Perhaps youve heard....at Garycon 2017 the new TSR company unveilled a new Top Secret game. You can check it out by googling Garycon 2017 Top Secret 2017.
I would pick up "The Living Greyhawk Gazeteer, From the Ashes and also The Adventure Begins. You can find them online. From the Ashes is a boxed campaign setting which primarily consists of a world book, campaign book, and random encounter tables. If you buy the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer the From the Ashes World book isn't a big deal, but the secondary book in the boxed set details out the Area Surrounding the Domain of Greyhawk quite well and for that reason I recommend buying the boxed set From the Ashes. If your looking for just one item though, get the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer as it will be the most complete about the world as a whole. It is thick in size but does lack random encounter tables. It also includes the deities and a few organizations famous to the world. The Adventure Begins goes into a lot more detail concerning the history of the world, especially the more recent history. It also includes a good Greyhawk City map and location descriptions as well. This makes adventuring in Greyhawk City easy when you want to stick to official places and NPCs found in the city. It also contains the calendar system and a host of other smaller details.
My world of Darknoth is centered on the worship of the most powerful Demons and Devils in the game, ex. Asmodeus, Demogorgon, Mammon, etc. I'm having a problem making this functional in the game. I've read through the descriptions and there really doesn't seem to be much of a difference between them. I've consulted Tyrants of the Nine Hells and Hordes of the Abyss from 3.5 edition as well. To match the tone and feel of the world I wanted to push standard Deity worship to the side and replace most gods with cults of demons and devils. I would like some of these cults to be out in the open while others are more hidden and secretive than others. I expect these cults to oppose one another as well, competing for worship. I see some of these cults purposely attracting worshippers of neutral and good alignments using fear and manipulation to acquire them. To also match the world, both Bahamut and Tiamat would be elevated to worship as well. I'm also adding few of my own deities to fill in gaps. To match 5th edition Cleric rules, I need to assign at least one (or more) domains to each deity. With homemade deities selecting domains is simple, it doesn't present a problem. With demons and devils its an issue. I have thought about rewriting each demon or devil to give it a unique spin in the world to solve some of these problems. I want to make the list more complete yet streamlined, eliminate unnecessary ones, add needed deities, and tweak the existing ones so they are better. I'm open to adding or subtracting domains, changing worshippers, and alignments. Here's what I have so far.... Greater Gods are worshipped in the larger more populated areas of the world. These are the primary deities of the campaign. Asmodeus: God of Tyranny, Knowledge and Evil (LE), Worshippers: Neutral and Evil Humans, Humanoids, Domains: Knowledge. Bahamut: God of Dragons, Good, Justice and Nobility (LG), Worshippers: Good and neutral Dragons and Dragonborn, humans, demi-humans. Domains: Life and War. Darknoth: God of the Cosmos and Magic, (N), Worshippers: Dragons, Dragonborn, Kobolds, Humans, Demi-humans, Domains: Light, Nature Glaysa: Goddess of Beauty, (LE), Worshippers: Humans, Domains: Trickery Magog: God of Murder, Torture (CE), Worshippers: Evil Humans, Humanoids, Domains: Trickery, War Mephistopheles: God of Fire and Magic, (LE), Worshippers: Neutral and Evil Humans, Humanoids, Domains: Tempest and Trickery Orcus: God of the Undead, Blood (CE), Worshippers: Neutral and Evil Humans, Giants, Domains: Trickery, War Tiamat: Goddess of Dragons, Tyranny, Evil (CE), Worshippers: Evil Dragons, Evil Dragonborn, Kobolds, Domains: Trickery, War Lesser Gods. The Lesser Deities receive some worship but not a lot and are losing favor with people and have been pushed to more select areas of the world. Baphomet: God of Savagery, Destruction (CE), Worshippers: Humanoids, Monsters of the Underdark, Domains: War Belial/Fierna: God & Goddess of Secrets, Domination, Seduction (LE), Worshippers: Neutral and Evil Humans, Humanoids, Domains: Trickery Carnage: God of War and Destruction, (CN), Worshippers: Humans, Giants, Humanoids, Domains: War Demogorgon: God of Fear, Hate, (CE), Worshippers: Evil Humans, Lizardfolk, Troglodytes, Yuan-Ti, Domains: Tempest Dispater: God of War,(LE), Worshippers: Neutral and Evil Humans, Domains: War Entropy: Cod of Chaos, (CN), Worshippers: Humans, Domains: Trickery Hospice: Goddess of Health & Healing, (LG), Worshippers: Good Humans, Demi-humans, Domains: Light Lolth: Goddess of the Drow, Spiders, (CE), Worshippers: Drow Elves, Domains: Trickery Maelstrom: God of Weather and Storms (CN), Worshippers: Humans, Domains:Tempest Malcanthet: Goddess of Lust and Seduction, (CE), Worshippers: Neutral and Evil Humans, Domains: Trickery Mammon: God of Greed and Lust (LE), Worshippers: Neutral and Evil Humans, Humanoids, Domains: Trickery Oracle: Goddess of Divination and Fate, (N), Worshippers: Humans, Elves, Domains: Knowledge, Light Pacifiss: God of Peace, Serenity, and Reason, (LG), Worshippers: Monks, Domains: Knowledge, Light Shemayn: Goddess of Nature and Agriculture, (N), Worshippers: Humans, Druids, Elves, Halflings, Domains: Nature Yeenoghu: God of the Gnolls, (CE), Worshippers: Gnolls, Domains: War Quasi Deities (These deities are dead but could return to life if they start to regain worshippers in great enough numbers) Commercius: God of Money, Trade, Barter, (N), Worshippers: Humans, Demi-humans, Domains: ? Oceanus: God of the Oceans, Lakes and Rivers, (N), Worshippers: Humans, Domains: ? Raven: Goddess of Skies, Birds (N), Worshippers: ?, Domains? Songstress: Goddess of Music and Beauty, (LN), Worshippers: Humans, Elves, Domains: Light, Nature
Thank you for the suggestions. I have gaps in my kingdoms still and will fill in details with the most workable ideas you offered. Here's a revised version of my kingdoms with inserts included from your efforts. As many already know the history of the world comprises primarily of a two forces, a large dragon kingdom and demonic forces that were summoned by the humans to fight their war against the dragons and demi-humans. Long story short, the humans won but are now slaves of the demonic forces. These forces are trying to infiltrate all kingdoms and forcibly make the world their own. They are contested by the dragon kingdom which are getting ready for another war. I have two other continents that remain relatively free of the demonic influence (but not completely.) Well the kingdoms I have this far are as follows: The Northern Reaches of the Clansman Horde Sort of a Viking type of civilization. The Frigid Domain of the Ice Queen Modeled after the 2nd Snow White Movie. The Holy Realm of Belivdear Arthurian in style, no details as of yet. The Sacred Faith of Divine Apostasy Religion is a long lost belief in the world and the gods have decided to make this kingdom their point of return. It will house all faiths of Darknoth (though I am going with a small pantheon) and include all alignments. The Dreaded Cannibals of Kallistor A cannibalistic humanoid society that lives in a prehistoric setting. They utilize dinosaurs as beasts of burden and perhaps steeds. The Sovereignty of Draconic Enlightenment A realm of ten different dragon kingdoms (one for each color) of which at its beginning, all were of good alignment. They form one huge kingdom that takes up a third of a continent. Collectively, these dragons worked together to care for the world. They are pivotal to the entire history of the Darknoth. There is much internal strike ever since magic altered the alignments of many of the dragons, and thus we now have both good and evil dragons (even some of the normally good aligned dragons have turned evil). There mission remains the same...to care for Darknoth. The evil dragons have changed their ideas of giving races free will and support to freeing them of the demonic beings only to them rule with tyranny. The United Kingdom of Addenshire A farming country, comprised mostly of humans, halflings and gnomes. Lycanthropes haunt the giant swamp nearby and once a year they come out in full force attacking the villagers of the kingdom. The Empiric Realm of Saulania Remains of the first human kingdom which was established by the dragons for humans. Over the ages this kingdom has rose and fallen. Right now it is militaristic and the government is controlled by forces of the hells which actively are seen throughout the capital city and the regions beyond. The Just Realm of Walesmond No plans as of yet other than Walesmond is a family name and the kingdom has been handed down for generations. They are frequently raided by a humanoid kingdom to the north. The Maurading Demons of Haggrick Another humanoid kingdom, though this one is also controlled by demonic forces. Haven't decided if they are demons or devils so far. They frequently raid the kingdom south of it which is the Just Realm of Walesmond. Fairy Kingdom of Elshivan A relatively small elvish nation comprised of a forest. The Royal Crown of Eastminister No specific plans for yet, though I an considering having them embroiled in a civil war as a result of the demonic influence. Yuan-Ti The Yuan-ti kingdom will be one that they forcibly took from another race (haven't decided which one yet). I like the idea that shortly before the conquered the underground city in the desert a great curse was put in place by the previous occupants. Now the Yuan-ti cannot leave the desert and conquer other nations as a result. I got this idea primarily from avr. Thank you. There is a second major Yuan-ti kingdom that resides in a swamp that is not affected by the above mentioned curse. Undetermined Free City One of the ancient kingdoms which in itself has collapsed but now has reformed in the state of a Free City, once fended off the demonic invasion which occurred centuries ago. To do so, they opened up portals to other planes and various creatures came to help. This saved the city and though the kingdom itself didn't stand the test of time, one city did and that is now a Free City in the middle of no-where. The portals are still very active producing trade back and forth and opens the area up to many strange races from other planes. A strong special military has been formed to control the types of beings that pass through the portals. Thanks blood_kite for the wonderful idea. Giant Kingdom Though it has no official name, I did section off a part of the world to place such a realm. That was one of my first ideas. Simeon touched upon this idea by change. I planned on using the "Ordning" information in the 5th edition rules set. Plus there are a few other Free Cities which will probably have a few scattered villages nearby but each Free City will have a government unto its own without any specific amount of territory claimed. Most of these are located far away from other kingdoms. There are also a few scattered underground kingdoms of Dwarves, Drow, Duergar, and Yuan-ti that are of significant size, though no details are drawn up yet. Feel free to add more comments in order to fill in the gaps I still have left.
