From: owner-champ-l-digest@sysabend.org 
Sent: Sunday, January 10, 1999 2:37 PM 
To: champ-l-digest@sysabend.org 
Subject: champ-l-digest V1 #127 
 
 
champ-l-digest        Sunday, January 10 1999        Volume 01 : Number 127 
 
 
 
In this issue: 
 
    Looking for artists 
    RE: Witchblade 
    Re: Witchblade 
    Re: Witchblade 
    Re: Witchblade 
    Re: Invisible focus 
    The new guy 
    Need some mechanics help 
    Paying for Equipment 
    Re: Need some mechanics help 
    Re: The new guy 
    Re: Need some mechanics help 
    Re: Paying for Equipment 
    Re: Need some mechanics help 
    Re: The new guy 
    Re: Need some mechanics help 
    Re: The new guy 
    Re: Paying for Equipment 
    CHAR: Coming soon... 
    Re: Need some mechanics help 
    Re: Need some mechanics help 
    Re: Paying for Equipment 
    Tech Levels 
    Re: Need some mechanics help 
    Re: Paying for Equipment 
    GM Screens 
    Tech Levels - Ignore Previous message 
    Re: Paying for Equipment 
    Re: Tech Levels 
    Re: Tech Levels 
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 21:32:51 -0800 
From: "Eric Wylie" <erk@halcyon.com> 
Subject: Looking for artists 
 
I'm about ready to begin an entirely new campaign and would like to find an 
artist or two to do some quality artwork.  I'm willing to pay for good 
character illustrations.  Can anyone recommend a reliable artist? 
 
Regards, 
Eric 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sat, 9 Jan 1999 22:39:11 -0800 
From: "Filksinger" <filkhero@usa.net> 
Subject: RE: Witchblade 
 
From: geoff heald 
<snip> 
>If 
> only women can use 
> it, why could Kenneth Irons use it? 
 
Obviously, he's some sort of weird mutant. After all, you description 
of the figure claims he has the chest of a bear.<G> 
 
Filksinger 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 01:02:02 -0600 
From: "Daniel" <drake01@flash.net> 
Subject: Re: Witchblade 
 
from what I have read of Witchblade I can tell you this much. 
 
1: the back issues aren't totaly expensive, look for the Witchblade 
Collected tpbs & Tales of the Witchblade 
 
2: The Witchblade is intelligent and is used by people of IT'S desire. The 
reason it is called such is it has normaly been fromed into bladed weapons. 
It has been around since Incan times (check out Tales of the Witchblade for 
pre-/post-medivel stories). 
 
3:  Why do females normaly only use it..far as I can guess, it makes good 
t&a art. most of these women are lighty on bottom, heavy on top and because 
of the witchblade or the situation their clothes is shredded. The one male 
I've seen (and I admit I don't have all the issues or collect) that has 
anything close to the witchblade's powers is the Darkness and he has a full 
head to toe body armor. 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sat, 09 Jan 1999 22:56:59 -0800 
From: Darrin Kelley <backflash@mindspring.com> 
Subject: Re: Witchblade 
 
    Well I have those figures. Some of them. I also ordered some of the 
upcoming Series 2 figures this month. 
 
geoff heald wrote: 
 
> First off, why this is on-topic: 
> 1)It's about a comic 
> 2)I intend to model it in the hero system. 
 
    The Witchblade has been something I also have been wanting to adapt. But 
even though I read the comic book, I am finding it to be a very difficult 
thing to do because the descriptions of exactly what it can do are so vague. 
 
> I saw some action figures in a store the other day (Babbage's Software, of 
> all places) and became interested.  The Witchblade figures looked cool.  I 
> found some cool pictures on the web site ( www.mooreaction.com ).  I went 
> to the comics shop to learn more. 
 
    Moore Action is the actual creator and manufacturer of those figures. They 
are incredibly well done. 
 
 
> Here's what I know: 
> The Witchblade is a gauntlet.  (Why it is called the Witchblade instead of 
> the Witchglove I don't know.) It has been around since at least the middle 
> ages (there is a Medieval Witchblade figure).  It is traditionally worn by 
> women (more on this later). 
 
    The Witchblade has been around, according to the comics, before the dawn 
of recorded history. It also only is worn by women, because it seems that a 
woman is the only one that can actually keep it under control. 
 
    The Witchblade's appearance actually appears differently for each weilder. 
Possibly a reflection of the wielder's personality. But as to why it is called 
the Witchblade? I don't know. They haven't really revealed why yet. 
 
 
> It seems to be a kind of techno-organic thing producing a look like the 
> alien from Alien or the Guyver from anime.  On Medieval Witchblade it 
> covers her entire arm and only her arm. 
 
    Actually, in a recent story, the Witchblade has been hinted as to have 
been of alien origin. 
 
> Next comes Sara Pezzini, a New York police detective who wields the 
> Witchblade.  It covers her arm to the elbow, then makes a skimpy costume 
> that shows a lot of skin. (Think of Vampirella, sort of.) 
 
