Digest Archive vol 1 Issue 439
From: owner-champ-l-digest@sysabend.org
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 1999 11:24 PM
To: champ-l-digest@sysabend.org
Subject: champ-l-digest V1 #439
champ-l-digest Wednesday, June 30 1999 Volume 01 : Number 439
In this issue:
Re: XDM + FTL = ???
RE: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
Re: XDM + FTL = ???
RE: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
Re: Real American Heroes (American Themed Heroes)
RE: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
RE: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
Re: Fun's Over, Silky Boys! Time To Train!
RE: Reply about FH Magic System Design
RE: Reply about FH Magic System Design
Re: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
Re: Reply about FH Magic System Design
Re: Reply about FH Magic System Design
Re: Fun's Over, Silky Boys! Time To Train!
RE: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
RE: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
Re: XDM + FTL = ???
Re: XDM + FTL = ???
Attachments
Re: Reply about FH Magic System Design
The Last Word on Attachments
Best Game Ever
RE: Reply about FH Magic System Design
Disadvantage, legal?
Re: XDM + FTL = ???
RE: XDM + FTL = ???
Re: XDM + FTL = ???
Re: XDM + FTL = ???
Re: Best Game Ever
RE: XDM + FTL = ???
RE: XDM + FTL = ???
Re: Disadvantage, legal?
Re: Disadvantage, legal?
Re: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
Re: Best Game Ever
Re: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
Re: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
Re: XDM + FTL = ???
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 10:53:41 -0700
From: "James Jandebeur" <james@javaman.to>
Subject: Re: XDM + FTL = ???
> > In a semi-related note, how would you feel about a power construct
> Indirect Running?
Wouldn't that just be the same as Teleport?
Hmm, on that note, however, an odd thought: Indirect Non-combat Superleap?
JAJ, GP
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 14:55:44 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jason Sullivan <ravanos@NJCU.edu>
Subject: RE: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
On Wed, 30 Jun 1999, David Nasset wrote:
> The plans don't have an exact game-statistic equivalent. They would allow
> the character to bypass some rolls, and would give him varying bonuses for
> other rolls.
+5 Skill Rolls, OAF: Plans, Fragile, Set Effect: Only useable in
certain circumstances in relation to specific technology constructuion,
reconstruction, and repair...
A photocopyable Foci. :)
> As for the rest, he _needs_ electronics skills to replace transistors with
> vacuum tubes, no doubt about it. The theoretical knowledge _might_ be gained
> from the plans, but, unless the theory were directly related to some field
> of knowledge he was familiar with, plans alone wouldn't do; he'd need
> explanations. Just because he understands the electronics doesn't mean he
> understands the physics.
...and if an explaination of the Physics were included?
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 11:56:00 -0400
From: David Nasset <dnasset@cns.eds.com>
Subject: Re: XDM + FTL = ???
From: James Jandebeur [mailto:james@javaman.to]
>> > In a semi-related note, how would you feel about a power construct
>> Indirect Running?
>
>Wouldn't that just be the same as Teleport?
>
>Hmm, on that note, however, an odd thought: Indirect Non-combat Superleap?
>
>JAJ, GP
Thwapp!
(Sound of a BBB hitting a head)
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 12:12:00 -0400
From: David Nasset <dnasset@cns.eds.com>
Subject: RE: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
From: Jason Sullivan [mailto:ravanos@NJCU.edu]
>On Wed, 30 Jun 1999, David Nasset wrote:
>
>> The plans don't have an exact game-statistic equivalent. They would allow
>> the character to bypass some rolls, and would give him varying bonuses
for
>> other rolls.
> +5 Skill Rolls, OAF: Plans, Fragile, Set Effect: Only useable in
>certain circumstances in relation to specific technology constructuion,
>reconstruction, and repair...
>
> A photocopyable Foci. :)
You were warned.
The plans allow for a person who otherwise would be incapable of creating
the device to create it. An electronics expert, no matter how good, could
not, w/o the plans, create a dimensional portal. He doesn't have knowledge
of trans-dimensional physics, etc.
Thus, the plans are also "Transformation, cumulative, extra time, target
must study plans, Independent Fragile OAF, turn normal person with knowledge
of electronics into person who can create this device."
