Just an interest check. One of my 5 games recently went under. I'm just seeing how much interest there would be in a superhero based game using the Hero/Champions 5th edition rules.
The game would be along the lines of X-Men First Class (the movie) or Iron Man I, in that super heroes would not be wide spread and known to the world at large yet.
I'd make the character, with feedback from the players. Given how complex the system is to create a character, I'd want to have some decent control over the power levels, etc. Some things wouldn't be available (for example, power armor type characters) at the start, due to the tech level (modern day). If you happen to have Hero Developer 3, I could provide HDC files. Otherwise, I'd provide PDF files for the characters and post links on my Google Drive for them.
Because I'd be making the characters, if I do this and there's enough interest, recruitment would be somewhat unusual. Instead of submitting a character, you'd be submitting a character concept and background. This means even if you don't know the rules, you can join, since you'd learn as you go. Power level would be full on Superhero (350 pts) for those that know the system. Still, for those that don't, just realize you're unlikely to be able to build any major comic book character as is for 350pts. Especially the likes of Superman.
Tiny dot.
Is there a PRD or the like where I can get a general idea of the outer workings of this? I'm sure I could almost assuredly come up with a backstory and concept for you to work with... but I don't want to mess things up by having no idea what's going on. :)
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Not really, that's why I was going to build the characters. It's not a hard system, all D6 rolling.
Wiki gives a bit about the concepts.
Brick - A big slow bruiser who hits things. Hulk/Bane
Projector - A faster character who uses ranged attacks. Cyclops/Starfire
Martial Artist - Not a super (usually), just someone with lots and lots of training at martial arts. Elektra/Robin
Mentalist - Someone who uses the power of their mind rather than their body. Professor Xavier/Psimon
Metamorph - Someone who alters their body to solve problems. Mystique/Plastic Man
Speedster - Someone who's special powers involve super speed. Quicksilver/Flash
Weaponmaster - Someone who's special powers involve the use of a mundane weapon in superhuman ways. Hawkeye/Green Arrow
Basically, the super power concept is part of the application, but you just need descriptions of what they can do. Same as you would for a comic book blurb about a character. The background (who they are, what motivates them, etc) is the important part. And I can work with you on that.
Alrighty. Is there any way to make a Tinker within the system? I get the feeling that if my friend is interested that at least one of the two of us will want to work as a Tinker. :)
Hey MDT.
I could be interested. I haven't played Champs since 4th edition when it was my primary RPG.
I'll start thinking about a preferred concept.
Will we start the game getting the team together? Or should we write a origin that connects to the team?
Cheers
I'd be interested, I haven't played champions since the 90's not sure what edition. I'll start working on a concept.
Would an Avenger be available? I've had an idea for a Batman character brewing for years.
Also, not that difficult? Ha! Much as I love it, Hero system math is a pain in the ass.
Hmm. Are you looking for original heroes, ones based on modified comic book characters, or either?
Few questions for you:
1: How many characters are you looking at for a complete group?
2: What sort of posting schedule are you after?
3: If heroes/superhumans aren't well established, is there something in the backstory of the world that would allow us to have operated (or been created) in secret? For instance, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, SHIELD has been operating in secret for decades prior to Iron Man 1.
4: If we are experienced HERO players, would you accept self-submitted characters?
5: Damage Class/OCV/DCV/Skill Level caps at all? If so, what?
I think that covers my questions...
:)
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I'm actually browsing through the rule book right now to get an idea of what sort of character I'd want. I love superhero stuff!
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I love superheroes! (Newbonomicon linked me to this thread, excellent job. This is awesome.) I've been roleplaying heroes and villains for years in City of Heroes and beyond. I am definitely submitting a character to this if you do it! Now, where did I leave my notes...
*dives into a pile of superhero character backstories and concepts, trying to decide which one*
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Newbonomicon linked the post to me as well, I've been playing Champions for over a decade now and am glad to see my friends interested in it as well.
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Hmm, some interest it seems. :)
Alrighty. Is there any way to make a Tinker within the system? I get the feeling that if my friend is interested that at least one of the two of us will want to work as a Tinker. :)
Yes, you can make a gadgeteer. Gadgeteers are rather complex though. I believe you're talking about someone who uses tech to power themselves. Start of game, they'd be working with modern tech, which means Iron Man type gadgeteers or robot suits are out (although the tech will advance somewhat quickly). But traditional Batman or Forge or Beast type gadgeteers can certainly be done. Just be aware they are complex to play. They rarely ever pack a punch, but they have the flexibility to adapt to most situations.
Will we start the game getting the team together? Or should we write a origin that connects to the team?
You should write a background that tells who the person is before they get their powers. Then write up a description of the powers you want them to have. You don't have to use game terms. A more fleshed out version of "I want someone that can project heat or cold from his hands, has some flashy ice armor, and burns people that punch him... oh, and if he could move around on jets of flame too that would be awesome" would be what I'm looking for. Give me an idea of their physical characteristics (tall, short, skinny, fat, blonde, blue skinned, etc), their personality, and anything that their powers might make difficult "Being super strong makes it hard not to break stuff" or "Being red with a tale and demon horns is a nightmare!".
