TEXT: Heroes Unlimited Backgrounds Options
  The purpose of the backgrounds is to allow a player further develop his or her character beyond the traditional Palladium Books
  character generation rules through a system of Merits and Flaws.  Each character receives fifteen (15) points to purchase Merits and
  fifteen (15) points to purchase Flaws. The player need not spend all of the points and should not spend them for the sake of spending
  the points.
  Each background gives the character certain advantages and disadvantages. A player should have to explain why the character has
  each background. It should not be because the player thinks that the background is just plain cool. If the character takes a 15 point
  Special Equipment Merit, the player should explain why he has a 15 point merit, and it better be a good reason. The GM may use Debt
  and Wanted backgrounds to create more interesting and character-based adventures and campaigns. A character with the Dark Fate
  background could be the focus of an entire campaign. These background options are not meant to just make a character more
  powerful. The background options are meant to give a character more depth and personality.
  General Merits
  Acute Senses
  Cost: 2 points
  One of the character's senses is exceptional. This background provides the character with an acute sense of hearing, taste, smell,
  sight, or touch. Each acute sense must be purchased separately.
  Acute Senses:
  • 
  Acute sense of hearing. Bonuses: +2 to any perception check involving hearing and +1 to initiative. The character has the ability to
  distinguish and recognize individual sounds at a 20% +3% per level or experience.
  • 
  Acute sense of taste. Bonuses: The character has the ability to identify the contents of any substance by tasting it. The base skill
  for this ability is 25% +4% per level of experience. If the substance is poisonous then the character must make a saving throw
  verses poison. This ability provides a +10% to the cooking skill.
  • 
  Acute sense of smell. Bonuses: The character receives a +2 to all perception checks involving the sense of smell. Recognize
  odors: 30% +2% per level of experience. Recognize person by scent alone: 10% +2% per level of experience.
  • 
  Acute sense of sight. Bonuses: +2 to any perception check involving sight, +1 to initiative, +1 to strike on any long range attack.
  • 
  Acute sense of touch. Bonuses: +10% to any skill that involves a delicate touch such as mechanical skills and +1 to strike and
  parry.
  Note: A character with heightened sense powers cannot have the corresponding acute sense. So, a character with Heightened Sense
  of Hearing cannot have the Acute Hearing background
  Additional Super Ability
  Cost: 10 or 15 points
  The character is exceptional in the fact that the character possesses super abilities from Heroes Unlimited. The range of super
  powers the character possesses depends of the number of points spent. It is recommended the player select the Physical Mutation
  character Flaw.
  Super Ability:
  • 
  One minor super ability. Cost: 10 points.
  • 
  One major super ability. Cost: 15 points.
  Ally
  Cost: 5-10 points
  Allies are important to have. They are someone you could turn to when problems arrive. They can be of great use to a character
  providing emergency funds, information, equipment, or general support and help in times of need. If the ally is abused or taken
  advantage of then the ally will abandon the character. There is only so much that a friend can stand.
  An ally is considerably different from the contact background. An ally will go too much greater lengths and may even give his or her
  life for the character. The ally is not just a contact, but they are friends. The player should explain how the character gained such a
  dedicated friend. Allies do have lives of their own. Allies do not follow the character around waiting on them hand and foot. The more
  powerful the ally the busier they are. The ally is a friend who will help the character as much as any true friend would.
  Ally:
  • 
  Minor ally with very little power. Level is less than that of the character. Cost: 5 points.
  • 
  Minor ally with some power. Level is equal to or less than the character. Cost: 6 points.
  • 
  Major Ally with little power. The level of the ally is usually 1-2 levels above the character. Cost: 7 points.
  • 
  Major Ally with some power. The level of the ally is usually 2-4 levels above the character. Cost: 8 points.
  • 
  Ally with a large amount of power. The level of the ally is usually 3-5 levels above the character. Cost: 9 points.
  • 
  Very powerful ally. The ally is usually at least 9th level. Cost: 10 points.
  Ambidextrous
  Cost: 4 points
  The character with this background can use the right and left hands with equal skill and dexterity. Bonuses: Adds one additional
  action per melee round, +1 to parry, +5% to climbing, escape artist, pick locks, mechanical, and electrical repair skills.
  Brave
  Cost: 3, 5, or 8 points
  The character is exceptionally brave. The character is able to resist the effects of horror factor and fear.
  Brave:
  • 
  +3 to save verses horror factor. Cost: 3 points.
  
  • 
  +5 to save verses horror factor. Cost: 5 points.
  • 
  Immune to the effects of horror factor and fear including magical spells which cause fear. Cost: 8 points.
  Business
  Cost: 1-5 points
  The character begins the game with a business. This can be almost any type of business such as a bookstore, nightclub or bar,
  doctor's office, or auto mechanic shop. It is up to the player to define the nature of the business that the character owns.
  The business will provide a steady income for the character but does require the character to be present at least 10% of the time per
  point, preferably more. This background is not recommended for characters that will be traveling often.
  Business:
  • 
  A small shop that provides about $2,000 per month. Cost: 1 point.
  • 
  A medium shop that provides about $5,000 per month. Cost: 2 points.
  • 
  A large shop that provides about $10,000 per month. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  A major business that provides about $15,000 per month. Cost: 4 points.
