pinvendor's Untitled Campaign

Game Master pinvendor

Disclaimer: Closed game, invitation only.

Discussion thread for new superheroes game ready.

Possible rulesets to consider:

• Valiant Universe
• Villains & Vigilantes (edition not specified)
• Superworld (edition not specified)
• Champions 4E - (Bundle of Holding limited time purchase here
• Fate
• Savage Worlds

Let me know any others to examine. :)

Also! Now is the time to begin discussing possible superheros and powers. Hooray!

Other questions:

• Do we want to create our own world, or use an existing setting?
• Will this game be your origin story, or are you all already active as supers?
• Is there any limitations on overall power level? This would affect the NPCs and antagonists also. Think of it as knowing that you'll never encounter a Superman or a Magneto. It would set a limit on just how powerful any one person could get.

Well I have the Valiant Universe books, or at least the PDF versions of them, and I'm interested in giving that system a shot, I know it could have some complications because of the really open play style and changes the GM may have to make on the fly. If we think it'll slow things down too much I'm definitely open to another system.

I also have Heroes Unlimited, but ironically I feel like we'd be more limited in that system, and I don't know that anyone else has that system anyway, I think it's similar to Rifts.

As for superhero power types I'm leaning towards froggy powers inspired by Asui Tsuyu
http://bokunoheroacademia.wikia.com/wiki/Frog-Form

For other questions, I'm kinda good either way for the world, it would probably be easier for you to do an existing setting rather than making the whole thing up.

I'd prefer to do origin story, or debut as heroes at least.

I don't know about limitations, there should definitely be some kind of limits, we don't want cray omega level characters. We'll also want to be more or less balanced with our characters powers, maybe the system'll take care of the balancing somewhat.

I don't really have a preference when it comes to system, regardless of which one we use, I will be learning a new one. Valiant is fine, I can probably borrow any rules stuff from Leoian. I think those invited to the game will likely be trustworthy enough to self-police when it comes to power usage.

-Creating our own world could be interesting, I'm always interested in imagining up ways that superheroes might come to be. Superpowered humans may even be the trigger for the plot! If you're more comfortable doing something with less worldbuilding, though, I am good for that.

-I would rather this be an origin story. If we're getting used to a new system, it might be easier to explain any hiccups as newbies learning the ropes.

-I imagine individually any one of our characters should probably be classified as a threat to non-powered individuals, but not societal threats, if that makes sense.

Paizo's PbP forums are just fine. I wasn't sure if we could play another game on here as well, or I forgot that you could - whichever.

* Superworld - both 1983 version and the second version but none of the expansions/modules.
* Villains and Vigilantes - 1979 and 1982 versions
However; I have tended to use them for character creation and weather conditions but very little for the regular rules. I augmented Basic RPG with them. They are very old school and not as advanced though.

Champions is ok but I have always found it quite rule intensive and often can be interpreted in more than one way so can be confusing.

I am fine with Valiant Universe. It is newer to me but I can easily get it.

* We could do an existing setting so you don't have to create a whole new world for it. It's always fun making new worlds and I'd love that but you're the game master and will be the person doing the most work. We don't want you to overdo yourself.
* I would prefer the origin story.
* A power limit would be good especially at the start. Higher power levels could come in later in the campaign if we feel it's ok to do so.

I will have to get back to you on the type of character for me. This calls for playing around with dice and V&V pages LOL

Leoian - I love that character! I also adore the girl with the anti gravity powers. That show is hilarious. Must check to see if there's a new season out or coming out soon.

Meowsies - So yours could accidentally hurt non-powered individuals if they are nearby? You are always so creative!

It seems Valiant Universe will be the winner for rulesets. I will work on writing something up for those who don't have it, but if you get access to the book/pdf, definitely feel free to read it. Most of the book is taken up with descriptions of Valiant's comic book lines, pregens of the heroes and adventure hooks which I believe relate directly to things that happened in the comics. The actual rules section isn't too long.