    Sara Pezzini s the modern chosen weilder of the Witchblade. Once every 
generation, a new weilder is chosen. And for some reason, each weilder goes on 
to become a great heroine of that generation. 
 
> Next comes Kenneth Irons. "A man of great physical strength and influence, 
> millionaire Kenneth Irons was able to harness the power of the Witchblade 
> for a short time.  Ironically, the Witchblade gave him his greatest desire 
> --power-- but he was unable to handle its energy."  The techno-organic 
> armor covers his whole body except for his bear chest, his face, and his 
> hair.  It even covers the sides of his face and has some extra spikes 
> growing from his back (big as an arm). 
 
    Yes, he did hold the Witchblade for a short time in the comics. but the 
Witchblade rebelled and apparently killed him. But was proven to have not 
recently. It did cost him a hand, at least. The Witchblade does not like 
having someone force themselves on it. It seems that it is swayed by people 
with a strong willpower. 
 
 
> Last come Ian Nottingham.  His figure does not have the Witchblade but, 
> "His mystical strength makes him one of the only people able to siphon 
> power from the Witchblade." 
 
    Ian Nottingham is able to tap it because of a superhuman level of training 
and self-discipline. But even he, as it was revealed recently, has no way of 
truly controlling it. When he did have it for a short time, it possessed him 
and they went on a serial murder spree. 
 
 
> I'm sure that every issue that explains what's going on is an expensive 
> collector's item, so could you guys fill me in?  What are it's powers? 
> What are it's problems?  Have you already built it?  If only women can use 
> it, why could Kenneth Irons use it? 
 
    Observed powers: Cutting weapons, and the ability to hurl really powerful 
energy blasts. Along with the armor it provides. There are no known real 
examples of the limits or true power levels of the WItchblade as of yet. But 
the weapon itself is one of the big mysteries of the comic. 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 01:26:15 -0500 
From: geoff heald <gheald@worldnet.att.net> 
Subject: Re: Witchblade 
 
At 11:52 PM 1/9/99 -0500, I wrote: 
I learned a little more from the web: 
 
First, the Witchblade dates to prehistory, with notable appearances in: 
Aztec times, Mayan times, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, ancient Egypt, 
Medieval times, the time of Joan of Arc, Victorian times, and in the old west. 
 
Kenneth Irons DOB: April 10, ??; East London, England, UK OCCUPATION: CEO, 
Irons' International Investments & Holdings  
Enormously successful businessman, Kenneth Irons, was a highly respected 
figure in the world of high finance. Irons' veneer of respectability hid a 
darker side though; he was also a powerful influence within the world of 
organized crime. However, for all his wealth, power, and influence, Irons 
was unable to possess that which he coveted: the Witchblade. Kenneth's 
obsession began in the late 1800's when he unearthed the mystical gauntlet 
in an archeological dig outside Athens. He studied his prize intensely, 
seeking to uncover its secrets. His wife, Danette Boucher, fell prey to 
Irons' machinations when he made her his test subject in an experiment to 
force the Witchblade upon a host. This experiment was a failure which 
alienated him from Danette. From that day onwards, Irons was not only 
obsessed with the Witchblade, but also with the thought of who was to 
become its next wielder. To this end, Irons conducted horrific 
"tournaments" where members of the criminal underworld, tempted by the lure 
of unimaginable power, would try wearing the Witchblade... with bloody 
results. It was during one of these tournaments that Sara Pezzini 
unwittingly became the Witchblade's new host, much to Irons' perverse 
delight. Irons pursued Sara, manipulating her, until the two fought atop 
his penthouse suite. Rather than surrender to her, Irons threw himself from 
the building, leaving a vacuum of power amidst New York's criminal 
underworld... and some questions still unanswered.  
 
Danette Boucher DOB: Feb 2, 1951 (??) OCCUPATION: Director of Boucher 
Modeling Inc.  
Danette Boucher was a contemporary of Marie Curie's at the turn of the 
century. She was betrothed to Kenneth Irons, accompanying him on his 
archeological digs. Her life was set along a dark path the day her husband 
found the Witchblade. Danette allowed Irons to force the Witchblade upon 
her in an effort to harness its power. It rejected her, but left a part of 
it inside her. The Witchblade fragment granted her longevity, but at a 
price. Danette was driven to murder in order to satiate the Witchblade's 
appetites. She preyed upon the young models in her employ to this end. Like 
her husband before her, Danette died in confrontation with Sara Pezzini. 
Whereas Irons wished to take all the Witchblade's power for himself, 
Danette just wanted to return it. In doing so, she finally found peace... 
and posed more questions as to the Witchblade's true purpose.  
 
Sara Pezzini DOB: November 18, 1970; Manhattan, NY OCCUPATION: NYPD 
Homicide Detective  
Sara Pezzini, following in her father's footsteps, joined the NYPD to 
"bring bad men to their knees". Once, all she needed was her gun, but now 
she wields the power of the WITCHBLADE. Since bonding with this 
semi-sentient gauntlet, Sara's life has been enmeshed with mystery. Her 
possession of the Witchblade made her a target of high-profile businessman, 
Kenneth Irons, who wanted to harness the power of the Witchblade for 
himself. Since Irons' death, others have also sought to utilize Sara (and 
therefore the Witchblade) for their own ends.  
 