If you want to write up in your background how they figured out they had powers, that's fine, but it should be extremely recent, and it shouldn't involve any one else knowing (unless it's a close friend or family member). We'll be doing your 'origin story' as posts in game, before bringing everyone together as a team.
Would an Avenger be available? I've had an idea for a Batman character brewing for years.Also, not that difficult? Ha! Much as I love it, Hero system math is a pain in the ass.
Well, Batman isn't an Avenger, wrong comic book universe. :) However, this wont' be set in the Marvel or DC universe. I'm fine with you wanting to play someone 'like' a comic character, but I have found letting people play 'Batman' or 'Wolverine' causes problems because the system can't perfectly simulate the character, nor is everyone's concept of the character the same (Adam West Batman vs George Clooney Batman vs Christian Bale Batman, for example), nor are you likely to have the resources to perfectly mimic the character.
So, 'guy who isn't super and uses martial arts, brains, guts, and money to fight supers' is fine. 'I want to be Bruce Wayne' not so much.
Hmm. Are you looking for original heroes, ones based on modified comic book characters, or either?
Either is fine.
Few questions for you:
1: How many characters are you looking at for a complete group?
2: What sort of posting schedule are you after?
3: If heroes/superhumans aren't well established, is there something in the backstory of the world that would allow us to have operated (or been created) in secret? For instance, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, SHIELD has been operating in secret for decades prior to Iron Man 1.
4: If we are experienced HERO players, would you accept self-submitted characters?
5: Damage Class/OCV/DCV/Skill Level caps at all? If so, what?
I think that covers my questions...
:)
1: 4 to 6, probably 6. In my experience, I lose a couple of people shortly after starting a game. Additional people will be put on a list to be PM'd as openings occur.
2: 4+ posts per week usually. More is awesome, less is a pain.
3: There are a few groups around who know about supers. They've been around in a limited way for the last 50 years. However, the governments have been doing a good job of keeping a lid on them. Not all terrorist attacks are terrorist attacks. Not all broken gas mains that detonate are actually broken gas mains. Not everyone who goes missing is actually missing. You'll get introduced to a group during character intros.
4: If you can submit it in a readable format. However, I'll be looking over submitted characters with a fine tooth comb. Also, you'll need to submit 5th edition builds, which is out of print, and not quite compatible with 6th edition.
5: 10DC normally (varies depending on the rest of the build, for example, if you're playing a marksman who has +8 OCV, that is going to be whittled down. Hawkeye never misses, but he also doesn't hit like the Hulk. Hulk hits for a ton of damage, but he's also slow and easy to dodge). OCV/DCV varies by type (bricks lower, speedsters very high, etc). Basically, the more damage you do, the lower your OCV should be. The more stun/defense you have, the lower your DCV. Combat levels shouldn't be bought without GM approval. Skill Level bonuses that can't be used in combat should be kept reasonable (no check higher than 15 at start, unless the underlying stat gets it there on a base skill purchase). Basically, be reasonable and don't try to break the system. Same goes for SPD, speedsters 6 or 7, most characters 3 to 5, bricks 3 or 4.
I'm new to Champions but I own the rulebooks - I've always wanted to learn! It will be great to have you help out by making the actual character, I am sure.
Just be aware I'm using 5th edition, so it might not be the rule book you have. It's a big black one with green letters. It should help with 6th edition, if that's what you have, as far as learning. 6th didn't completely change the rules (unlike 4th edition).
Alrighty! I think I'll move away from the tinker concept for ease of play purposes. I enjoy playing 'makes other people better', and pathfinder doesn't really support (or didn't) technological characters, so I have that itch...
So how about turning it on its head, and focusing on an electromagnetic-themed character? Light-bending could be cool, as could hearing radio signals, and of course exploding tech with EMPs. :)
Do you have anything specific on the setting that I should work into a background (Such as 'from city X', 'was born 19 years ago', 'discovered in a corn field surrounded by dead bodies...'), and is this still just an interest check?
Hmm. I know a guy into Hero, and he's got a big pile of books from various editions. I'll probably take a look, but if you prefer handling the minutiae of characters, I might just provide a general thought on how I'd imagine the character (high characteristics, low characteristics, best defenses, etc).
Would disadvantages in build be a thing? (I usually like to play characters with a few clear disadvantages to flesh them out, but if a few of these aren't expected to be worked into the build I might not try to match them clearly to pre-defined ones)
1: 4 to 6, probably 6. In my experience, I lose a couple of people shortly after starting a game. Additional people will be put on a list to be PM'd as openings occur.
Sounds reasonable.
2: 4+ posts per week usually. More is awesome, less is a pain.
This may be a sticking point for me, but if you'd put my name in the hat I'll happily see what I can do to make this schedule. If I can't, I will gladly abdicate my position (if I have one) to someone who can.
3: There are a few groups around who know about supers. They've been around in a limited way for the last 50 years. However, the governments have been doing a good job of keeping a lid on them. Not all terrorist attacks are terrorist attacks. Not all broken gas mains that detonate are actually broken gas mains. Not everyone who goes missing is actually missing. You'll get introduced to a group during character intros.