I feel like I would prefer to do own original world setting, and my initial concept seems to be on a world of Supers just now emerging. So you as the PCs would be dealing with being some of the first appearing in the public's eyes.

My next ask is how gritty and dark do you want it? Think about things in terms of actual comic books and stories like Firestarter and Stranger Things.

Essentially I imagine that depending on the level of dark will determine how terrifying the general public finds you and just to what extent the various law enforcement agencies will pursue you.

A new world setting it is then. I picked it up so all is good.

Loved Firestarter the book but have no clue about the comic book. Weird, gritty and dark is fine with me. You can even go Cthulu-ish if you like. Monsters are great. Vicious bad guys are just fine as well. So darkness on the other side is fine for me.

Whoops! Letting time slip away from me. Alright, let's keep talking.

The comment about Firestarter was meant to be as in traditional comic books v. stories like Firestarter regarding the difference in tone. If there is a Firestarter comic book, I am not aware of it.

Origin story:

• Do you want to have your powers pre-game?
• Do you know each other?
• Do you know about each other?
• If none of the above, should I generate the event which triggers your superhood?

Ask questions of me, too!

Ah so you were looking at possible Stephen King style fear scapes possibilities and whether we'd be interested in that. And no I never saw a Firestarter comic but for some reason my brain said if you mentioned it then there aught to be one as this is superheroes.

I have not read Stranger Things but have the idea since I used to read a lot of Stephen King. His style is classic and I do like those kinds of mind games in games (not real life). Cthulu or Chill are also types which I find fun for in RPG.

- Mayhaps if we are teens in school.
- I'm thinking we either know or know of each other.
- Since Leo and Meows actually know each other IRL it might be reasonable for you two to have your characters as friends already in game.
- I could be strange new kid to their school.
- Maybe my character is also strange because she already knows she has powers and is timid because of that as well.
- Leo and Meows have trigger event while mine is there?

Leo - Meows ....? Any thoughts, revisions, change of ideas?

I bought the game and am trying to make it work in my head. It's just different.

I have to think of some questions for you Pinvendor.

These are just some of my ideas, everyone. I'm hoping to see what everyone else thinks and if anyone else is coming into this. If so ... please please! I'm curious.

Oh and sorry about never being in the chats. I keep having so much going on at home with hospital visits and so on.

Hmm, well, I wasn't thinking something too dark or anything. I like the Cthulu setting and all, but I am not super keen on it as a superhero setting.

I did not think my character would necessarily know of having powers pre-game. Or on the opposite side, depending on the setting, is a person who very obviously has powers and can't pass as a normal person.

I was thinking something more like X-Men, in terms of setting, but I can be open to something lighter or something grittier. I was thinking of a world that shows some of the realistic backlash you might experience from society if people with superpowers were springing up. It's always interesting to explore not just matters of crime fighting but themes of social justice in games.

High school age is fine by me, but into adulthood works. I'm not sure I'd be keen on playing younger than that, though.

I don't want to go too dark either, cult and supernatural dark kinda stuff like Cthulu is fine, but it doesn't really have the same superhero feel to it that I would look for in a supers game. Something more along the lines of X-men like Meows described is more like I had envisioned.

I'm not really set one way or the other whether my character has the powers pre-game or not, but if I go with froggy type powers they're not the kind of thing they could have and not realize it. They'd either know about their powers already, or there would have to be some kind of event that gave them powers. If we're doing an event kind of thing I think we should all get our powers from the same event, feels like it would help give solidarity.

Although I'm not opposed to having joined backgrounds it can be quite interesting building the relationships with the characters, so not already knowing each other can be fun. If we're doing highschool age, we could probably say we all go to the same school, and probably know of each other, but might not be close 'Oh hey, you're that girl from Bio right?'

That all suits me.

Maybe last year of high school going into college?

All good for me.