  • 
  A huge, popular business that provides about $20,000 per month. Cost: 5 points.
  Cache
  Cost: 1-5 points
  A character with the Cache background begins the game additional. This is in hard credit not items of general value. If the player
  wishes to have the money in something else other than universal, electronic, such as gold, then they may, but for an increased cost of
  one point.
  Cache:
  • 
  $10,000. Cost: 1 point.
  • 
  $40,000. Cost: 2 points.
  • 
  $80,000. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  $160,000. Cost: 4 points.
  • 
  $320,000. Cost: 5 points.
  • 
  Cache in valuable form with bartering value, such as gold, silver, gems, etc. Cost: plus 1 point.
  Clear Thinker
  Cost: 2 points
  In even the most stressful situation the character can keep a clear mind and not let the stress of the situation effect his or her
  performance. The character does not suffer from penalties to skill rolls or attack rolls due to stress or repeated failure.
  Common Sense
  Cost: 3 points
  A character with common sense has extraordinary good sense or sound practical judgment. Anytime a player decides to do
  something that would not be a good idea, such as insult a crime boss or army general, then the game master may warn the player
  that the action they are about to take would not be a good idea. The player may still choose to take the action, but they have been
  warned.
  Contacts
  Cost: 1-5 points
  The character begins the game with a number of contacts. These are not like allies and may betray the character if the price is right.
  They can provide information, be the middleman for the character by setting up meetings and obtaining items. Contacts are not friends;
  they are just associates, nothing more.
  When the Contacts background is purchased the character gets 4 points to spend on contacts for each background point spent in this
  background. There are two types of contacts that may be purchased: minor and major. Minor contacts are low-level people with very
  little power. Minor contacts include street punks, a private in an army, or a shopkeeper. A major contact will be more powerful.  Major
  contacts will be a crime boss, leader of a street gang, or officers in an army. A minor contact costs one contact point and a major
  contact costs four contact points.
  Contacts:
  • 
  5 contact points. Cost: 1 point.
  • 
  10 contact points. Cost: 2 points.
  • 
  15 contact points. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  20 contact points. Cost: 4 points.
  • 
  25 contact points. Cost: 5 points.
  Cybernetic Implant
  Cost: 1-5 points
  The Cybernetic Implant background provides the character with cybernetic augmentation. This background does not provide bionic
  conversion, just minor cybernetic augmentation.
  Cybernetic Implant:
  • 
  Headjack, gyro-compass, clock calendar, sound filtration system. Cost: 1 point.
  • 
  Cybernetic eye, amplified hearing, ultra-ear, headjack with special augmentation, motion detector. Cost: 2 points.
  • 
  Cybernetic weapon such as retractable finger blades or knuckle spikes, cyber-armor. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  Bionic hand or foot with maximum attributes. Cost: 4 points.
  • 
  Bionic arm and hand or leg and foot with maximum attributes. Cost: 5 points.
  Domicile
  Cost: 1-7 points
  
  The character has a home in a city somewhere. This home has all the basic necessities including utilities, bathroom, kitchen, etc. The
  character should have to spend at least some time in their home. If not the building will fall into disrepair.
  Domicile:
  • 
  Small one bedroom house. Cost: 1 points.
  • 
  Small two-bedroom medium or one bedroom house. Cost: 2 points.
  • 
  Medium two bedroom or small three bedroom house. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  Medium three-bedroom house or small four bedroom house. Cost: 4 points.
  • 
  Large four-bedroom house or medium 6 bedroom house. Cost: 5 points.
  • 
  Small mansion with about 10-15 rooms. Cost: 6 points.
  • 
  Large Mansion with about 30 rooms. Cost: 7 points.
  Estate
  Cost: 1-5 points
  The character owns a small estate that consists of average land. This background provides only land and the natural resources
  contained therein, not a house or any other form of structure. If the player wishes, the character may also have the Domicile
  background or purchase a house.
  The land is usually nice and may have some valuable resources, such as lumber, mineral ores, or a lake with a good supply of fish.
  The resources of the land are up to game master's discretion, but the land is not a wasteland. The character will have to manage this
  land. It can not be left to itself. The estate will not need constant maintenance, but will require about three months each year of
  attention.
  Estate:
  • 
  10 acres of land. Cost: 1 point.
  • 
  50 acres of land. Cost: 2 points.
  • 
  100 acres of land. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  500 acres of land. Cost: 4 points.
  • 
  1,000 acres of land. Cost: 5 points.
  Extra Skills
  Cost: 2 points
  This background allows a player to select additional skills from the categories that are normally available. Each of these skills receives
  a +5% bonus when purchased. The player must purchase each skill separately.
  Fast Learner
  Cost: 4 points
  A character with this background learns new skills at a faster rate then most people. The character can pick up skills from the people
  around more easily than most people and gains more out of their experiences.
  Any character that has this background automatically gains one secondary skill each level of experience (beginning with at first level).
  Investments
  Cost: 5-10 points
  The character begins the game with substantial credit investment in some form of business or property that continually makes money.
  This will provide the character with money each month, which is a random roll to reflect the success of the company that month. In tight
  situations the investment may be liquidated for hard currency. Liquidating the investment takes 2D4 months or the character can make
  a quick sale and liquidate the investment in 3D6 +1 days, but only gets about 10-40% (1D4 x 10%) of its net worth.
