@honor guard there is no way to edit so you must repost, as a side note I really like how you formatted your character with your complications.
In that case an updated Background for Invictus:
Prior to the invasion, the billionaire genius, Maximillian Mars detected a spike of dimensional energies, and against his better interest he approached the Freedom League to warn them of the impending danger. Mars was known to the League as a super villain, the Commander. Under careful observation he worked with the force to protect both Freedom City and the world from Omega’s forces.
The Commander witnessed Centurion’s sacrifice first hand, as well as the power of Omega. Ever pragmatic, Mars decided with the loss of Centurion, there needed to be someone, some-thing, that could deal with the amount of power. He collected small samples of Mark Leeds DNA and dedicated himself to cloning the Centurion, so that there would be someone who would be able to stand against Omega’s forces when he inevitably returns.
Naming the project Invictus, latin for unconquerable, Mars worked steadily towards producing a viable clone. He discovered that Centurion’s DNA was largely human, but had been infused with energies very similar to the energy signature he discovered prior to the Terminus event. He used his wealth, influence and new found legitimacy to acquire salvage from the Terminus forces, studying the energies themselves and the effect they had on genetic material. Mars worked alone in the genome laboratory, though he recruited specialists from a variety of fields to assist in his research, each specialist working on their specific portion of the process, unaware of the other components, and thereby unable to deduce the larger project itself.
The first cloning attempt performed by Mars utilized series of holographic flashes, the subconscious stimulation and memory implant procedure unfortunately created a psychological and emotional imbalance in the ‘Alpha Centurion’. He therefore scrubbed the process, and kept the failed creation at a separate, but secure location, incapacitated by a weakness that had been bred into its genetic code, argonite gas.
With the new data, Mars realized the process of implanting memories and experiences into the clones psyche resulted in psychological imbalances. With the assistant of Dr. Ankita Suresh, Mars was able to perfect the memory implant procedure. Though this required that Dr. Suresh have direct access to the subject, he was able to do so while preserving his anonymity from both the subject, and the Doctor herself. Mars combined his work with Dr. Suresh’s work on cortical stimulation to develop a subconscious education system that would allow a more gradual formation of the subject’s psychological and emotional states.
Markus was born May7th, 2003, and Dr. Suresh was able to begin the program that would allow him to gain full consciousness, and intellectual maturity. By this point in the project Mars had become so convinced of his eventual success that he revealed himself, both to Dr. Suresh, and to the subject, Markus. Mars became the clones mentor, and father figure, while Dr. Suresh, in many ways, became the young man’s mother. Through the memory implant procedure, as well as his on going holographic education Markus learned of the outside world, and yearned to be a part of it. Mars himself was absolutely final in his decision that Markus not yet reveal himself to the world.
It was then that the dreams began, Markus dreamed of a woman, in his dreams she appeared as his wife, yet he knew the only woman he had ever met was Dr. Suresh. After speaking with Suresh, she was able to realize that the cloning procedure had resulted in a level of genetic memory, and the young man was experiencing memories directly from Centurion’s cellular consciousness. She encouraged the young man to learn what he could from these memories, as she felt that the memories of the hero would be nurturing as compared to the pragmatic mentoring he was receiving from Mars himself.
Weeks later Markus awoke in his rejuvenation chamber in Mars’ secure lab, desperate to discover more about Marcus Leeds’ life he flew at supersonic speeds to Centurions arctic Sanctum. On approaching the hidden entrance scanners decades old recognized their creators DNA and allowed the young Markus access. As the Freedom League was aware of the Sanctum, and was using the facility as a storage facility and secondary base, his entrance set off alarms at Freedom Hall. Thus it was that Captain Thunder and the rest of the League arrived at the arctic to discover the young man perusing Leeds’ personal library. After a brief skirmish, in which the young man was eventually subdued, he revealed his origins to the League, though he left out any indication of either Mars’ or Suresh’s involvement in his creation.
Captain Thunder, Johnny Rocket and the Raven thought it best for the clone to be incarcerated until they could determine the origins and circumstance of his creation, while other members of the League, specifically Daedalus, Dr. Metropolis and Lady Liberty thought it may be better to entrust the young man to Duncan Summers. As the Mr. Summers, the original Raven, had recently opened his Claremont Academy, a school where he sought to train the next generation of super powered heroes. Over the course of the next week the League, together with Mr. Summers, had a series of meetings where they determined what was to be done with the clone.
Daedalus and Summers worked together to provide a suitable identity for the young man that would stand up to the most intense scrutiny, as he had expressed a desire to be able to lead a normal life. So in with the League as his sponsors, Markus Anthony enrolled at the Academy during its opening year, and was among it’s first students. When Mars discovered the consequences of his creations actions was the increased scrutiny of the League he withdrew from the young man’s life for a time. However, Suresh contacted Markus through encrypted email, and was a help in the early days of his academy life. Her continued communication, allowed the young man to excel in his studies. He did not socialize much with his fellow students, as he maintained a certain distance, he had only had contact with Mars and Suresh during his formative education and so the chaotic crowds of the academy were both intimidating and embarrassing to him. Due to Captain Thunder’s opinion of him, Markus had several run ins with the Captain’s son, Bolt. He did manage to bond with Nereid, her understanding of the weight of the crown of Atlantis mirrored, in many ways, Markus’ own doubts about his ability to carry the legacy of Centurion.
In 2006, ‘Centurion’ returned to earth after revealing that he had been trapped in the Terminus dimension for almost ten years. It was discovered by Chase Atom, of the Atom Family, and the Freedom League that this was an imposter created by Omega to infiltrate earth’s heroes and prepare for a new invasion. Jack Wolf, aided by the computer intellect of Dr. Atom reveals the deception to the public at large. In truth some of Mars’ old allies from his time as the Commander had learned of the facility being used to hold his original attempt at cloning Centurion, and during their venture to acquire the clone ended up releasing him from his argonite induced coma. Mars’ was able to alert Markus of the re-appearance of the ‘Centurion’ through use of a frequency only Markus could hear, and encouraged the youth to assist in the apprehension of this imposter. The Freedom League, aided by Jack Wolf and the Atom children, and the newly dubbed hero Invictus were able to incapacitate this ‘Alpha Centurion’ and trap him in the Zero Zone. Mars had supplied Markus with a neural scrambler that would help him incapacitate the clone, but in truth the apparatus scrambled the delicate neurological synapses of the clone, thereby concealing his involvement in its creation. As Atom is at least the intellectual rival of Mars’ he had his own suspicions, but as there was no evidence, neither Jack Wolf nor the Atom Family choose to pursue them.
