EXAM System (Revised)

[Ransac]

EXAM Newtype Simulation Control System
A system that gave normal pilots the ability to mimic the power of Newtypes. Little is known about the mechanics of the system. The system is extremely unstable and hard to control, to the point that the system - and the mobile suit - will sometimes go berserk. While under the influence of the EXAM System, the mobile suit's optical sensors will glow red.

System Bonuses: All modifiers and critical range are +1.
System Effects: Every 3 turns the pilot must make a Wisdom save (DC12). If the pilot fails they are considered incapacitated, the MS goes berserk, and control is handed over to the DM. While berserking, the MS will attack both friend and foe. The rampage continues until either battle ends or the system is disabled.

Weakness: EXAM System is disabled upon destruction of head unit.

Note: This system is disabled in the Arena.

[Deleted]

Doesn't this just make it a weaker Focused Mind? Why not have there be big buffs for the chance to literally turn berserk? Make all modifiers +3 and then up the ante on the EXAM Berserk roll, and then I think this would be great! As is, it's kind of lame for a system everyone is so afraid of.

[Ransac]

It's the same bonus as Focused Mind, and they can stack. With this version, you get a free Focused Mind at the risk of losing control of your character/MS for the duration of battle. That's why the DC is so low. This bonus is pretty much exactly the same as the original draft for the EXAM System, but simplified in description.

The only thing that should be +3 to everything would be the Trans-Am System, and that has a severe downside to it.

And we're not afraid of it so much as as fully aware of a certain someone's ill-advised plans for EXAM (and constant death threats by proxy of it) and tired of hearing it.

[Kagimizu]

The pilot being incapacitated until the system or suit itself are disabled is pretty steep for failing a single save; reminiscent of "save or die" spells in tabletop which are... questionable. Give them a chance to retake control, and maybe as a midway point consider a +2 to modifiers instead. Because unlike Focused Mind and the like, there are serious risks to using this system. So mechanically, those risks need to be worthwhile.

[Ransac]

EXAM Newtype Simulation Control System
A system that gave normal pilots the ability to mimic the power of Newtypes. Little is known about the mechanics of the system. The system is extremely unstable and hard to control, to the point that the system - and the mobile suit - will sometimes go berserk. While under the influence of the EXAM System, the mobile suit's optical sensors will glow red.

System Bonuses: All MS/MA modifiers are +2 and critical range is +1.
System Effects: Every 3 rounds of combat the pilot must make a Wisdom save (DC12). If the pilot fails they are considered incapacitated, the MS goes berserk, and control is handed over to the DM. While berserking, the MS will attack both friend and foe. After two rounds, the pilot may attempt to regain control with a Wisdom check. The roll must be 14 or higher to succeed. Each attempt will be performed by the DM at the start of each round.

Weakness: EXAM System is disabled upon destruction of head unit.

Note: This system is disabled in the Arena.

[Kagimizu]

Clarify that it's suit modifiers rather than leaving it ambiguous (lest people think it applies to suit and pilot), and I'm good with this.

[Ransac]

EXAM Newtype Simulation Control System
A system that gave normal pilots the ability to mimic the power of Newtypes. Little is known about the mechanics of the system. The system is extremely unstable and hard to control, to the point that the system - and the mobile suit - will sometimes go berserk. While under the influence of the EXAM System, the mobile suit's optical sensors will glow red.

System Bonuses: All mobile suit modifiers are +2 and critical range is +1.
System Effects: Every 3 rounds of combat the pilot must make a Wisdom save (DC12). If the pilot fails they are considered incapacitated, the MS goes berserk, and control is handed over to the DM. While berserking, the MS will attack both friend and foe. After two rounds, the pilot may attempt to regain control with a Wisdom check. The roll must be 14 or higher to succeed. Each attempt will be performed by the DM at the start of each round.

Weakness: EXAM System is disabled upon destruction of head unit.

Note: This system is disabled in the Arena.

[Ransac]

Thanks to new information, going for a slightly different approach to EXAM.

• EXAM Newtype Simulation Control System
  System Type: Active (Special)
  A system that gave normal pilots the ability to mimic the power of Newtypes. Little is known about the mechanics of the system. The system is extremely unstable and hard to control, to the point that the system - and the mobile suit - will sometimes go berserk. While under the influence of the EXAM System, the mobile suit's optical sensors will glow red.
  
  System Bonuses: All MS/MA modifiers are +2 and critical range is +1.
  
  Activation: One standard or swift action. Remains active until end of battle.
  
  Automatic Activation: When the suit is at 35% durability, the EXAM System automatically engages and goes berserk. The MS will attack both friend and foe alike, though prioritizing those who actively threaten it. Other EXAM machines will receive absolute priority by the system. Control of the MS is passed over to the DM and the pilot is considered incapacitated, though their pilot bonuses still apply. If EXAM is already active when the MS reaches 35% durability, the system still goes berserk.
  
  Weakness: EXAM System is disabled upon destruction of head unit.
  
  Note: This system is disabled in the Arena.