It would seem so, the Giant Frog that escaped does not resurface... perhaps plotting a suitable revenge...
<Frog Nemesis Unlocked>
As you check over the others, you note that based on the one with the blue arm hanging from its maw, these amphibrutes likely swallow prey whole and may hold treasure in their guts...
Ulf opens them up and collectively you recover;
19GP
Gem: Pearl worth 25GP
Gem: 2 x Malachite worth 10GP each
Gem: Moonstone worth 25GP
A soggy gown for a child or halfling - worth 8GP
A handcarved wooden deer figurine inlayed with gemstone eyes and waterdeer ivory - worth 3000GP!
Male Half Orc Rogue (Thug) 7+5 | HP 70/70 | AC 21/14/NA | F+5, R+9, W+2 | IP 1 | Perc +10 (+11 Freeport), Darkvision 60ft | Init +3 | Move: 30ft. | Status:
Went with an easy Feat:
Combat Improvement (Epic) Your ability in combat improves.
Prerequisite: Base attack bonus +4
Benefit: Your base attack bonus increases by a permanent +1.
Herak - The Old Lion of Helles | Male Demigod | Damaged 0 | Hero Points 0 | Perception +5 | Initiative +3 | Toughness 11 | Dodge 7 | Parry 9 | Deflect 10 | Fortitude 11 | Will 5
GM SuperTumbler wrote:
MEANWHILE
Herakles realizes that this is no adventure, but a Labor more challenging than any other he has faced. Years ago, he put down his weapons and tools, for the adventures he was having did not require them. He was at peace with Hera, Ares had been banished at the end of what they were calling World War 2, and things were well in his massive and massively strong hands.
He turns to Jason, "Take me to the Temple of Herakles in Agrigento, I must needs retrieve some treasures that I left there. Mayhap they might exist in this world."
Jason searches within, connecting with the Power of Hermes, the messenger of the gods. He infuses himself and Herakles with the speed of Hermes, and the two of them seem to vanish, only to reappear on a dry plateau in Italy.
In Herakles memory, there were 7 Greek style temples here, all in different levels of ruin. Columns, Pediments, Meanders, platforms. What he finds here is that everything has been toppled by a massive blast. The crepidoma, the three stepped platform upon which his own temple was built, has melted and fused into a single stone block. In this place and time, it has been 70 years and a worldwide nuclear war since he placed his accoutrement beneath the temple. Grim faced, Herakles shakes off his fury. He shakes his massive arms, spits in each hand and presses his hands together. He walks solemnly to the steps of the temple and places his calloused hands against the center step. The platform is 200 feet long and 75 feet wide. Tons upon tons of stone. Herakles grunts and digs his feet into the blasted ground. For a moment, all is still as he presses against the stone. And then...it begins to move. Stone grates on stone as the entire temple is shifted. Herakles pushes the stone corpse of the temple. What remains of its columns tumble and roll away as the massive stone platform shifts and slides away, revealing a small stone chamber in which are housed the panoply of Herakles. Rattles, a club, etc.
BEFORE
Standing before the revealed cache Herakles suddenly reels from memories past, and yet poignantly fresh. His eyes recall the Greek partisans he led… and immortality lost in the World War against the Nazis, against the Skull… against the Hydra…
In the ash and dust surrounding him shades moved and shifted - bearing the faces of friends, foes and family felled by his own hand… Lost in an ashen cloud of taunting regret the old warhorse drops to a knee…
Times passes.
How long he is not sure… there is a pull to somewhere else, for duties unfulfilled, and yet the weight of grief is one he cannot lift.
And yet something of this time, this place seems a nagging wrong.
His memory of his panoply had always been clouded by Hera and Ares, but not curiously now. Inwardly he muses that perhaps their influence upon this world had wained, perhaps in achieving a global, relentless conflict Ares had, in fact, lost his war. For these automatons would not glorify his half-brother, nor invoke his name in triumph or terror.
No matter, the fate of Ares is no longer mine own concern. It was the mortals… his fellow mortals… his disparate band of hērōs, that mattered now...
NOW
Blinking, his eyes stung. Ashen tears streaked The Old Lion’s face and even when wiped, remained upon his weathered skin - a reminder from his shades that his guilt and sorrow would be borne for all to see.
With a heavy sigh the Old Lion descended into the exposed stone chamber and to the prizes it still held.