That's funny. Rainbow Happy Town was probably filled with the most evil and sadistic gnomes one ever met. LOL
Let me know as soon as Legion hits the show.
I hate the term "Minis" "Boss" "Gish" "Grognards" "Munchkins".....I could go on for hours with this list. I miss the years when everything was simple, no acronyms, no computer oriented video game terms, players and DM's were not so lazy as to abbreviate things in conversation. Give me the early 80's gaming feel back and I will be happy.
I would have preferred a straight up Monster Manual 2 instead of splitting the subject matter up. That was why I started strongly disliking and eventually stopped buying 3.5 edition. Give me one book of just monsters...another of just spells...another for...well you get the idea.
Interesting ideas. I hadn't thought about the humans tricking the dragons. In this world dragons are the fore bearers of civilization. They taught humans, elves, dwarves how to come out of the stone age. The dragons (at this point in history) are all good alignment, which includes the red, green, black, white and blue varieties. Essentially, the dragons are suppose to be the good guys, the saviors of the world and the humans are the ones that ruined it, first by stealing magic and not understanding how to wield it, then by starting wars with the dragons and demi-humans. Humans eventually were losing the war so they summoned demons and devils to turn the tide of the war they started. They won the war but are now prisoners to the very creatures they summoned. Humans are kinda the low lifes of the world. The continuous contact with demons and devils eventually corrupted the above mentioned species of dragon so they became evil. In addition, even some of the good aligned dragons have been corrupted.
A significant piece of history seems to be missing in my lore. In a nut shell, dragons brought magic to the world and helped the humans and other races develop civilization. Only the dragons possessed magic (which was far beyond the Players Handbook spells) and used it to help control greater aspects of the world such as raising food, building monuments, controlling the weather, and so forth. Then the humans got jealous and wanted magic for themselves. They acquired the magic but were not able to comprehend its difficult nature and thus the only thing they could get out of it was the paltry spells we find in our D&D games today. The only problem is HOW did the humans steal the magic from dragons? I'm looking for ideas.
When I have enough material for my home world I plan on publishing it on DM's Guild. My basic plan is this... Publish "drop in material" that is generic in nature. A detailed kingdom with no drawn out history in order for the DM to make it jive with their own world or FR, Greyhawk etc. Have the maps drawn up so that they easily insert anywhere. Put plains around the entire edges of the map so that one could attach another kingdom that also is surrounded by 100% plains that way they fit together and the DM could put it on any side of the first kingdom they wish. Don't leave any open ended locations such as rivers that flow off the map. Make sure everything is self-contained. Keep the number of miles the map covers the same on each side. If you add a scale of miles make sure it matches with any other maps you make. I would opt to leave a scale of miles off the map so the DM could determine how large of an area the plains extend in order to make it a better fit to their own world. As long as each map contains plains on the edges and the scale of miles is the same from one map to another one could provide as many of these small generic locations as there was public interest. Make each kingdom as different as possible. In addition, if one didn't want to create a kingdom one could center the map around a mountain range, hills, desert, dragon graveyard, volcanic region, etc. making that the primary feature of the material. One could write a history for the terrain type which would drop into any world far easier than a kingdom would, just make sure each map ends with 100% plains surrounding the edges of the map so it fits together with other maps that are designed the same way. Another possibility is drop in "islands" locations which can fit into any world. These "islands can be as big or small as one likes. It could be a island nation, part of a new generic continent which fits into the ocean of nearly any world because most have large oceans towards the edges of home world and commercial worlds such as Greyhawk. The DM just drops it into whatever ocean works for their world. Stay away from naming the waters surrounding the island/new continent so that DM's don't get frustrated with names not matching their home world, the FR, Greyhawk, etc. Other details such as random encounters, key locations on the map such as a wizard's keep, a series of caverns passing underneath the mountains, etc. can be fully described in these fully contained maps. Using such a model, multiple DMs could work individually and so that one DM's map matches with another DMs. The only thing that would need to be the same is the outer terrain and scale of miles from one map to the other. Those purchasing the material could buy the ones that are only of interest.
I used boy because some females don't like being referred to as girls, as they feel it is immature or deeming. Boys and men are not likely to be offended by "guys" that's why I didn't use it. Personally it's all the same to me.
I hope every #1 issue becomes a collector's item.
Perhaps we should start using the term "gamer boy" if its important that we include the gender when referencing someone who enjoys role playing games.
I would be classified as a grognard. My resume is as follows: I started playing AD&D in 1981.