Ian Christian Nottingham DOB: April 21, 1966 OCCUPATION: Assassin  
A lethal assassin, Nottingham's past is shrouded in secrecy. He is an 
imposing man who smolders in the shadows, ready to strike an opponent down 
in a controlled and exacting manner. Nottingham was in the employ of 
multi-millionaire, Kenneth Irons. As Ken's right-hand man Nottingham 
battled Sara Pezzini at Liberty Island. During this confrontation 
Nottingham siphoned some of the Witchblade's power, almost killing Sara. 
However, Irons intervened before the final blow could be struck, sparing 
Sara's life. Later, during a conflict at Kenneth Iron's penthouse 
apartment, Nottingham turned on his master -- also in defense of Sara 
Pezzini. Irons beat Nottingham senseless before throwing him to his 
apparent death. As his body was never found, it remains to be seen whether 
Ian Nottingham will once more play a part in the life of Sara Pezzini... 
and the Witchblade.  
 
 
============================ 
Geoff Heald 
============================ 
And it's a little-known fact that the Y1K problem caused the Dark Ages. 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 99 11:53:43  
From: "qts" <qts@nildram.co.uk> 
Subject: Re: Invisible focus 
 
On Fri, 08 Jan 1999 20:14:40 -0600, Tim Statler wrote: 
 
>qts wrote: 
>>  
>> On Thu, 07 Jan 1999 19:13:09 -0600, Tim Statler wrote: 
>>  
>> >I have a problem, a character has 'instant change' bought thru a focus 
>> >but wants the focus to be invisible to normal sight only when in the 
>> >character is in her secret id. In the heroic ID it is visible and part 
>> >of her costume. 
>>  
>> This sounds awfully similar to the example given as a no-no in the HSR. 
>>  
>> Anyway, if the circlet gets stolen, she can't change into hero form and 
>> be a hero. And only for the saving of 2-3 points. Does she have any 
>> useful non-hero skills? Is the focus going to get stolen, or is it like 
>> Thor's walking-stick/hammer? 
> 
>She's a Vetrenarian in her normal life, an expert rider, knows how to 
>handle guns, and is very fit. 
 
OK. 
 
>As for getting stolen, it can happen, also she won't wear it at all 
>times, (not on dates, etc.). 
 
Why not? It's going to be invisible. 
 
> The circlet grants her the powers, but is 
>independent of her. 
 
Then her powers should be IIF *and* OIHID. But I'm still rather 
dubious. 
 
 
>Tim Statler 
>>  
>> I'm not a Champs GM, but I'd disallow it, especially as you state that 
>> her other powers are OIHID, and thus not related to the focus. 
>>  
>> qts 
>>  
>> Home: qts@nildram.co.uk. 
> 
> 
 
qts 
 
Home: qts@nildram.co.uk. 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 07:50:34 -0500 
From: "Ronald A. Miller" <rabmiller@email.msn.com> 
Subject: The new guy 
 
Hey guys! 
 
I can't believe it took me this long to join the mailing list, but here I 
am.  My name is Ron Miller (you can just call me "Miller") and I'm the one 
with the Wasteland HERO site which is a post-apocalypse 150pt PC game 
(www.geocities.com/Heartland/Park/3440/rpgs.html), stop on by and don't 
forget to sign the Guestbook ;)  I've been running a PBeM/ICQ game for half 
a year now with great success.  It's all there on the page. 
 
Basically I use the Cyber HERO rules as a backdrop, but nearly 100% of the 
stuff on the site is original rules for survival in the HERO system.  I run 
a 
 
Anybody hear anything about Star HERO?  Is this only a myth?  There used to 
be the .doc file on Checkered Demon, did anybody save it/repost it?  It had 
great rules for robots and the like... 
 
Anyway, that's me.  It's good to be here. 
 
Miller 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 09:24:08 -0500 
From: "Lisa Hartjes" <beren@unforgettable.com> 
Subject: Need some mechanics help 
 
Hi!  I'm getting a character in one of my campaigns that has the ability to 
see beings of Faerie - essentially, she can see anything that is typically 
fairy-like.  She can see sprites, brownies, boggles, and any other creature 
that is associated with this kind of creature.  Since most of the creatures 
are invisible to people (except, traditionally, animals and children), would 
Sense Fairy Being be enough to allow her to see through their invisibility? 
 
Or would it be better if I had her buy her normal sight with the advantages 
of Interdimensional (fairy realm), as it can be said that the realm of fairy 
exists alongside ours. 
 
Or would it just be a GM's call?  :) 
 
What would you do? 
 
