jkwleisemann Posted April 25, 2007 Report Share Posted April 25, 2007 CHN is stalled while my co-writer and I work on it, now that he's interested again... TSI is stalled while I try to get my brain working and actually write coherently... so here's a stand-alone character I came up with largely at random yesterday. [b]Vox - Rick Lambert, The Voice of the City[/b][/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New][b][u]VAL[/u] [u]CHA[/u] [u]Cost[/u] [u]Total[/u] [u]Roll[/u] [u]Notes[/u][/b][/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]15 STR 5 15 12- HTH Damage 3d6 END [1][/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]18 DEX 24 18 13- OCV 6 DCV 6[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]16 CON 12 16 12-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]13 BODY 6 13 12-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]17 INT 7 17 12- PER Roll 12-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]19 EGO 18 19 13- ECV: 6[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]30 PRE 10 30 15- PRE Attack: 6d6[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]12 COM 1 12 11-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]5 PD 2 5/29 5/29 PD (0/24 rPD)[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]7 ED 4 7/31 7/31 ED (0/24 rED)[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]4 SPD 12 4 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]10 REC 8 10[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]40 END 4 40[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]40 STUN 11 40[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]6 RUN 0 6" END [1][/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]2 SWIM 0 2" END [1][/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]4 LEAP 1 4" 4" forward, 2" upward[/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New][b]CHA Cost: 125[/b][/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New][b][u]Cost[/u] [u]POWERS[/u][/b][/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]48 [b][i]Perfect Mimicry[/i][/b]: Multipower, 60-point reserve, (60 Active Points); all slots Requires A Mimicry Roll (Active Point penalty to Skill Roll is -1 per 20 Active Points; -1/4) - END=[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]9m 1) [b][i]Living FX Machine[/i][/b]: Hearing Group Images Increased Size (4" radius; +1/2), +/-9 to PER Rolls, Alterable Size (55 Active Points); Requires A Mimicry Roll (Active Point penalty to Skill Roll is -1 per 20 Active Points; -1/4) - END=5[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]4m 2) [b][i]White Noise[/i][/b]: Darkness to Hearing Group 4" radius, Alterable Size (25 Active Points); Requires A Mimicry Roll (Active Point penalty to Skill Roll is -1 per 20 Active Points; -1/4) - END=2[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]10m 3) [b][i]False Orders[/i][/b]: Mind Control 10d6 (Human and Additional Class of Minds classes of minds) (60 Active Points); Requires A Mimicry Roll (Active Point penalty to Skill Roll is -1 per 20 Active Points; -1/4) - END=6[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]19 [b][i]Armored Costume[/i][/b]: Armor (8 PD/8 ED) (24 Active Points); Only In Heroic Identity (-1/4) - END=0[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]11 [b][i]Vox Wing[/i][/b]: Flight 11", 1 Continuing Fuel Charge lasting 1 Hour (+0) (22 Active Points); OAF (-1) [Notes: Fairly standard 'flying wing'-type platform; similar to the Hobgoblin's in effect.] - END=[1 cc][/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]5 [b][i]More Comfortable when Out of Sight[/i][/b]: +10 PRE (10 Active Points); Limited Power Power loses about half of its effectiveness (Only when not in sight/being heard instead of seen; -1) - END=[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]50 [b][i]Perfect Mimicry II[/i][/b]: Variable Power Pool (Mimic), 40 base + 10 control cost, (60 Active Points); Limited Class Of Powers Available Very Limited (Sonic FX powers he has witnessed; -1) - END=[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 1) [b][i]Howler's Scream[/i][/b]: Energy Blast 8d6 (40 Active Points); Increased Endurance Cost (x3 END; -1) Real Cost: 20 - END=12[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 2) [b][i]Howler's Sonic Screen[/i][/b]: Force Field (16 PD/16 ED), Hardened (+1/4) (40 Active Points); Increased Endurance Cost (x3 END; -1) Real Cost: 20 - END=12[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 3) [b][i]Sonic Rifle Screech[/i][/b]: Energy Blast 4d6, No Normal Defense (Hearing Flash Defense; +1) (40 Active Points); Increased Endurance Cost (x3 END; -1), Beam (-1/4) Real Cost: 18 - END=12[/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New][b]POWERS Cost: 156[/b][/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New][b][u]Cost[/u] [u]MARTIAL ARTS[/u][/b][/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]4 Arm Sweep Block: 1/2 Phase, +2 OCV, +2 DCV, Block, Abort[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]4 Disarm: 1/2 Phase, -1 OCV, +1 DCV, Disarm; 25 STR to Disarm roll[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]4 Punch/Elbow Strike: 1/2 Phase, +2 OCV, +0 DCV, 5d6 Strike[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]5 Flying Side Kick: 1/2 Phase, +1 OCV, -2 DCV, 7d6 Strike[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]3 Takedown: 1/2 Phase, +1 OCV, +1 DCV, 3d6 Strike; Target Falls[/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New][b]MARTIAL ARTS Cost: 20[/b][/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New][b][u]Cost[/u] [u]SKILLS[/u][/b][/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]3 Acrobatics 13-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]3 Acting 15-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]3 Breakfall 13-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]3 Conversation 15-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]3 High Society 15-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]13 Mimicry 17-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]3 Oratory 15-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]3 Seduction 15-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]5 