  The player must specify what the character has the money invested in. Perhaps the character has money invested in a corporation,
  rental properties, a manufacturing facility, a mine or black-market investments. The character may have the investments divided up
  among multiple companies and properties.
  Unfortunately, these investments can have problems that may include any multitude of events depending on the nature of the
  investment. This may include intense competition (violent or otherwise), police crackdown for underworld investments, or even super
  human attack. The character must maintain the investment. It can not be left to its own devices and be expected to survive.
  Investment Value:
  • 
  $1 million. Generates 2D6 x 1,000 per month. Cost: 5 points.
  • 
  $5 million. Generates 1D6 x 10,000 per month. Cost: 6 points.
  • 
  $10 million. Generates 2D6, x 10,000 per month. Cost: 7 points.
  • 
  $20 million. Generates 4D6 x 10,000 per month. Cost: 8 points.
  • 
  $40 million. Generates 1D6 x 100,000 per month. Cost: 9 points.
  • 
  $100 million. Generates 2D6 x 100,000 per month. Cost: 10 points
  Jack of All Trades
  Cost: 5 points
  This character is a dabbler in all skills and fields but is a master of none. A character with the Jack of All Trades background may
  select any skill or skill program he or she chooses regardless of educational background, but does not get skill bonuses to any of his or
  her skills.
  Large
  Cost: 4 points
  A character with this background is unusually large. The character has a minimum height if 6' 5" and a weight of 350 lbs. (157 kg.).
  The disadvantage of this background is find clothing, shoes, other similar items that fit will usually have to be specially made. The
  character will often find vehicles cramped or too small. Bonuses: +1D4 to P.S., +2 to P.E., and +25 to S.D.C. The character's
  maximum speed attribute is 12.
  
  Natural Navigator
  Cost: 1 point
   A character with this background allows a character to know exactly what cardinal direction (north, south, east, west, etc.) that
  he or she is facing or traveling. Even if the character is sealed in a container or blinded he still knows what direction he traveling.
  Photographic Memory
  Cost: 3 points
  A photographic memory allows a person to remember almost anything that he or she has seen. A character with this background has
  such a memory. The character automatically receives the equivalent of the psionic power Total Recall. The power costs no I.S.P. to
  use. The character is not actually psionic, but the background operates in a similar manner.
  Poison Resistant
  Cost: 1-3 points
  The character is naturally resistant to poison. Poison is less likely to effect the character and when it does, will not effect the character
  as severely.
  Poison Resistant:
  • 
  +1 verses lethal poison and +2 verses non-lethal poison. Cost: 1 point.
  • 
  +2 verses lethal poison, +3 verses non-lethal poison, and all poisons have its effects reduced by 1/2. Cost: 2 points.
  • 
  +3 verses lethal poison, +4 verses non-lethal poison, and all poisons have its effect reduce to 1/4. Cost: 3 points.
  Power Enhancement
  Cost: Varies
  Some aspect of the character's power is unique when compared to the typical power. A character may have multiple enhancements,
  but only one can be used at a time.
  • 
  Armor Piercing: This advantage allows the power to piece armor. Anytime the attack is made with this power, the A.R. of the
  target is reduced by 6 (i.e. a target with an A.R. of 16 would be considered to have an A.R. of 10). Cost: 6 points.
  • 
  Aura Effect: The player can bend his energy expulsion power into a field around him, causing 1/3 damage to anyone he touches
  (including attackers). Punches and kicks with the aura do the same damage as the energy expulsion power plus any damage
  bonuses. When the aura is on the player cannot use any ranged attack powers. In addition the Aura Effect protects the character
  with an A.R. of 11. Any roll under 11 does no damage. This advantage cannot be taken multiple times. Cost: 5 points.
  Rapid Fire: This advantage allows a character to shoot multiple shots much like bursts from an automatic weapon. The character
  can fire a burst which does the damage for one blast times three at the cost of one melee action, or the character can fire a burst
  which does the damage for one blast time seven at the cost of two actions. The character can also spray an area doing the
  damage for one blast x2 to 1D4 +1 targets. Cost: 12 points.
  • 
  Cone Effect: The power spreads out in a fan-like surge that covers 15 feet. When the power is used there is a penalty of -1 to
  strike and the range is halved. The fan can hit 1D4+1 targets that are close together, +1 target per level. This advantage cannot be
  taken multiple times. Cost: 8 points.
  • 
  Continuous: The character needs only successful strike to hit with the power, and the victim suffers damage until a successful
  dodge of the attack roll is made. The character cannot attack anything else while using this power. This advantage cannot be taken
  multiple times or linked to other advantages. Cost: 10 points.
  Damage boost: Each time this advantage is taken the type of die that is rolled for damage is increased to the next highest die. For
  example, if a character took this advantage two times he would roll ten sided dice instead of the normal six sided dice. This
  advantage can only be taken three times which makes the highest die possible a twelve-sided die. Cost: 5 points per increase.
  • 
  Double Knockdown: Whenever a character is hit he must save verses knockdown as if being hit be twice the damage that he
  actually took. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  Effects Intangible Characters/Objects: This advantage allows the energy expulsion power to effect insubstantial objects and
  character. Cost: 9 points.