This would work with the character concept I have in mind, I think, but I'll hold off until you say you're accepting submissions.
4: If you can submit it in a readable format. However, I'll be looking over submitted characters with a fine tooth comb. Also, you'll need to submit 5th edition builds, which is out of print, and not quite compatible with 6th edition.
I've been playing HERO since 1st edition, and own 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Editions. I've got that covered.
I also have Hero Designer, I'm set there.
5: 10DC normally (varies depending on the rest of the build, for example, if you're playing a marksman who has +8 OCV, that is going to be whittled down. Hawkeye never misses, but he also doesn't hit like the Hulk. Hulk hits for a ton of damage, but he's also slow and easy to dodge). OCV/DCV varies by type (bricks lower, speedsters very high, etc). Basically, the more damage you do, the lower your OCV should be. The more stun/defense you have, the lower your DCV....
My concept is a mentalist, so I can work with this.
Thank you!
the avenger is what I consider batman's archetype, however apparently I am insane and meant the Cowl, I do not intend to make batman or an avenger, but an avenging hero, the kind who punishes crime by going after people who prey on innocents. Mob, drug dealers, etc, like batman when he isn't trying to deal with random outbreaks of fear gas, zombies, joker schemes etc. I wanted to flavor luck as advanced predictive algorithms built into his suit through quantum computing.
And I'd probably be building something inspired by my favorite superhero, Black Orchid (think halfway between mystique and swamp thing), which is looking like it would probably by a martial artist with limited brick and metamorph powers and a major focus on deception skills and detectivery.
Alrighty! I think I'll move away from the tinker concept for ease of play purposes. I enjoy playing 'makes other people better', and pathfinder doesn't really support (or didn't) technological characters, so I have that itch...So how about turning it on its head, and focusing on an electromagnetic-themed character? Light-bending could be cool, as could hearing radio signals, and of course exploding tech with EMPs. :)
Do you have anything specific on the setting that I should work into a background (Such as 'from city X', 'was born 19 years ago', 'discovered in a corn field surrounded by dead bodies...'), and is this still just an interest check?
If you want to 'make other people better' then there's always the booster character. It's not as much fun to play, because you're really boosting others players. Healing, boosting power, etc. Then there's also the making the other characters suck, which is altering the combat field, suppressing powers (Rogue power drain), but again, you have to have a specific mindset for that type of character.
Electromagnetic themed characters are easy to build, and yes, they can damage technology. Note that other supers do get upset if you keep blowing up their gameboys (just look at the trouble Jubilee has with the other x-brats!). :) But yeah, all those are possible.
As to background, no, generally I would expect the characters to be in their teens to early twenties, just because it is unusual to discover abilities late in life, but there's always exceptions to that vague rule. And yeah, right now, interest check. But I'm answering questions as if it were a full blown recruitment (otherwise, I can't gauge interest accurately). Although it's looking as if I have sufficient interest, so I'll likely convert shortly. And no, other than 'don't make it public' you can submit any background you like, I'll ask for tweaks if it doesn't work.
Hmm. I know a guy into Hero, and he's got a big pile of books from various editions. I'll probably take a look, but if you prefer handling the minutiae of characters, I might just provide a general thought on how I'd imagine the character (high characteristics, low characteristics, best defenses, etc).Would disadvantages in build be a thing? (I usually like to play characters with a few clear disadvantages to flesh them out, but if a few of these aren't expected to be worked into the build I might not try to match them clearly to pre-defined ones)
That works fine, and yes, all of them have to have disadvantages. I'll work with the players to flesh those out (for those who know the rules, it'll be 200pts + 150pts disads). Obviously, those who'd like less disadvantages can opt to have fewer points. Some disads will be common (Everyone hunted by certain groups, everyone secret identities, etc). Other's not so much.
This may be a sticking point for me, but if you'd put my name in the hat I'll happily see what I can do to make this schedule. If I can't, I will gladly abdicate my position (if I have one) to someone who can.
If I convert to a full recruitment (which is looking likely) I have no issues with this, but I would have to ask you to if it's slowing the game down. I have games now that update once a week, and it's hard to keep players involved.
I've been playing HERO since 1st edition, and own 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Editions. I've got that covered.I also have Hero Designer, I'm set there.
Good enough. My condolences on the 4th edition. :)
I have played hero systems before but I don't think I have the copy of 5th edition anymore. Would I still be able to play since you are making the characters?
Should be able to, I'm trying to set it up so if we go forward, that people without the books can do so. I'll explain abilities to them, and we'll be taking it slow at first.
the avenger is what I consider batman's archetype, however apparently I am insane and meant the Cowl, I do not intend to make batman or an avenger, but an avenging hero, the kind who punishes crime by going after people who prey on innocents. Mob, drug dealers, etc, like batman when he isn't trying to deal with random outbreaks of fear gas, zombies, joker schemes etc. I wanted to flavor luck as advanced predictive algorithms built into his suit through quantum computing.
