As always we begin with the ♪♫ Reject Rundown! ♫♪ <Air-Horn Sounds here.>
- Technorganic Symbiosis: This is fun power, and would be a great example, except, it’s already an example. Take a look at Tecnica in the Metahumans Rising core book (Pg. 185.) There are a few differences in the narrative, but the results are extremely similar.
- Shapeshifting Negation: Too narrow for a full write up, this can be achieved with a focus on Drain and its Advancements, along with the limitation of only applying to Shapeshifting.
- Underground Smell: A fun specialized ability, this can be covered with New Senses: Underground Smell.
- Efficient Attacks: Less of a power, and more solid striking ability. This can be represented by Specialties for maneuvers such as Bypass Armor or Power Strike.
- Power-Up Creation: The Tools Boon with the Hidden Weapon option covers this interesting take in temporary boosts. The Tricky Willpower Feature will also allow you to achieve the same effect, but Tools allows for more versatility with things like Actual Tools for special jobs, or Elevator for a one time super jump, etc.
- Pencil Warping: A silly, but potent power. This one hits our omnipotence clause from the ground rules.
Now, let’s dive into Mythical Bestiary!
There are two interpretations of this power, one is being able to call on the abilities of mythic creatures, the other is transforming into them. With that in mind, lets define some base rules for this power based on the examples given:
- Our version will focus on animal transformations. (It’s more of a Bestiary that way.)
- Multiple examples have a mythology to pair with their mythical bestiary, so let’s do the same. This shouldn’t limit the power as opposed to being completely open ended, but it does help focus characters. Don’t worry, we’ll have advice for mixing it up at the end.
- The creatures will be non-humanoid in nature.
- We will be going with standard Alter Self, over the Mundane option, as that might require a lot of character sheets, over a core power.
Mythical Bestiary
- Parent Attribute: Constitution or Mental
- Primary Role: Support: Outlast
Alternate Source (Themed Source: Based on Mythical Creature) MA2
Lingering MA
Alter: Flesh to Stone (Additional Time, Flexible Alter, Improved/Worse Results) MA4
Alter Self (Flexible Alter Self) MA2
New Movement: Flight, Slithering, or Swimming (Boost Speed, Rapid Acceleration) MA3
Secondary Role: Defense (Full Role) MA2
Armor (Boost Armor, Impervious) MA3
Evasion MA
Passive Defense MA
Secondary Role: Offense (Full Role) MA2
Devastating (Boost Devastation) MA2
(S) Rapid Action
Locked: Boons based on Beast Form
- Basilisk, a snake-like creature that can turn someone to stone by looking at them. (All Alter: Flesh to Stone, All New Movement: Slithering, Secondary Role: Defense (Full Role), Evasion, All Offensive Boons)
- Cerberus, three headed guardian of the underworld (Secondary Role: Defense (Full Role), All Armor, Passive Defense, All Offensive Boons, (S) Rapid Action)
- Charybdis, the sea monster (All New Movement: Swimming, Secondary Role: Defense (Full Role), All Armor, Passive Defense, All Offensive Boons)
- Chimera, a mix of lion, goat, and snake (Alternative Source: Fire, Physical or Poison, Lingering, Secondary Role: Defense (Full Role), Armor, Passive Defense, All Offensive Boons)
- Hydra, a multi-headed dragon-like beast who grows two heads when one is cut off (Secondary Role: Defense (Full Role), All Armor, Passive Defense, All Offensive Boons, (S) Rapid Action)
- Griffin, a mixture of bird and lion (All New Movement: Flight, Secondary Role: Defense (Full Role), Armor, Evasion, Passive Defense, All Offensive Boons)
- Phoenix, the firebird (Alternative Source: Fire, All New Movement: Flight, Secondary Role: Defense (Full Role), Armor, Evasion, Passive Defense, All Offensive Boons)
Cost: 1 Power + 45 Selections or AP
It’s safe to say that unless you are working o a Raw Build, this interpretation of Mythical Bestiary is best suited for a High Powered campaign. As a Mythical Bestiary the hero can take on a number of shapes, and it should be noted that seven listed above are not inclusive of all Greek myth. Ultimately, this is an exercise in controlled flexibility. The hero has a grab bag of tools available to them, they simply need to decide which tools they want at the time. More so, this will be a very Willpower driven power, as there are so many minor perks of each of these forms it’s improbable to capture them all. Such as spending using a Power Trick for Added Support Escape Artist to get away by changing forms, Insubstantial to represent the smaller nature of the Basilisk and slipping through a small opening, Immunity to Fire as Cerberus, etc. Be creative, and play with each form as you pick and choose what’s the right shape for the job.
Incorporating different mythologies: The power itself is fairly universal. Picking a different set of creatures simply means creating new locked powers based on the myths. Don’t be afraid to go nuts either, Mythical Bestiary is a great tool kit for any number of shapeshifters.
