What you'd want in an Allies book...

[Jeff T.]

...and how much would you want it.

This is also a multiple that can be answered in multiple ways. First answer whether you even want this product, then answer when you want it, if ever. Anyone who answers 'No' I will assume never wants the product so I didn't put a spot for them in the timeline.

Also, for those that want it, please put what and who you'd like to see.

Things I'd like:

- A powerful JLA or Avenger-type group, at least 6-8 members built on 500-1000 points.

- Ideas for all the supers if they were to go rogue, or how to convert them into villains.

- Many of premiere groups and individuals mentioned so far such as the current Sentinels, Justice Squadron, etc. statted out.

- A few cosmic-level heroes who visit Earth occasionally.

- A 'Suicide Squad' type of team.

- Perhaps a Fantastic Four homage.

- Updated and more detailed timeline, decribing these events more indepth. Fleshing out the CU's history so to speak.

[humantorch101]

As I have said before this is badly needed in the CU and seems a popular idea going by the number of threads this crops up in.

I would prefer mini sourcebooks for each team which would include the teams history, original, previous and current membership stated out, relevant NPC's and allies, headquarters, vehicles and gadgets.
Then a full rogues gallery from the teams past and present also discussing already published villains that the team has opposed.

Lastly each heroic character should come with a villain option to make the supplement as useful as possible to everybody.

I would like each team published to have a distinct place, feel and "job" in the CU, rather than just a series of genetic hero teams.

Team types that come to mind as you previously mentioned JLA, Suicicde squad and FF types.
I would add to that a titans teenage team, an x-man like mutie team, a very loose defenders like type non team, a JSA legacy team, a heroes for hire mercenary team, a disatant cosmic type star spanning team, and an avengers type revolving door type team, powerful nut not as powerful as the JLA super icon team. A mystic type team of occult heroes who come to together to fight huge mystic threats. Lastly a thunderbolts style team of previous villains trying to go staight and be accepted.

I know the CU has mentioned teams that already cover some of these team types such as the Justice Squadron, Sentinels, Nova and Outsiders but I would love to see the other types covered as well and them covered in good detail.

rgds
Torch

[JmOz]

I would actualy like to see something like what torch said, except probably put 2-3 groups in it, & then about a dozen solo hero's (also I would like to see some inactive-members written up as well)

[Metaphysician]

Presumably, an Allies book would be America-focused, seeing as global heroes will get their appearance in Worldwide.

Obviously, the canon Sentinels and Justice Squadron have to appear, filling the roles and power levels for an JLA/Avengers and JSA analogue, respectively.

Any major solo heroes should get mentioned.

From there, its a matter of filling in teams and individuals that have been mentioned in sourcebooks already, with an eye towards filling superheroic "niches."

As for point values, it should vary depending on niche. Sentinels and Justice Squadron should probably be around 600-800, while Nova, the teen team from NYC, should probably be around 350, maybe less. I would definitely like it if there were *one* hero built on four digits, but that could be a space-based cosmic hero who only occasionally returns to earth.

[OddHat]

If and when it gets done, I'd want a CKC layout:

One or two Intergallactic Class 1400 point heroes, a true Silver Age Superman and Doctor Strange.

One or two very high power Best In The World teams, the JLA and the Avengers, each hero built around 700-750 points.

One or two mid range teams, built around 450-550 points.

A collection of plot seeds for all of the above, including "more heroic" and "less heroic" options in each write-up: Donald Trump's privately funded team (The Trumpeteers!) could be either a group of heroes with an odd sponsor or borderline villains just riding the corporate gravy train.

Sample bases, vehicles, and robots.

[Metaphysician]

Ooow, base and vebicle info is definitely a must.

[Jeff T.]

Ooow, base and vebicle info is definitely a must.
Oooh, forgot about that! Yes, I third this motion.

[Blue]

I honestly don't need one. I have too many NPC heroes as it is. But if they sell it, I will buy, for that is my role in this disfunctional relationship.

[OddHat]

I honestly don't need one. I have too many NPC heroes as it is. But if they sell it, I will buy, for that is my role in this disfunctional relationship.

I'd rep that if I could. :)

[Lord Liaden]

Ooow, base and vebicle info is definitely a must.

IMO this is one element lacking from some previous "allies" books that would make it a more popular seller - things that can be used even by people who don't want to use the heroes themselves. I also agree with including a villainous option for each character. The CKC precedent of including plot seeds and suggestions for changing the characters' power level would all be good. Essentially the product should be as flexible as possible to give it the broadest appeal.

I agree with all the suggestions for a broad spectrum of representative hero types. I would add that I'd like to see a mystically-themed superteam; we have a lot of mystical threats in the current CU. :fear:

One thing from some earlier Champions products that I've missed in descriptions of the new teams is a more detailed rundown of team tactics: specific group maneuvers, code words, specialized sub-teams. My gaming groups learned a lot about tactical planning and execution from those sections of Strike Force, To Serve and Protect and The Zodiac Conspiracy; plus I think they add to the distinctive style of a group.