Two years later, in 2008, as the Freedom League and the Sentinels worked a stalling action against the armies of Atlantis, Markus, at Nereid’s request, travelled with the Next-Gen to the Atlantean Royal Palace. There Invictus and the Next Gen confronted the Deep Ones who held the royal family captive. A desperate battle surged around them, and with the aid of his fellow Claremont allies Markus and Nereid were able to rescue her father. When the incident was over, and the Atlantean reconstruction began, Markus found himself and the other Next-Gen members invited to a royal banquet to thank them for their part in freeing the royal family. Suffice to saw it was the most awkward dinner the young man had to struggle through, balancing the intricacies of Atlantean royalty, his growing affections for Nereid, all while attempting to earn the respect and favor of Nereid’s father, King Thesius. Shortly after that banquet, Markus was greeted in the halls of the royal palace by Queen Mother Sidon, the original Siren, she spoke of her days on the surface with the Liberty League, and how Markus reminded her of a younger Centurion. She presented Markus with his now trademark costume, with cape and pauldron, and with a poignant look at her grand-daughter Nereid, she indicated it was the traditional design worn by the palace guards chosen to protect the royal family. Shortly thereafter the Next Gen returned to the surface and the academy to continue their studies.
Due to his unique physiology and the fact that he does not need sleep as we know it, Markus was able to simultaneously take night courses that would allow him to graduate the Academy with his teachers degree, and a bachelor degree in Civics and History. On graduation, Nereid presented Markus with a gift, a costume made by Atlantean tailors, regal and noble, she encouraged him to continue on in heroics and become the hero that she knew him to be.
And so as Markus Anthony accepted a position with the Freedom City School Board as a part time secondary school teacher, that evening the hero known as Invictus was first seen in the night sky over Freedom City.
I've got the idea that Markus with his post cognition has a few allies, that are old acquaintances of Centurion. Like a patrolman Centurion rescued years ago, who is now a Precinct Captain, a journalist who he once gave an exclusive to is now a producer of a major news broadcast.
If that works for you Watcher, I'll get them detailed up.
@Watcher
my initial background was made under the assumption that we were starting off in 2015. Going to revamp Bahamut.
@ echos yeah there was some mis communication on my part I'm sorry I just wanted the terminus closer to when the game started, and the other parts of my time line.
@ honor guard so small bad news freedom league was not formed till after the terminus invasion so you should change it back to the Iron Age team Force Ops, other then that I really enjoy it and the old Centerion contacts are a great idea
Guys I'm reluctantly having to dip out of this one - work load and spotty home interwebs are conspiring against me getting time to devote to a submission.
Seems to be an Avengers sized roster of heroes here - don't envy The Watcher's decision :)
Cheers and hopefully next time round I'll get my tilt.
Peter Donovan, aka Generator
"So that's your doomsday machine, huh? No, it's just... I'm sure it looked awesome sketched on the back of the cocktail napkin, is all..."
The project exceeded expectations because it had "help." One of the project scientists was supposed to only enhance him enough for proof-of-concept, but saw what Peter could become and willfully jacked him up ("When you have the chance to paint the Mona Lisa, you don't just draw a smiley face."). That man later went on to augment himself, using the Phlogiston Engine to become Doctor Muspelheim, a wild-card of a mad scientist (but not 100% villain, to be sure). Holler if you want/need elaboration on this angle.
Lastly, the bits about the second escapee Gatecrasher, Gen's "canon" origin story ties into a second character's. Freely modifiable to either include a different character of your choosing (if any other players have a background that works in an unwilling-guinea-pig angle, there we go), or ignore it completely and Gen made his jailbreak by himself.
As I said, crunch is still pending, but the fluff was easily accessible so I figured I'd put it up. Watcher, if you have any questions about this, please feel free.
Later on,
Ghorrin Redblade
PS - if you want any sort of "audition tape," I'm currently doing a supers PbP with some buddies using the Marvel Heroic Roleplaying rules. Holler if you want the link. :-)
Peter Donovan, aka Generator
"So that's your doomsday machine, huh? No, it's just... I'm sure it looked awesome sketched on the back of the cocktail napkin, is all..."
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...
So you should check out the Timeline and Freedom City so you can get the names of the companies and so forth.
I like the character so far
I was looking at the description for the Duplication power (and Summon Minion, from which it is derived), and I had a thought; wouldn't it be funny if there was an amazing, highly respected hero in the city, whom no one could track down or find out anything about (seemingly no HQ, never mentioning a secret identity, and disappearing before the eyes of witnesses after his heroics were completed), only for it to actually be the case that were anyone to discover his secret identity, it would turn out that he was a middle aged comic book geek who still lives at home with his mother.
The concept evokes all sorts of tropes about the lazy, poorly groomed, sexually frustrated, obese computer-using gamer man-boy that lives with his mother that we (particularly as gamers) are all only too well acquainted with from Hollywood and popular culture stereotypes. I decided to go with those clichés, but at the same time turn them on their ear by making him the truest, bravest, most idealistic human being you've ever met, and making him more heroic in spirit than any Superman.
So without further ado, I give you... The Imaginator!
Soon after arriving in Freedom City, Linda began having problems with the pregnancy. The child was not growing as quickly as expected, was very late in quickening, and displayed very weak and hard to detect vital signs. Despite the challenges, Linda gained weight far more rapidly than would be expected, but without increasing any more in size than would be expected. She started suffering a variety of problems related to her internal organs, the kind usually associated with an overly large fetus, though all tests indicated the child was only slightly larger than average, if at all larger. However, how the baby was positioned at any one time appeared to cause major distress to the young mother, and a sudden shift of the baby could result in internal organ damage that threatened her intestines, liver, kidneys, and bladder. Doctors pleaded with the couple to terminate the pregnancy, but Linda refused, being determined to bring her child into the world. After a ruptured bladder nearly resulted in her death, she was hospitalized on bedrest. Strangely, the damage did not appear to lessen, and her body reacted as though her organs were being compressed under a significant weight. After more complications, a specially manufactured bed was created that allowed her to lie belly down, and supported her growing belly, as inadequate support could result in the skin tearing under the weight.