Reaching down he first pulled forth a long curved blade of grey adamant;
”Ah… Marmiadoise - Harpē of Khronos… Slayer of Titans & Monsters both; Sword of Gods and Kings both… Hḗphaistos himself forged thee to cleave armour and flesh both.”
With gnarled hand he places the scythed blade by his side, then pulls forth the next treasure with a broad smile.
The demigod hefts a heavy club effortlessly, running his hand over its gold tinged wood and studded bands, nodding as he recalled their battles together.
”Gilded wood and the essence of a fair Hamadryad... An unbreakable bond."
Once again he sets the weapon aside, before lifting up a quiver of blackened arrows. Even at arms length, the wisps of fumes they emit caught Herak’s eyes and throat.
”The Pharetra of Lernaîa Hýdra… O, the damage wrought upon those misfortunes who are bitten by thee…”
He coughs, setting them back down next to the bow they are partnered with;
”Philoktētēs… Your bow that was once mine own, is mine again. May my aim be as true as your own lad…”
He pauses, eyes sad before reaching for an usual pair of items; two olive wood rattles, with bells and silver disks. Holding one in each hand, he turns them gently over - admiring their craftsmanship;
”The Seîstra of Athēnâ. Tis’ still uncanny to me that such childish items can strike terror in the hearts of men and beasts alike!”
Mulling the treasures, his eyes settle on one final item… a fur trimmed cloak of ancient style. He lifts it up, cradling the garment like an old lover, breathing it in;
”My Khlamús of the Neméos Léōn… Ah it has been too long since I wore thee… Legendary tasks completed… Legendary journeys undertaken…”
He dons the cloak; one old lion wearing another, then gathers up the rest of the Panoply that bore his name and renown. With each addition, he stood a little more resolute, recalled a time more mythic, when in name and deed he made the very earth tremulous!
”Mayhap it is time for this Old Lion of Helles to summon a roar once again, and bear the Gift of Battle upon this world’s evils! SKULL! I COME FOR THEE!”
@ST et Al. Hopefully that aligns Herak with the current state of play in some way. Question is does he still have the vestiges of Hermes’ speed to make his way back to the battle, or can he call upon Jason? Perhaps Jason hears his bellowed cry?
You'll also need to start thinking about how you all know each other...
Game will commence in London - where most of you should be operating or at least present in the city (as superheroes) - perhaps you've just moved there, perhaps not.
Lady Frost will be the initial conduit for the opening scenario, so you should have a potential connection to her or be connected to a connection...
Perhaps couple of you have teamed up previously - put your thinking caps on :)
Male Human (Korvosan) Cavalier (Discipline of the Pike) 1| HP 5/12 | AC 13 T 13 FF 13 CMD 14 CMB +4 | F+4, R+0, W+0 | Perc +2 | Init +2 | Move: 30ft. | Challenge 1/1, Tactician 1/1| Hero Pts 1 | Conditions: -
Bulvarius listens intently, his broad brow furrowing at the notion of the goblins being organised...
"Big plans require big bosses"... Something to test mettle and metal against perhaps...
When talk turns of their role in the Sherriff's stead, the Aspirant of the Pike's brow turns to a frown;
"Lady Whitehall has a point. What powers do we have? Do you mean to formally deputise us Sheriff? Should those grave robbers return are we empowered to administer justice as we see fit... As a Hellknight Armiger I will not baulk at punishing the unlawful, but there are those who may take umbrage at my administering of The Chain..."
The old dwarv listens intently to Ulf, shaking his head slowly before Ping's posed logic breaks his melancholy with a brow raise and waving on his pipa;
"Disappear'ed? NAY! Lass I wish it were so... I do! A shadow did approached her an' it thought it one o' the newcomers the taprooms 'ave spoken of. Then it spoke, low an' whisper'ed like... Then she froze, like a toad in wyntertide..."
He pauses, grappling with his memory;
"... Then it grabbed her... an... an spread great bat wings from its back as it flew off with fair Jenneleth! I thought it a man afore then... Now I fear it was a daemon or one o' the risen! A creatyre o' the nyght!! Here! In Haranshyre!"
The old codger's eyes fill with fear as every shadow becomes a threat...
That'll probably align with my timings Adam - will try and really kick this one on over the next couple of weeks - your collective patience is appreciated!
