Name the Hero Contest!

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by Hermit

Come to think of it... happily married guys are kind of annoying.
:)
I think I can live with that ;)

[Killer Shrike]

By the way, doesnt seem to be much chit chat about Hero # 8. Am I detecting a general lack of interest?

[AlbertDeschesne]

Originally posted by misterdeath
Oooch. That's gotta leave a mark. Did you know going into it?

D

That she was adopted?
Yes.
That I liked her Mom?
Yes.
That we'd be divorced in three years?
No.

[Lord Liaden]

Originally posted by Killer Shrike
By the way, doesnt seem to be much chit chat about Hero # 8. Am I detecting a general lack of interest?

Perhaps just a lack of controversy. His powers seem pretty obvious and straightforward, unlike Steadfast aka "Squatting Man." ;)

People do seem to like to keep their entry details close to the vest until the winner is announced, though. Then again we may all have been traumatized by the specter of a legally committed relationship. :rolleyes:

[Killer Shrike]

Perhaps. The bent I took with Commando Rubberbando was to give him only nominal stretching ability (a few inches of stretch, some stretchy-movement -- less than 100 pts of stretchy stuff IIRC) and instead concentrate on the "Commando" aspect of the character -- he's a former Green Beret and a hand to hand expert. He's pretty scary if I do say so myself.

[Ben Seeman]

Originally posted by Killer Shrike
Perhaps. The bent I took with Commando Rubberbando...
I must say, wehn I first saw that name I busted up laughing.

The winner will be posted on the July 3.

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by Ben Seeman
I must say, wehn I first saw that name I busted up laughing.

The winner will be posted on the July 3. Thats my goal: to bring joy and laughter everywhere I go! :D

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Killer Shrike
Perhaps. The bent I took with Commando Rubberbando was to give him only nominal stretching ability (a few inches of stretch, some stretchy-movement -- less than 100 pts of stretchy stuff IIRC) and instead concentrate on the "Commando" aspect of the character -- he's a former Green Beret and a hand to hand expert. He's pretty scary if I do say so myself.

:o Ooopps, looks like I'm not the only one who went with a "Lets make Martial Arts part of his stretching" .

Though mine wasn't an ex green beret, just one of Steadfast's teammates ;)

[Lord Liaden]

Originally posted by Hermit
Though mine wasn't an ex green beret, just one of Steadfast's teammates ;)

That reminds me of an issue that's been on my mind since this contest started - I want to take a good look at these characters when their stats are finally published to see how they would fit together as a team. I'd love to set them in a large North American city in the CU which doesn't have its own official hero team yet. The cover from Champions Universe provides a classic team origin: in order to foil Mechanon's latest dastardly plot, the Champions pursue it to (city of choice) where local independent heroes join forces with the Champions to defeat Mechanon. After the battle the local heroes decide to remain together to help protect their home town.

[Killer Shrike]

I think you mean after the battle the lonely survivors band together ;)

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by Hermit
:o Ooopps, looks like I'm not the only one who went with a "Lets make Martial Arts part of his stretching" .

Though mine wasn't an ex green beret, just one of Steadfast's teammates ;) I went hard core on the Martial arts; 15 Manuevers and 4 HtH classes (and a STR 10 ;) -- its all about finesse.... ). I concentrated on the FMove manuevers, to take advantage of his impressive Combat Movement of 20". I took his rubbery body as Combat Luck. Other than his stretching he's totally normal, right down to Normal Characteristic Maxima. The rest is all in skills, including conversational ability in more than half a dozen languages.

[Bazza]

I know the Name the HERO contest is finished or nearing so, but I couldn't help it I had a look at the pictures and started reading this thread. This stimulated a bit of interest in the pictures and i developed two detailed character concepts for characters already done -- Lady Liberty and the Wolvie clone.

I didn't submit them earlier as I had no interest before. I'm still reading through Fred and parts of the system is not gelling for me -- more reading is required. I'm still yet to implement a superpower from Fred and creating a complete character is beyond my current abilities.

What I would like is someone willing to help me create those two character sheets from my character concepts. The two complete character sheets would be posted on the Champions forum for other GMs / Players to use. If you are able to help, just pm me or reply to this thread. The two concepts are below.

1) First Lady: Avatar of the Constitution. Real name: Ms George Washington. BTW: I would love to complete this by American Independence Day (2 days away)

2) Horn (and Rhino): Champion of the African Safari & Savannah. Research assistant gets "speared" by a radioactive rhino; they become firm friends and defend the native African animals from hunters, poachers etc.

[Crimson Arrow]

I considered Martial Arts for mine, but when with more standard "stretchy" fare. I was partly put off by the wonderful Martial Art someone else put up (possibly on Nato's boards during the official board's downtime), which I think was called Flex Fu. I didn't want to have a poor imitation of that, even if I couldn't actually remember a single move from that art!

He also used the name I had in mind, hence I called Hero 8 Protean (yes, I know that's strictly speaking an adjective).

Lord Liaden, an interesting idea and I think it's come up before (actually it might have been you that time too).

I think mine would work quite well in a team (my entry for number 4 would not have done, for example), although Megaera is already in a small team with her sisters. One is a brilliant scientist and inventor, one is a shaman (he might fulfill the Martian Manhunter role of "outsider with lots of weird powers who is the heart/conscience of the team", although his design might be a little too cheesy for some) and one is an expert on tactics with a great deductive mind.

How about the other four characters? Do they "play well with others"? I am not sure what's happened to Glen, but Geoff and (of course) Hermit are still around on these boards.

[Crimson Arrow]

Bazza, I'd be glad to help, although I think others might be better suited to finalising your character sheet (I have a bit of a tendency to miss one aspect of a rule, or overlook something in the FAQ). I think the first place to start is powers. Do you have anything at all in mind?

First Lady sounds interesting, but doesn't really give me a lot to work with. Perhaps she has powers linked to the Amendments to the US Constitution? BTW I am just sticking my own labels on these, I don't know how they are referred to colloquially by citizens of the USA.

I hope I won't offend any Americans with this. No offence is intended.

