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Stone

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  2. Training exercises?

    in Champions

    Posted

    Re: Training exercises?

     

    Dodge ball - If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a blast (thank you Chuck Norris)

     

    Capture the flag - helps team work

     

    Tag - similar to dodge ball, except you have to be physically touched

  4. Does This Seem Shady?

    in Champions

    Posted

    Re: Does This Seem Shady?

     

    First, the character sheet has 78 spent experience points on it. This character has not been altered since it was first created, so the implication I'm trying to make is that the sheet was built with 78 more points than everyone else's was.

     

    My big concern, however, is that the power limitation on ALL of the character's powers involved a (-2) for the conditional power "red sunlight" limitation.

     

    In the book, I found a couple of charts that basically showed me that this limitation should be a (-1/4) limitation AT BEST and that, if the character sheet had been build with the (-1/4) instead of the (-2), the 189 points that were spent on powers would have actually been [189*3=567*0.80=~] 454 points.

     

    I don't have the .hdc file, so I my math might be wrong there, but it's got to be damn close. The chart in the book states that, with a (-2) limitation, a power would almost never be usable. Since the game takes place on earth, I find this an unacceptable number.

     

    Anyone else think this is shady?

     

    The 78 XP points is a bit of a concern for me even if that character got those points on credit (meaning until that characters earns 78 XP to cover the cost of the extra 78 points at creation, that character cannot buy any new or increase any existing stats or abilities).

     

    -2 Limitation is way too high IMO. How often is the character likely to encounter Red Sunlight? I would say 1/4 limitation at best IMO, but as JohnOSpencer suggested talk to the GM/ST privately and see what the deal is.

  5. Campaign Damage Caps, Code vs. Killing & Pulling a Punch

    in Champions

    Posted

    Re: Campaign Damage Caps, Code vs. Killing & Pulling a Punch

     

    While I would never argue with caps, you can still make it interesting for the 'lower powered' character. In your example, Blue Beetle can always use his sight flash to give WW or SM a huge advantage. Also, with all his skills (assuming he's not in comic relief mode) he will be the focus when it comes to any sort of skill use.

     

    You have to gauge what your players can handle and work with it. If they can't handle being overshadowed by someone else then I love hard caps, everyone will feel equal in combat. If they can handle a game where each character will have the spotlight once in a while, then I say throw the caps out the window.

     

    I've never been a fan of caps myself. If a PC wants to spend their points on a massive attack, then that's less points for other things like movement, defense, or useful utility powers. Obviously, the GM needs to pay attention to characters are building and veto particularly unbalancing builds. I've ran groups where PC attacks ran from 7DC to 13DC within the same group. IMO it can make for a fun game if the PC's understand their character's abilities. Neither Captain America or Batman are in the same DC levels as Ironman or Superman, but they both are major players in their respected hero teams. The same can be said for Champions.

     

    I understand the reason behind caps. I just think allowing some variance in power levels can be fun if the PC's understand the situation and willing to play along.

  6. Campaign Damage Caps, Code vs. Killing & Pulling a Punch

    in Champions

    Posted

    Re: Campaign Damage Caps, Code vs. Killing & Pulling a Punch

     

    I think a focus on restraint would be very consistent with the source material, and a very interesting game could arise from a premise such as "Your characters are among the Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Their powers could easily be deadly against thugs, agents and even many other Supers. While the characters will have high powered attacks, it is a campaign expectation that they will use judgment and restraint in the exercise of those powers, lest they injure or kill others, even their opponents."

     

    It requires players adopt a different mindset from the usual "I paid for 15d6, the game is designed around 15d6 and I will use 15d6" approach. It also requires the GM carefully design scenarios for the occasional target against whom full power is appropriate. If the result of exercising restraint is that the heroes have their heads handed to them, and the villain succeeds in his plans, then they will not soon exercise restraint again. If the result is that, after a period of getting nowhere, they realize this opponent can take it, and they rally to a hard-fought victory, restraint continues to be encouraged. Perhaps the more difficult scenario to pull off is getting their heads handed to them, at a plot point where this is not devastating, and returning with higher power for the ultimate rematch, and a hard-fought victory, then returning to restrained power levels against the next group of opponents.

     

    Practically, if most scenarios require full power to achieve victory, then restraint quickly vanishes.

     

    Hard to argue with this.

  7. The Snow Storm

    in Champions

    Posted

    Re: The Snow Storm

     

    Quantum - would coordinate with and assist local agencies in their efforts

     

    Stone - Would wait to be told where to go pull a vehicle out of a ditch

     

    Spectre - Not my problem

  8. How would your character rate on a villian's threat matrix?

    in Champions

    Posted

    Re: How would your character rate on a villian's threat matrix?

     

    Quantum - Well, he is an escaped Viper experiment who is actively hunting down Viper bases. His AP blasts and his entangles have been the bane of Viper for some time in Texas and the surrounding states.

     

    Stone - Big brick. Viper would probably rate him at a 7 or 8

     

    Specter - Depends on which version (long story). The half dead avenger of the innocents would be low on Viper's threat index until Viper began harming innocents, then he would quickly rise to 8+. The batman type with darkness powers version of Specter would be a 6+. He would make life difficult for Viper and his ability for find out secret information would be most annoying to Viper.

  13. Empathic Telepathy vs Detect Emotions...

    in Champions

    Posted

    Re: Empathic Telepathy vs Detect Emotions...

     

    It would be as difficult to sneak up on you as it would someone with any other 360 degree targeting sense.

    But it is potentially abusive as any senses are.

     

    I agree on both accounts. I was just pointing out disguising an emotional pattern would be much more difficult than disguising a scent or physical appearance.

