The Five

[OddHat]

Using the Five, pt. 5

PARVATI – The “Maiden” aspect of the Triple Goddess, the most flexible of the Five in combat, and the most often underestimated. In battle Parvati will act to support her team mates, using illusions and the occasional direct attack. As Pari, she can be found on University Campuses completing her education and attempting to radicalize students. She sometimes socializes with Paul, but may pursue other men who catch her eye.

Relations with Bonyenne – Pari cares about and admires Paul. He’s tall, strong, charismatic, obviously in love with her, powerful and dedicated to the cause. On the other hand, he can be possessive, and he is not a handsome man. His sense of humor can be refreshing, but its just as often irritating, especially when he turns his pranks on Franz. Pari sometimes sees him as the man she should love rather than the man she does. If he were seriously threatened, she might be surprised at the depth of her own response.

Relations with Yemos – Franz, like Paul, is an admirable suitor. Well educated and intense, tall and fit, charismatic and dedicated to what is best for the world. He is also reserved, and won’t admit his obvious interest. Out of a desire not to hurt Paul, Pari tries to avoid obvious flirtation with Franz, but can’t help trying to make Franz react.

Relations with Doomsayer – Pari both sees Seppo as a father figure and resents his authority. She will sometimes bicker with or defy him over trivial matters; other times she will desperately seek his approval. The adult part of Parvati understands the Doomsayer’s importance to the cause of Yggdrasil.

Relations with Tuireann – Brian infuriates Pari. She sees him as crude, smug, boorish, unenlightened, sexist, and violent. That he seems relatively immune to her charms, and that Paul spends entirely too much time with him, makes things worse. She is aware that Tuireann has a part to play in Yggdrasil’s plans, but can’t imagine what that might be.

[OddHat]

Using the Five, pt. 6

TUIREANN – The most aggressive of the group, and the closest to a traditional super-criminal. Brian’s skill set has proven itself extremely useful to the Five, and his raw power makes him a valued front line fighter. In combat Tuireann will start out playing it smart, going after soft targets and using his mobility and hammer spin to stay safe as he sets up foes for the rest of the group. Once his Enraged kicks in, he becomes a monster, almost completely out of control. Out of combat, Brian spends a fair amount of time with Paul, though he won’t accompany his friend to meetings with “bloody mad greenies”. He spends most of his non-combat time clubbing, drinking, and chasing women. “The rest I waste.”

Relations with Bonyenne – Paul is Brian’s closest friend, possibly his only real friend. He’s been around the block a few times, and he’s good for a laugh. In combat he trusts Paul to give orders and to watch his back, which is more than he trusts anyone else.

Relations with Yemos – Franz despises Brian, and Brian finds that funny as hell. He admires Yemos for his straight laced morality and deadly fighting style, while at the same time considering him a humorless bastard. That Franz is obviously chasing Paul’s girl is the one real black spot on his character. Brian would like to just have it out with Franz, hammer vs. rod and rope. As that would violate the will of Yggdrasil, Brian sticks to helping Paul with his pranks.

Relations with Doomsayer – The mad doctor, in Brian’s estimation, is a good man to work for. He’s courteous, he pays well, he’s smart, and he hold his own in a fight. Seppo is the best boss Brian could ask for, and he’d stick with him even without his hammer.

Relations with Parvati – Pari, in Brian’s eyes, is a stuck up little princess. Brian is not immune to her looks, especially when she takes her full aspect as Parvati, but he’s not the type to make a move on his mate’s girl. He also finds her personality annoying in the extreme. In combat, he’ll watch out for her if he can.

[OddHat]

A Final Word on Hero IDs

All of the Five maintain Secret IDs, and with the exception of the Doomsayer can only use the bulk of their powers in a Hero ID. So, why do they spend so much time as normal humans?

PAUL can’t live a normal life as a giant. He enjoys the world’s pleasures, from conversation to indoor plumbing to a friendly drink or more. Those are only available in his civilian identity.

FRANZ can’t pass for human as Yemos. He can’t have a stress free conversation, buy a slice of pizza, or attend a Greenpeace meeting. He values his time as a “normal”.

SEPPO built a life and career long before he was the Doomsayer. He has friends of a sort, students, bits and pieces of the man he was. He will not willingly let that go.

PARI greatly enjoys her time as Parvati, and is sometimes tempted to leave boring little Pari far behind. Unfortunately, Parvati is a hunted metahuman. Besides, her time as Pari allows her a level of contact with her friends in the movement that would not be possible for Parvati.

BRIAN would give up his old identity in a second. Unfortunately, the cops and “Heroes” just keep on coming after Tuireann. Safer to be an ex petty crook than a dangerous Super-Criminal.

[OddHat]

So, that's it on the five, unless anyone else has any questions or requests.

Feedback very much appreciated.