The baby was delivered by cesarean section on July 26, 1966, nearly two months before due, but otherwise healthy. While appearing to be a fairly normal, if premature, baby, his initial bath and weigh in caused one nurse a back injury while trying to lift him, and broke two infant scales. When a strong enough scale was located and jury-rigged to weigh the child, they found that the preemie sized baby weighed an astounding 53 lbs 4 ounces; about 10 times what a child his size should weigh.
While all sorts of tests were conducted, the doctors could find no cause or explanation for the baby’s incredible density. As the child himself appeared otherwise healthy, and seemed able to move himself as well as any other child his age, he was discharged home with his family as soon as he was deemed strong enough to do so. His mother unfortunately continued to suffer ongoing complications from the strange pregnancy, and required numerous surgeries. She was left with severe gastrointestinal complications, constant pain, and much to her distress, was also rendered unable to have any further children.
Saddled with massive amounts of debt, Harold was forced plead for extra hours at the research centre, and eventually supplemented this with a second job. Despite all this, he was a dedicated father, and spent a great deal of time with his son, passing on his idealistic vision of the future, his interests in art, poetry and music, as well as his love of all things legendary and fantastic. Lord of the Rings, the Tales of Narnia, and Star Trek the television show were all prominent features in the young child’s life. Harold continued to care for his wife and her sometimes fragile health as best he could, but her life continued to be a constant struggle.
Albert himself developed relatively normally, though his weight continued to grow along the same trends it had prenatally. By the time he was 5 and getting ready for school, he secretly weighed nearly 400 lbs, though he actually looked a bit small for his age. This began to make numerous elements of schooling problematic, as he frequently crushed public stairs and punched holes in regular floors by walking on them, effectively broke the school bus that tried to pick him up each morning. In addition, playground equipment was hopeless for putting up with his intense weight. As a consequence, he developed a more sedentary lifestyle, exploring the world through books, science, letters and correspondence, and technology like ham radio. He also loved computers and television, of course. Numerous problems at school necessitated transitioning Albert to homeschooling as well, his mother and father both taking active roles in teaching him.
Another consequence was changes to his living requirements; they were forced to move around several homes, as they couldn't find one he couldn’t destroy through the most benign of accidents. A fall would send him through the floor and into the basement, or even crack cement slabs. Thankfully, the young boy seemed extremely resistant to injury, and never suffered any major problems from these falls - though they did tend to make him even more cautious and reluctant about moving around. Eventually, they moved into a specially constructed single level home, designed with reinforced, hardened concrete floors. Unfortunately, this placed an even greater financial burden upon the family.
Whether due to stress, fate, or overwork, Harold did not fare well in the long term. His health began to fail, and after a few heart attacks, he finally passed away in his sleep from a stroke. He was only 44, and his son barely 11. His pension and life insurance allowed them to recover somewhat from their debts, as well as giving them something to live on, but to Albert, his father could never be replaced. He retreated more and more into his private life, creating worlds in his imagination, and becoming more obsessed with television and computers, his loneliness and burning desires to have a more exciting life permeating nearly every aspect of his existence.
He would not be able to remember at what point it first happened, because truth be told he did not notice, but at some point his imagined fantasy life began to blend into the real world. He had long ago started to interact with the characters and places in his imagination, and he never even noticed when they went from figments of imagination to elements of reality he could interact with. Once into his teens, he had retreated further into isolation, rarely seeing anyone but his sickly mother, who still required a great deal of care. His weight kept increasing with his size, and his size grew exponentially given his sedentary lifestyle. By adulthood, he was morbidly obese, and would appear to most to weigh at least 400 lbs, where in reality he weighs more than ten times that, clocking in at more than two tons!
An endless dreamer, like his father, he long lived within his fantasies, no one else aware of what he could do. He trained as a computer expert from home, designing and patenting more than a few new computer designs and technologies, becoming a relatively well known consultant for some of the best technological research firms in Freedom City, if only my name and reputation, as he almost never leaves the home, and has never met any of his contacts in the computer world. When the internet came along in the 90’s, he embraced it wholeheartedly, and it enabled him to become even more reclusive.
It was ironically an injury to his mother that brought him out of his shell. During one of her infrequent trips from the home, she was caught in the fallout of a battle between Captain Thunder and the anti-heroes known as the Furies Three. When lightning from Captain Thunder overloaded the the android Megaera, she was caught in the resulting explosion,and nearly killed. Though she survived, her recovery was a long one and she ended up losing much of the limited mobility she had left.
Albert was outraged by this event, and started looking about him for the first time in years; decades really. It was 2006, and a massive economic slump was just beginning. However, time had moved on about him. He hadn’t realized when it had happened, but the home his father had built them in an idyllic suburb of Freedom City was now in a rather rough neighbourhood, and his mother was often fearful of going out, even before the attack. He decided to do something about it. He put aside the video games he was writing and the comic books he had drawn; the superheroes he had created would serve a far different purpose now. Rather than merely being his friends and companions, his escape, entertainment and pastime; they would go out into the world and do something! He would not allow his neighbourhood to be overrun, his city to be threatened, and his father’s home to be threatened. Though no one would ever know it, he would be the Imaginator! And from then on, the heroes he created would make a difference!
He is very aware of his real physical form and the way people would probably perceive it, and he would probably be mortified if anyone, even other heroes and friends, were to discover who he really was.
Echos here.
Updated Bahamut's background to fit the timeline appropriately.
He is now in his mid-thirties and a professor at Claremont as opposed to a student. Dropped the devout Muslim angle, though he is still practicing and all that it just won't be a big part of his identity. Still struggles with the concept of Godhood and that if metahumans are the next step towards godliness, does that disprove his existence?
Though powerful, he is a bit timid and uncomfortable with taking up his role as a hero and hopes to instead train the next generation.
Going to hold off on tweaking the power set for now. I hope to maintain both a psionic and paragon hybrid archetype, though I need some assistance with power levels.
Anyway, give my timeline a look over and tell me what you think.
@ rigor I liked the idea for the first guy not sure how the powers will work or what your character will do non combat and out of hero ID
@Bahamut I like the character and the idea do you have the build ready or what do you need help on?