  14. Empathic Telepathy vs Detect Emotions...

    in Champions

    Posted

    Re: Empathic Telepathy vs Detect Emotions...

     

    I like the Detect, but it can quickly get over powering. For example, with the discriminatory & analyze components you would most likely be able to tell people apart by their emotions just like someone could do with a heightened sense of smell can tell a people apart by their scent pattern. People can take steps to disguise their scent, however I'm not sure what a person can do hide their emotional pattern. This makes finding out secret id fairly easily. Add 360 degrees and targeting, and now you pretty much always know how many people are near you and where they are located making it almost impossible for someone to sneak up on you. I could be completely wrong, but that is how I believe those components would work.

  15. Need help fleshing out a campagin idea

    in Champions

    Posted

    Hi All. I know I have asked for a lot of help here recently, but I am asking once again. I appreciate everyone's help from my previous posts. This idea has been bouncing around inside my head all day. If anyone is interested, I would appreciate some fleshing out the concept. I understand everyone has their own things going on, so no worries if you are not interested. So, here is the idea:

     

    HomeGuard

     

     

    After the events of September 11, 2001, the 911 Commission recommended the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. The main purpose of this new department was to aid in the security of the United States. The department works very closely the National Security Administration, the FBI, CIA, and various other governmental agencies in order to achieve this mission. One aspect of this mission was the formation of the HomeGuard.

     

    Simply put, the HomeGuard is a government sponsored team. However the HomeGuard is anything but simple. The team is made of dozens (hundreds?) of super powered or gifted non-power individuals. These members are divided by power levels. The lowest power level and the majority of the gifted non-powered individuals form the Gamma Wing. Don’t be fooled by the hero’s low power level or total lack of powers. These team members are the front line fighters against terrorism here in North America and Mexico. Gamma Wing works very closely with local and governmental law enforcement agencies in discovering terrorist threats, finding terror cells, apprehending terrorist, and dealing with the aftermath of missed threats. These folks are the real heroes. This is the only level that mentalist are allowed. The other two wings do not have mentalists for fear of not being able to control them if they go rogue.

     

    The next level is Omega Wing. National level threats are dealt with at this level. This is not necessarily a threat from a hyper-powered beings or teams, but also includes natural or manmade disasters. Members on these teams are very powerful or extremely trained/talented individuals. Should a major terror threat be discovered that is beyond the ability of Gamma Wing, then an Omega Wing team will be sent in to handle the situation. When these instances occur, Gamma Wing usually maintains and secures the parameter around the situation. This does create some conflict between the two levels from time to time, but so far nothing that has a been a serious problem. Omega Wing does not operate independently. Homeland Security must authorize Omega Wing actions in all, but the most immediate need occasions. This leads to Omega Wing being referred to as Easy Wing, since Omega Wing spends a large amount of time waiting for the approval to act.

     

    The highest level is Alpha Wing. These beings could also be classified as weapons of mass destruction. It should be noted that there are two Alpha Wing members that do not posses any powers. These two individuals are simply peak human who are incredibly well trained. Members at this level posses truly frightening power levels. There is one member who is capable of stopping a hurricane simply by turning it off. Other members of the team are equally powerful in their own right. Homeland security does not talk about Alpha Wing. In fact, the existence of the team is classified. Only the top level Homeland Security members and the senior members of the Senate Oversight Committee know of Alpha Wing (however, there are a few Gamma Wing hackers who know a little about Alpha Wing and have managed to keep their knowledge hidden). Alpha Wing involvement literally is the full force of the government short of a nuclear warhead. All team members are closely watched to minimize any chance of any one member going rogue.

     

    Champions Power Point Level:

     

    Gamma Wing: up to 250 pts

    Omega Wing: 301 – 600 pts

    Alpha Wing: 651 + pts

  17. Skills. How much is too much? What did you start with?

    in Champions

    Posted

    Re: Skills. How much is too much? What did you start with?

     

    Spector is a "Batman" type of character except he has powers. Here is what I have for him:

     

    Acting 3 13

    Breakfall 3 12

    Computer Programming 3 12

    Criminology 3 12

    Cryptography 3 12

    Demolitions 3 12

    Electronics 3 12

    Gambling 3 12

    High Society 3 13

    Knowledge 2 11

    (Criminal Underworld)

    Lockpicking 3 12

    Paramedics 3 12

    Security Systems 3 12

    Shadowing 3 12

    Stealth 3 12

    Streetwise 3 13

    Systems Operation 3 12

     

    Filthy Rich 15

  20. Need help with hero machine

    in Champions

    Posted

    Re: Need help with hero machine

     

    Male w/some body armor & possible hood and cape. He's a "batman" type, but with some actual powers. He is more focused on organized crime than going after "super villains", but of course he will battle the villains if need be.

  21. Need help with hero machine

    in Champions

    Posted

    Quite frankly I have an absolute lack of artistic ability. I am trying to come up with a costume for a darkness based character, but every time I try it's simply horrible. So if there are any hero machine experts that have some free time and would be willing to help me out, I would be greatly appreciated.

  23. More City Books

    in Champions

    Posted

    To the best of my knowledge, there are three city books; Millennium City (northern US), Hudson City (Northern US), & Vibora Bay (SE US). I was hoping there would be more city books in other parts of the country. Maybe a NW city like Seattle, a west coast city like Los Angeles or San Francisco, a southern city like Dallas, Austin, or Houston, and a mid-western city like Denver. Also a smaller city like Smallville would be interesting.

     

    I'm sure a large of folks on here have created their own game worlds and cities. I think it would be interesting to see what everyone has out together. Anyone know of a "city database"?

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