[Traveller 2e] Psionics and range band confusion

[Gruffty the Hiver]

I am confused about which range band table in the 2e core rulebook I should use for psionic abilities.

The following paragraph is on page 197 (print)/198 (PDF) of the 2e core rulebook:

Most abilities can be used at a distance and have a Reach characteristic. This is the distance (using the Range Bands on page 73) at which the ability can normally be used.

There is a Psionic Range Bands table at the top of the right hand column of page 197/198, but this is not referenced anywhere in the Psionics chapter.

Page 73/74 is in the combat chapter of the 2e CRB and the right hand column of that page describes Short, Long and Extreme ranges for weapons only - there's nothing about range bands.

There is an encounters range band table on page 79/80 but this does not fit with the weapon ranges on page 73/74 or with the Psionic Range Bands table on page 197/80.

I obviously can't use the weapon ranges described on page 73/74 for psionic talents, so should I be using the encounter ranges shown on page 79/80, or the Psionic Range Bands table on page 197/198?

[MonkeyX]

Our Psi character uses the one in the psionics section (197).

[ShawnDriscoll]

Good catch, finding that page 73 reference bug. Each type of encounter has its own Range Band chart (with different scales). The chart on 73 is not even a Range Band chart. Just an example of weapon ranges.

[SSWarlock]

And my PDFs have now been updated with this errata. Good catch indeed.

[Gruffty the Hiver]

So no official reply from Mongoose on this issue, then?

I still don't know whether to use the encounter range band distances or the psionic range band distances - which do I use?

[ShawnDriscoll]

So no official reply from Mongoose on this issue, then?

I still don't know whether to use the encounter range band distances or the psionic range band distances - which do I use?

I would use the one shown on the same page, if I was planning to use any psionic abilities.

[MongooseMatt]

Psionic abilities indeed use the psionic range bands.

[Gruffty the Hiver]

Psionic abilities indeed use the psionic range bands.

Thanks for that Matt.

Whilst we're on the subject of psionics, in MGT 1e the damage from a psionic Assault is applied as follows:

Unlike normal damage, assault damage is applied to Psionic Strength (if the victim has it), then Intelligence, then Endurance.

However, in MGT 2e it is unclear as to how damage from a psionic Assault is applied:

An unshielded mind, when assaulted telepathically, is rendered unconscious immediately, and the Traveller suffers Effect x 3 damage.

There's no follow up text describing how or where to apply that damage, so how should we do this?

[Gruffty the Hiver]

Psionic abilities indeed use the psionic range bands.

Thanks for that Matt.

Whilst we're on the subject of psionics, in MGT 1e the damage from a psionic Assault is applied as follows:

Unlike normal damage, assault damage is applied to Psionic Strength (if the victim has it), then Intelligence, then Endurance.

However, in MGT 2e it is unclear as to how damage from a psionic Assault is applied:

An unshielded mind, when assaulted telepathically, is rendered unconscious immediately, and the Traveller suffers Effect x 3 damage.

There's no follow up text describing how or where to apply that damage, so how should we do this?

Any thoughts on this, anyone?

[Gruffty the Hiver]

Psionic abilities indeed use the psionic range bands.

Thanks for that Matt.

Whilst we're on the subject of psionics, in MGT 1e the damage from a psionic Assault is applied as follows:

Unlike normal damage, assault damage is applied to Psionic Strength (if the victim has it), then Intelligence, then Endurance.

However, in MGT 2e it is unclear as to how damage from a psionic Assault is applied:

An unshielded mind, when assaulted telepathically, is rendered unconscious immediately, and the Traveller suffers Effect x 3 damage.

There's no follow up text describing how or where to apply that damage, so how should we do this?

Any thoughts on this, anyone?

How do I apply the Effect x 3 damage from a psionic assault? Should I apply it to the victim's Psionic Strength (if they have it), then Intelligence, then Endurance, as per page 154 of the first edition core rulebook? It would be good to get an official answer on this, as the 2e core rulebook is unclear.

[AnotherDilbert]

Since it only says take damage as normal, I would apply it as normal damage; against physical characteristics.

[Gruffty the Hiver]

If either STR or DEX are reduced to 0, the Traveller becomes unconscious and any further damage is deducted from the remaining physical characteristic.

So does that mean that a psionic assault always does enough damage to reduce a character's Strength or Dexterity to 0?

Matt: can we get some clarity on this, please?

[AnotherDilbert]

Despite the confusing wording I would interpret it this way:

• An unshielded mind, when assaulted telepathically, is rendered unconscious immediately, and the Traveller suffers Effect x 3 damage [= normal damage?].
• Against a shielded mind,
  1. an instant duel ensues. the two telepaths make opposed Telepathy checks.
     
  2. If the attacker wins, the victim suffers damage as normal [Effect × 3?].

So, I assume the damage is always Effect × 3, lacking other information.
A non-telepath is also knocked unconscious (unrelated to damage).
Damage is assigned as usual, to physical characteristics, lacking other information.

Damage = Effect × 3 does not seem unreasonable, for a high cost power.

[ShawnDriscoll]

If either STR or DEX are reduced to 0, the Traveller becomes unconscious and any further damage is deducted from the remaining physical characteristic.

So does that mean that a psionic assault always does enough damage to reduce a character's Strength or Dexterity to 0?

Damage to who? The giver or the receiver of the psionic assault?

[Gruffty the Hiver]

The victim of the psionic assault.

[ShawnDriscoll]

So does that mean that a psionic assault always does enough damage to reduce a character's Strength or Dexterity to 0?

Only if the Traveller suffering Effect x 3 damage brings their Characteristic down to 0.

[Gruffty the Hiver]

OK so now I'm even more confused by this.

[AnotherDilbert]

There is no need to damage the character to make him unconscious, it can happen in other ways, like Assault.

Assault does exactly what is says: Deals Effect × 3 damage, and knocks unshielded minds unconscious (regardless of damage), I assume.

[Gruffty the Hiver]

There is no need to damage the character to make him unconscious, it can happen in other ways, like Assault.

Assault does exactly what is says: Deals Effect × 3 damage, and knocks unshielded minds unconscious (regardless of damage), I assume.

But where does that damage get applied? The core rulebook doesn't say.

[AnotherDilbert]

It just says "Damage".

Taking Damage is defined on p74.