  • 
  Extended Range: Increase the range of the power by 50% of the original range for each time that the advantage is chosen. Range
  increases per level are not doubled. Cost: 5 points.
  Extra Attack: Each time taken provides one extra melee attack with the ranged attack power only. This advantage can only be
  taken two times. Cost: 13 points.
  • 
  Homing: The attack will arc around structures and non-targets on its way to the intended recipient. The strike roll never fails;
  anything lower than an 8 after bonuses is treated as an eight. This can be used for called shots. An 18, 19, or 20 with bonuses
  allows a character to dodge a homing blast. Cost: 10 points.
  • 
  Intangible: Each time this is taken the power can pass through one object without damaging it. If used on a character that is
  wearing armor, it passes through the armor and the character. This ability is useful in hostage situations, for penetrating walls, and
  against vehicles. Cost: 10 points.
  • 
  Invisible: The effects of a power are invisible. Any character trying to dodge an invisible attack will have a -6 penalty to dodge.
  Cost: 15 points.
  • 
  Ricochet: This advantage allows a character to ricochet or bounce shots off of objects to hit a target. For each ricochet, there is a -
  1 to strike and a -1D6 to the damage. A ricochet shot can only be ricocheted the number of times as the character has dice of
  damage (i.e. a character with 4D6 in Energy Expulsion: Fire could ricochet three times and still do damage to the target). If a shot a
  ricocheted so that is hits an enemy from behind then the enemy is at a -4 to dodge. Each ricochet does 1D6 damage to the object
  that it was ricocheted off of.  Shots can be ricocheted off of a person, but the character must make a strike roll and it adds a -2 to
  strike instead of the normal -1. Cost: 15 points.
  • 
  Usable by Others: This advantage allows the power to be temporarily transferred and used by another person. When the power is
  transferred the character that owns the power no longer has control or use of the power. Although the character can retake control
  anytime he or she wishes. The transfer is automatic because the character is a willing recipient. If the character is not a willing
  recipient then the character must make a saving throw and roll a 14 or higher. Cost: 15 points.
  
  • 
  Usable on Others: This advantage allows a character to be able to use a power on a person when he normally wouldn’t be able
  to. For example, a character could use his teleport power to teleport an enemy away from him. An unwilling victim must make a
  saving throw roll of 12 or higher. Cost: 15 points.
  Quick Healer
  Cost: 4 points
   A character with this background has a body that heals from wounds and diseases more quickly than most people. The character
  heals from all wounds at twice the rate that a character would normally heal. In addition, the character has a bonus of +10% to
  save verses Coma/Death.
  Small
  Cost: 4 points
  A character with this background is unusually small. The character has a Maximum Height of 5 feet and a weight of 120 lbs. (54 kg.)
  Bonuses: +1D4 to P.P. and add 3D6 to Spd., but the character's base S.D.C. is 10 regardless of class.
  Special Equipment
  Cost: 1-15 points
  This background provides the character with unique equipment that he or she would not normally receive. This includes general
  equipment, weapons, super vehicles, and robots and power armor. The point cost reflects the general value of the item.
  • 
  Item worth up to $5000. Cost: 1 point.
  • 
  Item worth up to $10,000. Cost: 2 points.
  • 
  Item worth up to $20,000. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  Item worth up to $30,000. Cost: 4 points.
  • 
  Item worth up to $45,000. Cost: 5 points.
  • 
  Item worth up to $60,000. Cost: 6 points.
  • 
  Item worth up to $120,000. Cost: 7 points
  • 
  Item worth up to $250,000. Cost: 8 points.
  • 
  Item worth up to 500,000. Cost: 9 points.
  • 
  Item worth up to $1 million. Cost: 10 points.
  • 
  Item worth up to $2 million. Cost: 11 points.
  • 
  Item worth up to $4 million. Cost: 12 points.
  • 
  Item worth up to $6 million. Cost: 13 points.
  • 
  Item worth up to $10 million. Cost: 14 points.
  • 
  Item worth up to $15 million. Cost: 15 points
  Time Sense
  Cost: 1 point
  Time Sense allows a character to naturally know what time it is down to the minute. No roll is required. For some reason the
  character just knows what time it is.
  Supernatural, Magic, & Psionic Merits
  Additional Area of Magical Knowledge
  Cost: 12 points
  The character knows an additional area of magical knowledge. The character has studied a form of magic outside of his training. For
  example, a wizard may know the magical knowledge of a summoner or diabolist from the Palladium Fantasy RPG in addition to the
  knowledge that a standard wizard would normally know.
  This area of knowledge makes it considerably harder for the character to gain levels of experience. The character requires the
  average experience that both O.C.C.'s require to gain an additional level of experience plus an additional 50% rounded up.
  Additional Spells
  Cost: 1-15 points
  The character begins the game with additional spells or magical knowledge beyond the O.C.C.'s beginning spells. The cost of each
  spell is equal to the level of the spell that the character wishes purchase. A first level spell costs 1 point while a fifteenth level spell costs
  15 points.
  Familiar
  Cost: 4 points
  The character begins the game with a familiar as per the rules for the Familiar Link spell.
  Immune to Vampire Slow Kill
  Cost: 3 points
  A character with this background can not be turned into a vampire. The character can still be a pawn and be effected by the powers of
  a vampire, but any attempt to turn the character into vampire will automatically fail. The character dies rather then come back as one of
  the undead.
