New creation: Replicant Android

[DtMK]

A friend of mine was inspired by some of the various beings and artificial creatures able to absorb and duplicate the powers, abilities and skills of other super beings. This is my attempt to create such a being, inspired by various comic books and self imposed limitations as to not be overbalanced for the games. I hope you enjoy!

Replicant Android R.C.C. by DtMK

These types of androids are designed to observe, scan, study and replicate the powers, skills and special weapons of life forms with special adaptations, such as Natural Geniuses, Psionics and any race with super abilities. This also duplicates the special abilities of variant humans or alien races. The androids can be Artificial Intelligences, Transferred Intelligences or once ordinary beings who were turned into quasi-organic android bodies. Their strongest advantage is to replicate the abilities of the most talented or powerful beings they encounter. While this may potentially make them the most powerful being in various settings, limitations exist in their replicant cells to allow them to grow, adapt, learn and evolve.

I.Q.: 3D6
M.E.: 2D6+3
M.A.: 2D6
P.S.: 6D6+6
P.P.: 4D6
P.E.: 4D6
P.B.: 3D6
SPD: 2D4X10+10
P.S. is considered Robotic/Superhuman, unless absorbing/duplicating a being with Supernatural P.S.

Hit Points: PE X 3, +15 per level of experience.
S.D.C.: 6D6X10, +25 per level of experience. Both HP and SDC may be increased, see below.

Powers and Abilities:
1.: Regeneration
One of the first and most successful abilities reproduced by the animal kingdom, and most useful for organic based androids, is the ability to regenerate damage, or even entire limbs as long as the android is activated. Regeneration is 2D6 HP/SDC per melee round. Entire limbs can also be regenerated as long as the head is attached to the torso. Limbs can be regenerated for one limb every 24 hours.

2.: Life Form Catalog
Every time a Replicant Android encounters an individual with special skills, powers, etc., it catalogs what it observes from that individual and stores it for its cells to extrapolate from. This can even include other artificial life forms with specific super abilities. Storage of superhuman catalog space: 25 beings, plus 10 per level of experience.

3.: Weapons Replication
When observing someone utilizing special weapons, such as trick arrows with a bow, shield, billy clubs, hammers, etc. without actual super abilities, the Replicant Android can form these weapons out of its own body within three melee attacks/actions. Each have the same limitations and capacity as the weapon being replicated. For weapons replicating magic or super abilities, see below. Replicant Androids can duplicate two distinct weapons per level of experience, can wield weapons at proficiency observed by wielder.

4.: Genetic Ability Mimicry Slots
The basis of the Replicant Android's amazing abilities, its entire structure is constructed around scanning and replicating the abilities of others. While this provides certain advantages, remember that it is essentially copying abilities observed. This will have greater advantage than one simply having the Mimic super ability, but keep in mind that replications rarely match perfectly the subject, much less in later recall.

4A.: Mimic Slots
The Replicant Android has the super ability of Mimic, but with variations.
Range: 300 feet radius, or can use a scanning beam with range of 1500 feet emanating from its eyes. Takes one melee action to activate and replicate.
Duration: Indefinite as long as R.A. is within 150 feet of beings duplicated, fades 2D4 minutes plus 1D4 minutes per level of experience if subject moves out of range.

This allows the Replicant Android the ability to copy the physical attributes, HP/SDC, special abilities, P.P.E. and I.S.P. of individuals it copies. If the R.A.'s stats are higher, then those are retained. If the strength level is less, the R.A. maintains its own, but if Supernatural P.S. is encountered, it becomes supernatural.

Unlike other beings with the Mimic ability, the R.A. can not only use its own skills, but can duplicate several others' abilities simultaneously! The slots also allow the ability to choose to switch from one person's abilities/skills for another's. This means the Replicant Android can match 100% of the strength, speed and damage capacity of an entire group of people. If beings mimicked have overlapping powers or stats, such as two beings with Supernatural Strength, then both powers combine and overlap. As long as the R.A. is within range of a being it is replicating, the ratio of abilities mimicked is 100%. However, while mixing and matching powers is good, indefinitely copying abilities or recalling special abilities in its Life Form Catalog has its own limitations. The R.A. has 5 Mimic slots starting at level 1, and gains another Mimic slot every third level. So at level 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, etc., the R.A. can simultaneously duplicate that many beings or utilize the Mimic Slots for indefinite or recalled abilities.

4B.: Indefinite Power Replication
If the being so chooses, with enough time, proximity and study, they can choose to dedicate a Mimic Slot to maintaining one being's special abilities, they can do so. The requirement is being within proximity and studying the being for one hour. After that time, they can retain the majority of the person's abilities. By majority, I mean the cells are dedicating its nature to maintaining the template of the being scanned without having the proximity to draw on that being and match their abilities at maximum output. When an person's specific abilities are replicated in this manner, the R.A. retains the added HP/SDC, attributes, abilities, I.S.P., P.P.E. and skills, but at 80% of the original's capacity. So if the R.A. indefinitely absorbed the abilities of an 8'th level Blhaze, the R.A. would have the abilities and stats, but at 6'th level proficiency. This does NOT increase. The only way this increases is if the R.A. scans and studies a more powerful Blhaze in higher experience. Also, once a slot is dedicated in this way, it means the R.A. cannot replicate another while that slot is occupied. If greater power is called upon, the R.A. can drop that powe slot and whatever super abilities were being used to absorb another, but unless it studies that same being again for another hour, it cannot simply reactivate the being's template it lost at full capacity.