Right gang - let's look to get profiles up and running (for those who have not got one yet) this week and powers firmed up - so I have a broad overview of the group's capabilities.
We can continue with our background chats and I'll also start tying in characters to the wider vista we'll be operating in (links to organisations/NPCs/Villains etc).
Loving the group thusfar :) - interestingly though no female characters at all... (which is fine but am a little surprised at).
Ya know what, I can make my PC a female. Nothing about my character screams male or female to me, so I'm cool with playin a woman.
In fact, if memory serves me right, there was(possibly long before game start, I forget), a rather badass, violent and infamous all female gang in the UK at one point. Perhaps I have some ties there?
And, in keeping with the theme, I'll borrow the name of an awesome ice themed pro wrestler: Lady Frost
Yes! Yes! Yes! Any pro-wrestling reference gets full marks from me :)
Lady Frost works nicely. Nice to have a female character in the ranks. The gang you mentioned I believe is the Forty Elephants who feature in the Disney+ series A Thousand Blows. yeah bit before our time (last active in the 50s) but we're also rewriting history with Maggie Thatcher as a cold, unemotional cyborg (hang on a minute...) so we've open house so have a female gang still be active.
Male Hairy Highlander Halfbreed (ThirdSwede) Barbarian 9/King O' The North 5/Staffy Dad 7
Ridge wrote:
SUPERVisor Black Dow wrote:
Also mocked up our crimefighting clown: Whiteface(Would like him more "grubby" looking... in my mind's eye see him as Joker meets Rorschach meets Jack-In-The-Box - decent start I hope tho - see what Ridge reckons of course :)
I like it! I'm sorry I haven't been as responsive as I should have been this weekend, we had a guest over and I'm a bit scrambled of wits and time :)
I can tell you I imagine any hair he has is probably a wig or even part of his cap as I keep picturing it as burned clean by the accident that transformed him. Torn on Grubby looking versus 'Classy faux court garb'... the latter fits his heritage more, but the former might fit the 80s during hard times vibe.
Also, I am thinking maybe you're right and I might drop the Psi powers anyway.
RL is RL mate - we'll tick along nicely til you have time.
I've done a revised version of Whiteface (in a Brian Bolland style) - came out even creepier lol, but I like the battered leather coat with old blood stains on it vs the garish clown costume.
Given we're playing a superhero game that attempts to honour the spirit of comicbook frames I'm also leaning heavily into art in this PBP and setting. Huge elements of this campaign will be documented via art and images (and I'll say now I'm having a blast realising some of this stuff!)
My latest offerings:
So here's my new and improved version of Sysgofd - managed to get the art to reflect the single cybernetic arm and also give both an ethereal feel to his form (whilst tipping the nod to his dark matter origin). @pauljathome - hope this still works for you?
I just set up a new PBP game: Black Dow's Golden Heroes but after dotting and deleting in the Game Play Thread think I may have messed with its protocols as I can no longer post (or at least see any posts/content).
I vaguely recall doing this once before and it being resolved... but any help or steer on this one is greatly appreciated :)
Alright gang - this has been a very tough decision but I've looked over the concepts and where there's overlap in powers in relation to individual or unique schticks. I've also considered the backgrounds pitched thus-far and how they fit against the world setting and campaign I'm building.
Huge commiserations to the dynamic duo that I don't have room for (right now).
@ira: Swift Scepter was a cool character but shared too many powers with other pitches - so you were unlucky in that respect.
@Cucumbertree: Was a tough call for me to make - you put in a heap of work, but Danu just didn't merge into my overall vision for the campaign like the others did. She's very powerful and probably would be better suited to a Mutants & Masterminds game where you can let her truly showcase her power array in a broader sense as she's a great concept.
I massively appreciate the creativity and please know you'll both be on notice should someone drop out.
To the Lucky 7 - Please report to the OOC thread folks for Phase 2!
The year is 1985. The location… The United Kingdom & Commonwealth of Great Britain. Civil unrest is rife, the economic & political divide is widening as corporations clash with unions, and supernormal crime is on the rise as the authorities struggle to cope.
The press and media tread an uneasy balance between popularism, sensationalism and sleaze verses in-depth reporting and meaningful news, with public opinion easily swayed.
