The New Masquerade (Inactive)

Game Master Jaster Kite

Welcome to Eden City, New York.
1935 in this very city, one of the first organized teams of super-powered individuals was formed. The Masquerade. Consisting of the super-strong Obsidian, The bionic Raider, the steel-skinned Aegis, the soaring Gale, the famed gunslinger Velocity, the mage Magus, the pyrotechnic Sun-Flare, and the teenaged Black Phantom.
Fast forward to 2016, and the Masquerade is still remembered fondly as a milestone and a codifier in the history of superheroics.
Recently, the only remaining active member of the team, the mysterious Black Phantom, has expressed an interest in forming a new team, a New Masquerade. He's searching for b-list heroes, relative unknowns, to call upon to form a new team for the new times.

~The Setting~
Marvel meets DC in this amalgam universe. The Avengers and Justice league are well established teams, and are on more-or-less good terms with each other. I'd be happy to entertain any questions on the specifics directed at me.

~Character Building Rules~
-Original characters only. No established superheroes from either Marvel or DC. Be creative.
-Power Level 10.
-150 Power Point Buy.
-Be creative. Take inspiration from the various ages and genres of comic-books, anime, manga, tv, etc.. Feel free to play around with the many tropes of the genre(s) in any way you see fit.
-You're either b-list heroes, new to the game, or new to the earth. Exceptions might be made with a convincing enough backstory.
-I want good motivations and complications. Be creative, I appreciate it. Why are they heroes? Why did they accept the offer? How do they go about their work?

I have an idea for a character that's a bit unorthodox, but I think will work well with this. Doctor Apocalypse. He's a reformed supervillain. He's solo'd a couple of the big heroes and worked with the Legion of Doom and other high-end groups. At one point, he had a small empire on the moon. Still, even as a villain, he strove to minimize loss of civilian life.

Most of his power was in gadgets and robots, so he's not going to be at that power level now. In fact, it was him changing his MO that led to his reformation. He decide to rewrite himself with genetic engineering and xenological implants. He decided that having some innate powers would help him in his plan for world domination. In his quest to enhance himself, he temporarily rerouted around a small anomaly in his brain. Instantly he was hit with overwhelming regret.

By the end of the week he turned himself in. Acting as his own attorney, he negotiated to have all charges tried in a single jurisdiction by offering a full confession of all crimes, eliminating years of legal work in 342 nations. He was not even suspected in 34.2% of these crimes and a further 8.3% were not even known to have happened.

On the day that his confession was released, the Apocalypse Foundation for Restorative Justice contacted 347,892 people with generous offers of compensation. All of the money that he earned legally through his many enterprises and investments went into this independent charity.

The trial was epic. As he admitted to the facts of the case, the only issue was guilt. He pled not guilty by reason of temporary insanity. He submitted the recordings of his enhancement surgery, experiments showing that introducing this anomaly in rats caused them to exhibit domineering behavior. Finally ,he produced scans of three other villains that showed the same anomaly and suggested that surgery could help cure those people. Lex Luthor was not amused - the libel suit is ongoing.

The evidence was compelling. The legal arguments exquisitely researched. None of the prosecutions objections were sustained. He walked out from the courtroom a free man.

Of course, many people would not be swayed by the most logical arguments. Many see him as a charlatan that fooled the world and escaped justice.

While he may no longer be a villain, he still has his enormous mind and the implanted abilities. Not to mention an ego the size of VY Canis Majoris. The obvious choice would be to use these powers for the common good.

I'll have to think about this.

Okay, here we go.
Something has come up and it won't go away. I was planning on abandoning this project in stillborn, but after hearing Philo's character concept, I had second thoughts.
So here's the plan. I might not have a tremendous amount of time for this project, but I will do my very best. That said, I would appreciate if one or two players could come in with the purpose of being a replacement GM should I have to leave abruptly.
Hopefully this goes along smoothly. I look forward to more submissions.

Wow, I'm honored.

After sleeping on this, I think it's probably best to wait for a better time. Replacement GM's usually don't work out well, and a distracted GM is usually not good.

I hope that your situation works out well. I know sometimes there's a hope for a good ending, other problems the best you can hope for is to avoid a bad ending. Whichever way, I wish you the best.