Lets not start creating cereal bowls with Entangles again, shall we?:)
>> As for the rest, he _needs_ electronics skills to replace transistors
with
>> vacuum tubes, no doubt about it. The theoretical knowledge _might_ be
gained
>> from the plans, but, unless the theory were directly related to some
field
>> of knowledge he was familiar with, plans alone wouldn't do; he'd need
>> explanations. Just because he understands the electronics doesn't mean he
>> understands the physics.
>
> ...and if an explaination of the Physics were included?
Maybe. Depends largely upon the technical level of the description. A
description of the physics written by Einstein could take years of study to
get the knowledge necessary to understand. Written by Carl Sagan, you might
be a bit off in your understanding, but you get the gist of it.
Filksinger
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 15:14:18 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jason Sullivan <ravanos@NJCU.edu>
Subject: Re: Real American Heroes (American Themed Heroes)
On Mon, 29 Mar 1999, Jason Sullivan wrote:
> I'm trying to come up with oodles of American Heroes.
I was reading some one's web page where there was a section on
"borrowing" ideas for heroes from all ready existing comic books. What
heroes do you think would work well, transjuxtaposing (is that a word???)
them into Superheroic personas?
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 14:48:09 -0500 (CDT)
From: "Dr. Nuncheon" <jeffj@io.com>
Subject: RE: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
On Wed, 30 Jun 1999, David Nasset wrote:
> Lets not start creating cereal bowls with Entangles again, shall we?:)
Oh, yeah. I mean, Cereal Bowls are obviously a Universal OAF for
Telekinesis with some huge usage Limitations.
Paper towels, oddly enough, would be Change Environment and not
Absorbtion...
J
Hostes aliengeni me abduxerent. Jeff Johnston - jeffj@io.com
Qui annus est? http://www.io.com/~jeffj
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 15:51:58 -0400
From: Bill Svitavsky <nbymail11@mln.lib.ma.us>
Subject: RE: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
At 02:48 PM 6/30/99 -0500, Dr. Nuncheon wrote:
>On Wed, 30 Jun 1999, David Nasset wrote:
>
>> Lets not start creating cereal bowls with Entangles again, shall we?:)
>
>Oh, yeah. I mean, Cereal Bowls are obviously a Universal OAF for
>Telekinesis with some huge usage Limitations.
>
Nah. A cereal bowl is clearly a Base (or possibly a vehicle with no
movement) containing a Cereal Lab. Cereal itself is Life Support: Need Not
Eat with continuing charges.
Bill Svitavsky
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 12:36:23 -0700 (PDT)
From: shaw@caprica.com (Wayne Shaw)
Subject: Re: Fun's Over, Silky Boys! Time To Train!
>
> I'm pleased to say HERO has the easiest Experience system I've
>ever encountered in a Role Playing Game.
>
> I'd like to inquire to the list about training.
>
> A number of RPG's I know of have "fixed" times, or calculations
>based on time, characteristics, level of ability, and/or money for
>training.
>
> HERO has no such system, but that should be expected: different
>genres would have different "reasonable" standards for training.
>
> For example, in Four Color games, characters require little to no
>training to reach extraordinary levels with powers, statistic, and skills.
>In a Heroic level game with an emphasis on realism, training and long
>hours of study may be required.
>
> I'd like to know about your systems of study and training that
>you've used or encountered. I would greatly appreciate knowing how you
>regulate advancement in your games.
Honestly, I don't per se. The Hero experience system is too abstract to be
easily regulated that way. At most, I expect some sign people are doing
things, either in game-time or out, to justify their character improvement.
One of the points I give out on any given game I do 'assign' to a specific
ability, but that usually has more to do with what happens in-game than
anything to do with training.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 12:37:57 -0700 (PDT)
From: shaw@caprica.com (Wayne Shaw)
Subject: RE: Reply about FH Magic System Design
>In addition to _The Dying Earth_ and _Eyes of the Overworld_, Vance also
>wrote several short stories set in the same world, including one with magic
>stones that orbit a person's head; I can't remember the name of those
>things, but they're certainly another element D&D borrowed from Vance.
Ioun Stones.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 13:10:47 -0700
From: "Harvey, Michael" <michael.harvey@intel.com>
Subject: RE: Reply about FH Magic System Design
>> In addition to _The Dying Earth_ and _Eyes of the
>> Overworld_, Vance also wrote several short stories
>> set in the same world, including one with magic
>> stones that orbit a person's head; I can't remember
>> the name of those things, but they're certainly
>> another element D&D borrowed from Vance.