First Amendment - Freedom of Speech - Some form of Mind Link or Radio Communicator perhaps? Might Suppress silence fields (Darkness to Hearing)?

Second Amendment - Keep and Bear Arms - Well she's got a holster in the picture. Maybe an energy pistol, although you could give her a standard firearm. Skills with a gun, such as Rapid Fire, or levels? I'd avoid Ranged Martial Arts if you're pretty new to character creation.

Third Amendment - Quartering of Soldiers - You might want to ignore this one, but perhaps she can summon a shelter of some kind, or move to a safe dimension. Alternatively, perhaps it's Mind Control, but only so other people will offer help.

Fourth Amendment - Right of Security - Perhaps some kind of Force Bubble (either a Force Field or, more likely, a Force Wall).

Fifth Amendment - Right to Silence - How about a Darkness vs Hearing Group power, or possibly the Resistance Talent? In fact, this amendment covers a lot more, such as the "double jeopardy" rule, but of course the privilege against self-incrimination is what's best known about this one.

Sixth Amendment - Right to A Fair Trial - Perhaps some kind of Telepathy or Enhanced Sense dealing with Detecting Lies (see the wording of this Amendment for where I got this).

Seventh Amendment - Right to a Civil Jury - Summon a "jury of peers". These could be agent-level beings ("Guardians of the Constitution"?), or perhaps just normals, but with different skills, eg one's a doctor, another a lawyer, one is an actor, one might even be a criminal. Alternatively, you might purchase these as followers, but that seems a little expensive. What I had in mind is a set of "everymen/women", rather than specific characters (ie they all look similar, perhaps featureless, but have knowledge and skills to help the First Lady).

Eighth Amendment - Prohibition on Cruel and Unusual Punishments -Some kind of Damage Reduction, or other Defensive power, perhaps Usable by Others?

Ninth Amendment - No Denial of Other Rights - Getting tricky now as the rights get more vague! Could be some kind of power that frees people (or perhaps just herself - it's a lot cheaper) perhaps Desolidification or Teleport, maybe limited so that it only allows her to escape from Force Walls, Entangles, etc.

Tenth Amendment - Reservation of Power - Again, a bit vague, but what about some kind of Aid, perhaps only usable on "normals"? First Lady might be able to Summon the Jury, then Empower the People.

[Crimson Arrow]

Right, now for Horn and Rhino.

I'd suggest making the Rhino more intelligent than usual and probably stronger and faster too.

Horn (watch out for jokes about that name BTW), should probably have enhanced physical stats and an HKA. Consider Martial Arts.

Do the two have a Mind Link, or some kind of telepathy that allows them to communicate, or is this just "animal follower is very smart and happens to know exactly what to do?"

Why don't you make Horn a poacher and give him appropriate skills, such as Navigation, Survival, Trading, Streetwise, Weapon Familiarities, Knowledge Skills, etc.? Then he realises the error of his ways, goes to work as a ranger trying to stop poachers and is speared trying to save Rhino from some former compatriots. "Poacher turned gamekeeper" would have more roleplaying opportunities, perhaps?

[Killer Shrike]

Thats a groaner to be sure, but Ill play along.

This character sounds like a collection of Multipowers and miscellaneous powers looking for a home.

1st Amendment MPP: Slots: Suppress vs Darkness vs Hearing, Images vs Sound with perception bonuses (so that others can hear her from far and wide), Flash vs Hearing of course (selective AOE Cone No Range), and a big PRE bonus requires shared language and RSR: Oratory.

2nd Amendment MPP: 4 clips of 8 charges; Slots: Double Tap (RKA Beam Reduced Pen), Roy Rogers Effect I (TK only to Disarm), Roy Roger Effect II (EB NND (helmet, lack of weakness, brain not in head -- grazing shot to the temple), Baby Gat (Autofire x3)

3rd Amendment: Summon Spirits of Fallen Troops. Assume that they are like skeltons, but look like battle-hazarded men in uniform. x8 200 pts (use the Skeleton Bestiary pg 123 for a base; ignore Does Not Bleed and No Hit Locations (gaining back 25 points) and use that plus the 21 extra points (179 vs 200) (46 total) to buy a 2d6 RKA Rifle Affects Desolid for 37 pts and +1 SPD for 8 pts (3 Speed total), and add Familiararity: Teamwork for 1 pt.

4th Amendment: Damage Reduction 50% Resistant PD & ED

5th Amendment: Mental Damage Reduction 50%, Invisibility to Danger Sense, Invisibility to Detect Truth/Falsehood, Invisibility to Hearing

6th Amendment: Retrocognition Usable by up to 12 others.

7th Amendment: Precognition Only to foresee Trial proceedings. ;)

8th Amendment: Power Defense and Healing

9th Amendment: Dispel vs any 1 power 1 at a time

10th Amendment: Transfer vs any 1 power 1 at a time

[Bazza]

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow
Bazza, I'd be glad to help, although I think others might be better suited to finalising your character sheet (I have a bit of a tendency to miss one aspect of a rule, or overlook something in the FAQ). I think the first place to start is powers. Do you have anything at all in mind?
Yep, all im my head, so far. I'm looking for someone(s) to take my detailed ideas and create a character sheet for each one. BTW, as as Australian I couldn't tell you how many ammendments the US constitition has, my idea was was from a different angle, but thanks anyway.

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow
Right, now for Horn and Rhino.

I'd suggest making the Rhino more intelligent than usual and probably stronger and faster too.

Horn (watch out for jokes about that name BTW), should probably have enhanced physical stats and an HKA. Consider Martial Arts.

Do the two have a Mind Link, or some kind of telepathy that allows them to communicate, or is this just "animal follower is very smart and happens to know exactly what to do?" Considered Rhino to be super, faster, etc but decided to stick to an ordinary radioactive 4-legged Rhino with imperciptable superpowers ie a rhino who just happens to have superpowers but you would notice it by looking at him.

I also considered martial arts for Horn and decided to go a more half-skill half-brick for him (sort of like Spiderman but has an environment similar to Tarzan). Martial arts are not out of the question. I chose the name "horn" as I thought it more original for the 'horns' on the picture to be made from hair than ivory (elephant being the other animal considered and rejected). Editic memory seemed to obvious and thus would to a degree constrict the character-concept in the minds of people. Rhino was the primary choice of animal and I'm sticking with it.

