To clarify, is the vote whether we are a group already or not?
If that is the case, I think I would prefer if we have some understanding how we got together and the nature of the group itself (who funds it, is it government sanctioned, does it have a base? resources? Where is the main HQ?
Oh, and this avatar picture is hardly perfect, but Quicky in powered form is covered with a black metal which obscures his features. This was as close as I could get.
Ok, here are some FAQ responses:
Has the group already met/formed, or are we doing that in game? The beginning story arc I have planned could work for either style of campaign, so I'll leave this one up to a vote. No vote will preclude any shared backstory individuals wish to craft together.
I'm flexible. I've been writing my vignettes focusing on the confluence of events that led to Wingblade being created (I'm probably going to do one more about the decision to convert her from an experiment to a weapon in response to the Hive attack). I've been avoiding tying my history into anyone else's for fear of stepping on toes. That said, I'm happy to put our collective heads together to work on the formation of the group.
What kind of cities are we dealing with in terms of Gotham, New York, Metropolis, etc? In true Amalgam fashion, it will be a kind of mix. The big ones are as follows: Gotham is an area of New York City akin to Hell's Kitchen, only larger. Incorporating about thirty city blocks, it is the failed attempt at urban renewal that corruption has left as the bleakest, most crime-ridden section of the greatest city in the world. DC Metro is almost the opposite: a shining example of doing it right in the bustling corporate sector of Washington D.C., a stark contrast to the "heart" of the capital, DC Metro has become a sprawling beacon of success to the nation.
Wow, I'm rather torn. I'm a huge fan of Arkham City, so I would love to explore a gritty, detailed Gotham. But I think I would prefer to be a mobile team, ready to head to whatever crisis, wherever we're needed. I don't know if that's an option.
One or more of the characters is a killer. How should we deal with this? Does the game have penalties for such actions? While I did specify this as a "Bronze Age" campaign, which means murder isn't an acceptable "tactic", I realize that a few of the PCs I accepted have some issues in their backgrounds which make lethality a more likely tactic. I would ask that we focus on these characters' growth from such pasts towards a less severe outlook on life. A story of personal growth is of interest to me and I don't mind if we start out in a darker place (in fact, a storyline of a golden hero taking a darker path due to something that happens in game is likewise attractive, so long as the hero eventually is brought back into the light.) That being said, purposeful murder doesn't have mechanical effects/results so much as storyline- and complication- based issues. I'd rather not have to focus the campaign on a manhunt against your characters for harboring a serial killer.
>Raises hand meekly< Ahem. Hi.
At the start of this game, Wingblade will not hesitate to take a life, although I draw a distinction between killing and murder. Murder, being the killing of helpless or innocent life, is not something she'll do unless compelled (like trigger scent). But if someone attacks her or her friends, she'll put him (or her) down. I'm definitely up for a personal story arc of growth toward learning a less-lethal way of dealing with problems. I don't want to be "that player" who tries to disrupt things, but I do enjoy a bit of interpersonal drama. I think it works especially well in PBP. So I'm looking forward to Haunt's attitude toward Wingblade. Lay it on as thick as you want, I, the player, won't be offended.
When do we get started? Huh? Huh? Are We starting yet? Huh?...
I'm ready when you are!
Excited to hear about Gotham.
Having been raised by a total bastard of a guy and given Haunt's background as a villainous analogy to the boy wonder, he has committed murders in the past under the notion that they were righteous murders, committed because they had to be in order to stop "the bad guys". Older and wiser, he has worked hard to atone for his past misdoings. I'll try to play him as the older brother type to Wingblade, part bully, part handler.
As for the team, I vote for "formed". Maybe we can start freshly formed and get briefed on the who's whats and whys.
As for names? I'm coming up blank.
@Quicky, is your character an amalgamation of Cyborg, Colossus and a speedster?
No, he's not really an amalgam. He's someone I played in a Heroes Unlimited game once. I look at him as a speedster built up to sort of obey the laws of physics. He doesn't have any kind of inertia ignoring field, so if he picks someone up and runs with them, they get hurt.
If I had to amalgam him in terms of what he's like it would be more like Iron Monroe (from the Young All Stars) and Luke Cage (Power Man). He's somewhat mercenary, but also generally well meaning.
Group name!
Let's see, in the true spirit of an amalgamated universe, we should decide what groups we most want to emulate. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I get the impression we're to become one of Earth 's premier super hero teams.