 
Lisa Hartjes 
 
beren@unforgettable.com 
http://roswell.fortunecity.com/daniken/79 
ICQ:  Berengiere (9062561) 
 
"Klingons, demons, what's the difference?" 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 09:52:27 -0500 
From: "Lisa Hartjes" <beren@unforgettable.com> 
Subject: Paying for Equipment 
 
Now, I haven't looked in the books yet, but I was wondering... 
 
Does it say anywhere how to figure out the money cost for high tech items? 
I know that if a character pays points for it, it's really a moot point, but 
for role playing purposes I need to know.  Is it based on the AP of the 
equipment, or on something else?  I'm not talking about your standard 
computers, pocket organisers or tazers.  I mean ray guns, 22st century-type 
computers, power armor, and BFG's. :) 
 
 
Lisa Hartjes 
 
beren@unforgettable.com 
http://roswell.fortunecity.com/daniken/79 
ICQ:  Berengiere (9062561) 
 
"Klingons, demons, what's the difference?" 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 23:04:09 +0800 
From: "Colin aka Arkham aka the God King" <astroboy@iinet.net.au> 
Subject: Re: Need some mechanics help 
 
- -----Original Message----- 
From: Lisa Hartjes <beren@unforgettable.com> 
To: Hero System Listserv <hero-l@sysabend.org> 
Date: Sunday, January 10, 1999 10:49 PM 
Subject: Need some mechanics help 
 
 
>Hi!  I'm getting a character in one of my campaigns that has the ability to 
>see beings of Faerie - essentially, she can see anything that is typically 
>fairy-like.  She can see sprites, brownies, boggles, and any other creature 
>that is associated with this kind of creature.  Since most of the creatures 
>are invisible to people (except, traditionally, animals and children), 
would 
>Sense Fairy Being be enough to allow her to see through their invisibility? 
 
 
I'd go with sense fairy (with Discriminatory as an enhancement).  Unless of 
course Faries only exist in another plane and then I'd consider the 
extra-dimensional option. 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 10:12:58 -0500 (EST) 
From: tdj723@webtv.net (thomas deja) 
Subject: Re: The new guy 
 
>From: rabmiller@email.msn.com (Ronald A. Miller) 
 
>> Anybody hear anything about Star HERO? 
>> Is this only a myth? There used to be the 
>> .doc file on Checkered Demon, did anybody 
>> save it/repost it? It had great rules for robots 
>> and the like.. 
 
STAR HERO exists/existed in the same way HORROR HERO and ROBOT WARRIORS 
exists/existed.  It's loooooong out of print. 
 
"It's almost Dante's Inferno, except the beer was cheaper in Hell, and 
the damned were smarter than this crowd." 
                    --Evan Dorkin, DORK #2 
____________________________________ 
THE ULTIMATE HULK, containing the new story, "A Quiet, Normal Life," is 
available now from Byron Preiss and Berkley 
_______________________________ 
An except from the new story "Too Needy" can now be found at MAKE UP 
YOUR OWN DAMN TITLE 
www.freeyellow.com/members/tdj 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 10:02:57 -0500 
From: Joe Mucchiello <why@superlink.net> 
Subject: Re: Need some mechanics help 
 
At 09:24 AM 1/10/99 -0500, Lisa Hartjes wrote: 
>Hi!  I'm getting a character in one of my campaigns that has the ability to 
>see beings of Faerie - essentially, she can see anything that is typically 
>fairy-like.  She can see sprites, brownies, boggles, and any other creature 
>that is associated with this kind of creature.  Since most of the creatures 
>are invisible to people (except, traditionally, animals and children), would 
>Sense Fairy Being be enough to allow her to see through their invisibility? 
 
Since you have to define Faeries as having Invisibility (-1/4 Except to 
animals and children), I would make them have Invisibility (-1/4 Except to 
animals, children and Sense Faerie).  This way Sense Faerie would be the 
normal way to see Faeries.  It is the simpler solution.  Put Sense Faerie 
in the sight group (so that it can be flashed by mischievous Fae). 
 
>Or would it be better if I had her buy her normal sight with the advantages 
>of Interdimensional (fairy realm), as it can be said that the realm of fairy 
>exists alongside ours. 
 
The problem with this is that Fae are invisible to sight.  Adding 
Interdimensional to sight does not counter that invisibility.  I would rule 
that it would allow the person to see the shapes of Faeries but not 
actually see them. 
 
Besides, what does normal sight cost? 
 
  Joe 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 10:41:15 -0500 
From: Joe Mucchiello <why@superlink.net> 
Subject: Re: Paying for Equipment 
 
At 09:52 AM 1/10/99 -0500, Lisa Hartjes wrote: 
>Now, I haven't looked in the books yet, but I was wondering... 
> 
>Does it say anywhere how to figure out the money cost for high tech items? 
>I know that if a character pays points for it, it's really a moot point, but 
>for role playing purposes I need to know.  Is it based on the AP of the 
>equipment, or on something else?  I'm not talking about your standard 
>computers, pocket organisers or tazers.  I mean ray guns, 22st century-type 
>computers, power armor, and BFG's. :) 
 
Is this the same campaign that has Faeries?  :-) 
 
The BBB doesn't say anything because it depends on your campaign: its tech 
level, the legality of weapons, who controls the tech, etc.  I would not 
use AP as a guideline since a 20 point invisibility screen would be worth 
more than a 4D6 pop gun. 
 