[OddHat]

I would add that I'd like to see a mystically-themed superteam; we have a lot of mystical threats in the current CU. :fear:


Until then, you could always try The New Circle (http://www.herogames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23376&page=1&pp=15) :)

[humantorch101]

Strike Force[/i], To Serve and Protect and The Zodiac Conspiracy; plus I think they add to the distinctive style of a group.


Yep, fully agree this really should be included in the general team write up as it is such an important point in play and really does make each individual team stand out from the rest.

[JeffreyWKramer]

I like all the ideas listed, including base and vehicle write-ups.

I'd also like to see some allies who are not superheroes, but who reflect character types often seen in the comics. Ideas might include the now-retired superhero who is a good source of information about the superhero business and old cases (ala Ted Knight in STARMAN); the scientific genius who excels in analyzing odd things found during the course of an adventure and in making/improving foci (ala Professor Hamilton); some attorneys who specialize in metahuman cases (ala Nelson and Murdock); weird mystic mentor sorts (ala Stick); and the creepy guy who is always lurking at the fringes of adventures and either altready knows what is going on before you do, or at very least knows where to look (ala John Constantine).

[death tribble]

Things I'd like:

- A powerful JLA or Avenger-type group, at least 6-8 members built on 500-1000 points.

- Ideas for all the supers if they were to go rogue, or how to convert them into villains.

- Many of premiere groups and individuals mentioned so far such as the current Sentinels, Justice Squadron, etc. statted out.

- A few cosmic-level heroes who visit Earth occasionally.

- A 'Suicide Squad' type of team.

- Perhaps a Fantastic Four homage.

- Updated and more detailed timeline, decribing these events more indepth. Fleshing out the CU's history so to speak.
I like the list as it is.

Perhaps an anti-Mutant hero group.

A rebellious or nomadic group.

A hi-tech group like the CyberKnights

[Arkham]

I think it would be most cool if any enemies books have notes
on if and how any given character could 'go good' or have
started good. But, then again, I don't use the CU, I use the
characters for inspiration in writing up my own NPCs...

[Enforcer84]

Until then, you could always try The New Circle (http://www.herogames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23376&page=1&pp=15) :)
Is that like the NEW Coke? :D

[BobGreenwade]

One character I'd love to see updated in a new Allies book is Interference. "No -- please! Don't help me!" :D

I also thought Executive Sanction was a pretty cool team; they could also be the "please don't help me" team of a darker stripe, or legitimate help. The Flashmen have their own place in a game as well.

While I liked the Cyberknights and Zen Team, I didn't see much potential for campaign use for the teams. There was some potential (even spelled out in the latter case), but not a whole lot.

A hero team like Aftermath, Inc. (basically a clean-up crew) would be cool too.

One all-new twist would be a group of underpowered newbie heroes who get in over their heads a lot, and have to call on the PCs to come rescue them. :)

Some solo "allies" could be ironed out, with maybe a hard-nosed vigilante, a mysterious stranger with prophetic powers (think Madame Web or Phantom Stranger), a powerful but reluctant hero who'd rather be left alone but is Hunted by half the villain organizations in the Champions Universe, and a couple of specialty consultants (tech, mystic, martial arts).

[Jeff T.]

Going by the poll, there seems to be a greater demand for a book like this than I would have thought. Perhaps DOJ will give it some thought and/or priority if they aren't already.

Of course, this is also the Champions forum. Where Champs players might be willing to take any book as long as it has to do with Champions.

[Darren Watts]

We definitely intend to get to most of these ideas, though it probably won't be in a specific "Allies" book any time soon. Before that we'll definitely see "Champions Worldwide," my next project after "Hidden Lands," which will have heroes and villains from around the globe at varying power levels, and probably in '06 the "Champions Universe Update," which will likely include writeups and histories of the Sentinels and/or Justice Squadron, along with base/vehicle info (including Sentinel Island) and a fistful of support characters and bad guys for each. ('06 will also definitely see "Golden Age Champions," and "Silver" is tentatively late '06 - early '07.) Gotta give us time! dw

[Metaphysician]

I would prefer that Hero Games sticks with the 90 or so named but unpublished characters already in the Champions Universe.

Not much of an obstacle, really, considering the vast majority of them are complete enigmas.

[Metaphysician]

Cool.

One thing I'd like *not* to see: a title of "allies."

Just as the villains books tend to use the rule of threes in naming, I'd like it better if the heroes book was called something more than just "Allies."

Maybe the previously suggested "Paladings, Paragons, and Powerhouses"??

[OddHat]

Is that like the NEW Coke? :D

Well, I'm hoping this one will last a bit longer. ;)

[CBikle]

Like to see lots of independent heroes and hero groups with specific causes/purposes and/or a few international or extraplanetary hero groups.

[Jeff T.]

