Hilarity Factor

Hilarity Factor (HiF) (minor) by Taalismn

“You know, it’s a proud and honorable tradition, being a sideshow geek.”

Hilarity Factor is an illusion-based ability that makes things seem somehow FUNNIER, or at the very least, CUTER, than they normally are. This can be used to increase a person’s perceived charisma, approachability, and reduce their strangeness and apparent dangerousness in a social situation. Beings who rely on an Awe Factor or incredible charisma to influence people may find themselves taken less seriously, even laughed at, if they are placed under the effects of a Hilarity Factor. It can also be used to mask Horror Factor, for purposes such as allowing monstrous and disturbing beings to walk about in public without causing a panic, or to openly sneak up to targets(“Awww...look at the giant eye-squid plushie!”) before dropping the masque for maximum shock effect. Used on objects with a presence attack, Hilarity Factor makes them look less intimidating(“Cool-looking gun you got there, Texx! I didn’t think Nerf made automatic bazookas!”).

Range: Self, by touch, or 60 ft +10 ft per level of experience

Duration: 3 minutes + 1 minute per level of experience

Effects: Turns an existing Horror or Awe Factor into Hilarity Factor. If the targeted being does not have an existing Horror/Awe Factor, they get a default rating of HiF: 12(+1 at experience levels 3, 6, 9, and 12 of the casting superbeing). HiF works just like Horror Factor except that instead of being stricken with terror, observers will be overcome by laughter or bemusement(“Awwww...how -kawaiiiiiiiii-.....!”). Onlookers are also more inclined to move TOWARDS the HiF target, rather than run away from it.

Saves: Observers save versus psionics/illusions to avoid falling under the influence of the HiF. A successful save means they see through the illusion and see the masked target for what it really is.