4C.:Ability Recall
This allows the R.A. to call upon its database to replicate the abilities or skills of beings it has encountered. If the R.A. is facing beings like a sentry gun or robot guards that it cannot draw power from but has encountered a being with powers that can deal with them, the R.A. can recall and duplicate a specific power at the full level of the being observed to deal with them, like Magnetism, Super Energy Expulsion, etc. One Psionic class or Master Psionic power, Major or up to three Minor abilities or lesser psionic abilities can be recalled per Mimic slot used. Duration is 2D4 Minutes plus 1D4 Minutes per level. I.S.P. or P.P.E. recalled is same as being it mimicked.

4D.: Special Power Extrapolation and Replication/SPEAR technique
Sometimes the superbeing encounters something that although it can absorb and extrapolate, it cannot properly duplicate, such as the ability to cast spells, or magic weapons that have special powers beyond explanation. While the R.A. is unable to replicate these exact skills, it can attempt to adapt. For example, if a magic user casts Mystic Shield to protect itself or casts Fire Ball or Call Lightning, while the R.A. cannot duplicate the knowledge, it can use its adaptive powers to replicate an effect, such as Create Force Field, Control Elemental Force: Fire or Air equal to the R.A.'s own level of experience! This appears to allow the R.A. the chance to adapt to the energies used by all living things, P.P.E. and life energies. Duration same as Ability Recall. The same is done for magic weapons like Mjolnir, Durandal, or the Sword of Atlantis. While it can impart a power close to it, the weapon gets the power equivalent permanently at the level of the R.A. or weapon stat, whichever is higher. Some abilities can NOT be replicated, GM's discretion. Additional powers or increasing the weapon's power can be done by sacrificing one weapon slot per special power, soul drinking can be done by sacrificing two weapon slots. However, this is not a true destruction of the essence, but absorbing its neural net and copying it into a part of the weapon/R.A. If the being has a high enough willpower, it can attempt not only to survive, but to possess the R.A. like a Transferred Intelligence upload! Use M.E. bonuses for pluses, highest roll wins control. Another attempt can be made once per hour or if the controlling force is confused, frightened, in a rage or not in control of oneself.

4E.: Limitations and Specific Replication
When the R.A. absorbs the powers, skills and abilities of a specific being or race, not only do they gain the advantages, but the weakness as well. The same goes for replicated weapons. So if he's replicated two beings, one Invulnerable but the other vulnerable to fire and someone hits him with a fire blast, he reacts with the same damage and vulnerability. Also, due to the absorption cells in the R.A., the being is unable to replicate the powers of a being with Mimic or Negate Super Abilities, this cancels each other out. Nor could he duplicate the powers of a Nega-Psychic, Psi-Nullifier or Psi-Leech, but if the being has other abilities not connected to their negation ability, such as Telepathy or another skill, or even a Bio-Wizardry /Eugenics implant, they can copy and replicate that specific power, same rules as above apply. Animals, aliens, mutants, beings with powers that are mystically bestowed, Mega-beings, Mega-Heroes, Supernatural Creatures, Demigods and Godlings can be replicated, Creatures of Magic such as Dragons, Faeries, Gods and Alien Intelligences can not be replicated, but can attempt to extrapolate and adapt, see SPEAR technique. Uses the Blhaze Alien experience chart.

[DtMK]

It's a first draft, I can polish it later if need be, but this was the first time I really felt inspired to write in a while. It feels good.

[LeeNapier]

Umm... wow. Way overpowered. Don't even know where to start.

Attributes: average, average, low, super high, high, high, average, super high. The lows and highs don't balance out at all.

HP: three times a typical starting character's HP
SDC: high - and both HP and SDC get higher depending on what powers they're mimicing.

Powers:
Regeneration - quite powerful

Life form catalog - this is redundant to the Mimic Slots you outline later. What's the point of having 5 mimic slots at 1st level if you can swap one out with any of 24 others whenever its convenient to do so? (You note later that the R.A. can "call upon its database to replicate the abilities or skills of beings it has encountered" - making the idea of slots redundant).

Weapons Replication - essentially Body Weapons, and for a character with such a powerful Mimic ability, this is overkill.

Genetic Ability Mimicry slots: This is where things get really munchy. 5 mimicry slots at 1st level - at first I thought you meant 5 powers, and I thought O.K. But it looks like you mean it can mimic ALL the powers of up to 5 individuals simultaneously. At 1st level. And you throw in Power Scanning as a freebie power. AND, if it leaves a slot open, it can call on a library of up to 25 other superbeings' powers to manifest at will.

You even let this android use powers to replicate magical energies it cannot comprehend, and even "enchant" weapons permanently.

The only mitigation to all this is that they apparently absorb the weaknesses of those beings as well, but with Regeneration, enchanted weapons they can pull out of their own bodies, and a vast catalog of superpowers to draw from, this seems weak.

Basically, Way, way overpowered.

Things that are missing:

Who makes them? Why? If they're only supposed to catalog powers, why be able to duplicate them? What purpose does that serve?

What is their programming? What are their skills? Are they alive? If so, what are the typical range of alignments you might encounter?

What do they look like? Do they carry equipment? How do they travel around to catalog these supers?

[drewkitty ~..~]

Lets see here how many glaringly obviuse thigns that are wrong...
1 This is HU there are not classes, there are Power cat.'s
2 What I see above is a RACE, not an RCC.

Those are the two things wrong that should have been glaringly wrong to everyone.