Just remember that at the game start, technology is what we have in the real world today, so quantum computers are a few years (5 or so?) down the road. If you want to go that route, I'd flavor luck as an actual mutation, or just make him very highly skilled smart and motivated. Best example I can think of is the recent Sherlock Holmes movies, where they have Downey playing out events in his mind, the entire fight, with all variables.
And I'd probably be building something inspired by my favorite superhero, Black Orchid (think halfway between mystique and swamp thing), which is looking like it would probably by a martial artist with limited brick and metamorph powers and a major focus on deception skills and detectivery.
That's certainly a doable combination. Just remember that a combo character generally isn't as good at any one thing than a specialized character, but, they have more options in general and are able to adapt to more situations and have less situations where they are unable to do anything. :)
350 pts... umm Hulk Thor etc would be easy at that power level. If you want to start easy I'd gor for 200 to 250 and let them build up to that.
LOL, and this is why I avoid having people play specific comic book characters. I've seen builds for Hulk and Thor that range from 350 to 1500 points, depending on which specific version of Thor or Hulk you are talking about from the various comic runs, movies, tv shows, etc.
And no, other than 'don't make it public' you can submit any background you like, I'll ask for tweaks if it doesn't work.
Huh. I figured the background will probably be a big part of recruitment; good to know that it's starting out secret from the others.
I'm not too worried about split roles, because the morph powers that appeal to me (density increase, regeneration, limited shape-shift) are just there to reinforce defenses or face skills.
Well, I didnt mean secret as in not in the thread, although if you prefer to keep them secret, you can either spoiler or PM me.
I was more talking about don't have your origin story include turning into a red skinned black horned demon in front of your english class while stammering out a report. :)
Newb, Morph, and I were talking about possibly applying our characters as a trio. If two, or all three of us make it passed recruitment, would that be alright with you?
Yep, I have no problem with that.
Ok, looks like I have enough interest, so we'll go ahead and convert this into a recruitment. Get me concepts, backgrounds, and personalities.
When puberty began, Jack discovered the Force was real. He started moving small things with his mind. At first, he tried to show his parents and friends, but the Force wouldn’t work when he knew someone was paying attention. They made fun of him, so he kept it to himself. In that bottle inside himself where he kept his knowledge of the Force grew an overwhelming concern to avoid falling to the Dark Side. He watched Episode V over and over again to duplicate the training of Luke by Yoda and Episodes I to III as a warning of what could happen. He memorized all of the wisdom of Yoda and the other Jedi Masters. He practiced avoiding fear, which leads to anger, which leads to hate, which leads to the Dark Side.
Outwardly, Jack continued to be a relatively normal kid in high school. He was a short guard on the junior varsity basketball team who never missed when he needed to make a bucket. He was a full back in soccer who was very stingy on defense. Deft use of telekinesis helps in ball games. Overall, he was not a star in academics, society, or sports. However, he did begin to train in the local Karate dojo. In private, Jack trained himself in the use of the Force:
* Moving big objects, guiding small objects like balls and dice, and deflecting threatening objects like tennis balls
* Jumping, falling, and being more graceful than his body would normally allow
* Performing subtle Mind Tricks: “The Force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded”
* Sensing things while blind
While Jack has read everything there is to read about the Star Wars universe, he has problems imagining Force powers that he has not seen in the movies. Therefore, his current repertoire of powers are only from the movies. While he practices with many things resembling lightsabers, e.g. swords, baseball bats, golf clubs, and expandable steel batons, he continues to wish for a lightsaber, the true weapon of a Jedi. Currently, he carries a concealed, expandable steel baton wherever it would be allowed. Using the Force, Jack earned a black belt at his dojo before graduating high school.
In college, Jack majors in philosophy specializing on Eastern philosophies that underpin the Force. He minors in English focusing on hero story-telling. He has taken language classes in Mandarin, Korean and Japanese but is not terribly proficient. He belongs to several clubs of languages and books that discuss his interests, while he continues training at a Taekwondo dojo that focuses on the five tenets:
* Courtesy Showing courtesy to all, respecting others, having manners as well as maintaining the appropriate etiquette at all times, both within and outside the designated training area.
* Integrity means not only to determine what is right or wrong but also having the conscience to feel guilty if one has done wrong and to have the integrity stand up for what is right.
* Perseverance One will persevere time and time again until they have achieved a result which is adequate towards what one was trying to achieve.
* Self-control means to not only have control over one's physical acts, but also their mental thoughts and actions.
* Indomitable spirit means to have the courage to stand up for what you believe in, no matter what odds you are up against, and to always give 100% effort in whatever you do.
While he regularly quotes the Star Wars movies, he avoids using movie quotations when he wants to sound serious. He accepts that most people think the Force is not real, so he hides his belief with historical corollaries. However, he attempts to live by the codes of the Jedi:
There is no emotion, there is peace.
There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
There is no passion, there is serenity.
There is no chaos, there is harmony.
There is no death, there is the Force.
Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use their powers to defend and to protect.
Jedi respect all life, in any form.
Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.
In actuality, Jack is a mutant mentalist. His powers could have developed in any number of ways but now express themselves as Force powers.
