Anniversary plans?

[bigdamnhero]

In another thread, Bill Keyes observed that next year is Champions' 25th Anniversary!

I was just wondering if you guys had any celebration/promotion plans in the works, particularly regarding conventions and so forth?

PS - 25th Anniversary is supposed to be "Silver"...


bigdamnhero
"Yeah, I did a few Slayers in my time, I don't like to brag. [busts out laughing] Who am I kidding? I LOVE to brag! There was this one girl, during the Boxer Rebellion..."

[Dynamo]

Mmmm... Silver Age Champions... :thumbup:

Moving planets, flying through the Sun to clean your costume, super marble-playing...

Get ready for very high point values. :dyn

[Steve Long]

We might produce a special 25th anniversary book; we're considering our options in that regard. We don't have any specific celebrations planned, but no doubt the parties we typically throw, such as at DunDraCon, will mention the anniversary prominently. ;)

[Ron]

We might produce a special 25th anniversary book; we're considering our options in that regard. We don't have any specific celebrations planned, but no doubt the parties we typically throw, such as at DunDraCon, will mention the anniversary prominently. ;)

Any news regarding a possible 25th anniversary special edition? I really love my copy of Chaosium's Call of Cthulhu 20th anniversary edition -- it's my favorite rpg book -- and a Hero counterpart would be a nice addition to my library.

[Susano]

We might produce a special 25th anniversary book; we're considering our options in that regard. We don't have any specific celebrations planned, but no doubt the parties we typically throw, such as at DunDraCon, will mention the anniversary prominently. ;)

I will be there for GenCon Indy!!!

[Beetle]

We might produce a special 25th anniversary book With HERO, every anniversary is "Paper" :hex:

[BobGreenwade]

Maybe some effort could be made toward putting 5th-ed updates to Flare, Marksman, Goliath, et al into DH. ;)

[Steve Long]

What we're currently looking at would be a leatherbound edition of Champions, and possibly Champions Universe as well (i.e, in one volume), but it depends on pricing and other details we haven't tracked down yet.

As for "new" content, we're considering (a) pages of testimonials and war stories from HERO System and gaming industry notables, and (b) a 5E revision of The Island Of Dr. Destroyer or some other classic adventure that can be adapted without too much work on my part. We may think of other things that we'll be willing to consider. But I can positively guarantee you that we're not going to put in 5E versions of old heroes or anything like that.

Before anyone suggests it or asks about it, no, it won't have color art. That's absolutely out of our price range, not only printing-wise but because it would entail buying lots of new art. Beyond that, we'd be glad to take suggestions from y'all, but please realize that (a) we're not going to break the bank getting this thing printed, and (b) we can't devote huge amounts of production time to it. So ideas like "create a whole new setting" aren't really gonna fly. ;)

We're also looking into some sort of way to take pre-orders for this premium product so we can most efficiently calculate the print run. We don't expect to print many of them, for obvious reasons, so knowing roughly how many we need in advance would be a big help. ;)

[Thia Halmades]

A leather bound edition of 5ER Champions? Shoot, Steve, you know me. I'd buy it to say I have it.

[Steve Long]

I'd buy it to say I have it.

Good! Hopefully we can find at least a few dozen more fans willing to do the same. :hex:

[archermoo]

We're also looking into some sort of way to take pre-orders for this premium product so we can most efficiently calculate the print run. We don't expect to print many of them, for obvious reasons, so knowing roughly how many we need in advance would be a big help. ;)

Not only will I gladly pre-order, I would also be glad to pre-pay for it.

[Derek Hiemforth]

Not only will I gladly pre-order, I would also be glad to pre-pay for it.Ditto. :)

[Steve Long]

I would also be glad to pre-pay for it

That's the sort of thing we like to hear, too. :hex:

If we end up working out pre-orders, what we may do is try to come up with some sort of "down payment" system. That strikes a good balance between customers' pocketbooks and our need for predictability. It's not much help to go the pre-order route if, when you actually contact people who said, "Hey, I'll buy that" and tell them, "Your book's in, send us the money," they say, "Sorry, don't want it anymore." ;)

[Doc Democracy]

I can see why you would go with the leather bound Champions, it is after all the 25th anniversary of Champions rather than the Hero System.