Come back when you can and let me know and we'll have a great game then.

Thank you for understanding. If I ever reopen this idea, I'll be sure to let you know.

Seeing that this is relatively recent (and might still be noticed), I'd like to say I wouldn't mind running a 2e game of a similar sort if there are interested players for the hero genre. I do use some house rules and am pretty strict on what can and cannot break PL limits, but I have been mulling over starting an M&M game here.

RANDO. You like heroes??/ I like heroes. Come on cuz let's go heroeing.

I find it oddly coincidental that you replied to a thread I was looking at the other day.

I go both ways.

...er, I mean both 2e and 3e.

I've only read the 3e book, just recent'y infact, though I'm sure the other editions are around here somewhere. Playing a in a supers game of some sort is something I'd been hoping for an opportunity to do, get some practice and familiarity with the rules 'n all that. Why, I've even already made a couple heroes for the heck of it all.

So tempting... I'll keep an eye on this in case it moves forward. Definitely interested.

Great to see some interest. I'll keep using this thread for now, assuming OP doesn't want it back. I might create a new one or just take this one over if I can work that out. I kind of like the team name.

World wise, I'd like to use Freedom World as a base (M&M 2e standard setting). It's got analogues to many DC standard heroes but is pretty streamlined and has a couple Marvel-esque features as well.

Biggest houserule I employ is the Hit Point variant from Mastermind Manual. A lot of people don't dig it, and if it's a deal killer I understand, but standard M&M combat frustrates the heck out of me.

Another big one is I basically say only Feats can overcome PL limits. In other words, you can Power Attack to get a temporary trade off of hit bonus for extra damage, but if you've maxed out your Defense by the PL, shrinking won't do anything to raise it higher (if you haven't maxed out your Defense at full size, shrinking will take you until the point where it IS maxed out). So essentially, PL is a hard limit except for round to round effects of usually just a couple points, or using normal trade offs to permanently change your maximums. If you have a specific question, just ask.

I suppose so, which books should I be reading here to get handle of this? And how different is 2e from 3e? I'm hoping the fact I'd never played either won't bother you that much, just hadn't recieved a chance to do so.

Hi there, as the OP, I would like to politely ask that you allow me to retain the name of the New Masquerade, I've done a lot in the past with it, and it's kind of personal to me.
...However... now that my schedule has cleared up, I can run this campaign as I had planned... I think I can reopen this recruitment thread, now. And Rando just gave me an idea for sort of... co-running campaigns with the possibility of crossovers, if you would be willing.
I mean, what's a superhero setting without the crossovers?
We could keep both recruitments here and work together, or seperate into different threads, your choice.

Hi there, as the OP, I would like to politely ask that you allow me to retain the name of the New Masquerade, I've done a lot in the past with it, and it's kind of personal to me.

...However... now that my schedule has cleared up, I can run this campaign as I had planned... I think I can reopen this recruitment thread, now. And Rando just gave me an idea for sort of... co-running campaigns with the possibility of crossovers, if you would be willing.
I mean, what's a superhero setting without the crossovers?
We could keep both recruitments here and work together, or seperate into different threads, your choice.

No problem, it's your name; I've got enough supers experience I can create my own concept. I'm still willing to run, but I'm not sure there are enough players to split between the two of us, unless they want to double up. I could be wrong.

Players, let us know, pls.

I suppose so, which books should I be reading here to get handle of this? And how different is 2e from 3e? I'm hoping the fact I'd never played either won't bother you that much, just hadn't recieved a chance to do so.

If I end up running, all you'll really need is a 2e core rules; I can provide the basics. If you can make a 3e character, we should be able to convert it to 2e fairly easily.

Doesn't bother me at all that you've never played M&M. It's pretty simple, esp. if you're already familiar with D&D/Pathfinder.

Jaster and I will figure out if there are enough players for both or if I'll bow out, based on the interest; he was here first. If I don't end up running now, I will probably try again in a few months.

Thank you.
I'm optimistic about it. Would be an interesting concept, surely, and one I look forward to pursuing.

Either way then, I'm up for whichever! I've been trying to get TD in on the rules as well, so maybe he'd be interested in giving it a go.

