Why can't you perplex a characters number of range targets? Since you can perplex range (a combat value that doesn't appear withing the dial and doesn't change throughout the game) I can't figure why you couldn't.
Someone s-m-r-t-er than me take a crack at it for me, please.

Because it is not a combat value and Perplex may only be used on Combat Values. From the Danger Room rule book (page 4):

Combat Values
Each character has five combat values, as shown in Figure 2. Four of these values are on the combat dial and are visible through the stat slot: speed, attack, defense, and damage. These values usually change when you turn a character’s combat dial. The fifth value is the character’s range for ranged combat attacks; this value is printed on its base. Range does not change as you turn the combat dial. Each value appears next to its respective symbol.

Yeah, I know you can't do it...but logically...if Riddler can perplex Joker into having a better attack value...or a GREATER RANGE, why couldn't he perplex him to be able to hit one additional target.

It's very difficult to argue "logic" in minis game based on comic book superheroes.

Ah... so this isn't a rules question, so much as it is a "why doesn't [power X] work like I want it to work?" thread. I see now.

You may wish to take this to 'Dreams and Desires' then

I know, I know....I just don't see a good reason you can't do that. But then, it's produced by a company known for canning quality judges for questionable reasons, right?

Vet Ultron with 6 targets...

you need any more reasons?

Let's not forget the horror of a 6 target 12 range MC/INP with 11 attack U Prof X. Or a 5 Target 11 attack INC trickshotting Nebula........

Tarnish

To hear it from you two, it almost sounds game breaking!

BoT

It mostly because its not a printed number on the dial. or on the Base. Your argument does bear merit, but logically it should not be done.

Imagine IC ultron perplexed up to 6 targets doing an Energy Explosion.

Also, Imagine a single target big hitter like say ICONS Vet Sups. Perplex his target to 2 then he can always hedge his bets, which is like having a PCer on the team, and it would make Perplex WAY too powerful.

Also By Perplexing the Base others would ask Can I Perplex the damage symbol to make my normal character in to a Giant. and so on .

Yeah... imagine that.

I really do see your point, but the fact that you can already perplex the base (range) bugs me.

I'm not campaigning for a change...just mostly thinking 'out loud.'

The best "Perplex anything on the dial" question I ever heard was whether or not a character's point value could be reduced (like from 100 to 99) in order to stop Mind Control feedback damage...

Here's a logical reason.

The number of targets isn't represented by a number, it's represented by symbols. You can't perplex symbols; only actual numbers. Range is an actual number. Damage, speed, defense, actual numbers. Number of targets? Not a number. Symbols.

That work for you?

Very simple

Speed is a number
Attack is a number
Defence is a number
Damage is a number
Range is a number

Number of attacks are symbols - how do you add +1 to a lightning bolt?

A better question would be why can't I perplex the other numbers on the dial top? (Okay, you are 201 points, so Joker and Harley will perplex down your cost by 2. Now I only take 1 feedback damage to my mind controller! or I perplex down your collector's number. You are now no longer figure 25 from Unleashed, Rookie Deadshot and are now 24, Vet Scarecrow. Now, since the dial does not correspond to the dial top and figure plus you are now over the legal team build, you forfeit the game)