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So, the obvious application of this is that everyone in range gets a happy level of buzz on for the duration, which is short but not as short as the average V&V combat in-character, so quite viable as a Doug-grenade style distraction. As usual, though, the effects don't last beyond a few seconds after the music ends, which itself can be quite handy depending on the plan and circumstances.
The less obvious application is that that any toxic substance affecting anyone in Doug's AoE will be limited to "feeling a little unsteady" for the duration, by the simple expedient of Doug's power vanishing any amount of it in their systems that would result in a stronger effect -- and while his conjurations and direct influence fades rapidly, material that's gone stays gone. This means two and a half minutes of grace even in a cloud of die-in-seconds nerve gas or swimming in a vat of Menacing Green Villain Goop, etc., and in one-and-done cases like snakebite, chemical accidents, or something along those lines, probably not even needing serious attention to recover unless it's something the body can't deal with in even the smallest quantity.
Only works on substances that affect the target by chemical means, (ie not physical trauma) with caustics and nanotech as a grey area that probably depend more on Doug's subconscious perception of them than strict interpretation of physical science - it won't help with the cut left by a poisoned blade, for example, or a telepathic attack simulating the target getting blackout drunk and falling asleep.
Likewise, physical defenses or effects that prevent mental attacks but couldn't help against the target having a buzz due to to blood alcohol level (or an equivalent for the subject's biology, if sufficiently different for alcohol to be ineffective or too lethal for recreational use) won't stop Doug from bringing on the party, with robots and more exotic infomorphs like Hooloovoo in another grey area going that way.
May backfire if used on Jackie Chan, but if you're fighting on the other side from Jackie Chan you should take a real close look to make sure you're on the right side to begin with.
(Because I'd really love to see a scene where Doug rocks up to the villain's front door and draws a mob of minions, then gets them all drunk and has a slapstick mass brawl. Jackie Chan team-up optional, but enthusiastically and emphatically encouraged.)
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noli esse culus
noli esse culus