>
> Ioun Stones.
Actually IOUN stones -- Vance always capitalized the word. Perhaps an
acronym? The D&D version was superficially similiar (multicolored orbiting
stones) but the magical properties of the stones bore no resemblance at all.
Mike
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 13:06:42 -0700
From: "James Jandebeur" <james@javaman.to>
Subject: Re: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
> Lets not start creating cereal bowls with Entangles again, shall we?:)
Still, though, creating cereal bowls is mundane, while creating the stats
for a mystic tome that allows you to master magic or a set of plans that
once you've started reading them you obsess and study and probably cause
yourself health problems over and eventually master is not.
But I suppose such things don't really need to be done in game mechanics.
But, since you did that:
Plans: Xd6 Mind Control, single command: study plans obsessively and learn
skills needed to understand them (-1/4), Trigger: plans first read (+1/4),
probably a few other things.
heh
JAJ, GP
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 14:02:52 -0700
From: Rodger Bright <rodger.bright@cbpr.com>
Subject: Re: Reply about FH Magic System Design
> I thought the Blademaster package deal had a Distinctinve Features disad
> built in?
You are right, it does. But it is: DF: Blademaster Swagger.
Almost anyone could have a swagger as such, but I maybe should have made it a Psych.
Lim.: Feels superior to all other swordsman.
> > I still can't think of a decent way to do this. Autofire naked would be +1/2....
> > How would you buy that?
>
> Basically, you figure out how much the AF advantage would cost for the
> amount of DCs they're going to use it on. If they're inflicting 6 DCs in
> their attack (30 points), 'naked' AF would cost them 15 points. It'd have
> limitations like OAF Sword, Requires A Skill Roll, etc. to reduce the Real
> Cost.
I was thinking about that, but I like to lay out the Abilities available to them with
costs and everything already figured out. I wouldn't know how much damage a character
was going to until the character was created. I guess i could always say AC on 30 active
points only.
> The other option would be the one given in Ninja Hero, where you buy an
> HKA with AF, OAF Weapon, with a limitation of 'only up to damage done by
> weapon'. I think that winds up charging the character for things they
> should have for free (at least in a heroic game.)
I do use this for specific things, like effecting spirits and such. One of the Abilities
for Paladins is a holy sword, it transforms their regular sword into one that can damage
desolid beings. I think it's a 2d6 HKA up to the weapons normal damage.
- --Rodger
http://i.am/altandara
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 16:48:04 -0500 (CDT)
From: "Dr. Nuncheon" <jeffj@io.com>
Subject: Re: Reply about FH Magic System Design
On Wed, 30 Jun 1999, Rodger Bright wrote:
> > I thought the Blademaster package deal had a Distinctinve Features disad
> > built in?
>
> You are right, it does. But it is: DF: Blademaster Swagger.
>
> Almost anyone could have a swagger as such, but I maybe should have made it a Psych.
> Lim.: Feels superior to all other swordsman.
You could have it be chosen from a pool of similar-value Disads, to allow
a little more customization. Say, 'pick 15 points of disads from the
following list:'
DF: Blademaster (this would be available if they advertised their nature)
Reputation
Psych Lim: Wants to be the greatest swordsman: must seek out and challenge
other swordsmen, etc.
etc.
That would give the player a little more control over their character's
own personality and focus.
> > > I still can't think of a decent way to do this. Autofire naked would be +1/2....
> > > How would you buy that?
> >
> > Basically, you figure out how much the AF advantage would cost for the
> > amount of DCs they're going to use it on. If they're inflicting 6 DCs in
> > their attack (30 points), 'naked' AF would cost them 15 points. It'd have
> > limitations like OAF Sword, Requires A Skill Roll, etc. to reduce the Real
> > Cost.
>
> I was thinking about that, but I like to lay out the Abilities available to them with
> costs and everything already figured out. I wouldn't know how much damage a character
> was going to until the character was created. I guess i could always say AC on 30 active
> points only.
That's certainly an option - for a larger weapon, it makes some kind of
sense to sacrifice striking power for speed. Another one would be to
figure out the cost per DC, which would easily multiply to give you the
result.
> > The other option would be the one given in Ninja Hero, where you buy an
> > HKA with AF, OAF Weapon, with a limitation of 'only up to damage done by
> > weapon'. I think that winds up charging the character for things they
> > should have for free (at least in a heroic game.)
