Mental Strength
Defaults: None.
Prerequisite: Trained By A Master or Weapon Master. At the GM's option, a mage or psi may also learn this skill.
You can actively focus your mind to resist mental attacks. This skill replaces Will when you resist magic spells, psi powers, Hypnotism, Invisibility Art, Kiai, and similar abilities. Mental Strength does not replace most normal Will rolls. Furthermore, it does not work if you are stunned, asleep, or unconscious – for that, buy the Mind Shield advantage.
Martial Arts
In addition to helping resist the abilities mentioned in the Basic Set, Mental Strength can replace Will when resisting chi powers (see Chi Projection) or the Hypnotic Hands skill. It's also good against mental effects contested by a score other than Will, such as Mind Control spells and truth drugs that target HT – make a DX-, IQ-, HT-, or Per-based Mental Strength roll to resist, as appropriate. Finally, Mental Strength can substitute for Will to "stare down” a foe or resist the same; see The Contest of Wills.