Digest Archive vol 1 Issue 278
From: owner-champ-l-digest@sysabend.org
Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 1999 1:29 AM
To: champ-l-digest@sysabend.org
Subject: champ-l-digest V1 #278
champ-l-digest Wednesday, April 14 1999 Volume 01 : Number 278
In this issue:
Re: Power Construct: Seeing in the Dark (fwd)
RE: CHAR: Creatures
Re: CHAR: Creatures
Re: Power Construct: Seeing in the Dark (fwd)
Re: CHAR: Creatures
Re: CHAR: Kun Kan
Re: I am very disappointed with Creation Workshop
Re: CHAR: Tarasque
Re: Power Construct: SPD; Costs END
Re: CHAR: Creatures
Re: fire extinguisher
Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
Re: CHAR: Tarasque
Re: CHAR: Kun Kan
Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
Re: I am very disappointed with Creation Workshop
Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
Re: I am very disappointed with Creation Workshop
Re: Non-Lethal Weapons
Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
RE: Power Help: Final Strike
Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
Re: I am very disappointed with Creation Workshop
Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
The Master of Terror's Powers
Re: I am very disappointed with Creation Workshop
Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 13:18:06 -0700
From: "Filksinger" <filkhero@usa.net>
Subject: Re: Power Construct: Seeing in the Dark (fwd)
From: Lance <lancelot@radiks.net>
> Exactly why doesnt a bonus to perception only in the dark simulate your
effect
> perfectly?
Possibly because he said, "No ambient radiation". This might indicate that
it works in perfect darkness.
Filksinger
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 16:21:46 -0400 (EDT)
From: Michael Surbrook <susano@dedaana.otd.com>
Subject: RE: CHAR: Creatures
On Tue, 13 Apr 1999, Brian Wawrow wrote:
> Useful is an entirely subjective term. I could put a Terrasque up against
> the guys in my FH game, long before they'd ever have to see one of those
> galaxy eating fiends from DBZ.
Yeah, well, I try to post all types of characters for all types of people.
I seriously suspect that some of the characters I post never get used
(except as humor material).
> Of course, if you're going to post them on your web site, you really only
> need to post them for feedback. When I sit down to put some creatures into
> an adventure, I'll be checking the web site rather than looking through old
> emails. I haven't been commenting on anything lately because it's been fine.
> The last few creatures [post Beholder] have been pretty straight forward in
> design so didn't really warrant a lot of discussion.
I post stuff here both for feedback and so that people who can't or don't
access my website can see them. Anything I dopost here does go to my
website (sometimes with corrections and suggestions supplied by the list).
> Anyway, I'd say either keep posting them or post them on your web site and
> send the list an invitation to come and check them out.
Actually, I'll do both.
- --
Michael Surbrook - susano@otd.com - http://www.otd.com/~susano/index.html
If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an
infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even
considering if there is a man on base. - Dave Barry
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 16:23:09 -0400 (EDT)
From: Michael Surbrook <susano@dedaana.otd.com>
Subject: Re: CHAR: Creatures
On Tue, 13 Apr 1999, Jason Sullivan wrote:
> On Tue, 13 Apr 1999, Michael Surbrook wrote:
> > Are people cool with these postings? I know they aren't as useful as say,
> <snip>
>
> I think that these are excellent write-ups, first, because they
> can apply to a wide range of Fantasy or Horror genre campagins, and
> second, (despite the fact that many of these are Unique or Rare creatures)
> they can be used to confront an adventuring party for a random encounter
> without undo complexities.
Most fabulous monsters are rare, this is one reason why they are
so fabulous.
> ...Michael, you wouldn't happen to have stats for a Gorgon-Medusa
> ala Clash of the Titans, would you? :)
Nope. I will try and write up the true basilisk of the Middle Ages
through.
- --
Michael Surbrook - susano@otd.com - http://www.otd.com/~susano/index.html
"Think for yourselves and question authority."
Dr. Timothy Leary
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 13:50:09 -0700 (PDT)
From: shaw@caprica.com (Wayne Shaw)
Subject: Re: Power Construct: Seeing in the Dark (fwd)
> I need a power that will allow a character to see as well at night
>as during the day.
> This is not infravision, where one may see things in heat
>patterns.
> Rather, it is a "mystical" sight, in which there is no darkness.
>It does not require any from of ambient radiation. It functions similar
>to normal sight, the only drawback (perhaps) being the sight "in the
>dark" is ever so slighty dimmed towards monochrome color shifts.