So here's our choices:
Marvel
Avengers
Defenders
Fantastic Four
X-Men (and progeny)
Guardians of the Galaxy
New Warriors
Invaders
DC
Justice League
Justice Society
Suicide Squad
Teen Titans
New Gods
Birds of Prey
Please toss out more if you think of them. I'm sure they're there.
Some mashed-up ideas:
Justice Squad
Magnificent Seven
Avenging League/Society
Defenders/Guardians of Justice
X-Squad
Any of these sound good to anyone?
Ok, here are some FAQ responses:
Has the group already met/formed, or are we doing that in game? The beginning story arc I have planned could work for either style of campaign, so I'll leave this one up to a vote. No vote will preclude any shared backstory individuals wish to craft together.
I'd prefer not having my character be part of a group at the start. I'd like to play her arriving in the world and reacting to it. But I'm okay if the others want to have a group already formed.
What kind of cities are we dealing with in terms of Gotham, New York, Metropolis, etc? In true Amalgam fashion, it will be a kind of mix. The big ones are as follows: Gotham is an area of New York City akin to Hell's Kitchen, only larger. Incorporating about thirty city blocks, it is the failed attempt at urban renewal that corruption has left as the bleakest, most crime-ridden section of the greatest city in the world. DC Metro is almost the opposite: a shining example of doing it right in the bustling corporate sector of Washington D.C., a stark contrast to the "heart" of the capital, DC Metro has become a sprawling beacon of success to the nation.
I like the idea of darkness striking in the heart of the bright golden city. I vote DC Metro.
One or more of the characters is a killer. How should we deal with this? Does the game have penalties for such actions? While I did specify this as a "Bronze Age" campaign, which means murder isn't an acceptable "tactic", I realize that a few of the PCs I accepted have some issues in their backgrounds which make lethality a more likely tactic. I would ask that we focus on these characters' growth from such pasts towards a less severe outlook on life. A story of personal growth is of interest to me and I don't mind if we start out in a darker place (in fact, a storyline of a golden hero taking a darker path due to something that happens in game is likewise attractive, so long as the hero eventually is brought back into the light.) That being said, purposeful murder doesn't have mechanical effects/results so much as storyline- and complication- based issues. I'd rather not have to focus the campaign on a manhunt against your characters for harboring a serial killer.
Corvus has been killing demons and neyaphem all her life. But she's also been given the ideal that one should not kill except in dire need. i think it'll work out.
When do we get started? Huh? Huh? Are We starting yet? Huh?...
Please, please!
As for the name, we couls go with the League of X...
I was thinking along the lines of the Vengeance League, but that might sound a touch bloodthirsty.
Avenging League would work.
I love the Magnificent Seven! As a western.
I think something involving the Titans might be fitting. I think every one that was picked was a Titan at some point, or affiliated with them (sans Quicky).
Ok, here are some FAQ responses:
Has the group already met/formed, or are we doing that in game? The beginning story arc I have planned could work for either style of campaign, so I'll leave this one up to a vote. No vote will preclude any shared backstory individuals wish to craft together.
I'm fine either way on this one. Slade's used to working as part of a team, and he's willing to come out of "retirement" at any time.
What kind of cities are we dealing with in terms of Gotham, New York, Metropolis, etc? In true Amalgam fashion, it will be a kind of mix. The big ones are as follows: Gotham is an area of New York City akin to Hell's Kitchen, only larger. Incorporating about thirty city blocks, it is the failed attempt at urban renewal that corruption has left as the bleakest, most crime-ridden section of the greatest city in the world. DC Metro is almost the opposite: a shining example of doing it right in the bustling corporate sector of Washington D.C., a stark contrast to the "heart" of the capital, DC Metro has become a sprawling beacon of success to the nation.
I agree that I'd prefer to move around a lot, though I'm not averse to a home base in Gotham since Haunt would prefer that.
One or more of the characters is a killer. How should we deal with this? Does the game have penalties for such actions? While I did specify this as a "Bronze Age" campaign, which means murder isn't an acceptable "tactic", I realize that a few of the PCs I accepted have some issues in their backgrounds which make lethality a more likely tactic. I would ask that we focus on these characters' growth from such pasts towards a less severe outlook on life. A story of personal growth is of interest to me and I don't mind if we start out in a darker place (in fact, a storyline of a golden hero taking a darker path due to something that happens in game is likewise attractive, so long as the hero eventually is brought back into the light.) That being said, purposeful murder doesn't have mechanical effects/results so much as storyline- and complication- based issues. I'd rather not have to focus the campaign on a manhunt against your characters for harboring a serial killer.
