Watcher Spirits, how good are they really?, On watcher skills and perception. Options

[Tias]

Something I'm unable to work out: How well do watcher spirits "watch"? Can they see people approaching in realspace? (I'm ruling yes, since all life is visible on the astral to the astrally perceiving). More importantly, how far does their vision extend, and how well do they see through obstructions, magical and non-magical?

I'm thinking if they're force 1, so INT 1 and no Perception, they must be nearly blind unless something living brushes by them? Or what?

[Medicineman]

in SR4A they really suck at what they're supposed to do
They have INT1 , a Perception skill of 1 and with even one "1" they glitch.
As a Houserule we gave Watcher a "watch Specialisation" so they had 4 Dice. not very much better, but not a complicated Houserule

with a small but simple Dance
Medicineman

[Tias]

in SR4A they really suck at what they're supposed to do
They have INT1 , a Perception skill of 1 and with even one "1" they glitch.
As a Houserule we gave Watcher a "watch Specialisation" so they had 4 Dice. not very much better, but not a complicated Houserule

with a small but simple Dance
Medicineman

Yeah, agreed. I do something similar (give them Perception 1 (S: Astral) Usually.)

It's probably for the best, watchers shouldn't be extremely observant sentries, you need bound spirits of greater force for that.

E: and thanks, you've always been a solid contributor when I've had problems! The medicineman, indeed (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[KCKitsune]

E: and thanks, you've always been a solid contributor when I've had problems! The medicineman, indeed (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

*Said in old Asian man's tone of voice* Always pay heed to your elders. They have great wisdom.

[Sephiroth]

Remember that watching usually implies conscious observing, which means that they should get the Observe in Detail +3 perception modifier in most circumstances. That gives them 5 dice, which is at least a little better than 2.

[Mantis]

The other trick is to give them the teamwork bonus for NPC mooks where they get a +1 to the test per watcher after the first, up to a maximum of +5. You only make a single test for the group though. So a group of 4 watchers would get a +3 bonus to the test but you make a single test for all 4 of them. Combine it with specialized watchers like Medicineman uses ( we use that rule too) and the Observe in Detail bonus Sephiroth mentions and you get a decent pool for a group of watchers.

[Tias]

Thanks, this is good stuff!

Remember that watching usually implies conscious observing, which means that they should get the Observe in Detail +3 perception modifier in most circumstances. That gives them 5 dice, which is at least a little better than 2.

Isn't this only applied if you observe a small, specific object or situation in detail?

[Tymeaus Jalynsfe...]

Thanks, this is good stuff!



Isn't this only applied if you observe a small, specific object or situation in detail?

Applied if searching for something specific. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Tias]

Applied if searching for something specific. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

That's what I thought. Watchers are pretty great if you send them to track down a specific targets location, but as sentries they're poor. I dig the special rules and acting in concert, makes them the decent replacement for a bound guardian spirit they were probably intended to be.

[Tymeaus Jalynsfe...]

That's what I thought. Watchers are pretty great if you send them to track down a specific targets location, but as sentries they're poor. I dig the special rules and acting in concert, makes them the decent replacement for a bound guardian spirit they were probably intended to be.

"Intruders" is something specific... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Tias]

"Intruders" is something specific... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Oh okay. I thought it had to be a lot narrower.

Well, that settles it, there are a variety of good rules I can use here. Thanks everybody! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cyber.gif)