Building John Carter of Mars

[Susano]

Okay, I've finished A PRINCESS OF MARS and took 3 pages of notes on Captain John Carter, the green Martians, and his weapons. I will read book two and three (all I have) and try and build a character sheet from that. I even have a rough layout of Powers, Skills, and Talents started. My question is: What sort of stats do you give him? And I mean base, human stats, not his Mars stats.

Right now, I have this:

STR 15
DEX 20+
CON 20
BODY 12-14
INT 10
EGO 15-18+
PRE 20
COM 16-18
PD good
ED good
SPD 4-5
REC
END high
STUN

With this added as Powers:
7 Greater Strength: +10 STR; No Figured Characteristics (-1/2), Only
On Mars (-0)
10 Greater Agility: +5 DEX; No Figured Characteristics (-1/2), Only On
Mars (-0)
5 Greater Endurance: +10 END; Only On Mars (-0)

What do others think?

[Captain Obvious]

As an aside, I just picked up A Princess of Mars for $4.99 (not on sale either). Anyone who has never read the John Carter books should be ashamed of themselves if they don't shell out this paltry amount for such a flavorful pulp sci-fi classic.

EDIT: Now back to the main issue at hand, I'd probably just leave his stats at Earth normal and reduce those of the Martians appropriately. This may make stats too grainy for some, but in my opinion, it solves the issue of what to do should other Earthlings find their way to Mars without a stockpile of points to spend.

[OddHat]

Personally, I think I'd give him very good but not at NCM stats across the board, and then add about 10 character points to every physical stat when he gets to Mars. He was a very good but not superhuman soldier on Earth, who had the power / plot device of astrally projecting himself to Mars. I always thought that his real body was probably dead or dying on Earth and that his Mars body was an idealized form, but that was just a personal spin on that (and it has been many years since I read the series).

What you have now works well enough, though I'd err on the high side once he is actually on Mars.

[Lord Liaden]

This looks like a very good start, as I would expect from your work. ;) Personally I think I would lower his Earthly Dexterity a little, maybe to 17 or 18, and increase the boost he receives on Mars - there's little indication that he was that physically exceptional in his terrestrial life. 25 max sounds good, but you might even go to 26 based on some of his later feats. I'd also leave his Speed at 4 on Earth and give him 5 on Mars, or maybe more.

I'm sure you've also considered giving him some extra Leaping. Some of the leaps he's described as making in the books are more prodigious than a 25 STR would allow in HERO.

The first three books should be plenty of source material to build John Carter. He's the focus of those stories (later ones shift to other heroes more often than not), and they almost form a single epic storyline. You see nearly his full development as far as capabilities go by the end of it. There is a major character development in the third book that you'll want to consider accounting for, though: Carter grows into the greatest swordsman on Mars, able to hold the entire crew of a Barsoomian air battleship at bay single-handed. He retains that level of superiority to his foes in every subsequent appearance in the series.

IIRC there's also a brief scene near the end of The Chessmen of Mars in which John Carter is described in the third person, which will give you more details as to his appearance than his first-person narratives. I'll check that and get back to you.

[Susano]

Here is what I have as to his appearance:

"yet I well remember the tall, dark, smooth-faced, athletic man whom I called Uncle Jack."

"He was a splendid specimen of manhood, standing a good two inches over six feet, broad of shoulder and narrow of hip, with the carriage of the trained fighting man. His features were regular and clear cut, his hair black and closely cropped, while his eyes were of a steel gray, reflecting a strong and loyal character, filled with fire and initiative. His manners were perfect, and his courtliness was that of a typical southern gentleman of the highest type."

[AlHazred]

Here is what I have as to his appearance:

"yet I well remember the tall, dark, smooth-faced, athletic man whom I called Uncle Jack."

"He was a splendid specimen of manhood, standing a good two inches over six feet, broad of shoulder and narrow of hip, with the carriage of the trained fighting man. His features were regular and clear cut, his hair black and closely cropped, while his eyes were of a steel gray, reflecting a strong and loyal character, filled with fire and initiative. His manners were perfect, and his courtliness was that of a typical southern gentleman of the highest type." I have some notes (somewhere) I made when I read the first five books. I found it difficult in Hero terms to model the Green Martians using everything Carter says in the books as gospel (i.e., they can't be as weak as he says on Earth, and as strong as he says on Mars without something else going on). Then I had an epiphany and it all became much easier.

Treat the books as John Carter telling the story to you. He has an 8 Intelligence. He's not really book-smart, and his descriptions are most likely badly-remembered explanations he got when he asked the same questions.

Hmmm... Found my Green Martian writeup.

Green Martian

Val Char Cost Roll Notes
14 STR 4 12- Lift 174.1kg; 2 1/2d6 [1]
11 DEX 3 11- OCV: 4/DCV: 4
15 CON 10 12-
14 BODY 8 12-
10 INT 0 11- PER Roll 13-
14 EGO 8 12- ECV: 5
18 PRE 8 13- PRE Attack: 3 1/2d6
10 COM 0 11-

8 PD 5 Total: 8 PD (0 rPD)
6 ED 3 Total: 6 ED (0 rED)
2 SPD 0 Phases: 6, 12
6 REC 0
30 END 0
30 STUN 1 Total Characteristic Cost: 48

Movement:
Running: 11"/22"
Leaping: 2"/4"


Cost Powers END
12 Tusks: HKA 1d6 (1 1/2d6 w/STR); Reduced Penetration (-1/4) 1
10 Large: Running +5" (11" total) 1
10 Telepathic: Mind Link , Animal class of minds, Specific Group of Minds [Thoats]
8 Smell Water: Detect Water 11- (Smell/Taste Group), Discriminatory
6 Four Arms: Extra Limbs (4), Inherent (+1/4)
7 Large: Stretching 1", Inherent (+1/4), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2), Persistent (+1/2); No Noncombat Stretching (-1/4), No Velocity Damage (-1/4)
6 Large: Knockback Resistance -3"
6 "Huge Eyes, Ear Stalks": +2 PER with all Sense Groups
5 Long-Lived: Life Support (Longevity: Immortality)
10 Protruding Eyes: Increased Arc Of Perception (360 Degrees) with Sight Group
-3 Ears On Stalks: ; Restrainable (-1/2) for up to 10 Active Points of innate Increased Arc of Perception (360 Degrees) for Normal Hearing
Skills
2 Animal Handler (Thoats) 13-
2 AK: Barsoomian Deserts 11-
3 Climbing 11-
3 Concealment 11-
3 Interrogation 13-
2 KS: Desert Flora And Fauna 11-
2 KS: Martian Tribal Insignia 11-
0 Language: Green Martian (idiomatic)
2 Language: Red Martian (fluent conversation)
2 Navigation (Land) 11-
2 PS: Raider 11-
3 Riding 11-
3 Stealth 11-
2 Survival (Martian Desert) 11-
3 Tracking 11-
10 Two-Weapon Fighting (HTH)
4 WF: Common Melee Weapons, Lances, Radium Guns

