivity

[JDRook]

Here's an interesting one. I have a few 2ed characters largely based around the Deflect power in some way, so I've been poking at the new streamlined 3ed Deflect.

Although it doesn't say so anywhere directly, I would think Deflect should probably be PL-capped. Deflect is essentially a Ranged Defend (that you can even use on yourself) at the Deflect rank, and Defend can be used with either Dodge or Parry. Therefore one might expect a PL cap based on Deflect + Toughness <= 2xPL.

OTOH, since Defend is a standard action, it does preclude the ability to attack in a round without surging, and in a way it also behaves like a specialized Hero Point usage (reroll if 10 or under), so maybe it doesn't need to be PL-capped.

You might want to clarify this one with GR, Colen.

[Shadowchaser]

Originally Posted by JDRook

Here's an interesting one. I have a few 2ed characters largely based around the Deflect power in some way, so I've been poking at the new streamlined 3ed Deflect.

Although it doesn't say so anywhere directly, I would think Deflect should probably be PL-capped. Deflect is essentially a Ranged Defend (that you can even use on yourself) at the Deflect rank, and Defend can be used with either Dodge or Parry. Therefore one might expect a PL cap based on Deflect + Toughness <= 2xPL.

OTOH, since Defend is a standard action, it does preclude the ability to attack in a round without surging, and in a way it also behaves like a specialized Hero Point usage (reroll if 10 or under), so maybe it doesn't need to be PL-capped.

You might want to clarify this one with GR, Colen.

Considering that Deflect is essentially an Active Defense, I was wondering if it were goverened by PL or not. I think I shall post on the Atomic Think Tank and ask about this...

[Shadowchaser]

Okay, after getting several replies, including one from a contributing writer for DC Adventures, it seems clear that Deflect should also balance with Toughness as regarding power level limits.

So, Deflect + Toughness = 2x PL or less.

Here's the thread at the Atomic Think Tank:

http://www.atomicthinktank.com/viewt...=38113#p731170

So, Deflect should be governed by PL restrictions. Thanks for the heads-up on this!

[Colen]

Possibly a silly question: Given that Deflect requires a standard action to use, should it still be capped? I.e., maybe you could take Deflect 20, but then you're using it to defend someone else instead of attacking, so it's not as unbalanced?

[Shadowchaser]

Originally Posted by Colen

Possibly a silly question: Given that Deflect requires a standard action to use, should it still be capped? I.e., maybe you could take Deflect 20, but then you're using it to defend someone else instead of attacking, so it's not as unbalanced?

It's basically a ranged version of a standard "Defend" action that you'd take with your Parry or Dodge, which are both capped(see "Defend" on page 175 of DC Adventures). So, yes, I think it is capped. Feel free to check with JonL or Steve, though, to make sure.

[Colen]

That sounds reasonable. I'll get this into a future version of the files.

[Shadowchaser]

Originally Posted by Colen

That sounds reasonable. I'll get this into a future version of the files.

Thank you very much, sir!

(blinkblink) Oooh... shiny update... (wanders off, distracted)