FreeDice

Re: FANTASY HERO -- What Do *You* Want To See?

Late to the party, so most of my requests are hopefully minor.

 

1. Start with the info in FH.

2. Then, periodically insert meaningless and gratuitous sex scenes into your campaign.

3. Finally, seemingly at random kill off one Player Character per week.

 

That'll simulate SI&F pretty well.

Don't forget incestuous sex.

I'm going to say, maybe some bits on.... call it "City Fantasy" to differentiate it from Urban Fantasy. Running games primarily in a fantasy city environment.

 

Maybe something on how to run a game where all of the PCs are of one primary archetype. All rogues, or all warriors, or all wizards. Or have a similar connection -- all are members of a particular holy order, though one may be a healer, one may be a fiery preacher, and one may be a paladin.

With the appearance of Ptolus, City Fantasy might be nice. I'm sure Steve already has a paragraph about Mega-Dungeons, but maybe flesh that out as well?

I like FH5e for the most part' date=' but I was really disappointed in the large-scale combat system. It would be great if large-scale combat that works as well as small-scale combat was something that FH6E could do.[/quote']

 

I'd say yes to this, except:

 

My impression is that updated mass combat rules aren't going to be in the new FH at all' date=' but reserved for an entire separate book, with a multi-genre treatment, at some as-yet-undetermined future date.[/quote']

 

I would KILL for this.

 

Here's a thought -- dealing with races that are inherently better than humans.

 

I can deal with them in combat, but it might change character dynamics, and I'd like one or two short suggestions to address that.

 

Ahhh' date=' I got one. Cumulative Healing. Some way to mimic D&D clerics' healing spells. With a note that as long as it's not usable at will (in other words, if it's Limited to a few times a day, long casting times, rare Focus, etc.) it's probably not particularly unbalancing.[/quote']

 

YES PLEASE. I run the HERO System pretty much as-is, out of the box, but whenever I run fantasy campaigns, I have to hack this in every time.

 

Speaking of Final Fantasy' date=' it would be nice to mention pushing genre boundaries. For example, in the FF games, you see swordsmen, lancers (guys with spears), and riflemen with muzzleloaders. Also airships and strange steampunk or magical tech. This also shows up in Iron Kingdoms/Warmachine, and really made for (IMO) an interesting setting. Even GW's Warhammer has some of that, with gunner armed with matchlocks and the dwarves with steam tanks and cannon.[/quote']

 

I think as the classic sources of fantasy drift further from Tolkien with time (see: Black Company, Final Fantasy, China Mieville), gaming has to keep up, and one or two thoughts on this might be nice.

 

It would also amuse me to see examples of Hero doing things well that other game systems do poorly. "Multiclassed" characters' date=' wide ranges of skills, light fighters, really unusual races, etc.[/quote']

 

This, I think, would be invaluable to new players. Helping them while at the same time selling the System. Also, reminders to us veterans on how to show off the System to new players from D&D.

 

How about some rules for running a "Superheroic Level" fantasy game instead of the standard "Heroic Level"

 

I think the slow push in D&D toward Epic Level Campaigns, akin to, say, the protagonists in Robert Jordan's works toward the end of the books, would make this a very valuable addition.

 

But FH and SH are my two favorite books to date, so Steve, whatever you're doing, keep doing it.

Re: Interesting Announcement: HERO System Skills

I think it's interesting, and possibly an unfortunate side effect that under the 5E series, TUS was on the back burner until things like Ultimate Brick and so forth got printed, but under the new doctrine of expand rules before expand themes, it makes more sense to get HSS out early along with Martial Arts and Vehicles, which means that TUS and HSS will come out so close to each other (as opposed to, say Ninja Hero/TUMA, which had years before HSMA).

Either way, I'll be adding to my collection.

Re: Modular Heroic Design

Yes.

 

I think you should give us examples of what you mean.

Will do. I will post some when I get home from work. However, infra.

Cool. How's this?