Total Powers & Skill Cost: 125
Total Cost: 173

200+ Disadvantages
0 Normal Characteristic Maxima No Age Restriction
15 Distinctive Features: Green Martian (Not Concealable; Always Noticed and Causes Major Reaction; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses; Not Distinctive In Some Cultures)
20 Enraged: when sensing blood (Common), go 11-, recover 11-
10 Hunted: Red Martians 8- (As Pow, Harshly Punish)
5 Physical Limitation: Large (up to 4m, or 2"; -2 DCV, +2 to PER Rolls to perceive) (Infrequently, Slightly Impairing)
15 Psychological Limitation: Enjoys The Suffering Of Others (Common, Strong)
15 Reputation: bloodthirsty brigands, 11- (Extreme)
10 Rivalry: Professional (with other Green Martian Tribes; Rival is As Powerful; Seek to Harm or Kill Rival; Rival Aware of Rivalry)
15 Social Limitation: Subject To Orders (Frequently, Major)

Total Disadvantage Points: 173

Background/History: The Green Men of Mars are a savage desert-dwelling species. Their society is organized around a chieftain, or jeddak, who wins his position by slaying the previous leader in open combat or by assassinating him. To move up socially, a warrior slays the man ahead of him in the pecking order and takes his weapons and jewelry. The tribesmen live for battle. They cease fighting only to lay eggs (which they deposit in remote glass-covered pits warmed by the sun) and to retrieve the young once they have hatched. Newborns are expected to fend for themselves.

Aside from his weapons, a Green Martian's most prized possession is his mount - a dinosaurian quadruped known as a thoat. Warriors use no reins, controlling their beasts by telepathy so that all their hands are left free to fight. The only other beast domesticated by the Green Men of Mars is the calot, a ten-legged crocodilian that serves them as a hunting dog. They enjoy few luxuries except for silks and furs seized in raids, which they use for bedding material.

Tribes are comprised of tens of thousands of ruthless soldiers. Only the species' high infant mortality rate and ceaseless internal strife prevent them from overrunning Barsoom. It's a good thing they're preoccupied with exterminating each other.

Personality/Motivation: The other inhabitants of Barsoom justly fear and hate these feral desert warriors. The only time they laugh is when another creature suffers. Despite their cruelty, they have a driving sense of tribal loyalty and will throw themselves into battle at the command of a chieftain they hate. Occasionally a warrior, such as John Carter's ally Tars Tarkas, will overcome his savage conditioning and join the larger Martian society, but these individuals are few and far between.

Quote:

Powers/Tactics: The Green Martians' unusual physical abilities derive from their alien anatomy. They have long, rangy bodies that provide extra reach and running speed. Their middle limbs can function as either hands or feet. They have acute senses and can smell water beneath the ground. Their sharp tusks, when they think to use them, can be deadly.

They are skilled riders and hunters intimately familiar with their desert habitat. Green Martians can fight with more than one weapon; both arms on one side are their "good" hands.

Campaign Use: When former Confederate officer John Carter was transported to Mars, he was immediately captured by a race of insect-like carnivorous giants, the Tharks. Carter later learned that his captors were but one tribe of the creatures, which inhabited abandoned cities in the deserts of Barsoom. These vicious beings led a nomadic, piratical existence - preying both on the more civilized (and more human) Red Men of Mars as well as each other. In his memoirs, Carter describes them in detail.

Appearance: The Green Martians are extremely tall six-limbed humanoids. On average they stand 4.5m tall and weigh about 180 kg. Long tusks jut from their lower jaws to the level of their huge round eyes, and they have round, mobile ears on stalks atop their heads. Their nostrils are vertical slits between their eyes. Their skin color is green, of course. They wear little clothing other than a breechcloth but cover themselves with all manner of armbands, weapons harnesses, and other jewelry. When desert temperatures cool they don leather cloaks. Green Martian warriors are normally armed with daggers, longswords, and lances twice as long as their owners are tall. They occasionally carry radium rifles stolen from Red Martian victims. Green Martian females are shorter and lighter in color than the males.

This writeup is vaguely based on Kevin Scribner's. It does not have any changes due to Martian gravity; those can be found in the Star Hero book.

Green Martian.hdc (http://castle-walls.org/hero/others/alhazred/Green%20Martian.hdc)

[Susano]

Here is the initial draft for John Carter as of book one:

CAPTAIN JOHN CARTER
Gentleman of Virgina

Val CHA Cost Roll Notes
15 STR 0 11- Lift 100 kg; 2d6 HTH Damage
18 DEX 0 11- OCV: 3/DCV: 3
20 CON 0 11-
14 BODY 0 11-
10 INT 0 11- PER Roll 11-
18 EGO 0 11- ECV: 3
20 PRE 0 11- PRE Attack: 2d6
16 COM 0 11-

8 PD 0 Total: PD ( rPD)
8 ED 0 Total: ED ( rED)
4 SPD 0 Phases: 6, 12
7 REC 0
40 END 0
32 STUN 0 Total Characteristics Cost: 0

Movement: Running: 6"/12"
Leaping:
Swimming: 2"/4"

Cost Powers & Skills
Martial Arts: Swordsmanship
Maneuver OCV DCV Damage
Disarm
Parry
Thrust
Slash

7 Greater Strength: +10 STR; No Figured Characteristics (-1/2), Only On Mars (-0)
10 Greater Agility: +5 DEX; No Figured Characteristics (-1/2), Only On Mars (-0)
5 Greater Endurance: +10 END; Only On Mars (-0)
Martian Telepathy: Telepathy
Unreadable Mind: Mental Defense (20 points)
Reduced Gravity Leaping: Leaping +10", Reduced Endurance (1/2 END; +1/4)
5 "Not Aged Apparently A Moment": Life Support (Longevity: Immortal)
10 Luck 2d6



Perks
Contact: Tars Tarkas, Jed of Thark
15 Follower: Woola the calot (75-point base)
Fringe Benefit: Thark Chieftan
Reputation: Greatest Swordsman on Mars

Talents
Animal Friend (see Fantasy Hero)
Great Agility: Combat Luck (6 PD/6 ED)
Martian Telepathy: Danger Sense

Skills
"Finishing My Man With No Effort": Combat Skill Levels

2 AK: Barsoom 11-
2 AK: Virginia 11-
2 CK: Helium 11-
Climbing
0 Concealment 8-
0 Conversation 8-
0 Deduction 8-
10 Defense Manuver IV
"Manners Are Perfect": High Society
2 "Lived And Fought For Years Among The Souix": KS: Souix Culture And History 11-
2 KS: Thark Customs 11-
0 Language: English (native)
4 Language: Martian (fluent)
0 Paramedic 8-
2 PS: Prospector 11-
2 PS: Confedereate Calvary Officer 11-
Oratory
"Horsemanship... Was A Marvel And A Delight": Riding 16-
0 Shadowing 8-
Stealth
Survival (various locations)
Tactics
2 TF: Martian One-Man Skimmer, Thoat
Tracking
8 WF: Martian Common Melee Weapons, Martian Small Arms, Terran Common Melee Weapons, Terran Small Arms
Total Powers & Skills Cost
Total Character Cost

100+ Disadvantages
Distinctive Features:
DNPC: Deja Thoris
Enraged:
Hunted:
Physical Limitation:
20 Psychological Limitation: Martian Code Of Honor (C, T)
15 Psychological Limitation: "Following A Sense Of Duty, Wherever It May
Lead" (C, S)
15 Psychological Limitation: "A Gentleman Does Not Lie To Save Himself"
(C, S)
Psychological Limitation:
Reputation:
Rivalry:
Social Limitation:
10 Unluck: 2d6
Gentleman of Virgina Bonus
Total Disadvantage Points