I'm still good. Though if we are considering crossovers we should use the same rules set and options. I just got in a couple of games, so I'm up for one game. though if anything falls through I'd go with both.

Here's an idea. If both games are parallel universes I could do Dr Apocalypse as a good guy in one universe and perhaps cameo as a bad guy in the other.

Definitely interested in creating a character for a campaign. Not sure if this is splitting between two games, but I've been wanting to play this system for a while.

@Philo
Someone's been watching the Flash :)
That does sound like a good idea, and something that could possibly come into play in one of my adventures (Injustice League, anyone?) Though I think, Rando-willing, it will take place in the same universe so we might have co-existing teams, possibly with a friendly rivalry, or something more Civil-War-ish (writes notes down quickly).
As for system... might have to do some work with that. I only have 3e.

@inxpitter
Looking forward to seeing your submission. Any ideas so far?

@inxpitter
Looking forward to seeing your submission. Any ideas so far?

I need to go over the rules again, but I love to be unconventional (plus I know with certain combinations you can break the game and that's no fun) so power with weakness.

Anything I should keep in mind?

@inxplitter
Nothing off the top of my head for my campaign aside from what I wrote up top.
Good, I love unconventional, especially when it comes to my superheroes.

I should likely put in my own submission at some point as well, eh?

Either way then, I'm up for whichever! I've been trying to get TD in on the rules as well, so maybe he'd be interested in giving it a go.

Hello, yes - TD is me! How help?

Never done anything other than Pathfinder as a system, but seeing as Pathfinder is literally just a mod of 3e, I think I could handle it x3 Plus I love learning new stuff and RPing, so why not!

As far as whatever goes, what is us doing? :) I just got invited here. Halp. TD demands an explanation. Explain! EXPLAIN!

Some rough ideas to run by, before pursuing them further (note, some I'm not sure how I'll be able to "create" in system):

1. Primary theme is origami, mainly flattening self and other objects (non-living) and folding to achieve advantage. Creating traditional origami objects out of paper will create a supernatural effect (an origami swan will become alive, an origami sword will cut like a blade).

2. Primary theme is a man who can create disembodied hands, size and number varying. Can perform things as hands can do (essentially a somewhat limited form of visible telekinesis).

3. Primary theme is altering cellular structure and setting the change as the new normal. For instance, could bend an arm until 90 degrees causing no pain but it would remain like that, heal like that, and function like that. Only works on organic materials.

4. Primary theme is a polite young man who is like the plague incarnate. His touch has multiple debilitating effects and can transform into a swarm of insects.

Any advice, pointers, or such would be appreciated.

Personally, the idea of an origami-themed hero sound particularly interesting.

I second the notion of paper-manipulation. For some reason, that has always been a kickass ability in my book ^^ I'd say roll with that, unless you become inspired by something else.

I would like to try it. Never played M&M before.

Glad there's been such a great response to this. I think, though, it's best if Jaster and I just do our own thing, rather than try and force our ideas into one box. I've started my own recruitment thread. I don't want to steal Jaster's players, but anyone is welcome post on that, or stay on this one (or both, if you feel you have time for that). I think they will be fairly different games. Best of luck those of you who stay, and I hope to see some of you at my game.

I'll be doing Doctor Apocalypse (see above), so if you want to include details about how you've tussled with him in the past we can definitely work together.

I'll post here too
New to MM and i have this idea of a character. but no idea if build is effective... can i send the build to someone who can have a look?

Sure. I'll give you some pointers.

Should I be using 2nd edition or 3rd edition rules?

@inxplitter
As with the rest, the notion of the Origami-themed superhero caught my eye. I'd really like to see that one.
Depends on when you're posting in Rando's board or mine here. I'm using 3rd edition.

@Philo
Sure, we can collaberate via PM on your backstory and squables with the Phantom Family, if that was what you meant.

I'm a bit unsure if I have everything set right and in order myself, since this my first time with the system. Ahem;

Sheet link! If unclear, I played it all off like it's a battlesuit, which it sort've is, thus her powers all have the Removable flaw.