Here's my rule of thumb: 
 
If the item must be invented by the character, R&D costs 100-1000 times 
what a lower tech equivalent item costs.  For example, a stunray gun 
researched in today's tech would cost 1000 times what a pistol costs (AP 
for AP).  So a 10D6 ray gun would cost 1000x as much as a 3D6+1K .45 
pistol, or about $3-400,000 to research.  Double or triple that if someone 
else does the R&D and the character just buys it. 
 
If the item in question is not available to the general public but is 
commercially produced, make it only about 50-100 times as much depending on 
how long it has been available. 
 
If the item in question is available to the general public, make it cost 
only 2-3 times as much as the equivalent outdated model in the first five 
years of availability and then have it drop toward the outdated model's cost. 
 
If the item is illegal, it can cost anywhere from 1/2 to 1000 times what a 
similar item would cost.  That depends on how much overhead the seller has. 
 Large corporate fronts jack up the price.  Pick up trucks in an alley 
lower the price. 
 
How do you figure out the equivalent to an invisibility screen?  What does 
it do?  It provides stealth.  How much is that worth to you?  $500k? $1M? 
Thieves would pay a lot for it. 
 
Hope that helped, 
  Joe 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 11:22:03 -0500 
From: Mike Christodoulou <Cypriot@concentric.net> 
Subject: Re: Need some mechanics help 
 
At 09:24 AM 1/10/99 -0500, Lisa Hartjes wrote: 
>Hi!  I'm getting a character in one of my campaigns that has the ability to 
>see beings of Faerie - essentially, she can see anything that is typically 
>fairy-like.  She can see sprites, brownies, boggles, and any other creature 
>that is associated with this kind of creature.  Since most of the creatures 
>are invisible to people (except, traditionally, animals and children), would 
>Sense Fairy Being be enough to allow her to see through their invisibility? 
> 
>Or would it be better if I had her buy her normal sight with the advantages 
>of Interdimensional (fairy realm), as it can be said that the realm of fairy 
>exists alongside ours. 
 
 
Depends on how you're defining the faeries.  If they're in our dimension 
and can interact with things in our dimension, then they're just invisible. 
Use sense/detect, either specialized for the faeries themselves, or for 
some effect the faeries are having, such as a disruption in airflow. 
 
If they're actually extradimensional, and can't really interact with us, 
then the interdimensional sight would be appropriate. 
 
 
 
======================  ================================================= 
Mike Christodoulou      "Never doubt that a small group of committed  
Cypriot@Concentric.Net   citizens can change the world.  In fact, it is  
(770) 662-5605           the only thing that ever has."  -- Margaret Mead 
======================  ================================================= 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 11:30:40 -0500 
From: "B.C. Holmes" <bcholmes@interlog.com> 
Subject: Re: The new guy 
 
Ronald A. Miller wrote: 
>  
> Anybody hear anything about Star HERO?  Is this only a myth?   
> There used to be the .doc file on Checkered Demon, did anybody  
> save it/repost it?  It had great rules for robots and the like... 
>  
> Anyway, that's me.  It's good to be here. 
 
	The Playtest version of Star Hero, 2nd Edition, is still on Red 
October. 
 
http://www.mactyre.net/october/HEROTEST/Files.html 
 
BCing you 
- ----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+-- 
B.C. Holmes                           http://www.interlog.com/~bcholmes/ 
"Now I'm where I want to be and who I want to be and doing what they  
 always said I wouldn't, yet I feel I haven't won at all." 
                                 - _Chess_ 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 10:41:01 -0600 
From: "Melinda and Steven Mitchell" <mdmitche@advicom.net> 
Subject: Re: Need some mechanics help 
 
> From: Joe Mucchiello <why@superlink.net> 
>  
> At 09:24 AM 1/10/99 -0500, Lisa Hartjes wrote: 
> >Hi!  I'm getting a character in one of my campaigns that has the ability 
to 
> >see beings of Faerie - essentially, she can see anything that is 
typically 
> >fairy-like.  She can see sprites, brownies, boggles, and any other 
creature 
> >that is associated with this kind of creature.  Since most of the 
creatures 
> >are invisible to people (except, traditionally, animals and children), 
would 
> >Sense Fairy Being be enough to allow her to see through their 
invisibility? 
>  
> Since you have to define Faeries as having Invisibility (-1/4 Except to 
> animals and children), I would make them have Invisibility (-1/4 Except 
to 
> animals, children and Sense Faerie).  This way Sense Faerie would be the 
> normal way to see Faeries.  It is the simpler solution.  Put Sense Faerie 
> in the sight group (so that it can be flashed by mischievous Fae). 
>  
<snip> 
I agree with Joe, except that I would call it "Witchsight", "Second Sight", 
or "The Sight"--depending on the campaign--and make it just a little more 
broad--seeing Faery Circles for what they are (not just a ring of stones), 
for example. 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 09:03:52 -0800 
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com> 
Subject: Re: The new guy 
 