>
> It is not Spatial Awareness, because it can sense fine details.
So buy the Spacial Awareness with 'Discriminatory'.
>N-Ray vision and Detect/Sense also can't be used to simulate this power,
>nor can a bonus to PER only for the purposes of seeing in the dark.
Why can't you do it if you buy Detect with all the bells and whistles?
Nothing I see says so. It might be pricier than it's worth, but that's a
different question.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 12:57:34 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: CHAR: Creatures
At 02:19 PM 4/13/1999 -0400, Michael Surbrook wrote:
>Are people cool with these postings? I know they aren't as useful as say,
>a super hero or anime character, but i figured some of you might like
>them.
There are Fantasy Hero fans here, too; plus, it's often fun to pit
superheroes (or even heroes of other genres) against creatures like this.
Heck, it might even be fun to let a bunch of Western gunslingers try to
figure out how to take handle a dragon!
- ---
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: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 13:01:26 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: CHAR: Kun Kan
At 12:17 PM 4/13/1999 -0400, Michael Surbrook wrote:
>KUN KAN
>(Earth Demon)
Hmmm... if one formed on a certain Carribean island, would that be a
Cancun Kun Can? ;-]
Seriously, though, this is the first one of these you've posted that I
can find a definite use for. The version I use will be much more powerful,
though, nearly to the point of obscenity (for reasons I'll go into
privately if asked).
I have no other feedback, though; it looks fine on my look-through.
- ---
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: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 13:06:30 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: I am very disappointed with Creation Workshop
At 08:42 AM 4/13/1999 -0700, Darrin Kelley wrote:
> I am on the CW list. Unfortunately, it is also an extremely buggy
mailing list.
This, unfortunately, I've also found to be true (to an extent, at
least). In the past month or so, I've posted a question to that list, and
Leah has as well, but the only reply I've seen was my (non-helpful) reply
to Leah's question.
I wonder, though, whether this is a problem with the list server, or
something else.
- ---
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: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 12:55:21 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: CHAR: Tarasque
At 03:01 PM 4/13/1999 GMT, <owner-champ-l@sysabend.org> wrote:
>From: Michael Surbrook <susano@dedaana.otd.com>
>Cc: Champions Mailing List <champ-l@sysabend.org>
>Subject: Re: CHAR: Tarasque
>
>On Tue, 13 Apr 1999, Bob Greenwade wrote:
>
>> At 11:29 PM 4/12/1999 -0400, Michael Surbrook wrote:
>> >
>> >5 Tail: Extra Limb: Tail
>>
>> Is this tail really that handy? (It should at least have a Limitation
>> for No Fine Manipulation and Limited Prehensibility).
>
>It seems that things with multiple limbs and tails buy this power in the
>Hero Bestiary. I was wondering myself, but decided to include it rather
>than leave it out. It does allow the creature to strike with it (I
>guess).
Yes, it does that; I'd still use the above-mentioned Limitations on it,
though (at -1/2 each).
>> >Appearance:
>> >The Tarasque (pronounced tar-ask) is a huge water dragon. The appearance
>> >of the dragon varies depending on the exact story, but all agree that the
>> >Tarasque is of great size. Combing the various legends, we get a large
>> >water-dwelling dragon, half-mammal, half-fish. It is covered in thick
>> >scales, has a lionish head, bear-like paws, a long tail, and many sharp
>> >teeth. One description gives it great forward-pointing tusks. One
>> >version of the stay says the Tarasque is a male, while the other describes
>> >it as a female (and the daughter of Leviathan).
>>
>> Could there be two Tarasques, one of each? (Or even an entire grouping
>> of them, enough to define them as a breed or species?) Some of the
>> variations could represent secondary sexual characteristics, and others
>> just individual markings.
>
>The original is a unique creature (just like the Shaggy Beast was), but
>this write up allows one to presume it is a seperate species of dragon.
>Of course, one has to wonder about reports giving it 6 legs, others 4 and
>one says it is larger than "a dozen elephants".
Hm.... Yeah, it kinda could go either way.
>> >Game Master may or may not want to utilize the ability for holy objects
>> >and characters to utterly pacify the Tarasque. If this is true, the GM
>> >needs to decide what constitutes a true 'holy' object or character. In
>> >general, the character should be truly saintly, most player characters
>> >will *not* fall under this category.
>>
>> Still, a Susceptibility that manifests as Cumulative Mind Control might
>> be something to have on the character sheet (Uncommon, 3d6/segment).