>
> I do use this for specific things, like effecting spirits and such. One of the Abilities
> for Paladins is a holy sword, it transforms their regular sword into one that can damage
> desolid beings. I think it's a 2d6 HKA up to the weapons normal damage.
Hm. If you do this there, then I think you should probably be consistent
and do it for the AF attack as well. Otherwise, Paladin players might
wonder why they're paying so much more for an Advantage of the same level.
(Alternately, you could chaneg the writeup for the Paladin's power
instead.)
Hostes aliengeni me abduxerent. Jeff Johnston - jeffj@io.com
Qui annus est? http://www.io.com/~jeffj
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 14:55:03 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: Fun's Over, Silky Boys! Time To Train!
At 09:54 AM 6/30/1999 -0700, Ben Brown wrote:
>
>This is probably the best idea, although I have been in one campaign where
>we (the characters) appeared to be going for about 72 hours straight in
>campaign time, and accumulated a fair amount of experience in that time.
This is where you spend some of those points in LS vs sleep.... ;-]
- ---
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
Interested in sarrusophones? Join the Sarrusophone Mailing List!
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/sarrus.htm
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 15:00:10 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: RE: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
At 02:48 PM 6/30/1999 -0500, Dr. Nuncheon wrote:
>On Wed, 30 Jun 1999, David Nasset wrote:
>
>> Lets not start creating cereal bowls with Entangles again, shall we?:)
>
>Oh, yeah. I mean, Cereal Bowls are obviously a Universal OAF for
>Telekinesis with some huge usage Limitations.
If someone goes berserk over this thread and starts shooting up the
place, does that make them a cereal killer? ;-]
- ---
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
Interested in sarrusophones? Join the Sarrusophone Mailing List!
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/sarrus.htm
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 14:59:03 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: RE: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
At 02:55 PM 6/30/1999 -0400, Jason Sullivan wrote:
>On Wed, 30 Jun 1999, David Nasset wrote:
>
>> The plans don't have an exact game-statistic equivalent. They would allow
>> the character to bypass some rolls, and would give him varying bonuses for
>> other rolls.
> +5 Skill Rolls, OAF: Plans, Fragile, Set Effect: Only useable in
>certain circumstances in relation to specific technology constructuion,
>reconstruction, and repair...
>
> A photocopyable Foci. :)
Sorry to nitpick, but there is no such thing as a foci.
(Foci is plural; focus is singular.)
- ---
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
Interested in sarrusophones? Join the Sarrusophone Mailing List!
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/sarrus.htm
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 10:57:25 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: XDM + FTL = ???
At 12:24 PM 6/30/1999 -0400, Jason Sullivan wrote:
> If you define Extra Dimensional Movement as Dimensional Movement
>to Void Space, a dimension whose dimensions correspond with our own, but
>lacks atmosphere or corporeal matter (or, a similar dimension, like an
>Astral Space, Realm of the Dead, etc.), and then purchase Faster Than
>Light travel within the dimension (which functions due to atmosphere),
>theoretically, you could enter the Other Dimension and travel distance in
>that dimension, and re-emerge in our dimension.
>
> Conceptually, this is valid. I've seen things lik ethis used in
>countless campagins from Sci-Fi Supers to Supernatural.
>
> I'm wondering if it's mechanically valid, however.
I don't see why not.
> In a semi-related note, how would you feel about a power construct
>similar to teleport, except it takes time to traverse the distance
>required to travel from point A to point B, during which time, the
>character "isn't there." (Similar to walking through the afore mentioned
>"null space.")
Again, I think it's sensible. It would almost certainly be a
Limitation; while the character couldn't be affected by the "real world,"
he couldn't affect it either, or even be aware enough of what's going on to
respond to it.
- ---
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
Interested in sarrusophones? Join the Sarrusophone Mailing List!
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/sarrus.htm
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 15:02:36 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: XDM + FTL = ???
At 12:42 PM 6/30/1999 -0500, Dr. Nuncheon wrote:
>On Wed, 30 Jun 1999, Jason Sullivan wrote:
>
>> In a semi-related note, how would you feel about a power construct
>> similar to teleport, except it takes time to traverse the distance
>> required to travel from point A to point B, during which time, the
>> character "isn't there." (Similar to walking through the afore mentioned
>> "null space.")
>
>Indirect Running?
