Independent

Applied to a sustained FX, this modifier makes its duration independent of the user and based instead on the number of character points in the FX. The FX occurs normally and then fades at a rate of 1 rank of effectiveness per round until it is gone. While it lasts, it requires no attention or maintenance from the user, like a continuous duration FX, although it can still be countered or nullified (also like a continuous FX). This is like a combination of the Extended Duration (continuous) and Fades modifiers. An Independent Alternate FX continues to function even when the Array is switched to a different configuration. If an effect is not sustained, modify its duration before applying this modifier.
Independent is useful for FX like Create Objects (for objects that fade or melt away), Environmental Control (for changes to the environment that slowly return to normal), or Obscure (for obscured areas that slowly shrink and disappear, like the FX of a smoke or gas grenade). The Slow Fade FX feat can modify the rate at which the Independent FX fades, and the Total Fade modifier can keep it at full strength until its duration runs out, although the GM should approve any increases in the fade duration as best suits the FX and the game.
==Power Level Cap==
An Independent attack is extremely powerful, able to potentially cripple an enemy with an endless cascade of ill-effects. Even at the high cost most Independent attack FX would cost, the attacks would be extremely powerful:
* Default: Even without any other modifiers, the Independent extra on an attack counts as 1 rank towards the attack's effect modifier.
* Slow Fade: When benefiting from the Slow Fade FX feat, Independent Attacks are even more devastating. This counts as 2 ranks towards the attack's effect modifier instead of 1.
* Total Fade: When benefiting from the Total Fade Extra, Independent Attacks are even more devastating. This counts as 2 ranks towards the attacks effect modifier instead of 1.
Category:Rulebook
Category:Characters
Category:FX
Category:Extras