Background/History:


Personality/Motivation:


Quote:

Powers/Tactics:


Appearance:


Designer's Notes:


(Captain John Carter created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[AlHazred]

Further Items From My Notes:

Radium Rifle: "These rifles were of a white metal stocked with wood, which I learned later was a very light and intensely hard growth much prized on Mars, and entirely unknown to us denizens of Earth. The metal of the barrel is an alloy composed principally of aluminum and steel which they have learned to temper to a hardness far exceeding that of the steel with which we are familiar. The weight of these rifles is comparatively little, and with the small caliber, explosive, radium projectiles which they use, and the great length of the barrel, they are deadly in the extreme and at ranges which would be unthinkable on Earth. The theoretic effective radius of this rifle is three hundred miles, but the best they can do in actual service when equipped with their wireless finders and sighters is but a trifle over two hundred miles…"


Radium Weapons
Weapon OCV RMod Damage STUNx STR Min Shots A/R Notes
Radium Rifle +4 3d6 +1 14 24 124/34 IMR(209,375"), 2H
Radium Pistol +1 +2 2d6+1 +1 12 12 55/17

RE: John Carter's Jumping Ability

A Princess of Mars: "I [jumped] with such marvelous success that I cleared a good hundred-and-fifty feet; nor did I this time, lose my equilibrium, but landed squarely upon my feet without falling. I then returned by easy jumps of twenty-five or thirty feet to the little group of warriors."

From this, we see that John Carter can broad leap at least 150 ft. That translates to 50 yards, or about 25"� in game scale. Since that's probably a non-combat leap, he probably has a normal leap of 13"�. However, he's on Mars, so his normal leaping was divided by the gravity of Mars (0.38). So, multiplying 13"� by 0.38, we see that his normal leap is about 5"�/10"�, respectable indeed for a human, but not outside of human limits.

[keithcurtis]

He needs a huge barge load of Mental Defense. Nobody ever came close to reading his thoughts. Also, 10 pt.s of Telepathy should be an everyman skill for a Barsoomian campaign.

He also needs an insane amount of combat skills.
My minimum suggestion would be:
+3 HTH
+3 Swords
Lightning Reflexes
Deadly Blow, no restrictions on weapons or opponents
The Fencing Martial Art, all moves save disarm. Add Passing Strike if it's not in there.

And finally, if his write-up is intended for a Barsoomian campaign, I would just buy his increased strength straight out. It will never suffer the disadvantage because the stories never take place on Jasoom (earth). Ignore the real world differences in the gravities of Earth and Mars; Carter leaps 25 hexes (~150 feet) with ease, and kills fifteen foot tall giants with casual strength.
I would think 25 STR too little, but perhaps if combined with Skill levels, Deadly blow and a martial Killing strike, it would be enough.

JC is truly an egregiously powerful character, second only to Tarzan in physical prowess (if even then). In the later books, he says he refuses to even draw his sword until there is no alternative, for he knows that doing so is tantamount to killing his oppononet outright. There is no other possible outcome.

And he needs Life Support, unaging, and some perks and contacts appropriate to the Warlord of Barsoom.

As for Disads
PSYCH: Clueless about women
PSYCH: Generally clueless about anything not combat oriented (He regularly misses plot points the size of Phobos)
PSYCH: Martian honor (defend women, neither ask nor receive quarter, never use a greater weapon than you oppononent's)
DF: Jasoomian (white skin, grey eyes)

I got more if you want it.

Keith "can you tell I'm an ERBophile?" Curtis

[Susano]

I got more if you want it.


Go for it. As I said, I have volumes 1-3 only and will work from them. The rough draft I based on book one only and will expand as I go.

Oh, and he does have disarm, he states doing so to several foes near the end of book one.

PS: In the old, old days of DRAGON magazine, they had a character sheet for John Carter. He was a 25th level fighter.

[Supreme Serpent]

He needs a huge barge load of Mental Defense. Nobody ever came close to reading his thoughts.

Could just say "Martian" and "Earthman" are different classes of minds, and the GM won't allow any Martians to buy "Earthman" as a class of minds affected. :)

[Koshka]

He needs a huge barge load of Mental Defense. Nobody ever came close to reading his thoughts.

It's been a while since I read the books, how much of that is Mental Defense and how much is Humans and Martians being different classes of minds?

[AndyStaples]

Could just say "Martian" and "Earthman" are different classes of minds, and the GM won't allow any Martians to buy "Earthman" as a class of minds affected. :)

You could... but the unreadability is a clear advantage for Carter. He should pay for it. ;)

[Susano]

You could... but the unreadability is a clear advantage for Carter. He should pay for it. ;)

I agree here.


PS: Loved Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. :)

[Supreme Serpent]

You could... but the unreadability is a clear advantage for Carter. He should pay for it. ;)

If he was a dog or a robot, would you make him pay for it?

[Enforcer84]

Go for it. As I said, I have volumes 1-3 only and will work from them. The rough draft I based on book one only and will expand as I go.

Oh, and he does have disarm, he states doing so to several foes near the end of book one.

PS: In the old, old days of DRAGON magazine, they had a character sheet for John Carter. He was a 25th level fighter.
8 is my fave, but it doesn't involve a Jasoomian. I also liked the one about the guy who switched bodies... I can't recall the title...

[keithcurtis]

8 is my fave, but it doesn't involve a Jasoomian. I also liked the one about the guy who switched bodies... I can't recall the title...
Mastermind of Mars

And different classes of minds is not a solution since Carter can clearly read Martian minds.

Keith "tor-dur-bar" Curtis

[Nyrath]

Here are some John Carter links that might provide background material:
http://www.erblist.com/abg/index.html
http://www.erblist.com/erbmania/index.html
http://erbatlas.virtualave.net/barsoom.shtml

[Koshka]

And different classes of minds is not a solution since Carter can clearly read Martian minds.


+10 points to add the Alien class ... but actually, once Carter and Dejah Thoris got together, could Dejah ever communicate telepathically with Carter? If no, then we would be talking Mental Defense, probably Always On. Either that or Invisibility to the Mental Sense Group, SFX "there's something here, but I can't get through". (Still pricy, but probably not as bad as enough MD to keep members of a naturally telepathic race out of his skull.)

[Dr. Anomaly]

+10 points to add the Alien class ... but actually, once Carter and Dejah Thoris got together, could Dejah ever communicate telepathically with Carter? If no, then we would be talking Mental Defense, probably Always On. Either that or Invisibility to the Mental Sense Group, SFX "there's something here, but I can't get through". (Still pricy, but probably not as bad as enough MD to keep members of a naturally telepathic race out of his skull.)
Invisibility to the Mental Sense Group won't do it...it'll keep them from using Telepathy if they can't see him, but if they can locate him visually, they can still use the Telepathy on him with no problem at all.

(I had cause to ask Steve this exact question a couple of weeks ago, and that's the answer he gave me. When I asked how you'd simulate something like that -- can't target someone with a Mental attack even if you can see them -- he said he wasn't sure, but it was something he'd have to figure out for the upcoming mentalist book.)

[Sketchpad]

As far as research links, here's John Carter, Warlord of Mars (http://www.johncarterofmars.com/) ... a site I found while researching for a similar setting :) Hope it helps :)

[keithcurtis]

IIRC, Carter stated that it caused DT no end of frustration that she could never read his mind.
I always figured Barsoomian telepathy to be very weak at any rate, since it is almost never a plot point. Especially after the first few books.Mostly it seems to be an alternative to talking, perhaps even a form of Mind Link.

