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(I4) Illusory Duplication (86-100) This
is a specialized form of Illusion-Casting that permits the hero to generate
completely realistic simulations of a single object, namely himself. Unlike the
other Illusory Powers, this permits the hero to see through these nonexistent
senses and to communicate through apparently normal speech. The
hero can create a finite number of exact holographic duplicates of himself.
These are Illusions based on his self-image, which the hero had best make sure
matches his actual appearance at that moment. The accuracy of the Duplicate is
determined by a Reason FEAT made at the time the Duplicate is generated. A green
Reason FEAT means the Illusory Duplicates are somehow different from the hero;
they have the wrong outfit on, are too muscular or handsome, and so on. A yellow
or red Reason FEAT produces a perfect copy. The maximum number of simultaneous
Duplicates the hero can create is equal to his Power rank number. Although
Duplicates are frequently used to surround the hero and act as decoys, the
Duplicates can also function several areas or miles away from the hero. The
maximum range at which the hero can either send or create a Duplicate is
determined by his Power rank; specific levels are shown on column B.
Example: Myriad has an Incredible rank. This enables him to create up to 40
simultaneously existing Duplicates that can form or travel as far as two miles
away from his location. The
Duplicates are intangible holographs and are incapable of doing any actual
physical activity. They are primarily used as decoys, messengers, spies, and
simulated ghosts. The Duplicates can form in any location within the hero's
range, regardless of whether the hero can see that location or not. As an aspect
of this Power, the hero automatically possesses a combination of Clairvoyance,
Clairaudience, and Speechthrowing that permits him to see, hear, and speak
through his remote Duplicates. For
example, Myriad is at the scene of a cave-in. The rescue crew need to know where
any survivors are located. Myriad creates several Duplicates and sends them off
into the debris. Since these are energy, the Duplicates can pass effortlessly
through the rock. Myriad sees what the Duplicates "see." There is no
light in the collapsed area but Myriad's Duplicates each carry an illusion of a
flashlight that functions as well, if not better, than a real one. Finally two
of the Duplicates find survivors., The first group of survivors are only lost;
the Duplicate leads them through the darkness to safety. The second group is
trapped behind fallen rock. They are startled when the Duplicate passes through
the rock into their area but Myriad speaks through his Duplicate and appraises
them of the situation. The Duplicate remains with them until the rescuers
finally reach them. When
creating the hero, the player has the option of assigning some or all of the
hero's other Powers to the Duplicates. The hero can only create a single such
Powerful Duplicate at any one time. Since this Duplicate now has a greater
effect on reality, it gains some reality as well. Such Duplicates can be
affected and even destroyed by such attacks as Light Emission, Light Generation,
PlasmaGeneration, Plasma Control, Shadowcasting, and any of the Magics
and Power Controls. The Duplicate has a "Health" equal to this Power's
rank number. Any damage to the Duplicate is subtracted from this number. At zero
the Duplicate suddenly vanishes. In addition, any damage done to the Duplicate
is also suffered by the hero, who temporarily loses a number of points equal to
his Power rank number. Such points are regained just like Health points. All
Duplicates can be affected by the Powers of Light Control and Shadowcasting.
Light Control can overpower, distort, and even destroy any Duplicate. It can be
use to seize control of a Duplicate away from the hero; the effect is analogous
to someone using Mind Control/ Puppetry on the hero's own body. Shadowcasting
can surround the Duplicate in darkness and prevent the hero's Clairvoyance from
operating. If the Shadowcasting has a greater rank, that Power can be used to
destroy a Duplicate. Note: when a Duplicate is passing through solids, its
"eyes" register total darkness. If the hero is unaware that
Shadowcasting is being used against his Duplicates, then he will assume the
continued darkness is the result of the Duplicate remaining within a solid mass
and consequently will make no attempt to resist this clandestine attack. As
stated earlier, all Duplicates are an illusionary manifestation of the hero's
self-image. They need not be a single, static design but can change with the
hero's whim. Generally, all Duplicates at a given moment will have the same
shape. However, by means of a red Reason FEAT, the hero can create simultaneous
Duplicates who have different appearances. All such differences are still based
on the hero's own form. A red FEAT is needed for each different type of
Duplicate.
Example: Myriad maintains a secret identity as a physicist at a nuclear
plant in Georgia. One day the plant is attacked by supervillains. Myriad must
take action but his civilian identity must remain at his emergency post. Myriad
forms a number of Duplicates. Most resemble his super heroic self but Myriad
alters one to appear as his civilian self. The extra form requires additional
concentration on Myriad's part and a red FEAT. The player blows it on the first
roll (a 23), second roll (03), third roll (24), but finally makes it on the
fourth roll (00). Myriad castigates himself on the additional 24 seconds it took
him to generate the lab coat and glasses. While
Duplicates are normally created as independent beings, the Power can also be
cast around the hero's own body to immediately alter the hero's own appearance.
This is usually used to make quick disguises and costume changes. If the hero so
chooses, his entire super hero appearance and costume can be nothing more than
such a Illusion wrapped around the hero's normal civilian self. This would
definitely prevent anyone from finding your costume stashed in the back of the
closet. In the previous example, Myriad had not thought to bring his costume to
work and had to form one of his Duplicates around himself. The drawback is that
if the hero loses concentration, consciousness, or Power, he also loses his
costume. (The time Myriad was skinnydipping when a crisis struck resulted in
major embarrassment for him and some unfortunate media exposure.) |