The method of communication between beast and man-beast is still being finalised, I'm favouring a Tarzan / Jungle book type of communication - normal but with a superpower element -- possibly.

Repeat: I'm looking for someone to help me create character sheet(s) from my character concepts and ideas and the resulting sheets will be posted in Champs for others to use if they like. thanks for your time, any takers PM me or reply to this thread.

[Crimson Arrow]

Originally posted by Bazza
BTW, as as Australian I couldn't tell you how many ammendments the US constitition has, my idea was was from a different angle, but thanks anyway.

Noted, but what IS your angle for the Avatar of the Constitution?

Nothing wrong with using a rhino, I quite like the idea, it was just that I've read a few posts about how players have teased others about even a seemingly innocuous name (eg Ferryman, who was apparently called Fairyman).

BTW, can the rhino trigger powers on anyone it impales, or was it just Horn?

[Bazza]

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow
Noted, but what IS your angle for the Avatar of the Constitution?

<snip>

BTW, can the rhino trigger powers on anyone it impales, or was it just Horn?
First Lady, Ms George Washington basically embodies the spirit of the US constitution and related documents. She gets her powers from the American psyches who still believe in those documents. Also any time one of those laws gets violated or made irrelevant without the majority democratically agreeing she gains additional power to combat the said "illegal" law. That is the souce of her power.

Think that Rhino is just a paragon of his species with the radioactivity being the catalyst.

Can I e-mail it to you the rest from the Profile screen? PS: congrats for winning the contest a couple of times :cool:

[Crimson Arrow]

Yes, but don't send attachments, please, just pop your ideas down in the main text.

Alternatively, why don't you start a character design thread, maybe one for each character and put your ideas down there? That way everyone can chip in. It's been done before, to some success, I think. I'd suggest the Champions Board. You'll probably get something much more interesting than you would from just one of us. However, I think you'd like to get the "bare bones" sorted out first, right?

We will shape the primordial clay of your ideas into a hero, just like Hippolyta and Diana (Wonder Woman for those who don't know their DC characters)!

Thanks for your congratulations. I think KS might do it this time; everyone loves that name!

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow

How about the other four characters? Do they "play well with others"? I am not sure what's happened to Glen, but Geoff and (of course) Hermit are still around on these boards.

Well, Stalker is definitely a loner by purpose, but when you read his write up, you can see how adjustments might be made.

Steadfast fits in fine to a team I think; that's how he was made. Heck, not to give away too much, but he even spent points to contribute to a base ;)

[Talon]

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow
How about the other four characters? Do they "play well with others"? I am not sure what's happened to Glen, but Geoff and (of course) Hermit are still around on these boards.

Lady Liberty tends to be more of a behind the scenes hero; I didn't picture her as part of a team, although she could certainly work that way. She's not anti-social or terminally Hunted or anything that would outright prevent placing her on a team.

I guess we'll find out for sure in August. :)

[Hermit]

Let me be the first to congratulate Ed for winning number 8 with Commando Rubberbando!

[Killer Shrike]

Oh my god! You guys like me! You really really like me!

I promise to use my title of Name the HERO #8 Champion to promote World Peace and to help stop Sally Struthers from eating all the food sent to Ethiopia! In the event that I am unable to complete my duties as Name the HERO #8 Champion, I promise to turn over my title and all attached authority to Name the HERO #8 1st Runner-up at that time!

{Waves and smiles :D until the curtain drops closed} :p

[Killer Shrike]

In all seriousness, it had to have been the name. Chicks dig the name.

[Lord Liaden]

Nice going, KS! I admit that my first reaction was amusement when I heard that name, too, but with all the "Ice-Something", "Letter-Cool-Letter", "Daddy" and "Diddy" in the names of pop figures today, I could see "Commando Rubberbando" having a cachet of cool especially with young people. Doesn't sound like people who laughed in his face would be laughing long, though. ;)

And so, there they are at last: Lady Liberty, Psiphon, El Aguijon, Stalker, Raaktor, Steadfast, Megaera and Commando Rubberbando. That's as diverse sounding a group as I've ever heard. Their debut in DH can't come soon enough for me; the hints dropped here have greatly whetted my interest. :)

[Killer Shrike]

Yeah, C-Daddy R-Pop would give disrespecters the smizak from across the hizouse pimp style -- cuz he's off the hizook, yo. Dude gets his hair cut at Mizark's Bizarber Shop, and rolls long in the street Lincoln.

EDIT -- Oh yeah, and all his best friends call him Cash....cuz he's so money. :p

[Killer Shrike]

Seriously though, hes pretty nasty, particularly vs goons. His downside is he has normal stats, including a 4 Speed. He's basically a normal-guy Martial Artist with a weird gimmick and a lot of background skillz.

[Crimson Arrow]

Killer Shrike - Mega congratulations!

Glad CR came through for you. While the name is great, I bet the judges liked a lot more than that about him.



Ben, can I tell them what every power that Protean had on his sheet had in common?

It was something a little bit special I did for the final round.

[Killer Shrike]

Thanx! Of course, The Mod is a bit perturbed that a nobody wannabe like CR got the nod while a luminary in the field like himself got overlooked in favor of some guy wearing an obvious rip off of his costume ;)

[Hermit]

I have a question.

Since these characters are now DoJ property, have been judged etc, are they now part of the official Champions Universe setting?

Inquiring minds wanna know :)

[Blue]

Hey, my nonsense quote made the amusing list! Yay me!

In case yer wondering what the heck that's all about, the character I made (Warp) is "disjointed" from reality. He thinks he's saying things that make sense, but to other people it comes out as utter gibberish.

[Crimson Arrow]

Originally posted by Blue
Hey, my nonsense quote made the amusing list! Yay me!

In case yer wondering what the heck that's all about, the character I made (Warp) is "disjointed" from reality. He thinks he's saying things that make sense, but to other people it comes out as utter gibberish.

Hey, does he post on the Non-Gaming Board?