We definitely intend to get to most of these ideas, though it probably won't be in a specific "Allies" book any time soon. Before that we'll definitely see "Champions Worldwide," my next project after "Hidden Lands," which will have heroes and villains from around the globe at varying power levels, and probably in '06 the "Champions Universe Update," which will likely include writeups and histories of the Sentinels and/or Justice Squadron, along with base/vehicle info (including Sentinel Island) and a fistful of support characters and bad guys for each. ('06 will also definitely see "Golden Age Champions," and "Silver" is tentatively late '06 - early '07.) Gotta give us time! dw
...and updated Champions?

[WhammeWhamme]

Cool.

One thing I'd like *not* to see: a title of "allies."

Just as the villains books tend to use the rule of threes in naming, I'd like it better if the heroes book was called something more than just "Allies."

Maybe the previously suggested "Paladings, Paragons, and Powerhouses"??

Allies, Aides and Assistants?

Rivals, Reinforcements and Replacements?

[OddHat]

Allies, Aides and Assistants?

Rivals, Reinforcements and Replacements?

Heroes, Heroines, and Helpers.

Buff Brutes, Bodacious Babes, and Bellboys.

[Killer Shrike]

I want an Allies book.

I would prefer to see 5 or 6 groups, a few "world class" heroes, and then a bushel of solo heroes similar to CKC.

For the teams I would like to see a minimum of campy "themed" groups. Loose themes are fine, so long as they are something that seems unforced/contrived.

[PhantomGM6101]

As I have said before this is badly needed in the CU and seems a popular idea going by the number of threads this crops up in.

I would prefer mini sourcebooks for each team which would include the teams history, original, previous and current membership stated out, relevant NPC's and allies, headquarters, vehicles and gadgets.
Then a full rogues gallery from the teams past and present also discussing already published villains that the team has opposed.

Lastly each heroic character should come with a villain option to make the supplement as useful as possible to everybody.

I would like each team published to have a distinct place, feel and "job" in the CU, rather than just a series of genetic hero teams.

Team types that come to mind as you previously mentioned JLA, Suicicde squad and FF types.
I would add to that a titans teenage team, an x-man like mutie team, a very loose defenders like type non team, a JSA legacy team, a heroes for hire mercenary team, a disatant cosmic type star spanning team, and an avengers type revolving door type team, powerful nut not as powerful as the JLA super icon team. A mystic type team of occult heroes who come to together to fight huge mystic threats. Lastly a thunderbolts style team of previous villains trying to go staight and be accepted.

I know the CU has mentioned teams that already cover some of these team types such as the Justice Squadron, Sentinels, Nova and Outsiders but I would love to see the other types covered as well and them covered in good detail.

rgds
Torch

Add to it the training facilities like the Arcadian Academy,Duo teams like Hawk&Dove, Cloak & Dagger, the Brothers Grimm and maybe some kid[and preteen] heroes like the POWER PACK, YOUNG JUSTICE and the NEW MUTANTS might come to mind.
And could they include a book of the dead,listing all the deceased and inactive characters of the new CU with NPC possibilities,like you did with Captian Patriot and Doctor Macabre. :)

[Metaphysician]

Lest we forget, Everyman is coming out next year so an "allies" book with normal people in it is not really needed.

Well, it should still have any applicable Jarvis or Alfred types for supers or teams.

[Metaphysician]

Add to it the training facilities like the Arcadian Academy,Duo teams like Hawk&Dove, Cloak & Dagger, the Brothers Grimm and maybe some kid[and preteen] heroes like the POWER PACK, YOUNG JUSTICE and the NEW MUTANTS might come to mind.
And could they include a book of the dead,listing all the deceased and inactive characters of the new CU with NPC possibilities,like you did with Captian Patriot and Doctor Macabre. :)

I'd keep those to a minimum, myself. Deceased superheroes should usually be put in books closely connected to them somehow ( the Fabulous Five in Silver Age Champions, for example ).

[Steve Long]

...and updated Champions?

If you mean the team, sure.

If you mean the genre book, we don't have any plans for that. Unlike a setting, which can benefit from a small amount of forward momentum, a genre book doesn't need frequent updates.

[SKJAM!]

I'd love to help update some of the characters from the original Allies book, as otherwise they're just in a "we don't know if they're ever coming back, but we still have dibs" limbo.

[zornwil]

I voted "no" and "next year"...let me explain - things like CKC and such I don't buy the books for but I buy the online character packs. Mainly because I don't use CU and these are just reference points I may or may not use. I buy pretty much every character and related pack that comes out online.

[zakueins]

Allies, Associates, and Annoyances?


Allies, Aides and Assistants?

Rivals, Reinforcements and Replacements?

[Jeff T.]

If you mean the team, sure.

The team, yes.

[FenrisUlf]

Well, it should still have any applicable Jarvis or Alfred types for supers or teams.

Wouldn't they go better in Everyman?

[Metaphysician]

Maybe, but I think it'd be better to keep the team elements together.