The only mental power less used was Carson Napier's Mental Illusions power. Megascale-range (transplanetary!) mental illusions, and the guy never even thinks to use it to get himself out of a jam until the last book.

Keith "I'm thinking of a number between <I>ay</i> and <i>tee</i>..." Curtis

[Nyrath]

Now Barsoom is not Mars, but these maps (http://ralphaeschliman.com/id22.htm) might still come in handy.

You might also want to pick up a copy of the out-of-print paperback book "A Guide to Barsoom". http://www.bookfinder.com has about ten copies, each under $10. Loaded with details.

[FenrisUlf]

As far as research links, here's John Carter, Warlord of Mars (http://www.johncarterofmars.com/) ... a site I found while researching for a similar setting :) Hope it helps :)

And a big THANK YOU for giving the addy for this site. John Carter was always one of my favorite characters and I'm pleased to see that there's a site on the WWW for him.

And while this is OT, did Burroughs *ever* give a final answer on just who John Carter was, and where he originally came from? I got the idea he was from ancient Barsoom and somehow got sent to earth where he got amnesia (like Corwin of Amber).

[keithcurtis]

As far as I know, his origins remain a mystery, even to himself. He is physically simliar, but not identical, to the ancient Martian race that inhabited Aaanthor, but that wouldn't explain his Jasoomian strength or telepathic inassailability. Both of these features were shared by Captain Ulysses S. Paxton in one of the later books.
I always felt that was a dissolution of the character, though.

In the Marvel Comics adaptation, he has dreams of fighting Atilla the Hun, but that pretty non-canon.

As an aside, I have a biography of the fictional ERB, as pieced together from self-references in all his forewords. He was hale and hearty well into his second century, at which point he was being appointed to some major government position.

Keith "Aaanthor is the only word in any language that I know of that has three 'A's in a row. How do you pronounce that?" CUrtis

[Susano]

I just finished "The Gods of Mars". Here is what I have:

JOHN CARTER OF MARS

Val CHA Cost Roll Notes
15 STR 0 12- Lift 200 kg; 3d6 HTH Damage
18 DEX 0 13- OCV: 6/DCV: 6
20 CON 0 13-
14 BODY 0 12-
10 INT 0 11- PER Roll 11-
18 EGO 0 13- ECV: 6
20 PRE 0 13- PRE Attack: 4d6
16 COM 0 12-

8 PD 0 Total: 14 PD (6 rPD)
8 ED 0 Total: 14 ED (6 rED)
4 SPD 0 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12
7 REC 0
40 END 0
32 STUN 0 Total Characteristics Cost: 0

Movement: Running: 6"/12"
Leaping: "/"
Swimming: "/"

Cost Powers & Skills
Martial Arts: Swordsmanship; Use Art With Blades
Maneuver OCV DCV Damage
Cut
Ceduto
Froissement
Lunge
Parry
Prise de Fer
Riposte
Slash
Thrust
Void

7 Greater Strength: +10 STR; No Figured Characteristics (-1/2), Only On Mars (-0)
10 Greater Agility: +5 DEX; No Figured Characteristics (-1/2), Only On Mars (-0)
5 Greater Endurance: +10 END; Only On Mars (-0)
Martian Telepathy: Telepathy
Unreadable Mind: Mental Defense (20 points)
Reduced Gravity Leaping: Leaping +10", Reduced Endurance (1/2 END; +1/4)
Swimming
5 "Not Aged Apparently A Moment": Life Support (Longevity: Immortal)
10 Luck 3d6

Perks
Contact: Kantos Kan, Commander of the Helium Navy
Contact: Tars Tarkas, Jeddak of the Tharks
15 Follower: Woola the Calot (75-point base)
Fringe Benefit: Prince Of The House Of Tardos Mors, Jeddak Of Helium
Fringe Benefit: Thark Chieftain
Reputation: Greatest Swordsman on Mars

Talents
20 "I Was Ever A Good Hand With Animals": Animal Friend (Animal Handler [all
categories], PRE +3)
12 Great Agility: Combat Luck (6 PD/6 ED)
Martian Telepathy: Danger Sense
10 Swordmaster: Deadly Blow (HKA +1d6; OIF (any sword; -1/2), Any
Circumstances (-0))
11 "Took Heart At The Sound Of My Voice": Inspire (Aid PRE 1d6, Area Of Effect
(voice Radius; +1), Selective (+1/4); Concentration (1/2 DCV; -1/4), Extra Time
(Full Phase; -1/2), Incantations (voice range; -1/4)

Skills
"Finishing My Man With No Effort": Combat Skill Levels: +X with HTH
"With A Single Cut Struck Down Two": Combat Skill Levels: +X with Sweep

2 AK: Barsoom 11-
2 AK: Virginia 11-
2 CK: Helium 11-
Climbing
Combat Pilot
0 Concealment 8-
0 Conversation 8-
0 Deduction 8-
10 Defense Maneuver IV
"Manners Are Perfect": High Society
2 "Lived And Fought For Years Among The Sioux": KS: Sioux Culture And
History 11-
2 KS: Myths And Legends Of Mars 11-
2 KS: Thark Customs 11-
0 Language: English (native)
4 Language: Martian (fluent)
Navigation
0 Paramedic 8-
2 PS: Prospector 11-
2 PS: Confederate Calvary Officer 11-
Oratory
"Horsemanship... Was A Marvel And A Delight": Riding 16-
0 Shadowing 8-
Stealth
"All The Years I Have Roamed The Five Continents And Their Encircling Seas":
Survival (various locations)
Tactics
3 TF: Riding Animals, Thoat
2 "Thoroughly Familiar With The Mechanism Of Every Known Make Of Flier On
Barsoom": TF: Martian Air Vehicles
Tracking
8 WF: Martian Common Melee Weapons, Martian Small Arms, Terran Common Melee
Weapons, Terran Small Arms
Total Powers & Skills Cost
Total Character Cost

XXX+ Disadvantages
Accidental Change:
Age:
Dependence:
Distinctive Features:
DNPC: Carthoris
DNPC: Dejah Thoris
Enraged:
Hunted:
20 Normal Characteristic Maxima
Physical Limitation:
20 Psychological Limitation: Code Of Honor: Gentleman's/Martian (C, T)
15 Psychological Limitation: "I Cannot Stand The Sight Of Cowardly Injustice And
Persecution" (C, S)
15 Psychological Limitation: "Never Have I Been Much Of A Ladies' Man" (C, S)
Reputation:
Rivalry:
Social Limitation:
Susceptibility:
10 Unluck: 2d6
Vulnerability:
Gentleman of Virginia Bonus
Total Disadvantage Points

Background/History:


Personality/Motivation:


Quote: "I do not believe that I am made of the stuff which constitutes heroes, because, in all of the hundreds of instances that my voluntary acts have placed me face to face with death, I cannot recall a single one where any alternative step to that I took occurred to me until many hours later. My mind is evidently so constituted that I am subconsciously forced into the path of duty without recourse to tiresome mental processes. However that may be, I have never regretted that cowardice is not optional with me."