That's an interesting construct, and one I use in TUV to produce effects
similar to what's described. It's handy when all you want to do is pass
through solid objects, but aren't sold on the idea of not having any
momentum with which to do Move Through and Move By damage. In fact, one of
the sample characters, Death Rider (updated from 3rd edition), actually
uses it.
- ---
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
Interested in sarrusophones? Join the Sarrusophone Mailing List!
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/sarrus.htm
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 18:14:37 -0400
From: David Nasset <dnasset@cns.eds.com>
Subject: Attachments
This should be the end of the attachments. If this hits the list with an
attachment, please let me know immediately.
Filksinger
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 15:46:24 -0700
From: Rodger Bright <rodger.bright@cbpr.com>
Subject: Re: Reply about FH Magic System Design
> You could have it be chosen from a pool of similar-value Disads, to allow
> a little more customization. Say, 'pick 15 points of disads from the
> following list:'
>
> DF: Blademaster (this would be available if they advertised their nature)
> Reputation
> Psych Lim: Wants to be the greatest swordsman: must seek out and challenge
> other swordsmen, etc.
> etc.
Great idea, i am going to implement that right now.
- --Rodger
http://i.am/altandara
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 19:11:14 -0400
From: David Nasset <dnasset@cns.eds.com>
Subject: The Last Word on Attachments
This message is the last word on attachments. Since I heard no complaints
about attachments to the last message, I assume that I have solved that
problem.
So, does _this_ message have attachments?
Filksinger
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 19:11:27 -0400
From: David Nasset <dnasset@cns.eds.com>
Subject: Best Game Ever
This is a question I am asking the GMs on the list. What is the best
adventure you ever ran? Was it a published one? What made it special?
Remember, if it is published, to be careful not to give too much away, or
use spoilers.
Filksinger
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 19:19:01 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jason Sullivan <ravanos@NJCU.edu>
Subject: RE: Reply about FH Magic System Design
On Wed, 30 Jun 1999, Harvey, Michael wrote:
> >> In addition to _The Dying Earth_ and _Eyes of the
> >> Overworld_, Vance also wrote several short stories
> >> set in the same world, including one with magic
> >> stones that orbit a person's head; I can't remember
> >> the name of those things, but they're certainly
> >> another element D&D borrowed from Vance.
> > Ioun Stones.
> Actually IOUN stones -- Vance always capitalized the word. Perhaps an
> acronym? The D&D version was superficially similiar (multicolored orbiting
> stones) but the magical properties of the stones bore no resemblance at all.
Makes you wonder where Solitare got Widget, doesn't it?
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 19:28:31 -0400
From: Juan Antonio Ramirez <tonio@prtc.net>
Subject: Disadvantage, legal?
You know how if you lower your Running to 0 (zero) you can take a
Disadvantage like Phys Lim: Unable to walk... unless you have some sort
of movement power that makes up for the loss of Running (like Flight),
in which case he cannot take a Disadvantage?
Well, what if a character lowered his Running to 0, and bought it back
with an OAF: wheelchair... would it be acceptable to take the Phys Lim:
Unable to walk? While it's true he cannot walk, it's not like he can't
move... then again, if his wheelchair is taken away or broken, then he
truly can't move (well, maybe a bit using his arms).
- --Tonio
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 18:25:00 -0500
From: "Michael (Damon) & Peni Griffin" <griffin@txdirect.net>
Subject: Re: XDM + FTL = ???
At 12:24 PM 6/30/1999 -0400, Jason Sullivan wrote:
> In a semi-related note, how would you feel about a power construct
>similar to teleport, except it takes time to traverse the distance
>required to travel from point A to point B, during which time, the
>character "isn't there." (Similar to walking through the afore mentioned
>"null space.")
Given the number of people who have replied in favor of this, I can't help
but feel I'm overlooking something. But this just looks like straight,
unvarnished XDM to me.
If the character "isn't there" in between points A and B, he must perforce
be "somewhere else" (i.e., another dimension). It takes time to move from
A to B, which is in keeping with the prohibition against using XDM to
enhance movement rate within our own dimension. In what way is the
construct you described different from plain old vanilla XDM?
Damon
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 19:38:50 -0400
From: "Nasset, Dave (TransAlliance)" <dave.nasset-eds@eds.com>
Subject: RE: XDM + FTL = ???