There is the simmilarity to a synthetic race in the Manhunter book. Which I might mention, that no mater how bad the rest of the books was, all the Races were listed as Races.

So if you change the listing to that of a Power cat. it would take care of both of the above wrong things I found Just Looking at theTitle Line of this race/power cat.

The closest thing inside HU it would be a mixture of the Robotics power cat and the Super Invention power cat.

[DtMK]

Hmm...considering the proper context, I don't see the problem.

First off, I find it funny how people get worked up over the littlest things. In Century Station, there's a being who was grown in a lab along with others of its kind. Technically he's an artificial being, but it gets iffy about what to classify something that is a mix of man and machine. It could be classified as an experiment or android/robotics. Hard to tell. Oh, and some super invention thrown in too, obviously. But given the variations of what kind of intelligence could possess the body, I thought the best thing to classify it as is a race. It could be alien, could be made/born on Earth or another dimension. An RCC could simply be an alien category, and I've seen other sites have specific races for HU or other settings listed as RCC. Really, it's not that big a deal.

I found another artificial humanoid life form online, and the stats made sense, physically powerful but not charismatic or strong willed. So I adapted that, it made sense to me.

The other thing is, beings like these have been in comic books for over 60 years. It's true. The idea is for a single opponent to make a challenge so large, a single hero can't take it on. That's why Mega-heroes and villains were created. Perhaps I should have clarified it as a Mega-RCC, for that I apologize. I assumed people would get that. And without stating names or companies, these beings are TOUGH. They're supposed to be challenging and more often than not, it's not going to be brawn that wins against it, but a combination of brains and power. Or with possibilities like kill switches, power supplies that need specific energies to keep going, chemical nutrients, etc, it can be a challenge to take it out, but it's possible. Intellect and romance over brute force and cynicism. I'm all for it.

These creations would be ideal as NPC's. And for those brave and clever enough, something to allow as a playable race in a game, particularly high power levels like all Megas or cosmic level campaigns in which some might find the challenge lacking, or running out of options and are bored with the setting and classes/categories. I recall mentioning how Palladium had a lack of giant monsters in its settings, and it struck a chord with the creative people here. That triggered a wonderful brainstorming and creation of several monsters, even a Rifter article. I was honored that one little post could inspire so much, and make something so fun.

And since this game setting is inspired by comic books, so too was I inspired to create the Replicant Androids. Will it be as well received? I dunno, perhaps, perhaps not. But I made this because a friend asked why there was nothing like it in the system. It's a labor of love and perhaps a work in progress. But really, compared to the inspiration, I toned mine down quite a bit. I haven't shown this to my friend yet, but I look forward to talking to them and seeing what they think in all fairness. Some like pushing the powers envelope, a creature like this could be devastating, or a glorified copy machine, being nothing more than a machine lacking imagination and thus, unable to unlock its true potential as nothing but a pretender to the abilities and potential of others. Personally I think this version of my creation is amazing. Super, even.

See what I did there?

[Nightmask]

I'm not seeing anything particularly wrong about it, not like there aren't other power duplicating things around. Shifter Mice can replicate just about any biologically based life-form from a sample of its DNA, Auto-G as well, and one with a stock of samples can swap around as desired. So nothing particularly outrageous about this creation.

[drewkitty ~..~]

Hmm...considering the proper context, I don't see the problem.

First off, I find it funny how people get worked up over the littlest things. In Century Station, there's a being who was grown in a lab along with others of its kind. Technically he's an artificial being, but it gets iffy about what to classify something that is a mix of man and machine. It could be classified as an experiment or android/robotics. Hard to tell. Oh, and some super invention thrown in too, obviously. But given the variations of what kind of intelligence could possess the body, I thought the best thing to classify it as is a race. It could be alien, could be made/born on Earth or another dimension. An RCC could simply be an alien category, and I've seen other sites have specific races for HU or other settings listed as RCC. Really, it's not that big a deal.

...snip

Not seeing the problem when it is pointed out to you?
Do you want to contribute to the problem of calling races something they are not?

Staring with the RMB, far as I know, PB started creating the problem by labeling their classes with the wrong label.
So the initial blame does not go to you. But to someone we all know the name of. But if peaple continue the problem then they share in the blame of propitiating what is wrong.

As to the big deal is that with mislabeling things newbes will misinterpret things. And come to the wrong conclusions. Also mislabeling things creates arguments about classes. Whether the class is class unique to a single race, or is the class really a PCC that any race can have.

It's sort like with Mind Melters. They are Psychic Chars. So they would, if looking at the class labels, fall into group where the Psychic Char class label applies to the class. Not RCC, nor OCC. Even though this is s simple to understand, there are people who insist "NO! mind melters are OCC's".

There are also races that are listed incorrectly As Classes For A Race.. Many of them are located in R:DBoNA. Again this wrongness should be easy to understand. And when understood appear stupid as they are.

Now, outside the HU setting, the label Robot Char Class would not be inappropriate. So long as you define the acronym RCC as Robot Char Class.

[Nightmask]

Hmm...considering the proper context, I don't see the problem.

First off, I find it funny how people get worked up over the littlest things. In Century Station, there's a being who was grown in a lab along with others of its kind. Technically he's an artificial being, but it gets iffy about what to classify something that is a mix of man and machine. It could be classified as an experiment or android/robotics. Hard to tell. Oh, and some super invention thrown in too, obviously. But given the variations of what kind of intelligence could possess the body, I thought the best thing to classify it as is a race. It could be alien, could be made/born on Earth or another dimension. An RCC could simply be an alien category, and I've seen other sites have specific races for HU or other settings listed as RCC. Really, it's not that big a deal.

