Minion Synergy (2GP/0PP/A/FM)
Cinematically: Minions with this gimmick share a powerful bond with their master that allows them to emulate many of his abilities. Through the use of mystical energy projection, hypnotic suggestion, or amazingly strong discipline, a master can greatly increase the power of such minions simply by keeping them close at hand.

Mechanically: Only faceless minions may purchase this gimmick. This gimmick is permanently in operation. Whenever the minion is within 10 yards of its master, it automatically gains the benefits of many of its master’s active gimmicks that have permanent or sustained effects. A minion that is out of range when its master activates an appropriate gimmick does not gain the benefits of that gimmick until it comes within range of its master. A minion that goes out of range of its master automatically loses the benefits of its master’s active gimmicks, though it instantly regains the lost benefits once it again comes within range.

This gimmick allows minions to gain the benefits of their master’s permanent gimmicks like Blending, Endure Element, Masquerade, Otherworld Sight, Robot Fighter, Untouchable, and so on, as well as sustained gimmicks that must be activated like Flight, Invisibility, and Liquefy. This gimmick does not allow minions to gain the benefits of gimmicks that alter the character’s stats (like Animal Form and Power-Up), gimmicks that can be used on others (like Barrier, Blast Attack, and Drain Life), gimmicks that restore life or Health Points (like Heaven’s Mercy and Regeneration); or any gimmick with a duration no longer than a turn. This gimmick also does not allow minions to gain the benefits of gimmicks that belong to the master’s widgets, pets, or mecha. The Narrator always has the final say on which of the master’s gimmicks the minions may gain access to through this gimmick.

The minion cannot activate its master’s gimmicks itself; the minion simply gains the benefits of the master’s gimmicks when the master has them active. When the master activates an appropriate gimmick, he may choose which of his minions within range also gain the benefits of that gimmick. The minion’s master may always choose to remove the benefits of a gimmick from any minion at any time as an instant action. The master may also choose to return the benefits of a gimmick to a minion at any time as an instant action.

If a minion is killed or otherwise taken out of the fight, it immediately loses the benefits of its master’s gimmicks. If the minion is taken over by another character via gimmicks like Convert and Infect, it immediately loses the benefits of its previous master’s gimmicks but may gain the benefits of its new master’s gimmicks if it is within 10 yards of the new master.

Mecha: Mecha minions may purchase and use this gimmick as described above to gain the benefits of their master mecha’s appropriate gimmicks. This does not allow a mecha minion to gain the benefits of the master mecha pilot’s gimmicks, only those of the master mecha itself. The range of this gimmick is equal to 25 yards times the master mecha’s Mecha Modifier.