Powers/Tactics:


Appearance:
"...yet I well remember the tall, dark, smooth-faced, athletic man whom I called Uncle Jack. [...] He was a splendid specimen of manhood, standing a good two inches over six feet, broad of shoulder and narrow of hip, with the carriage of the trained fighting man. His features were regular and clear cut, his hair black and closely cropped, while his eyes were of a steel gray, reflecting a strong and loyal character, filled with fire and initiative. His manners were perfect, and his courtliness was that of a typical southern gentleman of the highest type."

Designer's Notes:


(Captain John Carter created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Captain Obvious]

As far as I know, his origins remain a mystery, even to himself.

I didn't realize there was a mystery at all. From what I recall, he was from Virginia, fought in the Civil War, and moved west afterwards. Nothing to distinguish him from thousands of others, except for that whole going-to-Mars thing.

[Susano]

I didn't realize there was a mystery at all. From what I recall, he was from Virginia, fought in the Civil War, and moved west afterwards. Nothing to distinguish him from thousands of others, except for that whole going-to-Mars thing.

In THE GODS OF MARS, the comment is made that John Carter "dandled my grandfather's great-grandfather on his knee." That comes out to something like 155-175 years ago (from roughly 1884), meaning John Carter was alive in 1710-1735 at the very least (at which point he was around 30 years of age). So the "mystery" is where he comes from, originally. I mean, the man is so old he can't remember his childhood and can only recall a life as a man of around 25-30, never aging, never changing. He also states he's traveled the world, with no idea given of where he started.

[Susano]

Quick Poll: Should John Carter have Barsoomian stats straight up, or have Earth stats with his Barsoom powers added separately (which is how I have it now).

[keithcurtis]

Since this is a generic write-up, and not intended for a Barsoomian campaign, I think you should keep him as written.

BTW, this is the best write-up of Carter I have ever seen. Good work!

Keith "Made and played a Jetan board" Curtis

[Susano]

Since this is a generic write-up, and not intended for a Barsoomian campaign, I think you should keep him as written.

BTW, this is the best write-up of Carter I have ever seen. Good work!


Thanks.

Working on THE WARLORD OF MARS right now. Will post the final rough draft in a few days.

[AlHazred]

If you'd like to check out the rest of the books and don't mind reading a computer screen, Blackmask Online (http://www.blackmask.com/page.php) has all of them in their Edgar Rice Burroughs (http://www.blackmask.com/page.php?do=page&cat_id=88) section. Free.

[Susano]

Here is John Carter as he stands before I start filling in all the blanks and the flavor text. Any thoughts?

JOHN CARTER OF MARS

Val CHA Cost Roll Notes
15 STR 5 12- Lift 200 kg; 3d6 HTH Damage
20 DEX 30 13- OCV: 7/DCV: 7
20 CON 20 13-
14 BODY 8 12-
10 INT 0 11- PER Roll 11-
20 EGO 20 13- ECV: 7
20 PRE 10 13- PRE Attack: 4d6
16 COM 3 12-

8 PD 5 Total: 14 PD (6 rPD)
8 ED 4 Total: 14 ED (6 rED)
4 SPD 10 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12
7 REC 0
40 END 0
32 STUN 0 Total Characteristics Cost: 115

Movement: Running: 6"/12"
Leaping: 15"/30"
Swimming: 4"/8"

Cost Powers & Skills
Martial Arts: Brawling
Maneuver OCV DCV Damage
Armlock
Duck/Sidestep
Good, Old American [Punch]
-2 +1 +4d6 Strike

Martial Arts: Swordsmanship; Use Art With Blades
Maneuver OCV DCV Damage
Cut
Ceduto
Froissement
Leaping Strike
Lunge
Parry
Prise de Fer
Riposte
Slash
Thrust
Void

7 Greater Strength: +10 STR; No Figured Characteristics (-1/2), Only On Mars (-0)
10 Greater Agility: +5 DEX; No Figured Characteristics (-1/2), Only On Mars (-0)
5 Greater Endurance: +10 END; Only On Mars (-0)
Martian Telepathy: Telepathy
21 Unreadable Mind: Mental Defense (20 points), Hardened (+1/4)
"My Own Blade Caught The Flying Weapon": Missile Deflection
12 Reduced Gravity Leaping: Leaping +10" (15" forwards, 8" upwards), Reduced
Endurance (1/2 END; +1/4)
2 Swimming +2" (4" total), END 1
5 "Not Aged Apparently A Moment": Life Support (Longevity: Immortal)
10 "Almost Coincidentally...": Luck 3d6

Perks
Contact: Kantos Kan, Commander of the Helium Navy
Contact: Tars Tarkas, Jeddak of the Tharks
Contact: Thuvan Dihn, Jedak of Ptarth
15 Follower: Woola the Calot (75-point base)
Fringe Benefit: Jeddak of Jeddaks; Warlord of Mars
Fringe Benefit: Thark Chieftain
Reputation: Greatest Swordsman on Mars (+4/+4d6), 14-

Talents
20 "I Was Ever A Good Hand With Animals": Animal Friend (Animal Handler [all
categories], PRE +3)
12 "His Weapon Grazed My Side": Combat Luck (6 PD/6 ED)
Martian Telepathy: Danger Sense
10 Swordmaster: Deadly Blow (HKA +1d6; OIF (any sword; -1/2), Any
Circumstances (-0))
22 "Took Heart At The Sound Of My Voice": Inspire (Aid PRE 2d6, Area Of Effect
(voice Radius; +1), Selective (+1/4); Concentration (1/2 DCV; -1/4), Extra Time
(Full Phase; -1/2), Incantations (voice range; -1/4)

Skills
"Finishing My Man With No Effort": Combat Skill Levels: +X with HTH
"Terrific Right [Cross]": Combat Skill Levels: +2 OCV with Good, Old American
[Punch]
"With A Single Cut Struck Down Two": Combat Skill Levels: +X with Sweep

3 Acting 13-
2 AK: Barsoom 11-
2 AK: Virginia 11-
2 CK: Helium 11-
3 Climbing
3 Combat Pilot
0 Concealment 8-
0 Conversation 8-
0 Deduction 8-
10 Defense Maneuver IV
3 "My Disguise Was... Complete": Disguise
3 "Manners Are Perfect": High Society
2 "Lived And Fought For Years Among The Sioux": KS: Sioux Culture And
History 11-
2 KS: Myths And Legends Of Mars 11-
2 KS: Thark Customs 11-
0 Language: English (native)
1 Language: Marentina (written)
4 Language: Martian (fluent)
Navigation
0 Paramedic 8-
2 PS: Prospector 11-
2 PS: Confederate Calvary Officer 11-
3 Oratory 13-
9 "Horsemanship... Was A Marvel And A Delight": Riding 16-
0 Shadowing 8-
3 Stealth 13-
"All The Years I Have Roamed The Five Continents And Their Encircling Seas":
Survival (various locations)
3 Tactics 11-
4 TF: Riding Animals, Small Rowed Boats, Thoat
2 "Thoroughly Familiar With The Mechanism Of Every Known Make Of Flier On
Barsoom": TF: Martian Air Vehicles
3 Tracking 11-
9 WF: Martian Common Melee Weapons, Martian Small Arms, Terran Common Melee
Weapons, Terran Small Arms, Off-Hand
Total Powers & Skills Cost
Total Character Cost