...snip

Not seeing the problem when it is pointed out to you?
Do you want to contribute to the problem of calling races something they are not?

Staring with the RMB, far as I know, PB started creating the problem by labeling their classes with the wrong label.
So the initial blame does not go to you. But to someone we all know the name of. But if you continue the problem then you share in the blame of propitiating what is wrong.

As to the big deal is that with mislabeling things newbes will misinterpret things. As to come to the wrong conclusion. Also mislabeling things creates arguments about classes wether they are classes unique to a single race, or is the class really a PCC that any race can have.

It's sort like with Mind Melters. They are Psychic Chars. So they would, if looking at the class labels, fall into group where the Psychic Char class label applies to the class. Not RCC, nor OCC. Even though this is s simple to understand, there are people who insist "NO! mind melters are OCC's".

There are also also what are races, many of them are located in R:DBoNA, are listed incorrectly As Classes For A Race. Again this wrongness should be easy to understand.

Now, outside the HU setting, the label Robot Char Class would not be inappropriate. So long as you define the acronym RCC as Robot Char Class.

Considering Palladium decided to get rid of the idea of a Psychic Character Class the wrongness would be insisting that the class continues to exist when it's been removed and existing PCC relabeled as OCC. No matter how much you want to insist Palladium is wrong for eliminating it they still eliminated it so insisting it exists and telling the newbies that it does when it doesn't means you're adding to the confusion and problems rather than helping eliminate them.

As far as what Power Category this fan creation might go under, there's no reason it has to go under an existing category it can simply be considered its own Power Category. Not like Palladium hasn't added new categories over the years, no reason a GM can't add new categories of his own if he wishes to.

[drewkitty ~..~]

Maybe if there are enough smart people out there that get together to voice how stupid it is. The KS will change course to something that is not stupidly wrong.

Just look at Egypt and Tunisia, they over threw their dictators because people came together to make a change.

[LeeNapier]

Perhaps I should have clarified it as a Mega-RCC

Perhaps.

[Kovoston]

Who created them? (what Phase World race?)

[DtMK]

I left that part ambiguous as to not be defined by any one origin point. Perhaps they were made on Earth, perhaps by aliens. It would take someone ingenious to create them, why limit them?

[DtMK]

Maybe if there are enough smart people out there that get together to voice how stupid it is. The KS will change course to something that is not stupidly wrong.

Just look at Egypt and Tunisia, they over threw their dictators because people came together to make a change.

It's possible, but haven't you heard? We have no freedom of speech. HR 347 made it a felony. And I can't even say the name of the characters that inspired me to create the Replicant Androids in the first place on this forum without fear of the thread getting locked. But yes, please feel free to rise up against injustice where you see it, I'll encourage that every day. To some of us, heroism and standing up for what you believe isn't just in a script or considered a punchline.

[LeeNapier]

I left that part ambiguous as to not be defined by any one origin point. Perhaps they were made on Earth, perhaps by aliens. It would take someone ingenious to create them, why limit them?

Because otherwise it's not an OCC - it's a stack of powers. My original post asked this and a bunch of other questions as well. The OCC needs a LOT of fleshing out.

Like I said, you left out all mention of background and purpose, have nothing in there about what skills they come programmed with, etc. When you're writing (anything, really) it's really tempting to just do the 'fun" part and not lay the foundations, but those foundations are IMPORTANT.

[DtMK]

At the time, the important thing was to make it possible to be played in a game, the background is something that can be done in game and added later.

[LeeNapier]

At the time, the important thing was to make it possible to be played in a game, the background is something that can be done in game and added later.

Skills are important too.

[DtMK]

Also covered in the description. If it's an Artificial Intelligence, then standard rules would apply in the Robotics section. If it were someone rebuilt into this body or transferred intelligence, then use the skills of whatever person that would be.

[Severus Snape]

A friend of mine was inspired by some of the various beings and artificial creatures able to absorb and duplicate the powers, abilities and skills of other super beings. This is my attempt to create such a being, inspired by various comic books and self imposed limitations as to not be overbalanced for the games. I hope you enjoy!

Replicant Android R.C.C. by DtMK

These types of androids are designed to observe, scan, study and replicate the powers, skills and special weapons of life forms with special adaptations, such as Natural Geniuses, Psionics and any race with super abilities. This also duplicates the special abilities of variant humans or alien races. The androids can be Artificial Intelligences, Transferred Intelligences or once ordinary beings who were turned into quasi-organic android bodies. Their strongest advantage is to replicate the abilities of the most talented or powerful beings they encounter. While this may potentially make them the most powerful being in various settings, limitations exist in their replicant cells to allow them to grow, adapt, learn and evolve.

So are they androids or not? Because there are several differences between an organic being and a mechanical one. You need to flesh this out.

I.Q.: 3D6
M.E.: 2D6+3
M.A.: 2D6
P.S.: 6D6+6
P.P.: 4D6
P.E.: 4D6
P.B.: 3D6
SPD: 2D4X10+10
P.S. is considered Robotic/Superhuman, unless absorbing/duplicating a being with Supernatural P.S.

Again, you've got some inconsistencies that can be addressed by determining if they are organic or not. While the canon rules are a little vague when addressing stats, PE is definitely not one for a mechanical being. IQ, ME, and MA are subjective in non-organic beings, and could potentially be impacted by actual programming (ie, purchasing the stats and not rolling them).