@Uret Jet
*Claps*
I like that. This character will definitely fit right into the New Masquerade. I think the stats are all sound, myself, though I'm hardly an expert opinion on this. Yes... this could be a very fun concept to play with.

@Jaster Kite
Bows
Much thanks. I'd love to see how things would work out for her in game.

Guidelines for past encounters with Dr. A.

Since he was mostly using devices and robots, his power level varied with his funding. He's been everywhere from street level to interplanetary threat. He's been a foe for solo supers all the way to the international force that destroyed his moonbase.

His plans have always been designed around zero casualties. If nobody resisted, then nobody would get hurt. Of course, when you end up with superbattles, it's hard to control all of the variables. In one case the risk was due to shoddy workmanship on an elevated train support. He called off the job and had his robots join with the supers to repair it while he escaped.

He's gotten away from most capers using various one-shot gadgets. Teleporters, rocket escape pods, robot duplicates, shrinking devices, etc.

His ultimate goal was to rule the world in order to improve things for all humanity. People were just too foolish for their own good. He would monologue excessively about this.

His plans have also been more subtle. Robot duplicates. Kidnapping. Extortion. Computer and financial fraud.

He would often send out robots to help during natural disasters. Repair, search and rescue. He had a vested interest in keeping "his future citizens" safe.

His last major activity was building a moonbase and declaring himself "Emperor of Luna and Protector of Mars." He had washed his hands of Earthlings and was recruiting people to live on the Moon and eventually Mars. He had mass drivers that could reach the earth and cause mass destruction, but he called them defensive weapons to protect his sovereign state against attack. He requested advance notice and inspection of any launch that could reach his territories. An international force teleported onto the moon to take him down. As he explained at his trial, this action violated no international laws and there was no legal precedent to attack him. Though he doesn't press the issue, he does maintain that he is the rightful ruler of the moon and declares "Emperor in exile" on his tax returns.

i need to work on a story for my crazy circus freak... =^^=

I'm a bit unsure if I have everything set right and in order myself, since this my first time with the system. Ahem;

** spoiler omitted **...

I love the concept, but I have plenty of comments about the rules.

It's not clear if the poison is an alternate power or something linked to your claws. The level is pretty low for a PL 10 game, so it's unlikely to have any effect on supers. It's also low accuracy.

Multiattack is not a good choice on a damage-shifted power. You usually aren't likely to hit by a large number to get the extra damage, and the penalty will hurt you when you try to hit multiple people.

Your shifts are a bit more extreme that I'd suggest for a starting character. You are doing +5/-5 on both attack and defense. I'd go for less shifts and use the shifting feats to adapt on the fly.

You have a great dodge, but a lousy parry. Dodge is only used for ranged and area attacks, parry is used for close combat. Since your attacks are close combat, well...

All-out attack is horrible on a dodge-shifted character. You should not make yourself easier to hit when you have low toughness.

Ahhh, I see I see. I could likely have it split between Agility and actually giving her enhanced fighting ability as well, thus knocking that parry up to 8. Or perhaps use the pool from Strength and add it over there. Dropping Multiattack could be fine, and I was admittedly not sure which advantages would work best for her. And yes, the poison was an Alternate Effect attached to the claws.

How would you suggest I implement the Power Points? I could likely switch from Damage to Strike as well, for a more accurate attack. Also, what are 'shifting feats'?

And thanks for rules advice by the way!

While I have access to a 2nd edition book, I can't seem to find the information online to build a 3rd edition character.

Any suggestions or pdfs?

I could really use one more player on my game, if anyone's interested. I need at least three or I'm going to have to table it for the time being and try again later.

As far as 2e rules, I can provide limited access to such as needed for character generation.

i don't mind playing in both. Different characters of course. I actually have a 2nd edition rulebook, but I'm not sure if I can do this one if I can't get to the rules.

Liking how things are shaping up. I can see the basis of a team already. Glad to see you all working together.

But yeah...can't start making a character If I don't have access to the ruleset. If I need to buy the book to play...then I'm probably gonna have to drop out of this one.

I think there's an srd out there I used just recently to make a character...
Found it!

I know there's at least this, might be bare bones compared to the full pdf, but it might be able to get you partway there.

EDIT: Seems we had the same idea!