  Lucky
  Cost: 3, 6, & 9 points
  For some reason, the character is simple lucky. The lucky background allows the player to automatically succeed at any one roll
  automatically per level of luck each adventure. The character whose luck happens to help him to succeed only succeeds by the
  minimum requirements. If the Luck background is used on a strike roll, then attack automatically hits its target unless the target can roll
  a natural 20 on a dodge or parry roll.
  
  Luck:
  • 
  Automatically succeed on one roll per adventure. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  Automatically succeed on two rolls per adventure. Cost: 6 points.
  • 
  Automatically succeed on three rolls per adventure. Cost: 9 points.
  Magic Item
  Cost: 5-10 points
  The character begins the game with a magical item. This can range from a collection of magical arrows to a greatest rune weapon.
  Techno-wizard items are purchased separately.
  Magic Item:
  • 
  An insignificant magic item. Examples: a collection of magical arrows, a simple amulet, and a magic weapon that provides only
  one or two simple bonuses. Cost: 5 points.
  • 
  A minor magic item. Examples: an amulet that provides a low level spell a few times per day, a powerful magic weapon such as a
  flaming sword or similar weapon. Cost: 6 points.
  • 
  A major magic items. Examples: an amulet which provides a mid-level spell a few times a day or a low level spell an unlimited
  number of times per day. Cost: 7 points.
  • 
  A lesser rune weapon or item. Cost: 8 points.
  • 
  A greater rune weapon or item. Cost: 9 points.
  • 
  A greatest rune weapon. Cost: 10 points.
  P.P.E. Amulet
  Cost: 3-8 points
  The character begins the game with an amulet or item that stores P.P.E. This P.P.E. reservoir may be drawn upon to cast spells. The
  amulet does not regenerate its P.P.E., the mage must put his own P.P.E. into to it refill it with fresh P.P.E. If the amulet is destroyed it
  will supply the character with double the P.P.E. that it contains.
  P.P.E. Amulet:
  • 
  25 P.P.E. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  50 P.P.E. Cost: 4 points.
  • 
  100 P.P.E. Cost: 5 points.
  • 
  200 P.P.E. Cost: 6 points.
  • 
  400 P.P.E. Cost: 7 points.
  • 
  800 P.P.E. Cost: 8 points.
  Psionic Resistance
  Cost: 2, 4, or 6 points
  A character with the Psionic Resistance background is exceptionally resistant to all forms of psionic attack. The character is not
  psionic in any way; he or she is either naturally or has been trained to be resistant to psychic attack.
  Psionic Resistance:
  • 
  +2 to save against psionic attack. Cost: 2 points.
  • 
  The character saves verses psionic attack as if he were a major psionic. The character needs to roll a 12 or higher to save
  against psionic attack. The character also has the equivalent of the psychic power of Mind Block. The power costs no I.S.P. to
  use and is always in effect. The character is not psionic. Cost: 4 points.
  • 
  The character saves verses psionic attack as if he were a master psionic. The character must roll a 10 or higher to save
  verses psionic attack. The character also has the equivalent of the psychic power of Mind Block. The power costs no I.S.P. to
  use and is always in effect. The character is not psionic. Cost: 6 points.
  Resilient Mind
  Cost: 6 points
  A character with the Resilient Mind background has an exceptionally strong mind and force of will. In any battle of wills between a
  shifter/summoner and the summoned being, the summoner receives his or her regular bonuses while the summoned being receives no
  bonuses in the battle no matter the power of the being. Gods and alien intelligences receive their bonuses as usual.
  Supernatural Ally
  Cost: 6-15 points
  This background allows a character to have an ally similar to a general Ally background. These are friends that are supernatural
  creatures. They will help the character when he or she is in times of need.
  Supernatural Ally:
  • 
  Minor supernatural creature. Examples: a Brodkil demon, Drakin luck bird, werebeast. Cost: 6 points.
  • 
  Multiple supernatural beings or an average being. Examples: a small band of Brodkil (2-4), a gurgoyle, a dragon hatchling. Cost: 7
  points.
  • 
  Powerful supernatural being or a collection of average beings. Examples: a faerie, 1-3 gurgoyles, a gargoyle, 4-8 Brodkil. Cost: 8
  points.
  • 
  A collection of powerful beings or a being of great power. Examples: 1-3 gargoyles, a gargoyle lord, a small tribe of faerie (6-12),
  lizard mage, 8-12 Brodkil. Cost: 9 points.
  • 
  A collection of beings of great power. Examples: 3-6 gargoyles, 1-3 lizard mages or gargoyle lords, 12-20 Brodkil, a small tribe of
  Simvan monster riders, a weak adult dragon. Cost: 10 points
  • 
  A minor demi-God or minor demon. Examples: adult dragon, a small tribe of gargoyles, 50-60 Brodkil, an average tribe of lizard
  men lead by a lizard mage, a baal-rog, an average sized tribe of faeries (20-30). Cost: 11 poionts.
  • 
  A major demi-god or demon. Examples: Jinn, Raksasha, Gorgon. Cost: 12 points.