I started out with a home world built from taped notebook pages and pencil. Graduated to coloring pencils around 1983. Moved on to Campaign Cartographer around the year 2000 or so. Now I draw my home world but fill in the map with CC3 symbols and use coloring pencils for the rest of the map. Took my D&D books to high school with me everyday in my backpack, read them during study hall. This resulted in getting continuous requests to DM for people I barely knew or spent time with. My first group was inherited from my older brother, he didn't want to DM for them anymore so they were pawned off on me, eventually I didn't want to DM for them either. I was continuously asked by strangers or people I barely knew to DM for them. My largest group for a one shot gaming session consisted on about 12-15 players while I was in college. I will never do that again. I was awarded the Bookworm award at high school graduation. My Dragon Magazine subscription started with issue #76. I bought back issues and now have every magazine from about issue #20 on up to the last magazine ever printed. I also have several older magazines, the oldest I believe is issue #5 or so. I've been published in Dragon Magazine. I've gone though several of Gary Gygax's modules (or those dating to that era) and survived...Tomb of Horrors, The Giant series, Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth, White Plume Mountain, Tomb of the Lizard King, Ghost Tower of Inverness. I've DMnd all of the above modules several times and sent players through the Isle of the Ape, Slavers series, original Ravenloft, and the list goes on and on. I've written my own dungeons, the first of which was The Tomb of the Tilted Blade. It took the players though a dungeon in search of a ceremonial knife used for sacrifices. I'm currently writing a module that I once started about 30 years ago. I never finished it but managed to hang on to the notes that long. I've played Top Secret S.I. since it came out in 1987 and played on and off until about 2005 or so. I've bought other games such as the James Bond Role Playing Game and Gurps, Ninjas, Spies and whatever (cant remember the entire title anymore), along with other supplements for various games dating back to the early to mid 1980's. Been a player in a local D&D contest and was part of the winning group. First Prize was $125 which we split five ways. Thank you Don, Kevin, David and Cliff, I couldn't have done it without you guys. I have about 250-300 dice and collected different dice for each game I played. I have my D&D dice, my Top Secret S.I. dice and Legion dice. I keep each games dice in a separate box. I use to have to use a coloring crayon to fill in the numbers on my dice because back then the numbers were not printed on the dice, just engraved so you had to fill in the color. My original dice were the cheap plastic ones that the edges rounded off on and then crystals were the next type of dice that came out. I still have some of my original crystals, none of which matched because dice didn't come in sets they were sold individually. I went through all of the Dming stages, including Monty Hall Dming. After this, I became particular stingy and have tried to remain on the cautious side ever since when it comes to wealth and magic items in particular. At one time I include NPCs such as Conan, Robin Hood, etc. in my campaigns, all of which at the time appeared on my random encounter tables. I still have my first character along with a few others that achieved a measureable deal of success. I have a gaming glass. This also includes a mug from Yellowstone with my favorite character's name on it. When I'm at the gaming store I look for old D&D books I once sold. I open every 1st edition book I come across and check to see if my name is written in it. I pick out theme songs for my characters. I taught my first spouse and daughter how to play D&D and Top Secret/S/.I. and now I am teaching my current spouse how to play. I am a role player when it comes to creating characters. I do not attempt to create characters that are designed specifically for combat and maximum attack and damage output or some other sort of beneficial advantages. I create character's around themes and concepts and attempt to make them as real as possible, making certain that they have both personality advantages and disadvantages. I have been greatly criticized here on Paizo for creating these types of characters. When I reminisce about adventures I reflect on 3.5 decades worth of experiences. I often speak in real life terms using gaming as a reference, such as seeing someone do something wrong and stating that they failed a saving throw, or missed a Dex check etc. I print out all of my character sheets and use them during the game. I prefer printing maps out as well and not using my computer during games. I get highly annoyed by people that use electronics or other types of distractions when they are suppose to be playing the game. I hate it when the neighbor's kids are in my yard. My play style would not be accepted by most younger gamers and much of this has been reflected by the number of negative responses I have received from other forum members. This makes me reluctant to post anything on this or any other message board forum. I have a hard time understanding others on these message boards because of all of the terms and abbreviations people use when discussing gaming. I get up once or twice a night to use the bathroom. I turned 50 this year. I guess that's it for now.
Now we have to be politically correct over what to call our characters? Ridiculous, one of the reasons I game is to get away from real life BS. Now someone suggests we drag that real life crap into our games cause he/she has an issue with the word. I REVOKE YOUR ADVENTURE LICENSE. YOU ARE HEREBY OFFICIALLY RETIRED, PUT OUT TO PASTURE, AND CAN NO LONGER WEILD THE BLADE IN HONOR OF ALL THAT IS FAIR AND RIGHT IN THIS WORLD. DOWN WITH POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN GAMING.
Have you tried asking them at end of the game to clean up after themselves? My daughter's group did the same sort of thing. Our solution was to say that if they can't clean up after themselves without damaging the furniture (writing on it, putting holes in it with their pencils, etc. or they couldn't provide their own munchies and soda then they don't game here anymore. Once she told them, that was the end of it, they vastly improved. They wanted to play enough that they chose to abide by the rules of the homeowner. If these things don't work, I'd get new friends.
Completely sacrilegious KC, such dice should not exist and I back up your crusade to rid the world of these abominations. I'm still having a cow from when they changed the d4. The readable number should be on the bottom, not the top. These darn kids and their new ideas, destroying the hobby I tell you, destroying it. I recall the dice we colored, the ones available in my area were numbered 1-20. Now these were REAL Gaming dice.
In the early days of D&D players respected the DMs far more than they do now. I feel like when I've played with strangers they have an entitlement they expect. That's why I don't DM for them anymore. I absolutely love the job though.
I stopped GMing on Roll 20 because players had a very different style in the way they played and treated the game then I did. The didn't want to abide by the type of game world or campaign the GM was providing. It felt like they wanted to change things and do it their way even though they came to my table to play a game I was offering. Also attendance was a major issue. Or maybe I was the problem because I wasn't open to other ideas and wanted my game world/campaign a certain way. As a result I shut down my games and quit Roll20. I went back to my one person group playing face to face in the same room.
I've started letting my players just pick their stats out of thin air. Nothing's gone wrong with it yet. :) That is what my Legion game did too, it worked just fine as there were checks in balances put in place. Of coarse not all super-heroes are equal but people liked this concept quite a bit I found.
When I ran Top Secret/S.I. there was choices for random rolling or point buy, everyone always reached for their dice and began rolling. Its the only way I've played D&D and prefer it. Though in both cases, we arrange rolls to the ability scores of your choice to help meet any character concept one might have. I think it puts the game back into the game when it comes to character generation, throws a fun factor in there for people rather than making it just an exercise in paperwork. I've met players that were passionate about rolling up characters and others that absolutely dread the paperwork necessary to complete the task. Everyone is different.
I found this article on the DM's Guild site after doing a search for artwork. What kinds of artwork and maps can I use in my DMs Guild titles? The artwork (such as illustrations or maps) that you include in your title does not become part of the DMs Guild content that other DMs Guild contributors can then use. Here is general advice for these types of artwork: Art and maps provided by Wizards of the Coast. The art you find in the Resources for DMs Guild Creators category is owned by Wizards and can be freely used in your DMs Guild titles. No other artwork from Wizards of the Coast titles can be used — only the art specifically released for DMs Guild Creators. Public Domain Art. Art that you are certain is in the public domain can be used. Stock Art. Usage of stock art depends on the license associated with that stock art. Most of the stock art sold under the DMs Guild Resources category on DriveThruRPG includes a license that would allow it to be used in your DMs Guild titles. Commissioned Art. Usage of art that you commission from an artist depends upon your terms with the artist. You must have the rights or license to use the art in your title. The artwork does not become owned by OneBookShelf or by Wizards; you simply must have rights to use it in your commercial work. Creative Commons. This depends on the type of Creative Commons license. Some allow commercial use, others do not. Can I use the D&D logo on my DMs Guild title? The only Wizards logo you can use in your title is the DMs Guild logo found here: http://www.dmsguild.com/images/site_resources/DMsGuildProductLogoLarge.png
"Ill be Back"
What's more important to you....stealing the other character's wealth for the benefit of your character (playing in character) or you retaining friends and a place at the table (playing out of character)? Prioritize. If you answer that stealing is more important than you as a player having friends and a place at their gaming table...you don't deserve the chair your sitting in.
No Legion so I won't be buying. Either way I wish DC would select a business model for their comics and stick with it from here on out. Tired of the DC Universe jumping around and changing histories etc. over the past several decades. I prefer consistency with my comics.
Sounds like they are gearing up for another Players Handbook type of material. In the quiz I made it certain that I would not buy new classes and that most classes do not need additions other than domains for clerics. I also stated I won't buy books that spread several topics throughout like they did in 3.5. I will buy books encompassing all spells, all monsters, etc. And I supported by favorite game world but have no hope that anything will happen there. Almost certainly I will not buy any Player Material other than spells. I am interested in DM resources and setting neutral modules.