>
>I was thinking more of a Phys Lim myself (unable to harm the truly holy).
From the extremely brief versions of the stories you posted, it looks
like it's a bit more than that -- the dragon becomes downright placid in
the presence of an appropriate person presenting a holy item (holy water,
the cross).
- ---
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: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 14:02:50 -0700 (PDT)
From: shaw@caprica.com (Wayne Shaw)
Subject: Re: Power Construct: SPD; Costs END
>At 10:58 PM 4/12/1999 -0700, Wayne Shaw wrote:
>>>Pushing this example to the extreme, a SPD 2 character has +10 SPD
>>>available to him as a Power; this is "only" 100 AP woth of power, no matter
>>>how long he uses it. You want to charge the character 100 END every Turn
>>>for this. No other 100 AP Power costs this much to use, no matter what the
>>>benefits.
>>
>>Really? Tried running 100 AP force field all turn lately? If you had ten
>>phases, that would cost you 100 END too. Any constant power costs every
>>phase; I don't see why SPD should get to be an exception.
>
>I will concede that a 100 AP force field, used over the space of 10 Phases,
>does and should cost 100 END over the course of the Turn. However, in this
>case you get the full benefit of the 100 AP field on every Phase.
Not necessarily. After all, you may not get hit that phase. In which case
you're paying for something that did nothing for you. But you still pay for
it because it's still in operation.
>
>Captain Zoom buys a 60 AP "extra SPD" Power, which gives him the chance to
>take six extra actions. Can he take six extra actions per Phase? No.
>Then why make him pay END as if he could? It only acts as a 60 AP Power
>over the course of a full Turn; on each of the bonus Phases, it's
>effectively a 10 AP Power that lasts for one Phase. This may seem an odd
>way of thinking of it, but it beats billing a character full END cost for
>something every Phase that they only get full benefit from every Turn.
Doesn't make any difference. He's still running it the whole turn, he still
gets to pay for it. And I still say the benefits are more than equal to
other abilities similarly priced. I also think you're seriously
understating the benefits of a higher SPD even outside the specific phases
they give.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 14:14:52 -0700 (PDT)
From: shaw@caprica.com (Wayne Shaw)
Subject: Re: CHAR: Creatures
>Are people cool with these postings? I know they aren't as useful as say,
>a super hero or anime character, but i figured some of you might like
>them.
I don't tend to look at any character postings, so I'm kind of the wrong one
to ask, but were I to, I'd probably get more use out of these than I would
most characters.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 17:44:07 -0400
From: geoff heald <gheald@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: fire extinguisher
At 06:19 PM 4/13/99 -0700, you wrote:
>geoff heald wrote:
>
>> Well, I'd call it TK. The idea is to push down on the fire. Admittedly,
>> the thing you're pushing down is very like a force wall, but since it isn't
>> stationary, I thought it would be TK.
>> Just like stamping out the fire, but using telekinetic "feet".
>
> I don't know where you got the idea that they were pushing down on the
>fire to put it out. It would make more sense that they use the force
>field to smother the fire by starving it of oxygen. After all, the
>force fields they have are airtight. They use them for windows and
>hatches in the hanger bays. Hell, they even use them as emergency hull
>plates when they have a breach.
>
> Forcewall can be used to simulate all of these so easily.
>--
>Rick Holding
>
I think it's in the TNG Technical Manual. I'll have to find it and check.
============================
Geoff Heald
============================
So this is Earth. Not what I expected. Oh, well, I'll have to make do.
"Behold Earthians! Your new lord has arrived!"
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 18:02:27 -0400
From: geoff heald <gheald@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
At 07:48 AM 4/13/99 -0700, you wrote:
> You can blame Gary Townsend for bringing this to the Fuzion ML, and
>Geoff Heald for that last paragraph....
>
>>>I caught this on the MZML, took it, and laughed my butt off.
>>>
>>>For the record, I scored 60% pure.
>>>
>>>http://www2.tower.org/purity/gamer.html
>>>
>>>Check it out! :)
>>>
>>>-GT
>>>
>>Gary, you fool, you've allowed the madness to spread! Soon this will get
>>to the Hero list and from there god knows where it will go.
>---
>Bob's Original Hero Stuff Page! [Circle of HEROS member]
I claim no responsibility! It was all Bob's fault! I had nothing to do
with this!
I scored 67%pure (33% corrupt) and I say again this test is unfairly biased
against folks who don't go to Cons and disdain LARP.