XXX+ Disadvantages
Accidental Change:
Age:
Dependence:
Distinctive Features: White Skin, Black Hair, Gray Eyes
DNPC: Carthoris
DNPC: Dejah Thoris
Enraged:
Hunted: Assorted Enemies (AsPow), 11-
20 Normal Characteristic Maxima
Physical Limitation:
20 Psychological Limitation: Code Of Honor: Gentleman's/Martian (C, T)
15 Psychological Limitation: "I Cannot Stand The Sight Of Cowardly Injustice And
Persecution" (C, S)
15 Psychological Limitation: "I Love A Good Fight To Well" (C, S)
15 Psychological Limitation: "Never Have I Been Much Of A Ladies' Man" (C, S)
Reputation:
Rivalry:
Social Limitation:
Susceptibility:
10 Unluck: 2d6
Vulnerability:
Gentleman of Virginia Bonus
Total Disadvantage Points

Background/History:


Personality/Motivation:


Quote: "I do not believe that I am made of the stuff which constitutes heroes, because, in all of the hundreds of instances that my voluntary acts have placed me face to face with death, I cannot recall a single one where any alternative step to that I took occurred to me until many hours later. My mind is evidently so constituted that I am subconsciously forced into the path of duty without recourse to tiresome mental processes. However that may be, I have never regretted that cowardice is not optional with me."

Powers/Tactics:
"Quick Have I Always Been To Decide And Act" -- This sentence pretty much sums up John Carter in a fight.

Appearance:
"...yet I well remember the tall, dark, smooth-faced, athletic man whom I called Uncle Jack. [...] He was a splendid specimen of manhood, standing a good two inches over six feet, broad of shoulder and narrow of hip, with the carriage of the trained fighting man. His features were regular and clear cut, his hair black and closely cropped, while his eyes were of a steel gray, reflecting a strong and loyal character, filled with fire and initiative. His manners were perfect, and his courtliness was that of a typical southern gentleman of the highest type."

Designer's Notes:


(Captain John Carter created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Lord Liaden]

Already through Warlord of Mars?! Man, you work fast! :hail:

That's pretty darn thorough coverage of John Carter, Susano, congrats. You've dealt with every element of his background and history to that point in his career that I can remember, and then some.

I do have a couple of suggestions, though. I think that Carter's ability to Inspire would be better modelled as extra Presence, Only To Inspire (which I'd call -1). Heartening those friendly to the character (including boosting their defensive PRE) is part of what Presence Attacks do, but they also motivate the target to follow the character as a leader, which would account for all the warriors who have cast their swords at Carter's feet and sworn loyalty unto death to him. Personally I'd go for PRE +30 (15 Real Points), giving him the human maximum of 50 and a base 10d6 Inspirational Presence Attack. I think he'd need that much to justify those scenes.

I would also add +1 SPD to Carter's "Greater Agility" as well. He often comments on the "marvelous speed" of his Earthly muscles on Mars, and some of his feats cry out for a SPD of at least 5 IMO. But that's a judgement call; you might consider that the quickness of his reactions via increased DEX covers it, and I wouldn't argue the point. :)

I'm a little afraid of filling in the X value for all those CSLs, though. I'm not sure what would be appropriate to model his superiority to almost any swordsman he faces. However, to keep him consistent with your other writeups I'd probably make his swordsmanship comparable to that of Conan in terms of CV.

[AlHazred]

I think I'd model the Armlock on the Joint Lock/Throw maneuver, and the Duck/Sidestep on the Martial Dodge. You could combine the STR, DEX, END, and Leaping under the "Power Name" Earthman's Muscles. Add Only Works On Mars to the Leaping. The Luck should cost 15 points.

I'd call Kantos Kan, Contact has access to major institutions, Contact has significant Contacts of his own, Contact has very useful Skills or resources, Contact is slavishly loyal to character, 12- for a total of 10 points. Tars Tarkas would be the same except that he is probably 13- and maybe only in a Very Good Relationship, so he would be the same cost. I'd price Warlord of Mars at 15 points; as such, it explains to some extent his ability to get the Martian people to follow him almost slavishly. Similarly, I make Thark Chieftain out to be 5 points. I cost his Reputation at 12 points (large group).

I'd lower his Riding to 15- (it goes back up to 16- due to his Earthman's Muscles anyway). For Survival, I'd give him Marine, Temperate/Subtropical, Tropical, Desert, and Mountain. He gets one point of TF for free, so his first TF should probably be 3 points.

I'd say Carthoris is Slightly Less Powerful and (from memory) Occasionally in trouble, so he'd probably be worth 5 points. Dejah Thoris is Normal (relatively speaking) and Very Frequently in trouble, so I'd give 20 points for her. I'd roll his "I Cannot Stand The Sight Of Cowardly Injustice And Persecution" Psych Lim into his Code Of Honor. His "Never Have I Been Much Of A Ladies' Man" Psych Lim is at best Uncommon, and I'd make the argument that it's Moderate.

I like it!

[Susano]

I think I'd model the Armlock on the Joint Lock/Throw maneuver, and the Duck/Sidestep on the Martial Dodge. You could combine the STR, DEX, END, and Leaping under the "Power Name" Earthman's Muscles. Add Only Works On Mars to the Leaping. The Luck should cost 15 points.

Those MA suggestions sound good. The Duck was to be a Martial Dodge. I am also adding a Choke Hold. Earthman's Muscles sounds like the perfect SFX for the increased stats, and defines them perfectly. Oh, and I can't believe I forgot to add "Only On Mars" to his leaping... Oh, and my mistake on the Luck, I gave him 2d6, then read WARLORD, and bumped it to 3d6 (and am thinking it should be 4d6, what with his ability to be at the right place at the right time).


I'd call Kantos Kan, Contact has access to major institutions, Contact has significant Contacts of his own, Contact has very useful Skills or resources, Contact is slavishly loyal to character, 12- for a total of 10 points. Tars Tarkas would be the same except that he is probably 13- and maybe only in a Very Good Relationship, so he would be the same cost. I'd price Warlord of Mars at 15 points; as such, it explains to some extent his ability to get the Martian people to follow him almost slavishly. Similarly, I make Thark Chieftain out to be 5 points. I cost his Reputation at 12 points (large group).


Thanks! This just saved me a lot of time! However, Tars Tarkas is a 14- Contact (IMO), he is always there when John could use him and his horde. Also, Tar Tarkas is john's closest friend on Mars, so I'd certainly say it is a Very Good Relationship.

I'd lower his Riding to 15- (it goes back up to 16- due to his Earthman's Muscles anyway). For Survival, I'd give him Marine, Temperate/Subtropical, Tropical, Desert, and Mountain. He gets one point of TF for free, so his first TF should probably be 3 points.


That sounds good. His TF is free, but I think that's just Equines/Riding Horses, I gave him the full "Riding Animals" for 2 points. And I'll bump his Riding down to 15- (although he is apparently an unequalled horseman on Earth as well).

I'd say Carthoris is Slightly Less Powerful and (from memory) Occasionally in trouble, so he'd probably be worth 5 points. Dejah Thoris is Normal (relatively speaking) and Very Frequently in trouble, so I'd give 20 points for her. I'd roll his "I Cannot Stand The Sight Of Cowardly Injustice And Persecution" Psych Lim into his Code Of Honor. His "Never Have I Been Much Of A Ladies' Man" Psych Lim is at best Uncommon, and I'd make the argument that it's Moderate.

I like it!

