Digest Archives Vol 1 Issue 5
Desmarais, John
From: owner-champ-l-digest@sysabend.org
Sent: Friday, October 30, 1998 3:45 PM
To: champ-l-digest@sysabend.org
Subject: champ-l-digest V1 #4
champ-l-digest Friday, October 30 1998 Volume 01 : Number 004
In this issue:
Cyber-Hero
Test
Re: something odder
Re: Cyber-Hero
Re: Stupid Precog Tricks
Re: Stupid Precog Tricks
Strange Character Idea..
Re: Strange Character Idea..
RE: Stupid Precog Tricks
Re: something odder
Re: something still odder
Re: Cyber-Hero
Re: Strange Character Idea..
5th edition
META: A request
Re: Odd Character:Help needed
Re: Cyber-Hero
Re: Strange Character Idea..
Re: Cyber-Hero
Re: something still odder
Re: 5th edition
Re: Strange Character Idea..
Re: Stupid Precog Tricks
Re: META: A request
Re: something still odder
Re: Odd Character:Help needed
Re: META: A request
RE: something still odder
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 07:29:20 -0800
From: jayphailey@juno.com (Jay P Hailey)
Subject: Cyber-Hero
Hi Everyone
I just got a copy of Cyber-Hero. I am officially happy. But I have
heard a few whispered words on this NG that indicate that it might not be
viewed favorably by everyone. Why? What Wrong with Cyber-Hero?
Thanks
Jay P. Hailey <Meow!>
___________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html
or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 05:55:53 -0800
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Test
Well, I'm the one this time; just as some discussions were picking up on
three of the mailing lists I'm on as well as two or three in direct email,
I've suddenly stopped getting any internet email whatsoever. This is a
test to see if it comes back from this list, so hopefully something can be
diagnosed.
- ---
Bob's Original Hero Stuff Page! [Circle of HEROs member]
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/original.htm
Homepage of the Merry-Go-Round Webring! (Wanna join?)
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/merrhome.htm
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 10:17:46 -0600 (CST)
From: gilberg@ou.edu
Subject: Re: something odder
>> There's still time for suggestions, since the revisions process is ongoing.
>>
>
>My suggestion is that transformations to more powerful forms be explicitly
>allowed - with GM approval. There are many effects in comics and other
>genres which require this construct.
Agreed. Especially for Mythical and Horror genres. Explicitly
allowing for incresed point forms with transformation is the best way to go.
-Tim Gilberg
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 11:20:18 -0500 (EST)
From: Michael Surbrook <susano@access.digex.net>
Subject: Re: Cyber-Hero
On Fri, 30 Oct 1998, Jay P Hailey wrote:
> Hi Everyone
>
> I just got a copy of Cyber-Hero. I am officially happy. But I have
> heard a few whispered words on this NG that indicate that it might not be
> viewed favorably by everyone. Why? What Wrong with Cyber-Hero?
Re-read the cybernetics design rules. They blow chunks and make little
sense. They also violate the "if it's not a limitation it has no value
rule". In other words, the cyberware, regardless of system has "Does not
affect characteristics" as a limitation. They also have repeating
limtations relating to psychological problems from cyberware. The vehicle
designs are a laugh, since they don't have DEX numbers and every vehicle
has a DEF of 2 or 4, even armored cars and other vehicles. I also don't
like the netrunning rules, which seem to be very clunky. The guns don't
make a whole lot of sense either.
And... well, there are a lot of little things about the book that bug me.
When Kazei 5 comes out, get that, it has a lot of better stuff - some of
which was adapted from Cyberhero.
***************************************************************************
* "'Cause I'm the god of destruction, that's why!" - Susano Orbatos,Orion *
* Michael Surbrook / susano@access.digex.net *
* Visit "Surbrook's Stuff' the Hero Games resource site at: *
* http://www.access.digex.net/~susano/index.html *
* Attacked Mystification Police / AD Police / ESWAT *
* Society for Creative Anachronism / House ap Gwystl / Company of St.Mark *
***************************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 12:44:13 -0500
From: Chris Hartjes <chris@ergmusic.com>
Subject: Re: Stupid Precog Tricks
Leah L Watts wrote:
>
> I'm playing around with a character design -- the character has an
> erratic precognitive sense (a low activation roll or no conscious
> control, I haven't decided).
>
> The character's precognitive visions are reasonably accurate. I'm
> thinking of giving her bonus PRE, defensive only, only for events she's
> foreseen -- since she knows what's coming up, she can mentally brace for
> it. My question is what sort of value would the second limitation have?
