Only In Hero ID questions

[moquif]

I'm working on a character concept and have some questions about OIHID. The character is a new member of an interstellar organization of Guardians. By focusing, saying the Guardian's mantra, and being in a situaion where his powers will be needed to help others he is transformed into a brick hero. Now my questions:

1) Since the OIHID requires time and a way to stop the transformation, is what I have enough (focus, incantations, and situation) not enough or even too much?

2) In his human form his powers are in "stand by" mode and perform repair and maintenance duties. I bought this as Regerative Healing, only in normal ID. How much of a limitation is it worth? I figure 3/4 since when combined with OIHID we have an even -1. It's like the Lockout limitation, either brick or healing.

3) With each good deed he does, he gets to use the Guardian powers whenever he wants. In game terms, some of the OIHID is bought off. Eventually he'll have his super-stats at human maximum and have the less-obvious powers (IR vision, etc). To use his full Guardian powers, he'll have to change but it would be instant and unstoppable; hense no limitation. Since he HAS to spend some XP this way each session could I take a character disadvantage "Must spend at least 1 XP per game session on average to buy off OIHID" for 5 points? (I figure on 5 disad points for each XP, double disad points if the GM picks how to spend them.)

Thanks in advance. If you need me to clairfy anything, just ask.
Jason

[Sean Waters]

I'm working on a character concept and have some questions about OIHID. The character is a new member of an interstellar organization of Guardians. By focusing, saying the Guardian's mantra, and being in a situaion where his powers will be needed to help others he is transformed into a brick hero. Now my questions:

1) Since the OIHID requires time and a way to stop the transformation, is what I have enough (focus, incantations, and situation) not enough or even too much?

2) In his human form his powers are in "stand by" mode and perform repair and maintenance duties. I bought this as Regerative Healing, only in normal ID. How much of a limitation is it worth? I figure 3/4 since when combined with OIHID we have an even -1. It's like the Lockout limitation, either brick or healing.

3) With each good deed he does, he gets to use the Guardian powers whenever he wants. In game terms, some of the OIHID is bought off. Eventually he'll have his super-stats at human maximum and have the less-obvious powers (IR vision, etc). To use his full Guardian powers, he'll have to change but it would be instant and unstoppable; hense no limitation. Since he HAS to spend some XP this way each session could I take a character disadvantage "Must spend at least 1 XP per game session on average to buy off OIHID" for 5 points? (I figure on 5 disad points for each XP, double disad points if the GM picks how to spend them.)

Thanks in advance. If you need me to clairfy anything, just ask.
Jason

Welcome, moquif.

Erm...

1. Seems pretty fair: the change needs to be stopable, but you probably don't need to have all those restrictions on the change, ESPECIALLY the situation: I'd probably apply that as a seperate limitation on some or all of the Guardian powers (only useable when doing the right thing for an extra -1/4, or more if you have a really tight GM)

2. I'd let you get away with -1: you'll be using the power less than half the time and if you don't have many other powers in 'normal mode' then you're not going to want to change to normal just to get the healing: it is more of a between scenes power, so I wouldn't get too harsh with it.

3. Interesting concept. I'd certainly allow the disadvantage, maybe even allow you more points: seems like a physical disadvantage to me....it is a restriction on your character's development, about which you can do nothing.

[moquif]

I had planned out the "Required to Spend XP on ..." Character Disadvangage to balance against potential abuse. The concept is that the player is required to take some of his XP and put it towards canceling a limitation or buying off another disadvantage. Other examples would be working off a probationary period by an organization (Watched), adapting to a given enviroment (Suseptable) or attack (Vulurnability). If used against a disad, the effect is gradual. A 14-watched becomes 11- then 8- as more points are spent on it. The big problem I see is what happens when this Disadvantage has run its course? Will the Required To Spend have to be bought off? Changed to another limitation/disad? Replaced with something new entirely (like a 0pt disad earned in the course of the campaign). Using the same concept, this could be used to put extra points into a hidden power the GM picks. My GM saves one point of XP then gives us a big mystery power.