The Prime Minister has just returned to her seat at the head of the Tory Government after recovering from an assassination attempt by a Supernormal Terrorist. No longer just PM Margaret Thatcher, now she is augmented by pioneering cybernetics and truly is… The Iron Lady!
However its not all bad news: The Cold War seems to be thawing, the Home Computer revolution is underway, with Amiga, Atari, and Sinclair all entering the market. Bond is back on the big screen with A View to a Kill and Duran Duran are #1!
And while Tina sings "We Don’t Need Another Hero”… The UK most definitely does! And so it is that this Land of Confusion sees a new wave of so-called “superheroes” arise... Ready (and willing?) to bring justice to an unjust world!
Congrats and welcome to our Golden Heroes game - Phase 2. Here we'll thrash out the backstories a little more, refine the powers and discuss overlap/power levels etc.
With 7 of you I'm mulling having everyone limited to 7 Power Rolls, but we can discuss that one as a group.
Best idea is to get some aliases pulled together and we can look at everyone's Powers & any WIP etc.
BD, should I roll my HTC/HTK now, or wait till if I'm selected?
Also, is Dex capped at 18? The charts for Str and Vig go way beyond, but the one for Dex only has up to 18.
One last question: Should I consider maybe boosting my Ego, or is 13 good enough for a character who lacks mental/magic powers?
Hey MG
Up to you mate - you can go ahead and roll or wait until the final roster. HTK/HTC numbers won't have much bearing on my selection, but it might help with power picks if you feel your lacking.
Yeah DEX is maxed @ 18 - but you can improve your Strike Mod to higher through power selections, DUP spend ect.
EGO 13 is very decent as its essentially your saving throw vs mental attacks etc. 13 is a good (non-specialist) value.
Hey MG - for your Previous Training I'd be inclined to do +2 DEX to push that to 18. Will mean you're more likely to hit with fist/foot and frost :)
For your two remaining power rolls you have choice of bumping up your Energy Attack by 1 to Grade 2 and by virtue of this you can select Energy Immunity (Ice/Cold) as a free selection... OR... bump up his Energy Attack by 1 and Vigour by 1 again to Grade 2. Would mean he can dish it out and absolutely take it (but isn't immune to his own Energy Attack which can be a bummer if reflected back at you...)
Herak - The Old Lion of Helles | Male Demigod | Damaged 0 | Hero Points 0 | Perception +5 | Initiative +3 | Toughness 11 | Dodge 7 | Parry 9 | Deflect 10 | Fortitude 11 | Will 5
Herakles nods in agreement at the prospect of a hot meal, then pauses listening to the plan of action before Jason's mention of Zeus piques his interest;
"Feh. You mention our father Zeus as if he were benign! It was due to Hera's poisoned words that he doth exile me from Olympus... and set me to walk amongst the mortals once again. His most Indomitable Son a mortal once again! Verily our father is mercurial with his love that much is true..."
The godling looks crestfallen for a moment, before the home of the Amazons piques his interest;
"Ah fair Themyscira. I had the honour of defending its shores alongside the Amazons in 1944 from the blackhearted foes of Hydra and the Nazis. I doing so did atoned for past crimes against their host and Queen and earning these symbolic Bracers of Victory in recognition this deed!"
He proudly displays the golden bracers with a flex of his muscular arm.
"What of the Amazons of this world? Of their island? Perhaps we can seek their aid as we did in times gone? Verily it would be good to fight alongside them once again!"
@Ridge: Am thinking you could somehow keep the Growth? thinking "Big Grin" or some such? But if you can't make it fit, don't keep it. Remember (Everyone) dropping a power isn't the end of the world - yes you lose the power, but also if it helps streamline your concept then so be it. Your characters will be be vastly powerful compared to most super-villains, and even mega-villains will be offset by your collective team.
Clowns hadn't gone all Pennywise in the 1980s... the creepy clown was starting to emerge but in the main they were still figures of fun in circuses and pantomime, so absolutely a good-guy clown works.
For the weapon - what about Juggling Clubs? - with Weapon Skill Grade 2 or 3 you could use them as melee or missile weapons... would be kinda cool no?
Yeah you're doing it right :) Psi-clown tough scrapper...
For your clown I'd potentially pour 1 or 2 power rolls into their Weapon Skill (as noted above) or improve Psi Power to the next level.