If I convert to a full recruitment (which is looking likely) I have no issues with this, but I would have to ask you to if it's slowing the game down. I have games now that update once a week, and it's hard to keep players involved.
That's perfectly fair. As someone who's running a PBEM Cyberpunk game (and ran another that lasted for 10 years), I share your perspective on such things. I've had to ask otherwise great players to bench their characters because their jobs or lives reared up and bit them. Jobs and life come first, in my book.
Good enough. My condolences on the 4th edition. :)
Hey, now. 4th is what got me back in to HERO. Plus, not much changed between 4th and 5th. Now, the design choices in 6th... I have things to say about. But I won't. ;)
Okay, since you're asking for concepts and the like, let me summon up a spoiler tag...
To: j.w.190@redacted.un.gov
From: redacted@redacted
Date: redacted, 199redacted
Subject: Re: re: re: re: re: Project Ultra/Violet
Jack,
We're all still feeling the loss of the big guy, we know you're beating yourself up over this. We had no way of knowing this would happen, and you shouldn't blame yourself. The board still believes we can make this work. We need you to focus, re-asses your resource requirements, and continue as planned. Project Ultra/Violet will need to continue at the earliest opportunity.
We expect your return to work on Monday, June redacted, 199redacted.
Yours,
redacted, Project Coordinator.
To: j.w.190@redacted.un.gov
From: redacted@redacted
Date: redacted, 199redacted
Subject: Just me and you (Was: Re: re: re: re: re: Project Ultra/Violet)
Okay, buddy, that's all the formal crap out of the way, so the rest is just me talking to you like a damned human being.
Jack, you just lost your *son*, man. I get it. You've been working on this project for a decade, you came in and you *made it work*, Jack. I know it's hard. I know you feel like you could have done something more.
But this *cost you your leg*, Jack. Trying to do something more than you reasonably could nearly got you killed. And where would that have left *her*, Jack? Come on, man. You're a scientist. Do the math.
The important part is we still have *her*, buddy. She's still here, and she's progressing every day. You've got a ten year old kid in there who thinks the world of you. She calls you dad and that's what you are, man.
You lost your *son*, Jack. Don't end up losing your *daughter*, too.
Get back in there, man. Get back in there and do something before they take her away from you. You know what they'll do. That jackwagon running Russia these days may not be painting USSR on the sides of the tanks and planes, but we all know what his plan is. This is what the original U/V was for in the Cold War, Jack. If you don't get back in there, they'll turn her into a bomb.
Come on, buddy. You're better than this.
Bill
***
To: redacted@redacted
From: redacted@redacted
Date: redacted, 20redacted
Subject: Doctor redacted
Coordinator redacted,
The board was saddened to hear of the loss of Doctor redacted and his wife. The reports of the collision that claimed them were delivered to us this morning via priority courier. We understand that you have requested several days off in order to gather your thoughts and mourn the loss of your friend.
We have approved a week's leave for you and all key personnel in Project Violet, effective immediately. Support personnel will be required to stay on site in order to maintain the integrity of the project.
Upon your return, we would like to review the indicated dosage of control chemicals on the subject. Recent reports indicate that dosage has been increased over 100% - a value that previously we had been led to believe would be fatal. The most current data available indicates the subject has developed a tolerance we had previously thought impossible.
On the matter of Doctor redacted's death: please rest assured that the board was not involved. Despite his frequent outbursts and his resistance to the higher goals of the project, the board fully understood the relationship between he and the subject. The project remains our primary goal. The investigation into this so-called "accident" is now our secondary goal. We will provide you with answers, you may be certain.
Please provide our sincerest condolences to your team.
***
To: redacted@redacted
From: redacted@redacted
Date: redacted, 20redacted
Subject: Project Violet
Coordinator redacted,
Effective immediately, you are to cease all operations on Project Violet. Following the attack on [redacted] by forces unknown, the board has come under immediate assault by forces both within and without. That the [redacted] who attacked [redacted] appeared to have been fielding units [redacted] Project Ultra, we feel that placing the subject in proximity to her [redacted] would only serve to further endanger the very civilian lives we are attempting to protect.
redacted
redacted
redacted
All personnel assigned to Project Violet are to be placed into Tier Four redacted and reassigned.
The subject will be dosed with redacted and placed under UN supervision at the [redacted] site along with the remaining subjects from Projects redacted, redacted, and Undertow.
We know your attachment to the subject is familial and that you consider yourself to have taken over the position of father that was held by Doctor redacted. As such, you are to take immediate supervision of the subject and accompany her to redacted. All arrangements have been made.
This will be our last communication on the subject. Your new superiors will contact you upon your arrival at your new home.
Godspeed, Bill. Good luck.
***
The young woman known only as "Violet" was once part of a pair of twins. Her brother, Ulysses, was stolen from the high-security facility that had been their home when he was only ten years old. Her father was very badly injured in that attack, when the faceless men in the black suits had come. Ulysses was very strong - stronger than any one ever thought he could be. He fought back against the men, and Violet was so proud of him, the way he stood up to them. He was never very smart, but Uly had the heart of a giant.
Dad said he had the strength of one, too, and it shone so brightly that day. The bullets didn't hurt him. The knives bounced off of his skin. Uly saved a lot of people that day.
