I'm running a Biomancy Psyker in one of my groups. Haven't quite gotten to the rank where I can pick another Discipline (besides which I'm torn between Telekinesis for variety, or Telepathy for Projection).

Given my character's only packing a standard sword, staff and a stub automatic, he comes to rely on the Bio Lightning power whenever applicable (well, assuming the fight's against someone that it's worth the risk of Psychic Phenomena).

So I had a few questions regarding this power.

First of all, is it possible make a called shot with Bio Lightning? The rules state that it is targeted at the body, but I don't personally see why my Psyker can't attempt to aim it, especially if the opponent isn't wearing a helmet, or armor on some part of the body.

Secondly, can it be used in close combat? If memory serves, you can still use pistols in close combat, and Psychic Powers can also be used in close combat. While Bio Lightning generally seems like a primarily "mid ranged" psychic power, I don't see any rule that forbids it being used in close combat, and, given that (I presume) it's fired from the Psyker's hands, eyes, or w/e, it doesn't seem like it'd be especially obstructive to do so in close combat. It's not like he's trying to aim a rifle, or missile launcher.

There are neither rules allowing or disallowing it. Since it is a ranged attack you should be able to do whatever you can with other ranged attacks, including all bonuses and penalties.

And as a GM i would allow you to use it in CC, since the weapon restriction is due to size/weight, and your hands are ... well, your hands.

There are neither rules allowing or disallowing it. Since it is a ranged attack you should be able to do whatever you can with other ranged attacks, including all bonuses and penalties. And as a GM i would allow you to use it in CC, since the weapon restriction is due to size/weight, and your hands are ... well, your hands.

Only problem with the Called attack in this regard is... well. Bio Lightning auto hits (or at least the RAW does not indicate the requirement to make any sort of test to ensure it hits, unlike Flame Bolt or Force Bolt). My GM has ruled it can be dodged like any projectile attack, but as far as Called Shots go, how do you apply a -20 penalty to an attack that auto hits? That's mainly the reason I'm asking about it, as the best we've come up with is a +20 bonus to any dodge rolls against Bio Lightning called shots.

Personally I would rule you could not, and for two reasons.

1. The rules for called shots specifically states that it is used for weapon skill and ballistic skill tests. Focus powers are not skill tests.

2. Powers are not in the same category as regular attacks, and doesn't take combat modifiers like regular tests. You don't get bonuses for being in point blank, or for shooting into melee combat with, or attacking a stunned target. If you were to assume you could make a called shot, you would also have to start factoring other combat circumstances, such as short vs long range, fatigued, ganging up, and so on. The only combat circumstances I would say affects them would be darkness/fog/Weather, as you must have line of sight to know where to point the power. (Would force a perception test with probably a +30ish to see if they can actually see the target well enough to hit them). You also cannot aim a focus power.

Think of the power as a spray of lightning. You are likely hitting more then just the body, but the body, being the largest target, is taking the brunt of it.

As for using them in melee, I see no real reason why you could not. You would probably not be able to hit people who you are not in melee with, as you are likely too focused on dodging spinning chain sword blades.

I agree, if you get a called shot, I would think that you could dodge it, and in melee range you risk arcing to friends as well as foes.

I agree, if you get a called shot, I would think that you could dodge it, and in melee range you risk arcing to friends as well as foes.

Huge necro!

Though in my group we have ruled that you can always dodge it normally. The big question this thread was in regards to would be how to handle called shots, as Bio-lightning is an auto-hit, so it wouldn't suffer the problems you normally have with Called Shots (sure, I'll take that -20 to hit on the "to-hit" roll I don't have to make!)