Watched it last night after reading considerable thoughts posted here on Paizo along with a couple of YouTube videos. Was waiting for the poor editing, huge plot holes, bad acting, bad character motivations, and decided that what I was expecting and hoping for was fully delivered despite hearing all of these things. Are there things I would have written differently, yes of coarse. Was it the best film ever...no but it was extremely good, interesting, and well paced. Will I look forward to the eventual Justice League and Wonder Woman movies...absolutely. Do I hope they use these actors for more Superman and Batman solo movies...again, absolutely. The movie was dark, far more than those with Christian Bale and I love all three of his Batman movies. It was different seeing Superman in this setting, but I have always said that in a Superman movie he needs to be challenged, someone needs to be able to be his fighting equal to make it work. This movie did that. I can accept Superman in a darker setting (though this was a bit too dark for him), but that had to do with the inclusion of Batman. I think the Justice League movie will be less dark and more of what we are use to with Marvel and DC. This was the first time I liked Lois Lane. Didn't care for Alfred at all. Never felt like Clark Kent was done right, and that includes this movie. To much messiah Superman complex and Superman should have defused the public outcry when he saw how they were viewing him both as a God and a criminal. Good to see Lex Luther have the resources but still not the right type of lines and acting for that character. I thought that Batman ended his fight with Superman kinda hokey. It was to sudden, to off. Also I think the development of Doomsday and Lex Luther together should have been far more developed. As nearly everyone has said Ben Afflick was a superb Batman and Bruce Wayne. The Wonder Woman portrayal was great and I can't wait for her solo movie with that actress, costume, etc. I thought they introduced her well for the upcoming solo movie, bringing in her past, especially with the photo that shows up in the movie. Fighting scenes all the way throughout the movie were excellently done. I will buy it and add it to my movie collection. It will be nice to see what details I missed the first time around.
This level progression since 3rd edition has been my biggest disappointment. I agree whole heartedly with you, One year of solid adventuring can take you to 20th level, the end reaches of the game. If that is all it took, we would see a lot of characters/NPCs overly dominating the world. Wizards who are 19-21 years of age who hold the most powerful of magics in their hands. Elves would logically rule the world because there would be so many ultra powerful ones. Ever since 3rd edition came out, I chose to use a progression system which was much closer (if not a little more difficult) than 1st edition. To me this is what D&D should feel like. Characters should have to earn their levels over a significant period of time. This gives the player the opportunity to roleplay and explore the character for several years of real time. They can build castles, join knighthoods, have arching plotlines, things that take several years of character exploration to do, not just one game year.
All but two of my players in the past 28 years have been females...they outnumber the males 3-2
I recall when this article was published, I believe I read it in Dragon Magazine. At the time it was hard to relate to because no-one I knew role played their character...they simply said "I will go to the tavern or I order a drink and sit down." That was the extent of role playing I was exposed to in 1980. My reaction to the article was that if anything we needed more character insertion, more development and speaking in character. Over the years I have gamed, this is the direction I have taken my own game and because of it, the games are more enjoyable and the character more interesting. We have gamers all over the spectrum on what they feel is right or what they are comfortable with. When I last game mastered on Roll 20 I asked for role players....everyone said they were. When we sat down to play no one had any idea how to speak as if they were that character. I can't tell you how fast disappointment overtook me and needless to say I pulled the plug on the game after a few sessions. Perhaps Gygax was annoyed by a trend in role playing games and it just wasn't his style.
The goal of the Roleplaying games like Pathfinder and 5th edition is not to set a standard for having characters beat real-world records, the games are designed to achieve successful dungeon crawls and defeating various opponents in combat, as well as to provide a method of which to grant characters abilities such as delving into the wilderness, alchemy, the study of arcane etc. If the goal was to create a game system in which these concepts were not pivotal but rather how far one can throw an object or how fast one can run, an entirely different rules set would be designed to achieve those goals. To expect a game system in which such physical achievements are not pivotal to the purpose of the game is very unrealistic in itself. One designs the game system to achieve satisfactory results for what the game is intended to be about. I can't take a rocket to the moon in either game as well, or design an automobile....does this mean the game is somehow inferior....NO, it means I'm expecting it to do something it wasn't designed to do in the first place because it was not the goal of the designer nor were these concepts pivotal to adventuring, researching lost lore, and combating mythical creatures.
I'm going to mail it back to them and see if they choose to do anything about it. In the meantime I picked up a second one at the local bookstore. I did some checking online and several people complained about the same thing except that they were referring to the PH. I will say this...even though I only have 3 games I have DMed so far I am enjoying this version more so than previous ones. I thought the character creation and classes were pretty slick. We have an 11th level Ranger AC (18) and a 11th level Cleric (AC 20). We have started going through Castle Greyhawk and primarily encountered low level undead, skeletons and zombies, 1 ghost, and a few orcs outside of the castle. Even though we are 11th level they can still hit us and we take damage. Also it takes the characters 2-4 attacks to typically kill these monsters if we use weapons rather than spells. It's fun to see even low level monsters posing a "risk" rather than one blow and they are dead and they not having really any chance of hitting us. Much more fun this way.
The mourning period for my lost die has ended. I dug into other dice and took a set I bought on a whim but never used. From here forth, they shall be known as Eileen's Dice.
Legion, Legion, Legion, love it, love it, love it.
I post very little these days, but I check in on Paizo and read the message boards everyday.
I found it difficult to run more than one game. The players were the same but the amount of time I needed for preparing the games wasn't enough. Each person favored one game over the other and of coarse they conflicted with one another. I stick to one game now, play it for a few years, then switch to another game, I rotate my favorite games.
I've converted several of the old TSR modules, such as Tomb of Horrors, Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth, White Plume Mountain and Ghost Tower of Inverness. I primarily re-do the treasure and then expand upon some of the chambers that I felt were weak in what they offer. I usually end up with about 10 pages of notes for each adventure.
Players automatically assuming that they can use any printed material out there for their characters without discussing things with the DM first and seeing what's allowed in the campaign. Players not bothering to read rules provided by the DM. I have an online group and I swear NO-ONE EVER has an idea of what the game rules are even though they have had them on their computer for 3 months and been participating in the game. They are simply to lazy to read for themselves.
I've been writing my own RPG for the past several years as well. I know it can be a daunting task. I come and go in creative streaks which last for a few weeks to a few months, then development slows down for while. Typically life gets in the way. Its a huger task but well worth it if you love to design games/mechanics. I've finally reached the point of real play testing and making changes accordingly. I can't help you write your game design because I'm not familiar with PF rules though I am with D&D 1st, 2nd, and 3.5, editions as well as Top Secret S.I. I'm also over burdened with my own game design, a full time job and relationship. I would be happy to discuss game mechanic issues your having or any other aspects of the game that you need to hammer down better by talking. I recommend Skype. If this interests you go ahead and send me a pm with your address or leave it here for me, whichever your more comfortable with.
I echo the nostalgia aspect and I expect that is what most Greyhawkers will say as well. I like the fact that it was not designed to be a cash cow by its creators but rather a setting to help DMs understand what all a game world can be when dedication is applied. I've spent most of my DMing years running Greyhawk. It is easily custom designable by the DM to make it what and how they want it. I would love if a 3rd party publisher picked up the pieces of Greyhawk, dusted it off and did it justice. Most of the early adventurers were set in Greyhawk. For those of us who played in the late 70's and early 80's it felt like a treasure trove walking into the gaming store (or book store in many cases) and finding Greyhawk material. Much of the early articles in Dragon Magazine were written with Greyhawk in mind. It made me feel like I was playing D&D history.
With the rolling out of 5th edition, I have decided to forgo my previous campaign world of Greyhawk and go back to my roots...creating a world of my own. I do not know for certain if I will use 5th edition or retain 3.5, but nonetheless, the campaign world can be developed under either rule set. Its been many years since I created a game world and now that I am older I would like to give it another go, this time going all out on details of the world. Here is a sketchy idea of what I have thought of so far. Please read it, feel free to make comments and please introduce your ideas on what you would do to make this a more exciting and viable world. Here's my initial thought... Darknoth is a world spewing of an ancient evil history that goes back for thousands of years. The world recycles itself by being purged by the Abyss and Nine Hells. There are hidden wells throughout the world which serve as portals for these vile creatures to come forth. These wells are often hidden in deep and dangerous dungeons from long ago which served as ancient temples to the creatures of evil. Every time this purging takes place, the world is reduced to a much more primitive state than its previous form. The knowledge of magic and technology are reduced to mere ashes requiring the races to begin again anew. During this purge, kingdoms fall into a state of decay, most of which simply collapse and become long forgotten. Stories abound of these portal wells and all of mankind (all dominant races upon the planet) is aware of the demonic creatures usurping their world. Each purge requires the evil forces to work together in order to achieve complete domination and annihilation of the world. The governing beings of both the demons and devils work together to achieve the overall goal but at the same time undermine one another. Each purging is orchestrated differently by these rulers of the hells and abyss by playing an elaborate game of chess with the World of Darknoth being the prize. Should one side ever find a way to take over the world, the game becomes checkmate and comes to an end, with Darknoth becoming a new level or Hell or layer of the Abyss. Each purging allots the evil creatures a limited amount of time to complete their work before an unknown force (or law of physics/magic) sends them returning to the Abyss and Hells, leaving Darknoth left in ruin. The goal of the campaign is for the PCs to attempt to do their best to prevent the next purge from arising or at best slow it down, its possible that they could stop the purge which would end the vicious cycle the world finds itself in. First question that comes to mind...how advanced has the world become since the last purge? I will tell you right now, I'm not adding firearms or similar higher levels of technology to the world simply because it is not my cup of tea nor my vision of the spirit of D&D.
Given their magazine changes in the last few years I'm not surprised. WOTC leaves me with such a sour stomach that I am really not interested in their products any more. I stopped buying during 3rd edition once they announced 4th edition. I left Dragon magazine behind once it went online. I haven't bought any products from them since these moments and I doubt their new version of D&D will change that. I'm am tired of buying the same ole products slapped under a new cover and with some edition rule changes. Farewell WOTC for alienating another customer. This is just a shame because I really loved Greyhawk...it was the best part of D&D to me....but that was primarily a TSR product anyway. Perhaps someday I'll find a new game to play using Greyhawk.
Top Secret/S.I. is my favorite game. I bought it when it first came out and it quickly became our game of choice. I worked alot of rules and turned them into reality rules, the entire experience lasted for at least 10 years of solid gaming. The rules I designed added considerable realism to the game. I've always considered doing a PBP with it. I'm looking forward to returning to that game.
Ok, in a nut shell... I see you point with R.J. Brande and his hanging around with people so much younger than he. If it creeps you out and the Father Figure isn't what you need to tell the stories then go with the younger version. If you do this though....I would seriously consider making him part of the team. Not a member with a power, but rather as a business overseerer kinda like M'Rissy is right now. An active but non-powered roll with a lot more interaction. Don't make him a "man behind the scenes". Also I'd utilize his business as side plots, people conducting industrial espionage, that sort of thing. The split in the Subs was long term thinking on my part which gets developed quite some time down the road. The idea is that eventually some of these people move on to bigger and better, others fall (morally), others still always try but serve best as loyal benchwarmers ready to take up the mantle should the need arise. Karate Kid was one Legionnaire I always liked quite a bit. When I got back into Legion after my many years absence and learned that he had died I was really disappointed. I never viewed him as a throw away character. Keep in mind with some of my responses...it's because I'm a traditionalist. I always liked the name Fatal Five. When I was younger, they were the group that just grabbed me. The name itself was terroristic, which I liked and still do. Because there are only five of them that is the primary reason why I think they should stick together. The Legion of Super Villains had so many members as time went on I didn't see any real loyalty developing within the organization. I like the idea of the EarthGov Loyalists being a terrorist group. As some such groups, they think they are actually doing the world a service. Good Job! I can see Brainy going with Depression as well. If you go that route, I'd make him shun a lot of company overall all, also quite moody. The Colossal Boy Mommy's Boy image was more like her holding sway over him. She tells him what's best for him and he always wants to please her. The family man idea is good as well. Being a SP I would think is a more stable (still dangerous job though) than being a Legionnaire. So that works as well. If you go that route, flesh out the family so it is very centrical to the character. I'm pretty indifferent towards Comic Boy and Night Girl. Her power is quite physical though and he might appreciate that in a girl because its something they can relate to...jock wise. I was actually thinking that the girls would fawn all over him and he wouldn't take the time to care and see them more as an annoyance. He's to focused on LEGION. Keep Element Lad...I'm a traditionalist. Though in all honesty, Alchemist really isn't that bad of a name. I think Garth would and should speak up quickly between Saturn Girl and Cosmic Boy, it's just that his ideas get a little more pushed to the side because they are not as well thought out. She's smarter, he's more charismatic and has leadership skills. Lightning Lad is more of a Go, now, rush through sort of a guy. Not saying he's dumb or anything like that, its just that he knows he doesn't have the same skills as the others but secretly wishes he did. There is a little bit of jealosy on his part. If it ever showed though, he'd take it out on Cosmic Boy. Glad to hear PG gets a wardrobe change. Not sure what you mean about turning her into me though? How would I do her? Steady....girly....2nd string leader when she had to be but a follower most of the time....romantic at heart....in love with being in love, which is why she picked Ultra Boy, his strength makes her feel emotionally secure. I know you disagreed about him being a bit of a dog, but I do think the Legion needs a guy with some "obvious" faults. Also her inability to see those faults when everyone around her can, shows she's flawed as well. Go pigtails!!!!! I agree about the idea of models often time being smart. Pro Wrestlers get the same rap. If you ever saw some of those guys speak and read about their lives (educationally) you'd be really surprised. Much more intellegent than the Wrestling image presents. I can see why your going this direction after expaining it a bit more. If you do, loosen up the clothes. A model isn't going to be ashamed of her body, if she was, she wouldn't be modelling. As for a costume design, I know the pink bikini is unpopular. It is what I picture because that's what she wore when I first was introduced to the character. I never saw it as silly but rather more 30th century style, same thing with Night Girl in the 1970's when she got the skimpy suit. It's a cultural thing, not a trampy thing. I agree that Shrinking Violet should freak out if someone shows an intrest in her, even more so if its a girl. Being repressed is best for her. Opening up the character over time is good for storyines and character development. Kick butt VI is best because otherwise she's to timid all the way through. I'd still find a way to explain the differance though between personal repressive life and aggressive fighting ability. Star Boy's second outfit was by far his best, and when his skin color changed that outfit was very good as well. His Adventure Comics costume was terrible. His skin tone changed when I was in my in between Legion years. When I first saw it, I honestly thought he was like Star Boy II or something. When his name comes up, I still picture in my head the Adventure Star Boy, not the black Star Boy. This is only because that's what I had when I was growing up. The Adventure Comics Star Boy was so boring and when he got that ridiculous hair cut in the 70's....it was terrible. The darker toned Star Boy is actually better in my opinion. The man needs some personality though. I always preferred the name Timber Wolf especially if he's aggressive. If you go with the android version then Lone Wolf is a much better name. Timber Wolf originally appeared in Adventure Comics #327 (1964), if you have the hardcover archive books it's in voulme 3, page 193. His costume is tan with a wolf symbol on the chest, black bands around the biceps, and black and white ridges on the shoulders, white trunks, tan pants, tan boots, black belt with a white buckle. If you need a picture I can scan it and email it to you, I'll need your address. This story also introduces not just the character but the fact that he believes he's an android. I'm still going with Ultra Boy being the Legion jerk overall all. Also to cover up things better, he needs lots of street smarts, which he would have from running around with gangs. I honestly think that it fits the gang on Rimbor image better. I did work security in a Medium prison facility for 4 years and saw a lot of gang bangers and they are master manipulaters, often charismatic. Users from top to bottom but at the same time they can lie to your face and you want to believe them. I see Ultra Boy carrying a little bit of this still with him. I don't see him as someone who met the right girl and his life changed. We'll have to agree to disagree on this one. Bottom line is it's your story, not mine, so go with what you want and don't be swayed into anything different because I don't want you to regret it later. I don't know which version Ayla turned lesbian, I just read about it on the internet. I haven't gotten that far on my reading yet. It was easy for me to picture though and my understanding is that she and VI are the ones that eventually found love. Bouncing Boy needs to be really good at something and piloting and mechanics stand out. In the cartoon they showed this and I thought it was very effective. He needs to raise eyebrows every now and then. I give Matter Eater Lad a low self esteem because in issue #212 of Superboy starring the Legion of Super-Heroes, he was portrayed this way (the elusive missing page that showed up in the hardcover archives, again I can scan it and email it to you if you want). In the story, he compares himself to the other Legionnaires and admits he has always felt like a lesser Legionnaire because of his power. Kinda a self-defeated attitude. I do like the political side as well. Also thought that the aggressive lawyer from the current series fit in with the politician as well. Nobody gives my evil twin the willies...she's totally bad *ss. I hear she now RUNS the Legion of Super-Villains. Elvolvo Lad has the oversized brain and so his body looks so small and frail. That is why I mentioned the health issues. Only when he devolves into a stronger more primitive creature is he not bothered by these issues. In his regular form he would be physically weak and in not so good of shape. It would also be misleading to opponents which he could use to his advantage. Your explanation of why is excellent. What are your plans for posting your stories? This site, another site? I'm looking forward to reading them. I beleive Legion World web site also has a good fan fiction section. If we don't have one here we could make one or you could use this thread as well. Whatever your thinking is good.
Beware: The world's Longest Legion Post, because Freehold DM demanded it! So really, it's all his fault. I would have emailed it but I couldn't get a hold of him. Sorry! I wonder if Paizo will charge me for using up to much space? In order to make up for my grevious lack of LOSH updates, I've decided to post something I did at the DC Comics site ages ago. It was from a thread I started where we did our own takes on Legion of Super Heroes, and I don't *think* I've posted it here. Either way, here goes. Well I don’t know why your weekend is going to suck or how my input will help, but here you go. The Legion of Super Heroes is a government program created by the flagging United Planets originally as an ad campaign (or propaganda tool according to those who do not trust the UP)to get young people to join the intergalactic and interplanetary Science Police. However, they surprise themselves when the first few conscripts (the classic trio along with Chameleon Boy, Invisible Kid, and a few others) save R.J. Brande (ah, RJ- where is he in this latest incarnation?) from assassins. The Science Police take it from there, but they gain an enthusiastic patron in the young (yes, I want him young this time) gazillionare, who suggests they become a team like the JL of old- he is quite the fan, and has all sorts of gewgaws from that now mythic age. The proto-team smiles nicely and tells him they will think about it, but does not take him too seriously. Most of them aren’t keen on the “superhero” idea and would much rather leave law enforcement to the SP. The original trio finds the idea charming, however, and keeps in touch with him on it. He has the gift of gab and eventually talks these three into costumes (although SG talks him out of the skimpy outfit he designed for her into her original pink and white tights), his prototype flight rings, and the basic idea of the Legion of Super Heroes as we know it. This idea spreads amongst the members from the originals and is either accepted or rejected by individual members of the team with varying degrees of zeal. Ok, as a variant, the idea of being UP sponsored is good. I don’t really know what your intentions are as far as a relationship with the UP, but personally I like some “at odd’s” and some “we work together”. This diversity is how I’ll be portraying them. Some politicians and Science Police like the Legion, others don’t. How much influence it affects storylines is dependent upon the amount of power or responsibility the UP or SP member has. Also, I would consider the Legion members perhaps having mixed views as well. Some might be more likely to want to help and work worth these organizations, while others might be less than thrilled but do it because they have to. This adds personality depths as well. Personally, I prefer R.J. Brande as an older man but not anywhere near death. The primary reason I prefer this is because I think the characters need a “Father figure”. Not only is it cool that they show respect for someone considerably older, but after all these years, I think R.J. Brande would want to “Give Back” to the world that treated him so well. I see him as sort of a guy who wants to complete his life and wants to be remembered for more than his wealth. He’s someone who looks back on his life and says “What have I done that really made a difference? What can I still do that will make this a better universe than I had?” I like the idea of some people who were invited to join to be less than “thrilled” at the thought of it. They kind of humor Brande and then walk away, thinking “Right….Yea, Whatever!” Others take him quite seriously. Thus the founding members who stick close together. Personally, I always loved Saturn Girl’s pink bikini, but that’s just me. The white and red is more practical and she may not want to be treated as “eye candy” so I think that is a good move. I’d maybe opt to have the boy’s be all for it though. By refusing, she puts them in their place and says “You will take me seriously”. I like the idea of some teens joining but not fully “getting the Legion thing” and thus they discover they aren’t cut out for it, while others truly embrace it.The idea of flight rings, the general Legion code, all a must. VARIANT AGE IDEA
Most sentient beings have a fairly common life span (exceptions occurring of coarse). About 200 years ago, science discovered ways to increase life expectancy considerably. The scientific process involved does not work with all species, but does with most. At adolescence, early to mid teens were given a drug or exposed to some advanced rays of some kind which control the aging process. In order to work, the recipient must be at an age where their body is going through physical, emotional, and mental changes and not yet leveled out as an adult. If it is performed to early in the life span, the effects don’t work or worse. Through the ages of say 14-30, the person ages considerably slower, thus extending their life expectancy while in their prime. Physically, every 5 solar earth years that pass allows the person to age (physically) 1 year. The ages would be recorded as such.. Age 15.4.8 (the first number is the age they appear, the second number is the number of years actually added, and the third number is the amount of months they are through their next yearly progression. In actuality, this person would be 19 years and 8 months old. Once a person peaks out, the begin aging normally. The reason I wanted to do this is to help explain how and why the Legionnaires start out as kids, comics extend for 50 years and they are just now growing up. I wanted to use a real calendar for game time. Plus, in the comics the Legionnaires often refer to themselves as “that was several years ago” yet DC hasn’t found a way to fix the obvious age discrepancy. In addition, it allows some explanation of how these “teens” are so accomplished at what they do in battling villains, knowing things, etc. I know this is offbeat but the reason I mentioned it is because I thought the general concept might serve some use for you in your fiction and making some sense of the comics timeline. The Legion’s rivals/allies are first and foremost the Legion of Substitute Heroes, a group of second and third stringers that aren’t necessarily weak per se as they are those unfortunates who were second and third choices from their planets to be delegates to the UP’s (the ad campaign has a strict one rep per planet policy). They do as much harm as good. They are more eager to involve themselves in acts of derring-do because unlike a vocal minority in the UP’s Legion, they actually DO want to be superheroes, and are unfortunately on Leland McCauley’s payroll (unlike many, I liked the idea behind the Workforce, especially with that evil Evolvo [-Lad]! He was creepy!) I like the idea of initially treating the Substitute Legion as a mixed bag of those who couldn’t make the team but still fully support it, and those who didn’t make the team and secretly hide their resentment. I’d make the weaker members (generally speaking) the ones who eventually stand by the Legion, still hoping to eventually make the grade. I’d make the more powerful ones (generally speaking) as those who have secret ambitions which are less than ethical. Eventually, these more powerful individuals break off from their weaker counterparts and form what they feel is a more effective team (again less ethical as well). This places the two Sub teams at odds with one another as well as with the Legion. Leland McCauley I see being a major pusher in this splinter group forming. The Science Police is another rival to the Legion, - friendlier to them than the current incarnation, although they do not kowtow to them as much as other versions. They view them as punk kids, saviors of the UP, weirdos, and all things in between, depending on the particular officer. Gigi, Erin, and other famous SPers become something akin to groupies/liasons, and Gim Allon becomes the SP representative to the Legion, despite the fact that he is from Earth. Yep, keep this as is. It’s the approach I’m taking as well for the game. Their enemies include…. Leland McCauley, who, as usual, seeks to supplant RJ Brande as the richest person in the galaxy. He is more intellectual though less refined and psychologically stable than previous incarnations, and it is rumored that he and Brande were once lovers in the past. His current lover and bodyguard is that reality’s Karate Kid. Wow! Big variant for me. I really don’t know much about Leland McCauley at all or their sex lives. I’m good with being intellectual and less refined, I think he is better off being a bit “off his rocker” but just good at hiding it and being manipulative. Brande is better at being nice and the real deal. McCauley has to hide his true nature to succeed, but he’s very good at it. As for the Karate Kid bodyguard/lover idea…I’m not sure what Karate Kid you’re talking about. Are you talking about Legionnaire Val Armorr…who has been tied to Projectra or another Karate Kid (an evil one). I hate to see Val changed that much. The Dark Circle, a group of assassins and mercenaries who have been attempting to kill key figures in intergalactic politics to brew discontent and make a tidy profit. They have made attempts on RJ Brande’s life before, usually at Leland McCauley’s behest. They eventually incorporate more metahumans and superhumanly powerful aliens and make a go of becoming a Dark Legion. Yep, very good. Keep it as is. The Fatal Five, which consists of the creepy Legion version of Mano, the Legionnaires(circa issue #2) version of Emerald Empress, the version of Persuader that is psionically bonded to his axe, a Tharok that is at war with himself(machine side versus human side), and Validus (who I do not know much about). Their primary motivations are lust for money and power. The only Fatal Five version I know is the original (still haven’t read the reboot and everything in between) so it’s hard to comment. I like the idea of Persuader being psionically attached to his axe (can I borrow that?) as far as I know, the DC version doesn’t have any such link. I think that it is a great addition to the character and helpful from a writing and gaming point of view. Tharok should be at war with himself given each side wants to dominate the other. This needs to be controllable though or he won’t get much done, especially if he’s inventing things, scheming, and running the Fatal Five show. I really liked Set’s idea for Validus’ origin. I read yours as well and use it because it was your idea and you like it. The DC version honestly, sucked! I think the Fatal Five needs more motivation. Lust for money and power are a good starting point, but I think the characters need to develop more of a strong bond and it takes more than money and power to achieve that. I see them as individuals willing to risk their lives for one another despite their internal bickering. I’d up the ante for them but develop it through your writing. I’m not sure what their goal could be, but it should be something that everyone fears and that will take a very long time to achieve. The Khunds of this reality have more in common with the Battletech Crusader Clans of old more than the pseudo-Klingons they were in the 80’s. They refuse to bow to the will of the “soft” United Planets: they were born space-reavers, and will die as such. The Khunds should be the organized evil space war mongers. Violence is their first and foremost approach to handling things. I’m not sure what you mean by pseudo Kingons or Battletech Crusader Clans of old though. I’m thinking you’ve read a lot more stories with Khunds appearing. Glorith, who schemed and murdered her way to rule her own planet, she also opposes the United Planets, but moreso through politics than force of arms. Her planet is a “neutral zone” – in reality a safe haven for those escaping UP justice, although she will not extend her personal guard to protect, aid or abet known militants should the SP come calling. I haven’t read about this character, I don’t know who they are. Sorry! Mordru, a revolutionary who uses “magic” (in actuality theoretical mathematical formulae that he can force upon the universe through unknown means) to carve out a benevolent dictatorship on Xerox- the “Sorcerer’s World” pseudonym is forced upon it from without by the ignorant. I like the idea of mixing magic and science together for the “magic” explanation of Legion. It fits in a lot better with the 31st century science idea as well. May I borrow it? Earthgov loyalists, who distrust the UP and their pet Science Police and Legion. I can see earth having it’s hardcore liners who don’t want other world influence. If this is what you have in mind I like that as well. Will they be very politically active? Underground?
1.Brainiac 5- Colu’s outcast boy genius, what makes him unpalatable to his people this time around is not his intellect, but his emotions: unlike most Coluans, he actually has them. He a mature, serious young man for the most part, but his inability to control his emotions gets him into trouble. I like the idea, but I think I would measure Colu emotion as absolute zero, and though Brainac 5 shows too much emotion for his home race, the rest of the Legion wonders how he can be so cold. In other words the Colu’s are that far removed. I can see him getting very frustrated and angry when he doesn’t get his way because he is smarter than everyone else and they are to stupid to “get it”. I can see outbursts here as well. Also rejection from his home planet has to hurt and so he hides that as well. Someone in the Legion should pick up on this though and show empathy towards him. Whether he accepts it or not is dependent upon whom you pick and what kind of stories you tell. 2.Chameleon Boy- Stranger in this incarnation as opposed to the current one because he uses his powers almost unconsciously. I think there was a previous version of him that did that, maybe in the Legionnaires reboot? Either way, he is a prankster along the lines of Morph from the Exiles. He really is not interested in being a hero or anything so pretentious, but his powers are so useful he finds himself pressed into the hypocritical role of scout and front line combatant. I was never a fan of the humorous Chameleon Boy. I want to take him and Bouncing Boy as serious as possible. I can see others being suspicious and distrusting of him because of his specie reputation (much like telepaths). I like the idea that he wants to get over the prejudice people out there, as a result, he’s got something to prove. 3.Colossal Boy- Not an original member of the Legion, as they already have an earth representative, he joins under the auspices of the Science Police. He adds legitimacy to the Legion once they start taking the idea of heroics more seriously. He is torn between his devotion to the Science Police and his Earthgov political leanings. Not a bad idea. I like the concept of him being torn between the Legion and the Science Police. I’d make him a Mommy’s Boy and give her a lot of influence over him. There must be a reason why he thinks the Science Police are cooler than the Legion. 4.Cosmic Boy- As one of the big three, Coz is mostly unchanged, save that he is more of a jock than previously shown. Personally, I loved his The Legion incarnation- he used his powers intelligently, like a former magno-ball pro would. He leads the Legion as best he can. Yep, only I’d up the ante on his leadership skills. Perhaps not so much of a diplomat or deep thinker but more of a man who can call the right things at the right time; a leader of action. He should be the top jock of the team. Absolutely ripped, abs to die for, a bit of a chick magnet except that he’s to serious and easily brushes the ladies off. 5. Element Lad- Well, he certainly isn’t gay and in love with anyone named Sean this time around. He is still sensitive and artistic, and would prefer to use his powers to create works of (occasionally toxic) art than to hurt anyone. Sounds good. I never really felt this character got developed in the old Legion. I haven’t read about the gayness in the comics yet but have known about it via the internet. 6. Invisible Kid- The boy genius of the Legion, he attaches himself to Brainiac and- when he isn’t studying him- helps him adjust to his emotions. Yea, I like this. He needs to be more intellectual but remain casual at the same time. I see him as having friends in a lot of circles, partly because he doesn’t talk down to others or brag about his intellectual achievements. Brainiac 5 can take the rap for being that way. 7. Lightning Lad- Personality wise, he is between his SW6 self (no jeers, please, he was the perfect example of responsibility of power) and his original self. He loves his powers, and uses them in more scientific ways than his previous incarnations. I’m not familiar with the SW6 version (what does SW6 stand for anyway?) I see him as devoted to Imra, knows he’s the third member (Ouch that hurts from his point of view and thus sometimes feels like a third wheel in the competency department. He isn’t incompetent in any way what-so-ever, it’s just the way he see’s himself, as a result he want to prove himself more than the other two founding members. He doesn’t have Imra’s brain or Rock’s celebrity and overall athlete and leadership capabilities so given the power he has, I see him as compensating for what the other two don’t have…being a harder, little more grim hitter. He takes a backseat when the other two are around but considers himself top dog when he’s around the rest of the Legion. 8. Andromeda- Yes, I’m going for Laurel instead of Lar. I liked her when I was originally introduced to her in Legionnaires, not the weird white triangle version that was introduced later. She is the most ardent advocate of leaving law enforcement to the SP’s despite her considerable array of powers. Sorry, haven’t read that far yet. Don’t know anything about her. 9. Phantom Girl- As she was originally packaged save for the gigantic “P”, she loves the idea of heroics mainly because she does not see herself being injured in the process, which would be hard considering her natural abilities. Yes, sounds good, but I favor the second costume by far. I think she is the romantic at heart Legionnaire. Emotionally soft and always looking for love for herself and others. In the 60’s and 70’s she cried a lot as compared to the others. Cried out of love, tragedy, never out of fear. 10. Saturn Girl- I’ve made the biggest amount of changes to her, and I hope the old guard can forgive me. I want her to be a model. She is sold on the idea of the Legion as a propaganda tool and a stepping-stone in her career, but she is not as stupid or shallow as most people think- she genuinely believes in the UP, SP, and what they stand for, and in the idea of everyone working together towards a common goal. To that end, she becomes the cornerstone of Brande’s idea and of the big 3. I can see others wanting her to be the model, but with her intelligence I think she would be opposed to it. If your going to go that route though I’d go back to a sexier costume. Being a model and being all covered up don’t mesh for me. 11. Shrinking Violet- Sweet Vi has few changes, except for the fact that she is a close combat expert. I know its cliché, but I love the idea of her as a 3rd dan black belt in judo. While she is ostensibly in Andromeda’s clique regarding heroics, she does enjoy having the opportunity to show off her hand to hand combat abilities- she even attempts to best Triplicate Girl at tri-jutsu. I like this. The old Vi of Adventure comics was to frail. The 70’s version with Mike Grell was stunningly gorgeous but still not action oriented. The current version is good (the best?) but I like the long hair. Depending upon the level of aggression you give her in combat, it might carry over to other areas as well. Is she emotionally aggressive or repressive? I go for repressive. A girl who has it, but doesn’t realize how pretty she is and often doesn’t get it that guys are interested in her. 12. Star Boy- He’s something of a bench player, but man, what a right arm! I always thought he was a second string character the way it was. I never could figure out why Nura went after him. He was never particularly attractive and he was so boring. This guy needs a make-over. 13. Lone Wolf- Okay, this is where everyone is going to REALLY hate me- I see him as an android. An honest to goodness android. He still looks the same, but is very open about his artificial nature. The rivalry between him and Ultra Boy develops when Lone Wolf begins to follow him around like a little lost puppy and impersonate him- leading to an identity crisis (no pun intended!). Ok. I know he first thought he was an android when he was introduced, but I always went….”ok, whatever, time to move on”. If you like it keep it, there your stories. I like the overly aggressive, sometimes loses control version, even a bit arrogant. I also like his mid 70’s look best. 14.Ultra Boy- Emerald Dragon. That’s right, I want him as Emerald Dragon. I remember him having a pseudo-cool green and black outfit a while back- or was I thinking of someone else? Anyway, I want him in and bad-ass as all get out, serving in the Legion because he’s a pretty face who will definitely get people to enlist in the SP a la Elvis. He loves heroics because they give him the chance to engage in the rough, brutal violence that got him put in prison and Legion (due to an agreement with the parole board) in the first place. I have heard of the Emerald Dragon name but not read the comics yet. Otherwise I like it. He’s better off being a rough and tough bully of the Legion even if he comes across as a jerk. Phantom Girl could do a lot better but seems to like the attention he gives her, though when he is a bully she straightens him out fast. I never saw this version of Ultra Boy taking her real seriously though. He’s a jerk and a user, and the Legion needs someone without as much of a conscience. PG is just caught in the middle. She’s in love with being in love. That’s what binds her with him and allows her to not see his faults. By the way, he’s not faithful but she is. 15.Triplicate Girl- Lu is mostly unchanged, although her median personality is strongly attracted to Vi. I’m ok with this. I prefer her as not being the most confident person in the world and her, Ayla, and Vi, I could see any or all of them eventually preferring girls. She should be kick butt with her Hand-to-Hand combat though, otherwise an introvert, shy and quiet. I’d come up with a reason why she’s so positive in combat and less in other ways to avoid a clash in personality. Cliques-
I like your clicks but I’d break them down more by who hangs out with who, like in High School. Everyone tolerates each other but not everyone fits in together. Legion of Substitute Heroes 1.Bouncing Boy- One of my favorite heroes, and as close to a leader as the Subs are going to get when Karate Kid isn’t around (see Leland McCauley). He is a master of tactics, although he occasionally needs someone to give him a shove in order to use his powers effectively. I’d make him a master pilot as well. He’s under rated, I’m not talking about his power but his personality potential. This is where he needs to shine. 2.Calamity King- Here as just plain old Calamity, he does his best to be a hard-case bad-boy, but is avoided by most other members of the team- he breaks Kid Quantum’s belt and a few of Computo’s drones simultaneously by accident. Don’t know the character sorry! 3. Chlorophyll Kid- Something of a conservationist, his powers aren’t very useful on tech-heavy planets (like a good 70% of the planets in the UP). Add speak with plants ability? I don’t know, maybe bad idea. Conservationist is good. Hard to see him not caring about flora. 4.Color Kid – Chlorophyll Kid’s partner-in-uselessness, he really comes into his own when he starts to alter levels of brightness instead of simply hues, and blinds a group of terrorists by turning the insides of their visors to arctic white. This guy takes some thought to use effectively but it could be done. Needs new clothes. My daughter call him Rainbow Boy. Now if that isn’t an insult I don’t know what is! 5.Dream Girl- I loved her on the cover of Legionnaires, although I know that’s sacrilege to some. Anyway, her powers here work like they did originally (to my knowledge anyway)- she mumbles the truth only when she is fast asleep and people are close enough to hear. She usually remembers her dreams and is able to act on her precognition, but has been known to misinterpret dreams. NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not a sub. The Legion needs a flirt and sex honey. Misinterpretation is good and it’s what I’ll be doing as well. She needs to receive her visions in small bites and then share them with others. This allows interaction between her and other characters, it allows others to get paranoid when she tells them something that is going to happen, and its easy for everyone to get the wrong idea about what will happen. 6. Lightning Lass- Or Live Wire or what have you- Garth’s twin sister both inspired by his example and in protest over Legion policies. I’m better with this change. I actually think I like it better. Perhaps some jealousy has arisen and Mekt want to exploit it. 7. Inferno/Sun Boy- The Subs bad @$$, he makes it a point to flirt with Ayla in front of Garth, leading to the first-ever rumble between the Legion and the Subs. How come you didn’t want Sun Boy in the Legion? He’s pretty powerful overall, I just think the writers didn’t use him to the extreme they could. I talked to Sunboy about this and he is really hurt by not making the team! 8. Kid Psycho- The sub’s psionic, he is often the voice of reason booming through all of their heads because he lacks control over his telepathy. Good! I think he would get on everyone’s nerves though. 9. Matter-Eater Lad- Another one of my favorites, he is Bouncing Boy’s go-to guy, and also their close-combat expert (again, when Karate Kid isn’t around). In all honesty, he really is better off in the Subs, always was, same with Bouncing Boy. I’d go with low self esteem. 10. Spider Girl- Pakka is here and more of a vamp than ever before, working with Dreamy to keep the men on something other than their toes. Not sure who you’re talking about here? The girl from the Legion of Super-Villains? If so I think she should be a *itch. 11. Computo- A double agent, Computo actually works for Earthgov’s HomeSec Special Forces(see below) Works for me! 12. Kid Quantum- Leland McCauley’s ace in the hole (all together now) when Karate Kid isn’t around, his belt was manufactured by McCauley Industries. Don’t know the character as I haven’t read the comics yet. Heard of the name though. 13. Infectious Lass- Just as shy as Vi or Lu’s left hand, but utterly incompetent when it comes to physical combat (not that it matters). I noticed on the internet that she seems to have a bit of a cult following for being a hottie. I’d maybe sex her up a couple of notches, though she would probably be the girl that everyone wants but can’t get close enough to. Frustrating for her as well. Wants a relationship both physical and emotional but the boys all look but can’t touch. Earthgov’s HomeSec Team 6 Never heard of these guys. Sorry! 1.Catspaw- I never liked the fact that this Pantha/Feral/Thornn hybrid wasn’t developed further, but never mind that. Here she is one of Earthgov’s many mercenary malcontents. She has a history with Colossal Boy. Again, seen the character, haven’t read the stories yet though. 2.Dragonmage- Another one of my underdeveloped favorites, he is the team’s fire support and powerhouse. Heard the name, don’t know anything about them. 3 Gear- An infiltration specialist, Gear can control all parts of his mechanical body. Never heard of them. 4. Evolvo Lad- The team leader and a frighteningly powerful telepath along with his computer like intelligence in his highly evolved form, he devolves to his ape-like form only in dire emergencies. I’d give him some health problems as well. 5. Ferro Lad- The team’s bruiser, Ferro here is stuck in his iron form. Our friendship is over! Ferro Lad was always one of my favorites. The Legion needs his dramatic death as a symbol of what being a hero really means. I also like his "can turn to iron form" Sorry! No Superboy? Supergirl? Shadow Lass, Chemical King, Mon-el? Sniff sniff…..Mon-el always bored me, but the other two will always be core Legion for me. Hope this helped. Please take any differences of opinion lightly though. I wanted to give you my real thoughts rather than just saying “Sounds Good”. I really did like a lot of it though! Excellent read. Thanks for posting!
Eyebite....were you going to ask him for a refund?
Anyone ever play Top Secret/S.I., if so what was your experience like? |