But they shot dad. They shot him really bad. They couldn't hurt Uly, so they tried to hurt Violet - and dad got in the way.
Violet screamed, and the men fell over. So many of them just fell over, and never got back up. That was the day she started hearing what everyone was thinking. That was the day they started being afraid of her.
Everyone except dad.
The men in the black suits used gas, and a lot of it. Everyone fell asleep, and when they woke up, dad's leg was beyond saving, and Uly was gone.
After that, Violet couldn't stop hearing what everyone was thinking. Most of them thought nice things. Some of them thought bad things. One of them, some of the things he thought were nice, but a lot of them were awful. One night he thought some very, very bad things about one of the other people in the facility. Things that made Violet very angry. He went to sleep and never woke up.
That was when they started giving Violet the shots. That was when they started giving her the pills. It got harder and harder to think, when she took the shots and the pills. But she learned how to think, anyway, and she could still hear them - just not as clearly. Sometimes, she heard them perfectly, and what they thought was awful. She tried to make them shut up, but she couldn't.
One day, dad stopped coming. They said it was because something bad had happened. In their minds, she saw the images of the accident. The horrible fire. The bent metal. The people taking pictures and the fire department showing up much, much too late. Uncle Bill came and took care of her, after that. She was only fifteen and both her father and her brother were gone.
Once, they stopped drugging her and gave her new clothes, cut her hair, let her pick out a color for her nails. They took her to a place with so many people, all of them thinking about finding a new toy for their daughter, or a new ring for their wife, or just... so many thoughts. So many people, unconcerned with anything but making themselves or someone else happy. The air outside was cold. There were reindeer in a parking lot. Someone was selling trees. They smelled amazing.
The men in business suits and ties asked her to think very hard about finding "the bad men." Violet did as she was asked, and she found the bad men. The men with the bombs and the gas and the guns, who wanted to hurt people just because they could. And she found someone else, too.
She found Uly.
It looked like him. It sounded like him. But it didn't think like him. It didn't think at all. Whatever, whoever, that was, it wasn't her brother. His eyes were blank, and there was a... thing... some kind of metal collar... at the back of his neck.
And worst of all: there were two of him. Empty inside. No thoughts, no mind, nothing but the cold tang of metal where his mind should be.
Violet and the men in business suits saved a lot of people that day. But it wasn't good enough. Shortly after that, the facility was shut down. Uncle Bill told her they were moving to somewhere else. Somewhere new. The doctors came in to her room, and gave her her shot. She fell asleep in a room full of her things - old memories and pictures and all of her paints and pictures - and woke up in a cell. Uncle Bill said it was only temporary, but it hasn't been.
She's spent ten years in this cell. The people on either side of her, just like her, cast-offs from failed or shelved projects. They take her out and clean her up when they need her to read the mind of some foreign dignitary, or when they need to find someone "very dangerous" right now. They never take her off the drugs all the way, though. They learned their lesson.
Uncle Bill comes and visits her, all the time. He never hides his mind from her, so she knows he hates this as much as she does. He's the only person who never lies to her. He's the reason she knows her father was murdered, probably by the same people who stole her brother.
Uncle Bill says there's potential for her to get out of here. Something about a "new opportunity." No more drugs. No more cell.
When she gets out of here - not if - some people will have an awful lot of explaining to do.
***
Violet is essentially one-half of a "happy accident" of genetic engineering. Originally intended to be a single-entity super-soldier type cloning experiment, the cells of the embryo divided and split into two nearly genetically identical (but gender dimorphic) copies.
One, the male, was named Ulysses and given the project code name: Ultra. Ulysses' strength and physical development were incredibly accelerated. By the time he was five, he could lift several hundred pounds free standing. By the time he was ten, when unknown forces broke into the facility to steal both himself and his sister, he was capable of resisting tremendous amounts of damage, as well as possessing literally inhuman strength and endurance. Though his mental development was far slower than expected, he was nonetheless capable of communicating clearly with his sister.
Violet, the female of the pair, developed fundamentally opposite to Ulysses. Seemingly normal in every way, save for her preternatural intelligence, she was outwardly a normal child. Her mental powers did not manifest themselves until the day after their tenth birthday, but when they did, it was a shock not only to her handlers, but to herself. Suddenly unable to differentiate between her own thoughts and those of the people around her, she was placed onto a series of psycho-active drugs in order to combat her seemingly inescapable descent into paranoid schizophrenia.
Violet has recently begun preparing for a re-release into the world - after having been used as a spy, a counter-terrorism agent, and a psychic mole in a world of shadow governments and conspiracies. Her "Uncle Bill," the former project coordinator of Ultra/Violet, maintains close ties with her. The both of them are dedicated to finding out the identity of the people who killed her father and stole her brother - and who have apparently cloned him and are now using those clones to their own ends.
Violet is not at all strong or hearty. She is of average strength and constitution for a mid-twenties woman who has had only enough physical activity to maintain her at a healthy weight and frame.
Violets powers include:
Telepathy - Violet can read the thoughts of, and send her thoughts to, people in a large area around her.