It's not silver though is it? What about some special edition Hero dice for the 25th anniversary - I'd accept some other silvery metal if I have to! :)


Doc

[BigJackBrass]

Certainly a "deluxe" anniversary book and a pre-order system would suit me.

I also rather like the idea of producing a new version of The Island Of Dr. Destroyer, perhaps a complete Dr Destroyer mini-campaign bringing the previous adventures up to date. It would be a nice companion to a special edition of Champions or whatever.

Of course, there's no doubt that what we all really want to see is a deluxe, leather bound hardback, complete with free ping-pong ball gun, of The Ultimate Foxbat.

Ahem, gee, is it really so late? Time for bed...

[Steve Long]

Of course, there's no doubt that what we all really want to see is a deluxe, leather bound hardback, complete with free ping-pong ball gun, of The Ultimate Foxbat.

I think that thin Colorado mountain air is getting to you, man. ;)

[Steve Long]

What about some special edition Hero dice for the 25th anniversary

Well, I suppose that would be possible if the cash is available, but probably unlikely. One anniversary product is probably enough. ;)

[Greg]

Any chance of squeezing Sidekick in with Champions? That'd cover all the bases.

[Steve Long]

Any chance of squeezing Sidekick in with Champions? That'd cover all the bases.

No, that's not really the sort of thing we have in mind. If we were ever to do that sort of "combo" version of a genre book, it would be one intended for general sale, not an expensive commemorative special edition.

[Susano]

I too certainly would buy the 25th Anniversary Edition of anything, just to say I had it.

:thumbup:

[Wombatman]

Island of Dr. Destroyer, Day of the Destroyer, and a new Destroyer adventure. All for 5th Edition. Title the 3 pack "Appetite for Destruction".

I'd buy that for a dollar!!!

And include an official "Foxbat Fan Club" membership pin.

I'd pay TWO dollars for that!!!

[Ron]

What we're currently looking at would be a leatherbound edition of Champions, and possibly Champions Universe as well (i.e, in one volume), but it depends on pricing and other details we haven't tracked down yet.
[...]
Before anyone suggests it or asks about it, no, it won't have color art. [...]

I shall buy one of copy!

Regarding colour, I understand your limitations but, considering that you're including Champions Universe, it would be nice to have a more colourful cover than Fred.

[Edsel]

I own at least one of everything Hero has published so I'd certainly have get a copy of this. Pre-pay is no problem for me.

[archermoo]

I shall buy one of copy!

Regarding colour, I understand your limitations but, considering that you're including Champions Universe, it would be nice to have a more colourful cover than Fred.

Personally I was thinking that black leather with an embossed Hexman would be a perfect cover for it. But let's be honest here. I'll buy it regardless of what the cover looks like. :)

[Sketchpad]

I personally would love to see an adventure on the scale of House of M or Crisis on Infinite Earths ... the CU has something called the Secret Crisis, right? But then I'd also like to see some off the older characters visited in it that Hero still has the rights with that haven't been touched on. Maybe even include Day of the Destroyer in with that ;)

[Patriot]

With A leather bound version , could we have all your autographs in it?



And Yes , I would buy it

[BigJackBrass]

I think that thin Colorado mountain air is getting to you, man. ;)

Could be. Mind you, I live in England so it would have to travel well.

Black leather cover with silver embossing... sounds nice and hits the "silver" element as well.

[tomd1969]

I'll get one of these, too, and pre-order is not a problem.

Sign me up!!!

[Starwolf]

I would certainly buy it.....especially if it had the Island of our good doctor friend enclosed.

[Steve Long]

it would be nice to have a more colourful cover than Fred

Well, if we go with the leatherbound cover and what-all, by definition it's not going to have any illustration on the cover -- at most it would have some sort of embossed logo or the like.

[Steve Long]

Island of Dr. Destroyer, Day of the Destroyer, and a new Destroyer adventure. All for 5th Edition. Title the 3 pack "Appetite for Destruction".

That'd be way too much work. ;) If we add in a revamped adventure, it's likely to be just one.

[Steve Long]

I personally would love to see an adventure on the scale of House of M or Crisis on Infinite Earths ... the CU has something called the Secret Crisis, right?

Again, way too much work. Revamping a single old adventure is about the level of what we'd like to include here, unless I get some really inspirational idea.

[Steve Long]

could we have all your autographs in it?