> I'm leaning toward giving it the same value as linked, but I can also
> make a case for basing the value off the limitation on the precognition.
> If she can hardly ever use the precog (say, 8- Activation or NCC), then
> she'll hardly ever be able to use the extra PRE and should get a bigger
> point cut. Opinions, anyone?
>
> I'm also thinking of giving her a few DCV-only combat levels, SFX she
> unconsciously senses her opponent's move and tries to dodge. Can anyone
> think of other minor precog-type powers she might have? (Danger Sense
> sounds redundant for her, but I'll listen to dissenting opinions.)
>
> Leah
>
> ___________________________________________________________________
I seem to remember seeing a really cool character in the Red October
files that was the same type of thing: had precog that would let him do
the same things you talked about. Way cool concept. Can't remember
what the file is though...
- --
Chris Hartjes
Entertainment Resources Group
chris@ergmusic.com
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 13:03:33 +0000
From: "J. W. Eiler" <jw_eiler@bellsouth.net>
Subject: Re: Stupid Precog Tricks
To: champ-l@sysabend.org
Subject: Stupid Precog Tricks
From: llwatts@juno.com (Leah L Watts)
Date sent: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 10:38:27 EST
> I'm playing around with a character design -- the character has an
> erratic precognitive sense (a low activation roll or no conscious
> control, I haven't decided).
Well, just my opinion, but Precog has such game-wrecking possibilities
that I ONLY allow it in my games as a NCC -- that keeps it under GM
control, and then the poor GM isn't left "hanging" in case some fabulous
rolls happen.
> The character's precognitive visions are reasonably accurate. I'm
> thinking of giving her bonus PRE, defensive only, only for events she's
> foreseen -- since she knows what's coming up, she can mentally brace for
> it. <snippage>
If you decide to use the defensive PRE, I'd use something like "Only for
events perceived by Precog" -- with maybe a -1 limitation. However, I will
say this -- if you look at how such a power would work in a "real world"
situation, KNOWING something is going to happen is radically different
than dealing with the situation when it DOES happen -- it's still going to
have a massive emotional impact if, say, Cthulu comes up and eats
your cat, even if you had "foreseen" the event.
>
> I'm also thinking of giving her a few DCV-only combat levels, SFX she
> unconsciously senses her opponent's move and tries to dodge. Can anyone
> think of other minor precog-type powers she might have? (Danger Sense
> sounds redundant for her, but I'll listen to dissenting opinions.)
Good SFX -- I like that. However, I'd check to be sure that you're not "re-
inventing the wheel" at a point savings. No real problem if you choose to
do it that way, but if the GM's OK with it....
J. W. Eiler
Thought for the day:
I LIKE taglines. Hadn't you guessed?
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 09:08:15 PST
From: "Silky the Wonder Pimp" <solar_ranger@hotmail.com>
Subject: Strange Character Idea..
Greetings!!
I am setting up a tick-like champions game (since my players would make
it as such) and I was curious as too how you would build the following
character ability.
One of the players wants to be "Scotchguard" a scotish superhero whos
main ability is the power to have nothing stick to him, not even dirt or
dust. How would you represnt this?
Would it be a force field? Somje sort of change environment usuable on
on yourself?
Thanks!
This message brought to you by:
Silky the Wonder Pimp and his not so faithful sidekick, Call Girl.
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 12:17:36 -0500
From: Chuck Badger <wbandsis@westco.net>
Subject: Re: Strange Character Idea..
Silky the Wonder Pimp wrote:
> One of the players wants to be "Scotchguard" a scotish superhero whos
> main ability is the power to have nothing stick to him, not even dirt or
> dust. How would you represnt this?
well you can do 5 pt levels defense only vs grabs and entangles. a
constant transform on his clothes minor tranformation to keep them and
him clean. or just treat the dirt falling off as a special effect from
the dcv levels.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 12:46:20 -0500
From: Brian Wawrow <bwawrow@fmco.com>
Subject: RE: Stupid Precog Tricks
> Well, just my opinion, but Precog has such game-wrecking possibilities
>
> that I ONLY allow it in my games as a NCC -- that keeps it under GM
> control, and then the poor GM isn't left "hanging" in case some
> fabulous
> rolls happen.
>
Where I come from, we have a name for this. It's called 'plot
device'. Usually a weird blind girl who sees the future will have it but
a player who has it will have an advantage because they'll be able to
prepare for things. Precog without the NCC is a pain in the ass for a GM
and rarely worth the points for a player.
"Lidia, Lidia, are you okay?"
"Yea... I guess I blacked out. Say, where can we buy some
lottery tickets?"
