Archangel wrote:I have a quick question on the morph power. What is the benefit, if any, of buying multiple 3 point ranks compared to just buying a single 3pt rank, and using skill points to increase my disguise skill?
Normal Disguise skill still takes the normal time to use, even if you have Morph. So, if you have both, you can:
• Use just your Morph bonus, taking the normal action it takes you to use Morph (a free action by default).
• Take 10 minutes of preparation and add your Disguise skill ranks to your Morph bonus; this means you're carefully observing, checking your work in a mirror, making small adjustments and the like.
So the Master of Disguise (M&M, page 219) can instantly (as a free action) assume a humanoid appearance with a +36 Disguise bonus (from just his Morph rank and Charisma). If he takes time to prepare a disguise, he add his 12 ranks of Disguise to the bonus, for a total of +48 (making his disguise virtually impenetrable).
You can have an effective character with just Morph 1 and lots of ranks in Disguise, provided the character has time; he still wouldn't need any tools like a diguise kit, for example. This approach might suit certain character concepts, especially in low-power campaigns. For example, the pulp hero the Avenger had the power to mold his face like putty; he had low ranks of Morph coupled with a decent Disguise skill. He couldn't pull off amazing disguises instantly, but with a little time could imitate almost anyone.