  • 
  A god's avatar. Examples: Krishna the Avatar (page 125 of Rifts Conversion Book Two), Veruna. Cost: 13 points
  • 
  A minor god. Examples: Magni; God of Strength (see page 152 of Rifts Conversion Books Two). Cost: 14 points.
  
  • 
  A major god. Examples: Odin the All-Father, Zeus; God of the Skies. Cost: 15 points.
  General Flaws
  Addicted
  Cost: 5 points
  The character is addicted to drugs. This drug may be alcohol, conventional drugs, or other dimensional drugs. The character must
  have the drug in order for the character to function normally as per the addiction rules in the Main Rifts book. If the character does not
  get the drug, then the character will suffer the penalties of addiction. The game master may choose to raise or lower the cost of the
  addiction if the drug is extremely rare or exceptionally common.
  Brash
  Cost: 2 points
  A brash character will often take the most reckless solution to a situation even if there is a less risky solution. Anytime the character
  has the option of a reckless or a cautious solution he or she must make a saving throw and roll over a 16 on a twenty-sided die and add
  any bonuses from an exceptional M.E. to the roll. If the roll is successful then the character may take the cautious option. If the roll is
  failed then the character must take the most reckless and hasty solution available.
  Cowardly
  Cost: 3, 5, or 8 points
  The character is a coward. The character is vulnerable to the effects of horror factor and fear.
  Brave:
  • 
  -3 to save verses horror factor. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  -5 to save verses horror factor. Cost: 5 points.
  • 
  Automatically fails any roll against horror factor or fear causing spell. If the character rolls a one (1) on the roll then the character
  will run in terror from the source of fear. Cost: 8 points.
  Debt
  Cost: 1-10 points
  A character with a debt owns someone money. The person may be patient with the character's attempts to pay the money back or
  they may be quite aggressive in their moves to make the character repay the money. The nature of the debt collection is based on the
  nature of the loan. The game master and/or the player can determine the nature of debt collection.
  A debt may not be only. The debt may be a piece of equipment, damage to property, or even caused by an insult or fine. The credit
  amount given is only a benchmark for the value of the debt not necessarily the actual debt.
  Debt:
  • 
  $10,000. Cost: 1 point.
  • 
  $20,000. Cost: 2 point.
  • 
  $40,000. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  $80,000. Cost: 4 points.
  • 
  $160,000. Cost: 5 points.
  • 
  $320,000. Cost: 6 points.
  • 
  $640,000. Cost: 7 points.
  • 
  $1 million. Cost: 8 points.
  • 
  $2 million. Cost: 9 points.
  • 
  $3 million. Cost: 10 points.
  Dependent
  Cost: 6 points
  The character has a person who depends upon the character for their livelihood. This may be a child who is the character's son or
  daughter, the character's elderly grandparent, or someone whom the character has decided to adopt. Whoever this dependent may be,
  the character must spend a substantial amount of time and money in taking care of their dependent.
  Enemy
  Cost: Level or Enemy
  A character with an enemy has made just one too many people upset. The character's enemy not only wants to humiliate the
  character (as with the rival background), but wants the character dead. This person hates the character with a passion beyond human
  understanding. The cost for this background is equal to the level of the enemy.
  Feeble Senses
  Cost: 2 points
  One of the character's senses is poor. This flaw provides the character with a feeble sense of hearing, taste, smell, sight, or touch.
  Each feeble sense must be purchased separately.
  Feeble Senses:
  • 
  Feeble sense of hearing. Bonuses: -2 to any perception check involving hearing and -1 to initiative.
  • 
  Feeble sense of taste. Bonuses: The character can not taste even the most basic things. Any attempts to identify something by
  taste automatically fails.
  • 
  Feeble sense of smell. Bonuses: The character receives a -2 to all perception checks involving the sense of smell.
  • 
  Feeble sense of sight. Bonuses: -2 to any perception check involving sight, -1 to initiative, -3 to strike on any long range attack.
  • 
  Feeble sense of touch. Bonuses: -15% to any skill that involves a delicate touch such as mechanical skills.
  Hunted
  Cost: 2-10 points
  
  Someone is hunting the character for an offense. The offense that the character committed is up to the player. The character may
  have stolen something, offend the leader of a Simvan monster rider tribe, had lecherous feels towards the wrong person, or some other
  crime/offense. The enemy wants to punish the character for his or he offenses.
  The degree to which the character is being hunted is representative of the point cost. The point cost is based on the severity of the
  crime and the power of the people hunting the character.
  Hunted:
  Severity of the Offense:
  • 
  Insignificant offense. Theft of an inexpensive item, insulting someone. Cost: 1 points.
  • 
  Minor offense. Theft of a minor item such as a laser pistol or computer, insulting the mayor of a minor city, punching a CS soldier.
  Cost: 2 points.
  • 
  Major offense. Theft of a major item such as a car or vehicle, insulting an important official, beating a police officer. Cost: 3
  points.
  • 
  Severe offense. Theft of an important item such as power armor, rape, attempted murder, kidnapping, shooting but not killing an
  officer. Cost: 4 points.
  • 
  Capital Punishment offense. Theft of an important artifact of a tribe or large city, 1st and 2nd degree murder, killing a CS officer.
  Power/Determination of the Hunter:
  • 
  Little power such as the leader of a small wilderness town. Cost: 1 point.