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 09:43:50 -0800
From: Mark Lemming <icepirat@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: something odder
gilberg@ou.edu wrote:
>
> >> There's still time for suggestions, since the revisions process is ongoing.
> >>
> >
> >My suggestion is that transformations to more powerful forms be explicitly
> >allowed - with GM approval. There are many effects in comics and other
> >genres which require this construct.
>
> Agreed. Especially for Mythical and Horror genres. Explicitly
> allowing for incresed point forms with transformation is the best way to go.
Paddle (Magnifing Glass) for same cost or lower. Stop Sign for increased
points, since then it becomes easier to abuse.
Items like this is what annoyed me about 4th. Hero backed off from ruling and
determined it was better for the GM's to decide. Which is fine, but it's best
to have some sort of advice so the GM knows what they are getting into.
- -Mark Lemming
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 09:56:33 -0800 (PST)
From: Egyptoid <egyptoid@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: something still odder
>Is there some easy way to build this that I've missed (Probably)?
Easy? Not really, but heres how we tried.
[[Some GM interp going on here]]
Scarlett, former heroine in the Justice League of Alabama,
was inspired by Rogue of the X-men. She absorbs powers by touch.
She has 2 powers to do this with, 2 talents, and 2 psych disads,
and a variable power pool. I'll work from obscure to most obvious.
First, she's bought Cramming twice, each with Var.Spec.FX advantage,
and the advantage: usable by touch, and then limitation, must
touch target. his allows her to "borrow" 2 skills almost
instantly just by touching someone. The catch: the 2 skills she
gets are randomly chosen. So she touches Dr.Crowbar and gets the
skill "Breakfall", terribly cool, and "KS:Stamp Collecting", blah.
Next person she touches, those 2 skills vanish in favor of 2 new.
Second, she has 2 non-defined Psych disads, with an "advantage" of
Variable Spec.FX. These also change upon touching flesh.
So she touches Dr.Crowbar and gets "angry" and "domineering",
later at the zoo she touches a killer whale and gets "gregarious"
and "carnivorous". [[Campaign note: Magic Michael got into the
habit of keeping a dog around, which he would toss into Scarlett's
arms when she got too weird. Touching the dog would "reset" her
to something like "loyal" ]]
Thirdly, she has a 60 point VPP. This has the "usual" mimic pool
limits/advants. Typically it arranges itself into 3 or 4 of the
target's largest powers. Like the killer whale gave her STR, sonar,
and swimming.
Fourthly she has Transfer. This is 3 dice, with a plus to the max
gained, making a total of 60 xferable. this has basically the
same limits and advants as the VPP. The fade rate on the Transfer
was "Per Decade", however, it normally functioned at a fade-rate of
"Per Turn". But is has another limitation we called the "Rule of X".
Yet for every phase she continued absorbing once the maximum was hit,
would add to time instead of points.
here's some HeroMaker output on her.
Powers:
71 3D6 Transfer (Mutant Powers),"STUN, plus 3-5 largest
powers",22 Max Increase,fade rate: per 5 years,vs SFX (all
powers),Always On,NCC,Side FX(Desc: triggers psych disad
changes, minor x-forms, changes) ,Rule of X: (fade rate is per
turn and must be maxed = time),STUN always fades at normal
rate,not versus magic, mental, or electronic powers,Dmg
Shield,Invisible,Sight Group,0 END Persistent,Var FX,any
SFX. 0END
5 x3 Cramming,NCC,Linked,"to Transfer",Always On,Trigger,Desc:
touch based,Var FX,SFX Group: as per target
5 x3 Cramming,NCC,Linked,"to Transfer",Always On,Trigger,Desc:
touch based,Var FX,SFX Group: as per target
3 Eidetic Memory,absorbed memories,NCC,Var FX,SFX Group: as
per target's mind
77 VPP (60),only change in given circ,no choice how powers
change,restricted type of powers,can change powers as 0
phase,no skill roll required,"Touch Based Mimic Pool",Always
On,No Range,NCC,Side FX,Desc: psych problems,Var FX,any SFX,
SFX Group: 3-5 of target's largest powers.
Disadvantages:
25 Psych Lim,"Variable Psych One",very common,total
5 Psych One is random, changeable, uncontrolled
25 Psych Lim,"Variable Psych Two",very common,total
5 Psych Two is random, changeable, uncontrolled
20 Phys Lim,"Flesh to Flesh Touch Triggers Powers, Always",all
the time,greatly
an older version of her is here:
http://www.sysabend.org/champions/elliott/scarlett.html
Again, this was inspired by the Rogue idea, it isn't a write-up of Rogue.