At 10:12 AM 1/10/99 -0500, thomas deja wrote: 
>>From: rabmiller@email.msn.com (Ronald A. Miller) 
> 
>>> Anybody hear anything about Star HERO? 
>>> Is this only a myth? There used to be the 
>>> .doc file on Checkered Demon, did anybody 
>>> save it/repost it? It had great rules for robots 
>>> and the like.. 
> 
>STAR HERO exists/existed in the same way HORROR HERO and ROBOT WARRIORS 
>exists/existed.  It's loooooong out of print. 
 
   I've heard some talk about a serious effort toward a Star Hero 2nd Ed 
being in the works, but that's all I can really say right now. 
- --- 
Bob's Original Hero Stuff Page!  [Circle of HEROS member] 
   http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/original.htm 
Merry-Go-Round Webring -- wanna join? 
   http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/merrhome.htm 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 09:02:49 -0800 
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com> 
Subject: Re: Paying for Equipment 
 
At 09:52 AM 1/10/99 -0500, Lisa Hartjes wrote: 
>Now, I haven't looked in the books yet, but I was wondering... 
> 
>Does it say anywhere how to figure out the money cost for high tech items? 
>I know that if a character pays points for it, it's really a moot point, but 
>for role playing purposes I need to know.  Is it based on the AP of the 
>equipment, or on something else?  I'm not talking about your standard 
>computers, pocket organisers or tazers.  I mean ray guns, 22st century-type 
>computers, power armor, and BFG's. :) 
 
   One fairly simple method (sometimes overly simple) I've used with some 
success in the past has been to multiply Active Points by Real Cost for a 
base dollar amount.  Thus, a blaster with 8 charges (assuming 10d6, OAF) 
would cost $1000.  Adjust or apply multipliers as needed. 
- --- 
Bob's Original Hero Stuff Page!  [Circle of HEROS member] 
   http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/original.htm 
Merry-Go-Round Webring -- wanna join? 
   http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/merrhome.htm 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 12:40:56 -0500 (EST) 
From: Michael Surbrook <susano@dedaana.otd.com> 
Subject: CHAR: Coming soon... 
 
My latest two adaptions.  2 characters worth a total of 2380 points.   
Don't say I didn't warn you!  
 
Michael Surbrook / susano@otd.com  
http://www.otd.com/~susano/index.html 
"'Cause I'm the god of destruction, that's why!" - Susano Orbatos,Orion   
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 08:43:45 -0800 
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com> 
Subject: Re: Need some mechanics help 
 
At 09:24 AM 1/10/99 -0500, Lisa Hartjes wrote: 
>Hi!  I'm getting a character in one of my campaigns that has the ability to 
>see beings of Faerie - essentially, she can see anything that is typically 
>fairy-like.  She can see sprites, brownies, boggles, and any other creature 
>that is associated with this kind of creature.  Since most of the creatures 
>are invisible to people (except, traditionally, animals and children), would 
>Sense Fairy Being be enough to allow her to see through their invisibility? 
> 
>Or would it be better if I had her buy her normal sight with the advantages 
>of Interdimensional (fairy realm), as it can be said that the realm of fairy 
>exists alongside ours. 
> 
>Or would it just be a GM's call?  :) 
> 
>What would you do? 
 
   Personally, I'd go with the Detect Fairy, and make it Ranged, 
Discriminatory, and Targeting. 
   But which of the two (that or Indirect, Interdimensional Vision) would 
be a GM's call, depending on how the nature of Faerie works in the campaign. 
- --- 
Bob's Original Hero Stuff Page!  [Circle of HEROS member] 
   http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/original.htm 
Merry-Go-Round Webring -- wanna join? 
   http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/merrhome.htm 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 12:53:38 -0500 
From: "Lisa Hartjes" <beren@unforgettable.com> 
Subject: Re: Need some mechanics help 
 
<<I agree with Joe, except that I would call it "Witchsight", "Second 
Sight", 
or "The Sight"--depending on the campaign--and make it just a little more 
broad--seeing Faery Circles for what they are (not just a ring of stones), 
for example.> 
 
Good idea. Would would the point costing be for this?  Would you do it as 
Detect, made into a sense?  Would you require Discriminatory and Targeting? 
 
I wanted to have the power be just as vulnerable to flashes as Normal Sight, 
ie. if she's blinded, then the "Fairy Sight" wouldn't work either, as she 
needs her eyes to do it. 
 
 
Lisa 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 13:00:44 -0500 
From: "Lisa Hartjes" <beren@unforgettable.com> 
Subject: Re: Paying for Equipment 
 
<<Remember, the price of everything is negotiable.  If you need to figure 
out 
how much something costs, role play it.  The personality of the seller is 
probably the most important factor for determining cost in a FH setting 
than in a high tech setting.>> 
 
<sigh> Maybe it's because I'm a bookkeeper by training, but I really do like 
to have at least a place to start to determine what an NPC would start off 
asking for.  I mean, how much on average would a ring of invisibility be 
worth?  Or a magical sword that increases your chances of hitting?  I just 
need some place to start, and I'd rather not have to resort to T$R's 
lists... 
 