We'd be happy to autograph any copies people bring to us. Pre-autographing all the copies would be logistically difficult (at best!) because we don't all live and work in the same place. But we'll see what we can work out. :hex:

[Doug Limmer]

A leather bound edition of 5ER Champions? Shoot, Steve, you know me. I'd buy it to say I have it.
Not only will I gladly pre-order, I would also be glad to pre-pay for it.
Ditto.
I too certainly would buy the 25th Anniversary Edition of anything, just to say I had it.
I shall buy one of copy!
I own at least one of everything Hero has published so I'd certainly have get a copy of this.
And Yes , I would buy it
I'll get one of these, too, and pre-order is not a problem.
I would certainly buy it...This is going to cost $250, isn't it. ;)

[Susano]

This is going to cost $250, isn't it. ;)

Actually, I hear the price will be $1,000,000 per copy. All DOJ has to do is sell one.... :D

[ghost-angel]

I'd buy a copy, like the rest I'd pre-pay as well.

[Steve Long]

This is going to cost $250, isn't it.

LOL. It won't be cheap (relatively speaking), but it won't be that expensive. :cool:

[BobGreenwade]

Well, if we go with the leatherbound cover and what-all, by definition it's not going to have any illustration on the cover -- at most it would have some sort of embossed logo or the like.Well, I was just thinking that a Heroman logo embossed in silver (against black leather) would totally rock.

But back to getting the original Champions updated for 5E... ;)

[Derek Hiemforth]

But back to getting the original Champions updated for 5E... ;)DoJ doesn't own the rights to all of them. And if you couldn't do all of them, what would be the point of doing any of them? :)

[AndyM]

Things I think this book needs:

:sneaky: 1. Fully Bulletproof - is 5th ED is "mostly bullet proof" the Silver ED Champions book should be "better".

:D 2. Everyone who has one should get a 10% starting Character Point benefit in their Champions games.

:eg: 2b. GM's with one should have a 10% damage bonus to anyone player without one.

:celebrate 3. A party at Steve Long's happenin' pad.

:cool: 4. 73 Virgins, or 3 really experienced non-virgins

:king: 5. A hidden compartment to hold dice - built right into the book!

That's what I think!
Andy

[Susano]

Things I think this book needs:

:sneaky: 1. Fully Bulletproof - is 5th ED is "mostly bullet proof" the Silver ED Champions book should be "better".

Cover not of leather, but of kevlar???

[Sketchpad]

Again, way too much work. Revamping a single old adventure is about the level of what we'd like to include here, unless I get some really inspirational idea.
If you want, I'd be happy to help write it ;)

[BobGreenwade]

DoJ doesn't own the rights to all of them. And if you couldn't do all of them, what would be the point of doing any of them? :)Good point. (Though I only know of Gargoyle being a problem specifically; doing just the others, if DOJ owns them, could pass.)

[Beetle]

This is going to cost $250, isn't it. ;)Does DOJ realize that everybody here would gladly pay $250 or more for a beautiful, leather-bound, 5E update of CLOWN? :D

[Steve Long]

A party at Steve Long's happenin' pad.

Hmmm, I wasn't aware that my pad was "happenin'." I'd better alert Osiris!

[Steve Long]

Does DOJ realize that everybody here would gladly pay $250 or more for a beautiful, leather-bound, 5E update of CLOWN?

OK, we've just found a second thing that would convince me to re-do CLOWN.

Beetle, if you can recruit let's say 100 people who will agree to at least partially prepay on a total $250 US pricetag for a leatherbound edition of CLOWN, we'll do it. :hex: Heck, I might even do it if you can only find 50 people.

[Susano]

OK, we've just found a second thing that would convince me to re-do CLOWN.

Beetle, if you can recruit let's say 100 people who will agree to at least partially prepay on a total $250 US pricetag for a leatherbound edition of CLOWN, we'll do it. :hex:

And Beetle? You'll be donating the leather.

Personally.

:eg:

[teh bunneh]

And Beetle? You'll be donating the leather.

Personally.

:eg:

It rubs the lotion on its skin or it gets the hose again.

Bill.
(And what are you doing out of the well?) :mad: ;)

[archermoo]

Does DOJ realize that everybody here would gladly pay $250 or more for a beautiful, leather-bound, 5E update of CLOWN? :D

No, no I wouldn't. :p

[archermoo]

Cover not of leather, but of kevlar???