==
Elliott aka Egyptoid
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 09:59:37 -0800 (PST)
From: John Desmarais <johndesmarais@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Cyber-Hero
- ---Jay P Hailey <jayphailey@juno.com> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone
>
> I just got a copy of Cyber-Hero. I am officially happy. But I have
> heard a few whispered words on this NG that indicate that it might
not be
> viewed favorably by everyone. Why? What Wrong with Cyber-Hero?
Well, not to say that there is no worthwhile stuff in the book (as
there is), but it does have problems. The most common complaint is
that tt's sloppy with the rules (to many instances of small rules
abuses, and just plain bad math). My biggest problem was with the
"netrunning" system, which was needlessly clunky and to a small extant
suffered from (this should fire up the flame-mongers) GURPsitis,
wherein you create new rules for a genre instead of relying on the
core rules.
==
=======================================
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: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 10:06:59 -0800 (PST)
From: John Desmarais <johndesmarais@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Strange Character Idea..
- ---Silky the Wonder Pimp <solar_ranger@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> Greetings!!
>
> I am setting up a tick-like champions game (since my players would
make
> it as such) and I was curious as too how you would build the
following
> character ability.
>
> One of the players wants to be "Scotchguard" a scotish superhero whos
> main ability is the power to have nothing stick to him, not even
dirt or
> dust. How would you represnt this?
>
> Would it be a force field? Somje sort of change environment usuable
on
> on yourself?
How's this: Desolid, no visible power effect, only vs "schmutz" ?
==
=======================================
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: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 08:30:52 -0600
From: redbf@ldd.net (bobby farris)
Subject: 5th edition
Does anyone know what the scheduled release date of 5th edition is?
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 10:18:41 -0800 (PST)
From: John Desmarais <johndesmarais@yahoo.com>
Subject: META: A request
Have any of the old-timer on this list been archiving the messages?
We're trying to set up an indexed (and soon to be searchable) archive
but I've only been archiving since shortly after taking over as list
mamanger.
==
=======================================
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: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 10:28:30 -0800 (PST)
From: Egyptoid <egyptoid@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Odd Character:Help needed
> >A quick check: are we talking about something along the lines of Paul
> >Atreides' sister in Dune?
>Such was my impression, yes.
ALIA: I am the messenger from Muad'dib. Poor Emperor, I'm afraid
my brother won't be very pleased with you.
EMPEROR: Silence!... I do not court your brother's pleasure.
REVEREND MOTHER: Kill this child!! She's an abomination!!
Kill her. Get out of my mind!!!
ALIA: Not until you tell them both who I really am.
REVEREND MOTHER: Sister of Paul Muad'dib.
GM: Roll for damage.
==
Elliott aka Egyptoid
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 98 16:38:24 -0200
From: "Rafael Sant'Anna Meyer" <avatar@ruralrj.com.br>
Subject: Re: Cyber-Hero
>Subject: Cyber-Hero
>Sent: 30.10.1998 13:29
>Received: 30.10.1998 16:28
>From: Jay P Hailey, jayphailey@juno.com
>To: champ-l@sysabend.org
>
>Hi Everyone
>
>I just got a copy of Cyber-Hero. I am officially happy. But I have
>heard a few whispered words on this NG that indicate that it might not be
>viewed favorably by everyone. Why? What Wrong with Cyber-Hero?
The Cybernetic rules aren't fine. the Cyber deck rules are terrible... If
you want brake a system you must roll a PRE attack... Now imagine a
progam Icon called Jay Leno or Adolf Hittler? Both could represent very
powerfull systems just because the icons...
The weapons present there are less efficient than the weapons present at
Dark Champs. And I had to change all vehicles. Their protection are
terrible. I think the Weapon and vehicles was did by the ICE people when
they did their cyberpunk game. My suggestion if you want run a cyber punk
game is adapt the rules from Cyberpunk 2020 for cyberspace and do 12 cool
weapons and do the name variations
>Jay P. Hailey <Meow!>
<bark bark bark!!!!>
>___________________________________________________________________
>You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
>Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html
>or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
>
==========
All the mankind is made by 3 basic principles:Duality,morality and
mortality
Electric Avatar
Rafael Sant' Anna Meyer
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 13:46:18 -0500 (EST)
From: tdj723@webtv.net (thomas deja)
Subject: Re: Strange Character Idea..
- --WebTV-Mail-2120285265-1677
Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit
I would say it's a change environment (dirty to spotless), always on,
"'I thought you loved stake-outs."