  • 
  Minor power such as a low ranking officer in a large city. Cost: 2 points.
  • 
  Average power such as a CS officer or the mayor of a medium city. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  Major power such as the mayor of a large city such as Whykin. Cost: 4 points.
  • 
  Massive power such as a CS General, Mayor of a city the size of Lazlo. Cost: 5 points.
  Insanity
  Cost: 5 points
  The character has some form of psychological condition. It may be a simple phobia or may be as severe as multiple personality
  disorder. The player rolls or picks an insanity from the Heroes Unlimited RPG. The player should confer with his game master to be
  sure this insanity would not disrupt game.
  Public Identity
  Cost: 5 points
  The character has a public identity. Unlike the secret identity, the public knows the character's true name, who his family is, and
  where he lives. If the character's enemies want to harm the character, they know where to go. On the plus side, the character does not
  have to maintain any additional aspects of the life of a super human with a secret identity.
  Power Compensation
  Cost: Varies
  • 
  Always On: This compensation causes a power to always be in use. This can be used on any of the following: Alter Physical
  Structure powers, Darkness Control, any Energy Expulsion power, Chameleon, Create Force Field, Disruptive Touch, Gravity
  Manipulation, Negate Super Powers, Intangibility, Magnetism, Mimic, Shrink, Growth, Vibration, Spin at an Extraordinary Speed,
  Copy Physical Structure, Force Aura, Negative Matter, Body Weapons, Shadow Meld, Disintegration, Multiple Beings, and Matter
  Surfing. Cost: 10 points.
  • 
  Costs Endurance to Use: The power takes its toll on the character. Each time the power is used the character uses 1D6 P.P.E.
  (roll each time the power is used). If the character does not have enough P.P.E. to use the power then the power fails to work. The
  character regains P.P.E. at the same rate as a man of magic. The character has a base P.P.E. of 5D6 plus P.E. The P.P.E may be
  spent for additional Power Advantages, but that reduces the character’s P.P.E. base. Cost: 10 points.
  • 
  Diminishing: For each 50 feet that a power must travel to hit its target subtract one die from the total damage roll. Cost: 10 points.
  • 
  Does Not Cause Knockdown: This compensation causes the power to not be able to knock a person down when it hits. When a
  character is hit by the power he or she does not need to make a saving throw verses knockdown. Cost: 10 points.
  • 
  Power Burnout: This compensation causes a power to become unusable if the character fails his power burnout roll. Each time
  the power is used the character must make Saving Throw vs. Burnout and roll a 14 or higher plus P.E. bonuses. If the character
  fails the saving throw then the character can not use the power for 2D4 hours. This compensation can only be used on powers that
  must be activated. If it is a power that lasts as long as the character wishes after it is activated then the character must make a
  power burnout roll when it is activated. The character will not have to make another power burnout roll until he deactivates the
  power and tries to reactivate it. Cost: 15 points.
  • 
  Reduced Penetration: Causes an attack power to be treated as if it is being used against armor that has an A.R. that is four (4)
  points higher (i.e. an A.R. of 12 is treated as an A.R. of 16). Cost: 12 points.
  Rival
  Cost: Level of the Enemy
  The character has someone who is his rival. This person is in constant competition with the character. Anytime the character
  succeeds it is an insult to this rival. The rival wants to see the character humiliated and disgraced, but the rival does not want to see the
  character dead.
  Secret Identity
  Cost: 5 points
  The character has an alternate identity other than his super hero identity. This other identity is usually a life that allows the character
  to live like a normal person, protects his loved ones, and himself. The disadvantage of this flaw is the character must maintain this
  identity which may include going to work, school, picking up kids after school, or any other number of things a normal person may have
  to do in an average day.
  
  Slow Healer
  Cost: 4 points
  The character's body heals at an extremely slow rate. All damage to the character heals at half the rate most characters heal and the
  damage due to blood loss is doubled. The character is also -10% to save verses Coma/Death.
  Supernatural, Magic, & Psionic Flaws
  Dark Fate
  Cost: 6 points
  The character is doomed to a dark and unpleasant end. No matter what the character tries to do, he or she will meet the worst
  possible fate. The character has something that fate has decided that he or she must do before they die. What the character must
  accomplish is unknown to the player. All the player knows is the steps that the character will go through to accomplish it will be painful
  and arduous. When the character finally accomplishes this fated mission, it will likely be the death of the character. If the character does
  not die then the character will be horribly crippled or mutilated.
  Haunted
  Cost: 5 points
  The character is haunted by one of the entities from Rifts Conversion Book One, Beyond the Supernatural, Monsters and Animals 2ed.
  This entity for some has decided that the character has something to offer it. The character will be harassed by the entity when the GM
  feels it would be appropriate. The entity may be a poltergeist, syphon entity, haunting entity, tectonic entity, or possessing entity. The
  player or GM may choose the type of entity and its attitude.
  Magical Ineptitude
  Cost: 10 points
  A mage with the magical ineptitude is incapable of casting certain types of magical spells. The reason for this may be a problem
  within training, personal or teacher moral beliefs, or an aspect of the character's spirit. The character must select a certain type of magic
  these can include temporal magic, nature magic, offensive magic, ritual magic, defensive magic, summoning magic, etc. The player
  must select one type of magic that his character may not cast.