Mind Link - If you can handle being in direct mental contact with a mid-twenties woman who has spent most of her life in what amounts to a high-tech insane asylum, you can be in instant contact with your allies.
Mental Attack - Violet can put dozens of people to sleep at once, if she chooses, though she has learned how to do it on a case-by-case basis.
Psychic Attack - When pressed, extremely angry, or if the person involved is "very bad," Violet has been known to inflict severe psychic damage on another person's mind. She doesn't like doing this. But that technician was going to hurt that nurse.
Flight - Violet doesn't know it yet, but she can fly through sheer force of will.
Force Barrier - Another power Violet doesn't know she has. She can create a telekinetic barrier around herself (but not others), capable of blocking or absorbing a great deal of damage. (Force Field)
Languages - Violet is a copycat linguist. She can speak any language known to man by virtue of being able to trick the listener into mentally "hearing" what she's saying. She cannot read other languages without actually learning them, however. (Universal Translator)
Drug Resistance - A side effect of all the drugs given to Violet to maintain her "controllable" nature is that she has developed an extreme resistance to rather a lot of sedatives, psycho-actives, and paralytics. (3 point Immunity, basically)
Okay, that's about it from me. I will now await GM input.
Except that kind of blows his origin story out of the water, well, I suppose I could alter it a bit, quantum computing is being worked on and his work in the field is what did it... So if I tweaked the results of the moment, yeah, I can make it work.
So, this being a superhero comic book style universe, is magic going to exist? I have an idea for a character, but if you'd rather lean towards an MCU-style setting where only certain types of powers exist, that's cool.
I've been joining superhero games on these boards for quite a while, but they never seem to last very long. That being said, I'm still up to try another one. I've never learned the Champions system. I cut my teeth on the old Marvel Super Heroes (FASERIP) system, and have just recently tried the Mutants and Masterminds system.
Here's the super-powered characters I've had for other games. I could see trying to use one of these, or going with someone new.
Tenfold: creates energy-based duplicates of himself.
Whippoorwill: winged fighter with an array of trick quills and a whip.
Wingblade: character from a Marvel/DC mashup campaign. A mix of Hawkgirl and X-23
Interesting concept and back story. Are you wanting to focus primarily on someone who can do 'jedi mind tricks' and has minimal physical training, or someone who's used his powers to boost his physical training and has some jedi trick ability, or an equal split? The advantage of the first one is that you'll be a physically health mentalist. The advantage of the second is you'll be a martial artist with some tricks in the hole. The advantage of the last is that you'll be less likely to be caught in a situation where one or the other ability is useless. The downside to the first is you'll be a big brain with a weak body, which usually means easy to take down. The downside of the second is you'll be a good fighter who's taken away some of his fighting prowess for secondary powers that don't mesh well with his primary powers. The downside of the last is that you'll never be a good fighter or a good mentalist, and never shine at either.
It's a common trade off, any time you work at multiple types of powers, you're not going to be the best at any one, but you'll have more flexibility than someone who specializes (Cyborg for example is not the best projector, nor the best gadgeteer, nor the best tactician, but he's able to perform as all three at reduced levels compared to Captain Atom or Batman.
Interesting background, and it could work. The group doing the research would be a government sanctioned group. The only caveat I have is the 'clones'. The tech isn't advanced enough to support clones. However, if we go with the Uly's she saw being not computer controlled clones but clones created by some other mutant's powers, then I'd be good with that (they are mindless drones that fall apart after a few hours/days, etc).
@Newb - I'm not severely opposed to magic, but, like mutant powers, it has to be strongly hidden magic. That is, again, the world starts off like today, game day zero, as far as the public is concerned. Imagine the Avengers movies. Arguably Thor is magically powered, but until the Avengers movie and the invasion of earth, nobody believed in Norse gods or magic. It works even better if there is some question as to whether the 'ancient magic' is actually magic or very early mutant powers that left some lasting effect on things and/or people.
@Stalwart - Well, I've got games in the 6000 post range, so the only way the game falters is lack of interest/posting on the player's part. Tenfold could work as far as background goes, obviously recreated into Champions stats. Whippoorwill as far as powers go is also fine, but would need more details on background and abilities. Wingblade's background would not work at all. However, a sort of smashup of those power groups can be done, the background of course would need to be reworked. Basically, any power setup can usually be worked with, the background is the big thing.
Any particular brand of character you'd like?
@Stalwart - Well, I've got games in the 6000 post range, so the only way the game falters is lack of interest/posting on the player's part. Tenfold could work as far as background goes, obviously recreated into Champions stats. Whippoorwill as far as powers go is also fine, but would need more details on background and abilities. Wingblade's background would not work at all. However, a sort of smashup of those power groups can be done, the background of course would need to be reworked. Basically, any power setup can usually be worked with, the background is the big thing.
Yeah, I realize Whippoorwill's page completely lacks her background -- which I do have. I'll put something together and propose a reworked background for Wingblade as well. Tenfold's background was written for a game that was to be set in the 80s, but that needs the least amount of work, obviously.