Slade is currently a PILOT agent, so he is a killer, though it's not a first resort for him. Minions and common soldiers he knows he can just punch out easily since he's a lot better than they are.
The more upscale threats however, especially ones with powers (and especially extreme durability), he'll fight with lethal force.
Although, as I recall, the rules for Mutants and Masterminds require you to attack someone after they're already unconscious to kill them, so this will miraculously never result in a death.
So it won't come up too often.
When do we get started? Huh? Huh? Are We starting yet? Huh? Very soon. In fact, pretty much as soon as we get a majority in the vote above. I expect I'll be able to get things going pretty well in the first week here, since I am on vacation. I expect my posting will slow down a bit after I get back to work, but expect to be able to post at least daily.
Ready when you are!
Just noticed Blademaster should probably be a part of PILOT, since that seems to be this universe' SHIELD analogue (with SHIP being SWORD?).That's about right. I was going to use a Waller/Fury combo, but Wingblade's vignette involving Maria Waller was too cool, and Maria Waller will be running SHIP. PILOT will be run by Steve Fury (Steven Trevor/Nick Fury mashup.)
Hm. I kinda want to be part of SHIP instead now. Waller is the best character.
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To clarify, I was trying to answer specific questions people were asking about Gotham, Metropolis, NYC, etc. While I expect some heroes might be from/based out of Gotham or DC Metro, I think the group as a whole will definitely be more mobile than that.
For example, I fully expect Haunt to spend his "downtime" in Gotham, doing what he can to keep the streets clean, just as Batman does until the Justice League needs him(or Superman in Metropolis, G.A. in Star City,etc.) I suspect Blue Spider might handle more "midtown" NYC crimes, while Blademaster might be based in Langley, near DC and DC Metro, but not actually in the city itself. Quicky could just as easily be in DC Metro or NYC/Gotham depending on how bright or shady he wants the sidejobs he gets hired for to be. Fusion being part of the space program puts her further south, but no reason she couldn't be reassigned to DC as a liaison given recent cutbacks. I think Wingblade, as military project, got her start near DC, but could have moved on to just about anywhere.
Corvus, being a special case (by player request) will be introduced sometime in the game to the group.
It looks like we have a majority with already formed for votes.
Here's what I'm thinking: After the battle against the Hive, Waller comes to Fury to suggest a team formed from among the heroes who helped fight off the alien invaders. While there is some disagreement between the two as to whom should be on the team, they eventually reach compromises. Blademaster is selected to act as liaison between the group and PILOT & SHIP. He was specifically tapped by Fury who thought that the youth and inexperience of the team needed some guidance and training. Waller insisted on the inclusion of Wingblade, having long been of special interest to her.
Having SHIP and PILOT involved has benefits as well as restrictions. The UN has provided a base of operations, equipment, and access to limited government sanctioning of your activities. One caveat was registration under PILOT's database, potential arguments against such pre-empted by Steve Fury listing off all your civilian identities by rote. PILOT and SHIP provide access, equipment, and information in return for the ability to call upon you when needed to save the world.
I'm think advanced stealth VTOL Blackjets might be involved.
How does that sound to all?
I like it.
Works great for me!
Hey all!
I had suggested the project Fusion was originally involved with when she got her powers might have been SHIP or PILOT oriented so her being recruited by or associated with them works. I'd be for the team being at least mostly formed -- e.g., we've at least already agreed to serve together, if not all met each other.
Fusion could have been recently relocated to the DC/Maryland vicinity to either one of the local military bases or or perhaps to assist the Applied Physics Laboratory in Columbia, MD with some project. This'd put her pretty near DC and a few hours from NYC (if she didn't want to fly).
Works for me.
Quicky will try to lucrative jobs which at least appear to be above board. He's likely to do jobs anywhere on the eastern seaboard since travel isn't either much time or expense.
He'll be based in Virginia, maybe Leesburg since it's out of the way, and the state is at least fairly central north/south.
This may be a stupid question.
If I wanted to swipe a thug's gun by sneaking up behind him and making it insubstantial, would that require me to have "Affects Objects"?
"Affects Objects
This modifier allows effects normally resisted by Fortitude to work on non-living objects (those with no Stamina). Generally, this extra applies to effects like Heal or Weaken, allowing them to work on objects in the same way as they do living creatures."
I didn't think so, since it doesn't require a fortitude save but I could be (and probably am) wrong.
OH YES, also.... I still have those 2 floater EPs. It looks like we've got an aircraft granted to the party, but does anyone want to throw something into a shared vehicle or HQ?