"Yeah--it's like camping with guns."
--Costas Amdolyr and Tammy Lauren, MARTIAL LAW
____________________________________
THE ULTIMATE HULK, containing the new story, "A Quiet, Normal Life," is
available now from Byron Preiss and Berkley
_______________________________
MAKE UP YOUR OWN DAMN TITLE, Tom Deja's webpage
www.freeyellow.com/members/tdj
- --WebTV-Mail-2120285265-1677
Content-Disposition: Inline
Content-Type: Message/RFC822
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit
Received: from mailsorter-101.iap.bryant.webtv.net (mailsorter-101.iap.bryant.webtv.net
[207.79.35.91]) by postoffice-102.iap.bryant.webtv.net (8.8.8/po.gso.24Feb98)
with ESMTP id JAA17663; Fri, 30 Oct 1998 09:34:39 -0800 (PST)
Received: from beelzebubba.sysabend.org (beelzebubba.sysabend.org
[208.243.107.6]) by mailsorter-101.iap.bryant.webtv.net (8.8.8/ms.graham.14Aug97)
with ESMTP id JAA17704; Fri, 30 Oct 1998 09:34:38 -0800 (PST)
Received: (from majordom@localhost) by beelzebubba.sysabend.org (8.9.1/8.9.1)
id MAA03553 for champ-l-list; Fri, 30 Oct 1998 12:08:33 -0500 (EST)
Received: from hotmail.com (f184.hotmail.com [207.82.251.73]) by
beelzebubba.sysabend.org (8.9.1/8.9.1) with SMTP id MAA03548 for <champ-l@sysabend.org&>
Fri, 30 Oct 1998 12:08:31 -0500 (EST)
Received: (qmail 7108 invoked by uid 65534); 30 Oct 1998 17:08:16 -0000
Message-ID: <19981030170816.7107.qmail@hotmail.com>
Received: from 152.163.213.56 by www.hotmail.com with HTTP; Fri, 30 Oct
1998 09:08:15 PST
X-Originating-IP: [152.163.213.56]
From: "Silky the Wonder Pimp" <solar_ranger@hotmail.com>
To: champ-l@sysabend.org
Subject: Strange Character Idea..
Content-Type: text/plain
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 09:08:15 PST
Sender: owner-champ-l@sysabend.org
Precedence: bulk
Greetings!!
I am setting up a tick-like champions game (since my players would make
it as such) and I was curious as too how you would build the following
character ability.
One of the players wants to be "Scotchguard" a scotish superhero whos
main ability is the power to have nothing stick to him, not even dirt or
dust. How would you represnt this?
Would it be a force field? Somje sort of change environment usuable on
on yourself?
Thanks!
This message brought to you by:
Silky the Wonder Pimp and his not so faithful sidekick, Call Girl.
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
- --WebTV-Mail-2120285265-1677--
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 13:47:34 -0500 (EST)
From: Michael Surbrook <susano@access.digex.net>
Subject: Re: Cyber-Hero
On Fri, 30 Oct 1998, Rafael Sant'Anna Meyer wrote:
> The weapons present there are less efficient than the weapons present at
> Dark Champs. And I had to change all vehicles. Their protection are
> terrible. I think the Weapon and vehicles was did by the ICE people when
> they did their cyberpunk game. My suggestion if you want run a cyber punk
> game is adapt the rules from Cyberpunk 2020 for cyberspace and do 12 cool
> weapons and do the name variations
Or wait for Kazei 5 to be released <yet another shameless plug>.
***************************************************************************
* "'Cause I'm the god of destruction, that's why!" - Susano Orbatos,Orion *
* Michael Surbrook / susano@access.digex.net *
* Visit "Surbrook's Stuff' the Hero Games resource site at: *
* http://www.access.digex.net/~susano/index.html *
* Attacked Mystification Police / AD Police / ESWAT *
* Society for Creative Anachronism / House ap Gwystl / Company of St.Mark *
***************************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 13:49:59 -0500 (EST)
From: tdj723@webtv.net (thomas deja)
Subject: Re: something still odder
- --WebTV-Mail-476122627-1692
Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit
What a great way to design this character! i'm working on a character
idea tenatively called 'Database' with a very similar power conception,
and you've come up with a great way to work it.....
"'I thought you loved stake-outs."
"Yeah--it's like camping with guns."