 

Basic Spellbook (Action, 30pts)
-------------------------------

Cost  Skill/Talent/Perk/Power/Framework
----  ---------------------------------
  3  Analyze (Skill): Magic

     Spell Memorization
        VPP: wizard spells
 10        Pool: 10 Real
  4        Control: 20 Active
              Powers Can be Changed Only with Spellbook (-1/2);
              Learned Spells Only (-1/2);
              Common Limitations on All Slots:
                 Spell* (-1/4);
                 Concentration: 1/2 DCV to activate (-1/4);
                 At Least -1/4 in Gestures, Incantations, and/or Focus (-1/4)

  8 Mana Pool
       End Reserve: 16 End, 6 Rec

  5  Detect Magic
        Enhanced Senses: Detect magic (10pt, Sight Group)
           Costs End (-1/2);
           Spell* (-1/4);
           Concentration: 1/2 DCV to activate (-1/4)
        [ 10 active; 5 real; 1 End/Phase ]

* NOTE: "Spell (-1/4)" represents whatever common disadvantages a magical spell
might suffer in your particular campaign.  This may be as simple as a form of
[i]Restrainable[/i], or it may represent limitations such as not being able to
use the ability in metal armor.  Think of it like [i]Real Weapon[/i] but on
magic.  In some campaigns the limitation may well be worth more than -1/4, but
that value is probably a good safe minimum for a generic package.

This is pretty much exactly what I was thinking, though I would buff the VPP a little, since "Action" is supposed to be 50 points, not 30.

But otherwise, yes, exactly.

Re: Modular Heroic Design

Thanks. I'll look into it, though I'm planning on getting a few other 6th books before I buy Champs.

Any thoughts on this project?

Re: Modular Heroic Design

I have not. There's a system in Champions 5th - is the 6th Edition much different?

But I'm looking to build one for Heroic campaigns.

Based on a recent conversation in Eisenford's thread (I didn't want to hijack it), I thought I'd start a little project for HERO, and ask if anyone wanted to be involved.

The idea is this - Modular Character Packages for Heroic level characters, similar to the one listed in the Champions 5th book.

The way it works is, there are packages in a number of groups, and every package within each group fulfills a need and is exactly a certain number of points. You pick a package from each category, and voila - instant character.

The five package categories would be as such:

1. Characteristics Package (75 Points): This is exactly what it sounds like - 75 points worth of Characteristics.
   
2. Action Package (50 Points): This is what the character does. Be it sword combat, stealth and critical strike, magic, whatever. It's not all combat, but it's all action.
   
3. Theme Package (30 Points): This reflects a lot of non-combat skills, maybe some combat skills as well, but mostly, how the character fits into a group. Examples:
    
   A group of mercenaries all take the Strong and Fast Characteristic Package, and the Fast Sword Action Package, but they're all differentiated a little.
   
   • Hampton, the leader, takes the Commander Package.
     
   • Brutus, the lieutenant, takes the Intimidator Package,
     
   • Trillum, the chiurgeon, takes the Combat Medic.
     
   • Rat, the sneakiest of the bunch, takes the Burglar Package.
     
   • And Gilly, the youngest, takes the Scout Package.
     

[*]Background Package (20 Points): This is a collection of background skills and perks to represent where a character came from.

[*]Complications Package (50 Points): Exactly what it sounds like. Examples could include . . .

• Haunted and Hunted: You've done something horrible, and someone wants you to pay.
  
• Gentle Giant: You're not that bright, and you're horribly clumsy.
  
• Aged Hero: Years of adventuring have taxed your body. Your mind is as strong as ever, but the years are taking their toll.
  

Example: My noble paladin dies in an act of valiant sacrifice. The group's got all night to go, so I want to get back in, but I don't want to spend all evening working on a new character. I open up the PDF, and I pull out . . . the Fast and Tough Characteristic Package, the Defensive Sword Action Package, the Tactician Theme Package, the Gladiator Background Package, and the Haunted and Hunted Complication Package. Give me a name and a sword, and I've got a new character, ready to roll, in minutes.

