Pulp Alley: How harmless is "harmless"?

[WuZhuiQiu]

Obviously, "harmless" characters should not be able to shoot or brawl. Likewise, it would make sense for them not to be able to use burst attacks.

However, may they use other techniques or abilities, e.g. as a representation of invoking their deity or deities, of a gentle judo throw, or of messing with their opponents' minds?

Are there any not directly harmful abilities which they may still use against their opponents?

[FramFramson]

Really it'll come down to however you want to write the character. If you can justify it, and the game rules allow it, hey go for it.

[Wolf Girl]

... Are there any not directly harmful abilities which they may still use against their opponents?

Yes, plenty. The limitation for Harmless is very specific but there are other options that do not count as an "attack" and can still directly effect the enemy. Check out Swarm, Shock, Dread Gaze, Paralyzer, Cursed Presence, and Mindblast for starters.


HAVE FUN

[WuZhuiQiu]

Ooh! Cool! Thanks again, Wolf Girl!

Planning a relatively non-violent league...

[dinohunterpoa]

Planning a relatively non-violent league...

 

[d phipps]

It is definitely a viable league concept, but not always the easiest one.

With a normal league - hopefully you can blunt some of the opponent's offense by thinning out there numbers a bit. Of course, they are doing the same thing to you.

With a mostly defensive league, your opportunities to reduce an opponent's attacks are minimized. So, they will continue to throw everything they can at you over-and-over - without any fear of reprisal. And attrition will eventually take its toll.

Unlike most miniatures games, which still use the old I-go-then-you-go format, one of the best ways to discourage an opponent from shooting at you is your ability to shoot back. 

I'm not trying to dissuade you. It is a fun league to play, but it takes a bit of "figuring out". 

[Wolf Girl]

I think Harmless is a good way to represent small Allies and Followers like pets, kids and little robots. But we have also used it on Leaders and Sidekicks. It is fun to try different stuff. 

[ragsthetiger]

I think Harmless is a good way to represent small Allies and Followers like pets, kids and little robots...

Lillie Poots' 3d6 Cunning makes her a nifty little Child Inventor.  She can equip herself with a Gadget X, a Sonic Screwdriver, or something similar most every scenario.
 
rags