Corruptive Infection

Corruptive Infection (Major) by Mr. Scorpio

This is the amazing ability to control any living being by corrupting their minds and bodies so that they become a loyal follower of the corruptor. The infecting agent is actually part of the character's body. The agent can be transferred by a simple touch or through a bite or sting depending on the physical characteristics of the character. Once the infection is introduced into the victim's body it quickly spreads and in a matter of only a few melees (1D4) the effects become apparent. The victim's mind is altered changing his/her alignment making it the same as that of the corruptor and causing him/her to become a loyal follower much like those of the Divine Aura power. In some cases the power even alters the victim's body while in others there are no outward signs of the Infection.
While the Infected person's alignment is altered their intelligence, personality, memories, combat abilities and any powers they may possess are left unchanged. They still think on their own and do not need to be constantly directed or supervised leaving the corrupter free to act on his own.

Note This power is best used on the friends and family of any hero the character might run across during his exploits.

1. Mental Corruption: Change the victim's alignment to that of the corrupter. He/she is now a loyal follower of the corrupter. He/she will be devoted to the corrupter and will do whatever they can to help him achieve his goals, even going so far as to sacrifice their lives for him.

2. Physical Corruption: Roll on the following table to determine the level of physical corruption each time the character uses this power.

1-30: None, the target shows no outward signs of being infected.

31-60: Skin color change. Roll once on the Odd Skin Color table (HU2, page 159 or use Kittenstomp's).

61-85: Roll 1D4 times on the Unusual Physical Characteristics table (HU2, page 159 or use Kittenstomp's).

86-100: Targets take on the ususual physical traits of the corrupter (includes possible Alien appearance).

3. Number of Followers: 3 per level of experience.

Range: Touch

Duration: Control will last indefinitely The infection can only be cured by magic, psionic power or one of the healing Super Abilities (or possibly a quick thinking Genius coming up with an antidote) at which time the victim will regain his/her original alignment and appearance.

Saving Throw: 15 or higher without the benefit of bonuses. A successful save means the victim has fought off the Infection and suffers no ill effects.

Attacks per Melee: Each Infection attempt counts as one of the character's melee attack/actions. Only one Infection attempt can be made per melee round (every 15 seconds).

Limitations: Character's who possess one of the healing powers (Healing Factor, Divine Healing, Regeneration Ultima, etc.) are virtually immune to this power as their bodies fight off the Infection before it can take hold.