Ventriloquism 13-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]3 Scholar[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]1 1) KS: Politics (2 Active Points) 11-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]1 2) KS: Radio (2 Active Points) 11-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]1 3) KS: The Superhuman World (2 Active Points) 11-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 AK: Colton, WI 8-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 Climbing 8-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 Concealment 8-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 Deduction 8-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 Native Language: English (idiomatic; Literate) (4 Active Points)[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 PS: Voice Actor (Everyman Skill) 11-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 Paramedics 8-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 Persuasion 8-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 Shadowing 8-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 Stealth 8-[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]0 TF: Small Motorized Ground Vehicles (Custom Adder) [/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New][b]SKILLS Cost: 45[/b][/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New][b][u]Cost[/u] [u]PERKS[/u][/b][/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]1 Reputation: "That guy from the radio!" (A small to medium sized group) 11-, +1/+1d6[/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New][b]PERKS Cost: 1[/b][/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New][b][u]Cost[/u] [u]TALENTS[/u][/b][/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]3 Perfect Pitch[/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New][b]TALENTS Cost: 3[/b][/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New][b][u]Value[/u] [u]DISADVANTAGES[/u][/b][/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]20 Normal Characteristic Maxima[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]20 Code vs. Killing: (Common, Total)[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]10 Conceited: (Common, Moderate)[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]15 Craves Attention: (Common, Strong)[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]10 Psychological Limitation: Enjoys showboating/mocking foes (Common, Moderate)[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]10 Stalker: (Frequently, Minor)[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]15 Social Limitation: Secret ID (Frequently, Major)[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]15 Hunted: Various people he's pissed off.... 11- (As Pow, Harshly Punish) [Notes: Floating Hunted; typically hot-headed supervillains who either want Rick for something he said in the past, or Vox for mocking them publically.][/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]15 Hunted: GM Hunted 11- (As Pow, Harshly Punish)[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]15 Susan Lucci Disease: (Very Frequently, Minor)[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]5 Reputation: Arrogant jerk, 11- (Known Only To A Small Group) [Notes: Counterpart to his "hey, you're that guy from the radio!" rep][/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New][b]DISADVANTAGES Points: 150[/b][/font][/size] [font=Courier New][size=2] [/size][/font] [size=2][font=Courier New]Base Pts: 200[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]Exp Required: 0[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]Total Exp Available: 0[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]Exp Unspent: 0[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New]Total Character Cost: 350[/font][/size] [size=2][font=Courier New] Background: "This is Rick Lambert, voice of the city, signing off...." It was too. For the last time, Rick was ending his program... it had been a good run too, he thought. Five years, mixing political commentary with radio theater... most people didn't realize, or wouldn't *believe*, that he was the sole actor on the show. Sometimes, for laughs, he'd create a "guest co-host" for himself, bantering back and forth with somebody who wasn't really there. He'd make up callers on slow nights... which were becoming more and more common. Now, he'd been cancelled. Talk radio was one thing, but nobody wanted to 'waist their time' listening to things they could watch instead. Phillistines - they didn't have the imagination anymore, the real gift that the voice actors like him had tried to give people. Hell, he'd *started* doing radio theater, the political commentary and such had come because the guys at the station had insisted he do something different to spice things up. He should have been cancelled years ago, and he knew it... but he'd been good enough to keep stretching things out, though his art had taken more and more of a back burner. Honestly... he was kinda glad it was over. Unfortunately, as he left the studio, he didn't realize that there were *some* people out there who'd taken his commentary a little personally... specifically, Howler and Armadillo, who'd both taken offense at some comments about "morons who can't tell the difference between power - which they've got - and talent - which they desperately need" personally. The two supervillains, independent of each other, had decided to come teach the big-mouthed radio announcer a lesson. "Well," Rick thought to himself as he hunkered down beneath a car, "at least this proves *somebody* was listening!" He wracked his brain as he dialed 911... how was he going to get out of this in one piece? Somehow, he doubted that he was going to talk his way out of it... he knew that Armadillo had a problem with sonic attacks, but that didn't help unless he could trick Howler into attacking him.... Of course, the fact that the banshee was screaming constantly wasn't helping either! In a fit of pique, he popped his head up above the car, and gave her his best imitation - of her. Much to his surprise, the imitation was perfect... not in the sound, he'd have stepped out and let Armadillo blow him to kingdom