I admit I hadn't really considered high school, but I can make it work if you'd like that.

I might have to revise my original idea in that we may be wanting to have some Powers emerging in the 10 or so years before your powers begin to manifest. I'm thinking this would mean that it will be around your time the public begins to become aware, but governments, corporations, military, and other secret societies will already be aware and actively investigating/other things.

How does that sound?

Well with the 'high-school' discussion & pin's Cassie teasing, I was thinking of a Judd Nelson (Breakfast Club), Heath Ledger (10 things I hate...) character. A sardonic individual who gets into crazy situations. Who takes woodshop class and is probably not a 'bad-boy' but hangs around with a dubious crowd since he takes people as they are.

as for powers no clue.

Alright...think I know what I'm going to do. We're starting off at Sidekick starting power level at character creation to represent the high school portion. Depending on how that goes, we may see a jump up to Hero depending on if I choose to advance time once that origin story is done.

Now we need to get the powers talk going full steam.

Leo seems to be the only one with a complete vision of what power he wants to start off, and it led to an interesting discussion.

The Valiant Universe Cue system (VU) seems to prefer much broader, more generic power descriptors so when Leo says he wants Frog-related powers this will actually encompass several different things or "sub-powers" if it's easier to think of that way. When you read how the game system works, there are supposed to be moments when the GM decides if a certain use of the power would decrease its standard power die roll. I figure we can hash some of the more common uses for your "overall" power concept into smaller bits and "pre-establish" those so you will have that knowledge before posting and there will be less waiting on me to make a judgement also giving you freedom to fully interpret your own rolls and write full complete posts.

So get crackin' on the powers discussion!

I know what story I'm telling, so we're just going to be waiting on getting the characters sorted out and my basic document outlining things to know.

If anyone has any rules questions, now would be the time. I think this system is pretty simple since it's really more storytelling with some light rules to mediate conflict. But naturally, I'm sure we will still have moments that require adjudication. ;)

I know we've been talking about some stuff in chat and whatnot, but not everyone gets to see our secret conversations there.

So yes like you mentioned I'm looking to do some Frog related powers, which ends up being more like a bunch of lower powered powers grouped together. However as Pin and I discussed with the limited power slots, especially for a starting character like sidekick level, it makes sense to group them together and work out what that means exactly as far as die rolls and whatnot. The character I mentioned I was taking inspiration from also technically has only one power which she calls Frog Form it just manifests in a number of different ways, so I guess mine will be similar to that.

Background and cues and whatnot I'm still not sure on have to give a think about that stuff. And looking forward to seeing what kinds of things the others want with their characters!

I hope the others will one day start talking about their power concepts! It's going to be pretty hard to start this game if no one actually wants to have superpowers! :D

Sorry I've been caught up with other stuff again. Mom's been in the hospital the last almost 4 weeks now and may be going to a home due to her strength being limited.

I have read a fair amount of the rules and was trying to come up with something good. It will take me a little bit but once I feel help is needed or I want direction then I'll post where it is for you, Pin.

I appreciate you letting me know, Finwa. Since it may be possible that your situation may call you to prioritize other things first, if the others finish and get ready, I'll probably go ahead start the game, and we can introduce your character later as a transfer student (mysterious, of course!) who coincidentally appears after unexplainable events are perpetrated. ;-)

So talking with Pin we've determined that the Luck stat doesn't seem very balanced in the RAW, it heavily favours a lower luck stat, and a low luck stat also makes a lower stat dice more favourable, luck of 1 and a d4 in a stat means you have a 1 in 4 chance of an auto success.

So instead we thought rolling a d12 for luck with each roll would be more balanced rather than a static luck stat. Then if your luck roll matches any of your die rolls then you succeed.

as example Lenora has 1d10 for action, and 1d6 for a power

Fighty power action: 1d10 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (5) = 6
Luck: 1d12 ⇒ 6

Neither roll matches the luck die so no auto success this time, but something like that.