From: Michael (Damon) & Peni Griffin [mailto:griffin@txdirect.net]
>At 12:24 PM 6/30/1999 -0400, Jason Sullivan wrote:
>> In a semi-related note, how would you feel about a power construct
>>similar to teleport, except it takes time to traverse the distance
>>required to travel from point A to point B, during which time, the
>>character "isn't there." (Similar to walking through the afore mentioned
>>"null space.")
>
>Given the number of people who have replied in favor of this, I can't help
>but feel I'm overlooking something. But this just looks like straight,
>unvarnished XDM to me.
>
>If the character "isn't there" in between points A and B, he must perforce
>be "somewhere else" (i.e., another dimension). It takes time to move from
>A to B, which is in keeping with the prohibition against using XDM to
>enhance movement rate within our own dimension. In what way is the
>construct you described different from plain old vanilla XDM?
Because plain old vanilla XDM doesn't grant movement Powers. As a result,
for it to be XDM, the character would have to be able to run, walk, fly, or
otherwise travel to the new location before coming out of the other
dimension.
Additionally, he would be able to enter the other dimension, eat, sleep, and
heal, all out of reach of his enemies. And various other things that don't
really match a slow Teleport.
This is why I suggested a limited Teleport _and_ a limited XDM. The Power
has limited features of both.
Filksinger
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 16:41:24 -0700
From: Rodger Bright <rodger.bright@cbpr.com>
Subject: Re: XDM + FTL = ???
I have trying to come up with a way to use long distance teleports, and having
them take a little bit of time is pretty cool as well.
How about XDM to a plain of existnce (I am runngin fantasy Hero, so that fits
in nicely) where everything is 1/50th scale... or where the basic laws of time
and space are different. maybe a limbo where everythig is all black, and every
step you take equals 50 steps. Or better yet, random plain of existnce each
time the power is used. Roll 1d6 for multiplication value. i.e. on a roll of
a 1 you would move 10 inches per inch stepped, on a roll of 6 you would move
60. Thats kind of cool.
The XDM is simple. [To plane where time and space are in different
praportions (+1/2), Different plane each time-variable effect (-1/2)], the
movement is simple (Just use your regular movement).
Does that work?
- --Rodger
- --http://i.am/altandara
"Michael (Damon) & Peni Griffin" wrote:
> At 12:24 PM 6/30/1999 -0400, Jason Sullivan wrote:
> > In a semi-related note, how would you feel about a power construct
> >similar to teleport, except it takes time to traverse the distance
> >required to travel from point A to point B, during which time, the
> >character "isn't there." (Similar to walking through the afore mentioned
> >"null space.")
>
> Given the number of people who have replied in favor of this, I can't help
> but feel I'm overlooking something. But this just looks like straight,
> unvarnished XDM to me.
>
> If the character "isn't there" in between points A and B, he must perforce
> be "somewhere else" (i.e., another dimension). It takes time to move from
> A to B, which is in keeping with the prohibition against using XDM to
> enhance movement rate within our own dimension. In what way is the
> construct you described different from plain old vanilla XDM?
>
> Damon
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 16:46:26 -0700
From: Rodger Bright <rodger.bright@cbpr.com>
Subject: Re: XDM + FTL = ???
Why not just buy Teleport and then throw a limitation on it specifiing Extra
Time? Of course, this is just for wimpy little short range teleporting... This
doe not cover anything for long distances.
- --Rodger
- --http://i.am/altandara
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 16:53:13 -0700
From: Christopher Taylor <christopherrt@home.net>
Subject: Re: Best Game Ever
>This is a question I am asking the GMs on the list. What is the best
>adventure you ever ran? Was it a published one? What made it special?
>Remember, if it is published, to be careful not to give too much away, or
>use spoilers.
Justice Inc game that was a hard core noire mystery, with dark streets,
rain, people dying when they gave clues to the mystery. The mystery was
advancing slowly, and led to an eccentric old man who lived in the Sierra
Madre mountains who was apparently involved in some murders 10 years ago
and a coverup concerning police corruption and the mayor's election. It
was a stormy night and the eccentric had moved an old castle brick by brick
from Scotland to the mountains. It wasn't until the heroine was rescued
140 feet up on a bridge between spires and the reporter tried to hypnotise
the eccentric fellow that they noticed he wasn't quite human.
As they fled down the steps they added the parts of the adventure together
and figured out he was, in fact, a vampire. The reporter tried to stake
him with his pencil, and eventually the sneaky theif guy got him in the
back but it was really desparate until then. Worked perfectly, they were
totally lulled into it and the terror was raw on their faces.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sola Gracia Sola Scriptura Sola Fide
Soli Deo Gloria Solus Christus Corum Deo
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 19:54:09 -0400
From: "Nasset, Dave (TransAlliance)" <dave.nasset-eds@eds.com>
Subject: RE: XDM + FTL = ???
From: Rodger Bright [mailto:rodger.bright@cbpr.com]
>
>Why not just buy Teleport and then throw a limitation on it specifiing
Extra
>Time? Of course, this is just for wimpy little short range teleporting...
This
>doe not cover anything for long distances.
You could do that, but it doesn't quite match the effect. With Extra Time,
you are vulnerable while you are waiting for the Teleport to go off; with
the requested Power, you aren't. With Extra Time, you can change your mind
if it turns out to be a bad idea, with this, you can't. With Extra Time,
you could continue to do things in the real world while waiting for the
Teleport, with this, you can't.
The advantages and limitations may balance out, so that you can call this
SFX, but I find that a bit clunky. Better to use Powers, Advantages, and
Limitations that cover the whole thing at once.
Filksinger
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 19:56:18 -0400
From: "Nasset, Dave (TransAlliance)" <dave.nasset-eds@eds.com>
Subject: RE: XDM + FTL = ???
From: Rodger Bright [mailto:rodger.bright@cbpr.com]
>
>How about XDM to a plain of existnce (I am runngin fantasy Hero, so that
fits
>in nicely) where everything is 1/50th scale... or where the basic laws of
time
>and space are different. maybe a limbo where everythig is all black, and
every
>step you take equals 50 steps. Or better yet, random plain of existnce
each
>time the power is used. Roll 1d6 for multiplication value. i.e. on a roll
of
>a 1 you would move 10 inches per inch stepped, on a roll of 6 you would
move
>60. Thats kind of cool.
>
>The XDM is simple. [To plane where time and space are in different
>praportions (+1/2), Different plane each time-variable effect (-1/2)], the
>movement is simple (Just use your regular movement).
>
>Does that work?
Specifically forbidden in the Power description. XDM cannot be used to help
you move faster than you would without it. You _could_ do as you wish, but
you must also buy a movement Power to make up the difference.
Filksinger
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 16:35:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: shaw@caprica.com (Wayne Shaw)
Subject: Re: Disadvantage, legal?
>You know how if you lower your Running to 0 (zero) you can take a
>Disadvantage like Phys Lim: Unable to walk... unless you have some sort
>of movement power that makes up for the loss of Running (like Flight),
>in which case he cannot take a Disadvantage?
>Well, what if a character lowered his Running to 0, and bought it back
>with an OAF: wheelchair... would it be acceptable to take the Phys Lim:
>Unable to walk? While it's true he cannot walk, it's not like he can't
>move... then again, if his wheelchair is taken away or broken, then he
>truly can't move (well, maybe a bit using his arms).
>
>--Tonio
I might require a lower level of Disadvantage, assuming a superheroic game
and that it was a pretty impressive wheelchair, like the one one of the kids
in Bad Medicine for Dr. Drugs had, but I don't see why not. He's still got
a Disadvantage relative to other characters.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 20:14:50 -0400
From: Juan Antonio Ramirez <tonio@prtc.net>
Subject: Re: Disadvantage, legal?
Acutally... it wasn't a "pretty impressive" wheelchair, and it WAS a superheroic
game...
It was a stupid, stupid character, which the player did just cuz he knew I'd let
him...
It was a puppet (literally) with amazing mental powers... actually, it was a
powerful mentalist-type trapped in a puppet. The puppet could only move it's
arms, and one of his hands was useless due to the fact that it was "holding" a
wooden cigar (carved as part of the hand).
Character woulda been fine if we were going for a "light", humorous game...
which we (well, I) was not.
Wayne Shaw wrote:
> >You know how if you lower your Running to 0 (zero) you can take a
> >Disadvantage like Phys Lim: Unable to walk... unless you have some sort
> >of movement power that makes up for the loss of Running (like Flight),
> >in which case he cannot take a Disadvantage?
> >Well, what if a character lowered his Running to 0, and bought it back
> >with an OAF: wheelchair... would it be acceptable to take the Phys Lim:
> >Unable to walk? While it's true he cannot walk, it's not like he can't
> >move... then again, if his wheelchair is taken away or broken, then he
> >truly can't move (well, maybe a bit using his arms).