In my 4th Ed days, I would build his powers as a Multipower with on/off ultra slots, where "being more graceful than his body would normally allow" (1. +Dex) would be the default. The other stuff takes concentration (without a limitation just a descriptional choice):
* Moving big objects (2. TK), guiding small objects like balls and dice (3. less TK with fine manipulation), and deflecting threatening objects like tennis balls (4. +DCV or deflection?)
* Jumping (5. Jumping?), falling (6. Gliding?)
* Performing subtle Mind Tricks: “The Force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded” (7. Mind Control or Suggestion? which should only threaten "normals" in ECV and D6)
* Sensing things while blind (8. Blind sight +extra perception)
I think that building a default setting into his Multipower that aids his Martial Artistry would minimize the impact the downside that you highlight. I would size the Multipower based on the Mind Trick, which shouldn't be too big to only threaten "normals." Maybe 30-45 points? The rest of the points into the Martist.
How well does that translate? Cheers
I can vouch for MDT as a player in one of his games—he's a very long-term GM.
Would "splashed with alien goo" be valid as part of a backstory, or does "fell into a vat of radioactive X" make more sense, or either/neither?
@Korak - Characters that are fun to run, as well as fun for you to play. That doesn't mean jokesters, but characters that are interesting and well played and well thought out.
@Stalwart - Sounds good.
@Jubal Breakbottle - OK, sounds good. I'll work up something when I have the chance.
@ALL - Note, once someone has a formal background/submission, I'll work on their character creation, as that's part of the submission, working out the powers and abilities. Plus the disadvantages. That doesn't mean acceptance into the game. Being how complicated character creation is, it means I'll be working potentially on characters that don't make it in. That should indicate, I hope, some intent on my part that this isn't a throw away game. :) I'm lazy and hate doing work for no reason. :)
** spoiler omitted **
That's perfectly reasonable, as:
You want to build this one, or should I?
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@jemstone - You can send me something if you like, but I reserve the right to heavily modify. ;)
Hmm. I've potentially got some interest in building my own character at this point (at least as a first draft) unless you'd prefer to do it all yourself.
I haven't a full backstory written up for the concept yet, but I'm going to submit a mutant hero named Drider. Her mutations would be a protective carapace (Armor), Claws (HtH Killing Attack), four sharp spider like legs sprouting from her back (Extra Limbs, Clinging, possibly more Killing Attacks or bonuses to Sweep), and Web Glands (Entangle, Swinging). Potential other powers would be a neurotoxic bite (Dex or Str drain) and a healing factor.
I'll put together a proper background and description for another post.
Oh, before I forget:
250 Base + 100 Disadvantages, or
200 Base + 150 Disadvantages?
@Thunderbeard - Same comment as Jemstone, you can if you want, but I reserve the right to heavily modify.
@jemstone - 200 + 150
@Hat-Trick - I would make the powers with the ability to turn them off, unless you want to have major issues with secret identity and moving around in public. Not saying you can't have them always on and a freakish appearance, just that it will make it much harder in game with the whole 'keep powers a secret as long as possible' thing. :)
Hmm... having trouble hitting 150 points of disadvantages without stacking together several of the same sort. Should we include things like "secret superhero identity" and potentially multiple susceptibilities/hunted/limitations etc., or just not worry too much about going all the way to the cap?
Everyone will have two disads :
Secret ID (Social, 15pts)
Hunted (US Govt, More Powerful, extensive influence, 20pts)
Don't worry about going all the way to the cap, if you can't hit 150, I'll work with you to figure it out. If you just don't want that many disads, you can reduce the points you spend. You don't *have* to spend 350 pts (325 or even 300 with less disads would not be underpowered).
Drider's character is shaped pretty heavily by the presence of monstrous traits. If they were made suppressible, it would probably be a relatively new trick to her, complete with Accidental Change as one of her Disads. I would prefer her to develop any such suppression during play and utilize the Thing's Trenchcoat trick to disguise Distinctive features instead.
EDIT: I also plan for the character to have tailoring skills to make clothes with her web silk.
Hmm, this might be the time to finally bring up Iron Spider from the depths of antiquity. For those of you wondering this is before the Iron Spider armor was actually a thing and it's not powered armor, It's an armored suit ala this. and has a web gun with various power tricks, dammit I have so many ideas! I could have Nightmaster/Talon (never did decide a name for luck boy) Iron spider, Nikki Nuclear, Powersurge, Strongarm, or gah!
@Hat-Trick - No problem, just wanted to make sure you understood the issues you'd be getting into with a monstrous appearance.
@ALL - For those making their own characters (or those who are curious), here is a character my wife played in this game. As can be seen, she opted to go with fewer disadvantages, and was still perfectly viable as a character. She's a teleporting brick character. The character can lift a massive amount, has limited teleportation (line of sight only), can heal herself (although she has to consciously do it, and is helpless while healing), and has a very durable body that is naturally resistant to damage (high PD/ED with limited damage reduction, as her body literally phases itself partially out of phase with everything else instinctively when she takes damage). However, she's got a low speed (meaning she doesn't react quickly) and has no combat training. For those who haven't played before, you can feel free to ask questions about the character to get a feel for how the system works.