Now, there's some flexibility in the packages. A classic fantasy wizard might not need much more in the way of characteristics than INT, OMCV, DMCV, OCV, END and EGO. That won't necessarily eat up your 75 points for characteristics, so, in that case, the package could have 20 Points set aside for "Magic," since a wizard is often needs more points for its "Action."

Some general guidelines, I was thinking:

1. I love Fred as much as the next guy, but let's do it in 6th.
   
2. All genres, please.
   
3. However, no campaign specifics, please. I'd like this to be just as "toolkittey" as the books. So, for things like magic or psionics, instead of creating spells, just assign 35 points to "Magic" or what not.
   
4. That doesn't mean no powers. There can definitely be some Powers, and some Super Skills and new Talents.
   

I'd love some help, so before I start posting my ideas, I wanted to get some feedback. Do the point spreads for each category sound right? Any thoughts?

Re: What Is The Deal With Talents?

Also, am I the only one who thought...

"I mean, what's the DEAL with TALENTS. They're not Powers, they are Powers, they're not Powers, they are Powers. WhatamI, CRAZY?"

And then the Seinfeld beat plays.

Re: Random Thought: Splitting Speed

Speed, while useful and accurate, is already one of the hardest things to introduce new players in HERO to. I think. Adding to that complexity would have to be a topic for the Advanced Advanced Players Guide.

Re: What Is The Deal With Talents?

Knowing how they're costed out was so useful to me. When I saw that in FH, it was kind of an "Ah-ha" moment, and made me realize some of the serious work that goes into balancing out the whole system.

Re: If I had 500 slaves...

Also, there have been societies where it was less "slavery" and more "indentured servitude," where it was considered dishonorable to run away from being a slave. You were expected by society to serve your time.

Re: Are single climate/habitat worlds really possible?

That's actually a Jerry Pournelle quote which is why you won't find it trying to google Niven. It was his way of explaining the bad literary habit of oversimplication we tend to see in the creation of planets for science fiction stories. Never think of your planet, as small, etc etc etc ......Nyrath would most likely be able to toss up better links for that though, if you could find him.

 

~Rex

Ah, thank you.

Re: Armor Wars

Oddly enough, the latest Iron Man movie comes to mind.

Re: Airships

Agreed. My campaign is thick with airships, but I'm waiting for the new Vehicle rules.

Re: As A Hero Gamer, Do You Use The Surbrook's Stuff Website?

I love the eight points for character creation. I use it every time I make a non throwaway character.

Re: Hero Dice ...collector's item, but still in demand.

FWIW, I would totally buy a whole bunch of these.

That being said, Steve - you can't change how Body damage work in 7th Edition. That would be unfair.

Re: Are single climate/habitat worlds really possible?

SF author Larry Niven summed up this fallacy with the flippant quote "It was raining on Mongo that day..."

Do you know what book that's from? (And please don't lmgtgy - I did, and couldn't find it.) Thank you!

Re: Nanobots & Zombies

Actually' date=' if they have to be dead first, it's more like a Summon with a dead body as an expendable focus..[/quote']

 

That's a very good point. It could be a plain ol' DOT that's incurable, and when they die, it's a triggered Summon.

 

But for the most part, plot device, fo' sho.

Okay, based on my comment in Eisenford's thread, I'd like to put together a repository for a modular creation template for Heroic characters, similar to the one in the 5th Champions book.

The idea would be to create packages in five predefined packages (infra), each with a set cost, allowing a player to mix and match package deals knowing that the math would come out correct with no points to spare or wasted. Now, this would obviously be tool-kitted, and experienced HERO players wouldn't need this. But inexperienced HERO players, or players whose character just died and in need of a quick replacement, could use this system as a quick way to generate a character.

The five groups of packages would be thus, each with their respective total of points:

1. Characteristics (75): Exactly what it sounds like - one's characteristics.
   
2. Action Package (50): This would be the characters "combat" points, for lack of a better term. CSLs and Spells and good Combat Talents. Doesn't have to be combat, but should be powerful and flashy.
   