I was thinking an 11- for Carthoris myself. I like the idea of rolling his Psychs together, especially since I really need to add "Loves Dejah Thoris" in there (C, T), since he often states he would let all of Barsoom die in order so she would live (or som such hyperbole... ^_^). I have more notes I made myself, and will hopefully have a finished draft for review (complete with flavor text and all) in a few days (or less!).

Oh, and thanks for the website, I plan to at least read the rest of the Mars books.

PS: If anyone wants to contribute thoats, banths, green martians, calots, and whatnot, I'd love to add them to the webpage along with John.

[Clonus]

Okay, I've finished A PRINCESS OF MARS and took 3 pages of notes on Captain John Carter, the green Martians, and his weapons. I will read book two and three (all I have) and try and build a character sheet from that. I even have a rough layout of Powers, Skills, and Talents started. My question is: What sort of stats do you give him? And I mean base, human stats, not his Mars stats.

Right now, I have this:

STR 15
DEX 20+
CON 20
BODY 12-14
INT 10
EGO 15-18+
PRE 20
COM 16-18
PD good
ED good
SPD 4-5
REC
END high
STUN

With this added as Powers:
7 Greater Strength: +10 STR; No Figured Characteristics (-1/2), Only
On Mars (-0)
10 Greater Agility: +5 DEX; No Figured Characteristics (-1/2), Only On
Mars (-0)
5 Greater Endurance: +10 END; Only On Mars (-0)

What do others think?

I think Carter doesn't get stronger on Mars. I think Martians are just real weak.

[Lord Fyre]

Enough with these write ups of John Carter of Mars! We need to have the characters that really matter!

Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium
Thuvia, Princess of Ptarth
Phaidor, daughter of the "Holy Hekkador"

(Characters you have not met yet)
Tara, Princess of Helium
Valla Dia
Sanoma Tora, daughter of Tor Hatan
Tavia

I could go on. :eg:

[Susano]

Enough with these write ups of John Carter of Mars! We need to have the characters that really matter!

Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium
Thuvia, Princess of Ptarth
Phaidor, daughter of the "Holy Hekkador"

(Characters you have not met yet)
Tara, Princess of Helium
Valla Dia
Sanoma Tora, daughter of Tor Hatan
Tavia

I could go on. :eg:

Eventually.

[Lord Liaden]

I think Carter doesn't get stronger on Mars. I think Martians are just real weak.

Relatively speaking, that's true, due to the lower gravity. But since the books are set on Mars, and considering the feats that John Carter performs there, it's probably just easier to scale him up rather than scale everything around him down.

[Vestnik]

I think Carter doesn't get stronger on Mars. I think Martians are just real weak.

He-he. Martians are losers.

Seriously, I loved these books as a kid (and skimmed through one again recently -- I can't believe how badly written it was). Great work!!!!!!

[steamteck]

Relatively speaking, that's true, due to the lower gravity. But since the books are set on Mars, and considering the feats that John Carter performs there, it's probably just easier to scale him up rather than scale everything around him down.


Plus everything is lighter on Mars due to gravity so it is really easier to just scale him up rather than adjust everything's weight. Although one could do it either way. I do that for low grav worlds in my science fiction campaign.

[FenrisUlf]

I think Carter doesn't get stronger on Mars. I think Martians are just real weak.

Tars Tarkas dares you to say that to his face. :D

Enough with these write ups of John Carter of Mars! We need to have the characters that really matter!

Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium
Thuvia, Princess of Ptarth
Phaidor, daughter of the "Holy Hekkador"

(Characters you have not met yet)
Tara, Princess of Helium
Valla Dia
Sanoma Tora, daughter of Tor Hatan
Tavia

I could go on. :eg:

You said it. Bring on the naked Martian babes! :rockon: :love:

[AmadanNaBriona]

You said it. Bring on the naked Martian babes! :rockon: :love:

They're pretty easy to do, in general.

16-30 Com
Approximately the same range PRE
Most PRE skills
Naked Damsel in Distress Combat Luck
Mobile Plot Device Luck and/or Unluck
Perk: Woman (exploits a almost universal psyche Limit/Honor Code), up to Perk: Princess (for most of them, anyway)

Around 25 points to tailor to individual.

Bake till a creamy red color, remove from oven and clothes, and leave around to be rescued.

[Lord Fyre]

They're pretty easy to do, in general.

16-30 Com
Approximately the same range PRE
Most PRE skills
Naked Damsel in Distress Combat Luck
Mobile Plot Device Luck and/or Unluck
Perk: Woman (exploits a almost universal psyche Limit/Honor Code), up to Perk: Princess (for most of them, anyway)

Around 25 points to tailor to individual.

Bake till a creamy red color, remove from oven and clothes, and leave around to be rescued.

You have a point. Most Burroughsina heroines should have "Spalding" tatooed on them, as their primary role seems to be "football." :hush:

[input.jack]

As an aside, I just picked up A Princess of Mars for $4.99 (not on sale either). Anyone who has never read the John Carter books should be ashamed of themselves if they don't shell out this paltry amount for such a flavorful pulp sci-fi classic.

EDIT: Now back to the main issue at hand, I'd probably just leave his stats at Earth normal and reduce those of the Martians appropriately. This may make stats too grainy for some, but in my opinion, it solves the issue of what to do should other Earthlings find their way to Mars without a stockpile of points to spend.

While this is perfectly reasonable and scientifically accurate...it really doesnt fit the flavor of the books at all. On Barsoom, Carter is superhuman. And the Barsoomians look and act like athletic people would on Earth.

The idea that John Carter has a 15-18 STR, and the average Barsoomian has a 0 makes the proportions just about right, but it doesnt feel as heroic for Carter to be punching out a planet full of anemic weaklings.

Earthers in the game shouldnt make it to Barsoom "without a stocklpile of points". The stat adds should either be paid for up front by any Player wanting an Earther character, or if all the PCs are Earthers, it could be considered a "campaign feature" and just fronted to the PCs for the duration of their stay.

[Vestnik]

The idea that John Carter has a 15-18 STR, and the average Barsoomian has a 0 makes the proportions just about right, but it doesnt feel as heroic for Carter to be punching out a planet full of anemic weaklings.


How many Martians could YOU take in a fight?

I think Burroughs may have done this on purpose, since it allowed his readers to think, "on Mars, I could be a superman too!"

[Narratio]

Fenris Ulf, Lord Fyre... you do remember that these Martian 'Hawt babes' are... Martian and... ummm...

Look, egg laying ok? Enough said.

[AmadanNaBriona]

Fenris Ulf, Lord Fyre... you do remember that these Martian 'Hawt babes' are... Martian and... ummm...

Look, egg laying ok? Enough said.

Didn't stop ole JC from getting hisself a son....

[Lord Liaden]

Fenris Ulf, Lord Fyre... you do remember that these Martian 'Hawt babes' are... Martian and... ummm...

Look, egg laying ok? Enough said.


Didn't stop ole JC from getting hisself a son....

Or imply that the process leading to the egg was any less enjoyable. :D

If all a heterosexual male faced with gorgeous naked humaniform women can think of is the final mechanical stages of birth, I think he has other issues to deal with. :rolleyes:

[AmadanNaBriona]

Or imply that the process leading to the egg was any less enjoyable. :D

If all a heterosexual male faced with gorgeous naked humaniform women can think of is the final mechanical stages of birth, I think he has other issues to deal with. :rolleyes:

"Hold on just a sec, 'K? Your digestive tract is separate from your reproductive, right? Thought so, carry on!"