 
Lisa 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 13:04:25 -0500 
From: "Lisa Hartjes" <beren@unforgettable.com> 
Subject: Tech Levels 
 
Does anyone have, or can someone direct me to, a list of tech levels?  I 
know the GURPS main rule book has it, but mine disappeared during my last 
move.... 
 
 
 
Lisa Hartjes 
 
beren@unforgettable.com 
http://roswell.fortunecity.com/daniken/79 
ICQ:  Berengiere (9062561) 
 
"Klingons, demons, what's the difference?" 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 12:41:12 -0500 
From: Joe Mucchiello <why@superlink.net> 
Subject: Re: Need some mechanics help 
 
At 10:41 AM 1/10/99 -0600, Melinda and Steven Mitchell wrote: 
>> From: Joe Mucchiello <why@superlink.net> 
>> Since you have to define Faeries as having Invisibility (-1/4 Except to 
>> animals and children), I would make them have Invisibility (-1/4 Except 
>to 
>> animals, children and Sense Faerie).  This way Sense Faerie would be the 
>> normal way to see Faeries.  It is the simpler solution.  Put Sense Faerie 
>> in the sight group (so that it can be flashed by mischievous Fae). 
>>  
><snip> 
>I agree with Joe, except that I would call it "Witchsight", "Second Sight", 
>or "The Sight"--depending on the campaign--and make it just a little more 
>broad--seeing Faery Circles for what they are (not just a ring of stones), 
>for example. 
 
Well, Faerie circles would be covered by the fact that they are visible to 
Faerie Sight (or The Sight or whatever you call it).  Or, it would be a 
Distinctive Feature of the circle.  YMMV (Your Mechanic May Vary :-). 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 12:56:17 -0500 
From: Joe Mucchiello <why@superlink.net> 
Subject: Re: Paying for Equipment 
 
Lisa, you didn't send this to the list, I hope you don't mind my replying 
it to the list. 
 
At 12:14 PM 1/10/99 -0500, Lisa Hartjes wrote: 
><<Is this the same campaign that has Faeries?  :-)>> 
> 
>No, it's not. :) 
> 
>Well, actually, it might be, depending on what the PC plans on doing. :) 
 
How many people have "dis"connected campaigns like that?  :-) 
 
>So, if it's based on Tech Level, how do you do the cost for Magical Items? 
>Is there something in Fantasy Hero for that? 
 
Again, it depends on how hard it is to do.  If every apprentice mage can 
make a Stormbringer just by hiccupping, then Stormbringers are cheap and 
might only cost a few silver.  OTOH, if Stormbringers require large amount 
of danger (binding a demon to a blade), extremely rare items (blood of 
three virgins raised in a brothel), personal sacrifice (mages can only 
create one magic item in their lifetime), or the spells just require a lot 
END (no example), then the item will proportionately cost more. 
 
Since there probably aren't many production line magic shops, all magic 
items are created on spec and thus the mage charges the buyer as much as he 
can get out of the buyer.  Third party magic sellers are like in my 
criminal example for tech items: If they run a magic shop, the items cost a 
lot to cover overhead (taxes, exorbotent graft to the thieves' guild to 
keep any stock, etc).  If the seller is selling from out of his cloak, the 
cost might be less (since he probably just stole it from the magic shop and 
the thieves' guild is after him). 
 
Remember, the price of everything is negotiable.  If you need to figure out 
how much something costs, role play it.  The personality of the seller is 
probably the most important factor for determining cost in a FH setting 
than in a high tech setting. 
 
  Joe 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 13:10:00 -0500 
From: "Lisa Hartjes" <beren@unforgettable.com> 
Subject: GM Screens 
 
I'm thinking about making up my own set of Champs GM screens, and I was 
wondering what kinds of things people have put on theirs? 
 
And, along these lines, I know that there is a file out there somewhere with 
4 .pdf files for stuff a guy named Mike (at least that's what I remember his 
name being) did.  I have only one of them, called "action.pdf" on my system, 
and I can't for the life of me find the others.  If someone can help me find 
that file, I'd really appreciate it! 
 
 
Lisa Hartjes 
 
beren@unforgettable.com 
http://roswell.fortunecity.com/daniken/79 
ICQ:  Berengiere (9062561) 
 
"Klingons, demons, what's the difference?" 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 13:39:04 -0500 
From: "Lisa Hartjes" <beren@unforgettable.com> 
Subject: Tech Levels - Ignore Previous message 
 
Whoops!  I just found the Digital Hero article about tech levels.  I 
answered my own question. :) 
 
 
Lisa Hartjes 
 
beren@unforgettable.com 
http://roswell.fortunecity.com/daniken/79 
ICQ:  Berengiere (9062561) 
 
"Klingons, demons, what's the difference?" 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 12:21:59 -0600 
From: "Michael (Damon) & Peni Griffin" <griffin@txdirect.net> 
Subject: Re: Paying for Equipment 
 
At 09:52 AM 1/10/1999 -0500, Lisa Hartjes wrote: 
>Now, I haven't looked in the books yet, but I was wondering... 
> 
>Does it say anywhere how to figure out the money cost for high tech items? 
 