[Hermit]

I think my favorite quote has to be the one that was under he who is now known as El Aguijon.

"I am Cian the Fair-Haired, and I challenge you to single com... I'm down here!" - Cian the Fair-Haired (Rick Archer)

It just tickles me immensely, thanks Rick :)

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow
Hey, does he post on the Non-Gaming Board? Under many web handles. :)

[Bazza]

Originally posted by Hermit
I think my favorite quote has to be the one that was under he who is now known as El Aguijon.

"I am Cian the Fair-Haired, and I challenge you to single com... I'm down here!" - Cian the Fair-Haired (Rick Archer)

It just tickles me immensely, thanks Rick :) Herm, I believe this one of your's is equal to the one you quote above: Besides, she's a blonde, so you -know- she's Evil.

Anyone else have a favourite quote from the contest?

[Lord Liaden]

I'm still partial to the line from Dave Mattingly's "Starbright" for its in-joke quality: "Mechanon, you're under arrest. Put your hands over your head and reattach your head to your body."

[Talon]

My favorite non-published quote was the one I came up with for Hero 2...

“Bartender, a glass of your best beer. And make sure it has a large head!”

Maybe it's just me. :)

[TheEmerged]

I'm fond of the three that accompanied AlphaBeth.

"This beating is sponsored by the letter..."

"I'm warning you, I lettered in Henchman Whooping!"

"No, you may NOT buy a vowel!"

[Hermit]

Well, when I submited Gadfly, I wrote it up as Defender trying to foist the over enthusiastic winged hero on Ravenswood academy.

"Whatever it was doing, I worried breaking him from it could do more harm than good; I hesitated.
It's this hesitation that to this day has Nighthawk referring to Gadfly as my "fault." "


I found it terrifically funny at the time ;)

[Ben Seeman]

Okay gang, listen up...

Darren and I are currently compling all of the characters and doing a short writeup about the history of this team. The first time they ever fought together as a team was when they helped the Champions fight Mechanon in Millennium City. After that battle, the heroes decided that it would be a good idea to team up when necessary and so they exchanged contact information. Although they are a a superhero team, they don't have a base of operations or a team vehicle or anything of that sort. When trouble hits MC, they call each other, meet up and rush off into battle. hose who can make it, show up. Those that can't, simply don't show up.

So the question is... what do we name this team?

We have two days... GO...

[AlbertDeschesne]

Originally posted by Ben Seeman
So the question is... what do we name this team?

We have two days... GO...
The Incidentals
The Non-Commitments
SuperTemps
Infinity Factor
The Astounding Eight

I've got more...

[TheEmerged]

SuperTemps?
The E-Team?
CACC (Catch As Catch Can)?

[Killer Shrike]

The Millennium City Auxillary
Millennial Militia
The Irregulars
The Watchers
The Home Guard
The Millennial Metros
The Millennial Eight (M-8)
MC-8

<hr>
My current group of players' team is called the Millennial Men, which Im fond of, but I imagine the female members of this group might demand equal representation in the name ;)

[Talon]

The MC Irregulars is not bad.

[Vondy]

Originally posted by Killer Shrike
The Millennium City Auxillary
Millennial Militia
The Irregulars
The Watchers
The Home Guard
The Millennial Metros
The Millennial Eight (M-8)
MC-8

<hr>
My current group of players' team is called the Millennial Men, which Im fond of, but I imagine the female members of this group might demand equal representation in the name ;)

Millenial Persons?

[AlbertDeschesne]

Oooo, oooo, got another one.

The Minutemen... oh wait, that could be bad... Are there still big, giant mutant-hating robots in the current Champions Universe?

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by AlbertDeschesne
Oooo, oooo, got another one.

The Minutemen... oh wait, that could be bad... Are there still big, giant mutant-hating robots in the current Champions Universe? Yep.

[Killer Shrike]

Plus, in the modern era, Minuteman is likely to be a mark of ignominy rather than distinction.... ;)

[TheEmerged]

The more I think about it, the more I favor "Millenia Militia".

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Ben Seeman
Okay gang, listen up...

Darren and I are currently compling all of the characters and doing a short writeup about the history of this team. The first time they ever fought together as a team was when they helped the Champions fight Mechanon in Millennium City. After that battle, the heroes decided that it would be a good idea to team up when necessary and so they exchanged contact information. Although they are a a superhero team, they don't have a base of operations or a team vehicle or anything of that sort. When trouble hits MC, they call each other, meet up and rush off into battle. hose who can make it, show up. Those that can't, simply don't show up.

So the question is... what do we name this team?

We have two days... GO...

Poor Steadfast, I wonder if his membership in the Samartians and perks for the vehicle etc are going to disqualify him. *le sigh*
EDIT: I suppose there's no law saying he couldn't be a member of two teams *Hope springing eternal*

Name wise, We already have the Champions,
Perhaps "The Challengers" ?

Millenia Militia isn't bad.

[MarkusDark]

Two ways to go with it:

First, to play off of the Champions themselves. Such names as:

The Protectors
The Guardians
The Defenders (a little jab there too).

Second, is to go off of their 'irregular' attendance.

The Irregulars sound nice Also:
The Randoms
The Variables
The Unknown Factor


I have questions that I would love answered about the team to help in the naming process. Such as:

Is one of them the leader?
Why would they get called instead of the Champions?

No need to reveal though. ;)

Edit:

I love Acronyms. Came up with MERK - Millenium's Eight Responding Knights.

[Hermit]

Originally posted by MarkusDark


Is one of them the leader?



Just a guess, but with his Military training, why not COMMANDO RUBBERBANDO ?

Sorry, I just can't say that name without shouting it ;)

[Blue]

Hasn't every possible superteam name been done? This is a hard one.

The Independants

The Crazy 8's (There are 8 heroes in the contest)

Pieces of 8. (Okay, maybe a little too... piratical. Is that a word?)

The Band of Eight

The Independant NPCs. (Okay, maybe not.)

Mechanon's Bitches. (True but not very flattering)

Super-8? Sure, it sounds like I'm talking about old film, but it kinda fits...

I give up. <--- That's not a name suggestion.