[Enforcer84]

The groups relations are great. You have a deft way of developing complete characters; also, thanks for giving hints to their weakness since villains always have weaknesses.

Thanks for staying inspired!

[OddHat]

The groups relations are great. You have a deft way of developing complete characters; also, thanks for giving hints to their weakness since villains always have weaknesses.

Thanks for staying inspired!

Thanks.

They were fun to put together.

Now to start throwing them at my players and see how they work out.

[casualplayer]

I can't help thinking that a Hiawatha/Quicksilver tribute character would go well with this group, but other than that I am in awe. The only other thing I could hope for is something I would love to see in many a published work, a pronunciation guide.

Man, can you squeeze a lot out of 350 pts. Bravo.

[OddHat]

I can't help thinking that a Hiawatha/Quicksilver tribute character would go well with this group, but other than that I am in awe.

I'll think about tributes to other Avengers. Hiawatha/Quicksilver would be an interesting mix. I'd have to find a Proto-Indo-European deity to match him with as well, but there's bound to be someone. Also, might need to link him somehow to Parvati.

The only other thing I could hope for is something I would love to see in many a published work, a pronunciation guide.

Hmm.
Well, "Bonyenne" is French, and given the period of use is pronounced like a Cajun saying Bunyan. Maii = Ma-yee

Yemos = Yeh-mo-s.

Seppo Ilmarinen is pronounced as it's spelled.

Parvati is pronounced as it's spelled.

Tuireann is also pretty much as it's spelled, with an Irish lilt and an emphasis on the first sylable. Tu ree ann.

Man, can you squeeze a lot out of 350 pts. Bravo.

Thanks, glad you liked them.

[cturnitsa]

Have you thought of creating some NPC heroes that have been hunting these guys for a long time? Someone who has a bit of knowledge and lore about them that the players can interact with when it comes time for a showdown?

[gojira]

Oh, I doubt it.

[OddHat]

Have you thought of creating some NPC heroes that have been hunting these guys for a long time? Someone who has a bit of knowledge and lore about them that the players can interact with when it comes time for a showdown?

Oh, I doubt it.

Unfortunately, the HTML changes made to the boards have really screwed up the character sheets in the first part of that thread. The Hero Designer files are still fine. You can find one version of the New Circle characters here, hosted by Killer Shrike.

I'm working on simplified versions of the New Circle for the 2006 convention game; the sheets were a little tough to follow for some players last year.

[OddHat]

No! The leaders of the world have been replaced by Clockwork Robots!

CLOCKWORK DOPPELGANGER
Val Char Cost Roll Notes
15/30 STR 5 12- / 15- Lift 200.0kg/1600.0kg; 3d6/6d6 [1]
20 DEX 30 13- OCV: 7/DCV: 7
13 CON 6 12-
10 BODY 0 11-
28 INT 18 15- PER Roll 15-
0 EGO 0 9- ECV: 0
10 PRE 0 11- PRE Attack: 2d6
20 COM 5 13-

5/16 PD 2 Total: 5/16 PD (0/5 rPD)
5/16 ED 2 Total: 5/16 ED (0/5 rED)
4 SPD 10 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12
6 REC 0
26 END 0
25 STUN 0 Total Characteristic Cost: 78

Movement: Running: 13"/208"
Leaping: 3"/6"
Swimming: 2"/4"

Cost Powers END
56 Doppelganger Systems: Shape Shift (Sight, Hearing, Smell/Taste, Touch, Mental and Mystic Groups, Any pre-set humanoid), Imitation, Costs END Only To Change Shape (+1/4) (56 Active Points) 4
21 Personality Soft: Acting 20-
8 Remote Control System: Mind Link , Appropriately Configured Technomagical Control Unit, Psychic Bond (10 Active Points); Sense Affected As More Than One Sense [any other Sense] (Also affected as Radio Group; -1/4)
10 Internal Transmitter: Radio Perception/Transmission (Radio Group)
10 Anti Intrusion Measures: Mental Defense (10 points total)
Notes: vs. Machine Minds Ego Powers
10 Anti Intrusion Measures II: Security Systems 21- (15 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about a third of its effectiveness (Only protects own systems; -1/2)
5 Shielded Systems: Power Defense (5 points)
19 Robotic Resilience: Armor (5 PD/5 ED), Hardened (+1/4) (19 Active Points)
15 Well Designed: Life Support (Eating: Character only has to eat once per week; Safe in High Pressure; Safe in Low Pressure/Vacuum; Self-Contained Breathing; Sleeping: Character only has to sleep 8 hours per week)
30 Clockwork Reconfiguration: Multipower, 30-point reserve
Notes: These are minor shape shifting effects. They are often acompanied by a loud ticking sound as the Clockwork Doppelganger reconfigures itself.
2u 1) Brute Configuration: (Total: 27 Active Cost, 22 Real Cost) +15 STR (15 Active Points); No Figured Characteristics (-1/2) (Real Cost: 10) plus +6 PD (Real Cost: 6) plus +6 ED (Real Cost: 6) 1
2u 2) Self Repair Configuration: Healing Standard Healing 1d6, Decreased Re-use Duration (1 Turn; +1 1/2) (25 Active Points); Self Only (-1/2) 2
3u 3) Cutting Hands: Killing Attack - Hand-To-Hand 1d6+1 (2d6 / 2 1/2d6 w/STR), Penetrating (+1/2) (30 Active Points) 3
3u 4) Movement Configuration: Running +7" (13" total), x16 Noncombat (29 Active Points) 3
Computer
3 1) Absolute Range Sense
3 2) Absolute Time Sense
3 3) Bump Of Direction
5 4) Eidetic Memory
3 5) Doomsayer's Anomaly Engine: Computer Link
5 6) Language: English (idiomatic; literate)