Secondly, the stats are WAY out of whack. Starting from the top down: Average, Average, Average, Exceptional, Above Average, Above Average, Average, Amazing. I mean, the max attributes, without bonus rolls for the 2 3D6 ones, are 18, 15, 12, 42, 24, 24, 18, 90.

Hit Points: PE X 3, +15 per level of experience.
S.D.C.: 6D6X10, +25 per level of experience. Both HP and SDC may be increased, see below.

If non-organic, HP doesn't apply. In which case I'd be ok with the 6d6x10 SDC. If HP does apply, both are far too high. Especially considering HP for normals is 1d6 per level (and you've got an increase per level that is 2.5 times the maximum for normals), and SDC never increases per level UNLESS you have specific super abilities that allow for this.

Powers and Abilities:
1.: Regeneration
One of the first and most successful abilities reproduced by the animal kingdom, and most useful for organic based androids, is the ability to regenerate damage, or even entire limbs as long as the android is activated. Regeneration is 2D6 HP/SDC per melee round. Entire limbs can also be regenerated as long as the head is attached to the torso. Limbs can be regenerated for one limb every 24 hours.

2.: Life Form Catalog
Every time a Replicant Android encounters an individual with special skills, powers, etc., it catalogs what it observes from that individual and stores it for its cells to extrapolate from. This can even include other artificial life forms with specific super abilities. Storage of superhuman catalog space: 25 beings, plus 10 per level of experience.

3.: Weapons Replication
When observing someone utilizing special weapons, such as trick arrows with a bow, shield, billy clubs, hammers, etc. without actual super abilities, the Replicant Android can form these weapons out of its own body within three melee attacks/actions. Each have the same limitations and capacity as the weapon being replicated. For weapons replicating magic or super abilities, see below. Replicant Androids can duplicate two distinct weapons per level of experience, can wield weapons at proficiency observed by wielder.

4.: Genetic Ability Mimicry Slots
The basis of the Replicant Android's amazing abilities, its entire structure is constructed around scanning and replicating the abilities of others. While this provides certain advantages, remember that it is essentially copying abilities observed. This will have greater advantage than one simply having the Mimic super ability, but keep in mind that replications rarely match perfectly the subject, much less in later recall.

4A.: Mimic Slots
The Replicant Android has the super ability of Mimic, but with variations.
Range: 300 feet radius, or can use a scanning beam with range of 1500 feet emanating from its eyes. Takes one melee action to activate and replicate.
Duration: Indefinite as long as R.A. is within 150 feet of beings duplicated, fades 2D4 minutes plus 1D4 minutes per level of experience if subject moves out of range.

This allows the Replicant Android the ability to copy the physical attributes, HP/SDC, special abilities, P.P.E. and I.S.P. of individuals it copies. If the R.A.'s stats are higher, then those are retained. If the strength level is less, the R.A. maintains its own, but if Supernatural P.S. is encountered, it becomes supernatural.

Unlike other beings with the Mimic ability, the R.A. can not only use its own skills, but can duplicate several others' abilities simultaneously! The slots also allow the ability to choose to switch from one person's abilities/skills for another's. This means the Replicant Android can match 100% of the strength, speed and damage capacity of an entire group of people. If beings mimicked have overlapping powers or stats, such as two beings with Supernatural Strength, then both powers combine and overlap. As long as the R.A. is within range of a being it is replicating, the ratio of abilities mimicked is 100%. However, while mixing and matching powers is good, indefinitely copying abilities or recalling special abilities in its Life Form Catalog has its own limitations. The R.A. has 5 Mimic slots starting at level 1, and gains another Mimic slot every third level. So at level 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, etc., the R.A. can simultaneously duplicate that many beings or utilize the Mimic Slots for indefinite or recalled abilities.

4B.: Indefinite Power Replication
If the being so chooses, with enough time, proximity and study, they can choose to dedicate a Mimic Slot to maintaining one being's special abilities, they can do so. The requirement is being within proximity and studying the being for one hour. After that time, they can retain the majority of the person's abilities. By majority, I mean the cells are dedicating its nature to maintaining the template of the being scanned without having the proximity to draw on that being and match their abilities at maximum output. When an person's specific abilities are replicated in this manner, the R.A. retains the added HP/SDC, attributes, abilities, I.S.P., P.P.E. and skills, but at 80% of the original's capacity. So if the R.A. indefinitely absorbed the abilities of an 8'th level Blhaze, the R.A. would have the abilities and stats, but at 6'th level proficiency. This does NOT increase. The only way this increases is if the R.A. scans and studies a more powerful Blhaze in higher experience. Also, once a slot is dedicated in this way, it means the R.A. cannot replicate another while that slot is occupied. If greater power is called upon, the R.A. can drop that powe slot and whatever super abilities were being used to absorb another, but unless it studies that same being again for another hour, it cannot simply reactivate the being's template it lost at full capacity.

4C.:Ability Recall
This allows the R.A. to call upon its database to replicate the abilities or skills of beings it has encountered. If the R.A. is facing beings like a sentry gun or robot guards that it cannot draw power from but has encountered a being with powers that can deal with them, the R.A. can recall and duplicate a specific power at the full level of the being observed to deal with them, like Magnetism, Super Energy Expulsion, etc. One Psionic class or Master Psionic power, Major or up to three Minor abilities or lesser psionic abilities can be recalled per Mimic slot used. Duration is 2D4 Minutes plus 1D4 Minutes per level. I.S.P. or P.P.E. recalled is same as being it mimicked.

