Limitations
Limitations are a functional complement to super powers. Whether related to the character's powers or the consequence of living a hero's life, a character's limitations affect their choices, actions, and priorities.
In general, the limitations listed here are repeatable and may be assigned more than once with different values. Players may assign as many limitations as they choose to a character, but the more limitations assigned, the more constrained the character's actions.
For each limitation chosen for a character, the character gains a number of additional refinement dice to allocate for abilities and skills. Limitations are composed of two components, each a rated value representing parameters of the effects of the limitation on the character's choices. Players should work with their GMs to determine appropriate values for each parameter. The number of refinement dice gained from a limitation is equal to the average of the two parameters, rounded up.
Some players will be tempted to assign a multitude of limitations in the hopes of gaining a large number of bonus refinement dice. GMs are encouraged to allow this, while reminding players that these limitations are not merely "on paper" but will impact their character. After all, some of the most powerful and famous comic book hero characters are encoumbered by several of these limitations.
See the section on Playing Limitations for more ideas.
Code
You live and fight by a code. Whether it's “no killing” or “leave no enemy alive,” it makes perfect sense to you.
When choosing this limitation, specify the code, and a Rated Value for each of the following parameters.
| Constraint | A subjective measure of the degree to which your code constrains your actions |
| Compulsion | A subjective measure of the degree to which you are compelled to adhere to the code |
Suggested Origin Stories- Childhood Trauma
- Uncanny Object
Suggested Power Profiles- Any
Consumable Power
Your super powers require regular recharging or they fade.
When choosing this limitation, specify the mechanism required to recharge, and a Rated Value for each parameter.
| Interval Penalty | A concrete penalty to your super abilities for each interval they are not recharged |
| Interval | A relative rating representing the interval at which recharges are required, where 1 = once per week 2 = once per day 3 = once per 4 hours 4 = once per hour 5 = with each use |
- Suggested Origin Stories
- Accident
- Science Gone Awry
- Suggested Power Profiles
- Speedster
- Teleporter
- Were
Duality
You maintain a dual life, keeping your heroism and mundane life separate and your hero identity a secret. This is hard work, and frequently compromises either or both lives.
When choosing this limitation, specify a Rated Value for each of the following parameters.
| Inconvenience | A subjective measure of how inconvenient it is to your life and heroism to maintain the dual identity |
| Vulnerability | A relative measure of the degree to which your other life is vulnerable to exposure |
- Suggested Origin Stories
- Accident
- Natural Variation
- Secret Experiment
- Suggested Power Profiles
- Trickster
- Ubermensch
- Were
Extrinsic Power
Your powers are not an inherent part of your being, and are subject to loss or reduction. Perhaps your abilities stem from a magic helmet or a special outfit. Losing contact with the source of your power causes an immediate loss of ability.
When chosing this limitation, specify the source of your power, and a Rated Value for each parameter.
| Vulnerability | A subjective measure of the degree to which you are vulnerable to loss of power |
| Degree | A concrete penalty to your super abilities when your powers are lost |
- Suggested Origin Stories
- Secret Experiment
- Uncanny Object
Nemesis
Your heroics have earned you the enmity of a super-villain.
When choosing this limitation, work with the GM to determine who the nemesis is and how they fit into your origin story, then specify a Rated Value for each parameter. The GM will create your Nemesis character, or may ask you to create them.
| Frequency | A subjective measure how frequently your nemesis pops up |
| Threat | A measure of how powerful your nemesis is relative to you |
Physical Vulnerability
You have a specific physical vulnerability to some material, context, or environment that nullifies your powers.
When choosing this limitation, specify the specific vulnerability and its effects, and a Rated Value for each parameter.
| Impact | A concrete penalty to your super abilities when the vulnerability is in effect |
| Ubiquity | A subjective measure of how common it is for you to encounter the vulnerability |
- Suggested Origin Stories
- Accident
- Secret Experiment
- Suggested Power Profiles
- Psi
- Tank
- Ubermensch
Social Vulnerability
Even though you might be powerful, you have others in your life who are more vulnerable. It's important that you keep them safe from your foes.
This limitation is intended to model relationships with specific individuals. Players are encouraged to create character sheets for each object of social vulnerability for your GM's reference. When choosing this limitation, specify your relationships to individuals who comprise your social vulnerability, and a Rated Value for each parameter.
| Importance | A subjective measure of how important it is to you that the individuals are unharmed |
| Vulnerability | A subjective measure of how vulnerable the individuals are to harm |
- Suggested Origin Stories
- Accident
- Science Gone Awry
- Suggested Power Profiles
- Any
Target of Bigotry
Whether due to the nature of your powers, their origins, or the consequences of their use, you are subject to a degree of social bigotry when people learn of your abilities.
When choosing this limitation, specify the nature of the bigotry, and a Rated Value for each parameter.
| Normativity | A subjective measure of the degree to which the bigotry is socially sanctioned |
| Intensity | A subjective measure of the intensity of the bigotry, where 1 = verbal insults and 5 = violence |
- Suggested Origin Stories
- Natural Variation
- Science Gone Awry
Uncontrolled Ability
Your powers are not completely under your control. In times of innattention, emotional activation, or even randomly, your powers may manifest or activate on their own.
When choosing this limitation, specify both what powers are subject to loss of control, and under what conditions, and provide a Rated Value for each parameter.
| Difficulty | A concrete penalty applied to attempts to control or regain control over your powers |
| Consequence | A subjective measure of the consequences of loss of control |
- Suggested Origin Stories
- Accident
- Science Gone Awry