[MarkusDark]

VILE - Vigalantes In Law Enforcement

Not a name usually associated with heroes but, eh, it works. :)

[Darren Watts]

Okay, thanks for the votes! While I liked the Irregulars too, Astro City has first claim on the name. So, in a nod to Detroit musical history, we've decided to simply go with MC8 and hope this new team kicks out the jams. Congrats Killer Shrike and thanks to all who contributed! dw

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by Darren Watts
Okay, thanks for the votes! While I liked the Irregulars too, Astro City has first claim on the name. So, in a nod to Detroit musical history, we've decided to simply go with MC8 and hope this new team kicks out the jams. Congrats Killer Shrike and thanks to all who contributed! dw
Wow. This has been my month I guess. Maybe I should pay the idiot tax and buy a lottery ticket? :p

RE: Commando Rubberbando is certainly a more mature and experienced individual well suited to command with Tactics and IIRC Teamwork. He's in his mid-50's (though as a side effect of his rubbery body making him immune to spinal-slump and wrinkles, he looks younger) and has a lot of battle experience ranging from the jungles of 'Nam and deepest Africa to the war-torn stretches of former Yugoslavia and the harsh desert climes of the Middle East and north Africa. As a civil rights activist and upstanding member of the Dearborn community, with his family roots deep in Old Detroit, and a longstanding member of his neighboorhood watch program he certainly has a deep interest in protecting Millenium City from the depredations of those who would despoil it.

If the younger members of MC8 chose to defer to his long experience in times of trouble severe enough to compel them to bind together, he certainly wouldnt let them down :)

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by Hermit
Just a guess, but with his Military training, why not COMMANDO RUBBERBANDO ?

Sorry, I just can't say that name without shouting it ;) It does roll off the tongue with a certain grandiosity, doesnt it? :D

[Lord Liaden]

While Commando Rubberbando sounds like an appropriate battle commander, I'm wondering whether Geoff Speare's Lady Liberty might not work as overall team leader. Geoff's hints about her, especially her being a "behind the scenes" hero, might imply that she would be the kind of person to draw these heroes together - especially since Darren's description makes them sound like a Defenders-esque "non-team."

Geoff, would you care to set me straight? :)

[Vondy]

Originally posted by Lord Liaden
While Commando Rubberbando sounds like an appropriate battle commander, I'm wondering whether Geoff Speare's Lady Liberty might not work as overall team leader. Geoff's hints about her, especially her being a "behind the scenes" hero, might imply that she would be the kind of person to draw these heroes together - especially since Darren's description makes them sound like a Defenders-esque "non-team."

Geoff, would you care to set me straight? :)

Many teams have administrative leaders and field leaders.

The JLA comes to mind.

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by D-Man
Many teams have administrative leaders and field leaders.

The JLA comes to mind. Thats good, but NO committees! :)

[Bazza]

Damn time zone differences. I was going to suggest The Regulators. A tribute to those deputized-lawmen in New Mexico who stood up for a father-figure who was murdered. And the name Regulators is gender-neutral and number-neutral.

Oh well better late than never. *Sigh*.

[Crimson Arrow]

Yeah, Bazza, I blinked and missed this. I was on the boards last night, but didn't expect a flurry of activity!

I can live with MC8, but would have liked Millennium Defenders (as they get together to defend Millennium City and it has a nice rhythm when you say it).

Not that I mind if the Stretchable Soldier takes the helm (after all it's the leader who may get taken out first), but Athena is the goddess of wisdom and battle. Megaera has the wisdom of Athena (now, who does that remind me of?) and skills that match that concept (including both the ones KS mentioned), plus skills for making inspiring speeches and swaying opinion. I don't want to give too much detail away, for obvious reasons.

I like the idea of two leaders; different things require different skills.

[Agent X]

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow
Yeah, Bazza, I blinked and missed this. I was on the boards last night, but didn't expect a flurry of activity!

I can live with MC8, but would have liked Millennium Defenders (as they get together to defend Millennium City and it has a nice rhythm when you say it).

Not that I mind if the Stretchable Soldier takes the helm (after all it's the leader who may get taken out first), but Athena is the goddess of wisdom and battle. Megaera has the wisdom of Athena (now, who does that remind me of?) and skills that match that concept (including both the ones KS mentioned), plus skills for making inspiring speeches and swaying opinion. I don't want to give too much detail away, for obvious reasons.

I like the idea of two leaders; different things require different skills. It is often a good thing to have a few "assigned" roles for the team. LOSH has its Espionage Officer. It's possible to have the Government Liason, the Public Relations Officer, etc.

[Crimson Arrow]

Originally posted by Agent X
It is often a good thing to have a few "assigned" roles for the team. LOSH has its Espionage Officer. It's possible to have the Government Liason, the Public Relations Officer, etc.

Another good idea. The problem with us all debating this, is that no one knows what anyone else's characters can do and the rules of the contest prevent discussion! Maybe we can work it out after the characters are all published.

[Killer Shrike]

Well, Commando Rubberbando doesnt care who leads, so long as nobody calls him Black Gumby! :)

[Killer Shrike]

I hope this isnt out of line, but when I submitted CR I dressed up the basic image a tad. As Im looking over his sheet at 3 am, I think Ill share it with the rest of you as I dont think it would violate the rules (youve all seen what the character looks like afterall)....

<img src="http://www.herogames.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=94216">

[Bazza]

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow
Another good idea. The problem with us all debating this, is that no one knows what anyone else's characters can do and the rules of the contest prevent discussion! Maybe we can work it out after the characters are all published. Yeah, that's funny. We get to write the Digital Hero article for them. Heaven forbid :rolleyes: :p

[Talon]

Lady Liberty would definitely make the perfect "get everyone together" character...Danger Sense with Transmit helps. :) She is qualified to be a leader and would happily serve in that capacity -- but would also defer if someone was more interested/qualified. At the very least, she'd be a motivator.

I'd go into detail but I'm assuming they want that stuff held off for DH.

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Killer Shrike
Thats good, but NO committees! :)

Awww shucks.