Rigor you may want to take a look at The Golem, he is not quite the same but the powers would be similar.
I just realized Invictus still has Jack of All Trades on his sheet, from when I was going for the Eidetic Memory, Beginner's Luck & Jack of All Trades trifecta, but seeing as it doesn't really serve a purpose now, is it ok if I swap it out?
As I've written his background, he seems to have ingratiated himself to the Freedom City hero scene pretty easily. Maybe I should purchase Status (Legacy Hero) for one point.
That would represent cops willing to talk to him, let him on to a crime scene, the general populace seeing me fly down the street and pointing to warehouse where the baddies have just run in to, and Invictus getting generally favorable press.
Thoughts?
Sorry about vanishing for bit! Visiting some friends out of town. I've sorted out my stats (hopefully) so those should appear later today along with background and stuff. For now though.
Age 19
Height 6’ 1"
Hair Color Brownish Red
Eyes Green
Occupation Part timer at Rocket Records, Amateur Bass Player
Affiliations N/A
Power Source Mutant
Power Level Delta Metahuman
Threat Level Blue
Gravel Pit (The Band) have been rising stars in the underground music scene in southside. Francis Long (Vocals, lead lyricist), Kurt Bloch (Guitar) and Cliff Smith (Drums) were struck with inspiration when they discovered Donny's proficiency with the Bass. When not playing street fighter and practising, there have been fears of splitting up, with Francis wanting to take a degree in liberal arts, Kurt being urged back to his home country of Sweden and Don's best friend Cliff being pressured by his dad, a city planner, to pursue an actual career.
Diamond Head (The Murderer), no other name fires up Donny's blood more. His fathers former partner, his ever growing megalomania lead him to murder the original Tremor went he tried to protect a family caught in the crossfire of one his most ambitious scheme. Diamond Head has gone from petty thief to heartless criminal, revelling in the pain of those not powerful enough to protect themselves. His body made completely of mutated, alien crystal, allowing him amazing durability and the ability to form weapons from his own body.
Overwhelming hatred of Diamond Head
Reputation: Whether mockery or dangerous or last minute, Tremor Sr was a thug and a thief. Sins of the father and all that.
@Honor Guard You can still make any changes you want. Legacy Hero would work for sure
@Widget Tremor is looking good have you gotten the actual write up finished?
HEEEEEEEEEEERE WE GO WITH STATS! (I've think i got this whole m&m character creation down, but don't be afraid to just smack me in the head if i got it all wrong)
Power Level: 9; Power Points Spent: 150
STR: +2 (14), DEX: +3 (16), CON: +4 (18), INT: +0 (10), WIS: +0 (10), CHA: +2 (14)
Tough: +9, Fort: +9, Ref: +6, Will: +4
Skills: Bluff 12 (+14), Climb 2 (+6), Concentration 4 (+4), Gather Information 4 (+6), Knowledge (art) 8 (+8), Notice 8 (+8), Perform (string instrument) 8 (+10) Search 4 (+4), Sense Motive 4 (+4), sense motive 4 (+4)
Feats: Attack Focus: Ranged (3), Distract (Bluff) , Environmental Adaptation (underground), Fascinate (Perform), Improved Trip, Precise Shot (2), Prone Fighting, Taunt
Powers:
Seismic Waves (Vibration Control 9) (32 pp)
Vibration, dc 24, Cone Area (90ft); Improved Range (900 ft. incr)
(Standard- Range 90ft- Instant)
Splinter (Drain 9) (Alternate)
Drains: Toughness, dc 19, limited (only brittle obstacles/objects),
(standard, touch, Instant)
Wave Wall (Shield) (Alternate)
Vibration, +9 Dodge Bonus, Action (Power Switch) 2,
(Free- Personal- Sustained)
Drill Spin (Spinning 9) (12 pp)
Vibration, +9 Toughness, Resist Grapples and Snares, Tiring, Radius Sight
(Free- Personal- Sustained)
Burrowing 7 (Alternate)
Speed: 100 MPH, 880 ft/rnd
(Move- Personal- Sustained)
Spin Strike (Strike 7) (Alternate)
dc 24, mighty
(Standard- Touch- Instant)
Vibration Sensitivity (Super-Senses 4) (5 pp)
Tremor Sense, Ultra Hearing, Innate
(Free-Personal-Permanent)
Latent Waves (Protection 5) (3 pp)
Vibration, +5 toughness, Ablative
(Free- personal -permanent)
Immunity 2 (2pp)
Condition: High Pressure, Suffocation
(Reaction-Personal-Permanant)
Earth Shake (Environmental Control 7) (12pp)
Hamper move (25%), Radius 500ft-2500ft; Uncontrolled, Indirect 2, Progression: increase area 2 (x5), Progression: increase range 2 (max range x2, 1750 feet)
(Standard- Ranged, 140ft, Sustained)
Attack Bonus: +6 (Ranged: +9, Melee: +6, Grapple: +8)
Attacks: )
Defense: 6 (Flat-footed: 3), Knockback: -4
Initiative: +3
Languages: English
Totals: Abilities 22 + Skills 14 (56 ranks) + Feats 12 + Powers 66 + Combat 24 + Saves 12 + Drawbacks 0 = 150
Well, lets just I save plenty of money on fathers day.
So, who’s this Southside jerk off narrating to himself? That’d be me, Tremor. Yeah, not Tremor boy or Jr or Tremor 2, A Bogus Journey. Real name’s Donny Khros but for the love of god, do NOT call me Donald… only my mom calls me that.
Anyway, you wanna know why I skip around in my dad’s hand me downs and do the whole hero shtick? No? Well hell, you’re being told anyway. See, I’m not just my dads kid by name alone, my blood is jacked with all that mutated, freaky hero goodness. Means I can do things. Things like make the ground beneath you shake till you drop on your ass. Things like tell where you are cus you're too damn clumsy and flat footed. Means I can definitively tell you that the bass line to your favourite song probably blows chunks.
Heres the load down on the story so far. My mom kinda freaked when I went all earthshaker at a high school show couple of years back. The band loved it but can’t say it didn’t scare the shit outta me. So mom gets all expository and tells me my dad used to be a crook… admittedly a bumbling one but a crook all the same. After years of following a guy called Diamond Head, he’d had enough and tried to walk away. Didn’t get far before that bastard stabs him in the back, and I mean that in very literal sense.