--Costas Amdolyr and Tammy Lauren, MARTIAL LAW
____________________________________
THE ULTIMATE HULK, containing the new story, "A Quiet, Normal Life," is
available now from Byron Preiss and Berkley
_______________________________
MAKE UP YOUR OWN DAMN TITLE, Tom Deja's webpage
www.freeyellow.com/members/tdj
- --WebTV-Mail-476122627-1692
Content-Disposition: Inline
Content-Type: Message/RFC822
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit
Received: from mailsorter-102.bryant.webtv.net (mailsorter-102.iap.bryant.webtv.net
[207.79.35.92]) by postoffice-101.iap.bryant.webtv.net (8.8.8/po.gso.24Feb98)
with ESMTP id KAA04075; Fri, 30 Oct 1998 10:25:18 -0800 (PST)
Received: from beelzebubba.sysabend.org (beelzebubba.sysabend.org
[208.243.107.6]) by mailsorter-102.bryant.webtv.net (8.8.8/ms.graham.14Aug97)
with ESMTP id KAA04279; Fri, 30 Oct 1998 10:25:17 -0800 (PST)
Received: (from majordom@localhost) by beelzebubba.sysabend.org (8.9.1/8.9.1)
id MAA06394 for champ-l-list; Fri, 30 Oct 1998 12:55:40 -0500 (EST)
Received: from send201.yahoomail.com (send201.yahoomail.com
[205.180.60.131]) by beelzebubba.sysabend.org (8.9.1/8.9.1) with
SMTP id MAA06390 for <champ-l@sysabend.org&> Fri, 30 Oct 1998
12:55:38 -0500 (EST)
Message-ID: <19981030175633.14164.rocketmail@send201.yahoomail.com>
Received: from [20.20.43.33] by send201.yahoomail.com; Fri, 30 Oct 1998
09:56:33 PST
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 09:56:33 -0800 (PST)
From: Egyptoid <egyptoid@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: egyptoid@bellsouth.net
Subject: Re: something still odder
To: champ-l@sysabend.org
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Sender: owner-champ-l@sysabend.org
Precedence: bulk
>Is there some easy way to build this that I've missed (Probably)?
Easy? Not really, but heres how we tried.
[[Some GM interp going on here]]
Scarlett, former heroine in the Justice League of Alabama,
was inspired by Rogue of the X-men. She absorbs powers by touch.
She has 2 powers to do this with, 2 talents, and 2 psych disads,
and a variable power pool. I'll work from obscure to most obvious.
First, she's bought Cramming twice, each with Var.Spec.FX advantage,
and the advantage: usable by touch, and then limitation, must
touch target. his allows her to "borrow" 2 skills almost
instantly just by touching someone. The catch: the 2 skills she
gets are randomly chosen. So she touches Dr.Crowbar and gets the
skill "Breakfall", terribly cool, and "KS:Stamp Collecting", blah.
Next person she touches, those 2 skills vanish in favor of 2 new.
Second, she has 2 non-defined Psych disads, with an "advantage" of
Variable Spec.FX. These also change upon touching flesh.
So she touches Dr.Crowbar and gets "angry" and "domineering",
later at the zoo she touches a killer whale and gets "gregarious"
and "carnivorous". [[Campaign note: Magic Michael got into the
habit of keeping a dog around, which he would toss into Scarlett's
arms when she got too weird. Touching the dog would "reset" her
to something like "loyal" ]]
Thirdly, she has a 60 point VPP. This has the "usual" mimic pool
limits/advants. Typically it arranges itself into 3 or 4 of the
target's largest powers. Like the killer whale gave her STR, sonar,
and swimming.
Fourthly she has Transfer. This is 3 dice, with a plus to the max
gained, making a total of 60 xferable. this has basically the
same limits and advants as the VPP. The fade rate on the Transfer
was "Per Decade", however, it normally functioned at a fade-rate of
"Per Turn". But is has another limitation we called the "Rule of X".
Yet for every phase she continued absorbing once the maximum was hit,
would add to time instead of points.
here's some HeroMaker output on her.
Powers:
71 3D6 Transfer (Mutant Powers),"STUN, plus 3-5 largest
powers",22 Max Increase,fade rate: per 5 years,vs SFX (all
powers),Always On,NCC,Side FX(Desc: triggers psych disad
changes, minor x-forms, changes) ,Rule of X: (fade rate is per
turn and must be maxed = time),STUN always fades at normal
rate,not versus magic, mental, or electronic powers,Dmg
Shield,Invisible,Sight Group,0 END Persistent,Var FX,any
SFX. 0END
5 x3 Cramming,NCC,Linked,"to Transfer",Always On,Trigger,Desc:
touch based,Var FX,SFX Group: as per target
5 x3 Cramming,NCC,Linked,"to Transfer",Always On,Trigger,Desc:
touch based,Var FX,SFX Group: as per target
3 Eidetic Memory,absorbed memories,NCC,Var FX,SFX Group: as
per target's mind
77 VPP (60),only change in given circ,no choice how powers
change,restricted type of powers,can change powers as 0
phase,no skill roll required,"Touch Based Mimic Pool",Always
On,No Range,NCC,Side FX,Desc: psych problems,Var FX,any SFX,
SFX Group: 3-5 of target's largest powers.