@All: Wow. Thanks for the interest - let's consider this one a go-er and see what we get as characters. Still undecided on numbers as I honestly thought 3 or 4 would be pushing it lol. Can't take you all, but will try and take most... meantime let's get to it:
@Pauljathome: You are correct sir - system can throw up a bunch of oddball and unworkable combos, but sometimes it created the gold in Golden. As touch on above I'd suggest everyone interested create a few of characters - perhaps 1-3 for starters and see what comes out of them. Might be you get struck with inspiration and decent combos early… opposite could be true also!
@MonkeyGod: Good to see you again mate - thanks for the interest :)
@Oceanshieldwolf: Yup - definitely a "capturing a sense halcyon days gone by(e)" for me mate. The musics will play a part with thematic lyrics and interludes* Thatcher's Britain was grim, wait until you encounter her I.R.O.N. Ladies :S
*:
Even inspiring a villain or two… Dandy Highwayman anyone?
@Malinor.: Glad to hear your interested also mate.
@Ridge: Crave ye no more!
@DQ: Feeling is mutual - always good to see you in a thread and fascinated to see what you create with the randomness.
@Tumbler: Slow and steady will be the way of it most likely, so hopefully piques your interest.
@Cucumber & Ira: Thanks for the interest - jumped the gun a little with creation, but since we’re moving onto that anyways no harm and no foul. Interested to see what you both hammer those concepts into.
@Ira: Yeah you can trade a power roll for 10 DUPs - let me know what your thinking on how they’ll be utilised. Like what your thinking on beyond the initial rolls.
@Jubal: Also good to see you! By all means have a read and see what pops.
Regards the campaign setting I’ve actually settled on London as our default. Got the Kingdom of Champions setting guide which has a bunch of content on the city. Plus London in the 80s was a perfect storm of Thatcher’s Britain - the capital was a city of change, marked by economic changes, social unrest, and shifts in the cultural landscape. Political deregulation and business privatisation shook up industries like finance and the press. Locations like Docklands were targets for urban regeneration driven by the yuppies, while districts like Brixton and Tottenham had experienced riots and racial tension. Throw in IRA bombings, strikes, the Cold War and superhumans and it becomes quite the (molotov) cocktail…
Right - let me have a look at some house rules (there’s some new powers and skills that I want to include as options). I’ve got next couple of days off, so I’ll get some stuff up (and catch up with my games proper ST will be glad to hear ;)
I’ve a bunch of World Building materials that I’ve pre-prepped so can get that up and I’ll make a Campaign Tab to showcase - so bear with while I get all those in play.
Regards characters - like I said have a go at a few. Let's get a feel for the system and generation. Can't wait to see what you lot (and the system) come up with!
Oh, Superman, where are you now
When everything's gone wrong somehow?
The men of steel, the men of power
Are losing control by the hour - Land of Confusion, Genesis
So this is a thread to gauge interest on playing a rather niche Superheroes game from my halcyon days of gaming: Golden Heroes.
Bit of background - Golden Heroes was published by Games Workshop back in 1984 in a time when the Warhammer juggernaut hadn’t crushed all before it. GW produced a bunch of roleplaying and board games and White Dwarf supported them admirably.
As a comics fan (2000AD and 70s/80s Marvel were my escapes pre-roleplaying) I was naturally drawn to Golden Heroes, and its kept a special place in my Grognard heart ever since.
Recently I’ve moved home and been dusting off long forgotten boxes of old roleplaying material, notes and games of yesteryear. Golden Heroes once again piqued my interest - given I’d barely scratched the creative surface in my storytelling some 4 decades (yikes) ago…
So here we are. I’m battle tested upon these boards - I’ve had the privilege to play under some amazing GMs and alongside numerous creators and players of the highest calibre. So thought I would test the superheroic waters with an interest gauge on a Golden Heroes game (could be I’m one of a dwindling few who played it and even rated it lol).
I’ve hyperlinked a copy of the Player's Rulebook in the spoiler below:
Right now I’m not looking for any character concepts (as much of the fun of GH was the randomness and creative jigsawery of building a hero). Plan would be if there’s enough interest for players to roll up a bunch of characters, see what piques the interest then take it from there.
The game would be set in the 1980s and in the UK. Hometown will either be London or Granite City (a comic book version of my hometown of Aberdeen, Scotland). Leaning toward the latter as Aberdeen is a oil city so attracted workers and families from across the globe. Americans and Commonwealth personnel were (and still are) a familiar sight in the city. Will give any prospective players plenty of rationale to why they are in the UK (homegrown or otherwise).