So, after graduating highschool (mom's orders), I decide to make something of myself and dust off dads ol' duds. You still see plenty of crime over Southside and, hell, i just wanna clean it up a bit for mom. Not gonna be around forever, might as well put pops namesake to some use, eh? Means i’m kinda no ones best friend right now, but screw em, I didn’t become a hero to make buddies or learn life lessons or getting that bastard Diamond head.
Bottom line: I just wanna do whats right.
@ rigor I liked the idea for the first guy not sure how the powers will work or what your character will do non combat and out of hero ID
I am really hoping I can address any concerns you might have and win you over with the concept, because I really like it, and it is exciting me far more than the first concept. Hopefully once I get some preliminary stats set up for you, I think it will put your mind a bit more at ease regarding how he would function in various situations.
Rigor you may want to take a look at The Golem, he is not quite the same but the powers would be similar.
Thanks for the heads up Prax, I'd skimmed your character, but hadn't noticed the similarities. However, I think the similarities are actually quite shallow, and in practice, the characters would be very different.
As a side note from someone who did a Classics minor in University, while an animated stone statue is called a golem in D&D culture, and the ideas have become rather synonymous, the term didn't come into existence until well after the Classical period. The concept of a living statue, or clay man, is from European-Jewish mythology (Ashkenazi), the earliest known stories dating back only to the 12th Century (1500 years after Praxiteles lived). Of course, the term is pretty well established in the modern era, and most know what it means/refers to, so it is entirely plausible and appropriate for someone of Classical Greek heritage to have started using the term in the modern era, it just wouldn't have been a term he used before more recent times.
On a different note, if he's effectively a ghost, should he have a Con score? I can't recall the numbers, but I seem to recall from an Android I played years ago that selling off Constitution and picking up Immunity: Fortitude effects was about cost neutral. It makes a lot of sense for a non-living character, and comes with a bunch of advantages, though it does leave you unable to use Extra Effort.
Hmm, I will look into that. Thanks.
The Kabbalistic Golem was known as a Clay statue with the hebrew letters Alef, Mem, Tav spelling the word Emmet or Truth on its forehead. Remember that hebrew reads right to left, so you would see Tav Mem Alef rather than the other way and as a Semetic language the vowels would be dots and dashes if printed at all.
Golem actually only came about recently for Prax. Although he has been alive and around for two thousand years, he has only been a hero in the last 3 and only occasionally at that. He is despite his age and knowledge a relatively new superhero. His name only came recently, and he picked it based on, strangely enough, his studies in the 15th century rather than any personal experience.
He would also have a few powers in his own form, namely his Innate Density (which has resulted in a body weight of around 4400 lbs, and limits his mobility (though I haven't figured out a way to mechanically limit his mobility, such as selling off movement points). His other powers would be in the form of Create Object, in which he does have some overlap with Praxiteles, but would not, I think, be much of an issue, as The Imaginator (Arnie) would not be the type to actually go into the field (pretty much ever), and that ability is there mostly for flavour and consistency.
He would also have a brilliant mind (Intelligence and Quickness: Mental tasks), an indomitable will (Wisdom) which would work together to intimate at how it might be possible for him to project his thoughts into reality.
The powers of his proxies, the Avatars he uses to act as a hero, would actually work beautifully in an application type game, as his favourite Principle Hero could be of whatever type is missing from the selected submissions; tank, paragon, blaster, sneak, shapeshifter, whatever.
So, how would this character function on a day to day basis, interact with the team, and how would he function out of combat? Well, like this: Up until now (since 2006, or the last 3-4 years in game time) he has been patrolling the city in the guise of one of his heroes, looking for trouble, and intervening as needed. His real body is back at home, seated in his custom made, reinforced and supported chair, in front of his computer, keeping an eye on the world that way. Usually, when there is nothing to cause him to get his superhero on, he would work on his computer, on his inventions, or at his day job (self-employed technology consultant). Or, he might patrol in the guise of one of his more mundane persona's; one that looks like an average person, and allows him to experience the world in a way he never could in his own body.
Were he to join a team, things would more or less be the same; out of combat, his persona would continue to aid the team. As a brilliant and observant (high Wisdom) individual, he would be a great investigator, tactician, and all around knowledge (lore) guy, able to aid the party just as well as he would were he there in a flesh and blood body. As far as the team were concerned, he would probably have a cover story of sorts; that he (whatever his principle Avatar becomes) was some sort of energy being, or breaking through from another dimension, or something similar, and that when he rests, his body simply dissipates until he comes back and reconstructs it. Therefore, the only time the team sees him is in his Super body. Even in the "off-hours," if the team were hanging out, he would present as an off-duty version (different clothes, etc.) of his super persona.
Of course, I see this being a key element of the character arch, where the team, spending time with him and being intelligent keen investigators themselves, eventually figure out through one means or another what the hero really is, and who the real person (Arnie) is behind their ally. This would set off his crisis of self-doubt, and to whether the group will accept him for who he really is.
Given their surface similarities, there would be some potential for Praxitales and Arnold to have some sort of connection, whether it be through line of descent, access to the same power source or realm, or similar. Alternatively, their abilities could bear only surface similarity, which could lead to interesting conversations in terms of how imagination becomes reality in their separate circumstances, and a potential point of bonding.
I don't think they would overlap too much in terms of abilities, as The Imaginator's proxy would be designed to fill a unique role in the party, taking the Golem and Prax's abilities into consideration. He would have a lot of powers and applications that my character would not, such as moving into hostile areas and spying, and performing other interesting ghost type roles.
So guys, let me know if I've swayed your opinion on this concept. I feel that flavour-wise, he completely different from Praxitales in back-story, personality, interests and areas of expertise, and theoretical role in a party, though there is a surface similarity in powers. I'd like to hear from Watcher, as well as from Praxitales, as to whether the character seems divergent enough and interesting enough to stand alone, and from Prax as to whether you feel at all like the submission still might step on your character's toes.
I love this concept, but if I can't convince you, then obviously I won't make the party with this character, and I'll have to go back to the drawing board.
@ Rigor Im liking him more and more I have to say so lets try to get him developed before the deadline
Sounds good!
