Spines

Cost: 1 (short) or 3 (long) points
Spines is a physical exotic Advantage that grants sharp spines, like those of a porcupine or echidna, located on strategic parts of the body. 
Any time a foe is close combat (that is, within your hex or "personal space"), you get a free hit against them at DX-4, once per turn, as a free action. Roll at +2 against foes who attacked you from behind. Those who grapple or slam you are hit immediately and automatically--and those who slam take maximum damage!
* Short Spines: 1d-2 damage
* Long Spines: 1d damage
== In Biology ==
Realistically, spines tend to be seen on prey species to discourage predation. This is often combined with curling up (to cover weak spots) and/or shuffling into the ground. That being said, monstrous creatures can often have spines to protect them from other, even bigger monsters, and with supernatural entities like demons, all bets are off!
== Artificial Spines ==
Spines often prevent a creature from being batted with paws, slammed, swallowed, or engulfed. While not useful against long melee weapons or ranged attacks, a layer of artificial spines (like spiked armor) can discourage a giant beast from swallowing you--in fact, it seems to be a recurring concept for fighting dragons.Low-Tech Companion 2, p.18 Likewise, they'll probably help punish anyone trying to tackle you.Pyramid 3/3: Venturing Into the Badlands: Post Apocalypse, p.5
Furthermore, the spines advantage can be used to model various horror creatures that have inexplicable spikes and bits on them, or even creatures that are simply made of sharp bits, such as the metal elemental Jagged Ones and Metal Lords.
== Variations ==
* Deadly Spines [17 points]. (+50%): Toxic Attack 3d-1 (Cyclic, 1 hour, 4 cycles, Resistible, +30%; Follow-Up, Spines, -50%; Onset, 1 minute, -10%; Resistible, HT-4, -10%; Symptoms, 2/3 HP, -3 ST, DX, IQ, and HT, +90%) [17]. Notes: Must accompany either Short Spines [1] or Long Spines [3]. Anyone injured by the spines must make a HT-4 roll after a minute and hourly for three hours. Each failure inflicts 3d-1 injury. Those who lose 2/3 HP or more have -3 to all attributes until healed. This attack is typical of puffer fish.Powers, p.144-145
* Irritating Spines [8 points] (-20%): Affliction 1 (HT; Attribute Penalty, -3 DX, +30%; Follow-Up, Spines, -50%) [8]. Notes: Only available with Short Spines [1] or Long Spines [3]. Anyone injured by the spines must make a HT roll or immediately suffer a terrible itching and burning sensation that gives -3 DX. This is typical of most spiny fish and sea urchins. Powers, p.145
== References ==
* Basic Set, p.88
Category:Advantages
Category:Exotic Traits
Category:Physical Traits