Now this disad is different from the rest since it affects the player instead of the character so would need GM approval. It's worth 5pts per point of XP set aside; double that if the GM picks where it's spent. I'd include a 10pt Variable XP option where how much XP is allocated depends on how much the limitation/disad was used in the session. For example if the entire session was spent in Guardian mode, all the XP would go towards buying off the limitation. But if it was a pure role play session without the Guardian, all that XP would be under my control to spend how I want.

When maxed out (3XP under GM's control) it's a 30pt disadvantage which is pretty heavy. Plus don't forget once the disad is used up, it must be bought off or replaced so we don't want it to cost too much.

[Hugh Neilson]

1) Since the OIHID requires time and a way to stop the transformation, is what I have enough (focus, incantations, and situation) not enough or even too much?

2) In his human form his powers are in "stand by" mode and perform repair and maintenance duties. I bought this as Regerative Healing, only in normal ID. How much of a limitation is it worth? I figure 3/4 since when combined with OIHID we have an even -1. It's like the Lockout limitation, either brick or healing.

I'd say OIHID is fine. I'd look to how often you need to regenerate in combat to assess the limitation on the Regeneration - I might even be inclined to call it -1/4 as well since you can switch freely between the two forms.

3) With each good deed he does, he gets to use the Guardian powers whenever he wants. In game terms, some of the OIHID is bought off. Eventually he'll have his super-stats at human maximum and have the less-obvious powers (IR vision, etc). To use his full Guardian powers, he'll have to change but it would be instant and unstoppable; hense no limitation. Since he HAS to spend some XP this way each session could I take a character disadvantage "Must spend at least 1 XP per game session on average to buy off OIHID" for 5 points? (I figure on 5 disad points for each XP, double disad points if the GM picks how to spend them.)

I wouldn't allow this as a disadvantage at all. The character will either spend points to buy off OIHID, or he won't. This is a plan for future xp expenditures, not a disadvantage, in my view.

[Sean Waters]

I think that the disadvantage does effect the character: it is one thing to be able to buy what you like with XP, so you can react to an extent to the enemies in the campaign and the situations that arise, it is another to HAVE TO spend it in a certain way: you lose part of that ability to react.

Hugh makes the point that it isn't a disadvantage if that's how you planned to spend the points anyway (paraphrased, and probably inaccurate, but that's the way I read it), but I'd say this is different. 1. You HAVE to spend the points in this way and 2. The number of times I've started off with a development plan then seen it go out the window when I've got a better idea....

You might as well say you don't get points for having a code v killing becasue that's how you were going to play the character anyway.

[Hugh Neilson]

Can I buy "earns xp at twice the normal rate" as a talent? How about "only pays half xp to buy down limitations"? To me, xp is part of the game mechanics, not something to incorporate into them.

Now, with that in mind, I also wouldn't hold the character to a fixed development plan. I just won't give them disadvantage points for having such a plan (or charge the player with no plan for a Talent - "free spirit - may spend xp without restriction").

[OddHat]

I'm working on a character concept and have some questions about OIHID. The character is a new member of an interstellar organization of Guardians. By focusing, saying the Guardian's mantra, and being in a situaion where his powers will be needed to help others he is transformed into a brick hero. Now my questions:

1) Since the OIHID requires time and a way to stop the transformation, is what I have enough (focus, incantations, and situation) not enough or even too much?

That's fine from a coneptual POV. The GM can stop you from making the transformation easily enough by saying that you're too frightened to focus (PRE attack), or drugging you, or using a gag, or saying that you are trying to help yourself...

A friend once told me that he feels OHID should require 3 full phases for a change. I think that's a fair benchmark, depending on how hard the change is to make. For this guy, in my game, I'd require a full phase. YMMV.

2) In his human form his powers are in "stand by" mode and perform repair and maintenance duties. I bought this as Regerative Healing, only in normal ID. How much of a limitation is it worth? I figure 3/4 since when combined with OIHID we have an even -1. It's like the Lockout limitation, either brick or healing.

I'd say -1/4 for Only In Non-Super Form, but then Regeneration is cheap if you buy it at the 1 per 5 minutes level or so.

