Chameleon

Chameleon

5 points/level

You can change your surface pattern to blend into your surroundings. In any situation where being seen is a factor, you get +2 per level to Stealth skill when perfectly still, or +1 per level if moving. Clothing reduces this bonus to +1 per level when you are motionless, with no bonus if you are moving (unless the clothing is, in the GM's opinion, camouflaged relative to your current environment).

Chameleon does not normally help in the dark or against someone relying upon senses other than sight. However, you can specify that your ability is effective against a particular visual or scanning sense (e.g., Infravision or Radar) instead of normal vision.

This ability is suitable not only for natural chameleons but also for illusionists of all stripes and those with built-in ultra-tech camouflage.

Special Enhancements

Controllable: You can consciously select your surface pattern. The effects are mainly aesthetic, but there's a useful side benefit: you can assume a high-visibility pattern that gives +2 per level to your attempts to signal others and distract enemies, and to others' rolls to spot you. This is mutually exclusive with Always On. +20%.

Dynamic: Your surface pattern adapts instantly to new surroundings and corrects for "motion blur." You get your full Stealth bonus (+2 per level) when moving. +40%.

Extended: Your ability affects more than one visual or scanning sense. Each sense beyond the first is +20%.

Special Limitations

Always On: You cannot turn this ability off. Strangers react at -1; the flickering effect is irritating. -10%.

Alternatives

Those who can actually alter their body should take Morph, while those who can disappear completely will find Invisibility more effective.

Powering Up

Any kind of body-alteration or illusion power might include Chameleon. Talent adds a further bonus to Stealth skill rolls to avoid being seen.