Am envisaging the game to have a real Bronze Age feel - we’re not in Dark Knight or Watchmen or Antiheroics (…yet…) but it’ll have some dark veins of storytelling as we will be playing in a Cold War world where civil and social unrest prevalent in British society (jeez could be 2025..! however I digress)
I have all the published scenarios - both GH and from White Dwarf and have earmarked some 80s Champions adventures to convert also. More than enough for a full blown campaign.
If I get enough interest I’ll either run a full blown recruitment or turn this thread into one.
Am curious to see if there’s any appetite for this at all to start with at all tho’ - could easily be a dud lol.
If you’re still with me then please indulge me in the following:
Have a read of the Wiki and Player’s Rulebook if your not familiar (or reacquaint yourself if its been a while)
Feel free to ask any questions regards the rules and aspects of the game.
Again GH isn’t a game where you can peg a archetype and build that character.
Your character will start with 2d6 (halved) +4 Power Rolls. You can use these power rolls in 1 of 4 ways:
- Roll for a Superpower (random, d100)
- Upgrade an already rolled Superpower
- Select (or Roll) an Advantageous Background (d10)
- Enhance a Superpower (a gimmick or improvement)
So depending on your first batch of rolls you will get an idea on who or what you might end up with. In the true spirit of the game, typically discarded concepts become supervillains for us to use :)
Like I said at the outset this is really an interest gauger - I’ve no set idea on number of players… (as I might get none!) - but if I have one it’ll be a solo game… any more it'll be a dynamic duo, terrific trio or fantastic foursome, 5+ will be simple Excelsior!
The Baron of Mutton S**t. Apologies gang - dunno where the week went!
As the group come together, any chance of a low-key reunion is stymied by the effervescent performance by Eireachdail!
The skald's rousing performance attracts plenty of eyes, some wonderous, some wary... one or two even appreciative with a toe-tap or two.
Hûnidark meantime eyes the throng for any sense of ill-intent... but finds none, save to half-blind scowl of the ancient man nursing an empty drinking horn;
As Andren breaks from his beau's embrace, he apologetically acknowledges the big brawler's order...
"Of course! Of course my friend! Plenty of fare for a Brother of the Brawler!"
Jenneleth seems to glow, happy that her betrothed has met this motley collection she has become very fond of.
"Andren... Could you also bring us a bottle of that fine City League Red. I wish to toast my friends here..."
He smiles and grins;
"On the house my dear. For these are your friends... which makes them mine!"
As he heads to the kitchen, his charitable gesture does not go unnoticed - causing auld Dirkaster to bluster and bellow;
Herak - The Old Lion of Helles | Male Demigod | Damaged 0 | Hero Points 0 | Perception +5 | Initiative +3 | Toughness 11 | Dodge 7 | Parry 9 | Deflect 10 | Fortitude 11 | Will 5
Herakles raises a bushy brow at the mention of one name;
"Stark? Howard Stark!? I am truly vexed... I thought him a good man... and did bestow a gift of coin upon his business venture... S.T.A.R.K. Labs [1] I believe it doth called..."
The dauntless demi-god casts his gaze heavenward with a scowl;
"Let us find this Helicarrier and like the Stymphalian Birds pluck it from the sky!"
[1]: Stands for Science and Technology Advanced Research Key Laboratories) of course True Believer!
The machines land two heavy blows, but register ne'er a reaction from the Godling.
Bracing himself he bellows a laugh;
"Hah! Your attempts to pummel the Indomitable Son of Zeus are for naught iron automatons... Verily you have earned mine ire: HAVE AT THEE!"
Surrounded, Herakles slams his bracers together!
"CLANNNNNNNGGGGGGG!"
Bracer Shockwave:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29+5 due to Crit?Divine Force Affliction (30ft Burst. Resisted by Dodge, overcome with Fortitude: Dazed and Vulnerable, Stunned and Prone.
A 19 and 2 x 20 - truly Tyche dost shine upon the Mighty Herak!
Rastifer pauses, mulling the offer, then looks to the hunds;
"Otus? Erol? What say ye lads? Should we accept...??"
Both mastiffs impassively watch proceedings, stalactites of drool dangling.