4D.: Special Power Extrapolation and Replication/SPEAR technique
Sometimes the superbeing encounters something that although it can absorb and extrapolate, it cannot properly duplicate, such as the ability to cast spells, or magic weapons that have special powers beyond explanation. While the R.A. is unable to replicate these exact skills, it can attempt to adapt. For example, if a magic user casts Mystic Shield to protect itself or casts Fire Ball or Call Lightning, while the R.A. cannot duplicate the knowledge, it can use its adaptive powers to replicate an effect, such as Create Force Field, Control Elemental Force: Fire or Air equal to the R.A.'s own level of experience! This appears to allow the R.A. the chance to adapt to the energies used by all living things, P.P.E. and life energies. Duration same as Ability Recall. The same is done for magic weapons like Mjolnir, Durandal, or the Sword of Atlantis. While it can impart a power close to it, the weapon gets the power equivalent permanently at the level of the R.A. or weapon stat, whichever is higher. Some abilities can NOT be replicated, GM's discretion. Additional powers or increasing the weapon's power can be done by sacrificing one weapon slot per special power, soul drinking can be done by sacrificing two weapon slots. However, this is not a true destruction of the essence, but absorbing its neural net and copying it into a part of the weapon/R.A. If the being has a high enough willpower, it can attempt not only to survive, but to possess the R.A. like a Transferred Intelligence upload! Use M.E. bonuses for pluses, highest roll wins control. Another attempt can be made once per hour or if the controlling force is confused, frightened, in a rage or not in control of oneself.

4E.: Limitations and Specific Replication
When the R.A. absorbs the powers, skills and abilities of a specific being or race, not only do they gain the advantages, but the weakness as well. The same goes for replicated weapons. So if he's replicated two beings, one Invulnerable but the other vulnerable to fire and someone hits him with a fire blast, he reacts with the same damage and vulnerability. Also, due to the absorption cells in the R.A., the being is unable to replicate the powers of a being with Mimic or Negate Super Abilities, this cancels each other out. Nor could he duplicate the powers of a Nega-Psychic, Psi-Nullifier or Psi-Leech, but if the being has other abilities not connected to their negation ability, such as Telepathy or another skill, or even a Bio-Wizardry /Eugenics implant, they can copy and replicate that specific power, same rules as above apply. Animals, aliens, mutants, beings with powers that are mystically bestowed, Mega-beings, Mega-Heroes, Supernatural Creatures, Demigods and Godlings can be replicated, Creatures of Magic such as Dragons, Faeries, Gods and Alien Intelligences can not be replicated, but can attempt to extrapolate and adapt, see SPEAR technique. Uses the Blhaze Alien experience chart.

You've got the equivalent of...gosh, I don't even know how many different powers, which is far too many powers for any one being that isn't a deity. You've got:

Regeneration
A variation of Holographic Memory Projection and/or Extraordinary IQ
Body Weapons/Gun Limb/whatever other power allows for turning yourself into a weapon
Mimic
The ability to copy traits and powers of WEAPONS
The ability to duplicate magical spells

I could go on, but you can see here how this is a munchkin OCC/RCC/Power Category/whatever. I'm ok with power gaming, so long as you admit that this is what it is. Which you have not.

Sorry, but this really needs work before becoming viable in a normal campaign.

[DtMK]

For a being made to take on an entire group, I'd say it's very fair.

[LeeNapier]

Sorry, but it seems less like you want a valid critique of your work, and more like you want everyone to say how wonderful it is.

[Severus Snape]

For a being made to take on an entire group, I'd say it's very fair.

Pick up Rifter 54. I've got a singular guy that has 2 major powers that can take on an entire group. Heck, I've created a character with 1 major and 3 minors that could take on an entire group: Force Manipulation, Immune to High Speed Kinetic Attacks, Immune to Melee Attacks, Personal Force Field. Being able to take on an entire PC party does not mean that the being has to have every cool power and ability to do so.

Your replicant android above is not designed to take ON an entire group, but to take OUT an entire group. This guy is like the hand of god, with zero weaknesses or vulnerabilities. That's not, in and of itself, a bad thing so long as you admit that this is what he is.

If you're looking for someone to tell you how great this thing is, you're barking up the wrong tree.

[Her0man0]

I wonder if people are confusing this for something it isnt....or maybe I'm the one thats confused.

According to the description, it seems to be not so much its own race or being (even though its called and RCC), but rules for creating this sort of organic robot if someone were to want to play one. Kind of like the alternate templates that are available in the Super soldier Power Category.

"The androids can be Artificial Intelligences, Transferred Intelligences or once ordinary beings who were turned into quasi-organic android bodies."

To me, this says that it isnt an officially created race, but an option for the Robotics, Alien, or even Eugenics category.

This aside, I could see this type of being being a good match for a group of Mega Heroes, Cosmo knights, Blyze Alien, Prometheans, Immortals, or even all the above together in one team.

[DtMK]

Thanks Her0man0. Like I said, this particular creation defies specific categories, as it could be created by several types of beings, thus be different but not warrant its own power category. But what gets me is the confusion about my ego or lack thereof.

If you're looking for someone to tell you how great this thing is, you're barking up the wrong tree.

Sorry, but it seems less like you want a valid critique of your work, and more like you want everyone to say how wonderful it is.

Where the hell did this come from? I admit it's a first draft and more can be added. But wonderful? Wait, you didn't...when I made the amazing/super comments, you didn't get the joke, did you? Seriously? Unfortunately I can't tell you the punchline without fear of threadlock. But it's a good one. Robert Picardo played the voice of one of the inspirations, best hint I can give you.