============================
Geoff Heald
============================
"do you hear someone laughing megalomaniacally?"
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 18:57:17 -0400 (EDT)
From: Michael Surbrook <susano@dedaana.otd.com>
Subject: Re: CHAR: Tarasque
On Tue, 13 Apr 1999, Bob Greenwade wrote:
> >> >5 Tail: Extra Limb: Tail
> >>
> >> Is this tail really that handy? (It should at least have a Limitation
> >> for No Fine Manipulation and Limited Prehensibility).
> >
> >It seems that things with multiple limbs and tails buy this power in the
> >Hero Bestiary. I was wondering myself, but decided to include it rather
> >than leave it out. It does allow the creature to strike with it (I
> >guess).
>
> Yes, it does that; I'd still use the above-mentioned Limitations on it,
> though (at -1/2 each).
So the tail costs 2 points? Does 5th edition cover this any? I mean,
does 5th go into what one uses Extra Limbs for?
> >> Still, a Susceptibility that manifests as Cumulative Mind Control might
> >> be something to have on the character sheet (Uncommon, 3d6/segment).
> >
> >I was thinking more of a Phys Lim myself (unable to harm the truly holy).
>
> From the extremely brief versions of the stories you posted, it looks
> like it's a bit more than that -- the dragon becomes downright placid in
> the presence of an appropriate person presenting a holy item (holy water,
> the cross).
Hmmm... okay, I'll mess around with that.
- --
Michael Surbrook - susano@otd.com - http://www.otd.com/~susano/index.html
"I don't do .INI, .BAT, or .SYS files. I don't assign apps to files.
I don't configure peripherals or networks before using them. I have
a computer to do all that. I have a Macintosh, not a hobby."
Fritz Anderson
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 18:58:05 -0400 (EDT)
From: Michael Surbrook <susano@dedaana.otd.com>
Subject: Re: CHAR: Kun Kan
On Tue, 13 Apr 1999, Bob Greenwade wrote:
> At 12:17 PM 4/13/1999 -0400, Michael Surbrook wrote:
> >KUN KAN
> >(Earth Demon)
>
> Hmmm... if one formed on a certain Carribean island, would that be a
> Cancun Kun Can? ;-]
O_o ooogggg...
> Seriously, though, this is the first one of these you've posted that I
> can find a definite use for. The version I use will be much more powerful,
> though, nearly to the point of obscenity (for reasons I'll go into
> privately if asked).
Okay, what *are* you using it for?
> I have no other feedback, though; it looks fine on my look-through.
s'cool.
- --
Michael Surbrook - susano@otd.com - http://www.otd.com/~susano/index.html
"I don't do .INI, .BAT, or .SYS files. I don't assign apps to files.
I don't configure peripherals or networks before using them. I have
a computer to do all that. I have a Macintosh, not a hobby."
Fritz Anderson
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 18:58:58 -0400 (EDT)
From: Michael Surbrook <susano@dedaana.otd.com>
Subject: Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
On Tue, 13 Apr 1999, geoff heald wrote:
> I scored 67%pure (33% corrupt) and I say again this test is unfairly biased
> against folks who don't go to Cons and disdain LARP.
I got a 31% corrupt and I agree.
- --
Michael Surbrook - susano@otd.com - http://www.otd.com/~susano/index.html
"I don't do .INI, .BAT, or .SYS files. I don't assign apps to files.
I don't configure peripherals or networks before using them. I have
a computer to do all that. I have a Macintosh, not a hobby."
Fritz Anderson
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 19:06:11 EDT
From: HeroGames@aol.com
Subject: Re: I am very disappointed with Creation Workshop
In a message dated 4/13/99 12:53:43 PM, lizard@dnai.com writes:
>Yeah, the 'New' button. THAT'S inutivie. NOT!
>
>I'd be less critical if it wasn't for the fact I design interfaces for
>a living, among other things.
The button is called New because this is a general application, and therefor=
e=20
naming buttons for specific game system templates didn't seem like a good=20
idea. Perhaps we can address the issue in a future version.
>And I have to do things like rename 'Professional Skill' to
>PS:Smuggler, instead of having a field to tpye what the skill is.
>Annoying.
You only have to do that once; you can save a character sheet as a data file=20
with all of the new skills you create (or powers, or equipment, or whatever)=
.
>With all those windows, drag&drop would be ideal -- for example,
>dragging a power into, or out of, a multipower. I finally found out
>you can cut&paste...and THAT'S when the system crashed on me.
