Bodyguard Edge

[Krozog]

This is a really cool Edge from IZ 2.0. I'm not sure if there's anything like it in Palladium rifts or not. It has a real protector-of-the-weak feel going for it though. What do you guys think?

Professional Edge

Bodyguard
Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+, Fighting d8+, Notice d6+

Bodyguards make their living by protecting someone else. This means they not only have to be aware of any potential dangers, but must be able to act quickly and effectively to prevent any harm from coming to their charge.
A character with this Edge gains a +2 bonus to Notice checks made to detect potential ambushes or similar dangers. Additionally, the character may spend a Benny once per round to place himself in the way of any attack (Fighting, Shooting or Throwing) against a person within 5”.
All Fighting rolls are then made against his Parry, and he suffers the effect of any successful attacks. This can be done at any time, regardless of the bodyguard’s Initiative, and counts as a free action; any other actions must be taken on his own initiative card.

[High Command]

I'd probably allow it if it fit the character concept.

[Corrigon]

It doesn't look broken to me and is circumstantially helpful, so I would be alright with it.

[Ndreare]

Kidemonas needs this.

Afterall his name is literally guardian.

[Krozog]

I'm not planning on taking it. Yet? Maybe at some point, but no plans. This just looked like a cool edge that could work for Savage Rifts for the right character(s).

[Ndreare]

I have two characters that are protectors by nature and could easily see it on them.

[Pender Lumkiss]

Thought I would chime in.

1st here is the slip stream version:

GuARdIAN
Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+, Fighting d6+, Notice d6+
This character might be a professional body-guard or just intensely devoted, but in either case he can jump in front of attacks intended for another. A character with this Edge must declare whom he is guarding at the beginning of any combat. As long as the guardian stays within 1” of the chosen person, any attack aimed at that person is automatically rolled against the guard-ian instead. A guardian can switch charges during a battle, but doing so requires an action as the guardian re–focuses his attention. The character receives a benny each time he takes a wound (not Shaken) while defending another character (Extra or Wild Card) during a specific encounter.

2nd) I would allow either to be chosen if the character came from that setting.

3rd) I would need to see the flavor text of the palladium concept in order to savage it for rifts. Like is this an OCC ability, or RCC ability? A rule in Rifts or Palladium?

[High Command]

How about a basic trope of fiction? Seriously, why does it have to be Rifts specific to put it in Rifts? That makes no sense. It is not unique to Slip Stream or any setting to have a bodyguard.

I mean I can probably lay my hands on something quickly if pressed, but I don't see a need.

[Ndreare]

3rd) I would need to see the flavor text of the palladium concept in order to savage it for rifts. Like is this an OCC ability, or RCC ability? A rule in Rifts or Palladium?

Palladium simply did not address stuff like this in any way ever.

The system is so different any efforts like this where handled with GM fiat. for example I used to allow my warrior types to use their automatic parry to defend adjacent allies, but in Palladium there was no rule for adjacent as the system did not use maps.

[Snake Eyes]

Thought I would chime in.

1st here is the slip stream version:

GuARdIAN
Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+, Fighting d6+, Notice d6+
This character might be a professional body-guard or just intensely devoted, but in either case he can jump in front of attacks intended for another. A character with this Edge must declare whom he is guarding at the beginning of any combat. As long as the guardian stays within 1” of the chosen person, any attack aimed at that person is automatically rolled against the guard-ian instead. A guardian can switch charges during a battle, but doing so requires an action as the guardian re–focuses his attention. The character receives a benny each time he takes a wound (not Shaken) while defending another character (Extra or Wild Card) during a specific encounter.

2nd) I would allow either to be chosen if the character came from that setting.

3rd) I would need to see the flavor text of the palladium concept in order to savage it for rifts. Like is this an OCC ability, or RCC ability? A rule in Rifts or Palladium?

Since a player has requested this in my game, I'm obliged to chime in as well. I don't object to the concept. I like parts of both the original and Pender's suggestions. I'd propose:

Bodyguard
Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+, Fighting d8+, Notice d6+
Bodyguards make their living by protecting someone else. This means they not only have to be aware of any potential dangers, but must be able to act quickly and effectively to prevent any harm from coming to their charge.
A character with this Edge gains a +2 bonus to Notice checks made to detect potential ambushes or similar dangers. Additionally, the character may spend a Benny once per round to place himself in the way of any attack (Fighting, Shooting or Throwing) against a person within 1”.
All Fighting rolls are then made against his Parry, and he suffers the effect of any successful attacks. This can be done at any time, regardless of the bodyguard’s Initiative. This costs the Bodyguard their action for the round; any other actions (including fighting, shooting, spellcasting, etc.) incur a MAP, and must be done on their initiative card. If the Bodyguard has already acted for the round, they lose their option to dive in front of the attack.