3. Role Package (30): This would be the "role" a character plays in the group. A meeting between the Action Package and the Background Package. You might have a group of mercenary fighters, who all take the same Sword Combat Action Package, but each one takes a different Role within the group:
   
   • Stanton, the Leader, takes the "Commander" Role Package.
     
   • Brutus, the Lieutenant, takes the "Criminal Thug" Role Package.
     
   • Willer, the combat medic, takes the "Medic" Role Package.
     
   • Rat, the shadiest of them all, takes the "Burglar" Role Package.
     
   • And Tremmel, the youngest recruit, takes the "Scout" Role Package.
     

[*]Background Package (20): A collection of perks and background skills, with maybe one or two other skills or talents, that gives a quick history of where the character came from.

[*]Complications Package (50): A collection of complications to round a character. Examples include:

• Haunted and Hunted: You did something bad once, and someone wants to make you pay.
  
• Withered With Age Years of adventuring have taken their toll. Your mind is sharper than ever, but your body isn't what it once was.
  
• Feeble Giant: You're not as smart as others, you know that. You just wish you could remember how big and strong you are, because you're always breaking things.
  

Example of Use: My character just died, and I need a new one, quickly. I was a brave paladin, and now the group is in need of another meaty fighter. I pick the Strong and Fast Characteristics package, the Sword Combat Action Package, the Tactician Role Package, the Gladiator Background Package, and the Haunted and Hunted Complications Package. I've now got a gritty mercenary on the run, fulfilling the same role in the group, but a wholly new character. Give me a name and some equipment, and I'm ready to roll.

Of course, there might be some room in each package for points from elsewhere. For example, say, in your fantasy campaign, you want the option for the stereotypical wizard who's super smart, but not much of a physical expert. You give him lots of INT and EGO, OCV and OMCV, and even a little extra PRE for being mysterious. But that's not going to take you anywhere near 75 points, especially when you factor in the STR and BODY you've sold back. So, you could include 20 points of "MAGIC" in the Characteristics Package, even though allotments for powers like that would normally go in an Action Package.

Additionally, I'd like this to be somewhat campaign nonspecific. There are going to be some packages that just exist in a certain genre ("Wizard" Action Package, or "Spacer" background package), and that's fine. But ideally, I'd like them to exist solely within the genre - so, for the "Wizard" package, just set aside X number of points for "Magic," and the player's going to have to pick some spells, since how each campaign structures Magic or Psionics or whatever will be different.

Which, takes me to my next point - every campaign is going to be different, and nothing will be perfect. So I'd like each package to exist based solely on the 6th Edition Rules (and any other HERO book), making it pretty universal, and allowing players and GMs to use the toolkit for themselves. I'd like to put this together into a PDF. If you make a campaign specific Package, please, share it for the forums so we can use it and take inspiration from it, but I'm not going to put it into the PDF unless it's somewhat generic. And on that note - I loved FRED as well, but for this project, I'd like to limit it to 6th Edition.

In a few days, I'll start posting packages and asking for help (please hold your packages for a day or two), but first I'd like to make sure

1. There's interest,
   
2. The point distributions for each Package Category sound good, and
   
3. There's a chance to hear any overall concerns before diving into the nitty gritty.
   

Thanks for reading this, I know it's long.

Thoughts?

Re: Cutting the Drama Out of Character Creation

Another option is to take a page out of the 5th Edition Champions book (I think that was the book).

Have a dozen package deals in three different categories, and let them pick one of each.

Say, X points in Characteristics, Y in Combat/Magic/Whatever, and Z in Background.

Then, have a dozen package deals in each. You pick one for Characteristics (Strong Hero, Tough Hero, Fast Hero), one for Combat (Fighter/Ranger/Mage), and one for Background (Mercenary, Noble, Craftsman). Takes five minutes, you're done, and you can slowly add more and more groups until they have hundreds of competitions.