D20 Modern (Future) Neural Scrambler

[Kylas]

I have a rules question about how this item actually works. Does it need some sort of touch attack or does the victim need to be subdued as much as normal handcuffs would require.

Quote from D20MSRD

Neural Scrambler: The neural scrambler is a restraint device used by many law enforcement agencies in the place of physical restraints such as handcuffs. The neural scrambler consists of a six-pronged device that, when placed over the head, interrupts brainwave activity. A character wearing a neural scrambler may not take any actions whatsoever, though she moves her normal speed under the command of another individual. When the neural scrambler is removed, the character has no knowledge of events that took place while she was restrained.


In my specific situation A fellow player in my group (human) was able to successfully walk up behind me and place the the device on my character's (Weren) head. The DM didn't make him roll and didn't give me any reaction. His excuse was that I'm flat footed because he is my friend and i'm not expecting it. Also he walked up behind me (we play with minor facing rules but not really).

Also for those of you that don't know a Weren is a 6.5-8ft tall humanoid, Type: Giant, Size: Large -1AC/Att, Space: 5ft/5ft , Reach 10ft (not a typo).
Not to mention they actually have to wear specially sized armor fitted for them.

d20 Future Excerpt

I tried explaining all of this to my DM but he wouldn't listen. I didn't want to waste time arguing with my Dm but I just felt the situation was ridiculous. Is there any precedent for how to adjudicate using this item being used. If not it seems pretty powerful and i will have to buy one myself.

 

[ValhallaGH]

I have a rules question about how this item actually works. Does it need some sort of touch attack or does the victim need to be subdued as much as normal handcuffs would require.

Unless the GM says otherwise, Yes.
Of course, he already said that no roll is required if the target is flat-footed, so get some and use them on all his baddies. You'll have one of the best "I Win!" buttons to enter a d20 Future campaign, until he freaks out and ends the campaign.

Unfortunately, your fellow player has made your character his property until he decides to set you free. So you'll have to wait for that to happen before you can really unleash.

Good luck.

P.S. I, and any character I run, would probably kill someone who did that to me. If they had been a dear friend, I would restrain them, interrogate them to learn why, and then I might kill them depending upon the answer. "But he's your friend!" "If he were my friend then he wouldn't have raped my brain. Only enemies engage in mind rape."

 

[Kylas]

P.S. I, and any character I run, would probably kill someone who did that to me. If they had been a dear friend, I would restrain them, interrogate them to learn why, and then I might kill them depending upon the answer. "But he's your friend!" "If he were my friend then he wouldn't have raped my brain. Only enemies engage in mind rape."

Lol, alas I've been trying to prevent my character from being gamebreakingly powerful. I specifically built a melee powerhouse in a game where the average firearm does great sword damage (if your familiar with dnd weapons.)

Apparently the fact that I'm taller than the guy, my head is wider than avg humanoid, I have a 10ft, and the guy was not sneaking, precludes me fromany kind of reaction *sigh*

Disreagarding my paticular campaign how would you run the use of such a powerful item?

 

[ValhallaGH]

Me? I'd treat it like handcuffs. You can place it on any willing, pinned, or helpless target, assuming that the device can be adjusted to conform to it's head (GM call, assume it will fit any standard PC race).
I'd also allow a Will save to remain unaffected (DC 25, or higher, maybe 40 if I wanted it to be "impossible"), but require a new save every round the device is on the head. Failure results in the described effects and lasts until the device is removed. Characters can spend Action Points (or whatever plot-control your game has) for a new save to temporarily throw off the effect.

It's good but it isn't and shouldn't be an "I win!" button. It's for prisoner transport and plot appropriate 'blackouts', not so one PC can be a jerk to another PC.


P.S. You don't have to be "gamebreakingly powerful" to kill another PC (or person). Just wait until the little is asleep and slit his throat / stab his brain / vent his cabin to hard vacuum / put white phosphorus on his sheets / whatever form of coup de grace you prefer. A little bit of planning and you can kill anyone, especially if he thinks that you're his friend. Some more planning and you can (not will, just can) get away with it.