[Kristopher]

"Hold on just a sec, 'K? Your digestive tract is separate from your reproductive, right? Thought so, carry on!"

Even that wouldn't stop some guys. :idjit: :rolleyes:

[FenrisUlf]

Didn't stop ole JC from getting hisself a son....

On that note, hasn't there been a long argument in Barsoom fandom that John Carter was actually a Martian himself? It'd explain his seeming immortality, among other things.

[OddHat]

How many Martians could YOU take in a fight?

I think Burroughs may have done this on purpose, since it allowed his readers to think, "on Mars, I could be a superman too!"

Pretty much.

He also made a point of talking up the fighting abilities of, well, most of the named male characters in the books.

That John regularly forgot his superstrength, leaping abilities, telepathy, and basic facts he knew just a few pages ago has to come down to some sort of head injury. ;)

[input.jack]

Pretty much.

He also made a point of talking up the fighting abilities of, well, most of the named male characters in the books.

That John regularly forgot his superstrength, leaping abilities, telepathy, and basic facts he knew just a few pages ago has to come down to some sort of head injury. ;)

Actually, I read an interview where someone was talking to Burroughs about his typical heroes. Paraphrasing a bit, but basically they pointed out that his heroes are always paragons of physical perfection; athletic supermen who are utterly fearless and can slay hundreds of minions without batting an eye. The interviewer then said, "If your heroes are so perfect, how can we identify with them? Most people identify with a hero who has flaws. Do your characters have flaws?"

"Yes." Burroughs replied." For the most part, theyre thick as a rock."

[Narratio]

So John Carter and James T. Kirk have the same desire / ability to mess around with any humaniform being they think is female. Whether they are or not. And leads me to wonder about the size of the egg being laid, how large the baby is when it breaks out of the shell and it's growth potential... Crocodiles and Aligators... right...

Sort of goes back to old question given to all writers... "Just where DO you get your ideas from?"

[Vestnik]

So John Carter and James T. Kirk have the same desire / ability to mess around with any humaniform being "

Are you qute sure Kirk limited himself so harshly?

[The Monster]

So John Carter and James T. Kirk have the same desire / ability to mess around with any humaniform being they think is female. Whether they are or not.

Hmmm....how would you stat that power in Hero? :think:

[Vestnik]

Hmmm. I just had an idea for a Djon Kartyer of Jupiter. He travels via force of will/dreams/GM fiat to the low-gravity planet of Earth, where his superior muscles and reflexes allow him to engage in swashbuckling adventures, do battle with exotic alien earthbeasts, and save swooning Earth damsels from certain destruction at the hands of villains.

[Lord Fyre]

Hmmm. I just had an idea for a Djon Kartyer of Jupiter. He travels via force of will/dreams/GM fiat to the low-gravity planet of Earth, where his superior muscles and reflexes allow him to engage in swashbuckling adventures, do battle with exotic alien earthbeasts, and save swooning Earth damsels from certain destruction at the hands of villains.

Except today is not the 1930s. So I would not expect those "swooning Earth damsels" to behave quite the same as they did in the stories. (Nor to be quite as helpless/useless either.) :yes:

[Vestnik]

They just haven't met Djon Kartyer of Jupiter yet. Everything is bigger on Jupiter, you know. :)

[Lord Fyre]

They just haven't met Djon Kartyer of Jupiter yet. Everything is bigger on Jupiter, you know. :)

Nah! Everything on Jupiter is just full of wind.

[nexus]

"Hold on just a sec, 'K? Your digestive tract is separate from your reproductive, right? Thought so, carry on!"

That doesn't necessarily stop some guys on Earth right now...

[nexus]

Hmmm....how would you stat that power in Hero? :think:


Shapeshift vs Touch with limitations....

and lots of Penalty skill levels to Seduction.

[AmadanNaBriona]

That doesn't necessarily stop some guys on Earth right now...

yeah, I realized that after posting it.

[Opal]

Hmmm. I just had an idea for a Djon Kartyer of Jupiter. He travels via force of will/dreams/GM fiat to the low-gravity planet of Earth, where his superior muscles and reflexes allow him to engage in swashbuckling adventures, do battle with exotic alien earthbeasts, and save swooning Earth damsels from certain destruction at the hands of villains.Yeah, Superman was, indeed, prettymuch a John Carter of Mars ripoff, just in reverse.

Though, in the ERB solar system, Jupiter (Sarsoom?) wasn't a high-gravity world, it just had a really, /really/ thick atmosphere. (Or was Sarsoom Saturn? It's been a /looooong/ time since I read those books.)

[OddHat]

Yeah, Superman was, indeed, prettymuch a John Carter of Mars ripoff, just in reverse.

Well, he was more a Gladiator (Wylie) ripoff; many of his early adventures were lifted straight from the book. Some were also lifted straight from Doc Savage (Fortress of Solitude) and even the Spider. However, yup, John Carter (and others) definitely went into the mix.

[Princedarkstorm]

Great writeups for Barsoom !

[korovan]

Don't forget that Captain Carter "remembers no childhood" (Psych Lim: Partial Amnesia) and has apparently always appeared to be about 30 years old. AFAIK it is never made clear just how long he has appeared to be 30... years? Decades? Even longer? It certainly would explain how he became such a great swordsman (lots of practice and experience), but on the other hand it makes it harder to believe that he is as clueless as he often acts... anyway some kind of Life Support: Longevity/Immortality seems appropriate.

[Susano]

Don't forget that Captain Carter "remembers no childhood" (Psych Lim: Partial Amnesia) and has apparently always appeared to be about 30 years old. AFAIK it is never made clear just how long he has appeared to be 30... years? Decades? Even longer? It certainly would explain how he became such a great swordsman (lots of practice and experience), but on the other hand it makes it harder to believe that he is as clueless as he often acts... anyway some kind of Life Support: Longevity/Immortality seems appropriate.

The character sheet I made for him included:

5 "Not Aged Apparently A Moment": LS (Longevity: Immortal)

I also state:

"I am a very old man; how old I do not know. Possibly I am a hundred, possibly more; but I cannot tell because I have never aged as other men, nor do I remember any childhood. So far as I can recollect I have always been a man, a man of about thirty. I appear today as I did forty years and more ago, and yet I feel that I cannot go on living forever" -- So does John Carter, Gentleman of Virginia, describe himself. Aside from this scant information, we know next to nothing about his origins, where he comes from, how old he is, or where he was born. He has lived in Virginia for some time, and has been a member of the Carter family for well over 150 years. He fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War, as a captain of a unit of calvary, afterwards heading west with an old friend to look for gold in the Arizona mountains.

[Vestnik]

Don't forget that Captain Carter "remembers no childhood" (Psych Lim: Partial Amnesia) and has apparently always appeared to be about 30 years old. AFAIK it is never made clear just how long he has appeared to be 30... years? Decades? Even longer? It certainly would explain how he became such a great swordsman (lots of practice and experience), but on the other hand it makes it harder to believe that he is as clueless as he often acts... anyway some kind of Life Support: Longevity/Immortality seems appropriate.

He's senile.

[korovan]

OOps, my bad.

The character sheet I made for him included:

5 "Not Aged Apparently A Moment": LS (Longevity: Immortal)

I also state: