Classes in Star Hero

[nyakki]

Here I am, trying to make a Random Generator for Star Hero (I have one for Champions and FH) when it dawned on me... There aren't any classes...

Champions: Brick - Egoist - Martial Artist - Energy Projector
FH: Fighter - Magic User - Thief - Cleric

Star Hero: ???

(Now, granted, I'm more of a Champions Player and I haven't purchased the Star Hero suppliment, so it could have classes listed in their and I don't know about it...)

Just in case there isn't a list, here is an idea that I had: Military - Pirate - Scientist - Engineer

Any other suggestions?

nyakki

[BobGreenwade]

Technically, there aren't "classes" in Champions or Fantasy Hero either. What you list are really termed archetypes -- types of character that are typically seen in a group of adventurers, whether they're good guys, bad guys, or whatever.

In Star Hero, you can think of archetypes this way: pilot, engineer, doctor, security, scientist, technician. As far as I can remember, most sci-fi groups fall into these areas. The various Star Trek series are my basis for the list, but one could also break down Star Wars, Babylon 5, Stargate, and most other space settings -- heck, even Quark -- to these general areas.

[BlackSword]

Might want to throw solider in as well. Someone used to armored combat as opposed to security specialist.

May have to pull out some D20 sf books and see their suggestions for classes. Though I agree with Bob Greenwade, mainly archetypes as opposed to specific classes.

[BobGreenwade]

Might want to throw solider in as well. Someone used to armored combat as opposed to security specialist. "Soldier" is a better way of describing what I was trying to get at -- the individual best at person-to-person fighting, as opposed to ship-to-ship combat (which would be a "gunner," one category I forgot).

[nyakki]

Technically, there aren't "classes" in Champions or Fantasy Hero either. What you list are really termed archetypes -- types of character that are typically seen in a group of adventurers, whether they're good guys, bad guys, or whatever.

In Star Hero, you can think of archetypes this way: pilot, engineer, doctor, security, scientist, technician. As far as I can remember, most sci-fi groups fall into these areas. The various Star Trek series are my basis for the list, but one could also break down Star Wars, Babylon 5, Stargate, and most other space settings -- heck, even Quark -- to these general areas.

Sorry for the use of Classes. I'm learning how to program and that's the term used in programming when defining different areas... I let my two worlds collide...

In the program I have it listed as archetypes so I knew what I was talking about even if I didn't know what I was saying :whistle:

I was going off of Star Trek and Stargate (hence the 'military' reference)

I like the suggestions given. My final aim is to have it nicely packaged into 4 or 5 groups with an 'Other' category that would be the catch-all for the 'Not So Common' Archetype

Which would you say would be the 'Top 4-5' Archetypes?

Thanks for the help,

nyakki

[BlackSword]

I would base it off of Bob Greenwade's list:
Pilot
Doctor
Soldier (security)
Engineer/Tech/Scienctist (they will all be slightly different but fall close to fit in one broad category)
Diplomat
Specialist (Other that doesn't fit into a category)

I was tempted to add Command, but figure a command figure will be one of the other archetypes with a more diverse skill set.

If you want to add another archetype, I would break out the Tech similar to the Fringer found in Star Wars d20.

edit More thoughts on the Fringer. A common archetype in SF (not necessarily Star Trek) is the Jack of all Trades. Almost the anti-specialist. The lone-wolf grizzled explorer that has seen and done everything. Can fix a warp drive with a cast iron skillet, duct tape, chewing gum and a liberal amount of string.

[Tom Carman]

For what it's worth, here are the professions from the Star Wars Galaxies online game:

Basic Professions

* Artisan
* Brawler
* Entertainer
* Jedi
* Marksman
* Medic
* Politician
* Scout

Elite Professions

* Architect
* Armorsmith
* Bio-Engineer
* Bounty Hunter
* Carbineer
* Chef
* Combat Medic
* Commando
* Creature Handler
* Dancer
* Dark Jedi Knight
* Dark Jedi Master
* Doctor
* Droid Engineer
* Fencer
* Image Designer
* Jedi Knight
* Jedi Master
* Merchant
* Musician
* Pikeman
* Pistoleer
* Ranger
* Rifleman
* Smuggler
* Squad Leader
* Swordsman
* Tailor
* Teras Kasi Artist
* Weaponsmith

[keithcurtis]

I would throw in "Psionic" as well. There sems to be at least one person with special powers in nearly every TV Sci Fi show. Vulcans, Jedi, Psi Corps.

Keith "Fear my Vulcan Patty Melt-- er Mind Meld" Curtis

[nyakki]

So many choice - So little brain space.

OK, here is my (tentative) list... remember, it's just for a random generator to help determine which area of the program to start at.

Soldier
Scientist/Technician
Pilot
Medic
Other (my catch-all where I can make the Specialist/Psionic who is an excellent Diplomat)

Comments? Changes?

nyakki

[devlin1]

In Star Hero, you can think of archetypes this way: pilot, engineer, doctor, security, scientist, technician. As far as I can remember, most sci-fi groups fall into these areas. The various Star Trek series are my basis for the list, but one could also break down Star Wars, Babylon 5, Stargate, and most other space settings -- heck, even Quark -- to these general areas.
Bob, please tell me you're already hard at work on Quark Hero. :bounce:

[BobGreenwade]

Bob, please tell me you're already hard at work on Quark Hero. :bounce: I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that. ;)

OTOH there's no reason I couldn't include a Quark pastiche somewhere in my Terran Empire game.... :angel:

[Agemegos]

I've run and played a lot of SF games, though admittedly not all of them have been under Hero System. Apart from roles that are specific to particular settings, such as 'Jedi', "lensman', 'psionic' and the like, I find that the following types tend to emerge:

1. Clunk. A combat character who specialises in shooting people with civilian smallarms. Often has good stealth skills.

2. Driver. A specialist in driving and piloting.

3. Technician. A specialist in fixing thinks that have suffered combat damage, in hacking security systems, etc. Medical and paramedical skills are often included.

4. Second-storey man. A specialist in breaking in to places, with skills usually at climbing, lockpicking, security systems, systems operation, and computer hacking.

5. Hacker.

6. Face-man and Face-woman. Specialists at social interactions: Conversation, Disguise, Seduction etc. Surprisingly often these turn out to be lawyers.

In my experience 'scientist' is usually more of a special effect than an adventure specialisation.

[Gunrunner]

Did anyone mention space pirate??? :D