come if it hadn't been - but in the effect! Howler went flying back as her own blast caught her full force... and Rick realized he had a new plan. He turned his newfound power on Armadillo, and quickly managed to convince them both that it would be better to run than to have to admit that he'd given them *any* trouble. By the time the cops arrived, Rick was beaten up, but in one piece. He told them that he'd been rescued by a man in a green costume, had sonic powers of some sort... called himself Vox. As Rick rambled on, he created a new career for himself. The Voice of the City was being born.... Personality: Rick is more than a little arrogant and bitter, most of the time. He dearly wants to be in voice acting or radio theater full time, but in his neck of the woods there isn't much demand for either. This is made worse by the fact that he *knows* he's got the skill to pull it off in places where there *is* demand... but, for whatever reason, he doesn't move. Deep down, he knows that he probably should, but he prefers to gripe about the state of his 'industry,' and to think of himself as a sort of martyr for the cause of non-visual media, than to think of "giving up" and going somewhere things would be easier. A similar drive is behind his decision to *actually* be Vox, instead of just leaving him as a rumor. After discovering the true extent of his incredible mimicry abilities, he found that going out and doing the superhero routine was, in a way, comforting... like the acclaim he got for his actions was vidication of the fact that he *could* be famous, purely for his voice. Quotes: "Do you villains ever *listen* to yourselves? C'mon! You've *got* to realize how ridiculous you sound...." === "Shadow Army; open fire on Warhead!" Powers/Tactics: Vox's abilities are oriented around an incredible skill for mimicry and imitation. His most spectacular gift is the ability to mimic sound-based superpowers - he might lack a *little* of the power that his enemies have, but if he can hear their attack, he can match the effect and skill almost perfectly from that point on. More subtly, he's keenly aware of the value of misdirection and mimicry of less blatant things... for example, creating confusion by mimicking the voice of whoever leads a given group, or commanding voice-activated robots with the voice of their creator. Beyond his mimicry abilities, he is merely a well-trained human, though he has acquired some gadgets to make surviving his new career a bit easier.... Appearance: Rick Lambert is an average-looking man whose voice has been described as his best feature - more than one person, hearing him on the radio, found themselves sorely disappointed meeting him in person. He dresses in loose-fitting, comfortable, collared shirts and comfortable slacks, never having been one for dressing up much. As Vox, he wears the green costume he described to the police - a tight, armored costume with a full-face mask and a squiggly line that looks like an oscilloscope reading on his chest (rarely one to let a chance to play up to his ego pass, the print is one of himself saying 'Vox'). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Samson Posted April 25, 2007 Report Share Posted April 25, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox I like it with a rep sammich. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weldun Posted April 27, 2007 Report Share Posted April 27, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox Damnit! I already owe you rep! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spidey88 Posted April 27, 2007 Report Share Posted April 27, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox I work as a voice actor sometimes - there's no way I can't like this guy. I especially like the extra PRE (only when not seen). That's a nice touch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkwleisemann Posted April 27, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 27, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox It struck me as an interesting option to go for - thanks. Basically, what I was going for was a guy who presented the *image* of being the strapping, confident, incredibly skilled superhero... but when you see him, it's a bit of a letdown. Not that he looks like he *couldn't* be a hero, but Superman he ain't... heck, he's not even giving Batman a run for his money. The sort of guy who gets "Y'know... I'd thought he'd be taller..." a lot from the people who meet him in person. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Samson Posted April 27, 2007 Report Share Posted April 27, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox I'm not sure if you are shopping for more slot ideas for the VPP, but if you are, how about imitating an opera singer's ability to use resonance to shatter glass? If he can increase the volume of sounds he imitates, he might be able to shatter anything that resonates (such as metal.) I could see this as a BODY Dispel against inanimate objects. I think a deafening martial arts type "Kiai" shout (with increased volume) would be cool too. Maybe build it as a Cone Explosion Hearing Flash. Again, the idea of a sound mimic is very cool, well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkwleisemann Posted April 27, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 27, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox That'd work... I certainly wouldn't mind more slots, I'll look at putting it in later on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Samson Posted April 27, 2007 Report Share Posted April 27, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox I ruminated on this character overnight and, as a talentless but aspiring comic writer, I have to say I think this character is worthy of being published. I don't even like sonic powers as most of my creations are bricks, but I feel like this character has that "undefinable quality". Usually I look at posted characters and at best think "that might be fun to play" but I would be interested in reading more about this character as he developed. Just reading the character history I was left feeling like "Well, what happens next?" This is a rare praise for me. Did this concept hit a chord (pun intended) with anyone else, or is it just me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gideon Posted April 27, 2007 Report Share Posted April 27, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox I like the character. There is a couple of things though... 