  The game master may choose to increase or reduce the cost of the flaw depending on the rarity of the magic type the character may
  not cast.
  Missing Spells
  Cost: Level of spell
  The character is missing some of his or her beginning spells. This may be due to a lack of training. The cost of the flaw is equal to the
  level of the spell or the P.P.E. cost to cast the spell; whichever is higher. The missing spell is selected after the player has selected the
  character's beginning spells. For example the player gives up a first level spell with a casting cost 3 P.P.E. The cost of the flaw is 3
  points, the casting cost of the spell.
  P.P.E. Vampire
  Cost: 6 or 8 points
  The mage does not regain P.P.E. as most mages would; he must steal P.P.E. from another living creature in order to replenish his
  P.P.E. base. The character drains the P.P.E. of a target by touch. The target must make a saving throw verses ritual magic if he or she
  is an unwilling victim. The mage can do nothing but drain P.P.E. from the target, he can not dodge or attack but may parry attacks from
  the P.P.E. source only.
  For six points the character does no harm to the target when draining P.P.E. The mage may drain the number of P.P.E. points from a
  target equal to his P.E. per attack. When the mage is finished, the target is very weak and woozy. The target will be -2 to strike, -3 to
  parry and dodge, and -10% to all skills for 1D4 hours.
  For 8 points the background forces the mage to kill his target in order to get the need P.P.E. The character does 2D6 damage directly
  to hit points each attack and drains the P.P.E. equal to his P.E. If the character drains all of the victim's hit points, killing the victim; the
  mage will gain double the victims P.P.E. as with all creatures when they die.
  The advantage of this background is the character can sense a target's exact number of P.P.E. points when with in five feet. Also the
  character can sense anyone with a large P.P.E. base (50 or more) within 50 feet plus 4 feet per level of experience.
  Psychically Vulnerable
  Cost: 2, 4, or 6 points
  The character is exceptionally vulnerable to psionic attack. The character receives a penalty to any save verses psionic attack.
  Psionic Vulnerable:
  • 
  -2 to save verses psionic attack. Cost: 2 points.
  • 
  -3 to save verses psionic attack. The character may never have the psionic power Mind Block unless the character is a major
  psychic. Cost: 4 points.
  • 
  -5 to save verses psionic attack. The character may never have the psionic power Mind Block not matter how powerful a psychic
  the character may be. Cost: 6 points.
  Supernatural Enemy
  Cost: 6-15 points
  Somewhere in the character's live he made some supernatural power angry. This supernatural power has decided that he must pay
  for his offenses. The supernatural enemy background is the opposite of supernatural ally.
  Supernatural Ally:
  • 
  Minor supernatural creature. Examples: a Brodkil demon, Drakin luck bird, and werebeast. Cost: 6 points.
  • 
  Multiple supernatural beings or an average being. Examples: a small band of Brodkil (2-4), a gurgoyle, a dragon hatchling. Cost: 7
  points.
  
  • 
  Powerful supernatural being or a collection of average beings. Examples: faerie 1-3 gurgoyles, a gargoyle, 4-8 Brodkil. Cost: 8
  points.
  • 
  A collection of powerful beings or a being of great power. Examples: 1-3 gargoyles, a gargoyle lord, a small tribe of faerie (6-12),
  lizard mage, 8-12 Brodkil. Cost: 9 points.
  • 
  A collection of beings of great power. Examples: 3-6 gargoyles, 1-3 lizard mages or gargoyle lords, 12-20 Brodkil, a small tribe of
  Simvan monster riders, a weak adult dragon. Cost: 10 points
  • 
  A minor demi-God or minor demon. Examples: adult dragon, a small tribe of gargoyles, 50-60 Brodkil, an average tribe of lizard
  men lead by a lizard mage, a baal-rog, an average sized tribe of faeries (20-30). Cost: 11 points.
  • 
  A major demi-god or demon. Examples: Jinn, Raksasha, and Gorgon. Cost: 12 points.
  • 
  A god's avatar. Examples: Krishna the Avatar (page 125 of Rifts Conversion Book Two), Veruna. Cost: 13 points
  • 
  A minor god. Examples: Magni; God of Strength (see page 152 of Rifts Conversion Books Two). Cost: 14 points.
  • 
  A major god. Examples: Odin the All-Father, Zeus; God of the Skies. Cost: 15 points.
  Unlucky
  Cost: 3, 6, & 9 points
  For some reason, be negative karma or fate's spite, the character has bouts of poor luck. The unlucky background causes a character
  to automatically fail any action. The game master may declare any action a failure. This action fails in the worst possible way. For
  example, a character fires his laser pistol at a CS soldier while standing in the doorway of a small house. The GM decides to activate
  the characters Unlucky background. The laser blast misses the CS soldier hitting a nearby tree, cutting it down. That tree then falls on
  the house the character is inside. The house then collapses on top of character and pins him under the rubble.
  A game master can not activate the Unlucky flaw if the player has used the Luck merit to succeed in an action.
  Luck:
  • 
  Automatically fail on one action per adventure. Cost: 3 points.
  • 
  Automatically fail on two actions per adventure. Cost: 6 points.
  • 
  Automatically fail on three actions per adventure. Cost: 9 points.
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Heroes Unlimited/Heroes Unlimited - Merits & Flaws.pdf