Characters and Interested Players
Characters
Philo Pharynx as
Brox RedGloves as
Echos Myron as
daemonprince as
TheWidget as
Reckless as
Taenia as
tumbler as
Soprovo as
Jemal as
Honor Guard as
Kelarith as
Rigor Rictus as
Redblade as
Interested
psionichamster
Arknight
Samnell
Nohwear
Dragonofashandflame
Auric Angelesblood
So far we have a great group of potential heroes we are at 20 either entered or interested.
Just as a reminder
May 5th is the last day for being entering some type of character, but you can make changes on your character and get them finished all the way though May the 8th or until you say your character is ready.
Once your character is completely final let me know please and let me know if you are posting it or creating a Alias check out Invictus's write up and how he explained each of his complication I would like you to all try to do that.
Remember we are building a Super Hero Team in the long run.
For Images try to make them art not pictures of read people.
I am really excited for this game and im going to put in extra time on the Obsidian Portal, is there anything more your guys want on there or anything else I can do?
Yeah, I am going to go ahead and withdraw my interest. GLHF
@Rigor I like the concept, I think the characters would be more different than I realized but despite a similar mechanic would play very differently. Golem's automaton bodies are pretty much going to fill a High Strength High Resilience role plus some fun stuff from Create Object. I think your character will be a lot more flexible able to generate a more varied set of abilities.
I didn't really think we would be stepping on each other's toes, I was thinking it was more about how Golem was built might help you design your character.
@Praxiteles: I like yours too. When you mention that you thought the way Prax is built could provide some inspiration I thought it was cool, as I had the same thought about The Imaginator for you when he is done. One thing that it very interesting about M&M is the way that characters with similar effects can be accomplished in a variety of ways. I think I'm going about my build in a different way, but I'm sure we will be able to compare notes afterwards and perhaps find way to help each other tighten things up.
Golem and Imaginator in: Two and Half a Dozen Men!
Freedom cities favourite sitcom returns for another season!
(Well i'd watch it)
Generator is proving shockingly* resistant to a stat writeup. Sheesh, let a guy live in your head for 30 years, you'd think you know him, right? :)
If I don't have a statblock posted by deadline, figure I couldn't make him come together in a satisfactory manner. If that's the case, see you in reprints. :)
Ghorrin Redblade
*Of course that was on purpose!
Hey there Red,
I am a bit of a character builder addict, is there anything specific that's blocking you from statting him up? I've got several example of electrical based characters, or is it more a matter of trimming the concept down keeping the powers you want and the skills you feel really matter to the character?
Anyways, if you want some input, or have a question, hit me up in a PM. Hope you can get that build out of your head and on to paper!
...a matter of trimming the concept down keeping the powers you want and the skills you feel really matter to the character?
Very much this. Having a hell of a time making the cuts while still having him feel like him.
Anyways, if you want some input, or have a question, hit me up in a PM. Hope you can get that build out of your head and on to paper!
I appreciate the offer. I'll PM you if I need a hand.
Thanks.
Ghorrin Redblade
I have been reading some PBP tips and want to know what you guys think and ideas.
I want to try to make it seamless and easy.
So for the Stats with your names.
Hero Points
Bruises
Def
Saves
Init
Notice
any you guys think im forgetting?
Dice rolls?
What should I be rolling what do you guys want to be rolling? I think ill roll init for sure and post that up is there anything else.
You guys should all check out doomed hero post about PBP he links to a gm who seems to have alot of good ideas on how to run PBP games right.
So I would like each of you to let me know what roll you see your character playing as a hero and as a part of a super hero team.
Im trying to slowly start to build my ideas of who Im going to pick and want all the information I can get when making these choices
I will be looking at your PBP experience also just so I know how much EXP you have with it. If you have alot more EXP thats not on this site please let me know.
So I would like each of you to let me know what roll you see your character playing as a hero and as a part of a super hero team.
Im trying to slowly start to build my ideas of who Im going to pick and want all the information I can get when making these choices
I will be looking at your PBP experience also just so I know how much EXP you have with it. If you have alot more EXP thats not on this site please let me know.
I see Blacklight doing quite a bit of the investigative work for a team. Between a very high Computer skill (Online Research) and a respectable Investigation score I can provide excellent results. Plus, I can provide instant transportation to and from locations as needed (Easy, accurate Transmit up to 500lbs per 'port!).
I have top marks in ranged combat, and the fact that my Blasts do non-lethal means we wont have messy, accidental deaths to explain.
And let's not forget, I'm also an Inventor! I can make temporary devices and gadgets to overcome seemingly impossible-to-take-down villains given a little time to study and create! (Jack-of-all-Trades feeds into this as well!)
Regeneration means I wont be a burden when I am injured. Given a little time and some shadows and I'll be good as new!
As for Invictus I see him as taking more a leadership role, I haven't perused the other entries but I don't see him as the tactical or fields leader, more the spokesperson and moral compass. With his legacy status he could be the team's voice worth law enforcement, emergency services and the press. At least until the team gets out there and starts to establish a reputation.
Combat wise he is the first in and last out, but he'll be focused on creating innocents, saving hostages, etc. at the start of a confrontation. With Inoue and interpose he can assist our team while defending some of our more vulnerable members. And then with the aid of some set up and team attacks we can lay down the k.o. shot.
With his senses I can see him reading up on criminology and medicine to at least assist our lead investigator as a walking crime lab or make field diagnosis of the injured.
And with Withstand Damage he can be tough as nails to get our fallen out of danger. Unless argonite gas is being deployed then he's screwed BUT up a Hero Point! Yay! Complications!
Amalgam would fill an infiltration and investigation role. Mainly with the morph/shapeshifting powers. I plan to work the gestalt angle quite a bit as that whole part of the character is essentially an homage to Firestorm. Being a shapeshifter makes finding a decent picture for the character a bit more of a challenge since he doesn't yet see himself as a costumed superhero yet...
I have quite a bit of PBP experience on the old atomic think tank boards and some other now defunct game boards, primarily superhero based games. I haven't been able to get in on a game here though.
Forgot to mention that part. I've been posting regularly on this board (READ: Years of experience). I've been involved in games on Giant in the Playground as well, playing under the name Brox (my main alias on this board)
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Re : pictures vs art - I've always found myself picturing good characters by what actor/actress i imagine portraying them in a movie more than how they would look in a cartoon. Plus if you aren't an artist yourself its very difficult to get art that looks right unless you based your character off the art in the first place.
