Minimalist HERO?

[The Main Man]

I'm a casual fan of at least the idea behind artistic minimalism, but can there be such a thing as a minimized HERO system?

 

I suspect that it would have multiple facets from minimalist character creation to minimalist skills to minimalist powers to minimalist combat. What say you?

[teh bunneh]

Re: Minimalist HERO?

 

I say this:

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[jp42]

Re: Minimalist HERO?

 

Those are some fine pregens, but I think for a truly minimalist feel, you'd have to all but build an intermediary game out of the HERO rules. Use the rules as the GM to design powers, reduce them down to "slots" or "levels" and let the players pick them to build characters out of. That would be a good first step.

[Beast]

Re: Minimalist HERO?

 

1 or no advantages/disadvantages

no need for end

standard effect

everybody same speed

no OIAID or powering up limitations

 

probably would work for games 400pts and under

[gojira]

Re: Minimalist HERO?

 

I'd like to see such a thing, and I think it could be done. However, I think perhaps everyone has their own definitions of "minimalist" for Hero and that differing opinions might sink the idea.

 

Some thoughts from me:

 

1. DCs are rather confusing. Change them to +1 for Killing attacks per DC, and +1d6 for normal attacks. Simplify the damage adding rules for weapons and HtH attacks. Lose DCs as a concept.

 

2. Combine PD and ED into a single Defense stat, and start it from 0. 2 points default is not enough to worry about, or make a difference mechanically.

 

3. Lose limited skills. It's not worth it. 3/2, 2/1, or 1/1: pick one of those for your new skill, and roll with it.

 

Probably Endurance would need to be re-thought, or ignored. But it's a good balancing mechanism, and might have to be replaced with something simpler.

[Hyper-Man]

Re: Minimalist HERO?

 

A GM can certainly make a minimalist campaign using the HERO rules. It's just a matter of codifying all the changes upfront like everyone has put forth so far.

[Ice9]

Re: Minimalist HERO?

 

It depends a lot on what the objectives are:

* Easier for new players?

* Easier to GM?

* Faster to make character?

* Faster gameplay?

* Smaller rulebook?

 

Those all have possible solutions, that only partially overlap.

[Rhino]

Re: Minimalist HERO?

 

Create characters with simple powers that capture the essence or flavor of the power with the absolute minimum of advantages or limitations.

[Killer Shrike]

Re: Minimalist HERO?

 

Trait Driven HERO seems minimalist to the players, but it puts even more work on the GM. It is mostly intended for play by post.

[LouGoncey]

Re: Minimalist HERO?

 

My minimalist HERO is only characteristics and very simple powers set up as talents. No SPD (it is dormant), no perks, no skills. hell I might even get rid of energy attacks. Just characteristic rolls & simple power use. Then add in elements as a typical learning progression.