Overstand Basics

"I can't describe what Mxyzptlk became. [...] Looking at it made my heart." -Superman from Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? (1986)

Arcane Background (Alien Science) Arcane Skill: Knowledge (Alien Science) Starting Power Points: 10 Starting Powers: 1 Power List:

Armor (Converted -- Chitin coverings)

Jet (Eye -- 3rd Eye)

Bolt (Alien Pistol)

Boost Trait (Any -- various muscle and ligament grafts)

Fear (Converted -- Exuded alien essence)

Thumper Stun (Thumper -- thumpers "drum" implanted in chest)

Blast (Alien Rifle)

Summon Ally (Alien Rod)

Summon Ally (Bugbait)

Alien Science Powers all require parts from specific alien types or equipment (noted above) in order to function. Those powers that required parts from alien types are actually grafts of these alien parts onto the receiver of the power. Those that require alien equipment represent the Alien Scientist figuring out how to make the item function, including altering body chemistry through alien grafts and the like. Alien Scientists receive one power when they take the Arcane Background Edge. If they take the New Power Edge, they must discover their new power using the Investigate skill at some available resource (such as the Research Facility’s labs or computer networks or informed by a Vortigaunt). This skill test must be attempted after the hero takes the New Power Edge, and requires 2-5 hours to complete. If the skill test is failed, the scientist must wait a full day before trying again, due to the mental stress of the operation.

Grafting alien parts onto human subjects is a dangerous and rather disgusting proposition. First, the scientist must find a viable subject. Any alien killed in combat is only 10% likely to have the requisite parts. Then, the parts must be harvested, which requires an Alien Science (-2) roll. Failure indicates the subject is no longer a viable donor. The grafting process takes 4-8 hours and requires a Knowledge (Alien Science) success. The Alien Scientist must have access to a full lab (+1) or a lab kit (0) to harvest and graft alien parts, as well as to research any alien technology. Attempting to graft or research technology with other tools imparts a -4 penalty to the skill roll.

The recipient of the graft must make a Vigor (-1) roll to accept the graft. On a failure, the recipient must make a Vigor (-1) roll each time the graft is used or take a Fatigue level. The recipient of the graft makes either a Knowledge (Alien Science) roll or a Spirit (-2) roll to use the graft. Each graft has 10 power points. The graft recharges at 1 power point per hour. Those with visible grafts receive a -2 Charisma and may develop other Hindrances such as Delusion, Bad Eyes, or the like.

Gordon Freeman A rogue physicist. 70 XP (Heroic)

Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d10, Spirit d6, Strength d6, Vigor d6

Skills: Climbing d6, Fighting d8, Notice d8, Shooting d10, Throwing d6

Traits: Pace: 6+2; Parry: 7; Toughness: 5

Edges: Alertness, Arcane Background (Alien Science), Attractive, Command, Command Presence, Dodge, First Strike, Fleet-Footed, Florentine, Hard to Kill, (Great) Luck, Marksman, (Improved) Nerves of Steel, No Mercy, New Power x9, Power Points, Quick, Quick Draw, Scavenger, Scholar, Steady Hands, Trademark Weapon (Crowbar)

Hindrances: Bad Eyes (m), Enemy (M): The Combine, Quirk (m): Mute, by choice, Wanted (M): By the Combine.

Notes: HEV Suit V

Armor: +4/+8; +2 against poison damage.

Weight: 12 lbs

Headlamp: 2"; Cost 1 PP. Can be regained after use.

Speed: 2x Pace

Power Shield (Low Power): +5 Toughness, Small burst template; Must be wearing the helmet to gain the full benefit of the energy shield.

Super Attribute: Agility +2; Cost 2 PP. Can be regained after use.

Jumpsuit USP Match (9mm)- Range: 12/24/48; Damage: 2d6; RoF: 1; Shots: 17 (semi-auto); AP 1

2 box magazines, 0.1 lb ea, 17 in each box magazine

My magic "system" for Mythic RPG is pseudo-realistic. The magic that one can tap into channels from the caster's body. Your "biomatrix" or "positive/negative energy" or the energy resonating from your "spirit/soul" acts as the focus/instrument needed to convert the surrounding/ever-present mana that exists into "magic". You may think: "well, doesn't that mean /everybody/ can use magic then?" Yes and no. Yes, everyone can use magic, but it takes training to understand the pseudo-real components of even trying to light a candle with your fingertip...or mind if you're a psychokinetic. And no, not everyone can use magic. Creatures of lower intelligence will never have the mental capacity to understand how convert mana into magic.

I will explain thoroughly. Still: please ask questions for further clarification.

1. Roll to see if you can conjure the spell. The Acting Rank (AR) is your [magical ability] vs the Difficulty Rank (DR) of level of the spell you are trying to conjure. Example: If you are trying to conjure a fireball in your hand, from your fingertip(s), mouth, eyes, etc. Its base DR is Below Average (a Level 3 spell). Let's say your AR is Above Average (level 5). Looking on the Fate Chart, you'd have a 80% chance at conjuring a single fireball.

You can make this fireball stronger /or/ weaker. Stronger will mean the success percentage will decrease. Weaker will mean the success percentage will increase.

For this example let's say your foe has the Toughness of High. Just /one/ rank above your [magical ability]. You're are definitely going to want your fireball to be stronger. Unless....you're a pacifist? Maybe a weaker fireball would be less lethal? Maybe force the creature to flee or see reason in your early (failed) attempt at Diplomacy? But for this example you are dealing lethal wounds. Your success percentage of being able to conjure a fireball with the DR of High and your AR is Above Average is 45%. What are your 4 possible outcomes? a) Yes- You succeed at conjure the fireball. b) No - The spell fizzles out. c) Exceptional Yes (Critical Yes/Nat 20)- Flash Fire: you get a +1RS on the current rank of the fire. d) Exceptional No (Critical No/Nat 1)- The fireball explodes and you or your ally is harmed by the fire.

What about rank modifiers? a) As stated before: +1DR each time you're trying to make a stronger fire. b) Distracted: +1DR c) First try: -1AR

2. Fire/shoot/throw your spell, if you succeeded in conjuring the spell.

3. Fatigue.

How long does it take for the spellcaster to become fatigued from casting spells? a) I feel that strongly depends on the spell's requirements. If your [magical ability's] rank is Incredible (level 8) then you could probably throw...15 level 3 fireballs back-to-back and start to feel "winded" after the 15th fireball fires.

You can attempt powerful spells at a low-level, but do you even have a chance to succeed? Failure could mean the spell backfiring and killing you OR you immediately die from extreme fatigue.