The thing is, these beings exist in comic books. Heroes Unlimited is an RPG inspired by the same comic books. To do a character like the one I've described justice, so far my version is the closest thing to it. Perfect? Perhaps not, but there's simply nothing else like them as Palladium Books currently has it. What's in Rifter #54?

[LeeNapier]

Where the hell did this come from? I admit it's a first draft and more can be added. But wonderful? Wait, you didn't...when I made the amazing/super comments, you didn't get the joke, did you? Seriously? Unfortunately I can't tell you the punchline without fear of threadlock. But it's a good one. Robert Picardo played the voice of one of the inspirations, best hint I can give you.

The thing is, these beings exist in comic books. Heroes Unlimited is an RPG inspired by the same comic books. To do a character like the one I've described justice, so far my version is the closest thing to it. Perfect? Perhaps not, but there's simply nothing else like them as Palladium Books currently has it. What's in Rifter #54?

I don't need a hint, I know exactly what you're trying to convert - and I have to say, knowing the rules on conversion here, you've done a great job of just skirting by on this side of being wrong, and you probably shouldn't have posted this in the first place, based on the policy.

Where this comes from is that several people have offered you critiques - some of them point-by-point, and instead of addressing them, you defend the choices you made.

Which is a perfectly valid reaction, but don't ask for feedback if you don't want genuine feedback.

And... you should probably stop posting conversions. And when you do post conversions, stop obliquely referring to the original and making it beyond obvious.

[DtMK]

Ahh, so now you're throwing around the 'c' word. Sorry, I was trying to make something that is an archetype, some beings with abilities like these are androids. Others are living beings. All immensely powerful with their own limitations as well. Put bluntly, no single power category can cover what it is and does that currently exists. I do have other writings that I don't mind getting feedback on, it's cool. I was simply sharing my latest brainstorm inspired by a friend's request that hasn't felt like torture lately when I try to put it to type.

I'm not trying to flamebait at all, just exercising my freedom of speech and press to exchange ideas. I also like the game system and see where new tings could be done to add to it. Also, does anyone else feel the atmosphere of fear on this forum? When the CoT happened and PB almost went under, I fought to keep it alive by purchasing its products. I've made my own contributions in genres here, archetypes that exist elsewhere without infringing on copyrights. It inspired others to do so too. And I know that when the legal action happened, it made PB wake up to things that made it legally vulnerable, like homemade conversions. I get that. Even though this company also had rights to, and were the games for Justice Machine, TMNT, Macross and Robotech, which they've regained. Anything they didn't have the license for that fans made and posted on their sites, they were asked to be taken down.

But the slippery slope isn't talking about converting the property of one company into another. Comic books were, and in many ways are, a maverick medium to post wild ideas, to make the sci-fi, action, noir, supernatural and other genres available in print, and to fuel imaginations. Role playing games and companies like PB have also been the mavericks, seeing so many fall by the wayside or gobbled up by larger companies as to make their products unrecognizable. Both comic books and RPG's are mediums to express thought, creativity and to enjoy the possibilities. Some have become archetypes, and those archetypes, without naming names, inspire the translations into power categories that we play here.

But once again, I see an atmosphere here ruled by fear. Palladium Books is afraid of being sued for something a fan makes using its system, then posts, especially on their own forum. So the No Conversion policy went into effect. I get that. But it's also generated a very powerful fear, and people capitalizing on that fear in the forums for an illusion of control! You can't put that archetype into any one thing that exists in the system, so don't you dare say its name or try to make it fit. That dream of playing your own version is limited, sanctioned. Use some creativity and do the best you can with what we have or you're free to go elsewhere.

Sooner or later, and I believe we've well reached that point some time ago, is that under the current structure in PB and HU, it's becoming nearly impossible to make characters based on archetypes, models of heroes we like and would like to emulate and play out, but do not have the tools to do so, and are threatened with sanction when we try. You asked me to flesh this out, if I fleshed it out any further I'd run the risk of crossing the very imaginary line you're trying to assault me with now. I'm not allowed to say what character or characters exactly inspired me to create this, and there are several, some artificial, others living. So I tried to make an archetypical synthesis to emulate this as best as possible.

Now I see people trying to use fear. Fear of being different, fear of being out of the status quo, so now fingers are wagged and words are exchanged to shame me, if that doesn't work, to threaten me with something the establishment says is wrong. And I'll be punished for it if a single person says a single word. A few hundred years ago, that word was 'witch'. Now on these forums, it's 'conversions'.

It's the fear, and the fact this continues to go on and people are all right with it that I find disturbing. I can't possibly create something new for this system that emulates an archetype unless I get creative. Then I'm shot down for something that inspires fear. Fear of encountering this creature in a game or any other setting. That's natural, and that's okay to react when faced with something like that. But the reaction is wrong. The reaction is, it's different, I don't like it, tear it apart and the man who created it. It's a frightened villager reaction on a game forum in 2012. And that's not right.

Personally, I'd like Palladium Books to try rethinking its policies of no conversions. Relax, lighten up a little. Or at the very least, change it so people who want to make characters or archetypes and use them in an RPG like Heroes Unlimited needs to change things and expand, or it can no longer call itself Unlimited without being ironic. But I understand the fear. A simple observation spoken aloud could threaten this entire company by the legal departments of Marvel and its parent company, Disney. And that's not right either. Perhaps my post and the power its based on is the source of the controversy. But stop ignoring the elephant in the room. Fear. Fear of creativity because another house of ideas could sue and destroy it. It's not right. And for some, the ideals of standing up for one's rights and beliefs is more than a novel idea or alignment to role play, but something to model one's actions and lives after.