Again, that's something we should look at in a future version (and right now=
,=20
determine if there's a crash bug there). That's why it's useful for us to ge=
t=20
feedback, so we can refine the software in future versions.
>I'm a little disappointed in the GURPS liscence;I use GCA for my GURPS
>game. As I entered peoples characters into it, the comment I heard
>from ALL of them was, 'Wow, this is so much better than Creation
>Workshop!' At the time, I hadn't really used CW, so I couldn't
>comment.
>
>Maybe you could convince the author of GCA to write a HERO module?
I'm not familiar with the software you refer to. In any case, we consider a=20
GURPS Creator to be very important; we've had many requests for it. The=20
reason most often given is the ability to convert one (or a batch) of=20
characters from GURPS to other game systems. Also, of course, the fact that=20
the template can be customized (and printouts as well) is often cited as an=20
important feature.
The difficulties you have seem to be with the interface, primarily. You must=20
remember that designing an interface that works for virtually any game syste=
m=20
means that it's not going to be optimal for any game system. Still, I find=20
creating characters in Creation Workshop just as fast as in HeroMaker, if no=
t=20
faster in some instances.
=97 Steve Peterson, Hero Games=20
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 18:04:23 -0500 (Central Daylight Time)
From: Tim Gilberg <gilberg@ou.edu>
Subject: Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
> > I scored 67%pure (33% corrupt) and I say again this test is unfairly biased
> > against folks who don't go to Cons and disdain LARP.
>
> I got a 31% corrupt and I agree.
How so? I've got a 44% corrupt, but only 2 points came from my
very limited LARPing. As for cons, they are there, but book ownership and
dice were bigger.
Some were quite painful reminders--like stepping on a d4 with no
shoes on.
-Tim Gilberg
-"English Majors of the World! Untie!"
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 18:16:14 CDT
From: Don McKinney <dmckinne@itds.com>
Subject: Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
> How so? I've got a 44% corrupt, but only 2 points came from my
> very limited LARPing. As for cons, they are there, but book ownership and
> dice were bigger.
>
> Some were quite painful reminders--like stepping on a d4 with no
> shoes on.
Hmm... I scored a 70% corrupt and unfortunately, the only way to
improve my score appears to be author a book and/or have sex with
someone who has. And no, I'm not looking for applicants...
Actually, someone really needs to improve on this... Turn it the other
way, and add HERO/Fuzion stuff to it. Make it a HERO/Fuzion purity
test...
DonM.
- --
========================================================================
= Donald E. McKinney, Senior ConfigMgt Engineer dmckinne@itds.com =
= International Telecommunications Data Systems (217) 239-8365 =
= 2109 Fox Drive, Champaign, IL (217) 351-8250 =
= Winter War 27 Convention Chairman, Champaign, IL, February 4-6, 2000 =
= winterwar@prairienet.org http://www.prairienet.org/winterwar/ =
========================================================================
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 16:15:30 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
At 06:02 PM 4/13/1999 -0400, geoff heald wrote:
>At 07:48 AM 4/13/99 -0700, you wrote:
>>>Gary, you fool, you've allowed the madness to spread! Soon this will get
>>>to the Hero list and from there god knows where it will go.
>>---
>>Bob's Original Hero Stuff Page! [Circle of HEROS member]
>
>I claim no responsibility! It was all Bob's fault! I had nothing to do
>with this!
It was your idea. I wouldn't have come up with it on my own.
>I scored 67%pure (33% corrupt) and I say again this test is unfairly biased
>against folks who don't go to Cons and disdain LARP.
Cons and LARP are relatively small parts of this. (I got 64% BTW.)
- ---
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: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 15:57:29 -0700 (PDT)
From: shaw@caprica.com (Wayne Shaw)
Subject: Re: I am very disappointed with Creation Workshop
>The difficulties you have seem to be with the interface, primarily. You must
>remember that designing an interface that works for virtually any game system
>means that it's not going to be optimal for any game system. Still, I find
>creating characters in Creation Workshop just as fast as in HeroMaker, if not
>faster in some instances.
