Re: Psionic Helm

In our last episode, Chip Marshall said:
>I have worked out the following description for a Psionic Helm, please
>tell me what you think of it.

[Snip]

>However, the psionic helms have a few special properties. A psionist may
>channel powers through the helm to effect the ship, however not all powers
>will apply to the ship, but may effect the crew. Powers such as Flesh Armor
>will effect the hull strength, but powers such that effect ability scores
>have an effect on the crew (it is up to the DM to determine what the power
>will do.) Channeled powers require much power to operate, usually the
>standard PSP cost plus 1 PSP per ship ton or member of crew, depending on
>what the power effects.

	I havn't used Psionics in a while, but isn't that cost a bit cheap?
Only *1* additional PSP/unit?  It has been a while and my sense of game
balance with psionics may be a bit off, so it may just be my view of
things.  The general idea of using powers on a whole ship is great!
I would suggest that you (or the GM) limit the possible ability that
can be used this way.

>The psionic helm uses a different cost base than standard helm. Costing 1
>PSP per ship ton (ST) per moverment point (MR) per hour or combat round.
>This works out to MR x ST x time = PSP cost. Combat rounds cost the same as
>Spelljamming hours because on the whole combat requires a lot more
>consentration and thought than traveling in straight lines through space.

	By MR I assume you mean SR (Ship Rating)?  Is their any limit on the
SR that can be attained this way?  Can a 1st level psi use SR 3?  Or SR 8 if
he has the PSPs?

>Because of the large amounts of mental energy involved in both the creation
>and use of these helms, many of these helms (50%) become intelligent and
>bond with thier users. These helms maintain a constant and unbreakable
>mental link with thier helmsman and can follow commands from a distance.
>They will also reject anyone other than the currently bonded psionist from
>operating the helm. Also, most of these helms (80%) store a PSP pool
>(usually 250, but can be up to 500) in the helm, allowing them to assist
>the psionist in defensive actions, and recharge at a rate of 1 PSP per
>hour.

	Which user do they bond with?  The creator?  What happens if the
pilot dies?  Can the helm bond with anybody else?

-Static

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