LeeNapier, you just yelled Fire! in a crowded theater, you just pointed your finger and accused me with the equivalent of the word 'witch'. And I don't like it, sir. I've done everything possible thus far to try and create something inspired by an archetype, without breaking any rules. I've even joked about it. But the fear, the atmosphere of bullying due to some excuse of forum regulation to hide behind is wrong. The truth is, if anyone else wants to play that power absorbing archetype to its fullest, something new has to be written or changed. And perhaps it may be made by someone more talented than myself. That's fine. But threatening me? Trying to cause panic and expulsion because you don't agree with my rough draft? Sorry, I'm not standing for that. I'm not blinking, I'm not backing down. Here's one of my favorite quotes.

"Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: The requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree besides the river of truth, and tell the whole world--
--No, YOU move."

They're not just words. They're words from an archetype of something bigger than a genre, bigger than a company. It's way way of life when someone doing something wrong tries to invoke power and dominance over another. And I'm living them. It's bigger than a forum, bigger than a game, bigger than a comic book. I can take criticism, but I won't tolerate threats. LeeNapier, YOU move.

[Severus Snape]

First of all...holy cow. Calm down, dude. It sounds like you've got some pent-up anger over something and are releasing it here on the boards. You obviously cannot take constructive criticism, can you? You posted, asked for our opinion, and got it. Then you get defensive. So we try to explain, and you come out with this tirade. Who crapped in your Cheerios this morning?

As far as this not being a conversion, I give you this tidbit from an earlier post OF YOURS:

I found another artificial humanoid life form online, and the stats made sense, physically powerful but not charismatic or strong willed. So I adapted that, it made sense to me.

You admitted in that sentence that you found something online that you liked and adapted it for use in HU. That, in the technical, legal, and strictest sense, is a conversion. Then, to top it off, you stated:

Unfortunately I can't tell you the punchline without fear of threadlock.

You basically admitted that you had done something wrong, but couldn't state the exact details because the thread would get locked. You know you did wrong, you know you converted something - which is against the PB forum rules - and then you get defensive about being told it's a conversion?

Lighten up, dude. You asked, we gave. You don't like what we say? Don't ask. We aren't here to stroke your ego or tell you that you're a god when it comes to creating stuff. You want the truth, then that's what you'll get. Nothing more, nothing less. And the truth is that your idea is an over-powered conversion.

[LeeNapier]

Oh, please.

[Her0man0]

Great soapbox rant!

love the quote BTW

just to be devils advocate:)

I dont know what this design is specifically coming from..... I can think of a few characters in several different comix or novels that could fit some of this but not all. So I'm in the dark. Which is fine with me.

And FYI, I like having a forum to post my creations and characters from time to time. I have a book full of the powers and categories and other stuff that have been created on this site for my personal use and have used many of them. So I try and return the favor by posting my stuff. Don't get me wrong, I do like the feedback, but at a certain point, im not going for perfection but just being creative. And when I'm done with a particular creation, Perfect or not, I'm done.

And I dont know about you guys, but when I first read the Blhaze alien I was stunned at the level of power this thing had. It was easily the most powerful alien I'd ever seen. I mean, practically all the energy abilities along with sonic flight and supernatural strength? c'mon! but we go used to it didnt we? And dont even get me started about Rifts or NB with its power level discrepancy.....

I love Palladium but lately power creep seems to be the name of the game.

[PapaMambo]

Just so we're all clear - adaptation is NOT conversion. If someone is inspired by an idea, and changes it, it is no longer a conversion, it is an adaptation. If someone is inspired by an idea, and posts the exact same skillset/power set, then that is a conversion.. Subtle difference, but there IS a difference..

IE, no matter what you do in this game system - you will NEVER create a character like the Hulk or Supes - not gonna happen within the confines of the system itself. You can make an approximation, but not a direct conversion. Strength levels do not convert at all.. Supes can move a planet, and Hulk can lift a mountain. Not even the most munchkined of munchkined characters could come close..

I too am in the dark about exactly what this archetype is based upon, and I'm fine with that. I have my own reasons for not particularly thinking this is the greatest class/archetype/whatever, and that has to do with the fact that it doesn't fit in my game.. But I can see that with some tweaking (which is all the OP is asking for), this archetype could be made really cool.

Criticism is just that - criticism. Whether it's 'constructive' or not is debatable. FEEDBACK however, gives the OP a chance to change things up, hopefully without feeling slighted or flamed by the rest of the community. Rather than critisizing, why not make some suggestions, as to what the OP can do to make it better (and note - I did see a few suggestions, so I know not everyone was slamming the idea). What powers can be changed for balance, so as to not completely nerf the entire concept?

I think the OP would be much more open to that sort of feedback than what I've witnessed here.

And for the record - I think PB's rules on conversion are a bit.... much.. But that's my opinion..

[Jefffar]

I've been doing my research and consulting with those who know far more about the relevant character than I and have come to the conclusion that while there are beings in the comics that mimic the powers of others, only one of them is notable for being a robot who can also store said mimicked powers and items. Further posts within this thread have lead me to the conclusion that this is primarily an attempt to convert a specific IP of another company into Palladium stats rather than an attempt to follow some sort of generic form of character. As such I am locking the thread.

[NMI]

After going over the thread myself, I concur with Jefffar's decision and stand by it.