1) Please explain: 15 Susan Lucci Disease: (Very Frequently, Minor) and 10 Stalker: (Frequently, Minor) 2) DocSamson made a mistake. You cannot Dispel Characteristics. The best way to make a resonance attack would be either a Body Drain or an RKA. Resonance can be achieved with anything (including a human body), but if he can't do this (or isn't willing to try it) you can simply give the power the limitation Only Against Inanimate Objects wich I believe is a -1/2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Samson Posted April 27, 2007 Report Share Posted April 27, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox 2) DocSamson made a mistake. You cannot Dispel Characteristics. The best way to make a resonance attack would be either a Body Drain or an RKA. Resonance can be achieved with anything (including a human body), but if he can't do this (or isn't willing to try it) you can simply give the power the limitation Only Against Inanimate Objects wich I believe is a -1/2. I stand corrected, Drain is the appropriate power for such an effect. I was under the impression that DEF and BODY in regards to breaking objects were Dispellable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkwleisemann Posted April 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox Answering the questions in reverse.... Personally, I don't much like using a Drain for it even... I prefer RKA, possibly with Penetrating and various target-lims, when I simulate "resonance frequency" effects. The Stalker and Susan Lucci Disease disads I would have explained, but didn't really have the space in the Notes section to do so. Susan Lucci Disease, as ID'ed in the Master Limitation list, reflects that he is highly talented, but not recognized for that talent - for example, what happened to him with his show. He was ultimately miserable at the end, being another talk radio host when what he wanted to do - and what he was best at - was radio theater. He's a highly skilled voice actor, but for various reasons (including location, location, location), he doesn't get the recognition for it. And the Stalker is another element I didn't really have the time/place to fit in more details; like (sadly) more than a few public personalities, he's got a "fan" who's more "fanatic." I don't have full details about the character yet; it's an example of a disad I wanted to have, but would have expanded on further "in play," so to speak, but one of his former listeners is more than a little obsessed with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkwleisemann Posted April 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox Oh, and many thanks, Doc - I like to think that many of my characters have that sort of touch, but.... Sadly, I don't think I've got folks to publish it. Ah well - maybe one of these days I'll figure out how to properly write superhero prose... or to script it out.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gideon Posted April 28, 2007 Report Share Posted April 28, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox Answering the questions in reverse.... Personally, I don't much like using a Drain for it even... I prefer RKA, possibly with Penetrating and various target-lims, when I simulate "resonance frequency" effects. The Stalker and Susan Lucci Disease disads I would have explained, but didn't really have the space in the Notes section to do so. Susan Lucci Disease, as ID'ed in the Master Limitation list, reflects that he is highly talented, but not recognized for that talent - for example, what happened to him with his show. He was ultimately miserable at the end, being another talk radio host when what he wanted to do - and what he was best at - was radio theater. He's a highly skilled voice actor, but for various reasons (including location, location, location), he doesn't get the recognition for it. And the Stalker is another element I didn't really have the time/place to fit in more details; like (sadly) more than a few public personalities, he's got a "fan" who's more "fanatic." I don't have full details about the character yet; it's an example of a disad I wanted to have, but would have expanded on further "in play," so to speak, but one of his former listeners is more than a little obsessed with him. I would consider (simply to avoid confusion), changing the "name" of the "Susan Lucci" disad. Perhapse you can call it "Unrecognized Talent" or something similar. Also question: It it a phys-lim, a psych-lim, or a social-lim? Its only listed as Very Frequent, Minor. Also, a similar question applies to the Stalker. Why is it listed as: Frequently, Minor? Shouldn't a stalker be a hunted or watched? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkwleisemann Posted April 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox I pulled 'em out of the Pre-Build for the Master Limitation List, which is why they're listed without types. :blush: As for the types, I'm pretty sure they're both Social. And the Stalker is listed that way for the following logic, IIRC: It's not a Stalker of sufficient combat/social power to be a full Hunted, but it's somebody who can and will be a nuisance socially, driving friends away, possibly being a threat, but not in the usual, concerted Hunted approach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheQuestionMan Posted April 29, 2007 Report Share Posted April 29, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox That's brilliant and great background too. Give him the Wyrding Way "Muad'Dib" QM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheQuestionMan Posted April 29, 2007 Report Share Posted April 29, 2007 Re: CHAR: Vox Powers of the Bene Gesserit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bene_Gesserit#Powers_of_the_Bene_Gesserit Cheers QM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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