I don't think it should cost an action to "switch" who they're protecting. I do think it should cost them their action for the round. (Diving in front of a bullet may leave them prone and they have to get back up, etc.) I think it should apply to anyone of their choice within (at most) 2", but I prefer Pender's 1" limitation. 5" is 30 feet. That's a LONG run to dive into the way of a sword thrust or a speeding bullet, and even in a game where dragons can polymorph into house cats and people use magic to fly, is beyond any sense of realism as far as how combat works. 6' is a more realistic limit. You don't see Secret Service agents from 30' away running to stop a bullet. Their charge has already been hit by the time they get there.

I don't think using the edge should grant them a benny. I'd prefer it cost them a benny as in the original post, or at least an Agility check to successfully intervene.
I think the edge can be fine tuned, but I'd be open to it.

[Ndreare]

I would like any of the three versions. I obviously would prefer the version that does not cost a benny to represent the guy standing over your should always only a small distance away. However they get refined both Kidemonas and Curatrix are protectors by nature. (Especially as their names literally mean Guardian and Protector).

If it is okay i will add it to Curatrix and use whatever version you finalize. (Kidemonas needs to buy up agility before hand.)

[Snake Eyes]

I would like any of the three versions. I obviously would prefer the version that does not cost a benny to represent the guy standing over your should always only a small distance away. However they get refined both Kidemonas and Curatrix are protectors by nature. (Especially as their names literally mean Guardian and Protector).

If it is okay i will add it to Curatrix and use whatever version you finalize. (Kidemonas needs to buy up agility before hand.)

I think a successful Agility or Notice roll is reasonable, and we can leave out the cost of a benny. I just don't like the idea of awarding bennies for taking wounds. Maybe I'm looking at it wrong.
In the interest of expedience, go ahead and add it to his sheet. It fits the concept and purpose of Curatrix. We will find a version that works for me and you.
Not to get too far into the weeds, but if a sniper is taking a shot at Gill from 40+" away, does it make sense to make it a successful Notice roll instead of Agility? The bodyguard has to see the attack coming in order to make the dive. Should it be Notice altogether, ignoring Agility? Both?

[Ndreare]

I would like any of the three versions. I obviously would prefer the version that does not cost a benny to represent the guy standing over your should always only a small distance away. However they get refined both Kidemonas and Curatrix are protectors by nature. (Especially as their names literally mean Guardian and Protector).

If it is okay i will add it to Curatrix and use whatever version you finalize. (Kidemonas needs to buy up agility before hand.)

I think a successful Agility or Notice roll is reasonable, and we can leave out the cost of a benny. I just don't like the idea of awarding bennies for taking wounds. Maybe I'm looking at it wrong.
In the interest of expedience, go ahead and add it to his sheet. It fits the concept and purpose of Curatrix. We will find a version that works for me and you.
Not to get too far into the weeds, but if a sniper is taking a shot at Gill from 40+" away, does it make sense to make it a successful Notice roll instead of Agility? The bodyguard has to see the attack coming in order to make the dive. Should it be Notice altogether, ignoring Agility? Both?

That sounds like a Surprise attack so notice -4 or if the target has Danger sense Notice -2. (I do plan on giving it Danger Sense)


PS: Thank you

[High Command]

Notice fits the bodyguard trope. Reaction time is implicit to the agility requirement.

[Pender Lumkiss]

BodyGaurd:
Welcome to Rifts Earth where everthing is out to get everyone else. Really only the dedicated or insane sign up to protect those that cannot protect themselves. But the good thing is you do it better than anyone else.
Requirments: Agility d8, Vigor d8, Notice d6, Alertness, novice,
You can dedicate a 2” radius to be your protective zone, any attacks that occur with in that area against allies or civilians go against you. Sadly you have not figured out how to completely protect against area attacks although your presence gives those in the area your radius in armor vs area effect attacks.
You may spend a benny to soak normally if so desired.

Agile Body Gaurd:
Requirments: D10 Agility, D8 Notice, Body Gaurd, Seasoned
Wow, you can seemingly be anywhere at anytime. Increase your protective radius to 5”.

The Legendary BodyGaurd:
Requirments: D12 Vigor, Legendary
You have not survived this long without knowing who to gaurd and how to best gaurd them. Your services require top dollar and you are a true body gaurd that cannot be stopped.
Everytime you successfully soak all the wounds from an attack you gain the benny back you spent on soaking in the first place.

[Tribe of One]

I’d allow either the IZ 2.0 version in the OP or the Slip Stream version Pender posted. They take different approaches to the concept but both appear balanced. I would not mix the two.