3) With each good deed he does, he gets to use the Guardian powers whenever he wants. In game terms, some of the OIHID is bought off. Eventually he'll have his super-stats at human maximum and have the less-obvious powers (IR vision, etc). To use his full Guardian powers, he'll have to change but it would be instant and unstoppable; hense no limitation. Since he HAS to spend some XP this way each session could I take a character disadvantage "Must spend at least 1 XP per game session on average to buy off OIHID" for 5 points? (I figure on 5 disad points for each XP, double disad points if the GM picks how to spend them.)

That's not a disad or a limit, it's just how he plans to spend his XP. I would not give any points for it.

[Dust Raven]

1) Since the OIHID requires time and a way to stop the transformation, is what I have enough (focus, incantations, and situation) not enough or even too much?

It honestly depends on how the game is run. Generally, I've ruled that changing into hero id requires a Full Phase action that reduced you to 1/2 DCV. That's it. To quallify for the OIHID Limitation, there must be some way to prevent the change from occuring when the character can take that action. The most common preventions is "must have costume." For characters that summon their costume, having some other item (like He-Man's sword) or needing to be in a specific type of situation may count. If you consider the needing focus (like 1/2 DCV Concentration, not the object) and incantations (doesn't need to say them loud or even be heard, just say them and mean them) to quallify him for the first part, and the needing to help someone as the situation, then you're good.

2) In his human form his powers are in "stand by" mode and perform repair and maintenance duties. I bought this as Regerative Healing, only in normal ID. How much of a limitation is it worth? I figure 3/4 since when combined with OIHID we have an even -1. It's like the Lockout limitation, either brick or healing.

Usually I'd just reverse the OIHID Limitation, using Only In Normal ID which has the same value (-1/4). Then again, I tend to run games where the characters spend a lot of time in normal ID. If that's not the case for you, a -1 is not unjustified.

3) With each good deed he does, he gets to use the Guardian powers whenever he wants. In game terms, some of the OIHID is bought off. Eventually he'll have his super-stats at human maximum and have the less-obvious powers (IR vision, etc). To use his full Guardian powers, he'll have to change but it would be instant and unstoppable; hense no limitation. Since he HAS to spend some XP this way each session could I take a character disadvantage "Must spend at least 1 XP per game session on average to buy off OIHID" for 5 points? (I figure on 5 disad points for each XP, double disad points if the GM picks how to spend them.)

Would you allow a Disadvantage for not being able to purchase certain Skills or Powers? Say I'm playing a Martial Artist character and I want a Disadvantage: Can Never Buy Acrobatics. Would you allow that? I wouldn't. What a player does and does not spend points on is the player's decision, and is only limited by the GM. You don't see anyone out there with Is Subject To GM's Will as a Disadvantage, and that's pretty much what this is.

[prestidigitator]

I never like the idea of railroading a character's development. I may disallow some XP expenditures for general game balance or story purposes (and there's always, "You're going to have to spend some time practicing if you want to learn that Skill;" mostly appropriate for heroic games), but forcing the player to spend experience the way you want is a big no-no IMHO. It will generate resentment, and a feeling of helplessness. After all, is it your character, or the player's character? All players want some power over how their characters develop.

That being said, I might award some additional experience that can only be spent in a limited number of ways, based upon the character roleplaying the development of his/her character, creative use of an ability, a clever way to buy off a Disadvantage or Limitation, etc. Even so, I'd make it clear that it isn't replacing the experience the player gets to spend normally, and I would be careful to allow all players the opportunity to gain such rewards.

If you want to go this way in your case, I would go the route of making it very clear to the player that (s)he can buy off the Disadvantages/Limitations in this manner (if that is desired!).

[moquif]

prestidigitator, I think part of the confusion is that this is a disad the player chose, not the GM. By taking it the player willingly surrenders part of how the character acts. Just as Code Against Killing should prevent a character from executing street punks, this disad limits the character's actions.

Disadvantages limit what a character can do in one way or another, this is basically a new way. I can take a "total" psychological limitation or choose to play the character as if he had one. I don't see a fundamental difference between that and my own disad. If you're worried about the GM controlling the character, what about Unluck? It gives the GM special permission to mess with the character in new ways. Having it affect XP is unconventional and new, but I think it's similar to a psych lim. Both direct how the character will act, the difference is psych lims affect a particular situation and the other affects progress. This disad can delay buying a new skill for example. Don't I deserve points for loosing some RP freedom?