Otherwise I'll either grab some random stuff or maybe get her a tiny "installation" of her own, pending GM ok. Perhaps a cottage she calls the Fortress of Solitude, where she goes to settle herself down if her powers start feeling wonky (which is mostly RP outside of her accident complication, mind) and has some equipment given her by her deceased compatriot Dr. Williams.
@Haunt, I think it would require it if you chose the Attack extra and chose Fortitude as your defense. It looks like you have Affects Others, which only allows you to take willing subjects.
I'd say you could take unattended objects, so you could use your Improved Disarm to disarm and grab and then go Intangible with the gun.
I'm in a similar situation. I picked up Weapon Break, thinking I could use it to tear up opponents' weapons. It turns out that I should've taken Improved Smash, since Weapon Break is if I defend, then weapons could break against my defense. It's still neat, and allows for the idea of using my wings as a shield and whatever being thrown at me gets sliced to ribbons upon the quills, but it wasn't what I had in mind. At least I can still try to bust up weapons with my talons, I just get a -5 penalty. That'll be probably one of the first upgrades I'll take whenever we get them.
Why don't you just change it? We haven't done anything yet.
I'm not entirely sure what to switch out. Plus, it can show progress-- that right now just going for the weapon rather than the kill is completely foreign to her. But later training and a change in attitude would explain the disappearance of that big penalty.
Switch out Weapon Break for Improved Smash, I mean.
I also don't know if we'll have the opportunity to "level up". If you need to make a change, now is probably the time. I might have to free up a point and make a more combat focused intangibility array.
Actually, with M&M were more likely to get some points. Pathfinder/D&D take forever to level up on the portal, but since M&M is more fine-grained it's usually quicker.
Switch out Weapon Break for Improved Smash, I mean.
I know I probably could, but I like the visual of Weapon Break. I don't know how often I'd use it, but I like having it as an option. Otherwise, I'd probably never use defense because of her Regeneration.
On another note, have we settled on a name? I like incorporating Titan in the name somehow. How does Titan Force sound? Or the Justice Titans/Titans of Justice?
Or, going with our number again, Level Seven? Squadron Seven?
Or maybe a name that doesn't match up with anything Marvel/DC. The Cadre. Hivebusters. The Corps.
Since we're working for PILOT and SHIP, I'm kind of liking Squadron Seven, actually. Thoughts?
Made some changes. Lowered Presence to 3, added the Agile Feint, Assessment, Contacts, and Defensive Roll 1 advantages.
@Wingblade:
The Squadron Seven would be cool if all seven of us can keep up. I feel the best thing we can do is see how the group operates at first, see what kind of vibe we throw together on the field and decide on a name afterwards.
I saw that Wingblade's attacks can affect insubstantial. As it is now, Haunt's main weakness besides magic would be vibranium (much like Kitty Pryde). Would he be able to phase you along with your Nth Metal additions?
Titan Team X. That way we honor both the DC and Marvel side. It also reflects Seal Team 7.
@Haunt: I think so. Your phasing isn't magic-based, is it? As long as magic's not the power source, you should be able to affect it -- as long as Reckless doesn't step in and say otherwise.
I like Titan Team X...
He's a 100% bonafide mutant, able to slip his atoms through the spaces of others. Magic would flub his fine control, leading to...complications. Due to the constant vibration of it's atoms, Vibranium is the only metal thus far encountered that he cannot phase through.
I'll throw my vote behind Titan Team X.
I really like Titan Team X, though I'm concerned with how "tactical" it may sound compared to what Reckless may have in mind. Titan Team X, The X. Man, we're gonna be feared.
Well, we're associated with a semi-secret governement agency, so "tactical" is a good fit.
Plus, it has a similar cadence to Big Hero Six, which is just awesome.
Everybody in DC has a logo, and the teams in Marvel have logos. So we need a logo. One with a tactical look.
How about this?
Not sure I like the arrow pointing downward, but perhaps I am missing the symbolism... Otherwise looks cool.
Since no one has expressed interest in shared EP for a vehicle or HQ, I am going to rework my EP to make Fusion a bit of a hideout for herself --- maybe a place she created for a contingency, or where she goes if she's worried about her own powers' stability. Reckless, is this ok? Or would it be better for her to customize the party jet and make it her own?
I'm fairly indifferent on the name, so go with what you like. I can see the logic in a crossover with Task Force X and the X Men, so there's some wit in there that I approve of.
@Corvus, and anyone else really
How would you make a more combat oriented Insubstantial 4 AP using 31pp? Couldn't figure out how to get the DC above 14.