I don't think I could say that; I think Heromaker is a more intuitive
interface than Creation Workshop has. On the other hand, it's really hard
for me to express how beneficial I consider the customization. Maybe one of
these days I'll actually have a system that can run Hero Creator. :P
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 14:23:34 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: Non-Lethal Weapons
At 11:32 AM 4/13/1999 -0700, Filksinger wrote:
>Your construct is an attack that does damage to _any_ object that has no
>non-Resistant PD, including cars, tanks, Questonite, or any other material,
>no matter how strong. This is not a vortex cannon; it doesn't have that kind
>of power. It is just an ordinary EB with an odd SFX which, in the real
>world, creates Advantages that should cost a few points, rather than just
>being marked down to SFX.
This paragraph alone was enough to convince me that you are right, and
my method is screwed. :-]
- ---
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: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 19:52:39 -0400
From: David_A._Fair@fc.mcps.k12.md.us (David A. Fair)
Subject: Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
susano@dedaana.otd.com writes:
>> I scored 67%pure (33% corrupt) and I say again this test is unfairly
>biased
>> against folks who don't go to Cons and disdain LARP.
>I got a 31% corrupt and I agree.
I cannot disagree (as I have LARPed, but not very often and have only
made it 2 Cons in my life) but somehow I still ended up being 66%
Corrupt...
Thanks,
Dave
- ---------------------------------------------------------
David A. Fair
Montgomery County Public Schools
Office of Global Access Technology
Elementary User Support Specialist
David_Fair@fc.mcps.k12.md.us
- ---------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 20:00:43 -0400
From: "Scott A. Colcord" <sacolcor@ic.net>
Subject: RE: Power Help: Final Strike
For these types of spells, I think that it's important to keep in mind the
story that's going on, and not over-emphasize the mechanics. I would remove
the "Requires Skill Roll" limitation entirely, and simply add another
limitation, with a value somewhere in the range of -6 to -10: "Caster dies
after next spell cast". The reason for this is that a spell like this
should
probably only be owned by the most powerful mages, and would serve as a plot
device. If cast by an NPC wizard (presumably at the height of a climactic
battle), I would /not/ want to roll the spell and have it flubbed on the
whim
of the dice...it's too anticlimactic. Similarly, if the spell is owned by a
PC mage, it would be that character's last, presumably heroic, sacrifice,
and
having him/her blow the roll and die a meaningless death would really suck
for the player involved...just let it succeed. The exact value of the
limitation should probably depend on what happens to the character's 'soul'
after death. If it still exists, and could be contacted (or even
resurrected),
the limitation would be relatively small (-6 or so). If it's totally and
irrevocably destroyed, give it a -10. It's kind of hard to abuse a power
like
this, after all.
----Scott
> The Spell:
> By channeling the caster's life force into magical energy, this
> spell can greatly increase the power of any spell cast
> immediately after it. The catch? You have to channel /all/ of your
remaining
> life energy,so as soon as you're done casting that other spell, your body
falls
> lifeless to the floor.
>
> The Power:
> xd6 Aid (5x) to any one spell (+1/4) or possibly to all spells
> (+2), gestures (-1/4), incantations (-1/4), requires magic skill roll
> (-1/2)
>
> The Problem:
> What value should be given to 'caster dies when all Aided points
> are gone'? I'm pondering using 'one charge never recovers
> (-4)' (possibly along with 'costs end (-1/2)'), but even that isn't really
> enough, because then one could happily cast the spell and still go on with
> their lives. Side Effects might be usable (they ought to do several dice
> of killing damage with no defenses), but what limitation do you get for
> 'Side Effects always occur'?
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 17:47:23 -0700
From: "Filksinger" <filkhero@usa.net>
Subject: Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
From: geoff heald <gheald@worldnet.att.net>
<snip>
> I scored 67%pure (33% corrupt) and I say again this test is unfairly
biased
> against folks who don't go to Cons and disdain LARP.
I got 64%, but then I lost all my dice not too long ago, only played in two
spontaneous LARPs, and never had the money to go to most gaming only cons.
There's only one in my area, and I haven't been for years.
Filksinger
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 21:18:15 -0400
From: Joe Mucchiello <why@superlink.net>
Subject: Re: I am very disappointed with Creation Workshop
At 07:06 PM 4/13/99 EDT, HeroGames@aol.com wrote:
>In a message dated 4/13/99 12:53:43 PM, lizard@dnai.com writes:
>>Maybe you could convince the author of GCA to write a HERO module?
>
>I'm not familiar with the software you refer to. In any case, we consider a
>GURPS Creator to be very important; we've had many requests for it. The
>reason most often given is the ability to convert one (or a batch) of
>characters from GURPS to other game systems. Also, of course, the fact that
>the template can be customized (and printouts as well) is often cited as an
>important feature.
http://www.teleport.com/~armin/gca/
An excellent piece of software. Think about the number of little rules in
GURPS. This program manages to handle them all. I doubt Armin has the
time to support additional systems. He's been working on v. 3 for a while
now.