[moquif]

About the regen limitation, my character isn't likely to change back into his human form during combat. Also as a brick he's not likely to take Body damage in the first place. I'm not even sure how often it will be needed since some groups have a healer of some sort. How often do superheroes take body and how does it affect them between adventurers and from one adventure to another? If I take 5 body one session, will I still have that damage the next or will it be healed via GM's fait?

[OddHat]

About the regen limitation, my character isn't likely to change back into his human form during combat. Also as a brick he's not likely to take Body damage in the first place. I'm not even sure how often it will be needed since some groups have a healer of some sort. How often do superheroes take body and how does it affect them between adventurers and from one adventure to another? If I take 5 body one session, will I still have that damage the next or will it be healed via GM's fait?

That depends completely on the GM and the campaign tone.

Generally, a Brick with Hardened, Resistant PD and ED may go his entire career without taking a single point of Body...unless the GM decides otherwise (say by throwing a foe at him with a Does Body Ego Attack or NND). In a darker sort of game the Brick may take body in every adventure, even to the point of losing body parts. So, talk to your GM.

Note however that Regeneration, 1 Body per Hour, Regrows Limbs, is very cheap, and will fix you up completely between adventures (unless the GM rules otherwise).

[ghost-angel]

On that character Disadvantage .. there's no way I'd allow it. All Disadvantages, as far as I'm concerned, should pertain directly to the Character - not the Mechanics of the Character but The Character.

Since we base XP Expenditure off of what you Roleplay your character doing both in session and between session (go to the library a lot, you get to buy KSs, go to the gym and you can buy up STR, use your Eye Beams every single adventure trying new tricks: get to buy up or a whole new power with that SFX, etc...).

At that point, it's down to roleplaying your character correctly and the XP should be spent accordingly. And that's not worth any Disad points IMO.

[Dust Raven]

prestidigitator, I think part of the confusion is that this is a disad the player chose, not the GM. By taking it the player willingly surrenders part of how the character acts. Just as Code Against Killing should prevent a character from executing street punks, this disad limits the character's actions.

There's a huge difference between how a player plays his character and how a player spends points on his character. One is an in-game, role-playing thing, the other is a completely out of game, abstract meta-game thing. Unluck doesn't dictate how a character develops in points, or restrict him in developing the concept and archtype. It affects game play and that's it. No Disad, or any other aspect of a character's mechanics, should alter or restrict how many points a character recreives or how a player may spend them. Otherwise we all might as well be taking a Disadvantage for only spending points in concept, even though it's generlly assumed we all do it that way anyway.

[Hugh Neilson]

There's a huge difference between how a player plays his character and how a player spends points on his character. One is an in-game, role-playing thing, the other is a completely out of game, abstract meta-game thing. Unluck doesn't dictate how a character develops in points, or restrict him in developing the concept and archtype. It affects game play and that's it. No Disad, or any other aspect of a character's mechanics, should alter or restrict how many points a character recreives or how a player may spend them. Otherwise we all might as well be taking a Disadvantage for only spending points in concept, even though it's generlly assumed we all do it that way anyway.

Well, maybe Unluck should reduce your XP per session by 1 per die. That seems pretty unlucky!

I don't like the idea of disadvantages for how you spend your points either. If we alow "can ony spend xp this way", what other options should we open up?

Maybe we play with Standard Supers campaign limits. Can I have a 10 point disad because my attacks and defenses are below the campaign maxima (excuse me "can't be more than X points below the campaign maxima")? Of course, if I want to change that, it just means I have to repay the 10 point loan first by buying off the disadvantage.

By the same token, can I pay for a talent "can exceed campaign maxima at will"?

If every other player gets one signature power that exceeds the campaign max, can I take a disad for not having such a power? Can I buy a talent that allows me to have two such powers?

Actuially, I'm also really talking myself out of "Normal Characteristic Maxima" as a disadvantage here as well. Maybe I can live with Age on the basis the revised limits are only indicia of other frailties this Physical limitation should bring, but giving a Super 20 points for not being Super in characteristics is also a Disads for in-concept design, isn't it?