Disadvantages:
25 Psych Lim,"Variable Psych One",very common,total
5 Psych One is random, changeable, uncontrolled
25 Psych Lim,"Variable Psych Two",very common,total
5 Psych Two is random, changeable, uncontrolled
20 Phys Lim,"Flesh to Flesh Touch Triggers Powers, Always",all
the time,greatly
an older version of her is here:
http://www.sysabend.org/champions/elliott/scarlett.html
Again, this was inspired by the Rogue idea, it isn't a write-up of Rogue.
==
Elliott aka Egyptoid
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
- --WebTV-Mail-476122627-1692--
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 13:55:48 -0500
From: "ORION" <orion@supersoldiers.com>
Subject: Re: 5th edition
I heard that it will be released sometime in 1999 -- most likely late 2nd
Quarter
ORION (Oh yeah I'm new here. Hi everyone)
________________________________
- -ORION's Constellation
http://orion.supersoldiers.com
- -Full Motion Gaming
http://www.fm-gaming.com
>Does anyone know what the scheduled release date of 5th edition is?
>
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 10:58:06 -0800 (PST)
From: Egyptoid <egyptoid@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Strange Character Idea..
> Scotch-Guard
Change.Env: Self Only, Always On: always clean
Force Field: one pip each PE/ED, always on
Suppress: Entangles & Grabs, 10d6, Damage Shield
Desolid: only to escape gooey, sticky, dirty things.
Instant Change: same clothes, only cleaned ones.
Missile Deflection: oily, dirty, goopy attacks only
==
Elliott aka Egyptoid
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 98 19:50:53
From: "qts" <qts@nildram.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Stupid Precog Tricks
On Fri, 30 Oct 1998 10:38:27 EST, Leah L Watts wrote:
>I'm playing around with a character design -- the character has an
>erratic precognitive sense (a low activation roll or no conscious
>control, I haven't decided).
>
>The character's precognitive visions are reasonably accurate. I'm
>thinking of giving her bonus PRE, defensive only, only for events she's
>foreseen
Make it EGO, not PRE
> -- since she knows what's coming up, she can mentally brace for
>it. My question is what sort of value would the second limitation have?
>I'm leaning toward giving it the same value as linked, but I can also
>make a case for basing the value off the limitation on the precognition.
>If she can hardly ever use the precog (say, 8- Activation or NCC), then
>she'll hardly ever be able to use the extra PRE and should get a bigger
>point cut. Opinions, anyone?
Sounds fine to me.
>I'm also thinking of giving her a few DCV-only combat levels, SFX she
>unconsciously senses her opponent's move and tries to dodge. Can anyone
>think of other minor precog-type powers she might have? (Danger Sense
>sounds redundant for her, but I'll listen to dissenting opinions.)
For this character Precog is the SFX, not the mechanic, so Danger Sense
is quite permissible.
Don't forget to have DCV Area Effect - stumbling into someone just at
the right time to stop them getting hit. Then there's Flash Defense -
blinking at the right moment. As her control increases, you might like
to add Detect Time powers/ Detect Time Travellers. How about Darkness
vs Precognition with Personal Immunity, to model her ability to adjust
her actions, such that others won't be able to tell?
qts
Home: qts@nildram.co.uk.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 98 19:57:15
From: "qts" <qts@nildram.co.uk>
Subject: Re: META: A request
On Fri, 30 Oct 1998 10:18:41 -0800 (PST), John Desmarais wrote:
>Have any of the old-timer on this list been archiving the messages?
>We're trying to set up an indexed (and soon to be searchable) archive
>but I've only been archiving since shortly after taking over as list
>mamanger.
I've not been consciously archiving, and have deleted an awful lot, but
I have approx 10k messages from the list, from Dec 1997. Probably not a
lot of good.
qts
Home: qts@nildram.co.uk.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 11:56:34 -0800 (PST)
From: Egyptoid <egyptoid@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: something still odder
> the transform idea
let's not forget the other rules on transform: you can only
buy transform: water into wine, for example.
to buy transform: water into any liquid is +.25 advantage.
to buy transform: water into any substance at all is +1 advantage.
by the time we buy Galactus's ability to transform people into
heralds, were paying 45+ points per dice, because it's ranged,
plus other limits or advants. If we pair that cost with an active
point limit, suddenly this puts a new perspective on abuse, I feel.