Naw, still a leather cover. Just use kevlar plates instead of cardboard to bond the leather to. :D

[archermoo]

Well, I was just thinking that a Heroman logo embossed in silver (against black leather) would totally rock.

But back to getting the original Champions updated for 5E... ;)

Shouldn't it be embossed with a green metal foil? Granted 25 is the silver anniversary, but you gotta stick with the game's colour scheme. ;)

[Susano]

(And what are you doing out of the well?) :mad: ;)

Floating in space. Bean burritos and open flames don't mix.


:shock:

[Scott Heine]

I'd love to have a 25th edition with extra-special binding and fun little "tidbits" (a revamped Isle of Dr. Destroyer sounds terrific). But instead of putting all the nostalgic stories from past Hero veterans and various celebrities in the book, I'd rather see some kind of weekly installment online throughout the year. Log in each week, and read the latest reminiscing or trivia story or whatever.

Also, in the "for what it's worth" department, I'd rather see some kind of combo of the Hero System Rules and Champions (as opposed to Champs and Champs Universe) -- sort of a one-cover solution with rules and Champs, like the original edition of the game way-back-when.

This thread got me to thinking back to that opening convention at the Dunfey Hotel... I remember being in the second demo game of this new Champions RPG that was being released. I even remember my very first character -- "Nighthawk," a guy with Flight and Darkness powers, but no real offense or defense (he didn't last long; I learned a lot about what it takes to survive in Champions that day). I also remember leaving the convention not only with copies of the new game, but with a bag of spanking-new 6-sided dice. You can never have enough of 'em if you love Champions, ya know... :)

[Ron]

Well, if we go with the leatherbound cover and what-all, by definition it's not going to have any illustration on the cover -- at most it would have some sort of embossed logo or the like.

That's what dust jackets are for!

[archermoo]

That's what dust jackets are for!

A dust jacket on a leather-bound edition? That seems...a bit odd.

[proditor]

Since I'm a completist at heart, sign me up for one as well. Of course I now also have plenty of time to save up for it, which helps. ;)

As to what would I like to see?

Well, having either Champions and CU in one volume with a bumper CU module or something that really reaches back into the "good ole days" like a revised and expanded Blood manuscript. I know that's not going to happen what with Aaron doing book work, but I can dream, right?

[BarryB]

What we're currently looking at would be a leatherbound edition of Champions, and possibly Champions Universe as well (i.e, in one volume), but it depends on pricing and other details we haven't tracked down yet.

Ooookay...*rummages in his wallet for some cash* How about $16 and, um, *rummages in his pockets* 21 cents?

No?

Drats, I might have to break out the credit card again for this one.

Gimme, gimme, gimme!

[BarryB]

Cover not of leather, but of kevlar???

Questonite!

[GestaltBennie]

This sounds very cool. My suggestion would be Champions, Champions Universe, 50 or so select pages out of CKC, VIPER, UNTIL, and Millennium City (adding to the core heroes and villains section n the Champions sourcebook), plus Shades of Black (that adventure deserves *much* more exposure) wrapped into a single magnificent package.

But you got an embarassment of riches to choose from. You'll do fine. :-)

[Greg]

I'll buy a $250 CLOWN book if we can get a forward by Steve Long with a sidebar picture of him wearing a clown wig. Almost reminiscent of the last page of Champions 3D with Rob Bell.

...

Law school diploma in-frame would be optional ;)

[BobGreenwade]

This sounds very cool. My suggestion would be Champions, Champions Universe, 50 or so select pages out of CKC, VIPER, UNTIL, and Millennium City (adding to the core heroes and villains section n the Champions sourcebook), plus Shades of Black (that adventure deserves *much* more exposure) wrapped into a single magnificent package.

But you got an embarassment of riches to choose from. You'll do fine. :-)Hey, there's a great idea -- include Shades of Black, including all of the villains therein (I don't recall if they're included in the adventure as-is, but either way they should be in this edition).

And I have to wonder... why is it that people with "an embarrassment of riches" are almost never embarrassed? ;)

[Ron]

Hey, there's a great idea -- include Shades of Black, including all of the villains therein (I don't recall if they're included in the adventure as-is, but either way they should be in this edition).

