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Post by Black Sam on Aug 5, 2010 12:54:23 GMT -5
Hey Black Sam, you could always combine number 1 and 2. I mean in your daytime guise you're a nobody who everyone thinks is a criminal. In your super hero guise you're this iconic superhero who everyone adores. It'd be like the Sentry... On side is a nobody, the other is Superhuman. I thought of that. Also, like Roc pointed out, a Mastery would be useful as well. So if Roc's going with a Mastery of Gravity, I'll do a powerhouse. If he's gonna go in a non-Mastery direction, I think I'll make a master, which is what I'm leaning towards slightly. I think Street Angel has the scrapper angle covered, so I'll back off that concept. If I do go with a Mastery, which of these two do you like better (I left one out in my last post!) Light, as I said, with unlimited creation, making constructs out of solid light, illusions maybe, light-bikes, glowy armor, etc. OR Zeus. His name's Jesus, but I though Zeus would be a sweet nickname! Mastery of electricity or possibly electromagnetic energy; Lightning Lad meets Magneto. Back stories pending. ;D
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Post by Ziegander on Aug 5, 2010 14:39:12 GMT -5
I'm still interested, and I read a lot of the background of the city last night, but I have been busy with work. I hope to have a concept in here by tonight or tomorrow night.
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Post by takewithfood on Aug 5, 2010 21:05:43 GMT -5
Sam: Zeus is indeed a cute nickname for a guy named Jesus with electrical powers. I dig that. ^__^ Concerning the Mastery of Light, I've sorta done away with the Unlimited Creation option - or rather, I've sorta folded it into the basic new mastery. Essentially, you can attempt anything you can think of with your mastery, as long as it makes sense - but you'll suffer a penalty of a varying strength (depending on how far-fetched or overpowered the action is) unless you choose to "specialize" in that particular "feat". You get one feat specialization per point of AN. Have a look. ^__^ Iago's character will be in the Tier 2 (20+10) stone version of the game that I intend to launch a little later. I'm hoping to put together a band of heroes who are not as naturally gifted as the first group, but who can still find a niche of crime-fighting of their own. ~TWF
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Post by Dionon on Aug 5, 2010 21:10:13 GMT -5
What do you guys think about this test CAD? It's pretty much just centered around the inventing with little heed to anything else. It's basically a minor min max, which I was thinking of downsizing a bit, maybe take away one of the options for my Inventing (I'll add it later or something) and buy some powers off the bat that are permanent... Just a note, this is just a test CAD.
RULES: 2.0, Takewithfood COUNT: 40 + 10 CODE: NAME: Johan Keller HEIGHT: 6'2" WEIGHT: 190lbs HAIR: Black EYES: Brown SPECIES: Human
INT: 7 (6 stones) STR: 2 AGI: 2 SPD: 2 (2 stones) HEA: 3 (1 stone) ENR: 4 (2 stones) ENP: 4 (2 stones)
ACTIONS Close Combat (+0): 3 (1 stone) (Intelligence Bonus or Weapon Modifier) - Invented Items - Self Defense - Muy Thai
Ranged Combat (+0): 3 (1 stone) (Weapon Modifier) - Invented Items - Handguns
Social Skills (+0): 5 (3 stones) - Socialite - Negotiation - Diplomacy - Acting - Lying
Inventing (+5): 3 (20 stones) (Intelligence and Wealth Bonus, 19 stones per issue) - Utility Belt (+1) - Bleeding Edge (+2)
Technology (+0): 5 (4 stones) (Intelligence Bonus)
MODIFIERS Laboratory (+3): +3 (4 stones) Wealth (+0): +6 (4 stones)
EQUIPMENT Smart Phone Laptop Computer Body Armor (Armor 1, no 2x Damage)
CHALLENGES Secret Identity: +2 Arrogant: +2 Adrenaline Junky: +2 Compulsion to Stick up for the Innocent: +2 Claustrophobia: +2
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Post by Ziegander on Aug 5, 2010 22:09:47 GMT -5
I'm considering a badass normal type character, though I still have no real idea what direction to take him in. Since we seem to have Batman covered I won't be going that route, and I may decide not to even go the badass norm route in the end. Any suggestions?
I do have a predilection toward playing "leader" types...
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Post by takewithfood on Aug 5, 2010 22:27:29 GMT -5
That looks pretty good, Dio! That's pretty much how I'd build Bruce Wayne, though he'd likely have more starting stones which could be spent on business skills and a few other permanent gadgets. But that's a great start.
Some details to bring up:
1) The human max of 3 for physical Abilities applies to Recovery and Pool, too, but it's okay if he's supernaturally fit and energetic - as long as we're clear that it's supernatural. A guy with Recovery and Pool of 4 can run back-to-back marathons and feel okay afterward. It's Captain America territory.
2) Actually, I guess that's it.
~TWF
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Post by takewithfood on Aug 5, 2010 22:30:31 GMT -5
I'm considering a badass normal type character, though I still have no real idea what direction to take him in. Since we seem to have Batman covered I won't be going that route, and I may decide not to even go the badass norm route in the end. Any suggestions? I do have a predilection toward playing "leader" types... Actually, I don't know if this interests you, but we could use a Powered Armor guy. The Powered Armor and Transform Self rules also need to be tested. I think they're kinda fun. ^__^ PA is great in a high-stone game like this, where you can afford to buy the really good options, like a collapsible suit that turns into a briefcase or something, and requires no recharging. Anyway, that's sort of a badass normal kind of route. ~TWF
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Post by Ziegander on Aug 5, 2010 23:08:00 GMT -5
I'm considering a badass normal type character, though I still have no real idea what direction to take him in. Since we seem to have Batman covered I won't be going that route, and I may decide not to even go the badass norm route in the end. Any suggestions? I do have a predilection toward playing "leader" types... Actually, I don't know if this interests you, but we could use a Powered Armor guy. The Powered Armor and Transform Self rules also need to be tested. I think they're kinda fun. ^__^ PA is great in a high-stone game like this, where you can afford to buy the really good options, like a collapsible suit that turns into a briefcase or something, and requires no recharging. Anyway, that's sort of a badass normal kind of route. ~TWF I had initially considered a Transform Self character as well. Perhaps a Transform Self and Leader type in one... Something to consider... do multiple forms work well with the new rules?
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Post by Black Sam on Aug 6, 2010 1:09:10 GMT -5
Hey, Roc, are you planning on going the Mastery route? I don't wanna overlap too much...
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Post by Ziegander on Aug 6, 2010 4:13:27 GMT -5
Okay, so my concept is a leader-y guy with some government training and his superpower is that he is able to take on three more powerful forms, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. One form has strength and durability, one has agility and speed, and the last has flight and a force blast. I've worked it out so that this seems pretty playable with the Transform Self modifier, but I wonder if it might be easier and/or more effective to use some other method.
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Post by Black Sam on Aug 6, 2010 4:56:12 GMT -5
Okay, some help with a Mastery of Light. Here's what's on my drawing board: -Create solid light constructs +0 CL -Create solid light barriers +0 CL -Create custom solid light constructs (weapons, armor, vehicles, ala "Psi Weapon") +3 CL -Blinding Strobe, range 2: attack vs. Agility, stones = panels blinded +0 CL -Visual Illusions/Invisibility +1 CL -Must manipulate existing light: 1 stone penalty in very dim light (moonlight, candle light, etc); powerless in total darkness -2 CL -Can't be improved by lines -2 CL I want to go a little Green-Lanterny, but no giant floating hands or other objects, just stuff to use. I love the idea of being able to create gear and even vehicles with solid light; what do you think of having it as a +3 CL specialty ala Psi Weapon? That leads me to the question (something that's always seemed a little vague to me in the first place) of vehicles. Your 2.0 Psi Weapon rules are great for weapons and even armor, but the stats on vehicles don't lend themselves to this rule set. Ideas? I need other ideas for specialties as well. The Mastery build above is a +3 CL, allowing me to conceivably buy it at AN 10. Is tacking on "Can't be improved by lines" too cheesy that way? I originally wanted to buy an Int modifier with it, but you can imagine how expensive that got...
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Post by takewithfood on Aug 6, 2010 8:00:50 GMT -5
Okay, so my concept is a leader-y guy with some government training and his superpower is that he is able to take on three more powerful forms, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. One form has strength and durability, one has agility and speed, and the last has flight and a force blast. I've worked it out so that this seems pretty playable with the Transform Self modifier, but I wonder if it might be easier and/or more effective to use some other method. You might want to try Metamorphosis. In its basic form, you can dramatically change your ability scores and even some modifiers (like Toughness). With options you can do really weird stuff, like turn into animals. There's even the omnimorph option that lets you turn into anything, provided your AN is high enough. It's a good ability for a leader, as you can ensure that you're at least capable in just about any situation. You won't always be as good as a specialist in that area, but as a leader it's important not to get taken out of a fight. ~TWF
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Post by takewithfood on Aug 6, 2010 9:18:57 GMT -5
Okay, some help with a Mastery of Light. Here's what's on my drawing board: -Create solid light constructs +0 CL -Create solid light barriers +0 CL -Create custom solid light constructs (weapons, armor, vehicles, ala "Psi Weapon") +3 CL -Blinding Strobe, range 2: attack vs. Agility, stones = panels blinded +0 CL -Visual Illusions/Invisibility +1 CL -Must manipulate existing light: 1 stone penalty in very dim light (moonlight, candle light, etc); powerless in total darkness -2 CL -Can't be improved by lines -2 CL I want to go a little Green-Lanterny, but no giant floating hands or other objects, just stuff to use. I love the idea of being able to create gear and even vehicles with solid light; what do you think of having it as a +3 CL specialty ala Psi Weapon? That leads me to the question (something that's always seemed a little vague to me in the first place) of vehicles. Your 2.0 Psi Weapon rules are great for weapons and even armor, but the stats on vehicles don't lend themselves to this rule set. Okay, this is pretty sexy. I like it. We definitely do need to tweak some stuff, though. For starters, I think +1 CL for both illusions and invisibility is a bit inexpensive, and we should split those up into separate feats. Invisibility as the Action would cost +2 CL, but we can always make a "ghetto" version that isn't quite as powerful, but is thus cheaper. For example, if you have to pay for effect every page instead of paying 2 stones to maintain, it might just be +1 CL. Or if it's just camouflage (ie, you can't move around) that might also be just +1 CL. Etc, etc. I like the blinding strobe idea; stones vs. Agility sounds like it makes sense (gotta be quick enough to shut your eyes!). It should maybe also include Reflexive Dodge, though. I wrote this up for a blinding flash for a friend's Mastery in one of my games: Stones vs Agility+Reflexive Dodge-enhanced vision; stones of damage = resistance to actions requiring sight; resistance can be negated by heightened senses on a stone-for-stone basis; resistance fades at a rate of 1 stone per page. So, let's say you flash someone for 6 stones, and they have Agility 3 and no RD. They suffer a 3 stone penalty to just about anything except some purely mental actions (telepathy, etc). They'll have trouble running without running into walls, their aim will suck, and they may not even be able to effectively use actions like Leadership, etc. On the next page they'll be at -2 stones, and then -1 stone on the third page. As for making hardlight construct vehicles, that's a tough one. It should probably be a separate feat, too, and we'll have to cobble together some rules. Something like: Vehicle Creation: Creates vehicles of solid light. Split your stones of effect among the following traits: vehicle speed, vehicle damage, and maneuver modifier. The vehicle has a default vehicle damage of 1, and can support 1 passenger per point of vehicle damage; it has no weight, and has a resistance to operate of 1. However, it costs 2 stones of Mastery of Light to maintain per panel. Pay 3 additional stones of effect to create a flying vehicle instead. So, let's say you have an AN of 7, and you just rescued a woman who is being attacked by aliens or whatever. You spend 7 stones to create a 7 stone light bike: You put 5 stones into Speed, and two stones get you 2 points of Maneuver Modifier. Boom, instant light bike. You now use Vehicle Operations to actually drive the thing. It only has a resistance of 1 to drive, so you can zoom around like crazy; however, you still have to put 2 stones into Mastery of Light each page or the bike disappears out from under you, which would suck. Optionally, at AN 7 you could create a flying car with room for 4. Spend 2 stones to buy vehicle damage up to 3 = 3 passengers. 3 stones to make it fly, and toss in 2 for speed. The thing can fly up to 150 MPH. I'd call that +1 CL. I've been debating the idea of breaking "can't improve by lines" into two different, cheaper disadvantages: -1 CL = "Can't Improve AN". You cannot improve your AN with Lines of Experience. You may not choose this disadvantage if your AN is already 10. -1 CL = "Can't Change Options". You cannot add new options or advantages, or buy off options or disadvantages with Lines of Experience. The last one is tricky. It's cheesy to use it on, say, Close Combat, an action that rarely gets optioned out anyway. However, it's fair on Telepathy, Metamorphosis, and other weird Actions that tend to be expansive, or if you have bought at on of hard disadvantages. Basically, GMs should be prepared to veto if it doesn't make sense. Thoughts? ~TWF
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Post by Black Sam on Aug 6, 2010 11:49:31 GMT -5
That makes sense. What if he's tweaking the frequency of his light constructs to no longer reflect. Could that be a modifier to the cost in some way? If he wanted to be invisible, he'd have to drop an invisible barrier around himself (not always handy), or render his armor invisible, which with the Psi Weapon rules would necessitate spending energy for the weapon/armor all over again. But going this route doesn't necessarily make sense with an Illusions option...if he can make holograms, why can't he do old-school invisibility? Hmm...
This is perfect, thanks!
Okay, this could work. The only potential problem would be that the Vehicle Damage scores don't match up to the sample vehicles in the book. They'd be pretty week, de-rezzing if damaged, so a handy-dandy Sheman tank would be out of the question. Not that I was planning on doing that, but a signature group vehicle, like Blue Beetle's Bug or Wonder Woman's Invisible Jet, would rock!
Could the stones allocated to the Vehicle Damage score reflect only passenger space, then be multiplied for it's "Health?" Ooo, another thought -- how about limiting the tech levels of his creations to something he understands, mechanically? After all, a motorcycle would have moving parts and such, wouldn't he need to know how to or have practiced building a motorcycle before? What do you think?
Also, I take it that you're okay with Psi Weapon being a specialty for Mastery of Light? Is it okay to apply that to armor as well, as I described? And can it be used multiple times, or would I just be sacrificing one "Psi Weapon" for a new one? For example, if, while dressed up in his Radiant Armor, Light wanted to conjure up a laser gun to take down a bad guy -- would he have to ditch the armor completely (not good), use only leftover stones not applied to the armor to build the laser, or could he just allocate more energy to his Mastery to create a new weapon construct?
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Post by takewithfood on Aug 6, 2010 12:03:39 GMT -5
That makes sense. What if he's tweaking the frequency of his light constructs to no longer reflect. Could that be a modifier to the cost in some way? If he wanted to be invisible, he'd have to drop an invisible barrier around himself (not always handy), or render his armor invisible, which with the Psi Weapon rules would necessitate spending energy for the weapon/armor all over again. But going this route doesn't necessarily make sense with an Illusions option...if he can make holograms, why can't he do old-school invisibility? Hmm... The idea is that if it has its own game mechanic, it's probably a separate feat. A character with the Invisibility action could just as easily ask why they can't create an illusion, since they can mess with light. But they're different actions. Re the vehicles: I'm not sure if I understand the question. The idea is that buying vehicle integrity/health whatever also lets you seat extra passengers. You can think of it as buying a larger vehicle, which is both roomier, and more durable. Does that answer the question? Actually, that makes sense. Perhaps he can only make vehicles for which he has a specialty in Vehicle Operations? If you plan on using psi weapons a lot, you may want to buy the Action separately - that way you won't have to get rid of your weapon if you also want to do something with your mastery. It also drops the Mastery cost significantly! Yes, I'm okay with making armor with Psi Weapon. I've had players do that before, I think. ^__^ Yes, if you change the makeup of the weapons/armor you have already created, you have to re-spend stones. So, if you already have some psi-armor on, and you suddenly want a big psi-lance, you would have to spend stones in the action to make the lance again; your armor would either weaken or disappear completely, depending on how you allocated your stones. You may also want to just take some Toughness, perhaps with a -1 CL disadvantage that it only applies when you have your Psi-Weapon activated. So, essentially, every weapon would come with free armor. ~TWF
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