[Snake Eyes]

BodyGaurd:
Welcome to Rifts Earth where everthing is out to get everyone else. Really only the dedicated or insane sign up to protect those that cannot protect themselves. But the good thing is you do it better than anyone else.
Requirments: Agility d8, Vigor d8, Notice d6, Alertness, novice,
You can dedicate a 2” radius to be your protective zone, any attacks that occur with in that area against allies or civilians go against you. Sadly you have not figured out how to completely protect against area attacks although your presence gives those in the area your radius in armor vs area effect attacks.
You may spend a benny to soak normally if so desired.

Agile Body Gaurd:
Requirments: D10 Agility, D8 Notice, Body Gaurd, Seasoned
Wow, you can seemingly be anywhere at anytime. Increase your protective radius to 5”.

The Legendary BodyGaurd:
Requirments: D12 Vigor, Legendary
You have not survived this long without knowing who to gaurd and how to best gaurd them. Your services require top dollar and you are a true body gaurd that cannot be stopped.
Everytime you successfully soak all the wounds from an attack you gain the benny back you spent on soaking in the first place.

I actually like the increased requirements of the base Bodyguard. Alertness or Danger Sense makes sense. The original Fighting requirement is superfluous, and can be chopped. I can be persuaded on the 2" range, but I'd still prefer to leave it closer to one guarded target rather than everyone in that range. I'd still like to see an active Notice / Agility roll to successfully intervene. Just because you see the threat coming doesn't mean you can get there in time.

[Pender Lumkiss]

BodyGaurd:
Welcome to Rifts Earth where everthing is out to get everyone else. Really only the dedicated or insane sign up to protect those that cannot protect themselves. But the good thing is you do it better than anyone else.
Requirments: Agility d8, Vigor d8, Notice d6, Alertness, novice,
You can dedicate a 2” radius to be your protective zone, any attacks that occur with in that area against allies or civilians go against you. Sadly you have not figured out how to completely protect against area attacks although your presence gives those in the area your radius in armor vs area effect attacks.
You may spend a benny to soak normally if so desired.

Agile Body Gaurd:
Requirments: D10 Agility, D8 Notice, Body Gaurd, Seasoned
Wow, you can seemingly be anywhere at anytime. Increase your protective radius to 5”.

The Legendary BodyGaurd:
Requirments: D12 Vigor, Legendary
You have not survived this long without knowing who to gaurd and how to best gaurd them. Your services require top dollar and you are a true body gaurd that cannot be stopped.
Everytime you successfully soak all the wounds from an attack you gain the benny back you spent on soaking in the first place.

I actually like the increased requirements of the base Bodyguard. Alertness or Danger Sense makes sense. The original Fighting requirement is superfluous, and can be chopped. I can be persuaded on the 2" range, but I'd still prefer to leave it closer to one guarded target rather than everyone in that range. I'd still like to see an active Notice / Agility roll to successfully intervene. Just because you see the threat coming doesn't mean you can get there in time.

Maybe make it opposed rolls?

[Freemage]

Lots of thoughts. Many of these came up when I was working on stuff, so I've been editing it for a bit, now. And of course, a monster post happened during that time. *Sigh*


I think it should be Agility to intercept attacks 'that you are aware of'. So that addresses the sniper in the weeds situation in the first place, because the Bodyguard should've already gotten a Notice roll to spot him (with all the usual modifiers, including the +2 from this Edge). If he succeeded in that, then he can make the Agility roll to intercept; if not, then the attacker gets the shot in. This is WHY people use snipers to go after protected targets.
I disagree with Vigor being needed, but have no issue with it requiring Alertness. Fighting as a stand-in for your ability to move in combat still makes sense to me.
Also, I added a bit in below about grenades, because that's a thing anyway.
The Edge should be 'typed'--I'd say as a Professional Edge, by the way it's structured.
Using the Edge should cancel the benefit of Uncanny Reflexes for the Bodyguard, since those work the exact opposite way as this does. Deflection and similar effects are still valid, though.
While I am fine with the idea of 'switching' charges as a free action, I think you do need a declared charge who is the person you're protecting at that time. Conceptually, you just can't be watching in 8 directions at once and be ready to jump in on all of them as needed.
Finally, the one posted above is a bit strange in how it allows for a multi-action if you haven't gone yet, but not if you have. I think that discrepancy should be eliminated, frankly--the Edge uses an action for the round. I'm putting in an option for the character to suffer a MAP, but it also affects the Agility roll for this action.