Skills
3 Programs
1 1) PS: Assess Threat (2 Active Points) 11-
1 2) PS: Attack (2 Active Points) 11-
1 3) PS: Capture/Retrieve (2 Active Points) 11-
1 4) PS: Check Database (2 Active Points) 11-
1 5) PS: Drive (2 Active Points) 11-
1 6) PS: Flee and Return to Meeting Point (2 Active Points) 11-
1 7) PS: Monitor Own Condition (2 Active Points) 11-
1 8) PS: Obey Signal Commands (2 Active Points) 11-
1 9) PS: Obey Verbal Commands (2 Active Points) 11-
1 10) PS: Pilot (2 Active Points) 11-
1 11) PS: Prioritize and Select Options (2 Active Points) 11-
1 12) PS: Request Guidance (2 Active Points) 11-
1 13) PS: Signal Identification (2 Active Points) 11-
1 14) PS: Simulate Conversation (2 Active Points) 11-
1 15) PS: Simulate Personality (2 Active Points) 11-
1 16) PS: Stop Attacking (2 Active Points) 11-
1 17) PS: Voie Identification (2 Active Points) 11-
3 Scholar
2 1) KS: Common Knowledge (3 Active Points) 15-
2 2) KS: Life of Specific Cover Identity (3 Active Points) 15-
2 3) KS: News and World Events (3 Active Points) 15-
3 Combat Piloting 13-
3 Breakfall 13-
3 Acrobatics 13-
3 Combat Driving 13-
6 TF: Common Motorized Ground Vehicles, Mecha, Science Fiction & Space Vehicles
9 WF: Beam Weapons, Common Melee Weapons, Energy Weapons, Small Arms, Mecha Weapons

Total Powers & Skill Cost: 272
Total Cost: 350

200+ Disadvantages
10 Distinctive Features: Magically Animated Artificial Life Form (Not Concealable; Always Noticed and Causes Major Reaction; Detectable Only By Technology Or Major Effort)
10 Physical Limitation: Must Follow Protocols (Obey Doomsayer, Complete Mission, Protect Doomsayer, Protect Self) (Frequently, Slightly Impairing)
5 Physical Limitation: Machine Mind, EGO 18 vs Cyberpsi (Infrequently, Slightly Impairing)
125 Experience Points

Total Disadvantage Points: 350

Background/History: Clockwork Doppelgangers resulted from the Doomsayer's continued attempts to create true life.

Personality/Motivation: On their own, none. However, the Clockwork Doppelganger may be programmed with a number of simulated personalities, and the remote control unit may be used to guide simulated conversations and other forms of interaction.

Quote:

Powers/Tactics: Clockwork Doppelgangers can simulate virtually anyone, so long as the Doomsayer has had the time to study his target and program the Doppelganger accordingly. Simulations are achieved through mechanical changes to the Doppelganger, holography, sophisticated AI technology, and magic.

Without guidance, a standard behavior script will be followed. Normally this involves the Doppelganger avoiding extended contact as much as possible. However, they may simulate brief conversations effectively.

When guided by remote control, the Clockwork Doppelganger can be very difficult to identify.

Clockwork Doppelgangers are not generally combat units, though they can be dangerous given a weapon or vehicle. Without such assistance, by default they will attempt to escape to a pre-set location.

Appearance: In its default form, a golden robot frame filled with both analog and digital components, engraved with occult symbols.

May simulate almost any humanoid appearance.

Character by Robert Dorf, 2006

[Trebuchet]

I suspected as much. Now would somebody please go unwind that doppelganger running Iran?

[OddHat]

I suspected as much. Now would somebody please go unwind that doppelganger running Iran?

There we go, an adventure seed.

[gojira]

Yeah, good point about the old HTML in those threads. I wonder if there's some way we could fix that... Maybe snarf certain threads off the server and redisplay them somewhere.

Anyway, it's good that KS is hosting the main characters from The New Circle for you. Maybe he'll add the new baddies on there too.