The shoppe-keep leans in with a wink and a whisper;
"They like you little folk an' say yes."
He nods toward the arms and armour collected;
"Carmen's Smithy is yer best bet. They make 'em but also buy and sell... mainly for smelting!"
100GP store credit and 9 Gold coins for all the belt pouches, pipe and baccy.
The raggedy merchant skips through his shoppe, then pauses with a toothy grin;
"So what has taken yer fancy Little Ones? Can I interest you in some new stock? Belt pouches, authentic from robbers! Only 6 Silver each! Hehehehehehe!"
▪ If the associated attribute is a primary attribute, the challenge base to overcome is 12.
▪ If it is against a secondary attribute, the challenge base is 18.
Looking at Ping it'll be a check vs challenge base of 18 to use. CHA is attribute and level bonus would apply (so +1).
The successful use of this skill allows a modification of 10% of an item’s cost per bonus point of charisma the skilled appraiser has.
So 1d20 check +0 (CHA) +1 (LVL) vs Challenge level 18. Success means you get 10% +/- per CHA point bonus you have... which is zero (at the moment)... Okay I'll also add in 5% modification per every 4 level bonus the appraiser has to make it worthwhile.
Clear as mud? :)
So if you succeed vs Challenge Level 18 you gain 5% mod of price (selling items would be upward price most likely, while buying you'd push the shoppekeeper's asking price lower) - separate rolls for buying and selling please.
Herak - The Old Lion of Helles | Male Demigod | Damaged 0 | Hero Points 0 | Perception +5 | Initiative +3 | Toughness 11 | Dodge 7 | Parry 9 | Deflect 10 | Fortitude 11 | Will 5
GM SuperTumbler wrote:
That said, I have a serious question: in this campaign, I'm going to drop your characters into different universes. Some will be straight up versions of previously existing universes. Some will be strange combinations of different realities.
How is it most fun to figure out where you are and what is going on? Maggie has a useful ability to unspool some of the mysteries by knowing who literary (and comic book) characters are. So how much do you want me to obscure things and make hints until someone posts the correct answer, and how much should I tell you outright?
Also like the idea of us having to figure out where we are - both as players and PCs. Now Herak isn't the sharpest spear in the phalanx but sometimes the drachma might drop (especially on Olympian matters, history or ancient myth) where the baseline he is aware of doesn't measure in that current reality.
On a side note I've written up my intro post for Herakles but it's not "clicking" with me on so will do a rewrite o'er the course of today.
Jenneleth sits nearby Ping, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder as she introduces the group;
"It was quite the eventful journey Mama. We have been charged to bring a box to Maester Tausthäuser. My friends here protected the package and me along the way. Eireachdail is a skald, already well met. The shy one seated here is dearest Ping. The big lad is Brother Hûƞidark, and next to him is Master Mos Smallbarrow. There are more to their number but some are at the Baron, whilst one watches the criminals they brought to task at Garyld's gaol."
The young apprentice smiles at the group;
"They are all good folk to a fault Mama. And I am proud to call them friends."
Parella nods as she passes a jug of buttermilk;
"I can see that Jenn. You keep good company daughter... hungry too..."
She laughs as Eireachdail stuffs another warm scone into his mouth - the skald temporarily silenced save for sounds of satisfaction!
@Store Gang: Feel like I'm railroading you all a little so let's head to the bakery and allow some further RP. Store and coin can wait?
The Mill-House
You collectively recall a old Haefling proverb "that business is something that should never be undertaken on an empty stomach"... and follow the scone hound Eireachdail, as he escorts Jenneleth toward the Mill-House.
As you approach it would seem word has gotten around that Jenneleth is back and travelling with new friends. Outside the partially thatched stone building, a small crowd (read half a dozen) yokels stand expectantly nearby the mill's impressive water wheel. By the door Jenneleth's parents: Haldelar the Miller, a strong fellow, ruddy cheeked and barrel-chested sporting a pair of floury flecked side-whiskers. Her mother, Parella the Baker is dark-haired, slender and shares the same disarming smile as her daughter.
Parella rushes to Jenneleth and the two embrace, while her father smiles with dewey eyes.
"Welcome back lass. Will you be staying? What of your friends..?"
Her mother shoots Haldelar a withering look;
"Husband! Mind your manners! Bread and pies for these hungry fo-Oh My! Jenneleth whatever happened to your head lass!?"