So much for that great line that will now never be

"I propose we table this Mechanon situation, and return to thrashing VIPER agents which has a higher success ratio. All in favor?" ;)

[Crimson Arrow]

Sounds like Lady Liberty is a good candidate for the background leader/organiser.

Anyone know how they are presenting the characters in Digital Hero? I've seen things to indicate they will be done bit by bit (not one per issue I hope, that would be agonising), but there was also a mention that they will all come in one issue (which makes sense in one way, but might be a little character-heavy). Sounds like there will be a group origin story, so that suggests one or maybe two issues of DH, but doesn't guarantee it.

If the DOJ guys don't make the leadership decision for us, how about a poll for who'd be best leader? Seems like there's one for just about everything else on these boards.:rolleyes: Also, Agent X is doing something similar on Non-Gaming at the moment for established teams. Just an idea.

Oh and nice effects in that picture Killer Shrike.

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by Hermit
"I propose we table this Mechanon situation, and return to thrashing VIPER agents which has a higher success ratio. All in favor?" ;) "Aye!"

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow
Sounds like Lady Liberty is a good candidate for the background leader/organiser.

Anyone know how they are presenting the characters in Digital Hero? I've seen things to indicate they will be done bit by bit (not one per issue I hope, that would be agonising), but there was also a mention that they will all come in one issue (which makes sense in one way, but might be a little character-heavy). Sounds like there will be a group origin story, so that suggests one or maybe two issues of DH, but doesn't guarantee it.

Id rather see it in 1 or 2 issues. Lets face it, if they released it all in one and touted it a little bit, a fair number of people would probably get it. I mean, 8 characters for a few bucks, plus the rest of issues content would be a bargain.

Plus, Dave could make a theme out of it. "How to make a Hero team" might be a good article, and "Who's in charge here? Leadership in Supergroups" might be appropriate as well. Etc etc.

:)

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow
If the DOJ guys don't make the leadership decision for us, how about a poll for who'd be best leader? Seems like there's one for just about everything else on these boards.:rolleyes: Also, Agent X is doing something similar on Non-Gaming at the moment for established teams. Just an idea.
Im content to trust in the good judgement of the DOJ folks. Im sure Darren and Ben will come up with a cool spin.

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow
Oh and nice effects in that picture Killer Shrike. Thanx!

[Lord Liaden]

While I'm pleased that these heroes will be incorporated into a team, I'm a little disappointed that they'll be located in Millennium City. That town seems well-served enough with team and independent heroes already; I would have preferred the option of placing them in another American city without a listed hero team yet. Perhaps just having the Champions pursue Mechanon to another burg will be enough to allow for it.

With all due respect to Darren and Ben, I also find the name "MC8" a little incongruous for a group with a flexible roster; what if only five or six of them show up?

Hermit, would you mind if I borrowed Steadfast's "Samaritans" as the name for this team in my campaign? It seems like a good moniker for a group who gathers to help people when they're in need. :)

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Lord Liaden


Hermit, would you mind if I borrowed Steadfast's "Samaritans" as the name for this team in my campaign? It seems like a good moniker for a group who gathers to help people when they're in need. :)

I'd be flattered :)

[Talon]

Personally, I would have preferred to see the characters posted shortly after each contest ended, just to keep up interest. At this point, probably best to put them all in one issue; the only reason I can see for not doing this is that they will take up a lot of the issue.

[Crimson Arrow]

I really like Killer Shrike's idea about articles about the dynamics of a team, leadership etc. This might be a bit too much Champions in one issue, especially if all eight heroes appear at once.

I think Geoff Speare is right that maybe posting some of them as we went along would have kept up interest, but as the idea seems to be that the heroes are an informal team (and that might explain why his entry for round 2 didn't place), it would have been tricky to do that structure until all the characters were available.

The reason I wondered if they would be spread out, was the reference at the top of the "Name the Hero" page to the characters being published in future issueS of Digital Hero.

I'd love to see them all in one go; we've been waiting a long time, but it might be a bit overwhelming!

[Ben Seeman]

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow

The reason I wondered if they would be spread out, was the reference at the top of the "Name the Hero" page to the characters being published in future issueS of Digital Hero.


That was a typo by me. We plan to have them all appear in the September issue of Digital Hero.

[AlbertDeschesne]

Originally posted by Ben Seeman
That was a typo by me. We plan to have them all appear in the September issue of Digital Hero.

Must be nice to be the webmaster... there's NO WAY you have over 50,000 posts.

:D

[Crimson Arrow]

Originally posted by Ben Seeman
That was a typo by me. We plan to have them all appear in the September issue of Digital Hero.

Thanks for the clarification, Ben. I'm looking forward to it!

[Killer Shrike]

I believe the technical term to describe this is "SWEET!"

[Hermit]

I just got nostalgic, so... *BUMP*

[Lord Liaden]

As of tomorrow when DH #13 becomes widely available, I expect this thread to become much more animated.

(Best Colin Clive imitation): "IT'S ALIVE! IT'S ALIIIVE!!!"

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Lord Liaden
As of tomorrow when DH #13 becomes widely available, I expect this thread to become much more animated.

(Best Colin Clive imitation): "IT'S ALIVE! IT'S ALIIIVE!!!"
*L* More likely it will just be praised/analyzed/ripped apart in the DH part of the forums... but good to see enthusiasm :)

I have already gotten my peek at the other authors' works, and I can tell you I, for one, am very impressed.

[Crimson Arrow]

Originally posted by Hermit
*L* More likely it will just be praised/analyzed/ripped apart in the DH part of the forums... but good to see enthusiasm :)

I have already gotten my peek at the other authors' works, and I can tell you I, for one, am very impressed.

Likewise and likewise (in that order). I think the others' characters are all excellent and I feel honoured to be in such good company.

I have to ask if you are going to put up one of your polls on this, Hermit. I'd be hard pressed to choose a favourite.

Kudos to Darren and Ben on the central story of MC-8, which is excellent.

By the way LL, just how good is your best Colin Clive impression?

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow


I have to ask if you are going to put up one of your polls on this, Hermit. I'd be hard pressed to choose a favourite.