Joe
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 22:09:46 -0400
From: geoff heald <gheald@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
At 06:04 PM 4/13/99 -0500, you wrote:
>
>> > I scored 67%pure (33% corrupt) and I say again this test is unfairly
biased
>> > against folks who don't go to Cons and disdain LARP.
>>
>> I got a 31% corrupt and I agree.
>
> How so? I've got a 44% corrupt, but only 2 points came from my
>very limited LARPing. As for cons, they are there, but book ownership and
>dice were bigger.
>
I answered yes to all dice questions except swallowing one.
I answered yes to all book questions except signed by author (never been to
a Con, never met an author in person).
I've been gaming since buying my D&D books new in 1978.
I answered no to all 8 Con questions.
I answered no to all 7 LARP questions.
I got 67% pure.
Cons and LARP account for about 1/6 the questions.
i think that having bought older books new should count for more. Like
divide it up:
What's the oldest RPG book you own?
What's the oldest RPG book you bought new?
============================
Geoff Heald
============================
So this is Earth. Not what I expected. Oh, well, I'll have to make do.
"Behold Earthians! Your new lord has arrived!"
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 23:29:58 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jason Sullivan <ravanos@NJCU.edu>
Subject: The Master of Terror's Powers
Here is the write up for the Master of Terror's "Fear Powers,"
most of which are gained from his Fear Module.
Just a quick explanation of the SFX and the Foci:
The Fear Module is a collection of circuits (with photo tubes,
worn on the back part of the belt under a cape), a number of disc shaped
transmitters (attached on various points of the costume), a number of dry
cell battery packs (worn as a harness and along the belt), and an
activation array (worn on a head harness underneath his mask). The Fear
Module transmits Alpha Waves along a certain frequency that affect the
almond shaped part of a person's brain that controls their emotional
impulses. It stimulates this part of the brain in such a way that it
triggers a response to be irrationally afraid.
The plans for this device, along with the prototype, were smuggled
by an American spy by the name of Stan Jaeckle, who kept them for his own
use. Ultimately, the device has an adverse effect on the user's psyche,
making them want to trigger these responses in other individuals and
enhancing and warping already existing Psychological Limitations.
Cost Power
18 +22 PRE, Continuous (+1); Offensive only (-1/4), Fear Only (-1/4),
IIF, Fragile (-1/2), Limited Power: Battery needs to be recharged, tubes
need to be replaced between adventures, shotty "experimental" technology
may short out from over use, effects user's psyche (-1/2)
27 6d6 Mind Control: One command: "Fear Me" (-1/2), No verbal
component (+1/4), 0 END (+1/2), Persistent (+1/2); IIF, Fragile "Fear
Module" (-1/2), Limited Power: Battery needs to be recharged, tubes need
to be replaced between adventures, shotty "experimental" technology may
short out from over use, effects user's psyche (-1/2)
32 2d6 Entangle, DEF 2, Impervious to one Sense Group (Mental),
Entangle takes no damage from attack (+1/2), Invisible (+1), BOECV (+1);
cannot from "walls" (-1/4), Entangle automatically canceled when Fear
Master is stunned or knocked unconscious (-1/2), Works vs. PRE defense
instead of Mental defense (0), Requires a successful PRE attack of +20 or
greater (-1/2), IIF, Fragile "Fear Module" (-1/2), Limited Power: Battery
needs to be recharged, tubes need to be replaced between adventures,
shotty "experimental" technology may short out from over use, effects
user's psyche (-1/2)
In addition, Stan has procured a set of "chemical grenades" filled
with a psychoactive drug suspended in mist. I wrote them up as the
following:
26 6d6 Mental Illusions, NND [Absorbed through skin and mucous
membranes; defense is Immunity to Psychoactives, LS: Drugs/Toxins/Poisons,
Avoiding Skin Contact, Immersion in Water, or a sealed suit] (+1),
Explosion (+1); Based on CON (-1/2), OAF (-1), Range based on STR (-1/4),
Does not work in under water or in high winds, effects reduced by wind or
rain (-1/4), 4 Charges lasting for 1 Minute each (-1/4), Limitation: Fear
Master is not aware of what the target hallucinates about; target reacts
as if effected by a psychoactive drug [by surroundings, subconscious, and
outside stimuli], the response to which is almost always a frightening
twist of reality or sublimated fears (-1/4)
18 Personal Immunity to Mental Illusions, IIF: Mask (-1/4)
Aside from this equipment, I'm going to add LS for the mask and
(perhaps) Linked Darkness for the grenades.