> the Rogue/Scarlett idea:
thanks for the kudos.
other notes: yes that's a 475 point active power she's got,
limited down to about 75 points. it's a whopper. In the campaign,
only once did she absorb any powers that lasted longer than
about 1 week. the player in question ran the concept correctly,
she was reluctant to pull off the gloves and wade in. in about
35 adventures the power got used about a dozen times.
Notice the stacking: there's the VPP and the Transfer, they go
together. Say Scarlett touches a brick. She gets the skills,
the pysch problems, and some memories, that's the easy part.
Then her Transfer gives her some powers, let's say about 10 points
of Armor and 10 points of STR. Then her VPP mimics what she got,
but it has 60 points to work with, so it makes 30 points of Armor
and 30 points of STR. So her net gain is 40 and 40, but the top
10 have a fade rate. In an hour, she'll still have 30 points
of armor and +30 STR, until she touches something and the VPP
rearranges. Also note that the VPP copies powers even if a high
Power Defense negates the Transfer somehow.
Scarlett wasn't easy to design, and was not easy to GM.
==
Elliott aka Egyptoid
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 98 20:03:56
From: "qts" <qts@nildram.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Odd Character:Help needed
On Thu, 29 Oct 1998 16:45:36 -0800, James Jandebeur wrote:
>>A quick check: are we talking about something along the lines of Paul
>>Atreides' sister in Dune?
>
>
>Such was my impression, yes.
In that case, write up the character as normal, but with the Physical
Limitation 'Unborn', and buy this down to 'Infant' then 'Toddler' and
finally off when the character is 8 or so, assuming standard aging, to
reflect that though the character is fully developed mentally, he's
still got physical problems.
qts
Home: qts@nildram.co.uk.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 12:41:35 -0800 (PST)
From: John Desmarais <johndesmarais@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: META: A request
- ---qts <qts@nildram.co.uk> wrote:
>
> On Fri, 30 Oct 1998 10:18:41 -0800 (PST), John Desmarais wrote:
>
> >Have any of the old-timer on this list been archiving the messages?
> >We're trying to set up an indexed (and soon to be searchable) archive
> >but I've only been archiving since shortly after taking over as list
> >mamanger.
>
> I've not been consciously archiving, and have deleted an awful lot,
but
> I have approx 10k messages from the list, from Dec 1997. Probably
not a
> lot of good.
Well, I'm kinda hoping that someone has something a bit more all
inclusive (I have bits a pieces going back a couple of years from just
keeping what grabbed my attention).
==
=======================================
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: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 15:46:46 -0500
From: Brian Wawrow <bwawrow@fmco.com>
Subject: RE: something still odder
> > the transform idea
> let's not forget the other rules on transform: you can only
> buy transform: water into wine, for example.
> to buy transform: water into any liquid is +.25 advantage.
> to buy transform: water into any substance at all is +1 advantage.
>
> by the time we buy Galactus's ability to transform people into
> heralds, were paying 45+ points per dice, because it's ranged,
> plus other limits or advants. If we pair that cost with an active
> point limit, suddenly this puts a new perspective on abuse, I feel.
>
Sure. Buying a Major Transform to crank up someone's ability is
expensive. That's beside the point on the question of abuse. To me, this
is openning up a huge can of worms. So you take MT human being into any
high powered freak. You buy 1 die cummulative. It takes extra time,
concentration an immobile focus, eat the baby, yatta yatta yatta, next
thing you know, you've spent 4 points and it takes you all day to turn
your buddy into a high powered mutant freak. If there's no mechanism in
place to regulate how tough the freak is, you've lost all sense of scale
and balance in your campaign.
I'd accept this MT with higher points concept if the power cost,
say 1pt. extra for every 5pts. you were going to add to your target. So
Galactus would have a 10D6 Major Transform [carbon based sentient into
Herald] with an extra 300 points added to the Herald. Doesn't that sound
more reasonable than some armwaving justification for how many points
you should add?
I'm a little anal about this because most of my players have a
discriminatory microsopic 360 targeting detect loophole at <17 <moan>
BRI
------------------------------
End of champ-l-digest V1 #4
***************************
Web Page created by Text2Web v1.3.6 by Dev Virdi
http://www.virdi.demon.co.uk/
Date: Tuesday, December 22, 1998 03:29 PM