Discrete Voice Stress Analyzer (Alicia Forsythe Sig Item)

[Freemage]

This tool, disguised as a simple Translator, is actually also a capable voice-stress analysis machine that can, when activated, discretely signal the user that the person speaking is lying.

Base Item: Language Translator
Programmed with the most common languages spoken in North
America, this handheld device operates with a d12+2 skill for most translation work. It can
be set to operate via digital display or audio. Use the same process as for the cybernetic
Language Translator (see page 114) to teach the system new languages (1 lb, 9,600 credits)
Weird Science Upgrades:
Minor x2: 10 PPt internal Storage
Major: Mind Reading Power (Aspect Limitation: Can only be used to determine "lying/not lying", cannot work on telepathic communication or sign language); this Power uses Electronics as the Arcane Skill (x3 cost; +1 PPt cost negated by Aspect Limitation)
Major: Power Mastery (HJ Magic & Mysticism Table Result 12-13): When using Mind Reading Power, Successful Casting is automatically a Raise.
Cost: 9600 base, 10K Minor Upgrades, Mind reading w/ Electronics 120K, Power Mastery (Treat as Heroic Edge) 100K
Total: 240,000 Cr.


Notes: Once again, coming up with something strange. The Power Mastery benefit is one of those things that is almost underpowered here, but could be replicated on some other Power (say, Boost/Lower Trait) and be hideously broken. (The only effect of a Raise here is that the target is unaware that you're 'reading their mind'. So people can't tell that they're getting their voices analyzed while she's running the program.)

Edited to note it is activated with Electronics, rather than an Arcane Skill.

[Ndreare]

I really do not like setting the precedent of being able to get non gear hero's journey results with equipment.
I understand your reasoning but I think you risk opening the door

[Freemage]

I really do not like setting the precedent of being able to get non gear hero's journey results with equipment.
I understand your reasoning but I think you risk opening the door

And I totally get that. If it's a bridge too far, I'll try to come up with something else for her.

[Ndreare]

I really do not like setting the precedent of being able to get non gear hero's journey results with equipment.
I understand your reasoning but I think you risk opening the door

And I totally get that. If it's a bridge too far, I'll try to come up with something else for her.

It is a tough one.

Because in this situation it is not a unbalancing issue at all. I would even approve it as a one of a kind item, conditioned on not opening the gate.

But some powers such as Entangle, Havoc, and Puppet become significantly more powerful on a raise. And a design choice players have to deal with is selecting those few (normally a maximum of 2) powers that auto raise.


So to be as clear as possible,
I Approve this as a unique situation, but not as a precedence for any future items.

[Snake Eyes]

I concur with Rob. As it's a one-off / sig item, I'm inclined to approve, while reserving the right to reject a similar mod of a different power later. It fits the item, thematically.
Approved.

[Venatus Vinco]

I Approve this as a unique situation, but not as a precedence for any future items.

Agree. Approved.

VV

[Freemage]

I am such a special snowflake.....

[Venatus Vinco]

I am such a special snowflake.....

Agreed. Approved.

VV

[Ndreare]

I am such a special snowflake.....

I approve of this statement

[Tribe of One]

Approve

[Freemage]

And, because I'm not JUST a special snowflake, but also an idiot, I forgot to make it something she could actually use--an edit ties the Mind Reading Power to Electronics. (Oddly, this makes me worse at it than it would be otherwise, since I've already got a much higher Spirit than my Electronics skill. But rolling Spirit just doesn't make much sense to me for this.)

[Ndreare]

Still approved, with the same restriction as before

[Venatus Vinco]

Yep.

[Snake Eyes]

Ditto Ndreare. Approved.