Mmm, probably not. I'd be hard pressed to choose a favorite myself, and really ... it would depend. Who's background did I like best? Who do I think has the best mechanical write up? Who would I want to play if I were in a campaign with them? etc...

I really don't think there's a 'bum' in the lot of them. :)

And I'll second that praise for Darren's and Ben's story bringing them all together.

[Crimson Arrow]

Originally posted by Hermit
Mmm, probably not. I'd be hard pressed to choose a favorite myself, and really ... it would depend. Who's background did I like best? Who do I think has the best mechanical write up? Who would I want to play if I were in a campaign with them? etc...

Good points. I didn't fancy a poll about it (embarrassing if you win, embarrassing if you don't) and almost certainly would have abstained, but thought I'd ask, as you are King of Polls.

[Darren Watts]

Thanks all for the kind words! Ben deserves most of the credit for the story itself- I added some notes and the bits about how they interact, but he did the heavy lifting. And how about Blaine's art, eh? Got a feeling you'll be seeing more of his work soon. dw

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Darren Watts
Thanks all for the kind words! Ben deserves most of the credit for the story itself- I added some notes and the bits about how they interact, but he did the heavy lifting. And how about Blaine's art, eh? Got a feeling you'll be seeing more of his work soon. dw

Blaine's art was utterly amazing. Don't get me wrong, I loved the cover for Champions Universe, BUT... it was so nice to see the 'contest' heroes up close and personal. Blaine took a diminutive picture that had been nicknamed "Stumpy the Ninja Boy" and made it look exceptionally cool.

[Crimson Arrow]

You and Ben deserve them, Darren. Thank you and Hero for the contest!

Yep, loved the art (especially the fantastic cover) and look forward to seeing more from Blaine soon.

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Crimson Arrow
, as you are King of Polls.
I'm inspired...
I feel mutilated lyrics coming on...


There's a new little post on the threads today
That's my poll up there
I did the same darn thing yesterday
That's my poll up there
There's a question about where you stand?
That's my poll up there
And what you'd do if you were in command?
That's my poll up there.

I have polled folks about cheese or the state of their soul
With questions that ask if they're hot or cold
It's not like Krakow is under my control
But it's my destiny to be the king of polls!

There's a question if you prefer Trek or B5?
A poll about the best thing about being alive
A survey on comics you recall
and some polls that don't have meaning at all

That's a rambling poll that might annoy
There's one there that might bring some joy
One's so close as to fill you with doubt
That rude one there might get me knocked out

Sometimes I poll fast and sometimes I post slow
Sometimes you love them sometimes you wish I'd go
There's a new little post on the threads today
I did the same darn thing yesterday

I have polled folks about cheese or the state of their soul
With questions that ask if they're hot or cold
It's not like Krakow is under my control
But it's my destiny to be the king of polls!

I'll always be the king of polls....

[Crimson Arrow]

Hermit,

:cool:

[Ben Seeman]

Thanks for the kind words, guys. Writing the battle against Mechanon was a lot of fun... kind of like an extended version of the Superhero Showdown stories I wrote earlier this year. :)

BTW, the new issue is now posted for download in the Digital Hero section of the site for those of you who haven't had a chance to see it yet.

Enjoy!

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Ben Seeman
Thanks for the kind words, guys. Writing the battle against Mechanon was a lot of fun... kind of like an extended version of the Superhero Showdown stories I wrote earlier this year. :)


Well, if you don't mind a few more kind words? :)
What I enjoyed about the story was how you kept things so very much in character for all Eight write ups. I can't speak for the others, but judging by them in DH 13, you were dead on with not only their powers, but priorities and tactics. It was very easy to visualize the narrative of the battle.

[Crimson Arrow]

Originally posted by Ben Seeman
Thanks for the kind words, guys. Writing the battle against Mechanon was a lot of fun... kind of like an extended version of the Superhero Showdown stories I wrote earlier this year. :)

BTW, the new issue is now posted for download in the Digital Hero section of the site for those of you who haven't had a chance to see it yet.

Enjoy!

And a few more from me. Hermit's already said much of what I enjoyed about the story.

You gave them all a chance to shine and do something useful in the fight (not easy with 9 combatants plus robots). I don't know about anyone else, but I found it an exciting read in its own right.

[Ben Seeman]

Herm...

Wow... that was really good.

[mattingly]

The contest winners were all so good, it's not surprising that none of my entries made the cut. :-P

[Hermit]

Originally posted by mattingly
The contest winners were all so good, it's not surprising that none of my entries made the cut. :-P

Curious, who did you submit? :)
I'm always willing to rip off... uhm.. borrow inspiration from, a few concepts ;)

[Enforcer84]

Well for me... Let me look I had..hm I threw them out after the contest was over. lets see what I remember

Lonestar - a Miss USA pagent runner up who becomes a superagent after encountering the "Spirit of Texas"

Mighty Minerva - 56 year old daughter of Golden Age hero who finally decides to don the skin tights after it became increasingly difficult to explain her youthful appearance - a Captain Marvel style brick.

wow. No wonder I didnt get picked I can't even remember these guys.

My version of "Stalker" was a young man who was the clone of a sickly, developmentally disabled boy born to rich, ethically challenged, parents who paid Telios to "cure" their son. Telios cloned the boy, made the clone everything they wanted in their son and then brainwashed him into thinking that he was the real deal. Then when the clone was of age, he sent the boy's parents a picture of their real son floating in a stasis tube. It was rather gruesome as I type this out... oh well. I cannot wait to see the winners and I am going to soon...

[Hermit]

Those sound fine to me :) Sidenote: Teleios is a popular villain for campaign use lately on these boards. (He even hunts one of the MC8).


Let us know what you think of the MC8 when you read it Enforcer, please.

[Killer Shrike]

Heh; The MOD, my submission for the "Steadfast" pic, wasnt created by Teleios, but he was watched by Teleios and in fact Teleios was his hidden nemesis, responsible for the death of The MOD's father many years before in a lab heist.

Basically The MOD's power is an "adaptive musculature". He's basically a wrestlin', scrappin' Martial Artist from Texas with a powerful Regeneration (from Death), and a small Multipower of characteristic boosts which allows him to "adapt" from Phase to Phase to what he wants to do -- subconsciously. A super athelete MA basically.

