Powerful individuals are impressive. Some can be so overwhelming that they can make others stop and listen, or even obey commands. The HERO System simulates this with Presence Attacks.

A Presence Attack is an attempt to influence the target(s), and can have very useful effects. It affects everyone who can hear the character performing it (or sometimes just see him, depending on the Presence Attack), provided it’s intended for them. For example, a Presence Attack made by one of the PCs against Ogre might also affect Ogre’s henchmen, but wouldn’t affect the other PCs at all. Furthermore, the effects of a Presence Attack are reduced by one level when applied to anyone against whom the attack isn’t specifically directed.

Although Presence Attacks are most often used in combat (to make an opponent hesitate or surrender), they have plenty of other uses as well. Out of combat, characters can use them to persuade, inspire, or interrogate NPCs. Villains can use them to terrify innocent people or cow victims. Priests and religious characters can use them to proselytize. The possibilities are virtually endless.

To perform a Presence Attack, a character rolls 1d6 for every 5 points of PRE he has. Compare the total of the Presence Attack to the defender’s PRE or EGO (whichever is higher), and then check the Presence Attack Table. The effects of a Presence Attack last as long as the GM deems appropriate.

GMs should modify this roll heavily, according to the exact circumstances. The Presence Attack Modifiers Table lists some modifiers the GM can apply.

As the table indicates, a character’s Reputation is extremely important when he makes a Presence Attack. If the target of the Presence Attack knows of the Reputation (determining this may require a roll), it may help or hinder a Presence Attack. If the Reputation supports or agrees with, the Presence Attack, the Reputation adds bonus dice; if the Reputation and the Presence Attack conflict, it subtracts dice. For example, a character with a Reputation for being Cruel (Disadvantage, 11-) will suffer a -2d6 modifier to a Presence Attack to “Surrender and you’ll be treated well” — anyone who’s heard of the character isn’t going to trust that promise. Someone with a Reputation for being Honest (Perk, +2d6) is much more likely to succeed with that Presence Attack. Of course, a Reputation doesn’t affect Presence Attacks at all if the target of the attack is unaware of the Reputation.

Most Presence Attacks are based on intimidation or fear (“Surrender or die!” is a perfect example). However, characters can use them to evoke and manipulate emotions other than fear. A character could use a Presence Attack to command respect, impress an onlooker, get a crowd’s attention, or persuade someone to help him. A character could also use a Presence Attack to inspire friendly listeners, thereby improving their morale.

Presence Attack Modifiers Table

Modifier	Situation or Character’s Action
-1d6	Inappropriate setting
-2d6	Very inappropriate setting
-1d6	In combat
-1d6	At a disadvantage
-3d6	Covered
	Presence Attack conflicts with target’s Psychological Limitation
-1d6	Moderate Psychological Limitation
-2d6	Strong Psychological Limitation
-3d6	Total Psychological Limitation
	Poor Reputation relevant or contrary to Presence Attack
-1d6	8- Reputation
-2d6	11- Reputation
-3d6	14- Reputation
-4d6	Extreme Reputation
-1d6 to 3d6	Presence Attack runs against existing moods
Varies	Character has an appropriate Reputation Perk
	Presence Attack agrees with target’s Psychological Limitation
+1d6	Moderate Psychological Limitation
+2d6	Strong Psychological Limitation
+3d6	Total Psychological Limitation
+1d6	Character makes appropriate Interaction Skill Roll
+2d6	Character makes appropriate Interaction Skill Roll by half or more
+1d6	Target is Surprised
+1d6	Exhibiting a Power or superior technology
+1d6	Violent action
+2d6	Extremely violent action
+3d6	Incredibly violent action
+1d6	Good soliloquy
+2d6	Excellent soliloquy
+3d6	Incredible soliloquy
+1d6	Appropriate setting
+2d6	Very appropriate setting
+2d6	Target is in partial retreat
+4d6	Target is in full retreat/has been captured
+1d6	Need (character appealing for help genuinely seems to need it)
+1d6	Logic (statements are extremely logical and well thought out)

Presence Attack Effect Table

Presence Attack is…	Effect of Attack
Target’s PRE or EGO	Target is impressed. He hesitates enough so that the attacker may act before him this Phase, or receives +5 PRE only for purposes of resisting contrary Presence Attacks made that Phase.
Target’s PRE or EGO +10	Target is very impressed. He hesitates as above, and only performs a Half Phase Action during his next Phase. He considers very deeply what the attacker says, and may comply with requests or obey orders which seem worthwhile to him. He receives +5 PRE only for purposes of resisting contrary Presence Attacks made that Turn.
Target’s PRE or EGO +20	Target is awed. He will not act for 1 Full Phase, is at ½ DCV, and possibly will do as the attacker commands. If he’s friendly, he’s inspired and may follow the character into danger; he will comply with most requests and obey most orders. He receives +10 PRE only for purposes of resisting contrary Presence Attacks made that Turn.
Target’s PRE or EGO +30	Target is cowed. He may surrender, run away, or faint. He is at 0 DCV, and will nearly always follow commands. If he’s friendly, he becomes inflamed, and will follow the character into any danger, comply with virtually any request, or obey virtually any order.

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