Re: experience - ive been playing fervently at the roninarmy boards since they went up, and for several years vefore that on atomic think tank.
ive GMd well over a dozen pbp m&m games and played in several dozen more.
before that i was an avid poster at ENWorld for over a decade, participating in well over a hundred d&d and several more m&m games since ~2000.
I also have been playing pfs, dnd, m&m, and occasional other rpgs on a weekly basis for the better part of the last two decades.
Re: character roll: Power gamer is a tactician & combat specialist. Basically captain America with energy cannon/sword instead of shield.
Re: character roll: Power gamer is a tactician & combat specialist. Basically captain America with energy cannon/sword instead of shield.
Have you changed your character?
Waveform is not a leader. She has some good support features along with her combat role. She can help transport people and this can be especially good for evacuating civilians. Obviously, she has special talents when it's a fight near or on water.
The role that The Imaginator will play in the group will depend somewhat on the composition of the team selected. The simplest might be a classically confident and charismatic Paragon type. I am picturing something rather akin to Metroman from the Megamind movie (which is pretty good, if you haven't seen it).
While the character he presents will probably give off a 'Is he for real' kind of cheese and cornball factor, it will have it's own kind of charm as well; like a Golden or Silver age hero somehow being transported into the modern era, while somehow remaining oblivious to the change. This to a degree kind of reveals a bit about how the Imaginator thinks: he is an idealist and a dreamer, and like Invictus would help serve as a moral compass for the team, always pushing them towards doing what is right, and not compromising for the sake of convenience, practicality, or politics. I see his main role as being the spiritual heart of the team.
As for the Imaginator himself, he is brilliant, and a master of lore, knowledge, and technology. Should the team ever become aware of his true nature, he will make as strong an addition to the team in himself as any of his avatars.
In combat, he could be the on the ground tactical leader; he has the Intelligence, the Charisma, the knowledge of tactics, and the Masterplan feat all there to help him set things out and moving smoothly. His actual combat role will cover whatever niche needs the most assistance given the composition of the team, be it a flyer, energy manipulator, infiltrator, healer, shapeshifter, speedster, or tank. He'll design a persona best suited to fill that role, with the powers to match via his Summon Minion power. In a pinch, any of his other characters from his comic-book style imaginings can pinch hit, should his regular avatar be ill suited, or the regular teammate covering that role be unavailable. In this way, he represents an extremely versatile addition.
Edit: As for personal experience, you can look at my alias list; as of this post, I have 4912 posts on this messageboard, and this is where I've played pretty much all of my PbP. I've been active here for about 4 years or so, both as a player and as a GM, and I've outlasted many a game that faded out, lost too many players, or lost its GM, as seems to be the nature of PbP unfortunately. Regardless, I stick with them to the end. Real life gaming experience goes bad farther than I'd like to dwell on (damn I'm getting old), but about 25 years if I am forced to think of the number.
Tremor's forte is mostly range combat in terms of pitched fight. Some of his powers may lend him to some battlefield control with his burrowing to get around fast, his splintering wave to create small obstructions and in a pinch that massive (albeit uncontrolled) earth shaker wave.
Outside of that, his role in the team is that of the hot headed, but well meaning rebel. He's not exactly abrasive but is certainly individualist and would probably see the team as a chance to prove he's not his fathers son, no more no less. He's still a little disturbed from the fact he knows exactly who murdered his father and that the guy is probably out there ready to do it again, meaning that any communication with authorities will be very strained on his behalf. This even extends to who may ever be the eventual leader especially if they're a big picture sorta person because Tremor, at his heart, just wants to make the city safer and is very community driven. Cosmic threats mean less to him then the everyday safety of people walking the streets and should the team start ignoring mundane threats in lew of the super baddies, it will certainly alienate Tremor.
He grew up in the poorer side of Southside and in doing so knows how such rough areas work and can offer a streetwise expertise when on patrol there.
As for experience in pbp, not a whole lot in terms of actual table top stuff. Only started a little while ago. When I was fourteen i was involved with similar threads, but they were a lot more abstract. (oh god, lets not look for them, pls god xD) I started tabletop gaming around fourteen with D&D and havn't really stopped since then. I suppose that would be... 7 years experience?
tl;dr: Tremor is a big piss baby who needs a daddy and some ofter stuff too.
I imagine that Golem comes across physically as a brick, throwing himself in the way of danger to protect his friends and the innocent. Personality wise he brings a lot of historical facts and artisitc knowledge (useful in some missions) but his long life he has seen and done a lot so I have beginners luck plus extra hero points so that he can "recall" having used a skill in the past and use it then.
Personality wise, Praxiletes is very much a new hero. Despite his long lifespan he has spent most of his time in various artistic endeavors rather than being a true hero, one of the few times he tried to step up into that role resulted in his first death, and a centuries long rivalry with Black Paladin. This makes him a bit unsure of how to be a hero. He also isn't the most personable person, he is often condescending without meaning to be and tends to think of everyone as children.
Broadway is an energy projector, first and foremost, with some crowd control aspects thrown in. I see him as the blaster/sniper in a team, as well as someone who will limit collateral damage with the use of force walls. He's a bit more idealistic at this point, and believes that anyone that has the abilities beyond those that are normal has a responsibility to use them to help others. In the group he'd trust that the rest of the team knows what they're doing, but if anyone were in trouble, he'd go to hell and back to make sure nobody was left behind.
Out of combat, with his background, I see him as a public face for the group. Not necessarily working with law enforcement or the political apparatus, but with the media and public. He would see that public opinion was always high for the group.
As far as gaming? Wellll...I've been tabletop gaming since the original boxed set of D&D, along the way playing most anything that came out in the RPG genre, from D&D to Traveller, Paranoia, Roll Master, Champions, DC Heroes, Marvel Heroes, and more. I've been PbPing since the early days of AOL chat rooms, and have run PBP forums for games and several MMO based guilds. I've run several campaigns from Obsidian Portal. This would be my first foray into Mutants and Masterminds, so I'm looking forward to something new.
Please bear with me here.