He was born with his powers, and they were caused by his brilliant geneticists\bio-chemist father's exposure to experimental serums when working for the CIA many years previously. After discovering his sons powers, the elderly scientist puzzled it out and secretly tried to recreate several of the serums which had been abandoned because they didnt seem to do anything to disover which one (or several in combination) might have been the cause so that he could do further testing on them. One of his lab assistants leaked the info, and a group of Teleios's clone servitors attacked the lab, took the research, and killed all the scientists including The MOD's father. So, he's been on a man-with-one-arm type vengeance quest for a number of years, kind of fumbling around as a professional superhero in the process.

He's also a huge sports freak, with Scholarship and a bunch of Knowledge Skills regarding Sports topics. :D

Quote: "Man, you fellers really tork me off; what kind of a jackass gets all dolled up in tights to commit crimes during SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL!!!!"


For the Meagara pic I submitted Miss Mighty! (real name Basilia) who was a direct send up to Wonder Woman (playing off the MM vs WW logo on her --ahem-- chest, and a pic of WW I found that was damn near identical (scroll back a few pages for a side-by-side of the 2 pics)), with just a little bit of Thor mixed in. She was born and raised in Herapolis as a half-human half-immortal daughter of Hera herself.

Herapolis was described as the source of the various Amazon-esque myths that have occured in various cultures: "Herapolis is a magical city crafted with the aid of Hecate herself and several lesser workers of mystic arts. For 90 years of every century it exists in its own pocket dimension, self sufficient and protected from outside harm. For the other 10 years, Herapolis reappears on Earth at some remote location where it remains for precisely 1 decade, during which time the inhabitants gather new supplies and a chosen few new people who go to live among the "gods". Time in the pocket dimension passes strangely at a ratio of but 1 to 100, so each century is like the passing of a single year. True members of the immortals are ageless, but their human companions are not so; thus towards the end of each interval many members of Herapolis seek out new and interesting mates among the mortal world. Some of the immortals choose to spend a century among the mortals, but as more times pass and mainstream culture becomes ever more alien to the anachronistic inhabitants, this has become increasingly rare."

As the youngest daughter of Hera, MM is sort of the "baby" of the family and was eager to get out and prove to her mother that she's all grown up now. So, she seeks out the monsters of the modern age and defeats them. Her powers stem from her demi-god nature, and blessings from her sisters, cousins, and other powerful immortals living in Herapolis placed upon her at birth, including her flight, "The Spear of Athena", and of course her mystical bracers, "The Arbitage of Themis", granted to her by Themis, who was worshipped as the goddess of Justice in ancient times. The list went on.

End result: immortal flying brick with missile deflection, a number of resistances and a big punch (HA, Reighteous Fist of Anat) with an ancient Greece/Amazonian schtick. Very original, right :D Seems like a lot of us went that route. Objectively I new that it would be likely, but for my part, subjectively the picture absolutely required that treatment so I went with it :)

Quote: "Lo there, arrest thy impulses and take heed base villain, for thou shalt spend all Eternia in Hades lest thou recant such unworthy deeds and make fair remonstrance upon the many suborned by such unworthy ruin and unseemly wrack!"

[Hermit]

Hmmm... I think I've mentioned my own attempts on this very thread earlier, but what the heck, here's a summary:

1. Defiant- A very outspoken and often anti-establishment Patriotic heroine with ties to PRIMUS. A supersoldier by chance, with nano technology running through her bod. I bought her running and strength at 0 END to simulate the nanobots clearing up the latic (Sp) acid that normally leads to exhaustion.

2. CEREMAK- Kind of a homage to MODOK, but a good guy. Created by ARGENT and full of self loathing.

3. Gadfly- My first runner up, and one of my favorites out of my attempts. Gadfly was a teenager who was altered by an alien device to have insect like powers. His original (and it stayed) Power was pissing people off (Extra PRE just for that purpose) :) I sumbited his entry in the form of an Email from Defender BEGGING Ravenswood acadmey to take the kid in.

5. Never submitted, got a story started for "The Claw" and that was it.

7. Mega-Woman- I mentioned this one recently, but essentially a Canadian girl (I figured so close to MC, she could live in Windsor) who litterally could become her favorite comic book heroine. I'm rather pleased her entry was noted for funniest quote. Blondes are evil btw, my female brunette friends say so... :)

8. Longarm- Who was to be one of the Samaritins, Steadfast's superteam. Mostly he had a chip on his shoulder, and a good reason to protect cops. His power set up was not so different from, but admittedly inferior to, Commando Rubberbando!

[Blue]

The winners are noticably better than the ones I submitted. Ah well.

I only had three concepts, two were submitted.

For the Lady Liberty pick I'd made "Shooting Starr". When I missed the deadline I then proceeded to scavenge the character to make a character for my NPC Private Invesitgator in my campaign, dropping the whole patriotic thing. The mechanics were: Martial Arts manuvers used to take disarm opponents or take their weapons from them, and naked advantages used to enhance any pistol killing attack, turning a normal gun into something worthy of use in a superpowered campaign. She never carried a gun because she could always disarm agents and other opponents and use their own weapons against them.

For the Meagera pic, I made "Machina". She was a construct of Mechanon made to infiltrate the local superhero group. Problem is that the group unleashed a computer virus that simulates "emotions", intending to alter mechanon and make him more human, but instead Machina was infected and began to sympathize with the heroes and not only spared but aided them. She's an automaton with wild mood swings. They dubbed her Machina, as in Deux Ex Machina ("God from the Machine").

For the stretchy guy picture, I made a guy perhaps a touch to villainous. I think his name was Warp. Due to experiments in extradimensional travel, he was becoming disconnected from this reality. His body was taking on the properties of the other world, whose physics were vastly different. Also, his mind was becoming slowly distorted. Things he said made sense to him, but they came out to people around him as gibberish. He's the kind of guy that you'd have to start off as competent but slowly degrade over the campaign until either you cured him (through experience points) or made him a villain of some kind.