Feedback is appreciated.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 23:27:21 EDT
From: Leah L Watts <llwatts@juno.com>
Subject: Re: I am very disappointed with Creation Workshop
>> I am on the CW list. Unfortunately, it is also an extremely buggy
>mailing list.
>
> This, unfortunately, I've also found to be true (to an extent, at
>least). In the past month or so, I've posted a question to that list,
and
>Leah has as well, but the only reply I've seen was my (non-helpful)
reply
>to Leah's question.
Must be a different Leah, I won't be getting CW until I do some computer
upgrading (right after that car upgrade I need to do ....)
Leah
___________________________________________________________________
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 23:58:41 -0700
From: darkwraith@mindspring.com
Subject: Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
At 05:47 PM 4/13/99 -0700, Filksinger wrote:
>From: geoff heald <gheald@worldnet.att.net>
>
>
>
><snip>
>> I scored 67%pure (33% corrupt) and I say again this test is unfairly
>biased
>> against folks who don't go to Cons and disdain LARP.
>
>I got 64%, but then I lost all my dice not too long ago, only played in two
>spontaneous LARPs, and never had the money to go to most gaming only cons.
>There's only one in my area, and I haven't been for years.
>
>Filksinger
I was only 52% pure and yes I have lots of books and dislike LARPS
To tell truth, I feel that the test is biased against youngins, in order to
gain the vast experience, I would have to started role-playing when I was
oh... three :P By the by what the heck is gazebo story?
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Apr 1999 01:13:49 -0400
From: geoff heald <gheald@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
At 11:58 PM 4/13/99 -0700, you wrote:
>At 05:47 PM 4/13/99 -0700, Filksinger wrote:
>>From: geoff heald <gheald@worldnet.att.net>
>>
>>
>>
>><snip>
>>> I scored 67%pure (33% corrupt) and I say again this test is unfairly
>>biased
>>> against folks who don't go to Cons and disdain LARP.
>>
>>I got 64%, but then I lost all my dice not too long ago, only played in two
>>spontaneous LARPs, and never had the money to go to most gaming only cons.
>>There's only one in my area, and I haven't been for years.
>>
>>Filksinger
>
>I was only 52% pure and yes I have lots of books and dislike LARPS
>To tell truth, I feel that the test is biased against youngins, in order to
>gain the vast experience, I would have to started role-playing when I was
>oh... three :P By the by what the heck is gazebo story?
>
>
Long story short, a player who did not know what a gazebo was attacked one.
It is a small decorative building similar to a bandstand.
Someone posted the long version within the past year or so.
Now I exact my price:
What does TSR stand for?
Where would I find the starship "Warden"
What is "the Owl and the Weasel"
And why am I being punished for never joining the TSR dominated
too-PC-for-words RPGA(which banned homosexual NPCs from tournament play)
and never having spilled enough of anything on a character sheet that it
couldn't be wiped off and played. ("I think it says +1 dagger under that
spagetti sauce.")
============================
Geoff Heald
============================
So this is Earth. Not what I expected. Oh, well, I'll have to make do.
"Behold Earthians! Your new lord has arrived!"
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Apr 1999 00:22:20 -0500 (Central Daylight Time)
From: Tim Gilberg <gilberg@ou.edu>
Subject: Re: Gamer's Purity Test! (Off topic - sorry!)
> Now I exact my price:
> What does TSR stand for?
Tactical Simulations Rules, I think.
> Where would I find the starship "Warden"
What about that other starship?
> What is "the Owl and the Weasel"
No clue, but I'd love to know.
> And why am I being punished for never joining the TSR dominated
> too-PC-for-words RPGA(which banned homosexual NPCs from tournament play)
That's a point I'll gladly not have. Ugh.
> and never having spilled enough of anything on a character sheet that it
> couldn't be wiped off and played. ("I think it says +1 dagger under that
> spagetti sauce.")
I envy you--I've killed a couple.
But all is forgiven if you've stepped on a d4.
-Tim Gilberg
-"English Majors of the World! Untie!"
------------------------------
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Date: Tuesday, June 29, 1999 10:13 AM