Parella brushes her daughters hair clear of where the bandits club left a bruise.
Her father peers in, face flushed;
"What happened! Does she need to see the priest!? What kind of dangers have you lot been getting my lass into!!??"
His tone while concerned, is blustering also.
All the while the heady aroma of pies and freshly baked goods scent the air...
Male Human (Korvosan) Cavalier (Discipline of the Pike) 1| HP 5/12 | AC 13 T 13 FF 13 CMD 14 CMB +4 | F+4, R+0, W+0 | Perc +2 | Init +2 | Move: 30ft. | Challenge 1/1, Tactician 1/1| Hero Pts 1 | Conditions: -
Mirthlessly Bulvarius pulls forth his pike from the downed goblin mount and shifts backward (5ft Step) before ramming his spear into the nearby goblin (Standard Action - Reach Melee) vs Pink;
My Superboy redux was Born Yesterday with the following:
Conner Kent was created by Project Cadmus using Kryptonian DNA, intended as a replacement for Superman who died fighting. Artificially aged to his late-teens and implanted with the equivalent of a high school education.
He could be released by either one of these two key plot hooks:
1. The death of his replacement which would trigger is official release
2. The discovery of Project Cadmus as an evilish organization
Cheers
No Luthor DNA?
Superboy doesn't have 2 daddies?
There is also a great myth about Orion having been born from a bullskin that Zeus, Poseiden, and Hermes all peed on. That's a heroic birth for sure!
Because ... how could three fathers be a bad thing?
Its a good point - a three-splice DNA cocktail would open up a world of additional possibilities... whose to say these other "father-donors" even came from the same timestream?
"Cadmus! Cadmus you say? The good name of the heroic founder of great Thebes stolen by some malefic cabal! Nay lad, say it is no so... lest I will be forced to teach them a lesson in drawing the ire of The Lion of Helles!"
MG - was never that familiar with the Top Cow stuff outwith CyberForce, but I do recall Darkness and Angelus characters (or something like that) that we're the Dark/Light oppositional sides. Think Witchblade mixed into this somewhere too... Worth dipping into I guess?
For Herk - have nailed down his Complications and working on his crunch + post war-history (being part of the Avengers of Atlas/Avengers 1959 and who is part of that lineup)...
@Jubal but also everyone, I tend to expect people to tinker with builds even after play starts. Builds in this game don't always do what you want them to do, or you forget something that your character should obviously have and only find out in play.
Another reason I love your games!
And I look forward to the RP of Superboy's attentions/affections! He is very impressionable.
Cheers!
I will completely own that I typed that idea without having gone through allllllllll of Jason's much longer backstory than I had read before. Turns out, Steve Orlando, the author who introduced Jason's boyfriend, labeled Jason as queer in content posted on Twitter. Wow. Did not have that on the radar ... very cool.
https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Jason_(Prime_Earth)
And in my research I found out that Wolverine and Hercules in an alternative timeline were a couple. Hence why I tipped the nod to this in his complications:
Reputation (Lothario): He has a bad reputation as a seducer of both men and women.
Mos scouts the town, flitting between buildings and taking in his impressions of the place.
He discerns that of the drinking holes, The Silver Crown outwardly seems the more rough establishment, with grubby miners and burly farm-hands making up the bulk of their patronage.
Most traders seem to do well without being rich, save for Carmen who runs the mining, owns many of the farms and oversees much of the town affairs. He has coin, but there is little ill-will from the townfolk.
More interestingly there seems little to no sign of organised crime... Perhaps an opportunity beckons..?
Finally after quizzing a few Milborners they point him toward Rastifer's Store for any oddities and the like that might lurk in his eclectic inventory.
Nafton's
As you approach, you collectively note a weatherbeaten sign: Nafton's Stables & Kennel
Ahead the collective buildings emit the sounds of low barks and the odd whinny of a horse. From down the track a short, stocky man stands with two large dogs at his heel. As you approach he seems to recognise Jenneleth, and bids the dogs to lie - which they dutifully do;
"Jenneleth lass! Not seen you in months! Back from the City League I'll wager and with new friends... Looking to stable that horse an' mule I'll also wager!"
@Spiro: I'll get the Baron of Mutton post up tomorrow - need to access some notes