So I was thinking of some sort of powers over a couple of 'elements'. Either metal or wood, primarily enabling him to warp or make the substance malleable. Or at least give him a feel for it, thus he likes sculpting or carving.

Maybe with some additional ability to draw strength from it, or coat himself in it like Colossus (or armour himself).

That sounds great Pin, especially since it has come to the point where my mother needs to go into extended care. Basically a home. So we are now searching for a good one for her and dealing with finance fun.

I will get something to you as soon as I can. It's been quite emotional around here so it's been difficult getting to it.

Oh ...

In a week or so if anyone wants to have a suit made up in 3D we can do that together on Skype or you could give me a design idea and I'll work on it. But that will be at least a week until I could do that.

Are you talking about a superhero suit?

Hey Pinvendor - yes, a superhero suit. I can make the characters in Daz Studio 3D as well. It depends on what all you decided for the game.

There are many ways one can go:

1. Each character has their own special suit.
2. They use a suit which is the same design.
3. A suit of the same design in different colours.
4. A suit in the same design with extras on it (like a utility belt, special necklace to indicate something important to that character, a whip, gun holders, etc etc)
5. A combination of 3 and 4.

If you like the idea I can do it. If not then not. :)

Everything has been crazy here with mom in the hospital waiting to be placed in long term care (her apartment as she now calls it) and with my sister moving in with her cat (now we have 3 here). It is calmer now and I should be in the clear.

So, once again I must create a character and show it to you. Well, not once again but you know what I mean. I'm so sorry for all of this. I still want to play and that's the truth.

Now to come up with a character. It's almost tempting to just stick with Finwa and give her some kind of extra abilities.

What do we have so far?

There is Leoian's froggy guy ... or is that Lenora?
DSXMachina's metal or wood elementalist (dryad?).

I just don't want to double up with anyone.

Lenora is my froggy girl, I think she's pretty well done mechanically, but I still need to decide on some background story stuff and write that up. I keep talking with Meows about working on our characters during one of our hang outs, but somehow we always end up going off to do something else.

I don't know what kind of hero suit Lenora would wear, I gotta try to think about that too. Hmmm decisions are difficult.

Meows is doing some kind of Audiokinesis.

Glad to hear things are calming down with you, I know it's been super hectic. And really glad to hear you're still on board for Supers activity here really slowed down, but I think everyone's still interested.

Whew! Back from vacation. Let's kick this into gear!

We can always do a chat session with z video thing that I can use to show you what I'm making using Daz.

Is it something you can Twitch, or would we have to do Discord or Skype to see?

I have a site thing. One moment - it seems you are around and I'm free for once ...

Ok if anyone comes to peek in here and want to try this then please click on:

Finwa's SyrenCougar Streamer

It is 2:38 pm mountain time Canada. I'm going to play for a while in here so if anyone wants to check it out then please do. I will indicate when I am done and out of the streaming.

DONE WITH THE FIRST STREAMER

TRYING DISCORD'S STREAMER NOW -

Discord CatChat

3:19 mountain time Canada

Whoa! I missed it! That last link just takes me to a weird bubble image saying 0 online.

EDIT: Figured it out!!

i'm there pin just trying to get it working properly

I'm logged into Discord, but I haven't seen nor heard any response to the chat. I can't use the mic at work, so if you're speaking, I am not sure I'll be able to respond. I'm trying to type in the chat though.

join.me/493-884-273 - for anyone who wants to try it - fighting with these.

All done. Thank you Pinvendor and DSX for coming to visit me while I fought with the different streaming programs and for hanging out with me. It was great fun having others with me while I played about.

This was a test today but if anyone wants me to create something for them in Daz and do this or work with each other to create characters or both then yell at me and we can set it up. By then I may even have an idea of what I'm doing with the streaming. :D

/STREAMING ENDED FOR TODAY

/hugs Pinvendor - Thank you Pin!