Nowhere that I've been able to find, and I checked Danger International, 
back issues of Adventurer's Club and some other sources, not just the BBB. 
If anyone ever does a 4th/5th edition Gadgets update, perhaps it will be 
covered there...Bob? Dave?  Will you take a stab at this in The Ultimate 
Gadgeteer? 
 
>I know that if a character pays points for it, it's really a moot point, but 
>for role playing purposes I need to know.  Is it based on the AP of the 
>equipment, or on something else?  I'm not talking about your standard 
>computers, pocket organisers or tazers.  I mean ray guns, 22st century-type 
>computers, power armor, and BFG's. :) 
 
Price for equipment should be based on its nearest real-world equivalent, 
where that's possible.  Where you can't find a reasonable equivalent in the 
real world, you have three choices that I can think of: 
 
1) Create a pricing system based on Active Points, and modified by supply 
and demand conditions: is the item locally available or must it be 
imported?  if the item is manufactured, how widespread is the technology to 
create it?  is the item mass produced or must be custom made for each 
buyer?  is the item legal or illegal to make/sell/buy on the open market, 
without a license/permit/other restrictions?   
 
2) Pray that someone else has already done this for his or her campaign. 
Try to find that person and get a copy of his or her pricing guidelines. 
If you choose this option, don't assume that person is a Hero List 
subscriber; actively seek out Hero related web pages and look for yourself. 
 The Links sections at the herogames website, and several list member's 
pages, will get you started on that.  You can also post your question to 
several RPG-related newsgroups (not just those dealing with the Hero system). 
 
3) Hit the gaming shops and used book stores.  Look for non-Hero RPGs that 
deal with near-future, science fiction, post-apocalypse, conspiracy or 
epsionage themes.  These are the most likely genres to include purchaseable 
equipment of the sort you listed.  Flip through the rulebooks or 
supplements for these other games until you find one that will give you 
enough of a list to get started, then extrapolate prices for items not 
listed and expand the list for your campaign. 
 
"Heroes Unlimited" and "Ninjas & Superspies" (both from Palladium Games) 
contain such equipment lists, but they may not go far enough into the 
future for the items you want; perhaps some of the Rifts supplements would, 
since Rifts is another Palladium game?  I own no Rifts books, so I can't 
say.  Ninjas & Superspies does list these items: 
 
Standard Laser Pistol, $300,000 ($25,000 for an energy clip) 
4D6 damage, 10 shots per clip. 
 
Standard Laser Rifle, $400,000 ($25,000 for an energy clip) 
6d6 damage, 20 shots per clip. 
 
Heavy Laser with backback, $1,000,000 for the whole unit. 
6d6+10 damage, 100 shots in a fully charged backback (backpack regenerates 
in 24 hours.) 
 
Obviously, the book's descriptions are more detailed than what I've 
reproduced above, but some of the detail is only applicable to the 
Palladium system and would have to be converted anyway. 
 
Good luck, and let us know what you come up with! 
 
Damon 
 
- ----------------------- 
Money is the root of all evil, and yet it is such a useful root that 
we cannot get on without it any more than we can without potatoes.  
				-- Louisa May Alcott 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 10:52:18 -0800 (PST) 
From: John Desmarais <johndesmarais@yahoo.com> 
Subject: Re: Tech Levels 
 
- --Lisa Hartjes <beren@unforgettable.com> wrote: 
> 
> Does anyone have, or can someone direct me to, a list of tech 
levels?  I 
> know the GURPS main rule book has it, but mine disappeared during my 
last 
> move.... 
 
Well, the gone but not forgotten (and recently mentioned) Star Hero 
2nd draft (available from the Red October Archives) had some 
information on tech levels. 
 
 
== 
======================================= 
John Desmarais  <champ-l-owner@sysabend.org> 
Keeper of the Champions / Hero System mailing 
list.  http://www.sysabend.org/champions 
======================================= 
_________________________________________________________ 
 
DO YOU YAHOO!? 
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 99 19:19:05  
From: "qts" <qts@nildram.co.uk> 
Subject: Re: Tech Levels 
 
On Sun, 10 Jan 1999 13:04:25 -0500, Lisa Hartjes wrote: 
 
>Does anyone have, or can someone direct me to, a list of tech levels?  I 
>know the GURPS main rule book has it, but mine disappeared during my last 
>move.... 
 
Check out the Shadow World sourcebooks. 
qts 
 
Home: qts@nildram.co.uk. 
 
------------------------------ 
 
End of champ-l-digest V1 #127 
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