Here is the standard insubstantial 4 mode:
Intangibility (Linked) 33 points
..Insubstantial 4
...Affects Others, Precise, Reaction, Subtle 2: Looks Normal
I know originally you said a fortitude save would be proper, but I actually think a parry would make more sense. I imagine it more of a touch attack. Once he makes contact, he can affect their atoms in the same he affects his. Also, I think grab-based would be appropriate. Once contact is lost, they lose the insubstantiality. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Oh, I was saying affects objects would only be needed if it was a fortitude save. I could see parry and grab-based working. Please note that if you want to go with them, you need to buy two linked powers - insubstantial as an attack and insubstantial on yourself. The rules are clear on that. I think you'll need to take some serious flaws.
If I were a GM, I would insist on a limit where you cannot leave somebody in a solid object. (either you can't do it or they remain insubstantial until they leave the object) That's a one-shot. Your character already has two powers that are serious game changers*, I wouldn't let you take a third. We are supposed to be major heroes, but there needs to be some challenge.
I don't have hero lab at work, but if I get some time I'll work some numbers manually. Tonight is movie night (Mad Max Fury Road), so I may not have time when I get home.
*With the intangibility as a reaction, you are really hard to hurt, and with the concealment to all senses you are really hard to detect. You are essentially immune to most foes and you can use your powers to affect them while you are immune. It means every fight has to have somebody designed to affect you or be immune to you or there has to be some other victory condition or the PC's win every time. **
**Note, I've got a reaction defense and concealment as well. But my defense can be overcome by a second person with a readied action and my concealment is only partial.
Not sure I like the arrow pointing downward, but perhaps I am missing the symbolism... Otherwise looks cool.
Since no one has expressed interest in shared EP for a vehicle or HQ, I am going to rework my EP to make Fusion a bit of a hideout for herself --- maybe a place she created for a contingency, or where she goes if she's worried about her own powers' stability. Reckless, is this ok? Or would it be better for her to customize the party jet and make it her own?
The arrow down is to make it look a little better. It was sort of blah before. Plus it's more tactical - We're gonna take you down
Obviously, I'm not going to be part of any shared EP. I would go with a hideout because when I picture modifications to the "party jet", I keep thinking of a dance floor and light show.
Okay, third post is bad luck, but I hate mixing subjects.
So the bad guys are stealing luxury sports car parts and turning them into weapons?
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I'm good with Titan Team X. If I ever get around to bringing back the Ti'Tan race to Earth, it would make some interesting conflict. Tactical is fine, since, as has been pointed out, you will at least initially be linked to PILOT and SHIP.
Everyone (excepting Corvus for now) has been given a "e-comm" device; this can look like a watch, id card, pendant, cell phone, etc. It works as a combined comm(with satellite range rather than 1 mile), computer, and audiovideo recorder.
I take it as reworking my points for a personal HQ is okay?
I have another question for Reckless. How much "world building" would you like from us? For example, I'm glad you liked Maria Waller, but I realize I could have stepped on your toes there by writing about one of the major players in this amalgam universe.
While it shouldn't be a big deal for these vignettes I write, since I'd consider the versions on my character page the final drafts (since I can continually edit them in case you need to correct something). But regarding gameplay posts, would you encourage us to name drop or throw out some Easter eggs?
Another example: I called the project that created Wingblade Project H as a shout out to Department H (the Canadian super powered division seen in Alpha Flight) and H for Hawkgirl.
What do you say?
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@Fusion: sure, be my guest.
@Wingblade (& everyone) I'll try to allow plenty of world-building on your part, especially if it plays off what I've already got going. If you look at the campaign info tab, there are some historical things you shouldn't rewrite, as well as a short list of know compiled villains who are solidified at this point. I'm happy to incorporate other peoples' good ideas. If I have my heart set on something, I'll let you know and ask you for a little retcon. Shared imagination is what RP is all about, and with the nearly infinite possibilities brought on by an amalgam U, I shouldn't try to do it all by myself.
@Haunt I think vibranium works well as a phase-disruptor. In fact, since you were thinking of a Batman mixed with something Marvel for your ex-mentor, I'm thinking a Batman/Black Panther mix using vibranium weapons will do the trick. :)
Pantherman? Black Bat? Vibrobat?
Hey, everyone. This was just posted today. it's a pretty good read and rather timely, I might say.
If only you guys could've heard the terrified and excited "oh my god" I let out when I read batman/black panther. What a scary combination.
Beautifully Scary
As for not so beautiful, I'm thinking that Greymonday is Solomon Grundy+Hulk. Urk. I can see how it would take a team to stop him.