And I have to wonder... why is it that people with "an embarrassment of riches" are almost never embarrassed? ;)

It should also include a magnifying glass. I can only imagine how small should be the font size to fit all this stuff in a single volume.:)

[Patriot]

It should also include a magnifying glass. I can only imagine how small should be the font size to fit all this stuff in a single volume.:)


Or it could be a 750 page tome

[Steve Long]

I'll buy a $250 CLOWN book if we can get a forward by Steve Long with a sidebar picture of him wearing a clown wig.

I'd think that would only devalue the book, but if we can get 100 people signed up at $250 a copy I could probably be persuaded. :eek:

[Beetle]

And Beetle? You'll be donating the leather.

Personally.

:eg:Ouch! :eek:

So, I take it you're not a CLOWN fan?

[Susano]

Ouch! :eek:

So, I take it you're not a CLOWN fan?

You could say that.

[Enforcer84]

I will be there for GenCon Indy!!!
Me TOO!

[Thia Halmades]

Query One: What's a CLOWN? Note: I hate clowns. I don't know if I would hate CLOWN more than clowns, but I hate me some clowns.

Query Two: If I by some miracle make it to gen con, would someone save a beer for me?

[Susano]

Query One: What's a CLOWN? Note: I hate clowns. I don't know if I would hate CLOWN more than clowns, but I hate me some clowns.

Query Two: If I by some miracle make it to gen con, would someone save a beer for me?

CLOWN is a 3rd & 4th edition team of "supervillains" who commit crimes and stunts in a manner reminiscent of say... Ambush Bug. Imagine, if you can, an entire team made up of characters who are pretty much as loopy as Ambush Bug with a mix of the more campy incarnations of the Joker -- oh, and Foxbat. That's CLOWN. What made them really bad, IMO, was that they were pretty absurdly over-powered for what they were supposed to be, and seemed to exist only to make the PCs look like chumps.

[Steve Long]

Query One: What's a CLOWN? Note: I hate clowns. I don't know if I would hate CLOWN more than clowns, but I hate me some clowns.

It's an organization of criminal clowns from 3rd/4th Edition Champions. Some people really like 'em; some people (including me) loathe them.


Query Two: If I by some miracle make it to gen con, would someone save a beer for me?

Beers are usually hunted to near-extinction at GenCon, so you'd better show up fast. ;)

[Darren Watts]

CLOWN is a 3rd & 4th edition team of "supervillains" who commit crimes and stunts in a manner reminiscent of say... Ambush Bug. Imagine, if you can, an entire team made up of characters who are pretty much as loopy as Ambush Bug with a mix of the more campy incarnations of the Joker -- oh, and Foxbat. That's CLOWN. What made them really bad, IMO, was that they were pretty absurdly over-powered for what they were supposed to be, and seemed to exist only to make the PCs look like chumps.

That pretty much sums it up. I can't speak for Steve directly, but I think he agrees with me; humorous characters are fine- characters that exist for the GM to have fun at the expense of the players, not so much. Whether that was the original intention of CLOWN I can't say, but it's certainly how they were used the majority of the time in practice in both of our experiences. dw

[Steve Long]

I can't speak for Steve directly, but I think he agrees with me; humorous characters are fine- characters that exist for the GM to have fun at the expense of the players, not so much. Whether that was the original intention of CLOWN I can't say, but it's certainly how they were used the majority of the time in practice in both of our experiences.

I can agree with that.

I also think that too much silliness spoils the effect. Foxbat is plenty enough wackiness for our sandbox. ;)

I also think, at the risk of sounding way too serious, that silly criminals are insulting and demeaning. It's like making jokes about handicapped people. Comic books already come close to that line, and far too many silly characters, including CLOWN, go right over it in ways that bother me. Foxbat is done just right, in a way that's fun and not insulting; CLOWN is offensive to me.

But all that being said, my conditions for bringing back CLOWN have been stated. :eg:

[Chris Henry]

At the risk of going against the grain, I won't buy a leatherbound anything. I may not be a nazi-vegetarian (in other words I don't care what the rest of you eat or buy), but I don't exactly pride myself on hypocrisy either. If you are going to go that route, I hope you will refrain from including added value content that can't be acquired elsewhere.

Alternately, you could just do leatherette instead, and sign me up for a pre order. ;)