Stats
str 10 (+0) 0 pts
dex 10 (+0) 0 pts
con 13 (+1) 3 pts
int 12 (+1) 2 pts
wis 13 (+1) 3 pts
cha 10 (+0) 0 pts
Initiative: +8
Saves
Toughness +9
Fortitude +8
Reflex +6
Will +10
Combat
Attack Bonus +7 (14 pts)
Melee, Ranged, Grapple the same
Defense Bonus +2 (4 pts)
Knockback Resist: -8
Skills
Concentrate +13
Diplomacy +6
Knowledge: Physical Sciences +8
Language +1
Notice +6
Profession: Professor +5
Search +1
Sense Motive +10
Survival +1
Feats
All-Out Attack
Eidetic Memory
Fearless
Improved Initiative 2
Move-by Action
Power Attack
Quick Change 1
Stunning Attack
Powers
Linked Powers: (20 pts)
-Force Field 8
+8 Toughness, Impervious
-Mind Shield 4
Impervious +4 to Will Saves vs Mental Effects
Flight 6 (12 pts)
500 MPH, 4400 ft/round
Immunity 9 (9 pts)
Suffocation, Enviromental Conditions, Poisons, Diseases
Super-Sense 2 (2 pts)
Mental Awareness, Danger Sense
Telekinesis 9 (28 pts)
Range: 90ft, Strength 45, Carry 4.3k/4.3 Tons/6.4 Tons/ 12.8 Tons, DC24 Damaging
-AP: Disassembling TOush (Disintegration 9)
DC 24; Limited to Machinery, Range (touch), Reversible
-AP:Telekinetic Punch (Strike 9)
DC 24; Penetrating, Mighty.
Telepathy 4 (7 pts)
Range: 1 Mile, Distracting
>Communicate 4, Mind Reading 7, Comprehend (Understood) 1
Totals
8 on Abilities
11 on Skills
9 on Feats
82 on Powers
18 on Combat
22 on Saves
Old Crunch for reference
I don't really know where I stand with defenses. Interactions between Toughness, Imperviousness and saves confuse me. Why dodge a blast via Reflex when I can take it with little effect? Am I understanding Impervious wrong?
All critiques and constructive criticisms are welcome.
Given his past failed experiences as a hero, Bahamut is very weary on taking up the mantle again and constantly beats himself up for the death of his wife and child and countless others who he may or may not have hurled into the Terminus. He suffers from anxiety and depression and would be joining the team as a means to face his fears and start his life over.
On the team, he would serve as the mentalist and telekineticist. Reading minds, relaying information to other teammates. Using his telekinesis, he would be a heavy hitter (though stat-wise, I don't know if he'd be an accurate one).
Having been based off of Superboy power-wise, he has an ability to telekinetically disassemble machinery with a touch (which proved very helpful early on in his career when he would find himself held at gunpoint) and when closing in for hand-to-hand combat often bolsters his strength via telekinesis.
I may play him as sort of a Bruce Banner/Hulk dynamic where he is constantly afraid of losing control of his powers and going overboard, yet I don't really think I'd have room to show this crunchwise. Is there some way to show this without expending more points? Perhaps after a certain amount of damage taken, he becomes a loose cannon?
Gold Digger, the gold digging super villainous confronts Bahamut, and tries to punch him with her Auger drill bit, Her attack bonus is +9, she rolls an 11, adds 9, for a total of 20. This is compared to Bahamuts Defence Value of 10 (base) + 2 (12) she exceeds the difficulty to hit Bahamut by 8 so it is a successful strike. The difficulty to resist the drill bit is 15 (base) + 9 (her effect value) for a total DC of 24. Your total Toughness of 9 is added to your roll (assume average of 11) for a total Resist Check of 20. You fail but by less than 5 so you are bruised (-1 to further Toughness checks).
Next she turns on her High Beams, a Dazzle Effect. Because a Dazzle is not a damaging effect she rolls to hit vs your Defence again, assuming a hit, you now need a DC 10 (base) =9 (her Dazzle Effect) on a Reflex save to shield your eyes and not be blinded.
Impervious Toughness works as follows, a thug with an Effect value 5 pistol shoots you. Assuming he makes a successful attack, you would normally roll your toughness vs a difficulty of 15 (base) + 5 (effect of the pistol) for a total Difficulty of 20. With your Toughness of 9 you would have to roll an 11 for no effect. But because the effect value is less than your Impervious Toughness of 8, you automatically ignore the hit. Ping! Bullet Proof!
Now that being said, typically a PL 9 character should have their Toughness / Dodge equal to 18. For example Invictus has a Defence of 6 and a Toughness of 12. Your Defense of 2, and Toughness of 9 means that defensively you are PL 5.5. I'd bring that up some with Dodge Focus, Defensive Roll, or upping your Con and lowering your resulting fortitude.
The other thing to keep in mind is that there is usually a maximum allowable trade off of +/- 3, meaning your dodge could swing up to 12 or down to 9 and the same for your Toughness as long as the total doesn't exceed PL times 2.
Hope that helps.
As for loose cannon, take it as a Complication. YAY! Hero Points. And RP cutting loose at that point, Power Attacking & All Out Attacking all the way to the bank!
If you're a number cruncher the way I am, peruse this thread from the old Atomic Thinktank boards, lots of good builds to draw inspiration from in there! Atomic Think Tank Thorpocalypse & his Roll Call Thread
Also, many GM's will put a cap on impervious. A lot will put it at 2/3 power level. Almost none will allow impervious over PL. If it's above PL, then every fight has to have somebody that is damage-shifted or who has exotic attacks. This is a pain in the ass.
As a group would we like to put a limit to impervious 6 toughness so u can be basically bullet proof but not much else?
Invictus is currently built with Impervious 10 (Limited to Physical Effects Only), I am more than happy to bring that down to a more comfortable level. Honestly, I am used to 3E where the Impervious is cut in half, so 10 ranks stops anything less than Effect Value 5.
With the left over points, I'd probably buy Second Chance: Ballistic Damage or something to that effect. Never asked, but I am curious as to what you would consider the maximum allowable trade off to be Watcher?
I think as the GM that is entirely your call to make, I just don't want to have a 'required' power in game. This way impervious is less critical but still useful, I would imagine.
Just wanted to add, I have almost no PbP experience but I am involved in a new PbP game so looking for another one to go with it.