Bodyguard (Professional Edge)
Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+, Fighting d8+, Notice d6+
Whether an oath-sworn defender of a single person (be they a king or just a beloved relative) or a professional bodyguard hired for a gig, the character has trained in the art of intercepting attacks against their charge. This means they not only have to be aware of any potential dangers, but must be able to act quickly and effectively to prevent any harm from coming to their charge.
A character with this Edge gains a +2 bonus to Notice checks made to detect potential ambushes or similar dangers.
Additionally, the character may designate one other character present and adjacent to themselves as their charge when they are first dealt in on initiative (or first go on Hold due to Danger Sense or the like). The character may use their action for the round to make an Agility roll to swap positions with their charge in the case of any attack (Fighting, Shooting or Throwing) they are aware of against their charge. Alternately, they can use this to gain +2 to any attempt to intercept and re-throw a grenade that would catch their charge in the area of effect. (See SWD Page 51.)
All attacks are then resolved normally as if the Bodyguard were the intended target (using his Parry and any appropriate modifiers, but Uncanny Reflexes do NOT apply to the Bodyguard's defense), and they suffer the effect of any successful attacks. This can be done at any time, regardless of the bodyguard’s Initiative.
Using this Edge to intercept an attack is an action. If the Bodyguard wishes to retain the right to use this option later in the round, they must accept a MAP on any other actions they take on their card, and the Agility roll suffers the MAP as well. Likewise, if they use this Edge before their initiative card comes up, they must declare then how severe a MAP they wish to accept for all actions that turn--even if, when their card comes up, they wind up not wishing to take that many actions after all, they still suffer the full MAP on all actions.

[Snake Eyes]

Lots of thoughts. Many of these came up when I was working on stuff, so I've been editing it for a bit, now. And of course, a monster post happened during that time. *Sigh*


I think it should be Agility to intercept attacks 'that you are aware of'. So that addresses the sniper in the weeds situation in the first place, because the Bodyguard should've already gotten a Notice roll to spot him (with all the usual modifiers, including the +2 from this Edge). If he succeeded in that, then he can make the Agility roll to intercept; if not, then the attacker gets the shot in. This is WHY people use snipers to go after protected targets.
I disagree with Vigor being needed, but have no issue with it requiring Alertness. Fighting as a stand-in for your ability to move in combat still makes sense to me.
Also, I added a bit in below about grenades, because that's a thing anyway.
The Edge should be 'typed'--I'd say as a Professional Edge, by the way it's structured.
Using the Edge should cancel the benefit of Uncanny Reflexes for the Bodyguard, since those work the exact opposite way as this does. Deflection and similar effects are still valid, though.
While I am fine with the idea of 'switching' charges as a free action, I think you do need a declared charge who is the person you're protecting at that time. Conceptually, you just can't be watching in 8 directions at once and be ready to jump in on all of them as needed.
Finally, the one posted above is a bit strange in how it allows for a multi-action if you haven't gone yet, but not if you have. I think that discrepancy should be eliminated, frankly--the Edge uses an action for the round. I'm putting in an option for the character to suffer a MAP, but it also affects the Agility roll for this action.

Bodyguard (Professional Edge)
Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+, Fighting d8+, Notice d6+
Whether an oath-sworn defender of a single person (be they a king or just a beloved relative) or a professional bodyguard hired for a gig, the character has trained in the art of intercepting attacks against their charge. This means they not only have to be aware of any potential dangers, but must be able to act quickly and effectively to prevent any harm from coming to their charge.
A character with this Edge gains a +2 bonus to Notice checks made to detect potential ambushes or similar dangers.
Additionally, the character may designate one other character present and adjacent to themselves as their charge when they are first dealt in on initiative (or first go on Hold due to Danger Sense or the like). The character may use their action for the round to make an Agility roll to swap positions with their charge in the case of any attack (Fighting, Shooting or Throwing) they are aware of against their charge. Alternately, they can use this to gain +2 to any attempt to intercept and re-throw a grenade that would catch their charge in the area of effect. (See SWD Page 51.)
All attacks are then resolved normally as if the Bodyguard were the intended target (using his Parry and any appropriate modifiers, but Uncanny Reflexes do NOT apply to the Bodyguard's defense), and they suffer the effect of any successful attacks. This can be done at any time, regardless of the bodyguard’s Initiative.
Using this Edge to intercept an attack is an action. If the Bodyguard wishes to retain the right to use this option later in the round, they must accept a MAP on any other actions they take on their card, and the Agility roll suffers the MAP as well. Likewise, if they use this Edge before their initiative card comes up, they must declare then how severe a MAP they wish to accept for all actions that turn--even if, when their card comes up, they wind up not wishing to take that many actions after all, they still suffer the full MAP on all actions.

Though I worded it poorly, your last paragraph about MAPs is what I was trying to get across. You phrased it MUCH better than I did.
Declaring a charge / switching a charge makes sense. That's why I wasn't in favor of all attacks in a 2" or greater range automatically targeting the Bodyguard instead. Free action to switch is fine by me.
I think this looks pretty good and I'd approve it for use in my game. Only thing I'd even think about adding is the Alertness edge as a requirement.