> >
> >--Tonio
>
> I might require a lower level of Disadvantage, assuming a superheroic game
> and that it was a pretty impressive wheelchair, like the one one of the kids
> in Bad Medicine for Dr. Drugs had, but I don't see why not. He's still got
> a Disadvantage relative to other characters.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 23:16:08 -0400
From: "Dave Mattingly" <dave@haymaker.win.net>
Subject: Re: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
>>> Lets not start creating cereal bowls with Entangles again, shall we?:)
>>
>>Oh, yeah. I mean, Cereal Bowls are obviously a Universal OAF for
>>Telekinesis with some huge usage Limitations.
>
>If someone goes berserk over this thread and starts shooting up the
>place, does that make them a cereal killer? ;-]
Just remember to wash the bowl out in the Kitchen Sink when you're done.
Dave Mattingly
http://haymaker.org
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 23:18:25 EDT
From: AndMat3@aol.com
Subject: Re: Best Game Ever
In a message dated 6/30/99 7:13:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
dnasset@cns.eds.com writes:
> This is a question I am asking the GMs on the list. What is the best
> adventure you ever ran? Was it a published one? What made it special?
>
> Remember, if it is published, to be careful not to give too much away, or
> use spoilers.
The best game i've ever played in is a senario that i think is in Dark
Champions called "Harp-corp Towers". It rocked!
The best game i've ever run was a FH game - it was based in (roughly) a
fantasy version of Europe and the players were all 16 to 18 year old kids who
were each
enrolled in one of the King's colleges. It was mostly role play and proved to
everyone
that in a role playing game; the aprentice wizard who can make flowers grow
at mid-winter fair is the coolest kid around.
i'm hoping to one day write up the campaign idea. i never could get it to
work; but i'm not totally sure that it was my fault.
andy
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 22:26:54 EDT
From: DJHarkavy@aol.com
Subject: Re: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
In a message dated 6/30/99 1:54:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time, ravanos@NJCU.edu
writes:
<< I knwo nothing of electronics, modern or circa 1940's.
Translating the technology would be a major undertaking, but if the
device can be rebuilt, piece for piece, how hard would it actually be?
Would the "lab" be ineffective, since it was built in the forties for that
technology specifically, or would it still be of use? What game-statistic
equivalent are the plans? Eventually, they could be understood and
comprehended, leading up to the actual acquisition of the theoritical
skills. Electronics skills could be developed as well. Would they be
required if the plans were present?
>>
In most cases, it would be fairly easy to convert the technology. Tubes can
be reasonably easily replaced by transistors, or integrated circuits. The
transistors would be easy for an electronics hobbyist. The IC's would have
to be designed by a specialist and etched, but would be fairly simple if you
had the resources.
It wouldn't even be terribly expensive.
Dan
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jun 1999 21:50:18 -0400
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>
Subject: Re: Reverse Engineering Technology in HERO
- -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1
* Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com> on Wed, 30 Jun 1999
| Sorry to nitpick, but there is no such thing as a foci.
| (Foci is plural; focus is singular.)
Since we're picking nits, foci is plural, but Focuses is also plural :).
- -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
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- --
Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> \ Happy Fun Ball may stick to certain types
Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \ of skin.
PGP Key: at a key server near you! \
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 17:10:37 -0700
From: "James Jandebeur" <james@javaman.to>
Subject: Re: XDM + FTL = ???
> >The XDM is simple. [To plane where time and space are in different
> >praportions (+1/2), Different plane each time-variable effect (-1/2)],
the
> >movement is simple (Just use your regular movement).
>
> Specifically forbidden in the Power description. XDM cannot be used to
help
> you move faster than you would without it. You _could_ do as you wish, but
> you must also buy a movement Power to make up the difference.
Well, yes and no. If the player wishes to define a power that works the way
described, they have to buy the movement. On the other hand, if the GM
defines a universe that works that way, with moving 50 times the distance in
the real world, then it might be that all you would need is the XDM. While I
know that all I just said is "GM fiat takes precedence", and no one really
needs to hear that, I mention it because the latter is what I thought the
person was describing.
JAJ, Gaming Philosopher
http://www.javaman.to/philosopher.html
------------------------------
End of champ-l-digest V1 #439
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Date: Friday, July 02, 1999 04:19 PM